Politics as Usual
Mack: My mom put me on to a track by Ludacris … it's called Politics As Usual
Mello:
Mack: right!! she said its controversial
Mello: wow
Mack: that's what I said
Mello: we definately need 2 check it out then
Mack: u know what? I don't see anything wrong... I support
Mello: yea, I read the lyrics in an article
Mack: he's just saying what everyone else feels but doesn't have the voice to say
Mello: he's speaking truth…FREE SPEECH!
Mack: He responds to how two-faced Hilary was... I know she was trying to win the nomination, but she did some mud-slinging that was really just dirty
Mello: Free speech has been censored these days
Mack: yeah, it has, but we're not a generation that takes kindly to censorship. We say what's on our mind.
Mello: and folks like
Mack: I totally agree with what he said about Jesse Jackson... Jesse said what he said. He knew what he was saying when he said it. Grow a pair and own up to it
Mello: I mean, it is what it is
Mack: now I will say he went a little far with his comment about McCain... but still it's his opinion and the thing is, NOBODY is asking Obama to use this song as his campaign theme
Mello: exactly!
Mack: I think the reason people have such a problem is because Obama publicly endorsed Luda as a "great talent and great businessman" which is still true, but that doesn't mean that
Mello: its a case of guilty by association. there's a thin line between love & hate, in this case
Mack: right, and I'm sure
Mello: people love both Luda & Obama but hate what they stand for
Mack: And deep down, I'm sure Obama is like "This shit is dope as hell!" but in the public eye, he's gotta renounce it. But on inauguration day, I wouldn't be surprised if he gives
Mello: lol… right
Mack: like "That track was hot, man." I can't believe he's catching controversy over this... it's ludicrous!! LOL
Check www.iknowtank.com to download Luda's new mixtape called The Preview.
CENTER OF ATTENTION...
The girls were available to speak with yours truly, and I must say, to be in the presence of young, successful & extremely DOWN TO EARTH, women was truly an honor. Granted, they come from a family, that if they chose not to work, they'd be just fine. I've been told over & over, "Papa May Have, Mama May Have, but God Bless the Child that has its own". These ladies show truth to this statement. When asked, do they feel the extra pressure to succeed because of their family legacy, Angela responded, "Yea, we feel the pressure, but its good pressure..." I imagine that if I were in their shoes & had such big shoes to fill, I wonder would I be as successful. Vanessa, also mentioned, "when a piece of coal is put under pressure, it turns to a diamond, and thats how we like to view ourselves".
For those wondering are these girls sneakerheads. the answer is no. Vanessa mentioned, prior to launching the Pastry line, she never really was into sneakers. However, they did mention finding their target market has been the biggest challenge when designing the shoe. "When we first launched pastries, we thought it would be a shoe specifically aimed at our age bracket, but, now we see, older women & little children wearing pastries".I wanted to dig deeper beneath the surface, & ask other questions, but the girls didn't have much time to spare, so I had to make do. Within the next 5 years, the girls would love to take pastry to higher levels. They mentioned a possible jewelry collection, handbags & clothes. Whatever they do decide, I know it will be a success. They were truly destined for greatness.
For more on the pastry collection check out www.pastrykicks.com
-Mello-
Your Prescription is In: R&B Edition
This will be Lloyd’s 3rd studio release… how many of his albums do you have? If your answer was zero, you’re a victim of heavy sleeping. Don’t let his involvement with Murder Inc., fool you, this kid’s put out some really great material on his first two. Southside featured some nice cuts like Take It Low, Trance (featuring...yep, you guessed it... Lil Wayne) and Cadillac Love. On his last album, Streetlove, almost every track was a banger, but some highlights were Player's Prayer, Streetlove, and the remix to I Want You which featured Andre 3000 and Nas. So what he clings to Weezy on every album, you still bobbin ya head, right? It's so many tracks I could let you preview, but I'll pick my favorite joint so far off the new album: I Can Change Your Life. NOTE: This version features RL from Next and it's BLAZING!! The version I have is Lloyd by himself and it's equally hot, not sure which version is on the album...
Artist: Michelle Williams
Album: Unexpected
Release Date: 10.7.08 (PUSHED BACK!)
