Naturi Naughton - Fame (Theme Song)


Just in case you don't remember her name, here's a quick refresh... Remember 3LW? Yeah, she was a member. Still lost? Okay, she played Lil Kim in Notorious. Yes, her. Well now she's moving on into new ground, starring in the upcoming remake of dance musical Fame, in theaters September 25th. As lead star and singer, she takes on the original theme song for the movie, and I think she does it justice. Check it out...

Video: Fizz and Boog (of B2K) - Bounce


Can we say Auto-tune overload?? This track has a southern bounce type feel to it but I don't know if it's the hit that the two B2K alumni were hoping for... Bounce is set to appear on the soundtrack to Bring It On #482730 (seriously, aren't they done with this franchise??) starring Christina Milian. I'm not really feelin the song, save for the hook... the video shots of Ms. Milian make it worth it though...

Video: Trey Songz and Drake - Successful


Don't we all? I mean, really... this should be a theme song for everyone. This is the new video from Songz and Drake, with this version appearing on Songz' new album Ready in stores today. The somber nature of this video fits the song, not celebratory just reflective of the past and hopeful for the future. Sometimes we all look back at what could have been, but remain greatful and hopeful for what is and what is to come. Sound-Savvy wishes Trey Songz the best on release day #3...

Album Review: Trey Songz - Ready

"This right here's a panty droppa..."


Artist: Trey Songz
Album: Ready
Release Date: 8.31.09 (pushed up from 9.1.09)


Be sure to check out our exclusive interview discussing READY!

The Good: The baby-makers are not in short supply on this album, as you could probably tell by the titles: Panty Dropper Intro, Neighbors Know My Name, Invented Sex. While those are okay, the real jewels of the album are found in songs like One Love, a mature ballad led by a piercing guitar rift. There’s an energetic vibe on the champagne-touting club hit Say Aah which features rapper Fabolous. Jupiter Love is one of the best among the slow jams, very intimate and perfect for that late night intimate playtime. The latter part of the album exposes the man beyond the playboy façade starting with the Bei Maejor contribution Black Roses, which stands out with a new sound for Songz. Love Lost takes me back to my MJ days, a la Human Nature, and while lyrically it’s not the best, the vocals and production here are excellent. Yo Side of the Bed is another favorite, originally heard on the Anticipation mixtape with another amazing guitar rift to close out the album. The singles Successful and I Need A Girl are also on this project.

The Bad: If sequence is truly important, as he stated in his exclusive Sound-Savvy interview, then LOL :-) is clearly the exception to that rule. No matter how catchy the hook, this is the one song that does not fit on the album, and breaks the focus completely. The fact that it’s right in the middle doesn’t help. Beyond that, there’s not much else to dislike about the album, but I will say that the constant sex talk gets a bit much after a while; there’s a reference to sex in almost every song on the album.

The Bottom Line: If you’ve heard Trey’s Anticipation mixtape, you already know what to expect here. There are plenty of good vocals throughout, and there’s enough sexual content to increase the population at least twice with each purchase. Without a doubt this is Songz’ masterpiece, undeniably the most consistent and best delivered project of his career thus far. Conceptually, Ready is a relationship walkthrough, from meeting to meltdown, with all the emotions experienced along the way. Some singers get it right the first time, and some have to try a few times to get it right. With Ready, Trey Songz got it right.

Sound-Savvy rates Ready with 4 out of 5 platinum headphones.

Video: Mary J. Blige feat. Drake - The One


Didn't really care too much for this song at first, but it's growing on me. I like the feel of this video, very raw, very street, very energetic, like the song. Mary's new album Stronger is due out on November 24.

John Legend - Freak Out


A new sound for John Legend and I must say I'm impressed with how he's evolving his sound. Just when I was getting bored with the elevator-style, he steps it up some more. Really diggin Freak Out! Kinda mellow, kinda mysterious...

Soulja Boy Remixes 'Successful'


I've done my share of Soulja Boy hatin', I have no problem admitting that. The stuff he calls music I mostly consider garbage. I've always respected his hustle, never really respected his music. However, his remix to Successful - now that's something to give ear to. If what he says is true and that his ignorant style of music was all molded by the label and execs around him, then this might be a glimpse into who Soulja Boy really is as an artist. He's no Nas or Hov, but in this song I hear potential. Nice one Deandre...

