The Stars Stand Up


Babyface and L.A. Reid have reunited once again to produce this inspirational single with an all-star all-female lineup. Just Stand Up is the new charitable single in support of the Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) initiative, an organization dedicated to raising funds for the advancement of cancer research. Lyrically, it's a very uplifting, and inspirational song, and there are some tremendous star power vocals here. Some of the biggest female stars in today's music have lent their talents to ensure the success of this single, leaving behind restrictions of age and genre to support a cause greater than them all. Check this out, and if you're a cancer survivor or know someone battling it, this song's for you.

-Mack-

Just Stand Up - Various Artists

Donnie Klang: Just A Rolling Stone

Artist: Donnie Klang
Album: Just A Rolling Stone
Release Date 9.2.08

Just A Rolling Stone is the debut album from Making The Band 4 alumnus Donnie Klang. While Donnie doesn’t have the urban edge of Day 26, or the confident sexiness of Danity Kane, he manages to fit right into a pop star slot with an album full of hot beats, catchy hooks and some pretty decent vocals. Of course there are the Justin Timberlake comparisons, but Justin had that urban appeal that Donnie just doesn’t have (and doesn’t need) with this debut. My verdict: this CD has quite a few cuts worth listening to and is definitely worth completing your Making The Band album collection.

There are some well-respected producers that contributed to this album, adding some strong foundation to Donnie’s breathy vocals. This album kicks off very upbeat with tracks specifically designed to make you dance. The first song is Take You There which features Diddy (performed by the duo on the finale of MTB4 season 2). The voice altering takes away from the song, and although it was the lead single, it doesn’t showcase what to expect on the album. Its successor and 2nd single is up next, Dr. Love, which gives a better taste of Donnie’s vocals over some hard-hiting beats from Channel 7 (formerly 7 Aurelius). Danja (in the clutch!) weighs in with the club-banger Hollywood Girl, the story of a small time sweetheart with big dreams and big ambition. Donnie also slows it down quite nicely on the Mario Winans ballad Catch My Breath, which almost sounds like a song made up totally of pick-up lines. Vocally, it’s very smooth and the harmonic and shows a different side of Donnie. Which One is a nice B. Cox joint about honesty and the burden of choosing between 2 lovers and surprisingly, it’s NOT a ballad. Other highlights include the title track (Just A Rolling Stone), The Rain, and My Idol, on which Donnie sings the praises of the woman who has unmistakably become The One.

There were a few tracks that could have been left on the cutting room floor. The Dream contributed to Hurt That Body which is another dance track that gets a bit annoying after the 2-minute mark. Then there’s the self-indulgent Pretty Girls Cry (which has a touch of MJ in the beat, circa P.Y.T. era). The vocals are very breathy and it’s hard to envision insecure little Donnie making any girl cry without a few tears of his own to accompany.

Just A Rolling Stone is due out in stores on September 2, consequently the same day as Young Jeezy’s The Recession so they’ll battle it out for the #1 spot. If you’re looking for another R&B record, this album is not for you. Expect some hard hitting dance joints, some above average vocals and some pretty decent content. Pop fans, if you like N’Sync, and the reincarnation of New Kids on the Block, you’re likely to find pleasure in Donnie’s debut, it gives you boy band without the rest of the band…

-Mack-

Lions and Tigers and Bears...Oh MY!!!



Yeah, that's what I said when I heard this joint from the lovely Jazmine Sullivan. Shouts to my man Tank over at www.iknowtank.com for sending me this joint this morning. I told you before how amazing this girl's voice is, and I'm sure by now you've heard I Need U Bad all over your radio stations. Her debut album, Fearless, is due in stores September 23rd, and if you're not planning to get it, might I suggest you press play right here, and let Lions and Tigers change your mind...

Good Morning Mr. West


There's a laundry list of adjectives one could use to describe Kanye West. But somewhere at the top of everyone's list is creative. This video is for the opening track to Kanye's Graduation album, and it features an animated incarnation of his infamous mascot, Dropout Bear as he overcomes adversities to get to his own graduation. After hearing Kanye's life through his albums, this animated clip appears more autobiographical than just a short metaphorical story of his journey to the Graduation album. Kanye is set apart in the rap game by his audacity to be different, and this clip shows his ability to excel far beyond his competition, lyrically, and imaginatively. And besides, you can't help but love Mr. West!!


-Mack-

John Legend: If You're Out There


History is being made this week at the Democratic National Convention. Michelle Obama and Ted Kennedy gave two rousing, heartfelt speeches that brought a sense of unity, family and hope to bring all generations together (click here to see Michelle's speech). But one of the highlights of the first day of the convention was John Legend's spine-tingling performance of his new song "If You're Out There". This isn't the first time Legend has vocalized his support of Barack Obama and the democratic committee, he also appeared on the track "Yes We Can" by Will.I.Am earlier this year. This performance features the Agape International Choir and the message is a call to action for our generation. The time is now, there is a need for change, and we can do it. The future started yesterday, and we're already late...
Related Post: The Urgency of Now: The Time For Change!


-Mack-

Pink says 'So What?!'

So what?!? I'm still a rockstar...


Hey you guys, it's Pink!! LOL... i just had to do that. I rocks with Pink, for real. She's so animated, so real, and she doesn't give a damn what anyone thinks or says! Check out this video for So What, the lead single to her 5th studio album Funhouse, due out in late October. It's creative, it's funny, and it's real. Pink revives a couple of her infamous spoofs, and adds a lighthearted kick to a potentially volatile situation. The song was born out of her recent separation and divorce from her husband Carey Hart. In February, she released a statement saying "we are best friends..." and "mine and Carey's future just might involve beach babies and sunshine one day. Just not right now...". Statements like that usually make me think "Yeah, right!" especially with a song like this where she's clearly more than a little pissed. But Hart's cameo toward's the end of the clip signifies there's no bad blood, maybe just a little water under the bridge. I'm just glad Pink is still making honest music; when shit happens she writes a song about it... like to hear it? Here it goes...

