New track from Omarion feat. Lil Wayne - Comfort


Lil Wayne is definitely in the running for the Oversaturation award, but I guess that's what happens when you're the hot thing for the moment. Omarion, on the other hand, disappeared for a minute after that last flop of an album with Bow Wow that shall remain nameless for now. I've never been a huge fan of Omarion as a solo artist; his albums never moved me, but he's had a few nice songs. Comfort is his latest, and I'm kinda feelin it; it's a nice breezy joint. And speakin' of Breezy, isn't it peculiar that Omarion picked now to resurface? I can't blame him though, he didn't stand a chance against Chris...

Mary J. Blige and Ne-yo - What Love Is


When I first heard this song on Growing Pains, it was evident that Ne-yo had penned it. I think I'm savvy enough now that I can pick out a Ne-yo song regardless of who's singing it. Anywho, this was definitely one of the highlights of the Growing Pains album for Mary, though the version on the album does not include Ne-yo. This sounds like a clever mix of the demo version along with the actual recorded version. The two sound great together, and I'd be really interested to hear them do some work together in the future. Get savvy on this...

Video: Jamie Foxx - Blame It



Now THAT'S how you do a music video!!! Jamie pulled a "callin-all-cars" on this one!! Oscar winners, Grammy winners, girls that kiss girls and plenty of alcohol flowin' around. Appearances include Quincy Jones, Forrest Whitaker, Samuel L Jackson, Jake Gyllenhaal, Morris Chestnut and Jermaine Dupri, among others to round out the star-studded cast. Blame It is the second single from Jamie's latest album, Intuition. Not only is this one of the hottest tracks on the album, it's a Sound-Savvy certified club banger! Don't believe me? Check your local club this weekend when this song comes on...

Album Review: Joe Budden - Padded Room


Artist: Joe Budden
Album: Padded Room
Release Date: 2.24.09

To much of the mainstream music audience, it would appear that the lyrical genius known as Joe Budden had taken a hiatus - and, in a sense, he did. It appeared to be a classic case of two fairly new artists releasing albums simultaneously: one rises to fame (50 Cent) while the other fades to obscurity (Budden). Budden’s fade-to-black, however, wasn’t for a lack of talent; deals went sour, bonds were broken, and the world shifted focus to the the brighter stars of the moment. Late-comer to the bandwagon I was, but once on board, I saw exactly what the world has been missing.

Padded Room is an extension of Budden’s dark and brooding personality introduced on his Mood Muzik mixtapes released during his time away from the spotlight. He joins forces with The Game on the album’s lead single Future, with an appropriately ultra-modern beat contributed by a producer bearing the track’s name. In My Sleep is the expected follow-up single, a mental trip for both Budden and the listener, lyrically illustrated with scenes from Budden’s dreamscape. When sex becomes a drug, you end up with Exxes, a tale of sexual entrapment; an endless cycle built on lust and powered by physical attraction. As its title suggests, Adrenaline is a pure rush of excitement, characterized by rock guitars and vocals over a killer instrumental. The closing track, Pray For Me is a brazen display of vulnerability bordering on blasphemy, on which Budden illustrates a mid-life meeting with his maker. Undoubtedly the most personal song on the album, Joe opens up about his own imperfections, self-doubts, and questions about life.

Lyrically speaking, Joe Budden could put your favorite rapper to shame on his worst day. In many ways, this is not your typical hip-hop album; there’s a different type of realness here and it’s a very personal project. It’s downright emotional in some parts, but it’s that level of emotion that forms a connection with his audience. It’s impossible to not feel his struggle and pain from his well-crafted lyrics that form a perfect union with the beat contributions from The Klasix, Blastah Beatz, Fyu-Chur, and Dub B. Joe Budden may be underrated, but don’t mistake lack of promotion for lack of skill – he’s on fire!

Sound-Savvy officially rates Padded Room with 4.5 out of 5 platinum headphones.

Related Post:
New Joint: Joe Budden feat. The Game and Dominic - The Future
Joe Budden TV (FOR MY FELLAS!!)