P.S. I do NOT care for this video, save for the Creative Rec kicks... here's the audio file if u want it...

NEW MUSIC: Mariah Carey - I Wanna Know What Love Is



I've soooooo been waiting on this song to leak!! I doubt that this is the full version or the final edit of the song since Mariah fudges the lyrics at the beginning (should be "in case I need it when I'm OLDER") This cover Foreigner's classic is amazing, yet I'm torn between her version and Leela James'. Mariah might not use the pipes as often as she did in the 90's, but it sounds like they're still in there somewhere. I wonder if she could do this live...
Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel... September 29.Listen after the jump...

Music Video: Jay Rock - D.O.A. (Remix)

Video after the jump...

Jay-Z - Run This Town (DJ Green Lantern Mix)


Green Lantern does his usual (and expected) and adds some spice to Jay-Z's Run This Town. Clean & Dirty versions. via DJGL's twitter.

DOWNLOAD: Jay-Z - Run This Town (DJ Green Lantern Mix) (Clean)
DOWNLOAD: Jay-Z - Run This Town (DJ Green Lantern Mix) (Dirty)

Drake, Kanye West, Eminem, Lil Wayne - Forever


Forever has gotta be one of the best collab tracks I've heard since Swagga Like Us. Everybody spits some fire on their verses, from the newbies to the vets. Just makes me wonder... is hip-hop experiencing a rebirth? Enjoy Forever....

Download Audio (MP3): Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Eminem - FOREVER (Tagless)

Album Review: Letoya Luckett - Lady Love


Artist: Letoya Luckett
Album: Lady Love
Release Date: 8.25.09

Lady Love is the sophomore release and follow-up to the certified platinum self-titled debut, from the H-Town native and former member of internationally renown pop girl group Destiny's Child. With this album, the ASCAP and Grammy award winning singer/songwriter proves that she has what it takes to remain a force in the world of female R & B.

Track Listing review below:

Lady Love – The title track opens the album in an upbeat form, re-introducing her vocal ability and setting the tone for the rest for the rest of the album. (3/5)

She Ain’t Got – This rock guitar-based track is the second officially released single. The instrumental is something that could easily get airplay on top 40, pop & R & B stations as well as urban outlets-think Lady Gaga or Fergie type track. Even though it’s not typical R & B she holds her own and steps out of her box creatively as she sings of a cheating lover’s taste in a mistress. (4/5)

Not Anymore – This ballad is the lead single and my one of my favorites. She sings of being tired of her relationship and not dealing with it anymore. The instrumental is light and piano-based allowing her voice to shine on the melody. (5/5)

Lazy bears the ‘It’s not you, it’s me’ type of message. She conveys the feeling of not wanting to be in another relationship because she feels she can’t handle it after so many bad relationships in the past. She once again matches the instrumental vocally, though the track seems kind of big. (3.5/5)

Good To Me – This track reminds me of Prince, circa Purple Rain or Under the Cherry Moon eras. Slow, with repetitive piano chords throughout and a heavy drum loop. She designs her dream man while wishing that he'll just be good to her as the undertone. (4/5)

Over – This is another favorite of mine, she's ending it with a cheating boyfriend in a ‘what if’ scenario of all the things that he actually did. The echo in the hook of “Over” is really well done and fits perfectly. (4.5/5)

Regret Feat. Ludacris – With an assist from Ludacris on the third official single, Letoya explores how her ex is in regret over leaving her and wants to be back with her. This slow melody really suits her. The track is very similar and sounds like a slowed version of Mary Mary’s God in Me. Ludacris didn’t seem to do his best on this one but nonetheless it’s a great collaboration. (3.5/5)

I Need A U – This is a sexy ballad with a whispered melody over a slow organ infused track as she sings of her fantasy guy to come and “ease her pain” of loneliness. The guitar solo on the bridge puts this over the top. (5/5)

