Keyshia Cole and 2Pac - Playa Cardz Right
I almost forgot Keyshia Cole is comin back with her third album in December. Here's the first single, Playa Cardz Right, and it features the rapper that no one seems to let go of, 2Pac. The song is decent, this album is said to be more introspective. I certainly hope so, Keyshia's stuff is all starting to sound the same, and it's getting kinda boring. Look for her new album, A Different Me set to drop December 16.
Montell Jordan - Let It Rain
Some artists fade away into obscurity for years at a time, but then come back with a project so hot that the hiatus is well worth it. And then there are some that don’t. Case in point: Montell
Overall, there’s just a general lack of soul and effort put into this project, and it comes off as more of a lifeless hobby rather than a product of passion. The title track opens the album, but the poor mix quality makes it sound more like someone’s bad demo. The production practically drowns out
Let’s not forget the few hits that we can thank him for. I actually miss the Montell Jordan of the 90’s; Mr. This Is How We Do It, the brutha that could tell you What’s On Tonite and seemed to always have Somethin For The Honeyz (yeah I know you forgot all about that one…) Along the way he penned quite a few R&B hits for artists like Deborah Cox (Nobody’s Supposed To Be Here), Sisqo (Incomplete), Christina Milian and other artists who seem to have faded into the same inevitable darkness that this album crawled out of. Montell once declared he’d never come wack; never say never. But it’s not too late to bring the old school back…
New Joint from London: Juice Box
Christina Aguilera-Keeps Getting Better
New Eminem: I'm Having a Relapse
Sounds to me like he's relapsing to his old self, and that's not a bad thing at all! I'm really feeling this joint. Eminem brings his superior lyrical ability over an ill beat and proves that sometimes a hiatus is exactly what you need. This song is rumored to be a preview for his new album which is as yet untitled, but I'm thinkin we could all use a little Slim Shady... what u think?
Video: Mariah Carey - I Stay In Love
Really Ray J.?
READ A GOT DAMN BOOK!!
Remember this joint? Funny as hell, but more importantly real as hell. Everything you ever wanted to say to every ignorant ass person has been put into song and paired up with an accompanying video. Tonight on Mindstream Radio listen to the creator of the song and video, Bomani Armah as he discusses the song, the video and why it was created. You can listen in tonight at www.im4radiodc.com and call in with your thoughts at 866-856-5903.
FORUM POST: 808s n Heartbreaks
Special Dedication: Cry On
Video: LL Cool J feat. Wyclef - Mr. President
Video: Estelle ft. Sean Paul - Come Over
Video: Keri Hilson - Return The Favor
Video: Musiq & Mary - If U Leave
Bobby Valentino - Beep Beep
In the meantime, here's the video for his first single from the new project. The song is called Beep and features Bad Boy hip-hop star Yung Joc. Not sure who produced this joint but it sounds like a sample from Moments In Love by Art of Noise. Let's examine the video for a minute... I'm all for bringing some trends back, but is this dude seriously trying to bring back the rattail? Check the video when he turns his head and he got the lil 3rd grader bush on the back of his neck like he's trying to bring back a long lost (and wishfully forgotten) trend. Please Bobby V, don't do it!! That's all we need is a bunch of 30-somethings walkin around with a damn rattail. Beyond that, I can admire the style in the video, very fashionable for the fellas. That's a good look. Alas, I digress. The song - lyrically he's moving backwards, Special Occasion was more mature content, this sounds like he's just trying to gain some attention on the airwaves. Right now, I'm a little leery about The Rebirth, a second single will be the determining factor for me. This song ain't bad, but at this point in his career, I'm expecting a little more from Bobby V.
