Trey Songz - Anticipation (Mixtape)



Trey Songz releases Anticipation, the second of a 3 mixtape series leading up to his upcoming album Ready, set to release August 4th. Hit the jump for the tracklist, description & download!

via See Further Than I Am

Many of you may ask, Why ANTICIPATION? Well lets break it down shall we:

An⋅tic⋅i⋅pa⋅tion [an-tis-uh-pey-shuhn] -noun
1. realization in advance, intuition; foretaste.
2. Musically - a tone introduced in advance of its harmony so that it sounds against the preceding chord.

Musically, I'm currently in a creative space like no other. I feel as though whenever a mic is put in front of me, I can do no wrong. At a time in the music industry where album sales are low, fans are fickle, inconsistent, or more into the various songs than they are the particular artist, I feel that I must give u a reason to love me. Embed in you a desire to love me and an appreciation for the music. I must show you that not only do I LOVE what I do but I also do it well.

The creation of ANTICIPATION began after I presented READY to my label the first time. I just started recording on my days off and the music felt great and decided that I'd rather share the music than let it sit and be idle. This is music without politics, without creative boundaries.

Troy (my mentor and founder & CEO of Songbook Ent.) and I have been making music since I was 15. There was a time when thoughts of monotonous melodies or redundant choruses wasn't THE KEY to making a hit record. Music that just felt good. Although they're present at times the boundaries are endless in this body of work, giving you a (1) realization in advance to READY.

What do I mean by READY? Well, lets do this one more time.

Read⋅y [red-ee] –adjective
1. completely prepared or in fit condition for immediate action or use

Are you READY? I like to say don't get READY...STAY READY!!! But until then...Here is ANTICIPATION...


DOWNLOAD: Trey Songz - Anticipation (Mixtape)
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In case you missed out on the 1st mixtape Genesis, download it HERE.

Novel - Put It On


This Novel track is SMOOTH. Something for the ladies. Don't sleep on this brother right here. Another track from the upcoming Suspended Animation mixtape, dropping real soon. You'll know we'll have it put up here.

DOWNLOAD: Novel - Put It On

Ne-Yo - Round & Round


Here's ANOTHER drop from Ne-Yo. Produced by Stargate. You'd swear he's in the studio 24/7.

DOWNLOAD: Ne-Yo - Round & Round

Trey Songz Set To Release 'Anticipation'



Trey Songz is working hard to earn his title as the hardest working man in R&B, and the anticipation continues to build for his 3rd album, Ready, set to be released August 4th. Trey has been dropping new music each week and tomorrow you can check back here to download his newest mixtape, entitled Anticipation. Check the official press release below:

Video: Jay-Z - Death Of Auto-Tune




Jay-Z decided to have a funeral of his own following the BET Awards, this time for the widely over-used voice augmentation device known as the Autotune. Check out the video here:

Ne-yo - The Lady In My Life




Ne-yo really needs to hit the studio and record his version of this song. This is one of my favorite songs by Michael Jackson ever and he did an amazing job with this. Lady In My Life comes from the best selling album of all time, the infamous Thriller, created in an era where music was REAL, and quality was judged by sound, not sales. Ne-yo took his time and did this song the type of justice no other artist could have given it and as a Michael Jackson fan, I appreciate his loyalty to the original. Amazing job, rest easy Michael...

Ne-yo and Jamie Foxx - I'll Be There (Live at the 2009 BET Awards)



I made it through the whole night, but this is the moment that brought me to tears. What hurts the most for me is that all throughout my childhood and adult life, I felt attached to Michael Jackson. It takes a lot of strength, in a time like this, to stand in front of a room full of people and deliver the few words that Janet did. My prayers and the prayers of the Sound-Savvy community go out to the Jackson family in this difficult time. The entire world feels their loss and we all mourn and celebrate together.

Sammie - Wetter


Sammie gets on the Twista "Wetter" beat and adds his R&B touch to it. Check it out.

DOWNLOAD: Sammie - Wetter

Mya - Show Me Something (Feat. Bun B)

Brand new from Mya. Along with Bun B, this track sounds like a single to me....


DOWNLOAD: Mya - Show Me Something (Feat. Bun B)

Dwele - Human Nature (Tribute to Michael Jackson)

This is amazing... that's all I can say. Listen as he builds every element... truly beautiful.

