Review: Coko - A Coko Christmas

Artist: Coko (formerly of SWV)
Album: A Coko Christmas
Release Date: 10.14.08

If you're looking for that even balance of soulful gospel with traditional Christmas cheer, look no further than A Coko Christmas. Coko of acclaimed 90's girl group SWV greets the season with a new Christmas project that blends the sound of the spirit with some classic Christmas carols. This seasonal project showcases that powerhouse voice that characterized much of SWV’s music throughout the 90’s, probably best heard on The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire). Other notable highlights include Holy, a mellow cover of the Jackson 5 original Give Love on Christmas Day which also features American Idol contestant George Huff, and she teams up with her SWV sisters for a stirring rendition of O Holy Night to close out the album (previously included on the SWV Christmas album A Special Christmas). I'd recommend this for anyone who appreciates and values the true reason for the season. Maybe with this release, SWV fans will get their Christmas wish: a reunion album next year...
-Mack-

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Hey Sound-Savvy readers. It's Thanksgiving, and I took a break from cooking (while my turkey's in the oven) to check in and do a little work. And then I thought about how much I have to be thankful for this year. I'm thankful for the birth of Sound-Savvy this year, and I'm thankful for you, the readers who stop through constantly to check for new music, new reviews, new videos or whatever else Sound-Savvy has to offer. I'm thankful that the content on Sound-Savvy is something that touches you in some way and that you can appreciate. So this year, I'm thankful to be here with my family, I'm even thankful to get millions of texts from my friends, and I'm especially thankful for you. So I dedicate this song to each and every one of you, it's the title track from Kelly Clarkson's debut album, Thankful. The words describe EXACTLY how I feel today. Thanks for helping to make Sound-Savvy what it is, and I invite you to stick around, because it keeps gettin' better!! Enjoy your Thanksgiving, and be safe.

-Mack-
P.S. I'm especially thankful for my blogger fam: bshepjr, Odara, Mindstream Radio, Suavv Magazine, Sane, A.Red, Fashion Citizen, SouthernGurl, Tank, The Changeling, and those fly chicks at My Mood is Music

Video: Jamie Foxx feat. T.I. - Just Like Me



I'm really lovin' this video!! Taraji P. Henson is beautiful as ever and they look so great together in this clip. I'm glad Jamie took a different approach with this video and added a comedic spin. The song is more about relationship karma and the practice of returning one bad deed with another. It really kinda makes me appreciate the song more. Just Like Me is the first official single from Jamie Foxx's third (yes, third) studio album, Intuition set to hit stores on December 16th. The album will also feature the re-mix to Ne-yo's Miss Independent, the newer version was re-titled She Got Her Own and features Ne-yo with Foxx and Fabolous.


-Mack-

Video: Ne-yo - Mad


It's almost Thanksgiving, and I'm thankful that Ne-yo keeps the hits coming. Here's Mad, the latest single from Year of the Gentleman - one of the hottest new R&B albums this year. It's a nice clip with a valuable lesson to be learned about the uncertainty of life and the power of one's words. Check it out...

New Joint: Joe Budden feat. The Game and Dominic - The Future



I'm soooooooooooooooo feelin' this joint! Joe Budden is truly what the game's been missin'. It's great to hear The Game matched up with another hot lyricist and a hot beat! Joe Budden never really disappeared, but the last few years he's gone underground, and has been takin' over the mixtape circuit with his Mood Muzik series. The Future is the first single from his forthcoming sophomore album titled Padded Room. All my hip-hop headz: if you wanna hear a REAL lyricist spit, then you will wanna cop this album!
-Mack-

The Dream - Right Side of Ya Brain


In the words of my dearly drugged out friend Amy Winehouse "What kind of fuckery is this?". I'll be the first to admit, I rock with The Dream's first album, Love/Hate. But this joint right here? No sir, no way... the beat on this is absolute fire, but the vocals are horrible, some of the worst I've heard. Pay special attention to the bridge towards the end where he rises and falls over the notes - someone put that screaming cat of of it's misery. On all tracklistings I've seen, this is a confirmed track on his sophomore album Love vs. Money due out next month. Hey Dream, let's put the right and left sides of that brain together, and pick some better music for the album...

Christina Milian - Us Against The World



So how does one go from the highly respected Def Jam Records to MySpace Records? Ask Christina Milian... Shortly after the release of her last album, So Amazin' Christina Milian was allegedly dropped from Def Jam due to the album's poor sales. In case you didn't know, Rihanna's hit single S.O.S. was originally intended for Christina who turned it down in an effort to have more creative control in her career, and who could blame her? But when Rihanna made the song a hit and Christina's album tanked, the writing was on the wall. Surprisingly though, So Amazin' was truly her best album (despite all the finger-pointing at Nick Cannon)! Three-and-a-half years later, she's on a new label and she's got a great sound for her debut single Us Against The World. I'm looking forward to hearing her new stuff and checking out the new album, but we'll have to wait til the Spring to hear it.