'Theater of the Mind' Album Cover
A Requiem for Jennifer Hudson
Estelle: London's Shining Star
The artist is the mold from which the pop star is formed; they aren’t given a purpose, they’re born with it. You can’t give an artist tools and experiences to use in the creation; you can only watch as a masterpiece comes to life. And no matter how many spotlights you turn on, only the true artist will shine. As a singer, rapper, songwriter and producer, 28-year-old
Sound-Savvy: As an artist from the
Estelle: Not at all. I just do what I do. I think good music is good music ya know? If you like it you like it. That [location] has nothing to do with it.
SS: As far as the reception of Shine, do you feel the reception was better here or in the
Estelle: I think people are still feelin the first single over here whereas in the
SS: Okay cool. I read an interview that you had done earlier this year where you discussed what you felt like was a racial divide in the promotion of white artists over black artists in the
Estelle: Nah, I think the first album it was more to do with the way it was presented to the label. They took it as they never had an urban artist to do so much. The way it was presented to us it was meant to be some type of fake G-Unit situation and then I make an album that has nothing to do with killing anyone and they didn’t quite know what to do with it. But you know, it was still a rap album so they still had to promote it in the same way they would a rap album but they didn’t quite know what to do with me talking about growing up and having 8 brothers and sisters and, ya know the real stuff that people go through. So they were a little unprepared with my first album, but this time around it worked, because it was like “You know what you can’t…okay you’ve done this, you did this already. Plus I think it’s a better label… a more equipped label I should say. It was never talk of a racial divide with albums, I was talking about 2 specific singles and they took it and ran with it. But people should read the original article and not read the subsequent ones.
SS: Have you experienced any problems like that with the marketing of your singles on the US Charts?
Estelle: No, not at all. The biggest thing to me is the difference in radio. There’s urban radio, pop radio and rhythm radio and I’m confused. I thought radio was radio! But then it’s the same at home but it’s a lot smaller. Over here, every single you do has to go to every radio station and you have to market to everybody. Basically it’s like a presidential campaign, I just realized that. And it’s like ‘Wow’ I didn’t know I have to do all this but it’s great. It’s a lot of work, and that’s why I say I’m still on the first single here but in the UK I’m on my 5th single.
SS: Ahh okay. Now have you had any involvement with other
Estelle: I know Natasha Bedingfield because we had our first albums out at the same time. I met Leona a good few times, she’s cool as hell. Never met Duffy at all and I think that’s part of her people trying to keep the peace alive. My thing is, I’ve been in it for almost 10 years and she’s got her first single, first album, she’s like 20 or something? Yeah, I’m not beefin with a 20 year old (laughs) ya know? Tell me when you’re 20 and you’ve been doing it this long, and let’s have a conversation. Other than that, do your thing and I’m doing mine and let that be. But I don’t hate her and I don’t particularly care about her music so…
SS: Ahhh I feel you. So let’s switch gears a bit. With the release of your album Shine here in the
Estelle: What can you say? It’s Lauryn! You can’t be mad at Lauryn (laughs). Lauryn Is Lauryn. I think, ya know, that I come from a different perspective and a different edge. I feel like I don’t come from the same experiences so I don’t feel like people can put me in that lane so they can judge me, ya know? And that’s as simple as it is. But I think people relate us…which isn’t a bad thing
SS: On your new single Pretty Please you worked with Cee-Lo. How was it working with him and why did you choose that for a single?
Estelle: It wasn’t actually a single over here; it was actually a single in the
SS: Oh man I love that song! I love Come Over!
Estelle: Thank you Rob. Well that’s featuring Mr. Sean Paul and that’s gonna be the next single. I think people will really love that. They haven’t heard the version with Sean Paul yet so they’re just gettin’ to hear it and I think they’ll love it... We just shot the video too and it’s pretty pretty sexy. It’s gonna be sexy
SS: Oooooh nice. I’m really looking forward to that!
Estelle: (laughs)
SS: Yeah, I actually saw you perform that, I went to your concert here in
Estelle: Yeah.
SS: Yeah it was really nice, you’re a great performer by the way, lots of energy.
Estelle: Thank you darling.
