"It's The Remix Killer" - Not My Words, But The Words Of R. Kelly On His Remix Of Mariah Carey's - Touch My Body... & Yes, You've Certainly Killed This One Off Kells!
OK, so it's not that bad, R. Kelly serves up some real nice harmonies, his vocal ability has never been questioned by myself. However the track just feels like a bad joint from The-Dream, or something that T-Pain couldn't be bothered to do.
Kell's seems to be determined to drum up some excitement around his new project, tentatively titled - 12 Play Fourth Quarter. I am more excited to see the outcome of his up-coming trial than I am about another egotistical, mediocre album.
LISTEN - R. Kelly - Touch My Body (Remix)
19 April 2008
"R. Kelly - Touch My Body" (Remix)
18 April 2008
"Ashanti - The Declaration" (Album Cover)
The Ill-Fated New Album From R&B Star - Ashanti, Looks Like It May Actually See It's Official Release.
The release date is pencilled in for early June, but after leaked tracks received poor reception, it was looking doubtful that The Declaration would ever see the light of day. Now the Official Album Cover has been released it looks like things are on the up.
The cover itself shocked me, the new diva image is really doing it for me, Ashanti looks powerful 7 sexy, it's a good look for her. Now I see why Nelly is so fond of her! The first (official) single from the project - The Way I Love You has faired quite well, reaching the Billboard R&B chart top 10. Although I'm not sure it has made a big enough wave for anyone to notice, I didn't even know the video had been released... Oops!
I think it's a shame Ashanti has never really made it to that 'superstar level', I think she is really underrated, she reminds me a little of the late, great Aaliyah. Let's hope this album heralds a new era for her.
"Mary J. Blige - Stay Down" (Video)
Where Has Mary J. Blige Been? After Big Success With Her Last Single & Her Current Album, She Just Seemed To Vanish.
Well, where ever she has been, she is back, with her fantastic new single - Stay Down. This is a definite highlight from Growing Pains, which was one of my favourite albums of last year. It is a perfect all-rounder, it has depth & emotion, while remaining radio friendly.
Now for the downer... What is this mess of a video? It goes no where, it must have cost about £2.30 & it's probably the worst video I have seen so far this year, big disappointment. I can't hate on Mary for it because she looks on-point, maybe they should have given the stylist a pay rise, & got another director.
Mary J. Blige - Stay Down
I have never doubted Hype's ability as an amazing visual artist, but when you are given such an obviously low budget, what is the point in having such a huge director?
Mariah Carey Get's Booed
Spotted At - Concrete Loop
Everyone's Favourite Diva - Mariah Carey, Got Booed By Her Fans At Her Own CD Signing.
Mariah appeared at the Hard Rock Cafe on Thursday, to sign copies of her new album - E=MC2 (which is getting mixed reviews). The only problem her fans had is the fact that Mimi was 2 hours late!
Firstly, I admit I'd be a little p*ssed if I had waited 2 hours for someone, however, these people are meant to be her Fans? Damn, I would hate to see what would have happened if they were her enemies? Mariah is an international superstar, she's going to get a little delayed sometimes.
(Edit - I have been informed that the Boos were actually orchestrated by the press, but I have no confirmation either way, so make up your own minds)
On a side note, you can click here to read my review of E=MC2
"Usher - Here I Stand" (Album Cover)
Here Is An Example Of A Quality Album Cover, Other Artist's Take Note.
Usher's - Here I Stand has been pushed forward from a June release date to sometime in May, which makes a change. With joints produced by Timbaland, Polow Da Don, Jermaine Dupri & T-Pain, it is one of my most anticipated records of the year.
The album cover is a real good look, Usher looks so fly & the whole feel is just Uber cool. I think covers & art work are so important for an album, they are part of the whole package & I hate when an artist just puts on a smile & calls it a cover.
16 April 2008
Alicia Keys Clears Up "Gangta Rap" Comments
Spotted At - Concrete Loop
God Love Alicia Keys! Urban Review Supports Everything She Does, I Have Seen Her In Concert & Her Album Is One Of My Favourite Records Of Last Year.
You can probably understand how shocked I was to hear that she made these comments in Blender Magazine -
"Gangsta rap was a ploy to convince black people to kill each other. Gangsta rap didn’t exist."
The feud between rappers Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. was fuelled: "by the government and the media, to stop another great black leader from existing."
It was also revealed that she wears an AK-47 pendant: "to symbolize strength, power and killing ‘em dead"
I was really annoyed by this interview, the 'Gansta Rap' thing is bull ish & the Biggie - Pac comments, while being a bit more sensible, are still a little hard to believe. It amazed me to think that Alicia would believe this sort of thing.
