Let the Fantasy Ride Begin...
Song: Supernatural
Album: Fantasy Ride
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The Spotlight Is On
New Video: T.I.'s 'No Matter What'
Paper Trail, the new album from T.I. is on its way, due out in August, here's the video for his single No Matter What. Budgeting looks a little short on this video, which isn't a bad thing. The song is simple and a big-budget video may not have done as much justice to get the point across. T.I.'s one of the few southern rappers with a flow and lyrics worth listening to. He's been through more in a few years than most go through in a lifetime, and this song is his testimony: he's still standing...
Since They've Been Gone...
Poor Buck...GGGG-U NOT! LOL
By BallerAlert.com Washington, D.C. -
Ever since the infamous taped phone call between Buck & 50 leaked to the masses, things for Buck have been looking rather bleak. This past Thursday, at Fur Nightclub in Washington D.C., Buck's first performance since the debacle, only 20 people showed. SMH. Talk about a full house, sheesh! LOL.
The promoters weren't hospitable, making Buck pay for his own hotel room. Talk about tough. Prior to the show, he was paid half of the money, and was to get the remainder at show time, did he get it? Of course not. Buck didn't even perform that night. He was supposed to do another show tonight, but the promoter left him with all the bills.
His entourage wasn't allowed in Fur. The club said that they weren't dressed properly. Buck was the only one that could have on athletic wear. Unless his hype man or DJ paid to get in, Buck would've been a one man band. I'm sure this wouldn't have gone down like this if he were still affiliated with G-Unit, who coincidentally was also in town promoting their new album T.O.S.
Who's That on the 'Radio'?
Song: Radio
Artist: Musiq SoulChild
Album: TBA
Hi Haters!!!!
Opinions are like assholes, everybody got one, and if we listened to what everyone said, we wouldn't be in the position we're in today! Mello & Mack have truly found their passion, and we are dedicated to making our dreams, a reality. You don't have to respect our views, but you WILL respect our hustle. We can't & won't please everybody. So to our loyal followers who support the movement, we THANK YOU. We will continue to keep you up to speed on what's SAVVY in the world of music.
And for those people, who have their own personal haters, continue to do you. As my mentor told me, and its something that I will carry with me for the rest of my life, "SUCCESS IS THE SWEETEST REVENGE".
Radio, & 7(th). We gon' make it!!!!
-Mello-
Love Is Blind, But it Doesn't Have To Hurt...
Artist: Ashanti
Album: Chapter II
Song: Don’t Put Your Hands On Me
Artist: Keke Wyatt
Album: Emotional Rollercoaster
Click Here for the video
Song: What About
Artist: Janet Jackson
Album: The Velvet Rope
A very heavy song that discusses several indiscretions from adultery to domestic abuse. It chronicles a woman’s thoughts and emotions in the midst of an abusive relationship, and the internal strength to stand up for herself and say ‘no more’. This song wasn't a single, but made waves in the industry when Janet performed it at the 1998 VH1 Fashion Awards, in opposition to the creators of the show, who wanted her to perform the more upbeat "Together Again". Janet felt the message in this song needed to be heard by women everywhere and used the awards show to gain acknowledgement of this cause.
Artist: Eve
Song: Love Is Blind
Album: Let There Be Eve...Ruff Ryders' First Lady
A lot of us know someone who is or has been in an abusive relationship. This song is told from the perspective of that person on the outside looking in, speaking to the abuser with a heart poised for vengeance. This is truly a sad song, as the abuse in this story led to death. Eve chose not to sugar coat the message in this song, and has encouraged women to wake up and realize that love shouldn't hurt.
Song: How Come, How Long
Artist: Babyface featuring Stevie Wonder
Album: The Day (Babyface)
A unique perspective, a powerful song and a moving video with a message for the masses. Two R&B Giants teamed up to deliver this message to those who have witnessed domestic abuse but remain silent. Standing idle does not solve the problem. Shaking your head and covering your ears doesn't make it any less real. Minding your own business doesn't save anyone's life. How many battered women who aren't strong enough to speak up will suffer before you stand up and speak out?