-Mack-

NEW Johnta Austin - Defensive


Oh man Johnta, when are we finally gonna get the album from you?? You keep teasing us with all this good music, but no album releases on the horizon. For those of you who don't know who Johnta Austin is, it's time to wake up. He's one of the hottest songwriters ever to touch a pen, and if you're an R&B fan, I GUARANTEE he's written one of your favorite artists major hits. He's written for Mariah, Chris Brown, Janet, Bow Wow, Tyrese, Monica and a laundry list of others. Defensive is the latest in leaked tracks from Johnta, not sure if this is intended for him or another artist, but he sounds damn good on it... His current project, tentatively titled Love, Sex and Religion is still without a release date, but if it includes any of this underground leaked content, it's sure to be a BANGER!

New J. Holiday - It's Yours


From the first time I heard Be With Me, J. Holiday struck me as a very talented singer. His debut album, Back of My 'Lac was a great start for the R&B singer but was very much unappreciated. So now, a year later he's back with It's Yours, the lead single from his forthcoming sophomore album simply titled Round 2. The single features the smooth vocals that put J. Holiday on the map, and a pretty hot beat to accompany. Look for Round 2 to hit stores in February 2009.

-Mack-

Review: Ludacris - Theater of the Mind

I’m a lyricist to the death so I got what ya need, Ludacris I’m the last of a dying breed…


Artist: Ludacris
Album: Theater of the Mind
Release Date: 11.25.08

He’s six albums deep so by now, we know what to expect from Ludacris right? Some thumpin’ beats, a boatload of clever puns and humorous metaphors, a few panty-droppers, and some keep-it-real message songs. While this sixth album doesn’t experience any major deviations in content, the few cosmetic changes to its overall presentation are what make it worth the listen. Enter the Theater of the Mind, a craftily written compilation of short stories with cameos from today’s hip-hop elite and some Hollywood headliners. The star of the show is the fun-loving lyrical mastermind Ludacris, and he takes a bolder, more confident approach in stating his case to prove that he’s the best in the game.

Ludacris is a modern-day storyteller and has an unmatched ability to build mental images through his lyrical wordplay and his vocal inflections. He calls up the homies on Call Up The Homies, featuring The Game and Willy Northpole as the main characters partying in different cities where circumstances call for some major reinforcements. Luda slows it down a bit in the Theater’s love scenes adding Jamie Foxx on the smooth and sexy Contagious, and Plies lends a hand on the ultra-sensual Nasty Girl, recommended to all the uninhibited sex kittens out there. Producer Wyldfyer contributed two of the hottest tracks on the album: I Do It for Hip Hop (with Jay-Z and Nas) and my top pick for this album, Last of a Dying Breed (feat. Lil Wayne). He attacks the latter of the two with a ferocity that eliminates any doubt that he lives up to all his hype. Ludacris turns up the humor with funnyman Chris Rock on Everybody Hates Chris, and drops a dose of reality alongside Common and Spike Lee for the album’s closer Do The Right Thang.

The overall highlight of this album is its ability to paint vivid pictures in the mind of the listener. I could easily imagine a music video for each of these tracks. Again, there’s nothing really new here in terms of content, but Luda’s delivery gets better and better, and he finds new ways to make his music more appealing. Undoubtedly, this will make platinum album #6 for Ludacris, but I don’t know that it’s his best effort. I still feel that Release Therapy was his finest contribution. But when it comes to hip-hop’s greatest, Ludacris is right: he’s a bonafide MVP of this rap shit…

Related Posts:
New Ludacris with Nas and Jay-Z: I Do It For Hip Hop
Ludacris feat. T-Pain: One More Drink
Undisputed (feat. Floyd Mayweather)
They Know What We Like

-Mack-

American Music Awards 08 - Performance Recap

Overall the performances were very high-energy. It was definitely a night for the backup dancers. Almost everyone, even the folks who could have done just as well without, brought their crews with them to rock the show with their acrobatics and athleticism. Despite all the extra effort though, the show’s performers failed to produce anything memorable or ground-breaking. The result became a string of music-video-esque type performances with no antics or over-the-top stunts to create a buzz. Here’s what I observed:

Christina Aguilera opened the show with her sensational voice and about as many outfit changes as songs… She began with a few lines from Beautiful and then transitioned into an amped-up performance of Keeps Getting Better, where she was accompanied by her dancers. In my opinion, this is what the music video really should have looked like. She also took a stroll with her hits Genie In A Bottle, let the vocals rip on Dirty and brought it home with Aint No Other Man.

NKOTB – is it time to sit down yet? Jordan’s singing was sooooooooo off most of the time and they looked about as uncoordinated as bad as they sound

Pink’s performance of her second single Sober was a highlight for me. It’s definitely one of the best songs on her album, and this performance was totally rocked out. Not to mention she looks amazing. Pink sure knows how to kick in the emotion when it’s time.

I’m now officially checkin for Taylor Swift. She did a great job, and I think I'm gonna review her CD

Miley Cyrus' performance of Fly On The Wall had great energy and the song is kinda catchy. Is she this decade’s Britney Spears?