SS: So Come Over is one of my favorite songs on the album, do you have a favorite song on the album or a favorite video that you’ve shot?
Estelle: My favorite video is American Boy. My second favorite is Come Over. The video is just great. I did the video with Little X and he gets Sean Paul, he’s done a lot of Sean Paul videos. So he understands that ya know it’s a reggae thing and we appreciate reggae but I don’t wanna go out there representing Jamaica cause I’m not from Jamaica, ya know? So he’s like ‘I get it, you’re gonna do the hard wind, but you’re not gonna be out there with a Jamaican flag on your back!’ I was like ‘Right!’ (laughs) and he understood it. Even though it’s where Sean’s from and its Sean’s heritage it’s still important for me to just do me, ya know? And I did. He understood the look and where we were going fashion-wise and let me push what I wanted to push.
SS: That’s gotta be great to have that much freedom and control. A lot of times we see artists that just get stuck in this robotic phase where people just tell them what to do and they just go with it, so I’m really glad that you have that much control and you can do that sort of thing.
Estelle: Im just gonna change my hair in every video, hopin that people might recognize me, so I try not to keep it similar. Blonde wig purple wig, sometimes just do different shit.
SS: So what’s coming up for Estelle? New album?
Estelle: Single’s about to come out with Sean Paul, video will be out in a few weeks. Workin on the new album now. Tryin to think of a name for it now because I want it to have a whole theme and a whole idea. I think it’s gonna come to me in a minute.
SS: Any collaborations with any female artists coming up?
Estelle: Definite… For damn sure I’m really tryin to work with Mary so we’ll see if that works out.
SS: Cool, well on behalf of Suavv Magazine and Sound-Savvy.com I really appreciate you taking the time to talk with us. You can check us both out online.
Estelle: Oh wicked! I’ll check it out now.
SS: Thanks again Estelle!
Estelle: Alright.
Related Posts:
Video: Estelle - Pretty Please
International Swag
Legacy of a Legend
VIDEO-M.I.A PAPER PLANES
Somebody Call The Cops Up... Oh, they already did...
New Brandy - Long Distance
For all you non-believers, listen to this new joint from B-Rocka and tell me she's not coming back strong!! Long Distance is presumably her second single from her highly anticipated return album entitled Human due out November 11. With every album, Brandy's sound has improved, her vocals have gotten stronger and her harmonies have gotten tighter. This single showcases all of the above. Take a listen, and let us know what you think!
Video: Michelle Williams - The Greatest
Rock Witchu Tour: ATL
On a nice cool October evening in
Considering a catalog of 10 studio albums, it was amazingly impressive that she was able to perform hits from each one, totaling 37 songs and giving fans rush after rush as they screamed lyrics to the tops of their lungs and affectionately formed Janet’s signature “heart” symbol with their hands. “I was 15…” Janet confesses as the music switches from one of her first-ever singles Young Love into the fan favorite Say You Do from her self-titled debut, which preceded the Control album. The hits came non-stop, and were accompanied by acrobatic dance moves, and action from all areas of Janet’s trendsetting catwalk stage. Fans in the arena knew every word to every song, and most new at least a few dance moves, especially the infamous breakdown to If. Miss Jackson’s live vocals soared with emotion and elegance during her ballad section featuring Come Back To Me and Never Gonna Letchu Go from her latest project, among other classics. Shouts to Derrick, the lucky guy who was featured on Discipline, despite a few issues in the contraption and losing his glasses in Janet’s boobs! My personal favorite song was performed in full, Doesn’t Really Matter complete with the dance breakdown. I found (while talking with them) that the dancers all love the All For You routine which switches between doubled-off and individual routines to synchronized movements in an instant.