A King's Influence: Videos Inspired by Michael Jackson

One of the biggest and most important contributions Michael Jackson made to entertainment was the revolution of the music video. In a time where MTV brushed off African American artists and refused to play their videos, Michael Jackson stood up and changed the landscape of videos forever. The King of Pop's music videos were more like mini-movies, complete with a storyline, action, adventures, and of course Michael's unparalleled dance moves. As a result, several artists whose careers are patterened in the likeness of Jackson's have created music videos that were clearly influenced by elements of his style - not so much to duplicate, but to build upon and continue to make music and videos that touched the hearts of the world in the same way Michael did. So let's take a look at some videos from today's artists bearing the influence of the King of Pop, the late and great Michael Jackson. (Videos after the jump)

Nominate Sound-Savvy in the 2009 Black Weblog Awards!


My site was nominated for a Black Weblog Award!

Sound-Savvy Readers, the time has come to show your support for Sound-Savvy by nominating us in the 2009 Black Weblog Awards. Sound-Savvy has been in existence for about 15 months now, providing you with quality album reviews, previews of new music, artist interviews, the latest music videos and mixtape downloads. Above all, we strive to provide the utmost journalistic integrity and provide a place to hear music and make your own decision as to whether you should purchase. Sound-Savvy is nominated in the categories of:

Best Music Blog
Best Writing In A Blog
Blog To Watch

You can only nominate one blog per email address, otherwise your nominations will be voided! Each month, you've shown your support for Sound-Savvy by pushing our stats higher and higher. Continue to show your support for Sound-Savvy by nominating us here, and then leave a comment on this post to let us know you've submitted your nominations. As always, we appreciate you just visiting the site and reading the content. Rest assured, it'll only get better with time!!

The Game, Chris Brown, Diddy, Nas, Boyz II Men - Better On The Other Side (Tribute To MJ)


"No matter what you say, I'mma love him and he's still dope!"
Now this is the first of what will soon be MANY tributes to the man, the legend, the icon, Mr. Michael Jackson. This is beautiful, the emotion and outpouring of support is amazing! Check it out and download here. This is the kinda song that makes the angels cry...

In Memoriam: Living In The Legend of Michael Jackson

"Born to amuse, to inspire to delight,
Here one day, gone one night...

Like a sunset, dying with the rising of the moon
gone too soon..."

- Gone Too Soon, MJ, Dangerous album

It's not about whether I ever met Michael Jackson face to face, shook his hand or broke bread with him - I knew him. Through his musical journey, his life was an open book, the pages of which I clung to and hold in high regard. While it’s true that I may not have known the intimate portrait that the Jackson family shares, I knew the MJ that I needed to know – an inspiration, an activist, a hero. From a young age, I remember swooning over the epic robot in Moonwalker or rocking my 3D glasses during the Captain E.O. ride at Epcot Center in Disney World. I even remember the first time I actually understood the video concept of “Thriller”, yet the eerie concluding laughter still made me wanna sleep with a light on.

MJ has sold more records than any artist in history and his name is synonymous with entertainment. Remember the time when Scream rocked the world? An amazing team-up with baby sister Janet, the song and video sent a message across the world – “I am not to be messed with!” And you couldn’t tell me I wasn’t an Egyptian dancer when MJ disappeared into a cloud of golden pixie dust. I remember when he performed on the VMA’s for the first time with Dangerous and when he again took the stage with boy band N’Sync. I could run down memories all night but I won’t – I will say this: it's an honor to live in a time where a man like Michael Jackson changed the world. His achievements proved to us all that dreams are forever in our reach! From 6-years old to his passing at 50 and through generations to come, the world will never forget Michael Jackson – NEVER!


So this weekend as I put my 9-to-5 up on the shelf and try to enjoy myself (MJ taught me that), I'll remember the Michael that made me realize I was BAD. I’ll recount memories of that smooth criminal who’s presence was excellence and who stole the spotlight ANYWHERE he appeared, giving us music for 4 generations and inspiration to last until the end of time. The world sheds tears today for Michael Jackson, the largest music icon to ever touch a microphone and grace a stage. I grew up on his music, and now I live in his legacy. Rest In Peace Michael Jackson, a blessing to the world gone too soon.

Video: Method Man & Redman - Miss International

The Funk Doctor Spock and The Ticallion Stallion are back...

Video: Day26 - Girlfriend




The fellas of Day 26 searchin for that one...

Album Review: Ginuwine - A Man's Thoughts


Artist: Ginuwine
Album: A Man’s Thoughts
Release Date: 6.23.09


A Man's Thoughts is the highly anticipated sixth album from Ginuwine. This album definitely marks Ginuwine’s comeback to the world of R&B. Even though he’s been gone for a while he’s back to prove that he still has what it takes. As a veteran in this game, his influence can be heard in the newer artists such as Pleasure P, Mario, Chris Brown, Omarion and just about every young male singer out.


