I Never Thought That You Would Take It This Far
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-MackN2U-
On an Escapade!
So I'm in the car goin to work, thinkin of how I can test out my newly enabled mobile blogging feature. Thank you to Brotha Fred's AM Mayhem for playin the perfect Friday jam: Janet Jackson's 'Escapade'. So if your mind's tired from workin so hard all week, save your troubles for another day, cause its the weekend! Happy Friday folks!
-MackN2U-
Consciously Urban
We all know the urban music scene has a tendency to focus on matters that are more superficial – bling, broads, cars and clothes. However, some artists have used their star power and status to speak up and address issues facing our world by providing knowledge to the uninformed, and a voice to the unheard. At Sound-Savvy we realize there are lots of politically and socially conscious artists and songs, but I chose to highlight just a few, for various reasons. Check out our 5 picks that made the list for this week, then leave comments and add your own. A hot song by one of the hottest and widely overlooked artists currently on the rap scene. Little Weapon discusses the influence of video games on the minds of young people. The song presents an important factor: the fact that hip-hop music is not as large of a contributor to youth violence and destruction. The message is clear: kids who have not developed the maturity level to differentiate real from fantasy should probably find better hobbies than the Grand Theft Auto series. I recommend listening to these other songs by Lupe: American Terrorist, Streets On Fire, and Dumb It Down. Artist: Jadakiss ft. Anthony Hamilton Artist: Lyfe Jennings From day one, Lyfe has set himself apart from the mainstream urban community by being conscious of many major issues. You Think You’ve Got It Bad which features Wyclef Jean, stretches beyond the borders of our communities as well as beyond our national borders and discusses global issues. Lyfe and Wyclef weigh in on the poverty epidemic, AIDS, homelessness and the failing economy. For more from Lyfe, I recommend: It’s Real, and S.E.X. Artist: TLC A lot of people didn’t realize just how big this record really was. Not only did it bring light to a few social issues, the song actually hit home with a lot of listeners. To take it a step further the accompanying video clip struck a deep chord throughout the hip-hop and urban music community. Gang violence, and HIV AIDS are the main themes of this powerful song. Artist: Kanye West Finally, Mr. Ego himself. Placing himself to the side for a moment, West drew the ears of the nation when he brought to light the plight of West African children who work in the diamond mines to extract conflict diamonds and die in civil wars financed by those precious jewels. With vocals from the Dame Shirley Bassey, he added a serious tone to the black and white video clip and even contributed to a documentary which highlighted the seriousness of this issue.
Song: Why
Album: Kiss of Death
Song: You Think You’ve Got It Bad
Album: Lyfe Change
Song: Waterfalls
Album: CrazySexyCool
Song: Diamonds from
Album: Late Registration
Bust It Baby...WHERE?!?!?
If The Music Moves Ya...
So I just got in from the gym, my workout this morning consisted of 40 minutes straight cardio on the elliptical machine and 35-40 minute toning cycle on upper body machines. REWIND: Yes, 40 minutes on the elliptical. To some it seems like hell to get through 10 minutes on that damn thing, and it was like that for me when I first started working out a few years ago. I always get people that get on after me and get off before me, and they’re like “How do you go so long on that thing?” It’s the music in my Pod that keeps me motivated. I get on, type in my information, plug in my iPod, close my eyes, and GO! So for all my fellow gym rats that need that extra push, here’s volume 1 of my workout set of playlists, I hope it helps you keep movin’ towards your fitness goals...
Did Hip-Hop Really Die?
While sitting around with my girls in a cipher, we got to thinking: when Nas went on a tirade expressing that hip-hop is dead, did he really mean what he said? So we broke it down, and this is what we came up with. Granted, this is a prospective brought to you by three 80s babies, it can possibly bring you to the same consensus...
Hip-hop is the foundation from which all other types of genres were derived. Hip-hop consisted of emceeing, deejaying & factoring in break dancing & graffiti. The essence of hip-hop has been lost, but it can very well be resurrected. Growing up, I listened to Oaktown 3-5-7, Run DMC (in my Adidas!) Salt N Pepa, just to name a few, but here in present day, I can’t stomach the acts that are out now.
