Album Review: Clipse - Til The Casket Drops



Artist: Clipse
Album: Til The Casket Drops
Release Date: 12.8.09

The long awaited 3rd album from the Virgina duo known as The Clipse has finally arrived. Arguably one of the best duos to ever pick up a microphone, the Thornton twins have had their share of issues and setbacks prior to this release. Releasing a slew of mixtapes, freestyles and features, not to mention an interesting video blog, they have managed to keep their name in the streets and fans salivating at the mouth while awaiting their commercial release.

The Dream - Touch and Feel


Well, no shortage of racy lyrics here. Not sure how old this track is though since he makes mention of TRL, which has been off the air for some time now. Decent track tho...

Audio: The Dream - Touch N' Feel

Video: Rihanna Performs 'Russian Roulette' on X-Factor


So I'll admit, Rihanna isn't the best vocalist in the world, I got no problems with that. HOWEVER, you can't tell me she doesn't hold her own. This is the live performance I've been waiting for, to see her perform Russian Roulette. Rihanna belts out the big ones with very few flaws in this performance on the UK hit series X-Factor. Judge for yourself, but I think she did it justice...

Timbaland ft. Brandy (a.k.a. Bran'Nu) - Meet In The Middle


Hey wait a minute, ain't that Brandy... rappin'? Yes, Ray J.'s big sister tries out a new sound on this record for Timbaland's Shock Value II, and it involves her new persona Bran'Nu spittin a few bars. Ray J. put this one out via Twitter last night and I'm kinda likin it. I think it works for the track, Brandy does her thing. This just builds my anticipation for Shock Value II in stores this week.

Audio: Timbaland ft. Bran'Nu - Meet In The Middle

Chris Brown ft. Ester Dean - I Love You


This is the first of a few bonus cuts on the Deluxe edition of Chris Breezy's new album Graffiti. Pretty nice joint, not your typical Chris Brown track, some new sounds and elements thrown in the mix. Polow on the beat. Graffiti - December 8th.

Audio: Chris Brown ft. Ester Dean - I Love You

Clipse - Footsteps x There Was A Murder (Feat. Kobe)





2 new tracks off the new Clipse album, Til The Casket Drops.  Both featuring Kobe, and both produced by DJ Khalil.  Speaking of Khalil, his production this year alone has been on point.  Top 5 in production, as his resume this year is undisputed. Til The Casket Drops hits stores December 8th.  I might throw another track up here later, stay tuned.

DOWNLOAD:  Clipse - Footsteps (Feat. Kobe)
DOWNLOAD:  Clipse - There Was A Murder (Feat. Kobe)

Ne-Yo - Let Me Know x That Girl x Over





I think we all are starting to realize that this man has put out more music than any other artist this year.  And one month away from the end of the year, it doesn't look like he's anywhere near stopping.  Here's 3 more tracks from Ne-Yo.  You might have heard the That Girl track before, as it was a demo for Marques Houston.

DOWNLOAD:  Ne-Yo - Let Me Know
DOWNLOAD:  Ne-Yo - That Girl
DOWNLOAD:  Ne-Yo - Over

Timbaland - Maniac (The One I Love) (Feat. Keri Hilson, Chris Brown & D.O.E.)





Here's a new track which will be appearing on Timbaland's Shock Value II album.  But from what I've been told, Chris Brown was removed from the final version of this song.  So, until the final track appears, hear what the track was originally supposed to sound like.  Shock Value II drops December 8th.

DOWNLOAD:  Timbaland - Maniac (The One I Love) (Feat. Keri Hilson, Chris Brown & D.O.E.)

R. Kelly - Fallin' From The Sky



Here's the bonus track from the UK version R. Kelly's Untitled album, dropping December 1st.  As a bonus, i threw in another track off the album below.

DOWNLOAD:  R. Kelly - Fallin' From The Sky
DOWNLOAD:  R. Kelly - Like I Do

MIXTAPE DOWNLOAD: Lupe Fiasco - Enemy of the State: A Love Story


Ahh yes, give thanks for this gift from the cool young Lu, his new mixtape: Enemy of the State: A Love Story. In his normal style, Lupe goes IN on the lyrics remixing tracks like Turnt Up, Fireman, Jay-Z's Thank You, and Timbaland's Say Something feat Drake among others. Friend of the People coming Christmas Day, check back!!
DOWNLOAD - Enemy Of The State: A Love Story

FAN Video: Trey Songz ft. Gucci Mane, Soulja Boy - LOL Smiley Face


With hundreds of video entries, Trey and his crew put together a composite fan video for his summertime smash LOL :) and I found this to be a really nice dedication to his fans. I didn't particularly care for this song at first but the beat and the hook grew on me, its sooooooo catchy. Apparently, I was not the only one. See anybody you know?