Interlude During the intro he thanks his true fans for supporting his 13 year career and dedicates the album to them.


Show OffThis piano-laden track easily demonstrates his vocal ability. The beginning would lead you to believe that it’s a slow burner, until about 5 bars into it. The beat totally flips and becomes a dance track. It reminds me of a Day 26 track as he sings about telling his lady to show off her beauty.


Trouble Featuring Bun B This seems forced to me for some reason. Bun B saved this one from being skipped over. It’s a good song but something is off. It’s beat-driven and dance worthy nonetheless.


Last Chance This is the first slow burner of the album. Here he croons about doing whatever he has to do to win her love, if it’s his last chance. This is genuine Ginuwine here.


One Time For LoveOn this piano acoustic track he sings of the trials of love, both good and bad. A beautiful song, lyrically and instrumentally.


Open The DoorA kind of funky little track as he metaphorically asks his young lady to open the door to her heart.


Get Involved Featuring Timbaland and Missy ElliottHe teams up once again with Timbaland and Missy on this house-influenced dance track. This is a great dance track, but can wane on you after a while.


Orchestra­- Accompanied by a beautiful piano solo, he compares his love making to that of an orchestra. The instrumental seems a little too busy for this theme of the lyrics and title but still an okay track.


Touch Metakes me back to the old Ginuwine with its old school feel. It’s either the simplicity of the track or the melody, I’m not sure which. Here he swoons as he loses his mind beneath her touch.


Lying To Each OtherOn this overly-synthesized track he sings of the woes of relationships and how all they do is argue, but lie to each other saying how happy they are in the broken relationship just to make it through and enjoy those hot nights - a story most people can relate to or have gone through at some point in a relationship.


Even When I’m MadHere he explains that regardless of how mad he is or what happens that he will be there to take care of her and has her back. “Even at your worst, I gotta put you first. We’ve come too far to put this in reverse.


Bridge To Love Featuring BrandyDrum and bass heavy track about not being afraid to cross that bridge called love. They sound nice together. Both of their voices compliment the track.


Used To Be The OneOn this track he asks how he can make his relationship better and get back to being the better man he was before. Not one of my favorites on the album. The track is a little too busy for my taste.


Show Me The Way - A beautiful melodic love song about being in love and loving it.


Overall, this album proves that he still has what it takes and though I don’t think he’ll win over the younger crowd that may not know of his earlier work, he doesn’t disappoint his loyal fans.


I give A Man's Thoughts 3.5 out of 5 platinum headphones.


The Dream - Hit It On The Road




Ehhh... I'm not really feelin this joint. It's a slightly different
sound for The Dream, but not better. On the one hand, at least we don't
hear the repetitive "ella ella" and "eh eh". On the flipside, this
sounds like a cross between the ignorant lyricism of Soulja Boy or the
Ying Yang Twins, and the rap-sing style of Trey Songz or Ciara (no diss
to either). The beat is pretty hot, but that's about all I can really
get with on this song. I presume this is a preview track from his next
album Love King, coming in 2010.






R. Kelly feat. Keri Hilson - Number 1 Sex




"You are now rockin' with the best, I'll make you forget about the rest..."




R. Kelly has and probably will always make great slow jams and bedroom bangers. On Number 1 Sex, Kellz teams up with Miss Keri Hilson to deliver another sexy bedroom banger. Auto-tune aside, R. Kelly put it down on the vocals and so does Keri. It's been rumored that R. Kelly is working on his next album, by my count this will be number 9 for him. Hopefully it will be a return to his glory days, because in recent years, Kellz seems to have been losing his touch for making solid albums.

Album Review: The Black Eyed Peas - The E.N.D.


Artist: The Black Eyed Peas
Album: The E.N.D.
Release Date: 6.9.09

Considering the fact that the Black Eyed Peas get bigger and better with every album, fans can only hope that The E.N.D. doesn't really mean the end. Au contraire, and what a contrast it truly is that acronymic title means The Energy Never Dies, suggesting that there will never be an actual end and that their music, following the laws of energy conservation, will never be destroyed, just transferred and transformed but constant all the while. Most fitting a concept for this album, where the music maintains a constant energy and, though it’s presented in different forms, the vibe remains upbeat continuously.