When it comes to dancing, who does it better than the queen? As her personal assistant told us on the exclusive backstage tour, each dancer is at the top in their field. Shouts to Gil Duldulao (a really cool down-to-earth guy to meet!), Cassidy, Teddy, Nick, Jillian, EMO!, Laurel and all the other dancers I met on the backstage tour! That headspin = off the chain!! Also shouts to Joey and Tommy who were also really cool members of Janet’s personal security, and Lil Jon Roberts (amazing drummer and great guy to meet also!). Also, a special shout to the tour manager Flo, she was really nice and started working for Janet straight out of college, she has an impressive resume!
The thing that’s most admirable about Janet, the kids and her band (which includes Lil Jon on drums!!) is something that I haven’t seen in any other stage show, even the ones that imitate hers: its effortless appearance. Not to discredit the large amounts of work that go into a production so huge, but they have a visible connection that shines onstage, making each night of the show look like total fun! It doesn’t even look like they’re working onstage and that says something about the caliber of the artist and the character of her team. There is laughter, moments of interaction, improvisations, but what tops it all is the display of family unity, in their moves and their eyes.
There aren’t many artists who can perform a show that’s over 2 hours long, either for fatigue or lack of content. It’s an amazing thing to see an icon in her element, totally at home on the stage and loving every moment of it. There’s a reason she’s as great as she is, and it is shown on every night of the Rock Witchu tour. Since my last Janet show seven years ago on the All For You tour, I have been to over 50 different concerts by different artists and I have yet to see an artist reach her caliber in performances. Forget the Ringling Brothers folks, this here is truly the greatest show on earth!
Related Posts:
Rock Witchu Tour: DC Show Review
Twisted Elegance: A Look at 'Discipline'
All Janet-Related Posts
-Mack-
P.S. A very very special shout to Josh and Yen who were sitting next to me, and all the fanclub members I got to meet, you guys are the best: enjoythevision, thicksational, Cas, thatdarrell, gdm, mkozik and if I forgot you, please hit me up so I can add your name in, I already know I forgot a few of you. Much LUV!
VIDEO-MONTELL JORDAN-NOT NO MORE
Review: John Legend - Evolver
An evolution is just what the doctor ordered in the case of John Legend’s music. After his previous release, Once Again, I was a little worried that Legend would wander into that boring elevator/lounge singer type music. After listening to this album, it’s clear that the five-time Grammy winner is all about keeping the music fresh! As the title implies, this release really does show an evolution in Legend’s sound, adding elements of reggae and hip-hop to his purely soulful vocals. With guest appearances from Andre 3000, Kanye West, Brandy, Estelle, and (guess who’s bizzack!) Teddy Riley, Evolver is the album that expands Legend’s range and relights the buzz created by his classic debut.
Green Light was a brilliant choice for lead single; it introduces a new style and sound for Legend, adding the infamous Andre 3000 for an extra boost of eclectic energy. The cameos continue throughout the album, with Kanye (and his auto-tune enhanced vocals) on the get-over-it-themed It’s Over. This song abandons the meaningless wordplay and gets right to the point: “What do ya keep standing there for? It’s over…” Brandy steps in on Quickly (Mack’s choice!), a nice mid-tempo joint about the urgency of love in uncertain times. Estelle adds her reggae tinge to No Other Love and there’s a feel good vibe on the old-school flavored Satisfaction. Other highlights include the forlorn Everybody Knows, the rhythmic Take Me Away and the uplifting If You’re Out There. The latter was performed by Legend and the Agape International Choir in support of future president Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention in August. The only track that didn’t really do it for me is the ultra-depressing I Love, You Love; the song just tends to drag on and Legend’s falsetto becomes borderline whiny and whimpering.
Props to John Legend on stepping it up with his third studio release. Evolver is everything it should be – it shows growth in his style and a better more modern sound, making it a step above Once Again. It’s not that John Legend’s previous albums weren’t good; in fact the first album was a certified classic! It’s just that another album moving in the same direction could have proved detrimental for him. I’d definitely recommend this joint, it has a lot more to offer and will surely reach a wider range of fans.