Jonas Brothers - blaaaaaahhhhhh…

Ne-yo… white shoes tho? Feelin the horn arrangement and the dance routines were amazing but uh… I think he forgot that he was actually supposed to SING the words. If you’re going to dance that hard and forget to deliver the lyrics, join the rest of the “cool kids” that lip sync their live shows!

Leona Lewis took the stage with her perfect vocals and she looked great!! She is one of few artists I dare to say sings better live than on her album! Another highlight of the night for me.

Beyonce showed up gloveless for a performance of Sasha's current smash Single Ladies. Of course she looked amazing and had great energy, but that vanilla honey on the right was killing it. So I guess that answers my previous question: even without the glove, she still gives the love...

Fashionably, Rihanna rocked! She tried some new things with her vocals, to prove that she can actually sing, contrary to what a lot of folks seem to think. I really hope Rehab is the last single from this album.

I’m gonna try not to say anything bad about Kanye West. His performance of Heartless was cool, nothing amazing, but his vocals were quite off in a lot of places. Which brings me to my next point…What’s he gonna do when he goes on tour?? Oh and Kanye… from now on just take your award, say thank you, sit down and shut up. Thank you and you’re welcome… (Hey, I said I'd TRY!)

Sara McLachlan and Pink singing ‘Angel’ – That is one of the most beautiful songs ever written, and this duet was amazing. Really took me back to Pink’s Can’t Take Me Home album, her R&B flavored debut.

Alicia Keys performed Superwoman with some help from Queen Latifah and Kathleen Bennett (presumably a professional opera singer). Good look with bringin out the Queen and diversifying her performance, but I think the opera may have been a bit much. I see what she was trying to do and I appreciate it, but it was a bit much all at once.

-Mack-

Review: Kanye West - 808s & Heartbreak


Artist: Kanye West
Album: 808s & Heartbreak
Release Date: 11.25.08

808’s & Heartbreak just may be the definitive album of Kanye’s career – sentimental, confused, and strong yet vulnerable. This is Kanye’s most personal, introspective and most reflective album to date. He raised eyebrows when he sang the album’s introductory single Love Lockdown at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards, and raised them again when it was revealed that the entire album would be sung with the assistance of the Auto-Tune device. Contrary to the popular school of thought, it works quite well on this project as the themes and overall sound of the entire album are structured around the device creating a balance that gives his music that signature Kanye characteristic – boldness. In the wake of his mother’s tragic death, his breakup from his ex-fiancée, and a string of media stunts, Kanye bears his soul through his music – the result could be considered Kanye’s magnum opus.

As for my top picks: the production on Robocop is among the best on the album; it incorporates synthesized harmonies and hydraulic robotic sound clips to accompany West’s fed-up-with-your-shit lyrics. Streetlights is one of the more vulnerable records, and really gives insight to the sad undertones of the rest of the album. The elements of his human emotion are on display all throughout this album. You can hear his frustration on Welcome To Heartbreak, his resilience on Amazing featuring Young Jeezy, and his rage on See You In My Nightmares with Lil Wayne. On no other track is West’s pain felt more than my personal favorite: Coldest Winter, written for his mother, the late Dr. Donda West. The syncopated tribal beats from the 808 beneath his piercing vocals; this song was born in heartbreak: “Memories made in the coldest winter, Goodbye my friend; I won’t ever love again…” The album closes with Pinocchio Story, a live freestyle from Kanye’s concert in Singapore. Though personal in nature, the closing track tends to drift into a gratuitous rant at times.

After giving this album a few listens, I dare to say this is the best album of Kanye’s career, and definitely one of the better releases of the year. Although he claims he “just wants to be a real boy” this album shows us that he already is, and that his celebrity status doesn’t exempt him from the heartaches we all face. This album is not only recommended, it’s a must-have. This is an appropriate follow-up to Graduation, because that’s usually where real life begins…

Related Posts:
Video: Kanye West - Heartless

Love Lockdown


-Mack-

Sound-Savvy Drop: 808 refers to the TR-808, an early model drum machine, largely used in the creation of demo recordings.

Soundbyte: Brandy - After The Flood


I saw the official tracklisting for Human and this song didn't look like it's on there, but I sure as hell hope it's a bonus track or something, cause I CAN'T STOP PLAYIN IT!!! Oh man... she kills on this joint (not literally of course, ya know that whole accident thing is over) , which is more evidence that the return of B-Rocka is about to be somethin serious!! The song is called After The Flood and I just can't stop playin it... it means a lot in a lot of different areas of life... lemme know what you think...

-Mack-

Video: Keri Hilson feat. Lil Wayne - Turnin' Me On


Can I get a handclap for sexiness? Sexy videos are apparently a trend when it comes to Keri Hilson, and she keeps that energy flowing with the third single from her pushed-back-yet-again debut album In A Perfect World. Ladies, this one is mostly for you, there's enough tats and bare chests to make your cold winter's night just a little bit warmer along with some elements of this video that are reminiscent of the Soldier clip from Destiny Fulfilled. Polow lays the beat, Wayne rips his verse, and Keri... well, she makes it hot! Look for the album at the top of 2009.