I’m more on the tip of listening to conscientious rap; something that feeds my soul that GOOD FOOD, empowering me to be better, instead of the coonery that Soulja Boy & his crew are portraying. Don’t get me wrong, you might’ve seen me “Supaman dat hoe” a few times, out of fun of course, but that’s not real music. Artists such as Soulja Boy could very well be the main argument for why, in Nas’ opinion, hip-hop is dead. I give major kudos to Common, Talib Kweli, The Roots, Little Brother & other artists like them, because they bring real issues to the table. They have a fan base, but in my opinion, they don’t eat as good as your Rick Ross’ or Lil’ Wayne. How much weight can you push, or how many times can the word bitch or hoe be thrown out there?
The world has changed, and I can’t blame the young teeny bopper generation for the things that they don’t know about. They’re ignorant, only because they weren’t & haven’t been exposed to what REAL is. Hip-hop hasn’t died, it has been filtered, diluted & stored away in a time capsule; hoping to one day be opened & be resuscitated. For now, I guess as a consumer of music, I have to turn a deaf ear to this new gimmick they call music. Keep in mind these are just my thoughts & aren’t in no way shape or form meant to insult.
-Mello-
Here He Stands... AND DELIVERS!!
Album: Here I Stand
Release Date: 5.27.08
Mello: Looks like Usher, Mr. Entertainment himself, has created yet ANOTHER CLASSIC
MackN2U: Maannnn... if anyone doubted, they need to just go get it
Mello: we missed him in the spotlight..but his hiatus WAS WELL WORTH IT
MackN2U: this CD should have been called THE TRUTH, cause that's what it is: True talent and true content
Mello: From the Intro to the end, hit after hit...
MackN2U: This album introduces Usher: The Grown Ass Man
Mello: The Husband, the Father, The Artist
MackN2U: Love In The Club, first single... Polow Da Don... crazy club joint
Mello: Moving Mountains...2nd single. It’s all about the back & forth rollercoaster ride of a relationship
MackN2U: produced by the Dream, and vocally
Mello: Usher has always been a strong artist vocally but this entire album shows extreme growth on all levels...
MackN2U: yeah, but in the past, he's been so busy cranking out dance tracks and club bangers that his real vocals are overshadowed, but not this time around
Mello: he really allows his fans to dig deep into his personal space especially on Something Special
MackN2U: and Before I Met You is the official "turnin in my playa card" anthem
Mello: if your a virgin to what Usher brings, by cd's end.. that V-Card has OFFICIALLY been snatched
MackN2U: this dude is the truth... A lot of people are prayin for his downfall... they think Confessions was a fluke and he can't do it again
Mello: Usher is BACK and with a vengeance on the sexually enhanced track Trading Places, particulary one of my FAVES
Mello: He wants his special lady to do ALL the work
MackN2U: Wait... that's my favorite track!!
Mello: in essence, lets trade places… role-reversal, U take charge
MackN2U: I like a woman that can take charge sometimes
Mello: Ladies..hear me when I say this...There's nothing wrong with a lil role reversal to keep that candle lit in the bedroom, or your relationship for that matter
MackN2U: in and out of the bedroom
Mello: then....as a result of the work you've put in, your reward comes on part 2
MackN2U: exactly
Mello: and I CAN'T WAIT!
MackN2U: we'll hook you up like we always do... but we wanna give you the chance to take control
MackN2U: But fellas can all relate to His Mistakes. Ne-yo did some work on this track...
Mello: reminds me of Musiq’s Previous Cats
MackN2U: “I love you girl, but I refuse to stay, payin for his mistakes”…But beyond the lyrics... there's some beautiful instrumentation and vocals
Mello: I definately agree
MackN2U: I tell ya, Usher has some hot club bangers in his catalog... but he shines best on his mids and slow jams on this album
Mello: I've always been a fiend for Ushers slow jams
MackN2U: His Mistakes is a beautiful piano-led melody with a nice symphonic violin. It's just beautiful...
MackN2U: The title track, Here I Stand… well every artist does their wedding song if you’re in the game long enough - every GREAT artist, that is and this is his wedding ballad...