-Mack-
Review: Robin Thicke - Something Else
Release Date: 9.30.08
Let me start by saying that this isn't a completely bad album. I'd say about half of the tracks are pretty good. His lead single Magic got some pretty decent spins and is a nice re-introduction to the successor of Jon B (pardon me, I had to laugh at that). Other highlights include the sensual Loverman, the upbeat two-stepper Sidestep, and the emotionally expressive The Sweetest Love (Mack's choice) on which the purity of Thicke's natural range mixes with his far-reaching falsetto to create an amazing song that's reminiscent of classic Stevie at times. There's a soothing guitar melody on Cry No More that backs Thicke's vocals with a great mesh and Lil Wayne is back in the mix on the politically charged album closer Tie My Hands: "You tie my hands, what am I gonna be? What have I done so bad, what is my destiny?"
Now for the bad: I'm really not feeling the title track; it sounds like a bad attempt at a style that's already been mimicked too much and the hook just falls flat. Dreamworld fails for me in the lyrics, it just lacks the creativity that I'm used to from Mr. Thicke. Shadow of Doubt is by far the weakest track and gave me 3 minutes and 27 seconds of WTF... soooo not feelin' that. Another "just aight" track is Ms. Harmony, which would probably sound a little better if it didn't sound like a remixed Lost Without U - nothing new there.
Even in its great moments, this album fails to deliver as surely as it's predecessor. Lightning may have struck in on a few tracks, but this album is far from a classic. It actually made me revisit some of my favorites from Evolution like I Need Love, Would That Make You Love Me and Shooter (w/ Lil Wayne). Let me just throw in that I was less than impressed with Robin Thicke's live show while he was on tour last summer with Beyonce, but I think that had more to do with his inability to entertain such a large venue. He's better in a smaller, more intimate setting, with less of a "pop" crowd, so maybe this tour with Mary J. Blige will be better (if they can get the ticket sales up). As for Something Else, I'll take what I want off here and scrap the rest, it's not an album worth keeping in rotation, even if it does have a few good songs here and there.
We're Cool....
Naturally Superhuman
Throwback Thursdays: 5 Miles To Empty...
It's been stated that there may be a return of Brownstone, with some roster changes. Honestly, I couldn't tell you the name of any original member, but I know that unmistakable Brownstone sound when I hear it, and that's one thing they MUST NOT change. The world is in need of that same harmony, that same style, that same soul. Five miles is just about up, the game is out of soul...
Oops -- She Did It Again!!
My fellow HS Alum should see someone familiar in this video! This is from Janet's return to the stage at the Verizon Center in Washington DC last night. This brutha got especially lucky and from the looks of it, he enjoyed being disciplined. What can I say ya'll... SHE'S BACK!!! This is for you XBoy, congrats and way to represent for the fanclub!!
Concert Review-Janet: Rock Witchu Tour - PART 1
When I heard Washington D.C. would be the official spot for Ms. Jackson's return, I thought, why wouldn't we be? After all, we are the Nations Capital. We are the future home of the future President Barack Obama!!! I could have been anywhere in the world tonight, but on this particular humid fall evening, I chose to be in the presence of greatness. Naturally, as a woman, I was looking forward to the opening act, Mr. LL Cool J, however, for whatever reason, he didn't perform. I was looking forward to seeing that muscle mass of a man licking his lips(sue me, I'm human ,I came to get disciplined).
Dj Quicksilver was on the one's & two's keeping the crowd entertained, while we awaited the headliner. Boy was the Verizon Center rocking! Being. we're the home of go-go, he took us back, wayyyyyy back, to sardines & pork n beans; one of the many tunes played to keep a SOLD OUT house in the right mental state. He did one hell of a job.
House lights on. Time now is 8:00. Let me put you inside of the mind of Mellomusic for a second. Now I'm thinking, Janet has a catalogue full of hits, what will she open with? Mind you. I have a full hour to keep my over anxious mind at work. Boy, did that hour feel like twenty four. During this time, I'm conversing via AIM with my Sound-Savvy partner Mack & MILLIONS of fans by way of JanetFanclub.com(whatup folks). Janet if you catch wind of this someway, somehow, you are definitely LOVED!!
