Music Video: Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind



After quite a few sneak previews of the video, we finally get the clip for NYC's new anthem. Great video, there's an underlying message of progression in the song that's reflected just as well in the video. If you didn't get it, watch again. This song is enough to make ANYONE feel proud, even if you're not from NYC. Take a look, enjoy...

Wale ft. Melanie Fiona and J. Cole - Beautiful Bliss


One of the better leaked cuts from the forthcoming Attention Deficit album. Wale's and J. Cole both show the reasons why they're two of the hottest upcoming MC's on this track right here. Though a bit restrained, Melanie Fiona holds her own on the hook, but she's a newcomer that's definitely gettin' her shine as well. Attention Deficit hits stores on November 10th.

Audio: Beautiful Bliss

NEW VIDEO: Britney Spears - 3



The video for Britney's newest single is finally out. Check her out in 3, the lead single from her compilation album entitled The Singles Collection. Though the song makes innuendos about sexual escapades involving a third party, the video is a little lighter on the references and takes Britney back to her heavy dance style. Still, I think this video is just okay, in fact it's a bit of a letdown. She's been pushing the envelope a lot lately with her antics and music, and here she just stops cold. Oh well...

Video: Ne-yo - Never Knew I Needed


After about a hundred leaked tracks, this one actually turned out to be an official Ne-yo song. Never I Knew I Needed is a nice little love song that will appear on the soundtrack for Disney's new animated movie The Princess and the Frog, which will feature the voices of Anika Noni Rose, Oprah Winfrey, Terrence Howard and more. The movie is in theaters November 25.

Wyclef Jean ft. Eve - Suicide Love



Wyclef has been good at making these hood-warrior type love songs, teaming up with folks like Claudette Ortiz, Mary J. Blige, and now Eve. I'm diggin this joint, a very smooth cut off his upcoming mixtape From the Hut, To The Projects, To The Mansion. Check it out...

Audio: Wyclef Jean ft. Eve - Suicide Love

Ludacris ft. Shawnna - How Low


Luda hit the stage at the BET Hip Hop Awards to perform How Low, the latest single from his forthcoming duo album with Shawnna Battle of the Sexes. Once again, Ludacris proves that he's one of the best rappers in the game, he needs to be in everybody's top 5.

Audio: Ludacris & Shawnna - How Low

NEW: Alicia Keys - Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart



This is a bit of a different sound for Ms. Keys, but I definitely like it. It has less of the unplugged feel, and more of a futuristic, heavy production feel - kinda like an 808. Yeah, that's because the producer of this track did a lot of work on Kanye's 808's N' Heartbreaks. Ms. Keys new album, The Element of Freedom has been pushed back two weeks to December 15, so make sure you cop that!



DJ Khaled ft. Usher, Young Jeezy, Rick Ross and Drake - FED UP


Another EPIC joint from DJ Khaled for all the hustlers out there. Beat is hot, hook is on point and this is just the first mega-single from his upcoming fourth LP. Even Usher spits a mean verse at the end of this joint. Sounds like we've got a new anthem for the global grinders out there... Khaled's new album Victory set for release in first quarter 2010.

Audio: DJ Khaled, Usher, Young Jeezy, Rick Ross and Drake - Fed Up

BET Hip-Hop Awards Recap: The Ciphers



One of the highlights from last night's BET Hip Hop Awards was the series of rap ciphers that were intermingled into the 2-hour broadcast. This was the truest representation of rap I've seen in a while. The hottest of the cipher circles? Joe Budden, KRS-One, Eminem, and Mos Def. Nicki Minaj came kinda hard too!

New Music from MULLAGE: Dope Emcees x Where I'll Be


Two hot new tracks from the fellas that brought you the radio smash Trick'n. Their new pre-album Elevators comin out VERY SOON, and you know I'll have it on here for ya to download. Also make sure you check back for my interview with the fellas! Til then, check out Dope Emcees, and Where I'll Be featuring the homie OB - that joint is CRAZY!! Mullage brings a smooth delivery to hip hop with a slight R&B edge. Album on the way....

Audio Download: Mullage ft. OB - Where I'll Be
Audio Download: Mullage - 2 Dope Emcees

MIXTAPE DOWNLOAD: Lil Wayne - No Ceilings


It's finally here folks... Weezy's new No Ceilings featuring his remixes to Swag Surfin, D.O.A., Wasted and a bunch of others... download it here and let me know what ya think!