Video: Rudy Currence - Last Christmas


Get familiar with the name Rudy Currence, there's a whole lot more coming from DTP's newest rising star. With his buttery smooth vocals and soulful style, he ushers in the season with the first single and title track from his Christmas EP entitled Last Christmas. Rudy reps the Carolinas to the fullest, so make sure you cop his new project Last Christmas, available on iTunes and stay tuned...

SADE Preps New 'Soldier' Album + Throwback Video


I got this press release last night and I was overwhelmed. There had been buzz for a while that Sade would be returning and now it's official: Her new album Soldier of Love is completed and is set to be released February 8th. The tracklisting has not been released yet, but a single will be coming next month. This will be Sade's first release in nearly ten years since her 2000 release Lover's Rock, that many of us are still jamming to. In honor of this, enjoy the throwback video below....

Wale ft. Marsha Ambrosius - Diary


Not the version that appears on Attention Deficit, this is a more acoustic, less-heavy re-working produced by the Sleepwalkers. Definitely one of the better tracks on the album... check it

Audio: Wale ft. Marsha - Diary

Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind (Broken Down)


We previously gave you a live video (click here) of this version of Billboard's newest #1 Single on the Hot 100 charts, Empire State of Mind. Here's the audio of the "Broken Down" version, Alicia goes in yet again, reppin for the heart of the city and putting NYC on the map in a very special way...

Audio: Empire State of Mind (Broken Down)

Usher ft. T.I. - In My Bag


I can't believe how un-excited I am about Usher's new release. Nothing he's released has been all that great, this song either. To be honest, I wanted to turn this off after the first verse but I kept it playing only because I wanted to hear T.I.'s verse (and it was worth it). I really think Usher's boat has left the station...#kanyeshrug

Audio: Usher - In My Bag ft. T.I.

R. Kelly - Pregnant (Feat. Tyrese, Robin Thicke & The Dream)


Never did I ever imagine that the art of the woo would come down to expressing the desire to drop a seed in a dimepiece. The lineup on this track makes it an all-star R&B hit, and it WILL appear on his forthcoming Untitled album, releasing December 1st.

Audio: Pregnant

Beanie Sigel - Think Big


 
If you recall earlier, Mack posted the "How Can I Kill Jigga Man" track, dissing Jay-Z.  Here's the other one he dropped.  Mostly bars, but the shots to Bleek & Mr. Carter are there.

DOWNLOAD:  Beanie Sigel - Think Big

The Soul Train Awards: Red Carpet Interviews - Part 1


Sound-Savvy invaded the red carpet at this year's Soul Train Awards and chopped it up with many of the musical performers, presenters and special guests. In Part 1 of our Red Carpet interviews, Letoya Luckett talked about her album and her new video, we got introduced to new artists Dondria and Priscilla Renee, and Sean Paul came by after winning the first award of the night and talked about his new music and his new Twitter account!

Album Review: John Mayer - Battle Studies



Artist name: John Mayer
Album title: Battle Studies
Release date: 11.17.09




It’s probably too easy for me to associate the content of John Mayer’s Battle Studies with his recent split from former Friends actress Jennifer Aniston. Still, after multiple listens to Mayer’s latest recording, it seems as if the New York City musician is using his art to exorcise some very personal demons. Battle Studies is reflective and rooted in love, much like Lenny Kravitz’s classic Mama Said, an album in which the rocker atoned for his soured romance with Lisa Bonet. On Battle Studies, Mayer purges deeply into his soul to decipher how his romance failed, thoughtfully expresses his feelings and moves on.

Mayer has grown considerably from the young 20-something we first met to a full-fledged adult who uses his music to tackle life’s more challenging obstacles. Mayer’s major label debut, Room For Squares, was powered by his Grammy winning single, “Your Body Is A Wonderland.” In 2003, Mayer released Heavier Things, and the single “Daughters” went on to win a Grammy for Song of the Year. On his 2006 studio album, Continuum, Mayer merged pop music with the blues and won a Grammy for Best Pop Album. Until now, Mayer’s albums contained songs with multiple topics. Battle Studies can easily be called a “concept” album, since each song is focused on that ever sensitive matter of the heart — love.