-Mack-

THE STANDARD: The Soundtrack



So you went and got your nice outfit because you knew this would be a hell of a party; ladies spent a couple hours in the salon, fellas got those fresh lineups; pulled out a lil extra cash so you could have a drink in hand all night. You looked good, you smelled good, and you were probably feelin on cloud nine after that second or third drink. But there's always that one element that actually makes the party... it's called the Soundtrack.

Shouts to Tank, Lydia and Indya for throwing one of the hottest parties of the summer: The Standard. Birthdays come once a year, and this party has raised the bar for celebrating in style - they gave US a gift for comin to their party, how cool is that? And double shouts to the DJ's: Tab D'Biassi (The Million Dollar DJ) and DJ Buttafingaz for keepin the ladies hips movin and the fellas on their 2-step game all night. The music was crazy, from the 80's jams, to the 90's grooves; from my native go-go sounds, to that crazy reggae set, to today's hottest hip-hop and R&B, the DJ's definitely held it down all night long. So in true Sound-savvy style, I'mma hook you up. If you missed it, or weren't invited, or u just wanna relive a little bit of the party vibe, u might enjoy this playlist... don't thank me, thank THE STANDARD.

-Mack-

Officially Hot!!

I had pretty much written Cassie off as the 2nd coming of Lumidee (yeah, I know you don't remember her, she's the Uh-oh one-hit wonder girl). She's not totally out of the doghouse, but I gotta admit this song is really kinda hot! The beat is so infectious, and, while her vocals are very light over the track, she does it some justice. Vocally and visually though, she's very reminiscent of Aaliyah. Anyone else think the song and video were aimed at Diddy? It's a nice summertime joint, and she looks amazing in the video. Oh, and Weezy's added his "platinum touch" to set it off just right.


'Green Light' is a GO!!!


I'm wondering if John Legend was reading my mind when he decided to make this song. I'd say I'm a fan of his, I've got his first 2 albums and his first live album. I've seen him perform here a few times. But honestly, he was starting to turn very lounge singer meets elevator music meets grocery store Muzak to me. The opening to the video kinda says that maybe he was feeling that way too, but releasing this single was total genius: it showcases a different, more modern sound for him, and Andre 3000 is one of those artists who makes everything hot - song AND video! Get down bruh, go head get down! Greenlight is the lead single to Legend's 3rd album, Evolver due out October 28th.

WHOA!! Terrrence Howard, Don't Quit Your Day Job



Here's a classic example of EVERYONE CANT DO EVERYTHING. Terrence Howard, please sit down. This is the first single from a self proclaimed "urban country" artist. URBAN COUNTRY?? That's a mix that I just don't see bruh. Rule #1, establish yourself as a valid singer FIRST before you try to change up the game. This song is very dry, and the raspiness in his voice adds nothing to the song. Mr. Howard, since you're an Oscar nominated artist, I suggest you ACT like you got some sense, and either step your music up or step off. Really, you're messing up my Friday...

On a positive note, I am looking forward to your next film (whatever it may be), and a bigger role for you in the sequel to Iron Man.

Da' Flow Fridays



Check out the newest addition to Sound-Savvy: Da' Flow. We want to keep you in the groove, so we'll keep our playlist updated with whatever we're listening to. Each week we'll give you a different theme to check out. This is our first edition, a showcase of the guys in R&B with some of their latest music. The playlist is at the bottom of the page, and you can stop it, or switch tracks if you'd like. Happy listening...

Ne-yo: Miss Independent



Props to Ne-yo for representin' for the fellas. This is one of my favorite jams on the radio right now. There's something just sexy about a woman that wants ya but don't need ya. And this, ladies and gentleman, is why Year of the Gentleman will be one of the hottest releases of the year!!

Related Post:
- The Prescription is In: R&B Edition
- She Got It...
-Mack-

Making The Band 4: Season 3, Episode 1 Rewind


Mello
: I'm addicted to MTB…and Big Mike
Mack: lol… clearly
Mello: shutup
Mack: i saw your message from last night
Mello: yea Laurie Ann is a trip
Mack: I LOVE her!!
Mello: she's crazy
Mack: nah... she's got vision
Mello: yea, I know but her vibe is hilarious/crazy
Mack: I love her work ethic. She sees something and she pulls it out of you. A lot of people aren't used to someone that's balls to the wall for what they see in their mind
Mello: her & diddy been bumping skins
Mack: oh yeah... i got a little teary with their lil heart to heart moment. Oh, and classic Aubrey...."oops BOOBIES!"
Mello: she's a hot ass! I love her tho
Mack: she's the comic relief side to DK... she's so candid. I love watchin her
Mello: yea… dawn & q still goin… I love them!
Mack: in that preview clip he was like "Dawn I think I wanna marry you!"
Mello: yea
Mack: oh yeah... u think they're really getting married?
Mello: hmmm… with them its hard 2 tell. They're soooo in love
Mack: yeah. i think the network is playin it up, but I definitely think Aubrey and Donnie bumped uglies too
Mello: oh yea of course, with her hot ass anything’s a go
Mack: she's so real tho... she's the type of chick that would fart around u… lol
Mello: oh yea I know. That's why I like her… its her "I don't give a fuck" attitude
Mack: The guys dance steps looked a lot better with Laurie Ann though. They were hittin some classic New Edition steps
Mello: they're more crisp
Mack: yeah... but in the back of my mind i'm wondering... can they sing while they're doin all this
Mello: true… they definately will need stamina
Mack: yeah, cause Diddy don't play... and neither do I
Mello: lol
Mack: I will blast your ass if you get up on stage dancing and out of breath when u sing. I wanna hear what I heard on the album or better and I wanna see a SHOW with it!
Mello: true
Mack: but I got faith in these guys, they can do it. that album is hot... stays in rotation on my iPod. I don't know about Donnie though, I feel kinda bad for him.
Mello: yea
Mack: His CD is not gonna make #1… it may do top 5, but it's not gonna be #1... Young Jeezy is releasing "The Recession" on the same day
Mello: I'm going 2 support Donnie
Mack: Diddy strategically planned the releases of Day 26 and Danity Kane so that they wouldn't be competing with any other major artists...but it's like ‘whatever’ for Donnie!
Mello: he will get some sales but he’s not gonna do dk or day 26 #s
Mack: nah... his vibe is totally different too. More pop, Justin Timberlake-ish
Mello: true… imma support him. I can't wait 4 da next episode!