-Mack-
2008 BET Awards: Performance Rewind
Mack: So Usher opened the show... he was okay to me, but he's losing his touch. He lip sync'ed the whole thing
Mello: yea, I agree..the married life has made him put on a few lbs and u can tell in his dance sequences. He can't keep up like he used to; but nonetheless, Mello is still a fan
Mack: yeah, his face got real tight at one point, like he was trying REALLY hard to keep up. I’m a fan too but i've always questioned his ability to sing live...
Mello: SS rates Ushers performances compared to others as BELOW SUB-PAR
Mack: speaking of sing live... what the hell was goin on with Keyshia Cole??
Mello: Heaven Sent was all the way ‘pitchy’. she gave too much, and it sounded as if she were straining
Mack: yeah she sounded nervous.... all that attitude she got and she couldn't sing the damn song, and that's one of my favorites by her
Mello: but, she made up for it on Let It Go...
Mack: she kinda made up for it, she was partying so much on Let It Go that she wasn't even singin the song or remembering the words
Mello: well, I enjoyed that segment. I was @ home rockin wit her
Mack: I did too and Lil Kim actually looked good
Mello: yea, outside of her busting out those pants
Mack: Keyshia's outfit change reminded me of something MJB would have rocked. And I guess she got tired of the haters cause she got that gap fixed
Mello: that's signature Keyshia tho… I enjoy her regardless
Mack: I love her too, but babygirl needs to work on her live performances... we've seen her mess up too many times
Mello: well, considering I've seen her perform live a few times, last night was the most she's ever worked a stage
Mack: So finally we had someone to really bring it to the stage: my main man Ne-yo
Mello: yea...Ne-Yo made Usher look BAD
Mack: and that Jabbawockeez cameo at the end was a definite highlight. He gets bonus points from me on that one
Mello: Live singing, choreagraphy
Mack: hell yeah... not just choreography... KICK-ASS Choreography
Mello: Ne-Yo is the definition of a true entertainer
Mack: he is... he writes, sings, performs...
Mello: too bad his looks don't match up to his artistry
Mack: well in his defense,
Mello: sidenote: MELLO is not SHALLOW
Mack: He sang through the whole thing... it was a well-planned out performance... and that song is a banger. Usher might need to deflate his ego a bit and break out the pen and pad. TAKE NOTES!
Mello: and hit the gym… can't 4get bout that
Mack: right. Now, my personal favorite of the night... Ms Keys!
Mello: yea, I agree… a step up from her tour
Mack: people been sleepin on Alicia's thickness for a while... I got so many texts last night like "When did she get so thick?" I’ve seen Alicia live 3 years ago, she BEEN thick like that
Mello: she's built like a thoroughbred stallion
Mack: She could have had a better outfit, but the performance was still hot!!
Mello: the surprise performances
Mack: 3 chart-topping 90's girl groups on one stage?!??!?
Mello: SS rates that CLASSIC!!!!
Mack: STAMPED OFFICIAL! SWV, put on a few pounds but they still some sistas wit voices
Mello: brought me back 2 my younger days
Mack: EnVogue.... all I can say is WOW!
Mello: the originals
Mack: TLC... I got teary when they were up there. Waterfalls was my jam
Mello: haven't seen them perform since left eye died
Mack: except that show... R U The Girl
Mello: yea, but... that doesn't count
Mack: trueIt was great to see them together. Chilli's got a new single out, gotta post that later
Mello: Jeezy’s performance= unattentive
Mack: yeah that one was lame
Mello: CB… LAWDA MERCY… lol
Mack: lol... it was good, but to be honest... he left us hangin
Mello: I have no words 4 that one
Mack: that was a good look bringin Ciara out. Those two have Michael and Janet potential, I wanted them to do more... Maybe they'll bless us and do a song together...
Mello: perhaps
Mack: now THAT would be hot! 2 of the best performers in the game right now, doin something monumental
Mello: I'm still waitin on the CB & Rihanna collabo. and u kno the cameras were cuttin in&out on those 2 all night
Mack: yeah, somethin official from them two...