MIXTAPE DOWNLOAD: Lil Wayne - No Ceilings

Missy Elliott ft. Teyana Taylor and Pharrell - Put It On Ya'





It's been a long time, but Missy's back with a dope beat and some fresh sounds to make you move once again. This time, she's got Pharrell and the rising star Teyana Taylor in tow to deliver Put It On Ya. I can't wait to see what 4 minute visual masterpiece she's cookin up for this one. In case you're wondering, Put It On Ya is set to appear on Missy's forthcoming 7th album Block Party which will also see appearances from Tweet, T-Pain, Jazmine Sullivan and others. After multiple pushbacks, the album is due out first quarter 2010.

Audio: Missy, Teyana Taylor and Pharrell - Put It On Ya

Album Review: Amerie - In Love & War

Artist: Amerie
Album: In Love & War
Release Date: 11.03.09

Since she first stepped on the scene with her 2002 debut, a few things have been evident about Amerie: she loves drums, she has a round-the-way-girl approach, and she’s NOT a powerhouse vocalist. Still, her limited range has always served her well in delivering love songs and tales of the heartbreak. With her Def Jam debut however, she reached for a grungier, grittier sound, more raw and revealing. The result is not quite where it should be, a misshapen attempt at mixing alternative rock sounds with R&B. In Love & War suffers from a lack of depth, and with 3 projects already behind her (one overseas release), it's about time she dug a little deeper.

Similar to her previous releases, Amerie’s strength still lies in her percussion-heavy hip shakers like the tribal-inspired single Heard ‘Em All and the opening cut Tell Me You Love Me. The other highlights on the album are the songs that offer some contrast to Amerie’s vocals, including Trey Songz on the Mint-Condition sampled Pretty Brown and Fabolous’ verse on More Than Love. Higher evokes the rocker-side, very Kravitz-type sound and is a decent song, as is the standout ballad Different People.

On many of the offerings here, the production outshines the star. While the melodies and arrangements reach the intended effect, it’s the vocals and even the lyrical flow that fall short. Dear John is everything a ballad should be, but when Amerie’s vocals are added, the track seems to falter a bit. The same holds true on The Flowers – both songs are just missing the crucial element that makes a ballad – the pure emotion. Beyond all that, Amerie is far too deep in her career to still have such surface-level content. There’s no connection with the listener beyond the dance numbers.

The album is very hit-and-miss and even the hits are mediocre at best. Amerie’s new home at Def Jam have brought about a new sound that has great potential for her vocal style, but fall just short of making hit records. From the vivid album art, I expected to hear a more soulful and eclectic style – I was halfway satisfied. Eclectic style is present, soul and depth missed the bus, and Amerie’s In Love & War misses the mark…

Sound-Savvy rates In Love & War with 2.5 out of 5 platinum headphones.

Video: Four Questions With The Flaming Lips




Funny, because after I got in from One Mic Mondays last night, I caught the end of the Fallon show and saw The Flaming Lips on there. The origins of this group pre-date my interest in and knowledge of the musical world (and probably most of yours as well), still I found this video interesting to hear the honest answers of a seasoned artist. This is an exclusive backstage clip, not aired on the show. Check it out...















Video: Flo-Rida - Touch Me


Flo-Rida rises to a new level of cornball in this new espionage-style video that captures the muscle-bound pop star on a mission to save The Baddest Chick Trina from the... Adult-Friend-Finder Girls? You CANNOT be serious... It's one thing to do what you must to get paid, but when it comes to corny endorsement deals, Flo-Rida goes hard! LMAO!

VIDEO: Melanie Fiona - The Subway Series II (Canada)


In the second edition of Melanie Fiona's Subway Series, we find her in her native Canada re-creating You Stop My Heart alongside a street-side harmony quartet, and It Kills Me with a concert cellist. This Subway Series is the epitome of unplugged, to be able to take your music anywhere in the world and re-create it with musicians from all walks of life. The Bridge, the classic debut album from Melanie Fiona is now available on iTunes, and you can read the Sound-Savvy Review as well.

Video: Chris Brown - I Can Transform Ya!




Okay, so who couldn't predict the "Transformer" references with the graphic effects? This video is like an 80's kid's fantasy, transforming into vehicles, assasins, robots, etc. The dance breakdown was the most standout part of the video for me, that kid is amazing, a dance phenom for real!! Graffiti in stores December 15th!