Video: Akon feat. Colby O'Donis and Kardinal Offishall - Beautiful

I'm lovin' the way the song has that euro-pop appeal to it and is accompanied by a video that's very stylish and fashion forward. I'm sure there are some fashion bloggers out there that could spit designers backwards and forward for this video but I'm just really feelin the way it all comes together for this clip. It's rather refreshing for someone to take a classy detour with their videos these days. When I wrote the review for Freedom, the album on which this song appears, I mentioned its versatility - Akon really goes beyond hip-hop's limitations for an international feel with this album and although his voice isn't the easiest to tolerate, you can't knock him for striving to be different. Click here to read the album review, and check out the vid...

Video: Flo-Rida feat. Pleasure P - Shone



I don't know what a 'Shone' is... frankly I don't care. But there is a whole lotta sexiness up in this video! The song's kinda weak to me but the video is way strong. Flo-Rida isn't the strongest new artist to step into the game, but he does have some catchy tunes tailor-made for the clubs. That's about the only time I can really vibe to anything he does (after about 4 shots of somethin nice!). Shone is the second single from his forthcoming sophomore album, entitled R.O.O.T.S. - Route of Overcoming The Struggle(Atlantic) set to be released on 3.31.09.

Video: Mike Jones - Next To You



Okay, okay... I promise, no ninja turtle jokes with this one... but seriously, where did the rest of Mike Jones go? The Houston-based rapper released his debut nearly 4 years ago and is now back with his sophomore effort Voice of the Streets (Asylum) scheduled for release on April 14. As for the song... I'm not impressed. I actually preferred Cutty Buddy a lot better. Whoever Nae Nae is on the hook, her voice is more annoying than an Ashanti music video. This video clip doesn't really serve a purpose except to show that diet and exercise really do work...even for Michaelangelo (COWABUNGA!!!)

TIYMLI: Melanie Fiona Showcase



Been a while since I did a TIYMLI post (Try It You Might Like It), but she's someone that definitely deserves it. All I can say is WOW... Melanie Fiona is one of the hottest new vocalists coming up in the industry and has already been endorsed by Kanye, Jay-Z and ?uestlove. Check out this showcase clip of her performing at the Canal Room in NYC. She performs with an amazing 12-member band and her sound is amazing! I'm glad to see an artist so adamant about performing with her band, and not just taking the easy route with studio tracks. If you don't know who Melanie Fiona is, you will soon. I'm totally diggin' a lot of her stuff, especially the track 'Monday Morning' which she performs in this clip...

Cam'ron - I Used To Get It In Ohio


No disrespect to my friends and fam in Ohio but is Cam'ron serious?? I was very generous with his last joint (I Hate My Job) but come on... this is just wack. And what exactly did he used to get in Ohio... missing? If this is on Crime Pays, then we all know what to expect. If he wanted to come out of his hiatus, he should have come a little harder than this, or just stayed gone. But then again, when was Cam'ron ever REALLY a respectable rapper?

Beyonce's Performance at the Academy Awards




I've been seeing a lot of bashing regarding her performance last night, and while I agree that Beyonce needs to take some time off and give us a break, I rather enjoyed this performance last night. She managed to put a little of her own flavor into each number and still deliver a broadway-caliber performance, which is different from her normal stage show. I stand by my previous comments that she was channeling Jessica Rabbit with that dress (the woman in the red dress from "Who Framed Roger Rabbit"!) But she looked and sounded amazing, and I'm sure that routine was no easy task. So yeah I enjoyed it, but uh... Beyonce, you can sit down now.

Video: Bow Wow ft. Johnta Austin - You Can Get It All

This song is starting to slightly grow on me, but I think it's only because of the TLC sample. It's aight, but nothing amazing. For some reason, Bow Wow's flow over the beat reminds me a lot of Young Jeezy. I'm just hoping this video gives Johnta Austin the exposure he needs to finally release his album. The video is aight for this song, but that's a fly leading lady he's got there! Now SHE could get it all...

New Artist: Melanie Fiona - Give It To Me Right


I came across this track from a talented new artist: Melanie Fiona. I like the way she brings soul and passion to her vocals in a way that doesn't overpower the track but giving it just enough emotion to make you really feel it. Signed to SRC/Universal, she's currently opening for Kanye West on the overseas leg of his Glow In The Dark tour. I'm expecting more hotness from Ms. Fiona; this is an excellent introduction to her, but something tells me this isn't the best she has in store. I sense a lot of power in that voice, and I'm ready to hear her blow us away... Take a listen, and leave comments to let me know if you're diggin' this or not...