Mello: yea. Great artist – that sounds better
Mello: Come on Mack...lets not spoil the goodies on the album...we gotta let the Sound-Savvy community take a listen first
MackN2U: aight, u right
Mello: cant spoil it, its only fair...
MackN2U: If there's one purchase you gotta make. GET THIS ALBUM. Fellas, this is some real grown man music... but not old school
Mello: ChuucHHH! I definitely second that notion. Ladies...Usher is a man of his word...and he does look out for us too
MackN2U: Sound-Savvy slaps a double stamp of approval on this... this is Sound-Savvy Certified HOTNESS!!!
Mello: Bonafide Hotness
MackN2U: And ya’ll know we got no problem tellin u it's garbage, even if we're fans of the artist
Mello: and please dont do this man a dishonor and burn it. He deserves every penny....
MackN2U: REAL TALK!! and even if u do... just listen to it!
Mello: You heard it here first folks... May 27th...Here I Stand... in stores
MackN2U: Cop that!
Mello: you wont be disappointed!
Idol Chit Chat: Top 3 Rewind
MackN2U: Syesha's gone!!
Mello: yea, she is… I was kinda heartbroken behind that
MackN2U: my little Beyonce clone
Mello: but, it was rigged
MackN2U: of course... they needed a man-to-man competition for the ratings...
Mello: and they did her no justice on song preference
MackN2U: yeah, her last song was the producers choice... how did she get stuck with something from HAPPY FEET? And David Cook gets the best Aerosmith song in the universe?!?!
Mello: now, here is where me & u will battle it out… Viva La Archuleta!
MackN2U: whateva… Cook is gonna rock it out!!
Mello: I was kinda wishing for an upset last night tho
MackN2U: me too... but it's better that she went home now... she wouldn't have won against either of them… not with as many times as she's been in the bottom
Mello: yea, now she will be able to create an album with some freedom – without being under Clive Davis’ puppet strings
MackN2U: yeah, I’ll be buying it, and the Sound-Savvy community will hear about it… and David Cook's album too
Mello: definitely…call me a sap but when they each visited their hometown, tears filled my eyes
MackN2U: uh... yeah… YOU A SAP!!
Mello: it was almost as if I were in their shoes, living out my dream
MackN2U: lol... but i know the feeling
Mello: I'm a sap, I will admit it, but there's nothing like having that chance @
MackN2U: it seemed like Syesha didn't get much love... Archuleta had the mayor, David Cook was on Fox... Syesha was just in the limo, it's like she got played big time
Mello: she's black... go figure, sad to say...
MackN2U: we haven't had a black female finalist since... Fantasia?
Mello: nope
MackN2U: jeez... I tell ya. She's gonna be a star anyway... I can see her putting out an album and then getting a headlining show on Broadway and possibly a movie deal. She'll probably get the cheesy roles first like Beyonce did with Fighting Temptations and Carmen
Mello: all you need is that ONE opportunity
MackN2U: but then she'll get something that'll set her apart
Mello: and more doors open for you
MackN2U: right... like Danity Kane said "All I need is one shot!"
Mello: let me get on TV
MackN2U: shiiiid... let me get on MTV... its a done deal!!
Mello: next thing you'll see us hosting our own show: "The Sound-Savvy Hour"
MackN2U: That'll be hot!!!
Good Girl Gone Pissed Off
It’s funny how a video can change your feelings of a song. Once again, Rihanna is stunningly beautiful in this clip, and has that kick-ass “I’m-sick-of-your-shit” demeanor that’s just so sexy to me. I didn’t like this song initially, but the video is hot despite (or due to) its simplicity and brings a whole new life to the song. It’s interesting seeing her on the other side of the fence: on Unfaithful, she was the guilty cheater, sobbing over her sins. But as the victim, there are no tears, just take your box to the left and get gone! Personal highlight: Stand up, light the match, toss it, and walk away. I’d hate to be the dude she kicks to the curb…
-MackN2U-
Hard Candy: Sweet or Sour?
