As a hip-hop artist, it takes a lot to step away from the stereotypical bullshit that’s considered HOT and be different. It takes even more heart and determination to just be you and be great at it. That’s how B.o.B. aka Bobby Ray approaches his music: a soulful hip-hop artist armed with a guitar, a comedic edge and music that bears some real messages. With his eclectic style, he fuses sounds from the alternative, reggae, soul and funk genres with his own hip-hop flavor to make music that’s balanced and unique. Sure he’s been compared to the likes of Andre 3000 and Cee-Lo, but he’s much more than what they’ve done in the past: Bobby Ray is the future of hip-hop. Yeah, I said it! Read the rest of this entry »
INTERVIEW: For Bobby Ray, The Adventure Is Just Beginning…
On January - 25 - 2010
Review: Chrisette Michele Live at Spirit Square
On March - 4 - 2009
Artist: Chrisette Michele
Venue: Spirit Square – Charlotte, NC
Date: 2.28.09
Venue: Spirit Square – Charlotte, NC
Date: 2.28.09
Once a year, the CIAA Basketball Tournament visits 
A small yet energetic crowd of supporters filled the McGlohon Theater at
“I’ve been hurt y’all,” Michele confessed as she showcased her new single Epiphany, the Ne-yo penned title track from her forthcoming sophomore album. She also disclosed that this album would be more personal, discussing the “sadder parts” of her life. For a closing number, she chose the crowd-moving Let’s Rock, on which she again treated the audience to some of her soaring vocals and scats of jazz. Overall, this was a great performance for Chrisette Michele – with no band or backup singers, she still managed to deliver a performance that matched and at times exceeded her vocal delivery on the recorded versions of her songs. Fresh off her Grammy win for Be OK, she’s now preparing for the release of her second project Epiphany, set to hit stores March 31.
Photos courtesy of Suavv Magazine.
Lil’ Wayne Debut PERFORMANCE of ‘Prom Queen’ TONIGHT!
On January - 27 - 2009
Lil’ Wayne Exclusive from AT&T
Did you know Lil’ Wayne is the most popular music artist on Facebook – 1.3 million fans and counting ? Now, he’s teaming up with AT&T to release his new single via the social network for the very first time!
Don’t miss Lil Wayne’s live, world-debut performance of his highly-anticipated new single, “Prom Queen,” from his upcoming new album “Rebirth,” live on Facebook. The special streaming video event from a concert in San Diego is scheduled for 12:40 a.m. EST on Wed., 1/28 (9:40 p.m. PST on Tues. 1/27) on the AT&T Mobile Music page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/mobilemusic)
After the show, AT&T customers can buy the exclusive ringtone by texting “Wayne” to 7317 or by purchasing it through the AT&T Media Mall from their handsets or online (www.att.com/mediamall). AT&T customers can also download the full track by texting “Wayne” to 7299 following the performance. Lil Wayne ringtones were the most downloaded ringtones in 2008, according to AT&T sales records.
You can listen to Prom Queen here:
Ludacris and Soulja Boy Rock The Tabernacle – ATL
On December - 7 - 2008
We may be in a recession, but even in the midst of hard economic times some rappers still find it in their hearts to give the fans what they want – in the booth AND on the stage. ATL-Native Ludacris and Soulja Boy Tellem took to the stage at the Tabernacle in Atlanta for a free concert sponsored by AT&T in celebration of the SEC Football Championship game also held in ATL.
In a brief pre-performance interview, Ludacris spoke with Sound-Savvy about his plans to tour in support of his current album and his stance on lyricists versus gimmicks in hip-hop music:
He also spoke briefly about his upcoming project with Disturbin’ Tha Peace artist Shawnna, a collaborative album entitled Battle of the Sexes and about his love for his music, reinforcing the fact that he really does it for hip-hop.
Now if you read Sound-Savvy regularly, you know I don’t really take Soulja Boy too seriously. In short, I feel that he’s nothing more than a gimmick, a fad, and the problem with gimmicks and fads is that they come with an expiration date. However, Soulja Boy is a pretty decent performer. His songs are all high-energy and moved the teenage-heavy crowd with every line. He opened with his latest jam Bird Walk, and continued with other popular jams like Get Silly, Donk, and the irritating but catchy Marco Polo. He also performed the latest single Kiss Me Through The Phone which features almost-forgotten R&B singer Sammie, who actually made a guest appearance to sing the hook alongside Soulja Boy. I didn’t even realize I knew every word to Crank Dat until the closing of the 40-minute set, which left the entire venue excited and awaiting the headliner.