Video: Solange - T.O.N.Y.



If you're gonna sing your shoulda coulda woulda's, it should sound this good. Solange Knowles presents T.O.N.Y. as the third single from her underappreciated sophomore release Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams. Yes, I said unappreciated. If you read my review, you'd know that this is my favorite track on the album, but it really had some great joints that sound a lot fresher than today's pop joints. This video is a very classy look for her and represents her new sound very well. What I'd really like to know is how many people are feeling Sol-Angel over Sasha Fierce?? Hmmmm....

Video: Slim feat. Ryan Leslie and Fabolous - Good Lovin'


I'm feelin the bow-tie-fly look Slim, very grown man. Good Lovin' is the second single from Slim's debut solo joint Love's Crazy. Isn't it about time?? As catchy as it is, So Fly was starting to get soooo tired. This was actually a highlight of the album and it's a nice smooth joint produced by Mr. Ryan Leslie. Loso rounds out this joint with some slick bars for good measure. I'm really feelin this joint, definitely a vibe-in-the-ride type track...

Album Review: Brian McKnight - I'll Be Home For Christmas


Artist: Brian McKnight
Album: I'll Be Home For Christmas
Release Date: 10.28.08

Brian McKnight is an R&B superstar with a voice that can warm the heart of any Scrooge. With the release of his second Christmas album, I'll Be Home For Christmas, he takes a more traditional approach to deliver his season’s greetings. This is in contrast to Bethlehem, his first holiday project which was released about 10 years ago – yes I do have it – and contained mostly original content with a few traditional Christmas carols thrown in. This new release is a compilation of 12 traditional Christmas songs with guest appearances from Josh Groban, Vince Gill, and his two sons Niko and Brian McKnight Jr.

One of my favorites is his cover of a song that he co-wrote with Wanya Morris for Boyz II Men on their 1993 Christmas Interpretations album. The song is called Who Would Have Thought, and it’s all about the unlikely event of falling in love on Christmas day. Other favorites include Angels We Have Heard on High with Josh Groban and Let It Snow with his two sons (who were also featured on the Bethlehem album). Take 6 even makes an appearance to close out the album with a stirring a capella rendition of Bless This House.

Production-wise, everything is very traditional, from the stringed melody of Silent Night, to the smooth piano intro on I’ll Be Home for Christmas. I highly recommend this album for anyone who loves good Christmas music, especially the traditional music of the season; now all you need is some mistletoe and someone to help you trim that tree…

-Mack-

Album Review: Musiq Soulchild - A Philly Soul Christmas


Artist: Musiq Soulchild
Album: A Philly Soul Christmas (EP)
Release Date: 10.28.08

Well, it’s that time of the year folks, and Christmas music is certain to be ringing in every mall and store from here to the North Pole and beyond very soon if it isn’t already. A Philly Soul Christmas is Musiq Soulchild’s offering for the season, an EP of 7 traditional Christmas carols delivered with some jazzy, neo-soul flavor. I’ll get straight to the point: this is a prime example of “just because you can sing, doesn’t mean you can sing everything”.

Musiq has a very monotone voice and a rather limited range which works well for his neo-soul style music. But traditional Christmas carols require a lot more than a limited range. His songs kinda take the joy out of the Christmas carols for me because his voice sounds so bland. Production-wise though, this has some great stuff. In fact, if he were to release just the instrumentals from this release, I’d cop it and rock it at my holiday party. I’d give him a C for effort, but a D- on the overall attempt. The best song to me was O Come All Ye Faithful, his voice moves a lot lighter and easier over the piano-led melody. This is actually one of the best renditions of that song that I’ve heard from any contemporary artist. His version of Deck The Halls comes in a smooth second place, but I could honestly do without the rest.

I’m sure his new album On My Radio will be much better when it’s released on 12.9.08 so I’ll be checkin for that. But if you’re on the hunt for new sounds of the season, I don’t recommend this one…

-Mack-

Album Review: Slim of 112 - Love's Crazy


Artist: Slim (of 112)
Album: Love's Crazy
Release Date: 11.18.08

It can be a nail biting experience when one of your favorite music groups disbands and members start taking the solo route. I’ve always been a proponent of that “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts” theorem. That said I had several reasons to be a little nervous about Slim’s debut solo album. Let’s keep it real: Slim worked well in the group because Mike, Daron and Q all added some balance to Slim’s gratuitous high pitched rifts that could get a little irksome at times (hey, I said keep it real!). Together, 112 balanced each other to create some sweet harmonies, the likes of which are rarely attempted anymore. But when I listened to Love’s Crazy, it wasn’t as bad as I expected it to be; it’s actually a decent project. With collaborations from Fabolous, Faith Evans, Big Boi, and Ryan Leslie, Slim’s proving that you can count 112 down, but it’s still too soon to count them out.