Related Posts
-Day'Ja Vu?
-March of the Dolls

Not Quite His Time


Artist: Noel Gourdin
Album: After My Time
Release Date: 7.22.08

It’s taken me a while to write this review, because I’ve been trying to give it an honest chance. I picked up this CD as I browsed my local Best Buy a few weeks ago. The price was lookin’ pretty nice and since I liked his single, The River, I decided to give this brother a chance. I’ll be honest, initially I didn’t like it and it’s taken about the full 2 weeks to start growing on me. It wasn’t as good as I expected, and I doubt it will stay in my rotation, but there are a few nice cuts on it. Now usually when it comes to new artists, there’s a lead single to get my attention and the second single determines whether I’ll buy the album or not, but hey it was 7.99 so I figured he could get the benefit of the doubt off just one song. There’s no denying Noel Gourdin is a talented vocalist, but it takes more than a voice to make a good album.

After My Time (though littered with old school samples) lacks any real depth of content, and there’s barely any originality. Most of this project comes off as candy-shop music – a few appealing samples, but nothing of value under the wrapper. One Love is the opening track and is one of the more enjoyable songs on the album. The harmonies here mesh well with the production over a smooth mid-tempo beat. I’d also recommend I Fell, and my favorite, Led You On, which is probably the most lyrically deviant and musically speaking, the best to listen to. The sound and feel of the band backing his vocals on this track is the most genuine, and this is clearly where Gourdin fits the best. But then there are tracks like Hurts Like Hell and P.Y.T. where the vocals are nice, but the lyrics seem dry and almost desperate. The hook on Open can get a bit annoying after a while, and I probably would have shortened this down to an interlude instead of a full track.

Vocally, his sound and style is very reminiscent of Carl Thomas, but more modern. I had hope for this guy, but I’m not sure if I’d recommend it to my R&B fans out there. After My Time sounds like it’s just been overproduced and the lyrics have been pieced together from today’s larger R&B acts. Gourdin has a natural vocal ability that would probably fit better without as much production; I’d like to hear him do an acoustic set, or more tracks with the backing of a live band, and write some more emotional songs instead of the same stale R&B lyrics. Maybe it was lack of the artist’s creative control, or maybe it was too much creative control, but when it comes to After My Time, I wish him better luck next time…

Related Post: Noel Gourdin: Down Home Sangin!!

-Mack-

WORLD, WHAT'S GOIN ON?!?


This is a real news story, about a real event, experienced by a real human being. This hits home because Levi Lee is a fellow alumnus of Johnson C. Smith University, and this is his story. Sound-Savvy has readers of all races, and I don't want this article to cause anyone to make blanket generalizations about any one race. This isn't just an act of hatred, it's an act of ignorance, cowardice and disregard for human life. When will we realize that we need each other to survive? When will we realize that skin color is but a miniscule element in the makeup of a man, and has no bearing on a man's character? When we have to see pictures of this in our newspapers or on our blogsites, when do we stop and ask ourselves: WHAT'S GOIN ON??

'They Just Beat Us Up Because Of The Color Of Our Skin'
By Wendy Ruderman
The Philadelphia Daily News
Posted on 8.18.08

LEVI LEE and Bryson Mills arrived on the doorstep of the Daily News last week looking bruised and battered.

Even hard-bitten reporters - their eyes widening - seemed taken aback by the appearance of the two young men.

Their clothes were smudged with blood. Mills gingerly pressed an ice pack to his right eye, which was swollen shut. Lee sported gashes in his lip and head.

But the worst injuries weren't visible.

As victims of an alleged hate crime, Lee and Mills said they suffered the kind of soul-penetrating wounds that may never completely heal.

"They didn't know us," Lee said. "We didn't know them.

"They just beat us up because of the color of our skin."

Lee and Mills, both 22, said that they were so disturbed by the experience that they felt compelled to speak out publicly. They recounted their story with a kind of mild-mannered outrage:

Mills had just one more week of summer vacation before classes resumed at Bloomsburg University, where he is captain of the basketball team. Lee, who graduated from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, N.C., in May, wanted to show his childhood friend a good time before he went back to school.

Duded up in designer clothing, they spent Thursday night clubbing in Old City. They finished the evening at Moda Lounge, a hip place on Chestnut Street known for speciality cocktails and a big dance floor. At about 2 a.m., they walked along Market Street, looking to catch a cab home. The streets were peppered with weary partyers. Suddenly, at 5th and Market streets, Lee and Mills said that they spotted about six or seven white men chasing a black man.

" 'Get back here, n-----,' " one yelled, according to Lee and Mills. " 'We gonna get you, n-----.' "

One of the white guys took a swing at the black guy, and Mills said that he yelled out something like, "Yo, they're jumping that black guy!"

The pack of white males turned their attention to Mills and Lee, while the guy they were chasing took off toward Penns Landing and disappeared.

"That's when they came running towards us and said, 'You f------ n------,' " Lee said.

One guy took a swing at Mills, striking him in the shoulder. Mills said he threw a punch and another guy joined the fight. Lee stepped in to help Mills, and three other white guys pounced. Some wielded two-by-fours. The wooden planks sliced Lee's face, according to Mills and Lee.

As stunned witnesses watched, Lee said he ran into the middle of Market Street and stopped a police car. Meanwhile, Mills lay crumbled on the ground after getting repeatedly stomped, kicked and punched. The white guys ran off, screaming racial slurs, Mills and Lee said.