“Hear ye, hear ye! Disturbin’ Tha Peace presents…. Theater of the Mind…”
When Ludacris calls himself “The Last of a Dying Breed” you’d better believe it! There aren’t many rappers that can compete with Ludacris in the booth, but even fewer that can rock a stage like he can. The diverse crowd all let go of the troubles of the world to be entertained by an MVP, a seasoned professional. If the title MC really means “move the crowd”, consider Ludacris a deity among MC’s. Crunk is probably an understatement for the atmosphere – fans relentlessly chanted every word, every gesture and enjoyed the fun stroll through the past 8 years in the making of one of hip hop’s elite. For the true fans like myself, Ludacris performed some of his earlier hits like Phat Rabbit, Ho, and Roll Out. To appease the ladies in attendance, he brought back jams like Freaky Girl, Splash Waterfalls, and even brought out fellow ATLien Ciara for a performance of her hit Oh (see video below). Other guest appearances during the set included DTP artists I-20 for Luda’s arguably most widely recognized hit Move Bitch and Playaz Circle with their hit Duffle Bag Boy. To prove how much he’s worth to the game Ludacris, flanked by longtime hypeman and collaborator Fate Wilson, performed some of his biggest featured singles including Usher’s Yeah, T-Pain’s Chopped N’ Skrewed and DJ Khaled’s So Hood (Remix). Ludacris brought the same excitement and energy to the stage that he brings to each album, which is why after 6 albums and a slew of awards (including his recent Grammy nod) he’s earned the title MVP.
Related Posts:
Review: Ludacris – Theater of the Mind
Video Review: Soulja Boy – Bird Walk
Special shouts to Elizabeth and Jackie (Fleishman), Kim from Bossip.com, and Brian with News Channel 2 for partying with Sound-Savvy!!
ATL Folks: Party With Ludacris and Soulja Boy in ATL!
On December - 4 - 2008
ATL-Readers, this one’s for you: Ludacris and Soulja Boy are set to perform this Saturday, Dec. 6th at 8 p.m. at the Tabernacle in Atlanta for AT&T’s ‘Unofficial’ 2008 SEC Football Championship Afterparty.
Ludacris will perform some of his most popular songs as well as some new cuts from his album Theater of the Mind, which dropped on Nov. 24. Soulja Boy Tell’em, who will open the show beginning at 9 p.m. ET, plans to perform songs from his upcoming album, iSouljaBoyTellem, which drops Dec. 16.
Fans interested in attending this FREE concert can text ATTLUDA to 66937* for a mobile ticket good for two people. Mobile tickets will be delivered via text message by Dec. 3. The first 1,000 fans in line on Saturday with a mobile ticket will be admitted. If readers are not in the ATL area, they can still text in and receive an alert to view exclusive concert footage when available.
AND TELL ‘EM SOUND-SAVVY SENT YA!
Rock Witchu Tour: ATL
On October - 20 - 2008
Artist: Janet Jackson
Venue: Philips Arena
Date: 10.19.08
On a nice cool October evening in
Considering a catalog of 10 studio albums, it was amazingly impressive that she was able to perform hits from each one, totaling 37 songs and giving fans rush after rush as they screamed lyrics to the tops of their lungs and affectionately formed Janet’s signature “heart” symbol with their hands. “I was 15…” Janet confesses as the music switches from one of her first-ever singles Young Love into the fan favorite Say You Do from her self-titled debut, which preceded the Control album. The hits came non-stop, and were accompanied by acrobatic dance moves, and action from all areas of Janet’s trendsetting catwalk stage. Fans in the arena knew every word to every song, and most new at least a few dance moves, especially the infamous breakdown to If. Miss Jackson’s live vocals soared with emotion and elegance during her ballad section featuring Come Back To Me and Never Gonna Letchu Go from her latest project, among other classics. Shouts to Derrick, the lucky guy who was featured on Discipline, despite a few issues in the contraption and losing his glasses in Janet’s boobs! My personal favorite song was performed in full, Doesn’t Really Matter complete with the dance breakdown. I found (while talking with them) that the dancers all love the All For You routine which switches between doubled-off and individual routines to synchronized movements in an instant.
When it comes to dancing, who does it better than the queen? As her personal assistant told us on the exclusive backstage tour, each dancer is at the top in their field. Shouts to Gil Duldulao (a really cool down-to-earth guy to meet!), Cassidy, Teddy, Nick, Jillian, EMO!, Laurel and all the other dancers I met on the backstage tour! That headspin = off the chain!! Also shouts to Joey and Tommy who were also really cool members of Janet’s personal security, and Lil Jon Roberts (amazing drummer and great guy to meet also!). Also, a special shout to the tour manager Flo, she was really nice and started working for Janet straight out of college, she has an impressive resume!