Yung Joc contributes his laidback swagger to the lead single So Fly, which blazed the airwaves this summer. Good Lovin’ is the album’s second single produced by Ryan Leslie who also appears on the hook, while Fabolous delivers a few bars to make this a possible hit record. Other highlights on the album include the romance ballad Sweet Baby and the Faith Evans duet So Gone. The latter opens with a guitar solo that’s reminiscent of Slash’s runs in TLC’s Red Light Special. Treat your carnal side to Bedtime Stories, an elaborately detailed sexual escapade that’s sure to entice the ladies. Big Boi steps in to close the album out on the title track, a thumping ATL-signature jam and another highlight of the album.

While this album overcomes some mountains, it dives into some valleys also. Heels On is one track that doesn’t quite deliver. It features Yung Berg (there’s one reason) and Deezo, and crosses that fine line between sensual and just plain corny without much assistance from the two featured rappers. Leave U Alone is Slim’s attempt at a dance record but contains the element I most feared when listening to this project – the return of the whiny wailing voice that we all hoped would sit this one out.

This album isn’t groundbreaking nor would I consider it one of the best releases this year, but it does hold its own. There’s more good tracks than bad, and we hear more of Slim’s natural range throughout the disc, a departure from his higher register which tends to be a staple throughout 112’s albums. Call me nostalgic, but I would have loved to hear a song on this album that reunites Slim with the remaining members of 112 to gratify fans left wondering about the group’s fate. Great production, great collabs, now if only we could get those guys on another album together…

Related Post:
112: In Parts

-Mack-

Video: Jadakiss feat. Ne-yo - By My Side


Here's an example of an unstoppable force. Just look back at Jadakiss' career and see the many opportunities he had to let it go and walk away from the music. This is a brutha that truly does it for hip-hop and you gotta respect that. By My Side is a single from his new album The Last Kiss which Jada says is NOT his last album, rather "the end of a trilogy". Ne-yo seems to be everyone's go-to guy when you need a hit these days, and there's no doubt it's working. This is a great video, great song, and I'm anxious to hear what's next from the Yonkers frontman Jada.


-Mack-

New Video: Mya - Paradise


And in this weeks "Where 'da hell you been?" files, Mya is back after a hiatus with her new single Paradise, or is she? This song, penned by Ne-yo (hence the MJ sample from "The Girl Is Mine"), is the first single from her forthcoming album Sugar and Spice which is currently set to only be released in Japan for now (12.8.08). Now I know Mya had some label issues, she left Motown after the minimalized release of Liberation but it looks like the Japanese give her more love. The Japanese market has always had more appreciation for American pop singers so I can't blame her. Still, this is a nice single and I'm hoping this album does better than her last few. She's one of those artists that puts out hot singles, but the albums leave a lot to be desired. Ah well, at least she still looks good...

-Mack-

Video-Avant-BREAK YA BACK

When you see something of interest, you go after it right? Well, at least I do. Avant is back with Break Ya Back off his self-titled album slated for a 12.09.08 release. Who said sex wasn't healthy? It does your body good; a GREAT workout. Avant is known for his ballads & his sensual side, which entices to buy his albums. I know he won't let me down. Ladies, next time your guy says, he wants to break your back, make sure you let him know, BREAK IT IN A GOOD WAY.

David Cook - Light On



Each Idol is known for something they brought to the show's career-launching stage. For Fantasia, it was her spirited performances. For Carrie Underwood, it was her southern charm. For Kelly Clarkson it was her huge vocals. But for the show's 7th season winner David Cook, it's all of the above - his rocker essence combined with his ability to deliver the big bold vocals and the ladies love him. During the season he wowed the audiences with his stylized performances of hits like Billie Jean, Hello and Always Be My Baby. Today (11.18.08), he releases his self-titled album led by the single Light On which contains those elements that remind fans why they fell in love with him last season. Check out the video here, but I'm counting on a second more emotive single to follow shortly and really win me over...

-Mack-

New Music from 50 Cent: 'Get Up!'



Some of ya'll know I don't like 50 Cent, and it's nothing personal - this is all about music. Personally, I think he's a very smart and savvy businessman, he's a survivor and he's a very focused and determined individual. Musically, however, 50 Cent has gotten stale and uninspired. All his music began to sound the same - not to mention the fact that his monotone drawl doesn't really help. Alas, here we find ourselves with a new joint from 50's upcoming album Before I Self Destruct. This single is the best thing I've heard out from 50 in a minute just because it sounds better than his other recent stuff. Maybe it's just the Scott Storch beat, maybe it's more than that, all I know is it's about time 50 got a fresher sound. But ya'll know me, it's gonna take a lot more than one hot track to sell me on 50's new album, but I'll keep ya posted... Don't hold your breath on the album though, this release has been in the works since '07 and experienced several pushbacks. At press time the release date is slated at early 2009.

New Ludacris with Nas AND Jay-Z: I Do It For Hip-Hop


Is there really a better reason to do it? 3 of the hottest rappers on one blazing track... I Do It For Hip Hop is the latest from Luda's forthcoming album Theater of the Mind, due out on November 25. I've always respected Luda as a lyricist and a rapper and this track is just one of the reasons why. A lot of these new rappers need to hear this and really consider the reason they're doing music -- better yet, everyone should listen to this, no matter what you do. If you're doing anything for the money, or the fame or the superficial reasons, then your foundation isn't solid and it's sure to fall through eventually. But when you fully commit yourself to an art, if you do it for the love of the craft then success is both inevitable and immeasurable... chew on that.