Take Away Love Feat. Estelle – On this mid-tempo track she has some real talk with Estelle about a guy that just doesn’t seem to understand that she can’t be with him right now. They decide that she should take her love away. Not one of my favorites but it’s still a great track and the Estelle collaboration works. (3/5)

After Party – An up-tempo track compared to the rest of the album. She sings of the after party being the next relationship because the one she’s in isn’t working. The instrumental is simple, allowing her to do her thing. (3/5)

Drained – I like this one, though the instrumental reminds me of an old school Nintendo game! She owns up to her part in draining the love from the relationship, breaking his heart and possibly ruining him for future relationships. (3.5/5)

Tears – She glides over this sultry ballad about how love has brought her to tears of joy. This is something that she hasn’t experienced before and can’t understand why she feels so wonderful yet she is in tears. (4/5)

Matter – On this simple drum-heavy ballad she conveys how her ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend doesn’t matter because she can’t do the things that she was able to do. A classic song of love lost and regret. (4/5)

Love Rollercoaster Feat. Mims – Mims seems to shine a little more as Letoya is relegated to the chorus and bridge. The mid tempo instrumental is one of the busier tracks on the album. She seems to easily groove though as she sings of love’s ups and downs. (3.5/5)

Don’t Need U – The beat-box drives the instrumental, and Letoya delves into the realization that she must move on and that she doesn’t need her ex in her life anymore. (3.5/5)

This album defies the myth that all artists suffer from the “sophomore jinx”. Letoya's talent is undeniable and the production is simple and not overdone, allowing her voice to shine and carry the music as opposed to the music carrying her voice. The tone for this album seems to be of a relationship lost. Lady Love is a great album, definitely worth the purchase price.

Overall I give Lady Love 4 out of 5 platinum headphones.

Video: Ghostface Killah feat. Raheem Devaughn - Baby


Finally some love to the fellas who wanna handle responsibility and do right by the women bearing their children. Baby caught my ear on the radio about a week ago, chill head-nod type beat and Raheem's mellow soul on the hook. This is the first single from Ghosforthcoming tface Killah's 8th album, The Wizard of Poetry, to be released later this year. After all these years, Ghostface has still got it on the lyric tip...

INTERVIEW: Trey Songz Is READY To Take Over!



To say that Trey Songz has been on the grind for the past year would be a supreme understatement. Between mixtapes, leaks and pushbacks, Trey is finally READY to give the world his new project Ready. He talked with me about the project and what his life has been like making the best album of his career...

Album Review: Whitney Houston - I Look To You

Don’t call it a comeback, I’ve been here for years…” - from Salute

Artist: Whitney Houston
Album: I Look To You
Release Date: 9.1.09

The Good: The best part about this album is that all the collaborators on the album rise to their best. Swizz Beatz’s production is some of his best work on the lead single Million Dollar Bill, a captivating feel-good jam and possibly a new classic, while Akon sounds the best he ever has on the duet Like I Never Left. Johnta Austin’s contribution on Call You Tonight is arguably one of the best songs he’s ever written and Whitney delivers the vocals in classic style. Worth It is another possible classic, a ballad with a very refined feel to it, and For The Lovers is another two-stepper worth listening to. R. Kelly contributed two hits: I Look To You and Salute, a song about strength and resilience in the face of losing love.

The Bad: Whitney’s cover of Leon Russell’s classic A Song For You is the biggest disappointment. The original melody on this song rises and falls, telling a story beyond the lyrics that is beautifully conveyed in versions by Donny Hathaway and Christina Aguilera but it’s lost on this dance-pop rendition. I Didn’t Know My Own Strength is another failure, the power ballad that’s lacking the power; it’s like “The Little Engine That Could” but didn’t.

The Bottom Line: Whitney Houston’s career is already longer and more accomplished than any female you could name at the top of the charts today, so when news broke more than a year ago that she’d be making a return to her first love (no, not Bobby!), heads expectedly turned. I Look To You is an album saturated in the concept of love – losing it, finding it, and sharing it. Overall, I Look To You is a great album with a great range in terms of sound – there’s classic Whitney balladry, and then there are songs that make you want to dance and be close to the one you love. Longtime fans can appreciate the fact that Whitney’s sound has evolved, but not in the sense of taking on a new demographic – there’s a respectable balance. The music is mature and mostly fitting for where she is in her life and legendary career, but even legends aren’t perfect.