You lie to me right through your smile, I've seen behind your eyes
Now I'm sober, no more intoxicating my mind, Even the devil wouldn't recognize you… - Madonna, Devil Wouldn’t Recognize You
Artist: Madonna
Album: Hard Candy
Release Date: 4.25.08
Enter a digital battleground of rhythm and beats. Hard Candy is a clever disguise for a war raging between Timbaland’s team and Pharrell’s posse to save our pop diva in distress from an inevitable fade away from relevance. The verdict: a valiant effort on both parts as Madonna narrowly escapes the dying of her limelight with this compilation of hip pop. I didn’t know much about Madonna musically beyond her unavoidable singles in the past and her videos. I’m not now, nor have I ever been a Madonna fan but at the request of readers on Sound-Savvy, I gave it a listen...
Appropriately titled, this album mixes Madonna’s sweet pop style with some hard-hitting hip hop beats. On the lead single 4 Minutes, which features Justin Timberlake, Madonna gets into the groove and goes one place she’s sure to have a hit: the clubs. Opening the album is it’s Neptunes counterpart Candy Shop, a percussion heavy dance number by the
Mack’s Pick: My personal favorite track is Devil Wouldn’t Recognize You. The beat is super hot, and is by far the best meshing of Madonna’s vocals with any beat on the CD. The piano lead on the beat sticks out, and Justin rips the bridge with an operatic-esque solo that could curl toes.
If you can overlook the fact that Timbaland’s beats are so busy that you forget whose album this really is, along with the fact that Skateboard P overshadows her on the rest of the tracks, then it’s actually just okay. Nothing really new here, but then again, Madonna’s pushin half a century with a tenure in the biz that’s half her age. There isn’t much new ground for her to cover and be successful. That being said, I hope Madonna realizes that there’s no longer a need to justify her love of the music anymore, she can take a bow while she’s still ahead.
-MackN2U-
Do You Promise to tell THE TRUTH...
Album: The Truth
Release Date: 5.13.08
Exit stage left. Taking a slight hiatus away from the scene can either make or break ones career. However, in their case, it did them some justice. They have a more mature sound on The Truth. The first single, Killa, is a certified club banger which features Yung Joc, and is the only collabo listed on the album, leaving room to really display their true talent. Slowing it down with their followup single, Amnesia is about a subject to which all can relate: forgetting that terrible breakup.
Having penned majority of the tracks on the album, they let their fans delve more into their personal lives. Regardless of their celebrity, they live normal lives & deal with real issues. On Notice, they speak on having a crush on someone who doesn't know they exist,...I think I'll write him a notice, so he can notice that I'm trying to get his attention... Ladies, can ya relate? There's nothing like having that relationship, where your significant other makes you feel like a celebrity in your own right as shown on Superstar, ...I know when I come home I'm your superstar, even if no records were sold, I'm your superstar... Pure love at its best!
Most artists fear the sophomore jinx, because they feel they wont live up to the hype from their previous album. However, this album is a drastic improvement, both lyrically & production wise. Only thing in life thats constant is change; embrace or reject it. This change for them is definately worth embracing & CHERISHING.
The Brightest Star In The Universe
Concert Review of 'The Glow In The Dark' Tour
Location: Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte, NC
Date: 5.8.08
I’ve never been a huge fan of hip-hop concerts. I mean, I’ve been to my share, but there’s usually nothing really exciting: 16 different guys on stage during one guy’s set and unless you’re in-the-know, you’re probably guessing which one is the actual performer. Beyond that, hip-hop shows in the past (with a few exceptions) have proven to lack the one thing that sells out shows – artistry. The Glow in the Dark Tour, however, challenged that theory: 4 performers, one stage, and thousands of fans. The highlight of the night, Mr. Kanye West, delivered an astounding performance, and while he didn’t make me a fan of hip-hop shows, he definitely made me a fan of the Kanye West show…
Opening the show was Lupe Fiasco. Now when the intro music was cued, I didn’t know whether to expect the cool young Lu, or a half-dressed Spartan named Leonidas. The theme music from 300 melted away for Fiasco’s triumphant entrance, and an energetic performance of The Coolest. With the same swag, he took us to
Next on the bill were the brothers of N.E.R.D. Let me preface this: I don’t own any N.E.R.D. albums, nor have I listened to any in their entirety. However, those brothers can ROCK!! They performed the better known hits Lapdance, and She Wants To Move. Apparently, I was in the minority, as the rest of the crowd sang along to Brain, and some song that asks “Are you ADHD?” Ummmm.… yeah, okay. Only downside was that you couldn’t hear a word they were saying. I know they’re a rock band, but it helps when people can actually hear you along with the music. Try a sound check next time fellas. But hey that on-stage crumping cameo from Chris Brown at least made their new joint Spaz more enjoyable and memorable.