Video: 3OH!3 feat. Katy Perry - Starstrukk


I've heard this song blowing up the airwaves for a while and now it finally has a video! Electro rock band 3OH!3 teams up with Katy Perry for a remix of sorts to StarStrukk, a song from their last album Want, released in '08. Lighthearted and funny is this clip, check it out!

JAHEIM'S BACK!! 'Ain't Leaving Without You'


Wow... NICE! Jaheim is back and with a nice new two-stepper for the clubs... I dig this joint, it's a nice new sound for him, very upbeat and energetic. Jaheim's new album is set for release in February of 2010 and Ain't Leavin' Without You IS the first official single. More from him coming real soon...

Audio: Jaheim - Ain't Leavin' Without You

Soulja Boy ft. Drake - Play Ball


Ummm... yeah... aight. Drake with Soulja Boy on the same track? Soulja Boy's lyric game is still wack on this, proving that no matter how good his co-stars are, he still can't rhyme. This sounds like the first joint from his upcoming 3rd album The Deandre Way... yeah, real original...

Audio: Soulja Boy ft. Drake - Play Ball

New Music from Keri Hilson - I Like


Wow... can I say I Like this?? Definitely a hot joint from Ms. Keri Baby! I've heard (unconfirmed) that this is a cut off her upcoming sophomore album, and if the rest of it sounds like this, she'll have some heat on her hands! Check it out...

Audio: Keri Hilson - I Like (CDQ)

Mary J. Blige - I Can See In Color


Mary J. Blige brings the soul to the soundtrack for the upcoming movie Precious, starring Monique, Mariah Carey and Gabourey Sidibe. I Can See In Color is set to appear on the soundtrack, movie in theaters November 6.

Audio: Mary J. Blige - I Can See In Color

VIDEO: Diddy and Dirty Money - I'll Be Missing You



No matter how many times I hear this song, it still moves me. Dirty Money flanks Diddy as he opens Fashion Rocks in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil with I'll Be Missin' You, in tribute to the late designer Gianni Versace. Dawn and Kaleena lookin nice as always.

Video: Raheem Devaughn ft. Ludacris - Bulletproof


This is one of Raheem's best videos, definitely one of the best and most creative out right now by far. The masses may not pick up on this because of the message it bears, still it's an important one. This joint also gives yet another reason why I'm forever a Ludacris fan - HOT VERSE! Bulletproof is the first single from Raheem's forthcoming 3rd album The Love and War Masterpeace, which is slated for release next month, but with pushbacks these days, it appears that no release date is bulletproof...

Ciara - Turn It Up


Ciara recently stated that album #4 is on the way. I'm really hoping this next album shows more growth from her. While Turn It Up is okay, it sounds like an outtake from Fantasy Ride or Evolution. We know she can make dance records, but she needs to show us that she has range beyond that, if she actually does...

Audio: Ciara - Turn It Up

Bow Wow ft. Lil Wayne - Can I Be Your Man



Hmmmm... I kinda like this joint! Could this move to Cash Money be the magic Bow Wow needs to ensure that his career has some longevity? I'm not making any predictions for his future, but this is a nice start...

Audio: Bow Wow ft. Lil Wayne - Can I Be Your Man

Usher - Rockband


New joint from the man I'd like to call the Prince of Pop Usher. This was produced by Lady Gaga's right-hand producer man Red One. Not sure if this is a demo record or if it's actually going to be cut by Usher or Gaga, but it's a mover and a shaker. The beat is hot...

Audio: Usher - Rockband

Album Review: Mr. Hudson - Straight No Chaser



Artist: Mr. Hudson
Album: Straight No Chaser
Release Date: 10.19.09 (UK) 12.1.09 (U.S. Release Date)


Straight No Chaser is the type of album you can flip on when you're ready for a change of pace from the monotony of hip-hop and R&B. In fact, it’d be considered pretty far left by the avid hip-hop fan and that’s one of the admirable qualities about this project. Mr. Hudson is a UK alternative rock band with heavy pop and R&B influences picked up by Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music imprint. Kanye West’s serves as executive producer and his influence on this project is undeniable, especially in the lead single Supernova on which he appears. Other highlights include the brazenly honest Anyone But Him (ft. Kid Cudi), the telltale White Lies, and Learning To Live. Also notable is Time, a raw, reflective track examining life and choices. I like the fact that this album is not made to sound like a hip-hop project, Mr. Hudson stays true to their craft under the direction of West. There are points in the album where the vocals seem a bit forced, as if the lead singer is trying to imitate someone of much grander stature but then there are mellow cuts like There Will Be Tears that really bring out his true nature as a vocalist. Some of the cuts take some time to adjust to but overall, it’s a decent project and well worth the listen.