Jagged Edge - Fling


There's been no word on a new album from Jagged Edge, and for that I've been somewhat grateful! Let's be honest... their songs have all pretty much sounded the same after the J.E. Heartbreak album. However, out of nowhere comes Fling, which is actually a pretty nice joint and could resurrect the quartet from the ashes of an almost forgotten, burned out and ever so stale existence. I'm kinda diggin this track and I'd be willing to hear at least one more...


Monday's Motivation Muzik: Brandy ft. Ray J. - Another Day In Paradise



It's no secret that we're living in tough times. We complain a lot about the things we don't have, never realizing that there's someone out there with even less. The economy is bad, but even before the recession there were people who were struggling with medical conditions, finances, and general lack of ability to provide for themselves and their families. This weekend, I had a conversation with one of my best friends about volunteerism, and giving back to others who aren't quite as fortunate. I consider it a moral obligation to help someone else in need, one that I've always been happy to fulfill. If we all did our part to help at least one other person along the way, we would quickly find an end to hunger, homelessness and depression. Brandy and Ray J. came together to record a cover of a Phil Collins classic, Another Day In Paradise and it speaks to the fact that many of us take our blessings for granted and overlook those in need. This week, I challenge everyone to find some way to make life just a little bit better for at least one other person. Happy Monday and enjoy your week.

50 Cent feat. R. Kelly - Do What It Do



Why does this song sound like a rap remix to Sensual Seduction? And Kellz is really losing his relevance for me. This track sounds like a meshing of things that have already been done. Not impressed in the least by this track. Kellz can do better. 50? Ehh... maybe not so much.

The Dream feat. Kanye West - Walkin' On The Moon

You gotta give The Dream credit for his creativity. He's a very versatile artist, not afraid to take chances and try a different sound. Walkin' On The Moon brings to mind some early Michael Jackson, circa the Off The Wall Era. It also has a bit of that European pop style that's dominating our airwaves these days. Not his best, but it's a decent track, and it's on his upcoming album, Love Vs. Money set for release on 3/10. If nothing else, it's something to dance to most definitely...

Dr. Dre feat T.I. and Nas - Topless


One of these days, Dr. Dre is gonna actually release Detox and satisfy all the fans that have been longing for this release for the past few years that he's been working on it. With so much work put in, it had better be a monumental hip-hop release. Until then, however, sate your palate with Topless (trust me, it ain't what you think!), the latest track from (presumably) the Detox album. Looks like Dre, Em and 50 are all planning to reclaim the charts this year. Most anticipated of the three? Let's just say, he can still "keep their heads ringin..."


Ciara feat. Justin Timberlake - Love, Sex and Magic


So here's the latest release from Ciara's forthcoming 3rd album, Fantasy Ride. Last month, I posted the demo version of this, with only Justin Timberlake on it and I was really diggin it. If you have JT's last album (FutureSex/LoveSounds) you'll notice that this track is reminiscent of the title track from that project. Adding Ciara into the mix gives this track a whole new level of flavor. From what I hear, the video for this is in the works and it's going to be a crazy dance track. As of right now, Fantasy Ride has an expected release date of April 7, but we all know Pushback Productions might have something else in mind. Check it out...


Related Post:
Justin Timberlake vs. Robin Thicke - Who's Really Got That 'Magic'?