"It's like they had no regard for us as human beings," Mills said.

Paramedics took Mills and Lee to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, where they spent six hours before doctors determined that they had suffered no broken bones or serious head injuries. Mills' girlfriend, Courtney Gordon, said that she was deep asleep at 4:30 a.m. when Lee called.

"He said, 'I need you to come to the hospital. Bryson's eye looks very bad,' " Gordon said.

When she got to Jefferson about a half-hour later, Gordon said that she tried to hide her horror when she saw Mills. By then, police Det. Thomas Galonsky was there to take their statements. He informed them that police already had two suspects in custody.

"There was a real good witness, an independent witness, who watched the whole thing," Galonsky said in a phone interview Friday.

The witness pointed out two guys, who were nabbed about a block away from 5th and Market, Galonsky said.

Police arrested Richard Lyons, 25, and James Genearao, 26, also known as James Cummings, both from the city's Fishtown section. Lyons and Genearao, who was charged under the name Cummings, were charged with criminal conspiracy, possession of an instrument of a crime, simple assault, aggravated assault, terroristic threats, reckless endangerment and ethnic intimidation.

Galonsky said that he was still trying to identify other possible suspects. He didn't know whether to characterize the incident as a hate crime, he said.

"I think some hate might have come out during the attack, but I don't know what sparked the whole thing," he said.

Lyons' mother, Nicole Lyons, said that her son is not a racist.

"I know my son and he's not anything like that," she said.

She claimed that Mills and Lee attacked her son, perhaps in an attempt to rob him. Genearao's family could not be reached for comment.

Lee and Mills grew up together in North Philly and graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School. They both won college scholarships. In college, they thrived, feeling as though no matter their ethnicity or where they came from, if they worked hard nothing could hold them back.

Now they are less certain of that. Never before had they encountered such in-your-face racism, Lee and Mills said.

Mills' mother, Anita Bethea, said that she cried when her son told her what had happened.

"Something just dropped in me," Bethea said. "It really hurt. I was upset that he had to learn that racial tension and racial hatred still exist in 2008. His belief that all is right with the world is gone. There is no getting it back." *


TIYMLI: An Alien From Outer Space

Artist: Janelle Monae
Album: Metropolis - The Chase Suite
Release Date: 8.12.08

What's up Sound-Savvy readers, wanted to hit you with Bad Boy's newest, freshest talent: a cybergirl by the name of Janelle Monae. Don't expect this to be your traditional Bad Boy sound. It seems Puff let go of all the creative strings, and the result is something a lil out of this world. Check her out, we think you may like her.

Mack: aight Janelle Monae, what can I say?
Mello: a very colorful artist to say the least
Mack: yeah very imaginative, she does a great job painting the story
Mello: as most artists should
Mack: I like her cause she brings something different. She's like straight outta left field
Mello: luckily, I caught the ball. I feel her on each track, from beginning to end
Mack: a lot of people won't though; her content will go right over their heads
Mello: of course, some people will judge her book by its cover and won't give her a listen
Mack: but even her voice is very strong. I could tell she was holding back a little but she's got a tiger in there
Mello: she might be saving that 4 her full album, just giving those willing to listen, something to look forward to
Mack: yeah. I really liked Sincerely Jane and Smile. Smile kinda has that old school feel to it almost like somethin out of the 60s. Well it is a remake, but her voice gives it that old school touch, keeps it classic. Nat King Cole did the original
Mello: yea, I really love the lead track, Violet Stars, its so different
Mack: I like her fresh vibe... not really R&B, not really pop, she's like an alternative mesh between them all with a techno spin
Mello: like an Andre 3000
Mack: I could hear her teamin up with him
Mello: that'll be explosive, two random personalities on one track
Mack: yeah, and I would also love to hear her work with N.E.R.D. They both have such alternative styles. That would be one colorful ass song… and one high ass recording session! Shrooms and purple pills!
Mack: from what I read about her, she's got some background in broadway too. That's probably why her instrumentals sound so good with her vocals. She's used to that big band sound. I like her, definitely interested to see what she’s got next.

Related Post: TIYMLI: Try It You Might Like It

Monica is 'Still Standing'



We asked for it, we got it... Monica's putting the finishing touches on a new album due out this fall, and we're ready for her to redeem herself. The Makings of Me was largely a disappointment to Monica's longtime fans due to its lack of content, vocals and all around effort. Yet hope remains that Miss Thang can bounce back and bring it home. The first single Still Standing features fellow ATLien Ludacris, and discusses her struggles and resilience - which seems to be a resounding theme from ATL's heavy hitters. She dealt with the suicide of her ex-boyfriend Jarvis, which she discussed quite a bit on I Wrote This Song from the After The Storm album. Judging from the title of her new project, we may be in for another more personal look into the life of Monica, which could yield some hard-hitting and enjoyable content. However this first single is not strong enough to convince me that the classic Monica that I grew to love in the 90's is back. My fingers are still crossed. Check it out here...

-Mack-

Brandy is back, and she's HUMAN



YES!!! I am a huge fan of B-Rocka and I've been anxiously awaiting her return!! Her 5th studio album, Human, will be in stores in November. Here is the first official single, entitled Right Here (Departed). Listen to how strong her voice has grown over the years. A new look, a new label, a stronger sound and she's back with Rodney 'Darkchild' Jerkins, the mastermind producer behind several of her previous hits. Brandy has been in the game with hits for almost 15 years, and it sounds like she's coming back stronger than ever. Check out her new single right here!!

Related Post: The Return of B-Rocka
-Mack-

Yung Berg: Whose Album Is It Anyway?