Mello: speaking of which, I loved her performance
Mack: oh yeah she killed it… And she sounded good... people been hatin on her sayin she can't sing live... her vocals have improved greatly
Mello: I always thought she could sing live
Mack: I've been a Rihanna fan since she first came out but some of her live performances needed some work
Mello: she's matured over time as most artists should do
Mack: but having seen her on tour with Kanye, she's got it down now... she's got the vocals right! CB was singin every word right along with his girl. They're a nice lil red couple...LOL
Mello: we can't 4get bout Al Green
Mack: oh yeah... talk about unity in music. Young, old, rapper, singer... EVERYONE was singin Let's Stay Together
Mello: most oldies but goodies bring folks together
Mack: it was good to see him performing, he's a living legend... and it's good to see BET honoring the legends while they're alive... like
Mello: yeah, but Q must have been nervous, cuz he was stumbling over his words
Mack: yeah i think it was nervous energy… mind was probably racin. And Anthony Hamilton was smooth like butter during that tribute! That's a brutha that can sing right there
Mello: yea, and his pants were tighter than mine
Mack: LOL… he was goin for a 70's look Mel…lol
Mello: I don't care
Mack: oh whoa wait... we forgot... the RETURN OF MAXWELL. Where the hell did BET dig that dude up?
Mello: God Bless Him!
Mack: God bless that voice... now HE is what the game is missing
Mello: I'm anxiously awaiting his return
Mack: he's gotta do something major... my sister in law promised me a niece or nephew if Maxwell drops an album, so you know I'm tryin to get in contact with him and make sure he brings the pain
Mello: LOL
Mack: What did you think of T-Pain?
Mello: ????? - there u have it. He's too scattered 4 me to pay him attention
Mack: LOL… yeah, the intro made me think it was gonna be good, but when Flo-Rida lip sync'ed "Low" I diverted my attention elsewhere
Mello: flo-rida is wack
Mack: DJ Khaled... what the hell was he doing?? He was jumpin and runnin around like a kid in a candy store...
Mello: “we the bestttttttt”
Mack: but Ludacris is my dog!! He came out and set some order to that chaos. oh and Mel, as a lady I need you to send Rick Ross a memo: The world never EVER needs to see that mess again
Mello: LOL… he's small in his mind… “show that gut!”
Mack: well that's the only mind he's small in. The first part of Nelly's performance was hot... I hadn't heard that song Stepped on My J's with Jermaine Dupri but it's kinda hot.
And Ciara came out, she has a verse on that song… she's so damn fly
Mello: you fell in love? lol
Mack: yeah, but rumor has it that she's marrying 50 Cent
Mello: more power 2 her… I didn't catch their performance
Mack: Fergie screwed up her part on Party People… it sounded like she started her verse in the wrong spot, then she looked uncoordinated.
Mello: who else did I miss? I had 2 step out
Mack: did you catch Weezy at the end? with T-Pain... AGAIN
Mello: no sir
Mack: it was okay... nothin to holler about.
Mello: how'd he do?
Mack: the performance was okay... nothin spectacular... but the ending was rather classic all things considered
Mello: what happened?
Mack: He ended his verse of A Milli with the line "What's a goon to a goblin? Stop it stop it, you ain't scarin nuthin. Hip Hop is alive, don't worry I got it!" and he dropped to his knees. When he hit the floor he just looked out into the crowd like he's ready to carry the weight of the hip hop world on his shoulders. It really made him look like the savior of hip hop and with the streak he's been on... he just might be it was just classic to me... and i'm really just becoming a Weezy fan
Declaration: Time for Growth
Album: The Declaration
Release Date: 6.3.08
Okay, so I know it took me a while to get this review up, but let me explain…. I tried, really tried to give
Now to keep it all the way real,
The music industry isn’t a game of dress-up, and even if it were, it’s clear that the shoes are too big for
Soundbyte: Who Really got A Milli?