Mixtape Download: Lyriciss Flowz - The Day Job


Check out the brand new official mixtape The Day Job from independent hip-hop star and Sound-Savvy Spotlight artist Lyriciss Flowz!! Hailing from the DMV (DC, MD, VA), Sound-Savvy stamps Lyriciss as an artist on the rise; his lyrical prowess and his ability to rock such a versatile flow as evidenced on this project make him a rising force in the industry not to be taken lightly. His potential is matched only by the passion in his lyrics and the confidence in his flow. What really caught my attention, however, is the sincere appreciation for music and the inspiration he draws from some of the legends of music, as heard on the various samples used. Highlights include Misunderstood, All I Need, Blue Collar Chronicles, The N*gga Moment, The Willie Lynch Chip and Welcome to Me. Content-wise this mixtape is very real, and Lyriciss speaks from the heart. The only recommendation I'd make is for more clarity on the mic - there are a few moments where the diction is a bit fuzzy and it's hard to understand for lack of enunciation. But true to his word, there's something here for every hip hop fan!
1. Voice Of The Metro (Intro) [prod. Arafat Yates of M1 Platoon]
2. Welcome To Me [prod. Equinox Professionals]
3. Go Hard (f./X.O. & Pro'Verb) [prod. AB The Producer]
4. Doin My Job [prod. David E. Beats]
5. Put Ya Hands Up! (f./Mouse aka The Waldorf Posterboy)
6. DMG (f./Cayan)
7. Like Me (f./Theo)
8. Bring It Back (f./Pro'Verb & Deron) [prod. Equinox Professionals]
9. The Baddest Chick (f./Pro'Verb & Orlando) [prod. Equinox Professionals]
10. Wild (Dilla Dope!)
11. The Nigga Moment (f./Pro'Verb & NandoMcFlyy.) [prod. Equinox Professionals]
12. All I Need [prod. G-Way]
13. Failure 2.0
14. The Rapture (f./Pro'Verb) [prod. Equinox Professionals]
15. 2 Sick (f./RAtheMC) [prod. Cap City]
16. Universal Mind Control
17. Billy The Kid Interlude [prod. J-Scrilla]
18. Misunderstood (The Explanation)
19. Dollars
20. Blue Collar Chronicles [prod. David E. Beats]
21. DMV It Ain't Hard To Tell (w./Mouse aka The Waldorf Posterboy)
22. The Willie Lynch Chip (Self-Hate)

Sound-Savvy officially rates The Day Job mixtape with 4 out of 5 platinum headphones.

Related Post:
(Interview) Savvy Spotlight: Meet Lyriciss Flowz

Savvy Spotlight: Meet Lyriciss Flowz!



Allow me to present to some and introduce to others the very talented Mr. Lyriciss Flowz. Born and raised in the Washington DC Metropolitan area (aka THE DMV), Lyriciss proves that there's more to the nation's capital than go-go music and mumbo sauce - there's hip-hop. Click here to check out his brand new mixtape, The Day Job!


Sound-Savvy:
What’s good Lyriciss?
Lyriciss Flowz: Man I’m feelin wonderful man. Stayin on this grind man.

SS: So represent one time, tell the Sound-Savvy audience where u from and where you reppin!
Lyriciss: Yeah, man you know me. I’m reppin the DMV - DC, Maryland Virginia. I been all over so I can’t come out here and say I’m from one area, I’ve been all over man. Anybody that’s in the city, PG County, to Northern Virginia, I’m out chea!!

SS: Aight. So how long have you been doing hip-hop?
Lyriciss: I been rappin’ since I was 9. So I guess that’s 12 years since I just turned 21. Been rappin’ since 9, been in the booth since 16. So it’s been a lot of years put into this.

SS: So what made you start rapping? Was there a major music influence and what made you pick up a mic?
Lyriciss: I’ve always loved hip-hop since I was a baby. I distinctly remember in my brain, plus my mother reassured me that I used to rock in the crib to It Takes Two by Rob Base. So I had the hip-hop influence around me all the time. My mother raised me with hip-hop because she loved it as much, if not more than I do. I remember the first song I ever did; when I was in elementary school, I would take people’s songs and put my own words to ‘em. First song I did that with was Money, Power, Respect by the Lox, DMX and Lil’ Kim. That beat was just crazy to me. I just started doin it like that and from there I would hop in the ciphers when I giot in middle school, hopped into the battles. High school I kept that going and I finally got the chance to record when I ran into my man Ace Chips. He had his whole FCG thing goin on. I got down with the squad, we started recordin’ at his crib in the closet at 16 years old. He was 15 at the time and we just kept it going from there.

SS: Listening to your new mixtape, I noticed a lot of old school samples, who are some the artists, rappers or singers that you draw inspiration from?
Lyriciss: Definitely Big L plays a big inspiration, rest in peace to him; the 10th anniversary of his death just passed on the 15th. Rakim, Kool G Rap, Jay-Z, AZ, Nas; Joe Budden nowadays has a lot of influence; I’m a big Joe Budden fan. Wale played a big part ‘cause that was the first time I heard somebody from the area that was really lyrical with the rhymes but still sounded like somebody from this area… with the accent and everything!

