Mixtape Download: Sammie - Swag & B
Video: India Arie ft. Gramps Morgan - Therapy
I was just searching Youtube a few days ago for a new video from India's latest album, Testimony Vol. 2: Love and Politics. Therapy is the opening song for the album, and I really like it. As for the video, it's a new look for India; usually her videos are very mellow and earthy, which this one is in parts, but we see her in a new environment and obviously enjoying herself. Therapy comes from different places, and I can appreciate the fact that she embraces that in this video.
Shouts to poetik517... saw it at her spot first!
Jermaine Dupri and Johnta Austin - So Successful
Eminem Issues 'The Warning' to Mariah!
New Madonna Single: Celebration
Video: Jeremih - I'mma Star (Everywhere We Are)
Haaaaa!! Okay, let's be honest... I really hate this song. If Soulja Boy was a singer, this is a song he would make. But the concept for this video is pretty damn funny!! It actually makes me like the song a little more. I recommend you check out my review of Jeremih's self-titled debut album, this kid has talent but you won't find it on that album. Still, this is one hella funny video!
Kid Cudi - Call Me Moon Man
Caught this on Kanye's Blog, a new joint from Kid Cudi, which doesn't appear to have made the tracklisting for his debut album Man On The Moon: The End of Day. Very mellow vibe he's got here, the production reminds me of Say You Will from Kanye's 808's and Heartbreaks. Cudi's release date: 9.15.09.
Album Review: Daughtry - Leave This Town
Album: Leave This Town
Release Date: 7.14.09
After their debut album opened at #2 on the charts then rose to #1 in its 9th week, it was apparent that the men of Daughtry had something special to offer. With the release of their sophomore album Leave This Town, the #1 spot was reserved for their opening week, and rightly so. The band’s full chemistry shines on this album, and is characterized by the consistency in sound and the strong lead voice by frontman Chris Daughtry, which made him a formidable opponent in his stint on American Idol. In many ways, this project echoes their first and while it doesn’t outdo it, the music here is still great, making this album a good selection for fans and followers of the group.
There's a bold energy to be felt on songs like Everytime You Turn Around and What I Meant To Say, and that energy is countered by the sappy vibe of Life After You, one of the album's best offerings. I’d give Open Up Your Eyes my choice for favorite song on the album – I’m a sucker for somber rock songs with big vocals and this song is just that. September is a great song that presents a more mellow side, but Tennessee Line really shows the versatility of the group, exchanging the heavy rock sound for a softly strummed country vibe. This change in sound brings forth the purity of Chris Daughtry’s voice making this a favorite as well. Aside from the lead single (No Surprise) and the aforementioned tracks, the rest of the album didn’t really stick out as memorable to me.
Leave This Town isn’t the hard rock album some might expect, but it rests on a happy medium between rock and pop, which is a comfortable zone to be in. After the run they had with the first album, it's no surprise this one opened at the top of the charts proving that American Idol does produce some real talent... sometimes anyway.
What Happened to BRUTHA?
"We dare anybody to step to us and say they're better than us"
If you're wondering what happened with the group BRUTHA after the season finale of their BET reality show Brothers to Brutha, here's a quick update: In late December, they released their self-titled debut album (check the review here), which effectively flopped in sales (less than 100K) as well as quality. The problem I have is that these guys can REALLY TRULY SING, but listening to their album, you wouldn't know they had a shred of genuine talent (same problem as Jeremih's debut).
In this BET On Blast video, Brutha addresses the issues with their first album, acknowledges it's shortcomings and vows to make amends with their sophomore album, entitled Vacancy, which they claim has "new heat" and is "themed for the ladies". They also make some pretty big claims against the other (albeit few) R&B groups out there, saying that they're the best: "We dare anybody to step to us and say they're better than us." Really now? After one flopped album and a failed TV show? Their latest Youtube video shows the guys in true form, covering Boyz II Men's arrangement of the New Edition classic Can You Stand The Rain. If they expect the next album to sell, this is the formula they should follow. This is an awesome cover...