Rihanna's Fashionable New Video: Rehab


From the first time I listened to Good Girl Gone Bad this was immediately one of my favorite tracks... I'm lovin the chemistry between her and Justin Timberlake who, by the way, seems to be everywhere these days. You thinkin what I'm thinkin? Yep... he's gonna drop something blazing in '09. Rihanna is her usual sexy self in the clip for Rehab, but am I the only one who's wondering why the cameo wasn't from Mr. Chris Breezy? This video, like many of her others seems to have a fashion forward focus, and Rihanna looks great. It's gonna be time for a new album soon from our Barbados bombshell...

-Mack-

TIYMLI: Katy Perry - Hot N' Cold


Katy Perry is obviously on a mission: to make me buy her album. Her songs are so infectious; this summer she had chicks kissin' girls and likin it (or at least thinkin about it). Now she's goin hard on the fellas. She strikes me as the type of chick that doesn't give a damn what anyone else thinks and she's determined to say what she feels, you can either get wit it or get lost. And that's the element that has me so intrigued. What can I say, I got a thing for "take charge" females. Favorite line: "You PMS like a bitch... I would know". Can ya'll rock wit me for a sec?

-Mack-

Introducing: BRUTHA

"He's my brother and I love him like myself..."

Nowadays we're inundated with reality shows about the rise to fame and popularity, the rags to riches themes and the keep-it-a-little-too-real family dramas. Nonetheless, a friend told me about the new show Brothers to Brutha, which will premeire on BET on 11.18. and I felt the need to pass it along to my Sound-Savvy fam. It chronicles the story of 5 actual brothers who have formed the R&B quintet aptly titled "Brutha". They've been signed to Island Def Jam by Jermaine Dupri and are set to release their debut album on December 23. Just hearing these fellas sing a capella gives me chills. I got a feeling they will succeed where other family based groups like B5 have failed because they all have talent - each one can sing quite well, but they realize they're stronger together than any one of them could be in a solo venture. They've started an a capella movement, which I find simply amazing; groups just don't do a capella anymore, because a lot of them just can't. Check out their first single, and then watch this video clip of them singing Love Lockdown... they might be the new hotness!


-Mack-

Let Plies "Put It on Ya"

I can't say Plies is one of my favorite rappers of all time. What I will say is, he brings his A game when it comes to releasing some hot fire singles. Releasing Put it on ya as the single from Da REAList due in stores Dec. 16th will definitely have me wondering if the release will be worth my funds. Maybe its just the sexual prowess in me that has me doing my signature hip roll, but I'm feeling this joint. The good girls always tend to love those bad boys.

-Mello-


Seal - A Change is Gonna Come


There are some rules you must follow when you cover a classic, the most important of which is to stay true, in some aspect, to the original. That being said, I like this joint... I like it a lot!! Vocally, Seal stays true to the Sam Cooke original but he still manages to throw his own personal flair into the mix. The standout of this cover is the improvement on the production. The string symphony and the whole live-sounding instrumental just adds to the uplift of the song. Props to Seal for really paying honor to a classic in a most appropriate time. This song can be found on Seal's sixth album, Soul, which is full of classic covers. It's in stores now (I think I'll be pickin up a copy...).

-Mack-

Review: Q-Tip - The Renaissance

Artist: Q-Tip
Album: The Renaissance
Release Date: 11.4.08

They tried to tell me he wasn’t hip-hop no more. They said “He’s out of touch” and “he ain’t wit it no more”. “Who does he think he is?” they said, followed by “Better yet, who do you think he is?” Well, he’s Q-Tip, and he is hip-hop. Remember everything you liked about Tribe? How they could make you scratch your head while shakin your derriere? How they gave birth to concepts and grooves at the same time? On The Renaissance, Q-Tip brings you back to the happy medium between consciousnesses and partying. It’s another dose of electric relaxation, folks.

The Renaissance is Q-Tip’s first album in years but he’s still got that musical methodology of the groove. From the lead single Gettin Up it’s apparent that the time away from the mic didn’t slight his flow at all. The album opens with the piano-led Johnny Is Dead, which also includes more of Raphael Saadiq weathers a stormy relationship on We Fight/We Love, which chronicles a stormy relationship. Other cameos include Amanda Diva on the vibrant Manwomanboogie, D’Angelo on Believe, and Norah Jones on the feel-good Life is Better. Other highlights I’d recommend are You and Dance On Glass, one of the most true-to-form cuts on the album.

I often consider Q-Tip the predecessor to today’s more lyrically advanced artists, namely Lupe Fiasco. His eclectic grooves, lyrical genius and overall musical ability put him in a category rarely touched by today’s mainstream artists – but then again, Q-Tip has never really been a main stream swimmer. He’s a niche artist, and he found his following – or rather they found him years ago. It’s sad that we had to wait so long for this album, but The Renaissance is here.