Speaking of Chris Breezy, let’s move on to his woman: the beautiful Rihanna. With her initial engulfed in flashing lights, Rihanna emerges in a neon trimmed, form-fitting outfit to kick off with Breakin’ Dishes, from her latest album Good Girl Gone Bad. She moved the entire arena with some of her previous hits including S.O.S. and Pon De Replay. Ri-ri proved herself to be more than just a studio singer as she belted out her ballads Unfaithful, and a solo rendition of Hate That I Love You. Her set closed with her best smash to date, Umbrella, which indeed led the entire arena to their feet, chanting along every word and every ”ella ella eh eh”. Overall, her performance was great, much better than I expected. Oh, and for the record: I’m officially hating on Chris Brown, this girl is amazingly beautiful.
Harder, better, faster…STRONGER. The guy sitting next to me wondered aloud as to why this show is called the Glow In The Dark Tour. By the end of the night, we all knew the answer – Kanye sets the place on FIRE!!! I’ll try not to spoil too much of this for you but if you’re planning to see the show, stop reading now. He was like a kid onstage living strictly within his own imagination. He performed for 90 minutes straight, with barely any breaks in between. From his elaborate futuristic theme and introduction to his Homecoming ending, Kan-the-Louis-Vuitton-Don kept the entire crowd on their feet. There’s no way you couldn’t feel the energy emanating from Kanye, he was like a supernova on stage! After his talking spaceship crash lands, Mr. West finds himself on a quest to virtually ROCK his way home. Along the way, he took the audience Through The Wire, introduced us to The Good Life, and taught us all how to Touch The Sky with the help of Lupe Fiasco. On Diamonds From Sierra Leone, the audience created a sea of diamonds, as everyone in the place threw up the dynasty sign. He touched hearts and minds with his performances of Jesus Walks and Hey Mama, and you could feel the tears and sadness in Kanye’s voice. The energy reached a max as West moved erratically while performing Stronger bringing the crowd to an ultimate high. As he closed, he reminded the audience that yes, he’s got a big mouth and a big ego. In fact, his ego is so big, there wasn’t room for his background singers or band on stage, they were all down front! You can’t tell him nothing; but I guess when you’re at the top of the charts and selling out arenas, you can do that! After an amazing show like that, he’s bound to set the world on fire, and have us all glowing in the dark.
-MackN2U-Idol Chit-Chat: Top 4 Rewind
Mello: Top 3!
MackN2U: We picked 'em... and who said WE ain't sound savvy?
Mello: LOL, I know right? Cook, Archuleta & Syesha… just as we picked: survival of the fittest! It wouldn't surprise me if the voting is rigged this week so the competition is left with the
MackN2U: well the last time there were 2 guys in the finale was when Clay and Ruben were in it. I definitely think the 3 left are the best in it... Syesha's gonna have to be very careful what she does next week, and turn it all the way up!!
Mello: she's already in the minority so song choice is KEY for her. If you win over Simon you're thru to the next round
MackN2U: and performance... she needs to do something that will make the world say "WOW"
Mello: yea, something as memorable as Whitney & the National Anthem
MackN2U: yeah but she better not do a Whitney song
Mello: of course not
MackN2U: in all honesty, none of them are totally safe... I could see any one of them going home. David Cook, he needs to bring some more energy back to his performances. He seems like he's bored with the competition
Mello: Archuleta...flawless performance & his innocent face will win him over
MackN2U: with the teenyboppers
Mello: they're the ones who ACTUALLY vote
MackN2U: right... but more adults vote when it gets down to the bottom 3. I'd love to see David Cook win it, but I'd also like to win some money in this pool... so I need him to screw up next week and go home. He's gonna have recording contracts thrown at him if he loses anyway
Mello: if it comes down to Archuleta & Syesha.... I'm torn between the two
MackN2U: in fact, David Cook may have slacked off because he WANTS to lose
Mello: hell, anytime you're in top 5, recording contracts will be there
MackN2U: it would work out better for him if he did... that way he'd have his choice of which contract he wants and may get more artist control without being under Clive Davis
MackN2U: the winners of AI, their debut CD's are known to be full of pop garbage. It's usually not til their sophomore release that they get into their own artistry and develop more control. We've seen it with Kelly Clarkson, Ruben and Fantasia for example
Mello: yea, but Ruben has flopped
MackN2U: but Chris Daughtry, I'm sure he had way more creative control since he didn't win and probably chose to go with a label that gave him more freedom
Mello: honestly, if an african american wins idol, they have to almost market themselves
MackN2U: Ruben flopped in sales, but the Return of the Velvet Teddy Bear was a SOLID album talent-wise. It was great to listen to. Ruben flopped due to horrible marketing
Mello: exactly… you got to market yourself! My point exactly!