SS:
Shouts to Wale!
Lyriciss: Yeah so they all had an influence in what I do today

SS: Being from the DMV, how much of an influence does go-go play in your style?
Lyriciss: As far as my style in my songs, you don’t hear much go-go. The biggest song that I had before anything I got right now is probably They Fakin’ which had a Backyard sample on it. But just being somebody from the area, go-go has always been a big part of my life and you come up as a child and a teenager rappin’ over go-go beats. It helps you get your flow in the pocket so that’s something you’re always gonna have from a DMV rapper – a lot of the flows are very on point because if you can rock over a go-go beat then you can rock over any hip-hop beat. So that always played an influence on my flow, but not so much into the actual songs I do nowadays.

SS: So let’s talk about the new mix tape, The Day Job. What inspired the title?
Lyriciss: Well the truth of it is rap is my day job. I don’t have any other jobs right now. The economy is messed up! I had a part time working at Lids for a while, but I had to leave there. If you hear Blue Collar Chronicles, you know I worked at grocery stores, video game stores, all that. I worked at UPS, all of it. But right now rap is my day job: I wake up, I write songs, I record and I send the music out to the people and they just happen to like it.

SS: That’s wassup, that’s an inspiration. Blue Collar Chronicles is definitely one of m y favorites, there was a lot of imagery in the lyrics, it took me back to Spaceship from Kanye’s first album, similar concept but I like your spin on it.
Lyriciss: Yeah I had to talk about that and put some humor into it, didn’t want it to be completely serious.
SS: One of the tracks I’m really feelin’ is Misunderstood… there’s a lot of passion in the way the whole track was put together and it’s one I can really relate to. Where did that track come from?
Lyriciss: The first verse is basically speaking on how the rap game tries to make it seem that the mainstream does not have a place for an artist like me that would cover a bunch of topics and be lyrical. Even from this area, they try to make it seem like we’re not made to be rappers if you’re not talking about snappin’, drinkin’, makin’ it rain or whatever, you don’t really have a place in this rap game right now. The second verse was more so explaining a situation I had with a former management team/record label if they wanna call themselves that; just letting it be known that a lot of things they were saying about me after the fallout was very slanderous, it just wasn’t true. So I gave my side on it, and put my heart into it and let it be known that I still don’t have a problem with them, but this is the truth. They gon’ understand. No more misunderstanding what my side is on it.

SS: I hear that, put the truth out! Your first joint on the mix tape is called The Voice of the Metro. What is it about you as an artist that makes you able to claim that title over other artists from the DMV? Or is that something you would consider a shared title.
Lyriciss: Oh definitely, I’d definitely share that title. I’m just the one that will say it; I’ll say that I’m the voice of the metro but there’s plenty of other people that I feel are the voice of the metro. I feel that if you come out of this area and you’re dope, then you are a voice of the metro. If you talk about what goes on in our area and you do it without soundin’ like a damn fool, then you’re the voice of the metro. I would never claim to be the top dog of this or the king of DC or anything like that ‘cause that’s not my place to do. I feel like we should all be able to pull up and make it in this game together anyway.

SS: And I want to take a second to discuss the Willie Lynch Chip. The concept was different and it has a very unique perspective. How did you come up with that?
Lyriciss: A lot of people may have heard about the Willie Lynch letters. Basically there was a slave master named Willie Lynch from Virginia. He went out and made a speech to other slave owners about how to control the slaves – just the tactics to break the slaves and African families apart so they could control them better. I heard about this when I had a show in New York last year, I was staying with a cousin and he had a DVD with a preacher explaining how every black person is born with the Willie Lynch chip inside of them. It’s instilled in us that we’re not worth anything so we gotta hold ourselves back – we’re holding our own people back. So what I did was with the first verse, I expressed that with how the slave felt toward his slave master and put him above anything else. Then in the second verse, the dark-skinned African American is feelin strife toward the light-skinned African American because he felt like the light-skinned African American was being put ahead of him just because he was light-skinned. Then the 3rd verse, I took it from a woman’s perspective and her problems with the black male and how she’s been dogged out and how she feels she has to cover everything on her own.