Artist: Ne-yo
Album: Year of The Gentleman
Release Date: 9.16.08
So yeah, he mimics MJ’s vocals a lot. But you gotta give him credit, he’s the only one that acknowledges it. From what I’ve heard from this new album, Ne-yo is jumping to the forefront of the R&B revolution, reviving the essence of true performers and the soul of music. If you’re doubtful, let me make a few recommendations: Check out Miss Independent, and Stop This World from his upcoming album: Year of the Gentleman.
Album: Jennifer Hudson (self-titled)
Release Date: 9.30.08
Speak of the angel, is there anything she can’t do? After her shocking early departure from American Idol, J-Hud took on a starring role in the movie Dreamgirls, outshining mega-star Beyonce and winning the Oscar for best Supporting female. Beyond that, she became the first African American female to integrate the popular Sex And The City Cast. Her voice is about as big as the accolades she’s already received and if there’s anyone who can revive the era of big vocals, it’s this classy lady. Check out All Dressed In Love, a cut from the Sex And The City Soundtrack...
She Got It...
Mello: Neyo has a new track… Miss independent
Mack: yeah I just got it… that joint is soundin real official
Mello: every dude wants a Miss Independent… or SHOULD want
Mack: hell yeah... she wants u but dont need u. got her own thing
Mello: a Miss Independent
Mack: thats sexy
Mello: tell me about it
Mack: yeah but u know some dudes thrive on feeling needed
Mello: Let me toot my own horn on that one… TOOT TOOT
Mack: i hear ya... independence is fly. R&B bruthas are on the come-up...
Why We Love Her So Much
I Been Gone For A Minute
Song: Put On (Remix)
Artist: Young Jeezy feat Jay-Z
Album: The Recession
Question: How do you turn one hot track into two?
Answer: Add Hova to the remix!!
Question: Need I say more?
Answer:
Marco NO NO!
What type of fuckery is this? The only enjoyment I got out of watching this video was the beautiful scenery, & checking out Bow Wows tats. Sounds exciting, right? The hook is rather annoying. Soulja Boy, well, we all know he's wack, but, he fits this track perfectly. This definately will be going in the archives of LAME VIDEOS. Sorry folks Mellomusic is giving this track & video 2 thumbs down!
She's Baaaaaaaack!
Return of the Bad Girls
Song: Bad Girl ft. Missy Elliott
Album: Welcome To The Dollhouse
Related Post: March of the Dolls (Album Review)
Baby..Please...COME BACK!!!!
Song: Missin You
Album: Trey Day
First off, let me say, I LOVE THAT HE CUT HIS HAIR! We've all been in situations like this before. The case of having your cake & ice cream, or the best of both worlds. It feels good at the moment, but once its all over, we're left looking like a lost puppy. SAD AS SHIT. I love how he retracted to moments of "Last Time" bringing us to the current mood in which he's "missing" his #1 lady. This track is one of my many favorites, not just for the lyrical content, but the beat is bananas. Overall, great video.
Emergency Room
Artist: Joe
Song: Emergency Room
Album: New Man
'Gettin Up' on This!!
Artist: Q-Tip
Song: Gettin' Up
I came across this new joint from the homie Q-Tip. It's been a while since we heard anything from this kat, and I'm glad to hear this song. It's got a chill type vibe, and a nice hook. I haven't been able to find anything about an upcoming album or soundtrack that he's on with this, but stay tuned, I'll let ya know. Let me know if u feelin this joint...
Disturbance of the Mind
Artist: Rihanna
Song: Disturbia
Album: Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded
Sex Messages...Oops I mean TEXT MESSAGES
Artist: Raheem Devaughn
Song: Text Messages
Album: Love Behind The Melody (Deluxe Edition)
Video: 'Body On Me'
Song: Body On Me
There's so many things about this song that I shouldn't like: Akon's annoyingly irritating voice singing the hook, Ashanti singing....pretty much any part of the song, and then the way Nelly resorts to singing when he runs out of lyrics (ergo the end of the first verse). But for some reason this song has grown on me (dontcha hate it when that happens??). I think it's this video, which is pretty enjoyable to watch. Thank God Ashanti's sex appeal doesn't rest in her voice, and it's refreshing to see 2 clean cut gents instead of the constant thuggery. So yeah, the song grew on me, but only because the video is kinda hot...
He's got that MAGIC touch!!!
The King's Back!