While the energy remains constant on this album, the hits do not. Will.I.Am does a great job with the production, but there are times when its on overload and the listener gets lost in the noisy clutter. Boom Boom Pow served as the album’s lead single, sitting atop the Billboard’s Hot 100 for more than 11 consecutive weeks. Rock That Body includes a high-energy sample from Rob Base’s infamous smash It Takes Two and the 80’s vibe continues on Meet Me Halfway where Fergie’s vocals are reminiscent of Cyndi Lauper in this dance-styled love song. But then there are tracks like I’mma Be, where the beat switches dramatically about halfway through the song, but the added elements take the production way overboard and get messy. Such is also the case with Party All The Time. Alive is one of the highlights of the album with its heavy use of the auto-tune device that complements the futuristic vibe of the entire album. Other highlights include Missing You where Fergie gets some more shine, Electric City, and the second single, I Gotta Feeling, a slightly mellower feel-good jam that places emphasis on optimism. On the flipside, Now Generation and One Tribe are some of the downfalls of the project – decent concepts, just failure on delivery.

The Black Eyed Peas have certainly come a long way, rising from obscure beginnings as a 3-man team to a worldwide phenomenon with the addition of Fergie to the roster. The E.N.D. sees a decrease in the group’s attempt to be hip-hop and embracing more of a hip-pop style, bringing together elements of electro-pop, hip-hop, techno and some classic styles of the 80’s. If you’re a hip-hop fan, expect to only survive this album in small doses, but if you’re able to keep an open mind, you just may love this album in it’s entirety.

Sound-Savvy officially rates The E.N.D. with 3 out of 5 platinum headphones


Related Posts:
Audio: The Black Eyed Peas - I'mma Be
Audio: The Black Eyed Peas ft. Busta Rhymes - Boom Boom Pow (Remix)

Video: Ciara - Work


I wasn't expecting this as a next single from Ciara, but I'm VERY pleased with the video. Very fashion forward and hot for the summertime. Ciara's draggin' a lot of wagon as she 'works' this video proving that she can make anything look sexy... including a construction site! Work appears on her latest album Fantasy Ride, in stores now!

Video: Clipse feat. Kanye West - Kinda Like A Big Deal


I'm glad to see The Clipse returning back to the scene with Kinda Like A Big Deal featuring Kanye West. The brothers have always had a knack for spittin fire over hot beats and this return is exactly what hip-hop needs. The video is simple but not cheap. Their new album, Til The Casket Drops is slated for a September 8 release and will feature production from Kanye West, Rick Rubin, the JUSTICE League, and of course The Neptunes, among others.

Video: Ace Hood feat. Jazmine Sullivan and Rick Ross - Champion


Let's talk Motivation Muzik: this is the epitome of the term if I ever saw it. Cheap graphics aside, this video is VERY REAL and really depicts the story of true champions. Jazmine Sullivan rips the hook and Rick Ross adds some fire to his verse as well. This song should be an inspiration to anyone who has a dream: they can't tell you NOTHING!! Be a champion and go after what's yours!

Pol-B - D.O.A. x All Drinks On Me


Check out the latest from Sound-Savvy Spotlight Artist Pol-B as he crushes competition with his remix to the infamous Death of Autotune track issued to the game by Jay-Z himself.

Monday's Motivation Muzik: Fabolous ft. Jeremih - It's My Time


Needed a bit of inspiration this morning and, of course, I felt like sharing. It's My Time is a track that will appear on Fabolous' next album Loso's Way, now pushed back to the end of July. This is a song about resilience in the face of insurmountable odds. Your visions become reality when you stand up and claim what's yours. Remember, no one can take your dream from you. If it's your time, go get it! Always give yourself something to live for, something to hope for, something to attain and you'll always find your reward. Happy Monday and have a great week!

Rihanna - Te Amo


Rihanna's Latin-tinged Te Amo has that rhythmic dance feel to it, accented by a sensual Spanish guitar. The lyrics speak of another female, so it's hard to determine if this is a track Rihanna is referencing for another artist or if it's for her next project. Download the track using the link below.



Chris Brown - Smash


This version is unfinished, but could appear on C. Breezy's forthcoming Graffiti album. Not really a new sound for Chris Brown, and I think he's testing the waters with the auto-tune use on this one, although he's not new to the use of the voice augmentation tool. However, Chris is one of the few guys in the game that can actually deliver some good vocals, so auto-tune is really not necessary for him. Smash is okay for me, I think he's getting a little more brash in his lyrics, but this isn't anything spectacular... no pun intended.



R. Kelly - Kelly's 12 Play (Remix) (Feat. The-Dream)


You heard the original to this song from The-Dream, and you heard R. Kelly smash the remix on the DJ Drama/DJ Skee/R. Kelly - The Demo Tape mixtape. Here's the NoDJ version of it. Shouts go to EKEK for the drop.