New Artist Spotlight: Durand Bernarr Covers 'Pretty Wings'
"So the Alcohol is the pain, the sting, the struggle, the agony, the hurt, the addiction. And the Harmony is the music, my peace, my joy. And I use that to get away from the alcohol, my escape." --Durand Bernarr, "Alcoholharmony (Intro)"
I must give shouts to the wonderful Poetik517, a fellow blogger who introduced me to the YouTube clip you see below. When I heard Durand Bernarr sing this version of Maxwell's Pretty Wings, I was immediately blown away! What I love about it is that he captured the quality that made the original so good - it's just enough without giving too much. Check out his mixtape, Alcohol Harmony, and then hit him up to give him some feedback (his contact info is listed below), let him know what you think.
Album Review: Fabolous - Loso's Way
Album: Loso's Way
Release Date: 7.28.09
The metaphor master is back with his fifth album Loso’s Way, bringing together an all-star lineup of producers and features to create one of the best albums of his career. What’s different (and more appealing) about Loso’s Way is that for the first time, Fabolous goes beyond his fly and flashy lifestyle to show some semblance of an actual personality, albeit only on a few tracks. It’s his lack of a relatable persona that seems to hold him back – he’s been making hits for years, but not able to really connect to his audience. All that aside, this album is most definitely a hot one to cop, with hits all the way through.
Since his 2001 debut, Fabolous has been known for including R&B features that never disappoint (well, except maybe that one time with Ashanti, which he quickly re-recorded with Tamia) – Loso’s Way is no exception. From the infectious lead single Throw It In The Bag with The Dream to the smooth and easy The Fabolous Life with Ryan Leslie, Fab keeps it good and hood at the same time. R-Les also contributes the albums third single, Everything, Everyday, Everywhere, producing a hot track over which Keri Hilson blazes the hook. The album’s second single, My Time, is an anthem of triumph and features newcomer Jeremih (Birthday Sex). With a jazzy hook from Ne-yo, Fabolous delves into his more sensual side on Makin Love, and deals with relationship tension-turned-tragedy on Last Time featuring Trey Songz. Former Floetry songstress Marsha Ambrosius lends her buttery smooth vocals to the fatherhood anthem Stay. I’d have to say There He Go is one of the best offerings from the album, along with Money Goes, Honey Stay, which remixes Jay-Z’s When The Money Goes. Downfalls: Lil Wayne puts a damper on Salute, bringing stale and redundant rhymes, and Feel Like I’m Back just doesn’t really do much for me.
In short, this is a fairly true-to-form Fabolous album, lots of single-worthy cuts and metaphor-heavy lyrics that invoke a grin or two. There’s not much here I’d skip over, so I’d definitely recommend that you Throw It In The Bag. The album was pushed back to make way for Fab’s movie release of the same title – and THAT has me worried. Fab’s lack of personality is easier to get over on wax, but film may be a different story. But if you’re a fan of Loso’s style, you’ll enjoy Loso’s Way.
Sound-Savvy officially rates Loso's Way with 4 out of 5 platinum headphones.
Kelly Clarkson vs. Beyonce
If you've got either of these two albums, you may notice one very similar track on each - and this highlights a growing problem in the industry - recycled tracks. When prepping her 4th album, All I Ever Wanted, Kelly Clarkson teamed up with One Republic frontman Ryan Tedder to pen one of the highlight songs of her album, Already Gone. Tedder provided the track while Clarkson penned the lyrics and the result was a hit which has now become the album's third single.
Already Gone - Kelly Clarkson
When producers and writers re-use tracks like that, it shortchanges the artists and the consumers. It replaces a slot for quality original work with something that's already done, but there are examples of this all throughout the industry. Leona Lewis' Forgive Me is a recycled track that Akon provided Gwen Stefani for Sweet Escape. Ciara's latest single Work from the Fantasy Ride album, is a track by Danja originally used by Danity Kane for their song Pretty Boy. And the number of songs that followed Lil Jon's 'Yeah!' formula is pretty high. Add Ne-yo and Avril Lavigne to the list of guilty writers/producers as well.