Sound-Savvy rates I Look To You with 4 out of 5 platinum headphones.

The Comeback Kid: Sound-Savvy Faces 'Addiction' with Chico DeBarge


Chico DeBarge knows a thing or two about making a comeback. Following a prison sentence for drug trafficking in the mid-90's, Chico re-emerged on to the music scene in 1997 with the classic soul album Long Time No See. His new album Addiction thrusts DeBarge back onto center stage after a 6-year hiatus that included battles with substance abuse, troubled relationships, and an incident that nearly claimed his life. The album is an open book of pain, victory and determination - a realization that you're never too fargone to make a comeback. I had the opportunity to speak with Chico DeBarge about the new album and the events that brought him to where he now stands, on the threshold of a comeback.

Video: Asher Roth feat. Keri Hilson - She Don't Want A Man


POW! Miss Keri Baby is teamed up with the college party rockstar in She Don't Wanna Man. The humorous ride of Mr. Roth continues in this party-hard clip. Not sure if I'd ever have the balls to tell Ms. Hilson that she's "not that hot"... moms didn't raise me to lie. Check this joint out on Roth's debut album Asleep In The Bread Aisle, in stores now...

Monday's Motivation Muzik: 'Keep Ya Head Up'



Yeah this song was written to empower women, but it's a message that empowers us all. Times are tough these days - it's no secret and it's definitely no joke. No matter how bad your situation is, it's never too far gone that it can't get better, and it will if you just hold on and keep your head up. There's no strength in allowing the enemy to see your moments of weakness. Good times and bad, they all only last for a season, nothing is permanent and everything changes. You'll get pissed, you'll get depressed, you'll get down in spirit, but you'll rise again as long as you keep your head up. Be blessed, and have a great week!

Trey Songz - Say Aah (Feat. Fabolous) x Neighbors Know My Name


You ready? We put up Say Aah previously, but here's the finished version featuring Fabolous. As a bonus, here's Neighbors Know My Name, also on the Ready album, hitting stores September 1st.

DOWNLOAD: Trey Songz - Say Aah (Feat. Fabolous)
DOWNLOAD: Trey Songz - Neighbors Know My Name

Jay-Z feat. Drake - Off That


Here's a sneak leak from Jay-Z's forthcoming The Blueprint 3 album, due out on 9/11. Hov and Drizzy spit hard over one of Timbaland's finest beats. Nothing out right now that sounds like this. The beat bangs, Jay-Z spits and Drake holds down the hook... the takeover continues...

Karina Pasian Covers Beyonce's 'Ave Maria'

A few months ago, Def Jam recording artist Karina sang her version of Beyonce's Halo. Here she is with another cover, this time taking on the melodic Ave Maria as she plays it on the piano. This girl is amazing with her vocals, and in time she will be a force to dominate the music industry. She has the potential to be THE VOICE of the next generation.

Lloyd - Pusha


You might have heard a snippet of this a while back. Here's the full version, no dj, produced by The Runners. Major props to X.

DOWNLOAD: Lloyd - Pusha

Aubrey O'Day feat. Roscoe Umali - Never Fallin'



You can't take her pride, and you can't hold Aubrey O'Day down! Never Fallin' is the latest leaked track from the former Danity Kane star and it features rap newcomer (at least to me) Roscoe Umali. O'Day uses Never Fallin' to speak up for herself on a few public matters including her image, her group and her......chest? YES! Aubrey is currently working on her solo album and her new reality show as well.

Birdman - Money To Blow (Feat. Drake & Lil' Wayne)


New from Birdman. You might actually be familiar with this, since this was originally Drake's song. Drizzys verse might sound somewhat familiar to you as well, since it was the verse that he let Lil' Wayne use at last years VMA's. Oh well. Another Drake track dropping for another artist instead (The Winner on Kay Slays upcoming album, Successful on Trey Songz upcoming album). Sorry if you were expecting new Drizzy material, but hey, at least the Killer track is fire. Anywho, check out the Drumma Boy produced track. Expect heavy radio play, clean & dirty provided below. Shouts to Splash.