SS: Yeah I’m really digging that track, a great way to close out the album. So I know you probably love them all, but do you have a particular favorite or one you would recommend to the Lyriciss fans?
Lyriciss: That’s hard for me to do because the way I put the tape together, I wanted to put songs on there that if one person doesn’t like one song, another song will grab them. There’s something there that everybody’s gonna be able to relate to, whether it’s the Willie Lynch Chip, Blue Collar Chronicles, or if it’s even something like Wild where somebody just wants to hear straight lyrical punchlines, flows, like The Rapture. Something’s gonna grab any type of hip hop fan in there. I can’t call it, I love the whole tape, everybody that got it in advance said that they loved the tape so if you hearin’ the tape, reach in there and see what grabs you.

SS: Yeah I got my advance copy and I’ve been bangin it all week down here in North Carolina!
Lyriciss: I usually don’t even listen to my own music, but I’ve been playing my own tape and if I play my own tape, I think I did something right!

SS: That’s wassup, now who did you work with as far as producers and other artists?
Lyriciss: Well as far as production I have my team, Equinox Professionals – Lord Vada and Tobari. They put me in a position to actually put this tape together so they’re involved in the presentation of it. I got the legendary J-Scrilla of Guns and Butta and In the Loop Records, he threw me a track on there. My man G-Wade from Boston, he threw me a track thanks to the homie Melody from DCtoBC.com. I got some production from my man David E. Beats, he’s from the area. I don’t really think there’s anyone else; if it is, I apologize. Like I said I don’t really listen to my music too much so sometimes I forget; its 22 tracks on there. But yeah I got a lot of love from people on this tape as far as production. For artists, I got Pro’Verb, Cayan, Lando McFly, Mouse aka The Waldorf Posterboy, RA the MC shouts out to her, Strange Music, Theo from Rhode Island – he’s definitely one of the next up and comers in this hip-hop that’s basically gonna takeover. That’s it right there.

SS: Lookin at the rap game now, what do you feel is the biggest problem with the music industry, specifically speaking to the rap genre?
Lyriciss: I feel like the mainstream aspect of hip-hop doesn’t have enough options for people – it’s pretty much one lane. They make it seem like you have to be a party dude in order to make it and that’s not hip hop to me. Not to say that that’s not part of hip-hop, but to have that be your only option – that’s not hip hop. Back in the day, if you were listening to the radio, you’d hear anything from Rakim’s Know The Ledge and then it switch in to It Takes Two, which is a party track. You get (T.R.O.Y.) They Reminisce Over You by Pete Rock and CL Smooth and just switch through a whole bunch of types of tracks and you pick what you feel. They don’t have that option nowadays. It’s basically do your Bird Walk, Jumpin out the Window, Pop Champagne a bunch of party tracks. There’s no options for anyone and they make you feel like there are no more nice rappers. That’s why everybody’s either disgruntled with hip-hop or they’re caught up in the BS. So I feel like we need to bring back the options.

SS: So would you say that one of your goals would be to change the view of the mainstream or just to broaden
Lyriciss: If I could change it, I’d be a very powerful person. In order for me to change hip-hop in that aspect, that means I’d really have to grab a lot of people and the masses would have to love it. If that happens, then I’m blessed, but my goal is just to make good music and have the people enjoy it. That’s all I can really do at this point. I see what the industry is right now. The most I can do is just make good music and have as many people respect it as possible and be respected for what I do

SS: And that’s all the fans can ask for.
Lyriciss: Exactly, and I love my fans so I gotta do that.

SS: So just to switch up for a second. I hear that you’re no stranger to the stage and you’re continuously rockin shows?
Lyriciss: Yeah I do a few shows. I do shows, open mics. I’ll come and rock at a cookout if possible. I just love performing that’s what I love to do. Get me on the mic, let me wild out, do what I do, give the mic back and it’s a wrap from there. Pass me a drink and we can party.

SS: That’s what’s good. As you’re out here on your day job, your daily grind, any words you live by or any inspiration to some of the other cats out there on the grind?
Lyriciss: Always progress and always stay remained in yourself. And know this business. This game is way more business than it is music. If you don’t know the business, don’t deal with it. It’s a shady game out here, you’re most likely to get got!