Artist: Yung Berg
Album: Look What You Made Me
Release Date: 8.12.08

I had to be very objective when listening to this CD, because I’m really not a fan of Yung Berg. In fact, I don’t even like him. He comes off unnecessarily arrogant in his interviews, his rhymes are really not that great, and I’m guessing he didn’t get the memo that doing a nursery rhyme with Ray J. doesn’t do much for your career – I mean come on, it’s Ray J. But anyway, I got a copy of Berg’s debut album Look What You Made Me and I gotta say, it’s better than I expected. Don’t get it twisted though, this album is far from being a classic, but there are a few tracks I could keep in rotation...

The truth of the matter is that it’s really not Yung Berg that makes this CD worth the listen. More than half the songs on this album are collaborations, with some highly respected artists by the way. There’s Brandy’s brother, Twista, Trey Songz, Lloyd, Amerie, Eve, reggae artist Collie Buddz. The title track is a nice intro to Yung Berg the artist, and discusses his influences, past record deals (he was signed at age 15 to DMX’s Bloodline Records) and the factors that have shaped him as an artist. The problem with the remainder of the CD is you really only listen to see how well he blends with other, superior talent. Where Do We Go with Twista is one of the album’s better moments, but he’s outshined on his own track by Twista’s superior wordplay. Then there’s One Night featuring Trey Songz, one of the many songs for the ladies. This is probably the arena where Yung Berg fits best – making songs for the ladies. His attempts to establish any type of street cred (Do That There) hardly seem authentic. Another highlight of the album is Get Your Number with Amerie, but only because her spicy vocals save this track from the total wackness of Berg’s lyrics: shawty fish bowlin’, so I drop flakes… Yeah, okay… Even Eve drops in a hot verse on the album's closer, Victory Lap, but Berg takes a backseat yet again and just can't cut it next to the pitbull in a skirt.

Case in point: Look What You Made Me proves that the right amount of guest appearances can make any album worthwhile. The problem is Yung Berg’s lyrical ability and talents are minimized next to the well-established artists on his album. On most of the tracks, you’re really only listening for their contributions rather than his. But hey, it is what it is, and THEY still make the album pretty good, even if he doesn’t.

-Mack-

Don't Touch My Radio


I posted this track a few months back, when it first leaked to the net. Last night was the premiere of Musiq's Access Granted for Radio. Nice concept, nice video, bangin song. Musiq is on his way back with his 4th studio release, due out in November. Stay tuned, Sound-Savvy will keep you updated. For now, please don't touch my radio...

The Greatest



Some of you read in the R&B Prescription post a few weeks back that Michelle Williams' debut album, Unexpected, was set to drop next week. Well, as is normal in the music biz, her album has been pushed back, now set for an October 7th release. I had featured this song in that post, but it's really so special that it deserves it's own post. This is set to be her next single from the album, it's called The Greatest and it's one of the best ballads I've heard all year. Vocally, lyrically and musically, this song totally delivers Michelle's unique style. Listen to it here:


-Mack-

Year of The Lover....



Artist: Lloyd
Album: Lessons in Love
Release Date: 8.5.08


Mr. Long-Hair-Don't-Care has returned with his third release, "Lessons in Love" ,an album laced with lyrics that illustrate love, relationships, and sex. It's very clear he wanted to make that certain someone feel extra special. Unlike his 2nd album, (Street Love), this album is more fluid in its delivery. Each song tells a story and contributes to the album's concept; the compilation flows straight through, taking you on a calming,yet sensual ride.

For those listeners looking to feed their sexual appetite, take a listen to "Year of the Lover". He speaks highly of that special lady, whom he caters to in every way imaginable. "...this is the year of the lover, lets make a baby..." Let me point out that this is my favorite track off the album. Every woman should be taken care of in this manner. What female wouldn't love to be the leading lady in this video? Unfortunately, if I were the star, this would have to be reserved for BET'S UNCUT. I'm not sure if Lil Lloyd could handle Mellomusic. But nonetheless, fellas, please take note! The lyrics of "I Can Change Your Life" tell of a woman in a relationship where she's unappreciated and being treated less than what she deserves. He feels he's the missing piece to her puzzle. ..."I can change your life, if you let me..."

If you enjoy ballads, chances are you will love this album, as it's full of the grown and sexy slow jams. This album shows growth on many levels for Lloyd, and his maturity is duly noted. Though its not on the level of Southside, it definitely serves its purpose and delivers some lessons in the art of love...
-Mello-

Walk On By, Into Eternal Rest

Mello: Isaac Hayes died today
Mack: jeez... they say death comes in threes
Mello: yup… wild
Mack: yeah, 2 in one weekend… ‘Shaft’ is gone… he had layed kinda low after he left South Park but he was a legend long before he played the voice of Chef. He was a Grammy award winner and an Oscar winner
Mello: yea
Mack: says they found him next to a still-running treadmill
Mello: yea, a family member found him
Mack: The hearts of the entire world are heavy this weekend
Mello: yes they are the world lost 2 GREAT icons within one day of each other
Mack: you just never know when its your time
Mello: that's why you have 2 be prepared, and live right while ur here
Mack: do right by others all the time
Mello: and live each moment of ur life as if its ur last, have fun, live as stress free as possible
Mack: Remember 'Walk On By' from the Dead Presidents soundtrack?
Mello: yea
Mack: that song was a remake, but his version was still so memorable, probably more than the original
Mello: yea classic
Mack: my prayers go out to his wife, his kids, and all his family and friends. I know this is tough for them. You know he was into that whole Scientology religion, i'm interested to see how the funeral will be done
Mello: yea... scientology is kinda weird
Mack: Wikipedia says "At a funeral service, the minister speaks directly to the departing spirit and grants forgiveness for anything the deceased has done so he can begin life anew"
Mello: doesn't sound all too different from what happens @ regular services
Mack: well, the minister doesn't speak to the spirit of the dead, he speaks words of comfort and rememberance to the family. And he doesn't have the authority to grant forgiveness of sins, only God does.
Mello: I didn't look @ it from that stand point
Mack: At any rate, I wish his spirit well… May he find peaceful rest

Bernie Mac: An Angel of Comedy


Wherever I am, I have to play...I have to put on a good show.