-Mack-

The Dream - Let Me See The Booty


If you didn't cop The Dream's first album Love/Hate you have been officially caught sleeping. I'll admit, Shawty is a 10 wasn't my type of joint initially, but the track grew on me, and I'm glad it did, the album was hot and is still in rotation for me. He's back now with a new album due out 12.16.08, entitled Love vs. Money. He's projecting this album to be bigger in terms of his vocals, and even better than the last. "I've definitely grown in my singing" he tells Billboard magazine and says this album WILL include a duet with Mariah Carey. I wasn't quite feelin this joint at first either, but it's a party joint and that's exactly where it fits. Lil Jon adds the crunk and the Dream makes the track blaze. This is a release I'll be sure to cop. I HIGHLY recommend his debut.

-Mack-

SHOW UR BAD SIDE!!!!



Today is a typical cold & rainy day here in the DMV. As 1/2 of the voice here on Sound-Savvy, let's just say I'm feeling rather frisky. Its something about the weather that makes me wanna have a little role-play action. I like to call myself a sexual connoisseur. In lieu of the recent release of Thr33 Ringz, T-Pain has been inspiration for this particular post. It doesn't matter where you are at this very moment, everybody has a bad side. So today, here on Sound-Savvy, I express that everyone show that bad side; that is of course with that special someone. We choose the right to be exclusive, & so should you. In the mean time, check the track out if you haven't already. In my household, its time for a game of cops & robbers; hide & go get it!!!

-Mello-

Album Review...DAVID ARCHULETA


Artist: David Archuleta
Album: Self-Titled David Archuleta
Release Date: 11.11.08

Stars aren't made, they're born. Who said American Idol was for amateurs? For all those that followed this last cycle will know David Archuleta was my favorite! Just by looking at him you would never know, when he opens his mouth, songs from heaven spill out. His voice is as calming as the sound of the ocean. Don't believe me, take a listen for yourself.

Releasing his first studio album, entitled David Archuleta, I must say this young man has made his mark in the industry. He was born to be a balladeer. With opening track Crush, a track very relative to all, sets the tone for the remainder of the album. He speaks of that special someone that captivates his entire mental cavity. We've all been there.

Despite his age, he sings as if he's experienced all that life has to offer. I've found myself listening to this album on repeat for the mere fact, I think I'm dreaming. Its an easy listen & it tells one story after another without the listener losing interest.

Without totally letting the cat out the bag, I highly recommend listening to this young man. I guarantee it wont be a disappointment. David, if you somehow catch wind of this, keep up the great work. Your fan here on Sound-Savvy is routing for ya!

-Mello-

Mindstream Topic: BATTLE OF THE SEXES!

The topic on Mindstream for 11.12.08 is Battle of the Sexes, and as I flipped through my iPod, I figured I'd have a little fun with this. So here we go, 5 categories for YOU to decide who did it best? Please leave comments, and sign in to the Sound-Savvy Forum to continue the debate!!

Zodiac Love
It’s often been suggested that emotional and even sexual compatibility can be determined by the stars or more specifically the zodiac. These two hot vocalists sang two very hot songs about which signs can make it hot and which ones can not. But which song was better: Beyonce's Signs or Tyrese's Signs of Lovemakin'?

Breakup Song
Go back to the 90’s with me on this one. There are plenty of ways to get rid of that ex; this time the ladies took the tactful route while the fellas were a little more blunt. Either way you say it, when it’s over it’s over and there’s only two things you can do, get out or get gone. So who said it best, Changing Faces with GHETTOUT or Ideal with Get Gone?

Rockin Your Body
I know this isn’t a fair comparison, but I’mma put it out there anyway, plus, I wanna know. They’re brother and sister and they each had a song that shared the same title. Coincidentally, both songs were written to make you dance and rock the night away. But who’s song is better: Michael Jackson’s Rock With You or Janet Jackson’s Rock With U?

The I Miss You Jam
It’s hard to say sometimes how it feels to miss someone, but these two artists with hits in the 90s and the 2000s had a knack for making it sound good. Regardless of when the song was released, a broken heart hurts just as bad anytime it breaks. But who sang it best: Brian McKnight with Anytime or Toni Braxton with Unbreak My Heart?

Movie Theme Songs
Movie theme songs are usually the songs you remember for EVER, especially if the movie was good. These two songs were put together by different groups of guys for two very good films. So which song was better Missin' You from the soundtrack to Set it Off with Brandy, Tamia, Chaka Khan and Gladys Knight or Best Man from the soundtrack to The Best Man featuring RL, Tyrese, Case and Ginuwine?

You can chat about this and other topics on the Sound-Savvy Forums, designed as a way for you to have friendly debates and network. Sign up for an account, and let us know who should win the battle of the sexes.
-Mack-

Bobby Valentino - Another Life

So first, he attempted to resurrect the rattail in the video for his first single, Beep. Now it's the word tenderoni on his second single Another Life. What's next Bobby V? I swear if I see a video with slap bracelets or underoos I'm writing you off completely! As I stated before, I'm a little leery about his forthcoming album and I needed the second single to make the determination. Scratch that, I need an album sampler or a full preview. This single just ain't it. The production on it is great, the guitar rifts and all. The vocals are not really all that great for me; if there are two things in R&B that are being expressly over-used it's the Vocoder and the falsetto. And just when I start taking the song serious, that background talking just kills the entire track - I mean really... Bobby, you're settin me up for disappointment buddy... seriously...