“All We Ever Do Is Say Goodbye” stands out because of the content and the sincerity by which Mayer delivers his message. The subtle pluck of the acoustic guitar and the occasional tap of piano keys help this song glide effortlessly across your ear drums. The pace picks up somewhat on the country twang of “Half Of My Heart,” which features vocalist Taylor Swift. Although half of Mayer’s heart has “a grip on the situation,” the other half’s “got a right mind to tell you that I can’t keep loving you.” But just as fast as the energy heightens, it deflates just as quickly on “Who Says,” which is produced using an acoustic guitar and drum brushes.

By the time “Assassin” rolls around, Mayer uses harder drums, deep bass and an electric guitar to deliver a hard shot to his departed love. “I was a killer, was the best they’d ever seen. I’d steal your heart before you ever heard a thing,” Mayer croons on the chorus to this edgy song. “I’m an assassin and I had a job to do. Little did I know that girl was an assassin, too.”

On “Edge of Desire,” Mayer uses more hard rock-n-roll to make one last plea to his lover before calling it off completely. By the album’s last song, the epic “Friends, Lovers Or Nothing,” he delivers an ultimatum and stands his ground. “There’ll never be an in-between,” Mayer sings, “so give it up.” All told, Battle Studies is best digested on a calm day, or during the course of a breakup. But even if you’re solidly in love, John Mayer has delivered an opus through you can relate.

Marcus J. Moore



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

Dirty Money ft. Lupe Fiasco - Angels Remix


Lupe Fiasco remixes Angels by Diddy's Dirty Money Crew. Nice to hear Lupe making a return... The mixtape Enemy of the State: A Love Story comin Thanksgiving day. And we shall give thanks...

Audio: Angels (REMIX)

NEW: Kelis - A Capella


Kelis is making a return to music with her new single, A Capella. It has a very upbeat, pop feel to it - and actually may do better in an international market. I'm half-hearted on this one, I want her to succeed, but this one is just not the ticket. It's not as hard and catchy as her previous works, but she's in a different space now. Sounds like a dedication to her baby... Kelis' new album is "just about done" and should be coming next year...

Audio: A Capella

Rihanna ft. Justin Timberlake - Hole In Your Head


Check out this bonus cut off her new album Rated R, available now. She works with Mr. Timberlake on this joint, not bad, really and it sounds like a mix between her old and new content. Decent track, but really shows how much Timbaland has rubbed off on Timberlake...

Audio: Hole In My Head

Wale - Beast


Another unreleased joint that didn't make the cut for Attention Deficit. Lyrically this is a nice joint from Wale goin at it for the ladies. Attention Deficit in stores now, click the album cover above for the review... u got yours?

Audio: BEAST

DISS: Beanie Sigel - How I Can Kill Jigga Man


Really Beans...salty much? It's a shame that he's trying to create the career he never had off dissing the man that gave him a chance to build his own empire. Oh, well "men lie, women lie, numbers don't"...

Download Audio: Beanie Sigel - How I Can Kill Jigga Man

Video: Timbaland ft. So Shy - Morning After Dark


Another hit from Timbaland off the new Shock Value 2 album. Creative video, Timbo's capitalizing on the huge vampire craze sweepint the world right now. Check out the video...

American Music Awards '09 Performance Recap


Well it wasn't a train wreck like some of the other, less major shows this year. I actually look forward to the AMA's because the performances are always grand and even if I don't agree with the winners, I can always find delight in some of the performances. This year's American Music Awards showed off some of the best new talent in the music industry, but also proved that a comeback is often more enjoyable than a come-up.

Janet Jackson - opening the show, Ms. Jackson rocked the stage and the crowd with a medley of some of her best #1 hits, including Control, Miss You Much, If, Together Again and her new smash Make Me. In slightly less than 8 minutes, the youngest of the Jackson dynasty reminded us what a performance is really about and again cemented her place as an icon.

Kelly Clarkson - took the stage in ballad form tonight for one of my favorite songs by her Already Gone.

Shakira - Give It Up To Me looked like a sorority step show scene from a music video, but it was actually pretty nice. I enjoy watching her move in sync with 60 other women...

Daughtry - These fellas are uber-talented, so simplicity will always work for them.

I'll lump The Black Eyed Peas in with Adam Lambert - LESS is MORE. Both are highly talented acts and should learn something from the seasoned professionals: sometimes its better to let the madness take place around you than for you to actually get lost in it.

Mary J. Blige - Quite simply, Mary better do it! I Am is her best ballad since Be Without You and this performance was elegant. I'm glad she didn't "take it to church", twas no need...

Carrie Underwood - she may have been outdressed by her own dancers, but there aren't too many that can outsing her, as she proved tonight.