With his new release Year of the Gentleman heading to stores in a couple months, Ne-yo's slides his gentleman's etiquette in his back pocket for a few minutes to spit fire at some loud-talkin industry hater. I just checked out Ne-yo's rap over Wayne's A Milli track and had to share it with you guys... he shut someone all the way down on this one, and everything he's sayin is true. I heard Ne-yo rap once before on an unreleased joint that appeared on a mixtape, but this dude seriously killed it!! Click here to download it from Bshep's spot and me know what you think!! Shouts to BShep for the post!
Soulful Sketches
-Dwele, taken from Sketches of a Man (Intro)
Artist: Dwele
Album: Sketches of A Man
Release Date: 6.24.08
I’m Cheatin is the lead single that introduces the album, a between-the-lines kinda slow jam, and it’s really not what the title suggests. Longtime fans can appreciate Dwele’s grown man perspective on A Few Reasons, a sequel to The Truth from his debut album, Subject. His ability to light up a dance floor is continually showcased on this album, with the funky 70’s-reminiscent groove on Feels So Good, and the electric album closer Body Rock. There’s a story to tell with Shady, a true to life tale of sex and deceit narrated to a mid-tempo beat. A definite highlight of this project would be the cover of Bobby Caldwell’s Open Your Eyes (the song sampled in Common’s The Light). Dwele took a smooth approach to this one updating it gracefully with some of today’s flavor and the same sensitivity embodied in the lyrics; add the guitar rift towards the end, and the masterpiece is complete.
Sketches of a Man marks a period of growth for Dwele, now on Koch records: more creative control, which led to upward progression in his ability to put his poetry in motion. This album mixes a lot of elements of jazz with R&B and throws in some hip-hop for good measure. He leaves behind the large synthesizers and sounds from the pop world for a more unplugged, soulful sound. Beyond being just a singer, Dwele’s musicianship is what shines through, his ability to fuse together different elements into a unified sound. If you can’t tell, I’m a fan… R&B heads, this one’s for you, pick up Sketches of a Man, due in stores June 24th...
-Mack-
The Magic is Working
A Light of Her Own
She's been an Idol, a Dreamgirl and she's the newest addition to the Sex And The City crew. Yep Jennifer Hudson is finally stepping back into the realm that propelled her into the spotlight - music. Her new single Spotlight shows the true talent of her voice and range. Prepare yourself for an album of belted out tunes and big vocals delivered in a way that only Jennifer Hudson can bring. Her voice always gives me chills, and this song is no exception. Check it out below, courtesy of iMeem.
Expect the Unexpected...
Michelle Williams, the third member of female supergroup Destiny's Child has made a rather unexpected return to the music scene. After a 4-year hiatus following her 2nd gospel solo album Do You Know Michelle's back with We Break The Dawn an infectious dance track - yes dance - from her upcoming R&B release Unexpected - how appropriate the title. With a different look, and her signature sound, Michelle is heading back to the familiar side of the tracks, the pop/R&B world with plans to dominate. Click the link to peep the video and prepare yourself for the Unexpected, due in stores August 12...
Paris, Tokyo, Chi-town!
Just peeped this fresh new joint from Lupe. Since I just left his hometown, I figured it'd be cool to dedicate this one to one of the most beautiful cities I've ever visited. This one's for the Windy City, from Rush street to the River; from Magnificent Mile to Millenium Park; From the Sox stadium, to the Sears Tower: thanks Chi-town for good food, and exceptionally good music...
Is It Really Real?
Artist: Plies
Album: Definition of Real
Release Date: 6.10.08
-MackN2U-
This Ones for the Money
Its official folks, the smoke has officially hit the city. Marky, the new face of Studio 43 is taking no prisoners on diss track "This Ones for the Money", aimed at the penned hip-hop ambassador Wale'. As we all know there are two sides to a story, and well, lets just say after hearing this track, you'll understand their side. I expect to hear something from camp Wale' soon! I guess HATE is the new LOVE!
-Mello-
"If I Hit"
My homie Tank at Iknowtank.com tagged me on this post so its only right that I keep it going. You should try it too. You'll be surprised how much some of these randomly selected songs have true meaning.