Now there's been a lot of negativity on the blogsites about T.I. Folks sayin he was wrong, he was stupid, he's goin to jail... whatever. But we bloggers ain't all bad. I say let the law deal with T.I. and let T.I. deal with the law, as for the music... that's what Sound-Savvy is here for. Whatever You Like is the next single from his new album Paper Trail (official album cover above) and it's nowhere near as annoying as the Nicole Scherzinger joint of the same name. It's kinda got a relaxed feel to it, but it makes you feel like celebrating something and it's already a Sound-Savvy favorite. So if you're doubting or having second thoughts about gettin Paper Trail I suggest you take a listen...
Soundbyte: Marques Houston - Sunset
Mello: Hey..MH has a new one…sounds horrible
Mack: oh, Sunset?
Mello: Yea
Mack: i saw it at HHU but didn't listen, cause I don’t normally check for Marques
Mello: im a fan and im not feelin that
Mack: im listening now… u know what kills this track? The same thing that kills every MH album
Mello: his falsetto, his ass cant sing in that shit
Mack: that and his WACK ASS LYRICS. The instrumental is fine, I could hear Robin Thicke rockin this joint
Mello: yea, his voice is perfect for that type of song
Mack: but his vocals and his lyrics suck
Mello: plus the guitar overshadows him
Mack: thats actually a good thing, cause at about the 2 minute mark his voice got ultra annoying… and he sounds like a wounded dog at the end with all that moaning or purring whatever it is… same sound he makes in the beginning… trash that
Mello: yea
Mack: i know thas
Mello: I said, I’m a fan and even I DONT LIKE IT… sounds horrible
Mack: maybe he was imitating the way Raz-B sounded when Chris Stokes got done with him...LMAO
Video: Ashanti - Good Good
Album: The Declaration
TIYMLI: I Kissed A Girl
Southern Soul Personified
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’
-Mack-
'Everybody': The Fonzworth Show!
Song: Don't Stop
Pretty Ricky? Pretty Wack...
New Video: Alicia Keys - SuperWoman
Album: As I Am
DMX: The Lighter Side
Wow is all I can say... this song kinda reminds me of Why by Jadakiss but it's more intense. On this one DMX teams up with Seal to create this emotion-driven and stirring track. I presume this is on X's upcoming CD (which was earlier stated to be a gospel album). This track is unlike anything X has ever done before - no barking, no cursing - and could resurrect his career from beneath the ashes of his troubled past and present. At any rate, the song delivers 100%. Take a listen...
LL Cool J: Know When To Say When
Song: Baby
Album: Exit 13
Soundbyte: Keri Hilson - Energy
I don't want us to be the enemy, this love is takin' all of my energy...
This joint has been on repeat on my pod for a minute... Energy is the lead single from Keri Hilson's debut album In A Perfect World set for release on 9.23.08. You probably know her as the face from the Love In This Club video, the voice from Timbaland's The Way I Are, and the pen behind some of your favorite R&B tracks like 4 Minutes, Icebox, and MJB's Take Me As I Am. With a single like Energy the spotlight will be shifting directions very soon. Check it out...
In God's Son We Trust
Artist: Nas
Album: Untitled
Release Date: 7.15.08
It's about time... It's about time someone stopped makin it rain. It's about time someone stopped trying to "Supaman dat hoe" and said something worthy of a real hero. Nine albums deep in the game, and Nasty Nas is still pickin your brain and provoking thoughts. Nothin' against Weezy and Soulja Boy, but there comes a time when you've gotta use the power of the voice you have to speak for those who don't have one. Check below to read the official Sound-Savvy review of Nas' Untitled...
Mack: People will have a hard time admitting it but Nas is the best active rapper in the game right now
Mello: oh yea
Mack: and people won't like some of his music because it's the truth...
Mello: I saw the comment that someone left and I agree
Mack: yeah, Sane
Mello: he's the only one that aint out here wanting to make it rain
Mack: he's better than Weezy, and he's always been 10 levels above 50 cent
Mello: he's a real lyricist and I love this album
Mack: and he has something to say... this whole album is a history lesson and a wake up call all rolled into one. Hero was the perfect lead single; lyrically it just gives way to everything else on the album... it's a story of his own rise and maturity. He put in a nice catchy hook to grab the attentions of the masses and say "Hey look over here!" then when you get the album, he inundates you with the truth
Mello: exactly
Mack: Sly Fox is definitely gonna turn some heads... he's takin on the major media outlets
Mello: which is why I love it
Mack: and Fried Chicken is some real talk!! Busta’s like "I'mma eat some shit until what I’m eatin kills me. And I choose to do that. Why? Because that's just what niggas do..."