DOWNLOAD: Birdman - Money To Blow (Feat. Drake & Lil' Wayne) (Dirty)
DOWNLOAD: Birdman - Money To Blow (Feat. Drake & Lil' Wayne) (Clean)

Clyde Carson - Believer x Secret Lover (Feat. Rico Love)


If you're not familar with the Moe Doe/Black Wallstreet member Clyde Carson, quit sleeping. This homie's been going hard in The Bay for a while now. But don't worry, i'll catch you up to speed real quick in one post. If you are familiar with him, todays your lucky day, here's some tracks to get you movin'. Clyde's Bass Rock: The LP is in stores now. If your too lazy to go out, then order it on Amazon.com. And keep on the look out for Theater Music, coming soon.

DOWNLOAD: Clyde Carson - Believer (Produced By Bedrock)
DOWNLOAD: Clyde Carson - Secret Lover (Feat. Rico Love) (Produced By Jim Jonsin)

BONUS THROWBACK: Clyde Carson - 2 Step
BONUS THROWBACK: Clyde Carson - Doin' Dat (Feat. Sean Kingston)

Wes Fif - Run This Town (DJ Delz Freestyle)


The big homie Wes Fif dropped this off the other day. Here's Orlando's own SPAZIN' on the Jay-Z Run This Town beat. DJ Delz EXCLUSIVE.

DOWNLOAD: Wes Fif - Run This Town (DJ Delz Freestyle)

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


Mack: I say gotdayum!! She still sexy!! R&B Starlet Mya is on her way back into the limelight after a short hiatus. Show Me Something is the first single off her forthcoming mixtape Beauty And The Streets set to hit the streets September 29. It features Bun B and some shots of Mya that prove that her time away was time well spent...

Video: Day 26 - So Good



One of the better tracks from Day 26's sophomore album Forever In A Day. Penned by B. Cox, this slow jam is a winner for sure, but I'm still not impressed with their videos. I think we all know what's gonna happen next...

Video: Mary J. Blige - Stronger



I'm really diggin Stronger, this new ballad from Mary J. Blige. Not only is it the title track to her new album, but it also serves as the theme to the new documentary feature on Lebron James - equally appropriate for both. If I'm not mistaken, Ne-yo penned this and rumor has it that those background vocals are Chris Brown. Check it out...

New Music from Brian McKnight - What I've Been Waiting For



Yesssssssss!!! Real R&B is BACK!! Brian McKnight is prepping the release of album #11 (damn, I actually own ALL of them!), entitled Evolution of A Man. The first single, What I've Been Waiting For has all the elements that made us love Brian McKnight through the nearly two decades of his career. Evolution of A Man is set to hit stores on October 13, I'm betting on another classic...

David Guetta feat. Kid Cudi - Memories



In case you didn't know, David Guetta is a very popular DJ of House music over in the UK. His new album One Love hit stores this past Tuesday and features some OFF THE HOOK collabs, including Kelly Rowland, Ne-yo, Estelle, Will.I.Am, and this one from Kid Cudi. The review of the album is coming soon, but in the mean time, enjoy the Memories with Kid Cudi...

NEW MUSIC: Drake feat. Nipsey Hussle - Killer



Some say opposites attract, sometimes it's true. Drake teams up with Nipsey Hussle on the track Killer. This joint appeared on Drake's Blog. They're styles seem so different, yet this track really works.

Download: Drake feat. Nipsey Hussle - Killer

Video: Kristinia DeBarge - Sabotage




The newest generation of the DeBarge family...

Video Premiere: Jay-Z ft. Kanye and Rihanna - RUN THIS TOWN


Here it is!! No disappoinments here... Jay-Z, Kanye, Rihanna... HOTNESS!!! Out of chaos, there has to rise a new class of leadership... Hip-hop: the revolution is here...

Video: Jamie Foxx - Digital Girl (Remix) (Feat. Drake, Kanye West, & The-Dream)


Jamie brings another all star cast together for the remix!!!