Mack: I am in complete disbelief… Bernie Mac...
Mello: yea me too
Mack: i got a text while i was in the gym... that's so shocking
Mello: yea it is…
Mack: An Original King of Comedy
Mello: all i remember is "I want some milk and cookies"…that keeps playin in my head
Mack: right...lol, that's what i keep remembering: so I backed back, said "bust a move... BUST A MUTHAFUCKIN MOVE"
Mello: its sad
Mack: time waits for nothing and no one
Mello: you're right about that: "Him downstairs…"
Mack: i feel like I lost an Uncle
Mello: damn..its bittersweet… he suffered for a minute
Mack: i didn't even know he was sick, I’ve been so out of touch with the news
Mello: well he suffered from sarcoidosis… the thing with folks gettin sick is sometimes it HITS you all at once til the point, sometimes you cant recover
Mack: yeah
Mello: word is, doctors said he would make a full recovery. But sometimes, doctors just say that to keep the family at ease
Mack: and the world
Mello: but, damn...BERNIE MAC though! The world has truly lost another great pioneer
Mack: i know...it hurts to think about he set the trend for our generation of comedians
Mello: and the thing is...he came from a rough background
Mack: and rose to the top
Mello: he truly turned tragedy to triumph…made something of himself, and now EVERYONE respected him for the man that he was
Mack: He's an icon... he is the one kids should want to be like
Mello: he was a man of true character…I can only imagine how Steve, D.L, & Cedric are feeling… thats like one of us dying, God forbid
Mack: yeah, my prayers are with them, and his family
Mello: partners in the game… losing a teammate
Mack: yeah... they helped each other rise to the top... together, like brothers
Mello: this isn't even music related, but he was an individual that stood for something, just as Sound-Savvy does and we MUST pay HOMAGE
Mack: i wanna dedicate a song to him
Mello: to one of the GREATEST
Mack: Alicia Keys "Wanna Tell You Somethin"
Mello: this is a void that won't ever be filled
Mack: nah, but heaven has a hilarious new angel up there
Mello: ur right. I know GOD is having a great time
Mack: maybe we'll have more sunshine now, cause I'm sure Bernie Mac will have God smiling
Mello: along with all the greats that went before him
Mack: the angels have plenty of entertainment now… Rest In Peace Mr. Mac…

I Can Make You Uncomfortable-er

Let me just start by sayin this: I'm not racist, nor am I ignorant (sometimes I may just act a lil ignorant...) But anyway, I had an interesting flight back from Tampa. I was seated in an exit row (yaay LEG ROOM) and since one of my coworkers flies first class I board first. I get to my seat, strap on my seatbelt and get comfy for the 90 minute flight. Due to the screaming infant and lack of parental strongarming I whipped out my iPod. Then comes my 'neighbor', some middle-aged guy who gives me an odd look before he plops down next to me and starts purposely bumping and banging my arm and the left side of my body in an effort to get seated and belted. He proceeded to nudge my elbow in an obvious attempt to be "king of the armrest". Wrong move buddy. I planted my elbow firmly and looked him square in the eye, no words needed but every few minutes for the entire flight he would try again. After about the 3rd attempt I realized I would need to employ some ignorant ass techniques - one of us would be uncomfortable and it damn sure wouldn't be me. So I proceeded to find the nastiest, raunchiest, most loudly vulgar rap songs on my iPod and blast at full volume. From Nas' "Be A Nigger Too" to DMX's "All My Niggas". By this point he was squirming, very much uneasy, because he could hear every word through my loud ass earbuds. I played some Lil Kim and switched to Plies' "Please Excuse My Hands" and I thought he would report me when I played "I Feel Like Fuckin" - he actually got up and walked to the bathroom. Bottom line is simple, he tried but I won. I never knew caucasians could get so red. Besides, it was just a damn armrest...

-MackN2U of SoundSavvy-
www.sound-savvy.com
A community for true fans of real music.

Politics As Usual: Remixed - OBAMANABLE?



I came across this video this morning, a response from a white rapper named E-Shy, with his remix to Luda's controversial track that was originally in favor of Barack Obama. I figured it was only a matter of time before someone came out with a response to build up a little buzz for themselves. His content isn't as offensive as Luda's on Politics As Usual but he had some interesting things to say about the popular presidential candidate. What can I say? Luda was speaking for the people, and apparently so is E-Shy, just a different set of people. But I'm interested to know your thoughts... please leave comments.

Related Post: Politics As Usual

Kings of the South Double Up



Artists: Ludacris and T.I.
Song: Wish You Would

Shouts out to my main man Tank over at www.iknowtank.com for the lookout on this track. 2 of the souths biggest rappers in the game have squashed their infamous beef (LIKE MEN!!) and recorded a song TOGETHER! Don't say I didn't warn you (I gave you a prescription two days ago!!) Luda and T.I. are seriously making history with this one. Double the swag, double the flow, double the hotness! Turn it up, make it knock!!


-Mack-

Sex Messages on Overload...2forthepriceof1







What do you get when you add two of the hottest artists from the DMV on one track? Eargasmic music! Raheem teamed up with Studio 43 owns Marky to create a mix aimed to hit THAT spot, of course for the ladies. Mellomusic is officially giving this her stamp of approval. Raheem definately aims to please on this track, as previously noted in my "Sex Messages" post. And ladies, there's definately more to Marky than meets the eye. He has an intoxicating spirit & is very personable. Keep your ears & eyes open for whats to come next in the world of Markyland. Of course Sound-Savvy will keep you posted. Be on the lookout for an exclusive interview coming soon.


-Mello-

T.I. - Whatever You Like

Artist: T.I.
Song: Whatever You Like
Album: Paper Trail

It's nice to see the more lighthearted side of T.I. for a change. He proves that when he's not swattin' haters like flies, he can still share a good laugh. Nice concept, great song, great video. And once again ladies and gentlemen, the King puts it down... Paper Trail, due in stores September 30th... DO NOT get caught sleepin on T.I.