DOWNLOAD: The-Dream - Kelly's 12 Play (Remix) (Feat. R. Kelly)

DJ Show - Money Talks Takeover Show 06/17/09


My homie DJ ShOw hosts a radio show every Wednesday night on WCDBFM Albany. In case you're not in the Albany NY area, don't worry, u can listen online at www.wcdbfm.com. Now that we got that out the way, all my epicsense followers should already kno how the Bronx Bomber gets it in. Here's the FULL Money Talks Takeover Show from this last Wednesday (June 17th). New music from the Ruff Ryders, LaToya, Young Jeezy, Camron, Self-One, Christian Rich, GLC, 50 Cent, and more. Wayyy too many to list, so download all 4 parts, we split them into about 25-30 mins each.

DOWNLOAD: DJ Show - Money Talks Takeover Show 06/17/09 (Part 1)
DOWNLOAD: DJ Show - Money Talks Takeover Show 06/17/09 (Part 2)
DOWNLOAD: DJ Show - Money Talks Takeover Show 06/17/09 (Part 3)
DOWNLOAD: DJ Show - Money Talks Takeover Show 06/17/09 (Part 4)

The Money Talks Takeover Show - Every Wednesday Night, 8pm-10pm EST. www.wcdbfm.com

Get @ DJ ShOw: Myspace | Twitter | Facebook | Podcast

Lloyd - Like Me


Another Jim Jonsin-produced track from Lloyd. This one's been floating around snipped & tagged, here's the full/nodj. Features a little hook sampling from MJB's 1995 title track "My Life".

DOWNLOAD: Lloyd - Like Me [Full/NoDJ]

Jamie Foxx - Digital Girl Remix (Feat. Drake)


Already a hot song, Drake's verse gives this Dream-produced track just a little more firepower. and it's just in time for the summer. I'm diggin that verse Drizzy!! Download the song using the link below!


Click here to download Digital Girl (Remix) Feat. Drake

Plies - Becky

Ladies and gentleman... err goons and goonnettes! Ignorance has returned to hip-hop and, once again, it goes by the name of Plies. Somewhere some gutter, gunshot-wounded goonnette will appreciate this ode to fellatio. For me, Plies is the same dude with a limited vocabulary and, therefore, less to say than a Dr. Seuss book. This is his first single, from his 4th album, Goon Affiliated, slated for a September release. Can you tell I don't like it?

Prince George - Let's Go

Shouts to all my fellow Smithites, JCSU Alumni STAND UP!! Not sure when or where this song came from but I'm VERY impressed with the flow on this track and the message as well. Recession, government corruption, and civil injustices are the themes in Let's Go, a song from DMV area artist Prince George. Shouts to @freshjay on twitter for puttin' me on to this video. I like the fact that the video is kept simple, the message is what really needs to be felt here. I encourage you to take a listen to this newcomer on the hip-hop scene and leave your thoughts and comments. I'll be busy catching up to see if there's more on the way...

On The Road With Wale Episodes 3 & 4


We apologize that we missed last week but we're back with episodes 3 & 4 of On The Road With Wale, powered by Zune. In episode 3, Wale takes a minute from the set of the Chillin video to kick a freestyle for his viewers. Not just any freestyle though, Wale makes sure to address some of the misconceptions in his style and his music. Check it out!

Mariah Carey - Obsessed


He're the first single from Mariah Carey's twelfth album Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel, in stores August 25th. Could this be a diss toward Emimem? You be the judge!


DOWNLOAD: Mariah Carey - Obsessed [CDQ]

Lil' Wayne - Ground Zero x Girls Forever x Ready For The World


3 New Rebirth tracks from Lil' Wayne. The Rebirth album should be on the way, hopefully these 3 leaks won't push the album back. Shouts to Splash and Gibzen.

DOWNLOAD: Lil' Wayne - Ground Zero (Feat. Tyga)
DOWNLOAD: Lil' Wayne - Girls Forever (Produced By J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League)
DOWNLOAD: Lil' Wayne - Ready For The World

Video: Beyonce - Brokenhearted Girl


Perfect!! Just when all Beyonce's videos were getting mundane, she breaks through with this emotional and very captivating video. I love how her facial expressions tell the story in this video; there are no words, just the music and the images. Beyond that, this is one of my favorite songs from the album, penned by Babyface himself. Brokenhearted Girl appears on Beyonce's latest album, I Am...Sasha Fierce, in stores now!