MEME Rules:
1. Put your Music Player on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER WHAT
After you’ve answered all of the questions, tag 5 other people and then let them know they’ve been tagged to do the MEME themselves!
IF SOMEONE SAYS “IS THIS OKAY” YOU SAY?
Side Effects – Mariah Carey Ft. Young Jeezy
WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Ride Wit U – Joe feat. G-Unit
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
So In Love - XScape
HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
I’m Gonna Find Another You – John Mayer
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?
Never Can Say Goodbye - Monica
WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
I’m Serious – T.I. feat Beenie Man
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
I’m A Hustler Remix – Cassidy feat. Mary J. Blige
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS?
Let’s Go- Trick Daddy ft. Lil Jon & Twista
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Control – Janet Jackson
WHAT IS 2+2?
Since You’ve Been Gone – Day 26
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
When I Think Of You – Janet Jackson
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Mercy on Me – Christina Aguilera
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
If I Was Your Woman – Alicia Keys
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Once In A Lifetime – Craig David
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Call On Me – Janet Jackson feat. Nelly
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Because of Who You Are – Martha Munizzi
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Slow Down Remix – Bobby Valentino
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Umbrella - Rihanna
WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Don’t Mess With My Man/Girl – Nivea feat. Jagged Edge
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Down – Chris Brown
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
You – Lloyd feat. Lil Wayne
WHAT SHOULD YOU POST THIS AS?
If I Hit – 112 feat. T.I.
I would like to tag bshepjr(hhu2.blogspot.com), balleralert, and realgossip101
Tha Carter - 3Peat?
Re-Enter the Dru
Yes folks, Dru Hill is back on the scene and set to drop a new album next month entitled Indrupendence Day. It's been 6 years since the Baltimore born quartet (yeah, they're back down to 4) has stepped on the scene and there have definitely been some lineup changes along the way. Let's review, shall we? For the first two albums there were 4; During promotion for the second album, Woody quit (ever wonder why it was just 3 in the U Are Everything video?). Anyway, they all went solo, all came back, including Woody. And for some reason, 4 was no longer enough so they added some guy named Scola to make 5 and released their last album Dru World Order. Now, Scola's out, and Woody has left again, but they've added another new guy, Tao. Anyway, Dru Hill is back on the scene, with the new single Loose. The industry has changed, but it doesn't sound like the group has, and I'm not quite sure their inability or unwillingness to adapt works in their favor. This single isn't doin so hot, probably because it doesn't sound too good. The sound is very reminiscent of a Jodeci slow jam but with too many people trying to play K-Ci. Here it is, check it out...
New Artist Spotlight....Studio 43 Presents: Marky
In an era of ‘for bland instant rapper…add a big name producer, bubble gum raps and hot water,’ tradition seems to reign supreme in Hip-Hop. The old adage - if we don't change our direction we're likely to end up where we're headed - continues to prove true. Let the old school tell it, Hip-Hop is dead. Unfortunately, the old school can’t see the forest from the trees. Hip-Hop ain’t dead, it’s old. And while nobody can go back and start a new beginning, anyone can start today and make a new ending. Allow me to introduce the future…his name is Marky...
Born Marcus Plater 19 years ago, Marky was raised by a whole village in the mean streets of the Kenilworth section of the Washington, DC. Despite being surrounded by violence, drugs and crime, Marky held himself with a regal air and by-passed the street-dream for something more real, music. At the ripe old age of 11, Marky began developing his ‘b-boy stance’ while making a conscious decision to make his mark in the nation’s capital first.Since DC rappers did not have their own sound like New York, the Dirty South, and the West Coast, Marky began to fashion music that embraced the sound identified with DC’s go-go music.