Related Posts:
- Your Prescription is IN: Hip-Hop Edition
-Mack-

Party Like A Rockstar!!

All the girls standing in the line for the bathroom!
Artist: N.E.R.D. featuring Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, and Pusha T
Song: Everybody Nose (Remix)
Album: Seeing Sounds

What can I say about this video? 80's kids stand up!! You've gotta hear the album to totally feel this video and know what kinda vibe they were on to conceptualize something like this. Donkey Kong makes an appearance alongside some of the other prehistoric video games from the decade that shaped our streams of consciousness! Then you add some of the best rappers in the game right now to the mix. N.E.R.D. is on some good shit right now, I think I'mma catch contact just watchin the video...


Related Post: Spaz If You Want To!

-Mack-

Your Prescription Is IN: Hip-Hop Edition

Aight ya’ll so last week I gave you the prescription to cure your ears of the lameness of R&B music. There are some hot releases comin up soon so make sure you go and cop those. If you missed it, you can check that list out here. Hip-hop heads, ya boy didn’t forget about you, and I want you to know what’s goin on in the world of hip-hop. There’s a lot of good stuff out right now that you may wanna go ahead and cop, like the new Nas CD, Untitled, along with lyrical giants Lupe Fiasco, and Kanye. But here’s 5 more hip-hop albums to look forward to, cause if hip-hop is dead, consider this a revival...


Artist: Young Jeezy
Album: The Recession
Release Date: 9.2.08

Well it looks like we’re already there Jeezy, but thanks for the reminder. Just to be honest, nothing really impressed me about Young Jeezy before. His trap star rhymes and content hadn’t really been of interest to me and his voice seemed to drag on in his music. I think it was I Love It, that actually made me pay attention, and then his track with Keyshia Cole, Dreamin. With his matriculation in the game, Jeezy’s content has undergone a phase of maturity, and he’s stepping in to his own voice, with more relatable, more interesting content. He’s been a hip-hop favorite for a while now, so The Recession should keep him out of one. Put On is the first single, which features Kanye West, and the remix featuring Jay-Z was released and proved to be an even hotter track, but also check out his next single Crazy World right here…


Artist: T.I.
Album: Paper Trail
Release Date: 9.30.08

Album #6 is on it’s way for the Rubber Band Man. Hip-hop fans tend to gravitate towards music they can feel and relate to and T.I. has lived through enough for the whole hood to feel him. Beyond legal drama, the death of his daughter and a close friend and the hate thrown his way by the media, T.I. proved he’s still standing, no matter what. The album is said to include collaborations from long time collaborator Swizz Beatz, Trey Songz, Kanye West and rock stars Fall Out Boy. No Matter What was the first single, and he’s recently released his second single from Paper Trail a track called Whatever You Like. But here’s one of my bangers from this new joint, it’s called What Up, What’s Happenin’ dedicated to every single hater, we see you…


Artist: Ludacris
Album: Theater of the Mind
Release Date: 10.21.08

This is Luda’s 6th studio album, and if you’ve ever purchased a Ludacris CD, you know he always makes it hotter than July in the ATL when he’s spittin. Now if you’re doubting this, think of how many Ludacris songs you’ve blasted in the whip. Luda’s last CD, Release Therapy, won him the Grammy for best Rap Album in 2007. If that ain’t enough, Ludacris has been putting flava in your ears for almost 10 years now with hits like Whats Your Fantasy, Southern Hospitality, Area Codes, and Move Bitch. His new album will feature collaborations with The Game, Weezy, and rock band Good Charlotte. Check out his first single from Theater of the Mind right here which features Chris Brown, it’s What Them Girls Like.


Artist: Big Boi of Outkast
Album: Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty
Release Date: Fall ‘08

Don’t act like you’re not used to wordy titles from the fellas of Outkast (you remember the name of the first album…). Anyway, Big Boi has tried his hand at the big screen, now he’s set to release his brand new solo album. With Mary J. Blige on the lead single, Something’s Gotta Give, Big Boi reaches out to speak as the voice of the fans about the social and economic problems the country is facing. In addition to the real talk on this track, Big Boi has stated that we can expect some of the same party music we heard on Speakerboxxx. Outkast fans, don’t fear, a new album is due out next year from the dynamic duo of hip-hop.



Artist: Joe Budden
Album: Padded Room
Release Date: 10.28.08

I already know what you’re thinking. I’m crazy right? This dude ain’t dropped anything in a few years right? Wrong. Joe Budden has been on the mixtape circuit for a minute, and I just caught on recently (shouts to BShepjr for putting me back on to this lyrical genius). A lot of his recent content has been very dark and depressing… and some of the best hip-hop I’ve heard! Don’t take my word for it, go download his last mixtape Mood Muzik 3: for Better or for Worse and you’ll see exactly what I mean. Budden wasn’t really ready for the spotlight so he retreated back to familiar ground, the mixtape circuit, but he’s still got the ability to knock 50 Cent’s stale lyrical game into another dimension. I’mma put you on like BShep put me on; here’s parts 1&2 of his song Who. There are three parts total, but this should be enough to open your eyes a lil bit…


-Mack-

My Mood is MUSIC!!!

Hey family, as I sit here in the complacent world of corporate America, I find my only true escape is my music. It takes me to a place, where, I can be free. A place free of chaos, judgement & rules. God, its just so peaceful here. Each song, regardless of the artist, or genre, adds meaning to whatever I might be going thru @ the present time. I'm quite sure I'm not the only one who feels like this. I often wonder what would life be like without the melodic sounds of music? Crazy, right? No matter what you're going thru, music is the perfect remedy. I guarantee you'd feel somewhat better after listening to that ONE artist, who just makes you feel, you're not alone in the struggle.
What is my current mood? Simple, I'm feeling rather Mellomusic. You'd have to be me to truly understand.
-Mello-

Spaz If You Want To!