Finally, HOUSE LIGHTS OUT! Here's comes the screaming & chants, Janet, Janet... Enters Janet Jackson, hidden behind two J's, dressed in a cream colored body suit, starting the show off with Pleasure Principle, full of energy! Sick? HELL NO! She took us from old school, new school, middle school, high school, & college with the hits. Streaming from Control, What Have You Done for me Lately, You Want This, just to name a few. I definitely don't want to ruin the fun for those who have yet to experience this life changing event. Those were just some of the upbeat tracks she performed. Slowing it down a taste, she did a medley of my favorites, Come Back to Me, Lets Wait a While & Again. Let's Wait a While took me back to a place.... boy!!! I LOVE that song, it gets me every time!
My highlight of the show, of course was when Ms. Jackson if you're NASTY came out to play. Janet is phenomenal. When she performed in her dominatrix attire & brought the sex slave(XBOY from JanetFanclub.com) onto the stage, it was lights out for him! Janet had her way with him, that brought all the men to their knees, even the homosexuals! She has ways to turn everyone out. I will leave the rest to the figments of your imagination. If its anything like mine, you're in for a treat.
Diddy Do It, or Diddy Not?
Mack: well I definitely think it was a publicity stunt
Mello: I second that notion
Mack: I mean, right now, DK is his bread and butter. Who else is selling as many albums as them?
Mello: no one. It’s definitely not B5. He needs the cohesiveness of DK and their consistency, regardless of how much they did or didn't get along
Mack: I don't even think Puff's last one sold as many as Welcome to The Dollhouse
Mello: DK is a band of 5
Mack: And in a group with 5 members, different personalities are what keep the fans interested.
Mello: Especially with a personality as wild as Aubrey's
Mack: Why did people pay so much attention to Dru Hill? Because Sisqo was such a standout!
Mello: exactly
Mack: Jodeci had K-Ci! Every group has a wild child… they have to! It's what makes people pay attention
Mello: New Edition had Bobby
Mack: EXACTLY!! But cutting Aubrey and then telling her she needs to humble herself?
Mello: please...Diddy cut her so he can screw her off camera and she not be a worry
Mack: Nah, he’s trying to make her a robot and not let her personality shine.
Mello: lol
Mack: Anyway, she'll be back. and so will D. Woods. Mark my words: this is build up for the next season
Mello: this was just the tip of the iceberg
Mack: Next season, we will see the group patching things up. DK will be recording an album as three and poof! All of a sudden Aubrey and D. Woods will come back ready to work with Puff again. Puff may have some wild ass methods, but he's a smart businessman
Mello: they were due to fall back...2 albums, 3 seasons. They needed a break
Mack: I disagree with that... now is NOT the time for them to fall back. They're in a spot where they could take over the market. What other girl groups are out? The Pussycat Dolls are not even in DK's league!! And off the top of my head, PCD would be the ONLY competition
Mello: When I speak on fallback, I mean get some personal time 4 themselves off camera; of course, they'll still be working...but just not in the eye of the camera
Mack: they needed to spark an international tour right now. The season finale should have ended in the launch of an international tour for them. But here's the thing: I'm sure Puff gets a bigger cut off the ratings on the show then he does on their album sales. So what's his main concern? RATINGS over album sales
Mello: very true… your ass needs to work for Diddy
Mack: he needs to hire me
Mello: I nominate you 1000%
Mack: he's gonna ensure his own money. Puff has lost interest in the music because there’s more money elsewhere... he’s focused on the show and making himself a bigger star… this is all for him.
Mello: he can't stand the fact of someone else stealing the limelight, hence another reason he got rid of Aubrey… in my opinion anyways
Mack: yeah true... Diddy is an attention whore!