-Mack-

New Music from Case - Lovely

I already know what you're thinkin... where the hell has Case been? It's been 7 years, since we saw the release of his last album, Open Letter, but his time away has brought many changes. He's back now with his own brand new label Indigo Blue, but the same signature sound that brought us hits like Happily Ever After, Faded Pictures, and one of my personal all-time favorites Think of You. The new album is titled The Rose Experience, set to hit stores 2.10.09... yeah just a bit longer to wait, but for now check out the video for the single, entitled Lovely.

LOVELY

-Mack-

Sasha Fierce or Sasha Fraud?

Shouts to sweetkeyy for sendin me this joint... And people wonder why I said Beyonce has been lacking originality lately. Here's where the concept for the Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) video originated. This isn't the first time she's jacked some moves: the entire live performance routine for Soldier (Destiny's Child) was jacked from Rhythm Nation and then recycled for Beyonce's Ring The Alarm. Believe it or not, I'm not a Beyonce-hater, I'm just a realist. When your content starts becoming stale and recycled, maybe you should take a break and get a fresh perspective. It's working wonders for Maxwell's resurrection...

BUN B- YOU'RE EVERYTHING

A moment of silence & lit candles are needed for the memory of Pimp C. As long as Bun B has air in his lungs, Pimp C's legacy will forever live on. The South is known for great music; the deep down nitty gritty hardcore rap. Hence, UGK, David Banner, Eight Ball & MJG, just to name a few. This particular video, You're Everything, is their ode to their native homeland, the DIRTY SOUTH. So much has occurred in the South, stemming from civil rights, its only right that they put on for the region that has helped mold them into the artists that they are. Peep the historic scenes in the video. Sampling Jodeci did this track some true justice. The South is their everything. Hands down UGK still is the best. LONG LIVE THE PIMP!
-Mello-

FORUM TOPIC: Who Had The Better Album?




Which album was better? Now on first listen Usher's album is great, but when I revisit it now, six months after its release, I find it's not as noteworthy as I initially thought. Don't get me wrong, Here I Stand is a great album, but there are some tracks that I tend to skip over. Year of the Gentleman, however, I love every track. Both albums have more mature content and take the "grown man" approach but Ne-yo has better delivery... so who's got the better album... feel free to add your thoughts to the Sound-Savvy Forum. Sign up for a free account and join the discussion!
-Mack-

It's Beyonce... No, That's SASHA!



Shouts to the homie fashioncitizen for explaining the gloved and un-gloved versions of Beyonce to me. Apparently, the un-gloved is Beyonce, nice, tame, beautiful balladeer. However, when she dons the metallic-robotic-prosthesis she is transformed into Sasha Fierce, her alter-ego. If you can forgive her lyric flub at the beginning and the off-key first few notes, this was actually a great performance from the 2008 World Music Awards. Along with the glove, it looks like she's still sportin' that all female band. I kinda like those chicks, they rock!
-Mack-

Christina Aguilera - Keeps Gettin' Better



It's hard to believe it's been a decade since the genie was let out of the bottle and we found out What A Girl Wants. In that time, Christina Aguilera has released 3 regular studio albums (the last of which was a double disc) and arguably one of the best Christmas albums of the pop generation. She's locked lips with Madonna, won numerous awards, and has stolen many a show with her huge vocal performances. In case you're guilty of under-appreciating the talent of Mrs. Aguilera, take note: here's 5 reasons why you need to cop Keeps Gettin' Better - A Decade of Hits in stores 11.11.08.

5. Quality over Quantity - She's been in the game just as long as fellow Mickey Mouseketeer Britney Spears, but has only released half as many albums while Britney has received twice the notoriety. However, Christina's 3 albums have produced twice as many #1 hits atop the Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart. Plus she's just a better singer...

4. That's how many #1 Singles she has on the Billboard 100 list... really makes you wonder about all the hype behind Britney now, huh?

3. The Voice - There aren't many women that can sing a Whitney Houston song in a tribute to Whitney herself and make it sound just as good, if not better than the original. Oh please, don't take my word for it, see for yourself...


2. Versatility - She's worked with them all, from Diddy to Alicia Keys, to Herbie Hancock, each masters in their own style of music. With each collaboration she's opened herself to a new audience and embraced new styles. Have you heard A Song For You?


1. She keeps getting better - As evidenced by her new single, Christina is a master at re-inventing herself in both style and in sound. The other new song, Dynamite has a very futuristic dance-style beat which is presumably the direction for Christina's next project. This greatest hits compilation is simply a reminder, in preparation for her 4th album, which is as yet untitled but slated for a summer 2009 release. Yeah, you might wanna get this joint....

Related Post:
Christina Aguilera - Keeps Gettin' Better
-Mack-