MackN2U: yeah, that's true
Mello: if you're Kelly Clarkson, or Carrie Underwood your marketing is pretty much done for you
MackN2U: well lets look at that... They market to demographics of people who actually BUY CDs. More money from sales, equals a bigger marketing budget. Fantasia and Ruben market to the urban demographics... people who DOWNLOAD
Mello: sad 2 say people don't buy anymore. The folks who do, such as, you & I, we’re the last of a dying breed
MackN2U: yes we are... I've got a whole wall of AUTHENTIC CD's
MackN2U: but then... Ruben didn't do much else anyway. He didn't tour a lot because of his health issues, so when it came to sales and marketing, he's partially to blame. If you're not selling you've gotta tour, so you can still make money. I don't think he can keep up with an aggressive touring schedule
Mello: he had some management issues as well
MackN2U: yeah... well at least he didn't get dropped like Taylor Hicks. Anyways, back to the topic... I wanna see David Cook go home next week... so I can buy a great David Cook CD in a few months
Mello: unless he gets up there and just sits idle, there’s no way he's goin home
MackN2U: i know... If not him, then I need Syesha to go so I can buy a great Syesha Mercado album…LOL
Mello: its gonna be tough; the right people are in it. I expect since they're the top 3, they each better bring near flawless performances. Let us think we have made the right decision on keeping those 3 in
MackN2U: right... and right now Syesha's the weakest of the 3 but she's got just as much potential as the guys
Mello: yea. I'm with you.
MackN2U: I think she's gonna be a shocker next week and blow them away
Mello: I agree she's going 2 step it up because she's been in the bottom before
MackN2U: before??!??? She's been in that joint every week for the past like 6 weeks!! Last night she was probably thinkin "Seacrest, just cut the bullshit!"
MackN2U: I wonder what's gonna happen with Jason Castro... maybe he’ll get signed to a label that makes him cut his hair!
Top 10 Countdown: Hip Hop and R&B Dedications To Moms
Mother's Day is coming up: Sunday May 11, and Sound-Savvy would like to take the time to shout out those special women who have done so much in our lives. Being a mother is about more than just pushing out a kid; we recognize the struggles, and appreciate the sacrifices. Fortunately, so do many music artists, so we dedicate this countdown to all the mothers, especially those moms rockin with Sound-Savvy!
Song: I Wish You Were Here
Song: Momma Can You Hear Me
Song: Woman
Song: All That I Got Is You
Song: Dear Mama
Artist: Mario
Song: Do Right
Song: Hey Mama
Song: A Song For Mama
Lyfe Is All About Change
“Just like any other thing, the guy who stays in the game the longest is the guy that brings change.”
I just wanna personally thank Lyfe Jennings for some real GROWN MAN MUSIC. This CD is more mature, a better sound, and its real talk. Ever since his first release he’s pretty much been an open book and his music has always been derived from his life experiences and lessons learned. On Lyfe Change, his 3rd studio release, we’re introduced to his more socially conscious, more sentimental side. The lyrical content is taken to a new level so prepare your mind for some introspection and life reflection as you listen - it’s a welcomed change from the superficiality of most pop stars today.