The thing that’s most admirable about Janet, the kids and her band (which includes Lil Jon on drums!!) is something that I haven’t seen in any other stage show, even the ones that imitate hers: its effortless appearance. Not to discredit the large amounts of work that go into a production so huge, but they have a visible connection that shines onstage, making each night of the show look like total fun! It doesn’t even look like they’re working onstage and that says something about the caliber of the artist and the character of her team. There is laughter, moments of interaction, improvisations, but what tops it all is the display of family unity, in their moves and their eyes.
There aren’t many artists who can perform a show that’s over 2 hours long, either for fatigue or lack of content. It’s an amazing thing to see an icon in her element, totally at home on the stage and loving every moment of it. There’s a reason she’s as great as she is, and it is shown on every night of the Rock Witchu tour. Since my last Janet show seven years ago on the All For You tour, I have been to over 50 different concerts by different artists and I have yet to see an artist reach her caliber in performances. Forget the Ringling Brothers folks, this here is truly the greatest show on earth!
Related Posts:
Rock Witchu Tour: DC Show Review
Twisted Elegance: A Look at ‘Discipline’
All Janet-Related Posts
-Mack-
P.S. A very very special shout to Josh and Yen who were sitting next to me, and all the fanclub members I got to meet, you guys are the best: enjoythevision, thicksational, Cas, thatdarrell, gdm, mkozik and if I forgot you, please hit me up so I can add your name in, I already know I forgot a few of you. Much LUV!
Concert Review-Janet: Rock Witchu Tour – PART 1
On October - 15 - 2008
All those songs reflect all the people that live within me…-Janet JacksonSome people are often imitated, but NEVER duplicated. There are those who try to do it, while others are BORN to do it. Rumors upon rumors surfaced about this tour in particular being cancelled due to Janet’s sudden illness. Yes, some tour dates were postponed, which of course saddened her fans, but her health comes first. We all want whats best for Ms. Jackson if you’re NASTY, right?
When I heard Washington D.C. would be the official spot for Ms. Jackson’s return, I thought, why wouldn’t we be? After all, we are the Nations Capital. We are the future home of the future President Barack Obama!!! I could have been anywhere in the world tonight, but on this particular humid fall evening, I chose to be in the presence of greatness. Naturally, as a woman, I was looking forward to the opening act, Mr. LL Cool J, however, for whatever reason, he didn’t perform. I was looking forward to seeing that muscle mass of a man licking his lips(sue me, I’m human ,I came to get disciplined).
Dj Quicksilver was on the one’s & two’s keeping the crowd entertained, while we awaited the headliner. Boy was the Verizon Center rocking! Being. we’re the home of go-go, he took us back, wayyyyyy back, to sardines & pork n beans; one of the many tunes played to keep a SOLD OUT house in the right mental state. He did one hell of a job.
House lights on. Time now is 8:00. Let me put you inside of the mind of Mellomusic for a second. Now I’m thinking, Janet has a catalogue full of hits, what will she open with? Mind you. I have a full hour to keep my over anxious mind at work. Boy, did that hour feel like twenty four. During this time, I’m conversing via AIM with my Sound-Savvy partner Mack & MILLIONS of fans by way of JanetFanclub.com(whatup folks). Janet if you catch wind of this someway, somehow, you are definitely LOVED!!
Finally, HOUSE LIGHTS OUT! Here’s comes the screaming & chants, Janet, Janet… Enters Janet Jackson, hidden behind two J’s, dressed in a cream colored body suit, starting the show off with Pleasure Principle, full of energy! Sick? HELL NO! She took us from old school, new school, middle school, high school, & college with the hits. Streaming from Control, What Have You Done for me Lately, You Want This, just to name a few. I definitely don’t want to ruin the fun for those who have yet to experience this life changing event. Those were just some of the upbeat tracks she performed. Slowing it down a taste, she did a medley of my favorites, Come Back to Me, Lets Wait a While & Again. Let’s Wait a While took me back to a place…. boy!!! I LOVE that song, it gets me every time!
My highlight of the show, of course was when Ms. Jackson if you’re NASTY came out to play. Janet is phenomenal. When she performed in her dominatrix attire & brought the sex slave(XBOY from JanetFanclub.com) onto the stage, it was lights out for him! Janet had her way with him, that brought all the men to their knees, even the homosexuals! She has ways to turn everyone out. I will leave the rest to the figments of your imagination. If its anything like mine, you’re in for a treat.