Rick Ross: What Goes Around Comes Around



*YAWN* Are you as bored with this beef as I am? I mean really... who cares anymore? Let's face it, these two are trying to sell records, and exploiting each other's personal lives in the process. Plenty of disses in this joint towards 50, but is it really gonna make a difference? Rick Ross can't compete, so I really wish he'd just lay down and take this ass-whoopin' like a man. This is the lamest of the diss tracks...

Video: Young Jeezy - Welcome Back


Here's the latest, promo clip for Young Jeezy, which appears to be in support of his latest album (The Recession) and his tour with T.I., currently hitting major cities across the country. Not really much to see here, just the usual from a tour video: performance clips, groupies, alcohol... tour stuff. Again, it doesn't look like an official clip and I doubt that this track is a single, it's more of a promo for the tour and the album...

GET SAVVY: Ishues -Problems (Issues)

I love it when friends put me on to some new music, especially something that engages the mind, like this brother's content. Shouts to T. Britt for connecting me with Ishues, an "activist who just happens to rap a bit". When I listened to this joint, I was immediately captivated by his sense of social consciousness and his willingness, even as an independent artist, to forgo the mainstream tactics and really speak from his heart. Stay tuned, you WILL hear more about this artist on Sound-Savvy, but in the meantime, take a listen to this track, really pay attention, and let me know how u feelin it...

Oh, yeah and I got a special Sound-Savvy mixtape for the first person to leave a comment with the name of the voice on the sample AND the year in which it was delivered... How savvy are YOU?


New Music: D. Woods (formerly of Danity Kane) - On My Side


Well, I guess there's no use cryin' over spilled milk. Instead of wallowing in despair at her ousting from Danity Kane, ebony dollhouse girl D. Woods is marching forward into her own solo career. Check out this track, On My Side, just some of the work she's been churning out in the studio. She reportedly has plans to release a solo album later this year. This is a decent track, and while we know from the show that they all can sing, it remains to be seen if ANY of them have what it takes to hold down a solo career. With the right team around her, I think D. Woods can pull it off though...

Video: Mims - Move



Just when I began to wonder what happened to Mims... here he is! Fly concept for the video and the flow is just aight to me. Doesn't sound too much different from his previous work, but it's okay. This is the first single from Mims' sophomore album, entitled Guilt due in stores April 7. Check it out...

Video: Kanye West feat. Kid Cudi - Welcome to Heartbreak



DO NOT ATTEMPT TO READJUST YOUR COMPUTER SCREEN! This video is a Kanye West production so you already know to expect something different and highly metaphoric, right? Good. Now that all that's outta the way. I'm trying to figure out what to make of the meaning behind the video... As the song progressed, the video becomes more and more abstract, almost like it's a brilliant (in terms of color) representation of Kanye's life - mixed, messed up and seeing some semblance of recollection at the end. Bonus points for creativity Mr. West, I digs...

Video: T.I. and Justin Timberlake - Dead and Gone


Something about this video just creates a 'whoa' moment and engages the heart and mind. T.I. has a way of putting out songs and videos that reflect real life, which is what makes him such a great artist - we can all relate to him. Dead and Gone is the latest single from Paper Trail and really speaks to T.I.'s reflection on his past mistakes and how he learns from them to improve the quality of life for his family. With his impending jail sentence, it's appropriate that he releases this, the most somber song on the album as the likely final single before his incarceration. The scripture at the beginning says it all...it's about growing up.

Video: Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You

It's sooooo great to see Kelly Clarkson return with such a sunny disposition in this video. Her last two albums had some pretty heavy content, which indicated that the skies weren't always so sunny in her world. I like the playfulness of this video and the lightheartedness of the song, although it is very reminiscent of Since You've Been Gone. This is the first single from the American Idol winner's forthcoming album All I Ever Wanted, set to hit stores on March 10th.

Asher Roth - I Love College

I couldn't agree more... MAN I LOVED COLLEGE!! Partyin all night, goin to classes half tipsy/half hungover, doing things you know you shouldn't do with people you know you shouldn't... aight you get the point. So who is Asher Roth? He's not a thug, he's not a wanksta or a gangsta, just a dope whiteboy rapper with some serious wit and wordplay... His Greenhouse Effect mixtape with DJ Cannon and DJ Drama is pretty serious too. This video is pretty hilarious too, some of the clips evoked memories of college days swiftly passed away. Check it out...