Lyfe steps up just about everything on this CD, calling in some reinforcements on the production, invoking some old soul into the vocals, and dishin out some food for your mind and soul with the lyrics. However, he keeps a tried and true formula on his emotive love songs. The first single, Never Never Land and the soulful Midnight Train are shining examples that his style still works. He adds in some pretty hot collabos and keeps it hip-hop on Brand New (which features rapper T.I.) and Old School (featuring Snoop). It’s Real is a clever song – it’s got a powerful message about unprotected sex and HIV/AIDS, but the production is simplified so the message isn’t overshadowed. Although he’s not talkin' about the street hustle too much, there’s still some real talk on Old School. Take note of the empowerment theme of the album opener Keep On Dreaming. Other highlights include the more commercial second single Cops Up, and the reflective Hmmm.
Overall, the changes on this project are enough to show growth of an artist, while still making this a mostly solid album. It’s less street and more sensible, less thump but more thought. This is truly a modern soul album, and if more artists followed in Lyfe’s conscious footsteps it could, in fact, change the game. Change is constant, the effects are variable. In the story of Lyfe, Change is great!
-MackN2U-I wanna go back.....back to my ROOTS!
If you're not satisfied lyrically, production wise, you'd have to literally smack the person next to you. The instrumentation is beyond vomiting; truly sick! For those consumers from the DMV & surrounding areas, you can appreciate the go-go undertone on Rising Up featuring Chrisette Michelle & DC's own Wale'. One of the many collabos featured. One might argue there are one to many collabos, and not enough lyrical content from front runners Black Thought &
?uestLove.
Pick apart the lyrics in each song, & digest them. The Roots are known to bring truth to what others classify as false. If the studio LP sounds like this, I'm in true anticipation of their live set. I definitely wanna go back to my ROOTS! All my true hip-hop heads stand up! Class is in session.
SoundSavvy Blast or Trash: Singles Review
MackN2U: so the Love In This Club original joint had to grow on me, but the remix was hot off gate. I mean, damn. Usher flexed his star power with this one
Mello: yea, its always good to hear a females view point and he used a dominant artist to present it! All Hail Queen B. Dudes aren't the only ones wanting to make love in the club
MackN2U: and Weezy blazes it
Mello: just about anything Weezy touches, goes ablaze. Where's “Tha Carter 3” Weezy!
MackN2U: supposed to be out in June
Mello: Busta/Linkin Park’s joint “We Made It”- concept of the song is great, you get two for the price of one
MackN2U: yeah, and it merges the genres really well
Mello: I enjoy
MackN2U: but I have a problem with Busta dropping the n word all over this track
Mello: its inevitable... rappers & the N word go hand in hand
MackN2U: I disagree... there are white rappers
Mello: black rappers
MackN2U: I mean, I can just see fights breakin out because people from other races will think this gives them license to say it. At some point, you gotta rise above that mentality... especially if you're trying to crossover like Busta is attempting
MackN2U: don't get up in arms about being called a ‘nigga’ by someone of another race if you're making music for them to listen to and you're throwin it all in their faces… anyway, as for the song…
Mello: I'd blast it
MackN2U: it really is a "bangin instrumental"
Mello: the message in the song is inspiring and the beat is bananas
MackN2U: It's definitely gonna get some airplay from me... but just the edited version…But that electric guitar is crazy. Linkin Park is a true band, they have a great sound... and they can work with anyone
MackN2U: what about Nelly and Fergie's new joint, Party People. To me, Nelly is always gonna be a popstar... but he tries to go a little harder on this track
Mello: yea, both are crossover artists, making music for everyone. Nelly brings the women, Fergie - the men
MackN2U: exactly... classic collabo... and smart
Mello: an equation made for a # 1 hit
MackN2U: definitely a summer club banger. Cookouts everywhere will be blazin this one...
MackN2U: I like John Mayer's new single 'Say'… u heard it?
Mello: nope, and that's a 1st. I'm usually up on my dosage of Mr Mayer
MackN2U: mellow joint... his instrumentals are always nice, progressive. And he's always got great lyrical content...
Mello: always does
MackN2U: u still not feelin that Chris Breezy joint 'Forever'
Mello: I still get lost in the beat. I think its possibly overproduced, taking away from the vocals…beat is sick though
MackN2U: yeah, its like the vocals were just intended to fill out the beat, but I still think it’s hot…Polow did that one... sometimes he can be that way
Mello: but, its not something I envision for CB
MackN2U: but Polow also did Love In This Club. I like the beat on this new joint ‘No Matter What’ from T.I.