There’s nothing more I can say about this show. She proved all the rumors wrong. She gave us 1000% energy, which she fed off from the crowd. Her aura is amazing. She comes from a family of entertainers, she was born to do this & it showed tonight. God Bless her! The money I paid for the ticket was well worth it. If you think this review was something, stay tuned to part 2 from Mack: LIVE from ATL shawty!
-Mello-
A Shining SoulStar
On September - 12 - 2008
I am Musiq Soulchild, of course…and I have a few songs I wanna sing for you…
Artist: Musiq Soulchild
Venue: Amos’ Southend,Charlotte , NC
Date: 9.12.08
Venue: Amos’ Southend,
Date: 9.12.08
You can never underestimate the power of music — it moves you, relaxes you, gives you strength, inspiration, and can make you experience an unlimited number of emotions. Somewhere through the course of time, it has blessed us with a soulchild endowed with the very same abilities… The B.U.D.D.Y. of many devoted fans delivered a crowd rousing performance in
The show kicked off with the ever-familiar jam Just Friends (Sunny) and moved on to more favorites like Halfcrazy and Forthenight, which ignited a slew of steppers to unravel their stresses beneath the rhythm. Going back to his debut album, he reached out to “the true Musiq Soulchild fans” with You And Me, Girl Next Door, and had the whole crowd spelling out their disbelief of how Mary could be so cruel (shouts to the real ‘Girl Next Door’ and her company down front that kept talking to Musiq during the show!). After a bit of a vocal teaser, he belted out every fan’s favorite, his signature Love and let his juicy falsetto bring smiles to the hundreds of faces gathered as he hit that infamous note. There was a connection with the audience during Teachme that just seemed to make the entire performance extra special for everyone in attendance. I’d personally like to thank Musiq for performing my favorite track from his last album Luvanmusiq, the Raphael Saadiq-helmed Betterman; that one holds a special place for this fan of the soul star.
This 80-minute performance embodied the very element that completes a live show – the music. Each time I’ve seen Musiq hit the stage, he leads his band in a jam session that is simply amazing for a fan to watch and hear. He leaves behind the glitz and glamour of his celebrity and connects with his fans. Only an artist with proven ability could have a sea of dedicated fans singing every lyric and ad lib as they sway from left to right. As for the new music, it sounds like Musiq hasn’t lost his touch one bit, and is still ready to bring yet another album of hits. for you to ‘Juslisen‘ to. Aside from the acoustic problems of the venue, this show was There are no signs of slowing down for Musiq – I think I speak for every fan that attended the show last night when I say ‘I’m so glad!’
Related Posts:
-Mack-
ONE NIGHT ONLY!!!
On September - 9 - 2008
Event: Celine Dion World Tour
Date: 9.8.08
Venue: Verizon Center
Grade: A++++++
For all that know me, I’m an avid listener of music.; GOOD music that is. Last night, thanks to my brother, I had the opportunity to witness a concert like no other. For those individuals who don’t know Mellomusic, let me be the first to say, I have an eclectic taste when it comes to my tunes. I think outside the box, & I NEVER limit my ears to whats hip. With that being said, lets get on with this review.
The concert started with an opening act, whom, honestly, could have been waivered. He was a mix between a comedian & singer, who did his best to try to emulate some of the most celebrated artists around, such as Aaron Neville, Usher, Elvis, Willie Nelson, just to name a few. If i didn’t know any better, he clearly was a Barack supporter, he threw out countless jabs on the Bush regime. (Vote or Die, BARACK 08) Because I didn’t catch the name of the opening act, we’ll refer to him as ????. Yea, it was that bad. I was anticipating the phenominal Celine Dion, so his 30 minutes of fame ran its course. Exit stage left! Granted we had to wait 30 mins for the main event to begin, and folks, they seemed like an eternity, but they were WELL WORTH IT.
House lights OUT. I was like a kid in a candy store. It’s just something about the main event that gets my blood to flowing. FLASHING LIGHTS, props goes to the production crew! Every screen served its purpose. Backdrops of photoshoots, chronological events leading up to THIS event, you name it, she had it. Baboom, Baboom, Baboom goes my heart as I anxiously await Celine to come on stage.
BOOM! She’s here, in a beautiful fuschia dress, commanding everyones attention. She performed a multitude of hits streaming from All By Myself, I’m Your Lady, Because You Loved Me, The Prayer, Man’s World (James Brown), just to name a few. In between wardrobe changes, her backup singers & dancers each had their own set to keep the over anxious crowd entertained.