The list could go on, but what do you think about this trend of producers re-using tracks in the industry? Is it fair? Is it lazy? Do you even care?
Chrisette Michele Gets 'Fragile' With Wale
Jordin Sparks vs. Fefe Dobson - Who Sang It Better?
For her latest album, Battlefield, Jordin Sparks recorded a cover of Don't Let It Go To Your Head, a rock song originally recorded by edgy punk rocker Fefe Dobson on her Sunday Love album. Personally I like Jordin's version better, the balladry brings the song to life the way it needs, putting more emphasis on vocals as opposed to the instrumentals. But as a rock song, Fefe Dobson does it major justice! Which do you prefer?
Monday's Motivation Muzik: 'He Still Loves Me'
"I used to wake up some days and wish I'd stayed asleep cause I went to bed on top of the world, today the world's on top of me..."
This is one of my favorite inspirational songs and for this morning it's very appropriate. Here's the thing: no matter what you do in life, people will always have opinions and standards, and if you try to live up to the expectations of everyone else, you will most certainly fail more often than not. It is promised that everyone will not always be on your side, but God will, regardless of how much you succeed or fail. So get up, dust yourself off and keep moving - He still loves you! Happy Monday and have a great week!
Trey Songz - Best I Ever Had x Die Tonight
Video: Busta Rhymes (Feat. Estelle) - World Go Round
Mack: We stay up on our B.S. over here on Sound-Savvy and apparently Busta is really gettin' back on his BS. This video has a really fun vibe and reminds me of the Busta from the late 90's... yeah, that guy that made fun and enjoyable music, minus all the thuggery and hard facades. And Estelle is lookin quite nice...
Whitney Houston - I Look To You
Jay-Z feat. Kanye West and Rihanna - Run This Town
Video: Mariah Carey ft. Gucci Mane - Obsessed
Why Mariah... why?!?! Gucci Mane doesn't even FIT in this video or on this song.
This must be someone's idea of a charity case to include a rapper as weak as Gucci Mane on a song with the woman who's scored 18 #1 hits in her career. What is this, an attempt to maintain the younger demographic? The original was decent, but this remix is garbage Mariah and you know like I know, you can do better. FAIL....
Weezy Disses Michael Jackson in Freestyle
This video was recorded on 5/16/09 BEFORE Michael Jackson passed, but in this UStream video, Lil Wayne goes in on Michael Jackson, calling him a "FAG" and referencing the Pepsi burn incident. To be real, I remember hearing this chanted as a game amongst kids when I was younger, but for someone of Wayne's age and status, he should have been more sensitive and smart to not record something as disrespectful, even if it is in the name of humor. Weezy, you KNOW better! I like some of Wayne's music, but I've never been a huge fan. This is even more of a reason for me to dismiss all things Weezy... Fast forward to about the 2:50 mark
Rest in Peace MJ.
Johnta Austin ft. Chris Brown - Make You A Woman
New Music from Asher Roth - D.O.A.
Everyone's tryin their hand at Jay's Death of Autotune, from R&B to hip-hop. Lyrically Asher Roth is one of the best in a while and this is definitely a blazer for the track. Check it out...
Keri Hilson - The Ring
Audio: Keri Hilson - The Ring
Amerie - Why R U (Remix) (Feat. Nas, Jadakiss, Kain & Rick Ross)
You may recall us putting you on to the original version a while back. Here's the remix featuring Nas, Jadakiss, Rick Ross, and former Badboy whiteboy Kain. Amerie's Love & War album is scheduled to release August 11th via Def Jam. Props to Sav.