Rihanna - I can't front, I wanted to see a dramatic performance of Russian Roulette - would've been killer! Her vocals were good, but it was the overall stage show that won me over: the theme, the energy, the wardrobe (outfitted with bullets containing laser light emitters).

Lady Gaga - Rihanna was good. Lady Gaga was better. Again, Gaga proved that she's just better. Her performance just had a stronger vibe, more energy and pushed harder than mostly anyone else's. Next to Janet, hers was the second best of the night.

Jay-Z and Alicia Keys - 100% Swagger. Jay epitomizes it. So does Alicia. Nuff' said.

Alicia Keys - still not feeling the superhero vibe for Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart, the message speaks more than that to me. She sounded good, but the performance got a bit random and hard to follow at some points. Not her best.

Whitney Houston - Ya know, Whitney wasn't too bad. I think she chose a ballad because she had a better chance at hitting all the notes, though I was praying for Million Dollar Bill. She made me proud of her, but I also realized that old school Whitney=gone forever. 

Timbaland - Without a doubt the worst performance of the night. Timbaland looked sloppily dressed and barely able to move. Nelly Furtado made the performance bearable, but not by much. Two types of leather tho Timbaland?

Green Day - rock band performances have been few lately, but Green Day managed to rock out very enjoyably

J. Lo - I liked the theme for her performance, it was very creative, and the performance was pretty good -- minus the fact that her vocal track was turned up late (making her lip synch obvious) and that unfortunate fall on her bum. 

Eminem and 50 Cent - Well first, 50 served no purpose. Eminem totally owned Drake's song Forever and proved that fact to the world by performing his verse alone, without assistance from Drake, Wayne, or Ye. 


Adam Lambert - again... WTF?

VIDEO: Janet Jackson - Make Me


With 33 worldwide #1 hits under her belt, musical icon Janet Jackson doesn't show signs of stopping. She's still got the look, she's still got the moves, and she's still got the name... Ms. Jackson if ya nasty. This video for Make Me evokes a bit of the futuristic elements of Scream combined with some high-energy dance and that one-of-a-kind smile. The new compilation album Number Ones is in stores now and serves as a testament to Janet Jackson's longevity and status as a living legend and a musical icon.

Video: Fabolous - I'mma Do It


One of the hardest... HARDEST tracks on Loso's Way. Fab has been doin his thing lately, and if you don't have his latest album, you need to check out the review and cop it...Video after the jump.

Toni Braxton ft. Trey Songz - Yesterday


TONI IS BACK!!! I love this song... she looks awesome, she sounds great and this duet with Songz is a really good look for both of them. With a cameo from Ron Artest in the video, Toni leaves the past behind and its ON TO THE NEXT ONE. Vocally this song is a hit and you can check for it on her new album Pulse due out February 2010!

Video: Keri Hilson - I Like


I Like first hit the net a few weeks ago and everyone fell in love with it, myself included. Without a doubt this is a pop-hit that could raise her celebrity status to an international level, seeing as how this is from the soundtrack to a German film entitled Zweiohrküken, not sure of the plot but the video contains enough clips to give you a good idea. Miss Keri Baby is on the move and on the rise... I LIKE this video!!

INTERVIEW and MIXTAPE: Mullage - Elevators: The Pre-Album


I had the pleasure of meeting the fellas of Mullage at a performance in ATL recently, and I must say they're some very cool kats with a lot of style and a really nice new sound. Reppin their hometown of ATL, these fellas had an interesting background, and had the pleasure of previewing their mixtape. Their music is not to be put in a box, it's hip-hop, it's R&B, it's "slow roasted" (Shouts to B-Boi for that one!) to bring a new flavor to hip-hop. My favorite cuts are For Real, Omen (Where I'll Be), No Strings Attached, and Bend That Ass Ova. Features include T.I., Akon, Wyclef, Dorrough, Juvenile and more! It's versatile, it's mellow, it's good music. Check it out after the interview!

Dirty Money ft. Jim Jones, Red Cafe and Fabolous - Love Come Down


Check out the official remix to Dirty Money's hard hittin' smash Love Come Down which features NY MC's Fabolous, Red Cafe and Jim Jones. This.is.the.re-mix!

Audio: Love Come Down (OFFICIAL REMIX)

LIVE VIDEO: Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind Part II


In case you didn't know, Empire State of Mind is currently the #1 single in the country, taking Jay and Alicia to the top of the Billboard's Hot 100 once again. However, Alicia reworks their new classic anthem into a slower but very beautiful rendition. I'm amazed...check it out and tell us if you're feelin this...