She performed for a solid two hours. Hit after hit. She was full of energy & she fed off of our energy, making her performance one to remember. She ended the show with the tear jerker My Heart Will Go On, laced in a black free flowing dress, the set was real intimate with exceprts from the motion picture Titanic playing in the backdrop. This song gets me every time! I held back the tears, because she sang it with so much emotion. What a way to end the night.
Celine has proven she’s at the top of her career. The night was simply magical & worth every dollar spent. She’s an icon, and she’s simply fabolous. If I had to do it all over again, you already know the answer would be a YES!
The concert started with an opening act, whom, honestly, could have been waivered. He was a mix between a comedian & singer, who did his best to try to emulate some of the most celebrated artists around, such as Aaron Neville, Usher, Elvis, Willie Nelson, just to name a few. If i didn’t know any better, he clearly was a Barack supporter, he threw out countless jabs on the Bush regime. (Vote or Die, BARACK 08) Because I didn’t catch the name of the opening act, we’ll refer to him as ????. Yea, it was that bad. I was anticipating the phenominal Celine Dion, so his 30 minutes of fame ran its course. Exit stage left! Granted we had to wait 30 mins for the main event to begin, and folks, they seemed like an eternity, but they were WELL WORTH IT.
House lights OUT. I was like a kid in a candy store. It’s just something about the main event that gets my blood to flowing. FLASHING LIGHTS, props goes to the production crew! Every screen served its purpose. Backdrops of photoshoots, chronological events leading up to THIS event, you name it, she had it. Baboom, Baboom, Baboom goes my heart as I anxiously await Celine to come on stage.
BOOM! She’s here, in a beautiful fuschia dress, commanding everyones attention. She performed a multitude of hits streaming from All By Myself, I’m Your Lady, Because You Loved Me, The Prayer, Man’s World (James Brown), just to name a few. In between wardrobe changes, her backup singers & dancers each had their own set to keep the over anxious crowd entertained.
She performed for a solid two hours. Hit after hit. She was full of energy & she fed off of our energy, making her performance one to remember. She ended the show with the tear jerker My Heart Will Go On, laced in a black free flowing dress, the set was real intimate with exceprts from the motion picture Titanic playing in the backdrop. This song gets me every time! I held back the tears, because she sang it with so much emotion. What a way to end the night.
Celine has proven she’s at the top of her career. The night was simply magical & worth every dollar spent. She’s an icon, and she’s simply fabolous. If I had to do it all over again, you already know the answer would be a YES!
Southern Soul Personified
On July - 16 - 2008
I believe that love is synonymous with heaven, such a sensual bliss…
Artist: Anthony David
Venue: The Evening Muse
Date: 7.15.08
Venue: The Evening Muse
Date: 7.15.08
I’m convinced Anthony David isn’t a soul singer… he’s a singer with soul. Last night, the NoDa arts district of Charlotte, NC was rocked by the sounds of Mr. Acey Ducey and company, and there wasn’t an ear in the building that left unsatisfied. Anthony David’s been on the performing circuit for quite some time, making noise in the underground soul world. As I watched the crowd fill the venue, I noticed a few twenty-somethings, but mostly a 30 and up crowd – those with an ear for the real. There was an air of anticipation, and a feeling that this show would be one to remember…
The population density of the venue had the temperature already on hotter-than-July, but it raised to about mid-August when the band and the man of the hour hit the stage. For the next hour-and-some-change, he created a vivid illustration of life through his acoustic soul, his emotional vocal delivery, and his musical arrangements. If you were there I know you felt the energy along the way; maybe it was during his upbeat jams like Georgia Peach, or his slick-talk on Spittin Game. Maybe you were feelin the bluesy, unplugged segment of the show, fighting an addiction on Cold Turkey, or fighting himself on Cheatin’ Man. Nestled in the back of the venue, the band brought to life the depth of his lyrics and the power of the melodies, especially during jams like Kinfolk and that immaculate guitar rift on Somethin About You. For a fan like me, the best attribute of the show was that it was free-flowing, and David took his time to please his audience, performing earlier works that were fan favorites like Ms. Arie’s Can You Be A Part of My Life, and Krooked Kop. The show closed with Words, the duet with India.Arie, which displays a perfect match of tones and style. Any two people can sing together, but this duet is simply a musical masterpiece. If you don’t have the album, Acey Ducey, I highly recommend it for the R&B/Soul listener. It’s a nice blend of his acoustic works from Three Chords and The Truth and his jam sessions on The Red Clay Chronicles. The bluesy blend of emotional lyrics and artistic sounds brings to life a southern style of soul that is simple yet striking. Highlights include Spittin’ Game, Lady, and Cheatin’ Related Post: Give Me More Than ‘Words’
-Mack-