DOWNLOAD: Amerie - Why R U (Remix) (Feat. Nas, Jadakiss, Kain & Rick Ross)
PREVIOUS: Amerie - Why R U
Letoya Luckett featuring Ludacris - Regret
Album Review: Jordin Sparks - Battlefield
Artist: Jordin Sparks
Album: Battlefield
Release Date: 7.21.09
Huge vocals and high sentiments are the tools of war on Battlefield, the sophomore project of American Idol sweetheart Jordin Sparks. In as much as her self-titled debut came with a very versatile approach, testing different sounds to find the perfect fit, this album seems to follow a different formula – focusing on Jordin’s voice more than anything else, but still managing to show a slightly different side. While that approach secures her footing as a good singer, we have yet to tap into the true artist behind the voice; still the singing alone makes this one hell of a sophomore set.
In its entirety, Battlefield is youthful pop that speaks to Jordin’s age and experiences. One Republic’s Ryan Tedder co-wrote the title track, which is also the leading power ballad single. Boldly enough, Jordin takes on rocker Fefe Dobson’s Don’t Let It Go To Your Head and delivers a stunning cover. A soft piano intro makes way for No Parade, another emotional power ballad that goes beyond a simple breakup story, this is about loss: “Nothing in the skies said run for cover… never thought it would end this way. There was no parade, no lights flashin’…” T-Pain lends his pen (but not his voice thankfully) to Watch You Go, a shoo-in for follow-up single. I’d also recommend the other ballads like Was I The Only One, and the powerful closer The Cure. And although I’ll admit it’s a bit of a stretch to hear Jordin giving attitude and playing the bad girl, even the fast songs like Emergency and S.O.S. are at least decent.
Some may argue that this album isn’t deep enough and Jordin is still a “surface dweller” when it comes to her music, and in some ways I do agree. But she’s got her entire career ahead to evolve into the artist that makes timeless classics and with a voice like hers it’s only a matter of time. Battlefield is the album that marks her place among today’s top singers so with a little Faith, I’m sure the best is yet to come from Jordin Sparks.
Sound-Savvy officially rates Battlefield with 4 out of 5 platinum headphones.
Drake - Something (Chopped & Skrewed By DJ Swift)
Greetings all. I'm going to TRY to do a track every week and drop it every Monday on epicSense/sound-savvy, and twitter (for all you #musicmonday ppl). To kick off this week, I had to do this track. So, even tho its like 2 mins long in real time (snippet or not), enjoy this chopped & skrewed version of Drake's "Something"
DOWNLOAD: Drake - Something (Chopped & Skrewed By DJ Swift)
Any song suggestions i should c/s next? hit me on twitter (@djswiftOFFICIAL) or email me: djswiftofficial@gmail.com
Video: Pol-B - Campaign Season
Pol-B... remember the name, Campaign Season album on the way. For now check the video from one of the hottest unsigned artists on the come-up. New York born, ATL-based, his sound is a fusion of both styles, and he's an MC on the rise. Watch out for Pol-B... For more info, check out his EXCLUSIVE interview...
Music Video: Kid Cudi - ft. Kanye West and Common - Make Her Say
I've been bangin' this song for a few months and now the mainstream is finally catching on. I'm not sure Kanye's director skills are strong enough to convey concept very well, but the split screen shots make this video less of a flop than Drake's Best I Ever Had. Besides, I like Cudi's "think outside the box" approach anyway. His debut album, Man On The Moon is set to hit stores August 25th, and features this single, along with Day N' Nite.
New Music Monday: B.A. The Gift - Do What I Do
Bio: Coming out of the Midwest, B.A. The Gift is an extraordinary young talent, with a vibrantly fresh perspective on hip hop, and music in general. B.A. has an impeccable sense for mixing the old school with the new, giving him an amazingly fresh sound that many MC’s yearn for. B.A. The Gift is an artist first and foremost and an entertainer by nature. His debut album, Gifted From The Start is currently being recorded and will be released in early 2010. Check out his first single, Do What I Do.
For more music/info:
B.A. The Gift on Myspace
B.A. The Gift on Twitter
Interested in being featured on Sound-Savvy's New Music Monday? Send submissions to NewMusic@Sound-Savvy.com