Mello: exactly... I love it!
Mack: I'm pretty sure he won't do as well as Weezy in sales, but as far as the quality of music, Nas has got it by a long shot. So let Weezy have the Billboard awards... Nas deserves the Grammy!
Mello: yea, wit this album, its a public service announcement: “Niggas exist in all nationalities!” That's a classic line. We Make the World Go Round wit Chris Brown is a nice piece
Mack: yeah, another lil somethin to attract the younger listeners... make them sit down and listen
Mello: "in
Mack: I really believe this dude is hip hop's hero… he's a teacher… and hip-hop is his classroom
Mello:the fundamentals of hip-hop have been resurrected with this album. As I stated in my is hip hop dead post it didn't die, its been put in a time capsule 2 be resurrected
Mack: and the good thing is, it speaks to EVERYONE... a lot of people would listen on the surface and think he's pro-black but he's pro-American, pro-earth, pro-Obama, pro-equality.
Mello: “Wake up
Mack: He uses his music wisely too. There's a lot of emotion in some of the tracks that Nas can't convey in his voice so he lets the music do it for him. Like the anger you can tell he feels in Sly Fox… the guitar on the track does justice to convey how he feels
Mack: or the sadness he feels for the ignorance of our whole country on
Mello: we welcome the rebirth of hip-hop
Mack: it's a REAL album... Nas has a lot to say
Mello: and sad 2 say..becuz of folks' ignorance they won't listen. He will capture @ least ONE persons attention… he definately caught mine
Mack: "No matter what the CD called I'm unbeatable y'all" Let’s GO ESCO!!!
Video: Jazmine Sullivan - I Need U Bad
This song has been gettin crazy airplay, and for good reason. Jazmine Sullivan is a hot new artist with a smokin voice. She's being hailed by many as the next Lauryn Hill. I don't agree with that comparison, but I do agree she's a force to be reckoned with. Let's just hope Missy's annoying voice isn't on every song she releases...
'Girls' We Do Adore
Mack: have u heard Lloyd's single with Weezy? Girls All Around The World?
Mello: yea
Mack: im watching the video now... Hype Williams directed it… nice video, song's aight
Mello: I didn't kno they had a video
Mack: yeah it's a futuristic type vibe... women everywhere...
Mello: imma have 2 check it out
Mack: his album drops August 5. It’s called Lessons In Love
Mello: I hope its good
Mack: his first 2 were good
Mello: yea, they were… I'm a fan of the pelican brief
Mack: LMAO @ Pelican brief
Mello: his big ass nose
Mack: on his first one (Southside), I liked Trance with Lil Wayne, Sweet Dreams, Take It Low, Cadillac Love
Mello: take it low was my shit!
Mack: yeah he did a clip of that in his Hey Young Girl video and had Ciara dancin
Mack: off his Streetlove album, I was really feelin Valentine, Player's Prayer, Streetlove (the title track) and Certified.
Mello: but both of those joints were good R&B cuts.
Mack: i think he gets slept on because he's with The Inc
Mello: that too
Mack: a lot of beef has been thrown their way... and they're not necessarily known for putting out talent in the R&B arena... i mean just look at
Mello: yea, I was bout to say that
Mack: But I've heard some stuff from the new album, and it sounds good... like he's constantly improving
Mack: Heart Attack would be a nice next single, it's a B. Cox joint, he’s always got some good slow jams.
Nas, the Hero??
Artist: Nas feat. Keri Hilson
Song: Hero
Avant: She Haunts Me
I'm soooooooo not feelin this joint!! Avant's always been a hit-and-miss artist to me and this one is definitely a miss. It's corny lyrics, he's damn near whining through most of the song, and did I mention how corny the lyrics are? He took some time off after the release of Director which was actually a decent album, but this new single is garbage... Step it up Avant, or step off...
The Return of B-Rocka
-Mack-
Noel Gourdin: Down Home Sangin!!
Shouts to iKnowTank.com for puttin me on to Noel Gourdin!! I got a chance to listen to a few cuts from this dude over the weekend, all I can say is this brutha can SANG!! Check out the video above for his cut The River a soulful trip down memory lane. I can't wait for a full album from this dude... R&B is on its way back up!!