Sound-Savvy rates Straight No Chaser with 4 out of 5 platinum headphones.

Food For Thought - A Typical Love Story...


Inspired by the album A Love Story by Vivian Green

All my fellow late night tweeters know how this works: lately I come home from work and crash and around 11PM my nocturnal vampire energy kicks in and I'm up til at least 3 AM grinding away with all my might (minds out of the gutter, focus please). Last night I couldn't get Be Good To You by Vivian Green out of my head so I wanted to hear her first album - A Love Story. I dashed to my stash and searched through my alphabetized collection of over 1000 CDs and wouldn't ya know it wasn't there? Story of my life: when I'm looking for a love story, it eludes and almost evades me - can't find that shit nowhere. So i resorted to streaming it online. Then this morning, as I'm getting dressed what do u think I found tucked behind my CD shelf? A Love Story. Typical. After I settled for a watered down, interrupted-by-ads version last night. Message?

Now that I've decided to put myself back on the dating scene, I guess this little bout with Vivian reinforced a hard learned lesson: Love is not to be looked for, it is to be found and it won't make you settle for anything less than what you deserve. It'll also put an end to the meaningless "commercial breaks" in life. A typical love story - you find it when you're not looking for it. And no, I won't sit by the phone...

The Game - Heaven


The Game is reportedly wrapped on The R.E.D. Album which should see the light of day later this year... Not sure if this new joint os on the tracklisting as it hasn't been released yet but it's decent. The story of Game's life wouldn't be complete without his haters, what ever would he rap about?

Audio: The Game - Heaven

Lloyd ft. J. Holiday - Take It Off



Not bad... two underrated R&B crooners on this joint and neither overdoing it. I kinda dig it. I'd love to hear some more work from both fellas as they've each released some solid albums.

Audio: Lloyd ft. J. Holiday - Take It Off

Juvenile ft. Bobby Valentino - Everything

The hook sounds like something I've heard already, I just can't remember who. Juvie's new album Cocky and Confident is sounding pretty nice so far, I ain't mad at him. I wonder if he'd be any competition for Weezy now though? With Wayne's impending jail sentence, could this be the perfect return season for Juvie?

Audio: Juvenile ft. Bobby Valentino - Everything

Rihanna feat. Kardinal Offishall - Russian Roulette (Remix)

Hmmm... nice remix verse by Mr. Kardinal Offishall on Rihanna's dark and moody comeback single. I doubt that this is official, especially so soon. Not much different from the original...

REMIX: Rihanna ft. Kardinal Offishall - Russian Roulette (REMIX)

Video: Kelly Rowland - When Love Takes Over x Destiny's Child Medley


Kelly Rowland is not a forgotten child of destiny... She's been making crowds roar overseas performing her #1 hit single When Love Takes Over with UK DJ David Guetta (from his One Love) album. In this clip, she gives the crowd 20 minutes of performance hits including Work, Dilemma, and a Destiny's Child medley that includes Say My Name, Independent Women, Bootylicious, Survivor and Jumpin Jumpin.

VIDEO: Adam Lambert - Time For Miracles




Despite his disappointing loss at the title of last year's American Idol, Adam Lambert is and will continue to emerge as the bigger star... but you knew that already right? Here's his new single, the theme song from the soundtrack to the upcoming disaster flick 2012. His debut album is entitled For Your Entertainment, and is slated for release on November 23. He's reportedly worked with some huge songwriters, including One Republic's Ryan Tedder, Kara DioGuardi, Linda Perry and most recently Lady Gaga. I'm looking forward to it...







Time For Miracles







Adam Lambert | MySpace Video

Amerie feat. Trey Songz and Lloyd Banks - Pretty Brown Eyes (Remix)



The original version of this joint was good enough, but here comes Lloyd Banks on the remix. Even when the beat drops, this new version is very reminiscent of 90's style music. Not a bad verse by Lloyd... In Love And War, the new album from Amerie drops November 3.

Audio: Pretty Brown Eyes (REMIX)