Ne-yo - Bad Habit


The latest leak... we're used to this by now. Ne-yo explores his "taste for forbidden fruit" on this one, not my cup of tea but a nice song anyway. So let's see... what voice do you think would sound good on Ne-yo's demos? For this one I can hear Trey Songz, what do ya think? Comment and weigh in...

Audio: Ne-yo - Bad Habit

Timbaland ft. Justin Timberlake - Crazy Girl


When Shock Value 2 hits stores in a few more weeks, you won't find this track included but it's still a hot collab between one of music's most dynamic duo. I know some fellas right now dealing with a real life Crazy Girl. Fellas, this one's for y'all...

Audio: Crazy Girl

NEW! Jennifer Lopez - Louboutins


Jenny from the block has upgraded her footwear these days, she wrote a song about it. Like to hear it? Here it go... Louboutins is the first single off her new album Love? due out in January and she'll be performing this song Sunday at the American Music Awards. Think of it as a club-style Dear John letter and a Christian Louboutin endorsement all rolled in to one. The song is pretty cool and you have to admit, Louboutin DOES make some fly ladies shoes. I wouldn't want J. Lo to leave but I'd love to see her walk away...

Audio: Jennifer Lopez - Louboutins

Throwback Thursday: Redman - I'll Be Dat


Just in a silly sorta mood this afternoon, but on the real, who DIDN'T love this song? Redman's punchlines are among the best in the rap game, always have been, and this song shows why! How funny is this video? Enjoy an afternoon chuckle, kick back and don't mind what people who don't know you have to say... I'LL BE DAT!!!

VIDEO: Pretty Ricky - Say A Command


The hook on this song is cool... and that's the only enjoyable part. Does everyone see why Pleasure P went solo? They make decent R&B hooks, but as rappers these dudes suck. I bet the lead singer could make a full R&B song out of this joint and it would be a smash. Of course, he'd have to change his stage name first though....

LIVE: Alicia Keys Performs 'Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart"


Alicia Keys delivered a stirring performance of her new hit single Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart on last night's episode of Dancing With The Stars. I gotta say, I love this song, and I love this live version even more. Kinda makes me wish we can get another MTV Unplugged episode out of Ms. Keys...

Joe Budden Remixes 'Russian Roulette'

 
If you don't understand why Joe Budden is one of the best yet underrated lyrical rappers in hip-hop, then you need to hear this. Mainstream or not, this dude has some serious flow and not too many rappers can repeatedly do this. Check it out...

Audio: Joe Budden - Russian Roulette

VIDEO: B.O.B. - No Man's Land


 It's very difficult to put B.O.B. into a box - he's like a trifecta phenomenon: He raps, he sings, and he plays guitar! No Man's Land is a cut from his most recent mixtape B.O.B. vs. Bobby Ray and from listening to that project I could tell he has an eclectic style. He's been compared to Andre 3000, and I can honestly see why, but I think in due time B.O.B. will blaze his own path, whether that be a mainstream or a niche path. More coming from him soon so stay tuned...

VIDEO: Robin Thicke - Sex Therapy


Robin Thicke has a serious penchant for sexy videos and this one is no exception to the rule. Thicke serves up a prescription of Sex Therapy in this clip, full of sensuality sending your imagination on a naughty little trip. His new album Sex Therapy is set to hit stores December 15 and if it's anything like this video, it's sure to please...

Jay Sean - Do You

 
New Music from Cash Money's European pop star. Do You is Jay Sean's weak attempt at a sexy song. The result? FAIL. I'm not feeling this joint from the Drake look-a-like, not one bit. For one thing, that autotune on his voice is STILL annoying, and then this song sounds like something that's been done too many times before. Maybe his album will be better: All or Nothing, November 23

Audio: Jay Sean - Do You

Kevin Cossom - U Know What U Doin' (Feat. Pusha T)



Another KC track off his Hook Vs Bridge EP, featuring one half of the Clipse.  Keep it locked here, Kevin's EP drops tomorrow, for free might I add.  Produced by Danja.  As a bonus, i added another track from his EP, featuring Joe Budden.

DOWNLOAD:  Kevin Cossom - U Know What U Doin' (Feat. Pusha T)
DOWNLOAD:  Kevin Cossom - My Ex (Feat. Joe Budden)

Ne-Yo - Heartbreakers



What would #musicmonday be without Ne-Yo?  Any day, for that matter, because Ne-Yo doesn't seem of slowing down with the music.  On average at least 2-3 songs get put out from him weekly.  Heres his newest.  This one's produced by Chuck Harmony.

DOWNLOAD:  Ne-Yo - Heartbreakers