You know it’s been a minute since uh… we expressed ourselves… it takes a lot of courage to say this but umm… I see sounds...

Artist: N.E.R.D.
Album: Seeing Sounds
Release Date: 6.9.08

Let’s get one thing straight: the only time you can actually “see sounds” is if you’re on a SERIOUS high! Seeing Sounds is N.E.R.D.’s followup to 2004’s Fly Or Die and it’s made to do just that – stimulate your auditory senses into a state of eargasmic euphoria. From start to finish, this album is a genre-defying compilation of hip-hop, rock, and pop music. Don’t expect this album to give you some philosophical epiphany. You won’t find a raging war between Pharrell and the media… or anyone for that matter. No the lyrical content on this CD won’t bring you to some higher moral ground or some mental awakening. In short, there’s nothing of huge importance here, but N.E.R.D. doesn’t really give a damn… and that’s what makes this album so damn good.

It’s a concept album for sure, an audible drug that takes you on a mental trip and tells a pretty vivid story. On Time For Some Action, he’s so high that he’s finally developed the courage to stop being a punk bitch and go holla at her. She notices the slight hint of bitchassness, but thinks he’s cute, so she goes to re-up her high on Everybody Nose (“because all the girls standing in the line for the bathroom”). Then she gets back, he’s even more high now, and so is she, and he feeds her lies with poetic metaphors about looking into her eyes, the Windows to her soul. It’s so sappy and sentimental that it blows her high, so she blows him off as Anti-Matter, to which he responds “Motherfucker are you ADHD?” and then proceeds to Spaz out in the club, reiterating the fact that he “ain’t a punk bitch”. She finds this sexy, somehow, and they get busy. Tables turned: he really intended for this to be a one-nighter, but she missed that memo, and stalks him on the imaginatively comical Yeah You. Finally she’s out of the picture, and then he realizes she was probably the one on Sooner or Later, but of course its too little too late for our resident genius. So what do you do now? That’s right, get high again and give Cupid a solid “Fuck you!” on Happy (come on now, even the instrumental sounds high!). You Know What is a hell of a track, because he’s still high but more in touch with reality, and Laugh About It, does just that.

Musically, this project excels in many areas. The title Seeing Sounds is probably derived from the effects of such different elements that bring the songs together. The saxophone on Yeah You has a jazzy, yet annoying sound, kinda like you’d imagine from an unnervingly deranged stalker. There’s a grunge guitar intro on Anti-Matter and the aggressive beat switch on Spaz really makes you get O.O.C. for a minute. Happy is one of those tracks that feels like you’re swirling in colors, dazed but feeling on top of the world. Translation: you’re high!

Tensions are high in the country right now: there’s a war going on, a failing economy, record high gas prices, and the biggest presidential race in history. But none of that really matters when you pop in Seeing Sounds. This is just the escape a music-head like me needs. There’s a lot of energy and emotion packed into this project, and it was released at just the right time, when people need a distraction from the political and social bullshit. So who cares if it isn’t the most philosophical? RELAX PEOPLE, spaz out for a change and have some fun…

-Mack-

Step Back Inside Room 112

Artist: 112
Album: Room 112
Release Date: 10.3.98

Aight, so I’m driving in to work this morning, and this chick pulls up next to me, bumping some serious flashback R&B, so of course your boy got inspired. She was jamming to a cut from Destiny’s Child’s sophomore album The Writing’s On The Wall, but then she switched the CD to a track from one of my favorite R&B groups of all time, 112. I feel like 112 and I are somewhat connected, I’ve seen these fellas perform on a few memorable occasions and I’ve followed their career since they first stepped on the scene in ’96…



I first saw them take the stage at the People’s Expo in ’97 at the DC Armory. I remember it vividly because it was my birthday weekend, and it was my very first concert. That was the YEAR for R&B, lots of new acts on the scene performed during this 2-day event, and I got to take it all in: Donnell Jones, Ginuwine, 112, Dru Hill, all fresh out the gate and they all hit the stage. After 112 performed hits like Only You and Cupid from their self titled debut, they signed autographs and took photos in the back, I got a personalized 112 book cover (hey, don’t look at me funny, THEY were the ones giving them away!). They reminded me of a reincarnation of New Edition with their tight harmonies, and slick choreography. The next time I saw the guys perform was about 4 years and 2 albums later, as they opened for music’s biggest entertainer, the legendary Janet Jackson on the All For You tour. This time around, the guys rocked the crowd to cuts like Peaches N’ Cream and It’s Over Now both from their 3rd album, Part III along with songs that were now considered 112 classics.

Without getting too nostalgic, this post was actually about my favorite 112 album: Room 112. This was their 2nd CD, a certified classic in my opinion. Homegirl this morning was bumping Love U Like I Did, a song with so much meaning. This CD had so many hits on it, like Love Me (featuring Mase), Anywhere (featuring the now fallen off Lil Zane), and fan favorites Crazy Over You, and Your Letter. Now I would be totally remiss if I didn’t mention 112’s knack for having THE ABSOLUTE BEST interludes of any R&B group in history (yeah I said it!). I got EVERY 112 album and I always look forward to the interludes, I skip to those first because they always do something that’s vocally mesmerizing. Makes you wonder why they don’t turn them into full songs, but then I guess they wouldn’t be as special. This album featured the interludes Anywhere, Don’t Go Away and You Are The Only One, the latter of which is one of my favorite interludes. Ya’ll know I love my ballads, some of my personal favorite tracks on here are Stay With Me, Someone To Hold, All My Love.

112 seems to be on hiatus right now, each of the guys working on solo projects. Q and Slim both have singles on the radio, and will be releasing solo albums this fall (Real Talk and Love’s Crazy respectively). It’s reported that Mike (now known as ‘Dangerus’) is also working on a solo project and Daron is still producing for some of R&B’s heavy hitters. There are whispers of another 112 album next year, but I haven’t heard anything from them that tops this CD, Room 112.

-Mack-