Knowing that it’s better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation; Marky effectively spearheaded a DC movement that shifted from imitating traditional Hip-Hop music to songs that reflected lyrical-based content with percussively-dense go-go origins.As a rapper, Marky is a visionary storyteller who helps Hip-Hop lovers see something in Hip-Hop that they might not have been seen before. As a song writer, Marky pulls from his true-life hardships to create songs that communicate a number of different messages. Some editorial, some reportage, some advertisements and some…sport. As a product of DC, he has the edge and street credibility to resonate with the purist and the thug, suburbia and the streets, all in one.
Thanks to a lot of hard work, Marky soon began to generate a tremendous buzz and eventually popped up on the radars of industry heavyweights including executives at Interscope, Atlantic Records and Def Jam. In 2006, Ken Williams introduced Marky to Mark “TarBoy” Williams of the St. Louis based production duo Trackboyz, who've crafted hits for the likes of Nelly (Airforce Ones), Jermaine Dupri, J-Kwon and Trina. Impressed by Marky's signature flow, Trackboyz wasted no time signing the aspiring rapper to their upstart label. Unfortunately, Marky was forced to sever ties with the Trackboyz due to creative differences a short time later.
Unfazed and determined, Marky continued to sharpen his flow while showcasing his colorful personality through his music. He knew things would happen when it was time for them to happen. Besides, a happy ending can’t come in the middle of the story…or can it?
Enter Kenny Burns, CEO of the boutique label Studio 43 and music industry veteran who has worked with superstars such as Mariah Carey, Kanye West, Akon, Dream and Monica to name a few. Upon being introduced to Marky by his sister/business partner Robin Lyon and hearing his sound, Kenny told him, “I’m gonna put you in the studio with and see what we can come up with.” Marky smiled.Marky’s first single “Sheila”, is currently on tap with a full studio album tentatively set to be released in ’08.With several other projects on the way, Marky and Studio 43 are set to prove that change starts when someone sees the next step. Guess who’ll be stepping past wherever you expect us to end up?
Give Me More Than 'Words'
Artist: Anthony David and India.Arie
Album: Acey Ducey (forthcoming from Anthony David)
I gotta keep it real with my readers for a minute... love ain't easy. Sometimes that shit can hurt like hell - pardon my language, but my disclaimer said 'real for a minute'. When you love someone, truly love them, you don't just let it go, you fight to keep what you have, you go to hell and back to keep it strong and keep outside forces from breakin it apart. I've been there, I've loved and lost. But when it really gets down to the heart of the matter and there's nothing else you can say or do, there's no more fight in you to keep the love alive, it's all about forgiveness and moving on - thank God for that. To all my people out there goin through rough times in the relationship world, whether it's a bump in the road or the end of the chapter, I dedicate this song, Heart of the Matter by India.Arie. It's a beautiful soul-stirring remake of a Don Henley classic, and it strikes a powerful message. No need to overkill, this one speaks for itself, so enjoy...
Artist: India.Arie
Album: Testimony Volume 1: Life and Relationships
Soundbyte: Black Music Month Spotlight
Sex and the Soundtrack
Unexpectedly, I went to see Sex And The City today, and I'm actually just leavin the theater. Having never watched an episode of the show, I was a bit skeptical, but it was a surprisingly decent flick. The Soundtrack is what really caught my ears. I heard cuts from Ciara, India Arie, Fergie, Janet and Jennifer Hudson, just to name a few. The movie closes with Fergie's take on the 'Sex' theme song. Normally I'm not a fan of soundtracks but my ears couldn't deny this one is sexy and worth a listen. Chalk one up for the chicks with this one...well done Carrie and Company...
-MackN2U of SoundSavvy-
www.sound-savvy.com
A community for true fans of real music.
The Queen Is Back In Control...
Aight ya'll... I tried to hold out as long as I possibly could on this... Those of you who know me are probably shocked it took me this long to post this. So just to answer any and all questions:
- Yes I am going.
- Yes I am getting a VIP package.
- Yes all the Sound-Savvy readers will get the scoop
Here's a hint: She's one of the only artists to sellout on her debut tour, which she headlined. Keep in mind that her debut tour came after only her second album, and still holds the record for the HIGHEST SELLING DEBUT TOUR IN HISTORY. If you STILL don't know who I'm talking about...