Mello: he & Aubrey are too much alike
Mack: I could tell last night when Sway mentioned another season that the girls are tired of being on TV. Diddy's gonna hurt them and their careers all so that he can get more ratings for that damn show I hope Danity Kane gets their business sense together and starts handling some of their own affairs, because Diddy don't care about their careers. They’re pawns in his game…and the name of the game is Make Diddy Rich Bitch!
Mello: LOL
Mack: but like I said, the girls will be back, but this is going to do more harm than good to them, while it does more good than harm for him
Mello: most definitely
Mack: I don't understand why he cut D. Woods tho
Mello: ebony & ivory… he had to let em both go… I guess he felt they both were cancers to the DK image
Mack: the smarter thing would have been to cut the two with the beef…Aundrea and Aubrey
Mello: very true
Mack: well actually, the smarter thing would have been to not cut anyone…but hey, it's all about ratings, right?
Mello: I tuned in mostly for the Dawn & Que hour…and 4 Aubrey. I knew every episode she would do something outlandish
Mack: and that's what he's bankin on: everyone's gonna wanna see what she does next!
Mello: we got this thing pegged
Mack: lol
Mello: Diddy has the rest of the world bamboozled, but not us
Mack: lol… I'd work in his empire but I don't know if Bad Boy is ready for me. He can't jerk my career around like that
Mello: I agree
Like This and Like That
Mello: Beyonce is allegedly releasing a double CD
Mack: why am i not surprised
Mello: 2nd disc: "I am Sasha"
Mack: LOL
Mello: this of course is according to media takeout
Mack: they're not reliable
Mello: I know… I haven't seen it anywhere else tho
Mack: Has she even released a title for the album?
Mello: I Am…
Mack: If she did a disc called I Am Sasha, it would be all upbeat/dance/performance type tracks
Mello: that's what they said then the 1st disc is I Am Beyonce which would include If I Were a Boy
Mack: Everyone knows that Sasha is her performance alter ego
Mello: yea Sasha is fierce!
Mack: there might be some truth to it... we'll see
Mello: yea, we definitely will
Mack: I think Brandy's is gonna be the hottest joint out
Mello: perhaps
Mack: I PRAY she don't let me down
Mello: she's been gone from the scene for how many yrs now?
Mack: 4 years… Afrodisiac came out in 2004
Mello: she better come correct or don't come @ all
Mack: I'm confident she will. B-Rocka WILL deliver with Human…but what about Monica?
Mello: hmmm, what about her? She let folks down with The Makings of Me but I won't count her out
Mack: her last single, Still Standing was supposed to be the lead single for her comeback album also. It was supposed to be out in November but after the single didn't do so hot, she faded into the background... AGAIN
Mello: she might as well fade 2 black and raise her 2 kids…
Mack: apparently she didn't want Still Standing to be the lead single... It was a weak single to me
Mello: and let us remember her for who she was back in the day…LOL
Mack: Nah... I still got faith in Monica…she can do it... she needs to regain her focus and go back to basics
Mello: exactly! her ballads made her
Mack: they did, and that’s what she needs to go back to. Her best albums were the first 2 Miss Thang and The Boy Is Mine
Mello: some artists aren't made to do the upbeat shit we love most artists when they sing thru their pain
Mack: yeah but she needs to put that hood facade away. Nobody cares about how "real" and how thuggin you wanna be... SING TO US DAMMIT
Mello: I totally agree...but hood is something she can't run away from. That's exactly what she is
Mack: right. But it doesn't have to be in everything she does. Like T.I., for instance: he has found the balance between the hood side and pleasing his fans – and that dude is more hood than her!!
Mello: well T.I. pleases me period LOL
Mack: when it comes to his music though, he handles his biz. I'm a huge T.I. fan. I think Ciara's next album will make or break her. She's another one that's gotta come hard or go home. Go Girl is a nice lead single, but I need some versatility from her on this next album… show me you can grow as an artist!