TIYMLI: Thank You Disillusionment
Artist: Alanis Morisette
Album: Flavors of Entanglement
Release Date: 6.10.08
Appropriately titled, Flavors of Entanglement delivers many different flavors of Morissette’s personal emotional turmoil: from guitar- heavy rocked out anthems to the soothing piano-led balladry. She rocks out on Versions of Violence, and the album’s opener Citizen of The Planet; both feature the heavy rock guitars and match well against the rage in her voice. On the dance-ready Straitjacket lives the Alanis Morisette I remember from her earlier work, lyrically speaking. She strips away the metaphors and the sugar-coating and pours on the scorn full force: “I don’t know who you’re talking to with such fucking disrespect…” Um, yeah…she’s pissed! On the piano-led ballads Not as We and Torch however, the more vulnerable side is revealed and the songs themselves seem to cry. The latter features a gray marriage of piano and guitar, resulting in a somber melody. Tapes is a song of self-evaluation leading to discontent; displeasure with the person in the mirror. The closing song, Incomplete is one of my favorites; Alanis expresses her faith in better days to come and the ultimate desire of the human experience: a life of fulfillment.
This is a solid album, not just musically, but because it’s so relatable. Sure, there’s rage, there’s anguish and hurt, but there’s also an exposure to the vulnerability that’s less often expressed. It’s clear that Alanis Morissette’s best work is born out of her pain – this album was inspired by her recent breakup with actor Ryan Reynolds. Sucks for her, but its good for fans like me who need something like this in our moments of rage – something we can relate to. Flavors of Entanglement is a moving story of heartbreak, recovery and restoration, well-crafted and fully expressive. Give it a listen, you’ll thank me later...
Green Light: Upgraded
Take a listen, u feelin this joint?
Pol-B: Unsilenced and Unleashed!
Artist: Pol-B
Album: Unsilenced
Release Date: 5.13.08 (available on )
Preview some tracks on the Pol-B Myspace Page
Pol-B steps into the game with his independent debut, Unsilenced backed by his own independent label, Majeestyle. At first listen, you wouldn’t know this was the debut album from an independent artist. The production team brings the heat throughout while Pol-B delivers a
The album opens with Requiem, a mellow introductory track laced with clever metaphors. It’s an ode to the craft and sets the foundation for the album: For you I wear my heart on my sleeve, I know that you’ll never leave… Check the flow and the beat on Where Are They Now, an anthem that addresses the common threat to the common dream - that's right, the haters. For My Fly is a shout to those that, above all else, preserve the sexy even on the daily grind. Pol-B kicks it up a bit with the sexy hit for the clubs Uh Uh Uh, delivering an irresistible beat and infectious hook. Other highlights include Precision which establishes Pol-B as quite the wordsmith, and the soul-infused Lord Help Me, a nod to those making it through the struggle. My personal favorite is The Raw which includes a haunting sample of King Leonidas and the Spartan Army; there’s just an air of triumph that flows through the entire song.
This is not an album decorated with bling, or an oversexed project, nor is it fueled by any superficial beefs. The Drumatiks production team is featured on most of the album and brings just the right level of fire to the mix. Unsilenced returns hip-hop to its origins: infectious beats, lyrical dexterity, and a little something to make you move your feet. Pol-B is an independent artist that’s taken the reins of his career into his own hands by starting his own label, and is quickly takin this “itty bitty world by storm”… and he’s just gettin’ warm...
-Mack-
You Can Have Me Supersized...Remixed!!
Making it Over that Hump....
Its hump day, and though its the middle of the week, in my mind, it
feels like a dreadful Monday. So to help me deal, I'm listening to Ms.
Badu, "if I can get over that hump, then maybe I will feel better"...
Whether you're dealing with the typical stressors of life, know that
you're not alone. We all need to make it over that hump. Relieve
yourself of that stress. Treat yourself to something nice, call up a
girlfriend, do something outside of the norm. Trust me, you'll feel
better. I'm telling you, music SAVED my life, & it could do the same for
you, if you let it.
-Mello-
Who Really Got A Milli? Part Deux...
About a week ago, Ne-yo released a freestyle (amongst about 1000 others in the industry) to Weezy's A Milli. He has repeatedly denied that his lyrical spewings are aimed at anyone in particular...yeah, okay... So now, he's shot an official video for it... I think he's serious ya'll... someone has pissed off "the Gentleman"... It's good entertainment people...