Mello: yea I enjoy mr TI
MackN2U: he's definitely one of my favorite rappers out and has been for a while... T.I. vs. T.I.P. was CRAZY!!!
Mello: he's another one doesn't care what folks say
MackN2U: and that's what gives him such mass appeal... it's about the music... call him pop, call him gangsta, he put together an album that says "Okay, I can do both, now find some other shit to talk about"
Mello: and in all his songs, he pays homage to those he's lost
MackN2U: that's a definite hood empowerment joint. Everything you throw at him, he's still standing -- NO MATTER WHAT!
Mello: exactly, people prey on your downfall
MackN2U: just to know his story and to still see his struggles, u gotta respect this man's strength...
Mello: and in the end..you're still on top in a better position. "You can hate if ya want to, but ya wasting
MackN2U: now one joint im not feelin is Rihanna’s… and I’m actually a fan
Mello: Take A Bow?
MackN2U: yes... please someone throw that shit away
Mello: I mean, its not her best, but its not her worst… its mediocre
MackN2U: she's whiny
Mello: but, her lyrics are true facts
MackN2U: her lyrics on this joint suck to me
Mello: every woman can relate
MackN2U: well maybe that's why I'm not feelin it. Leona Lewis has a track of the same name, and I'd play her joint 20 times before this joint
MackN2U:
Mello: yea... Lloyd & Weezy track is cool it'll be # 1, I'm sure - "Around the World Girl"
MackN2U: Lloyd's vocals and verses are just aight, but dammit Weezy…how did he get so hot? I didn't even become a Lil Wayne fan til recently...
Mello: its the sizzurp
MackN2U: If there's one thing I can say about
Mello: lol
MackN2U: a lot of artists are doing that now... T-Pain, Akon they’re showing up on everything, so they're bound to do at least one track you'll like, then they've got you hooked. If you need a hit, call Weezy "and he can make it juicy for ya"
Mello: yea..weezy is the next T-Pain in regards to being on everyones tracks
MackN2U: weezy is the next Jay-Z… or has weezy surpassed Jay?
Mello: that's an argument I want no parts of… lol
MackN2U: lol... me either... not yet anyway
Mello: right
TIYMLI: American Idol Edition
Try It, You Might Like It
Song: Sober
Idol: Kelly Clarkson
Album: My December
Video Link (Fan-made, not official)
Song: Celebrate Me Home
Idol: Ruben Studdard
Album: TBD
Video Link (Fan-made, not official)
Ruben, oh Ruben… wherefore art thou? If you don’t watch Idol, then you probably wouldn’t know that this is the song to boot this year – literally. This is the song that’s played when contestants get the boot just before their tearful farewell performance. Don’t get your hopes up though, this isn’t new material from Ruben, it’s a gospel-y cover of an old Kenny Loggins song. Still makes for a good listen though…
Song: One Word
Idol: Elliott Yamin
Album:
Video Link
He was a favorite during his season of Idol, and R&B crooner Elliott Yamin is making some great music these days. If you’re a true fan of R&B music, there’s no way you can pass up this guy’s music. If I had to choose one word to describe One Word, all I can say is amazing…
Song: What About Now?
Idol: Daughtry
Album: Daughtry
Video Link (Idol Gives Back performance)
What About Now is a charity single for Idol Gives Back, is a cut off the debut album, Daughtry, from the prominent Idol rocker Chris Daughtry. The video clip I’ve included is to the live performance from this season’s Idol Gives Back episode, and totally captures the sensitivity in the song. You can’t help but feel it. As for the album: I highly recommend it, probably the best debut of all the Idols in the history of the competition.
Song: Permanent Monday
Idol: Jordin Sparks
Album: Jordin Sparks
The current American Idol, Jordin Sparks’ self titled-debut is already gold. Permanent Monday isn’t an official single, but it’s a cut off her CD that’s getting some airplay. There’s no official video for it. It’s a little bit country and a little bit of rock n’ roll…
-MackN2U-