Mello: yea...but with Mr. 50 being in her ear it just might make her by bringing her out this "teeny bopper" image and bring the grown n sexy Ciara to the forefront
Mack: FUCK 50… yeah i said it! Let me hear a 50 Cent album that doesn't sound like the bullshit he's already recorded
Mello: true... LOL
Mack: that's what she needs, some more mature content. But if there's one thing 50 doesn't have it's versatility
Mello: wow the hostility in
Mack: no, that's the problem... he HAS been the same. He sounds the same on everything since Get Rich...
Mello: well, Get Rich...is a bonafide classic. Everything after that has been garbage
Mack: I doubt I'll ever be checkin for another 50 album. And he got the nerve to compete with Kanye?!?! Fuck outta here...
Mello: Wooo saaaaah Mack, Wooooo saaaah!
Mack: 808's and Heartbreaks!! Anybody with me on that?
Mello: lol
Mack: Kanye will smoke 50, on the charts AND in the studio. Kanye's music is conquering galaxies while 50 is still trying to take over Earth.
Mello: I agree
Mack: One person I'm not worried about though is Ludacris. He NEVER lets me down so that's a definite must-get
Mello: rap wise, I'm looking for Common, Kanye,
Mack: yeah Common's been back on his good shit the last couple albums, cause he was in a slump for a minute. The next few months should be interesting, musically speaking…
Sound-Savvy Gives Thanks!!
So, here we are... 6 months up and running and we've passed 5000 hits, and exceeded 200 posts. This started as a hobby, something fun for us to do to share our opinions with our friends and keep folks in the know, and it has grown tremendously. Mack and Mel would like to thank everyone who has supported us thus far, if you've ever clicked on a Sound-Savvy link, joined the Facebook group, added the MySpace page or even if you're visiting for the first time. If you've ever shouted us out or left a comment, or even just sent us an e-mail telling us what you like or dislike, we appreciate you. Sincerely, we thank all our supporters and we want you to know, like Christina Aguilera's new song says: It keeps getting better!!
We'd like to shout out a few people that along the way have been really special and given us a lot of support and assistance, they're our blogger fam and we'd be floating alone in cyberspace if it weren't for them:
Name: Mindstream Radio
Site: Mindstream World (mindstream-world.ning.com)
Our second home; tune into Mindstream Radio weekly (Wednesdays from 8-10pm EST at www.im4radiodc.com) and hear the Sound-Savvy report at the 9:00 hour
Name: BShepJr
Site: Hip-Hop Universe (www.hhu2.com)
BShep, a.k.a. BJ, a.k.a., Shep, a.k.a. Coolest dude in the blogosphere!! Whatever you need, he's undoubtedly got it or can get it. Music, movies, TV shows, and just random stuff.
Name: Kimesha and Kim
Site: My Mood Is Music (www.mymoodismusic.com)
2 Cool ladies with a lot in common with Sound-Savvy. And they rep the DMV! Definitely check them out!
Name: Sane
Site: Word Izz (wordizz.blogspot.com)
Just an all around cool girl with some random goodies on her site. She'll definitely make you crack a smile.
Name: Odara
Site: The Goodie Bag (www.gimmethegoodies.com)
Another cool chic wit some more random shit. Guaranteed to make you spit out your coffee!
Name: Tank
Site: IknowTank (www.iknowtank.com)
Tank's been supportive since day 1, and he goes waaaaayyyyyyy back with us both, before we all became dot commers!!
Name: Fashion Citizen
Site: Fashion With A Side Of Life (www.fashionwithasideoflife.blogspot.com)
This brutha always, ALWAYS drops by Sound-Savvy and checks in. And he's got a mean sense of style!
PSG is another cool homie from way back. If it's on the streets, then it's on her site!!
We thank everyone who has ever or will ever support Sound-Savvy, and we especially thank our blogger fam, so please show them some love and check 'em out! You may (and probably will) find something you like!! Stay tuned, the best is yet to come...