Album Review: Bobby Valentino - The Rebirth

Artist: Bobby Valentino
Album: The Rebirth
Release Date: 2.10.09

I’m accustomed to the “grow-on-me” effect of a Bobby Valentino album, which is why I took my time with this project, and it’s a good thing for him that I did. Initially, I would have completely trashed this album; on first listen I wasn’t feelin’ it at all and I still feel like it sounds a lot like his earlier content. After a few listens, my views have changed, but only slightly. The Rebirth is decent, but does nothing to surpass his sophomore release, Special Occasion.

The main problem with this album is that despite its name, there isn’t really a rebirth in Bobby’s sound. Tim & Bob contributed almost half of the tracks to the album, as they did with his previous albums and the style they use for Bobby V. has become stale. In fact, most of the highlights of the album are the songs they’re not on, like Butterfly Tattoo, and the lead single Beep featuring Yung Joc; both tracks keep a nice uptempo pace and work some sexual metaphors, ideal for the club scene. Vocally, he shines the most on the slower jams like Stay With Me, and my personal favorite Be My Love. I’m especially feeling the play-on-words with 3 Is The New 2, freaky and imaginative with a scenario set to cater to the carnal fantasies of his lady… and her lady. One thing Bobby does quite well is covers (heard Soon As I Get Home?). On this album, he teams up with Raphael Saadiq for a cover of the Tony! Toni! TonĂ©! classic Just Me and You with Bobby on vocals and Saadiq offering a soulful rift from the guitar.

Out of 16 tracks, only about 6 are really worth the listen, everything else sounds like something that’s been done already and nothing stands out. It’s an album of soft grooves but nothing memorable. Overall, I’m just not feeling the creative energy on here. I think Bobby could really use a total re-vamping of his style and sound; he’s on a new label now, his own Blue Kolla Dreams imprint but it seems he’s scared to deviate and try new things. Nothin’ beats a failure but a try; for me this is a failure, so next time, TRY!!

Sound-Savvy officially rates The Rebirth with 2 out of 5 platinum headphones.


Monday's Motivation Muzik: Yolanda Adams and Joss Stone - Just A Prayer Away

After watching this on the BET Honors special, I was convinced that I needed to share this with my Sound-Savvy fam. Two of the most power female vocalists joined forces to deliver this stunning performance. Let this song be a reminder to us all, the source of our help and strength is just a prayer away, and with Him there's nothing we can't do. As you begin to face your week, remember that the power to overcome is in your prayer. It's like instant messaging the creator of the Universe!

Adrienne Bailon feat. Jay-z - Only You


My, how we've grown... Adrienne Bailon, a former member of girl groups 3LW and The Cheetah Girls is launching her solo career (come on, don't act surprised...) Here's her first single featuring none other than Jay-Z, Only You. I'm diggin' her vocals on this song, her sound has really matured and she sounds like she can do some damage on a full album. I may have to check for her solo debut, due out later this year.


Ron Browz feat. R. Kelly - Club to a Bedroom


Nothin really grabbed my attention about this song... in fact, I'm just really NOT feelin this joint. I'm still tryin to figure out Ron Browz' angle as an artist. As a producer, he's done some of the best work in the game for artists like Ludacris (Blow It Out), Nas (Ether), Busta Rhymes (Arab Money), and Jim Jones (Pop Champagne). But I'm convinced that some people need to simply play their position and not try to be a star. While his music tends to be catchy, he doesn't seem to have much to say. Party music isn't always bad, but this song I'm just not feelin...



Day 26: Stadium Music (Flashing Lights)


So, the new season of Making The Band is officially underway and the boys of Day 26 are back! New season brings new challenges, new fights, a new album, and of course, a new theme song. Stadium Music (Flashing Lights) is the intro song for the newest season of the Diddy-helmed reality show, and while we can't be for sure what's gonna happen on the show this season, this lead single sounds like Day 26 ain't goin nowhere anytime soon. I'm totally feelin' this joint, the guys sound great together, and the rock guitars really add a new element to their sound. Right now, there aren't any other male R&B groups that can compete with them, and they're doin a damn good job holdin down their spot. The debut is STILL in rotation, and now, less than a year after its release, they're preppin' album #2, due out in April.