However, she cleared up this miss-interpreted interview with yet another interview on the 'Tom Joyner Morning Show' in the US. Check it below...
That's better, I'm glad to see that Alicia hasn't lost her senses, or her fantastic attitude to life. I was proud that she didn't even attack Blender for their miss-quotations. Still, this will have a definite impact on her career, I am a major fan, but was p*ssed off at her original "Comments", it will take some more explaining to get the message across.
"Sway ft. $tush - F Ur X"
For My International Readers, Or Those Who Don't Already Know, Sway DaSafo, (More Commonly Known As Just Sway) Is A UK Hip-Hop Star & Full Time Producer.
To be fair, I'm pretty much jumping on the band wagon on this one, this track has been around for a minute now, but I think it's class. Titled F Ur X (welcome to the UK scene, lol), the track features fellow UK artist - $tush.
The track is self explanatory really, two people arguing over their ex partners, Sway's style shines through to make a catchy, radio friendly track, that has got me hooked. I am more an advocate of the UK R&B scene, but I have always got time for any Brit with talent.
Sway is doing real well for himself, not only does he have a cult following in the UK, he is making his name in the US after recently being signed to Akon's - Konvicted record label. Maybe the UK will have it's own little Jay Z?
LISTEN - Sway - F Ur X
For More On Sway & His Music, Hit Up His Myspace
15 April 2008
"Lupe Fiasco - Paris, Tokyo" (Video)
Spotted At - Kanye's Blog
Here Is The Brand New Video From Everyone's Favourite Nerd - Lupe Fiasco.
Paris, Tokyo is the second official single to have been lifted from the critically acclaim - The Cool. I like the track, it's subtle, smooth, with nice production &* an excellent flow from Lupe. I'm surprised he didn't hold this one back for the summer, it seems like it would fit well with a hot, summer day.
I'm also liking the video, it has a mellow feel to it, in keeping with the theme of the track. I just wish that he would release Dumb It Down as a radio single, that is my Jam.
Lupe continues to maintain that he will quit the music business forever, after his next album, the relevantly titled - LupEnd. While I'm not the hugest Fiasco fan, it is a real talent & is totally representing for the 'socially conscience rapper' out there.
"Ne-Yo - Let Just Be"
As Previously Reported - Ne-Yo Is Currently Preparing For The Release Of His Third Studio Album - Year Of The Gentleman.
Let Just Be is rumoured to be an album track from the forthcoming venture, on first listen, it's pretty good. Solid vocals, smooth production & the same, now classic writing style that we have come to expect from the unstoppable Ne-Yo.
From what I have heard of the new new project, Year Of The Gentleman seems to be shaping up to be a really good effort. Ne-Yo has obviously developed well as an artist, this new European sound id really doing it for me.
LISTEN - Ne-Yo - Let Just Be
14 April 2008
"Jay Z & Mary J. Blige - You're Welcome" (Video)
Here Is The Official Video For You're Welcome, The Collaboration Track By Two Living Legends - Jay Z & Mary J. Blige.
The video is just footage from the 'Heart Of The City' tour, which both Mary & J are are performing on, it pretty much serves as a promo tool. I've not been a huge fan of the track since I first heard it, still, the video is pretty cool.
I am lucky enough to be going to the European leg of the tour, unfortunately Jigga will not be there, but then again, one legend will do for me!
13 April 2008
"Mariah Carey - E=MC2" (Album Review)
It's Been Almost 3 Years To The Day That The Biggest Female Recording Artist Of All Time - Mariah Carey, Released Her Career Defining Album - The Emancipation Of Mimi. Now She Returns With The Highly Anticipated New Record - E=MC2.
Will 'E=MC2' Really Be 'The Emancipation' To The Power Of 2?
Find Out In My Review.
Track Listing
Migrate ft. T-Pain- Touch My Body
- Cruise Control ft. Damien marley
- I Stay In Love
- Side Effects ft. Young Jeezy
- I'm That Chick
- Love Story
- I'll Be Lovin' U Long Time
- Last Kiss
- Thanx 4 Nothin'
- O.O.C.
- For The Record
- Bye Bye
- I Wish You Well
- Heat
Introduction
The first point to make about E=MC2 is the fact that the title confirms that the aim of the album is to be (In Mariah's own word) - "The Emancipation Of Mimi To The Power Of 2". Basically a continuation of her last, record breaking, critically acclaimed album.
Usually, I would not compare an artist's album to their last record, however, with this title & aim, I think it is only right it is compared & contrasted. Bare in mind that The Emancipation, IMO, is a modern classic in R&B.
The first thing that hit me about E=MC2 was a few ridiculously titled tracks, it has always been a pet hate of mine for track titles to incorporate modern culture, titles like - Thanx 4 Nothin' & I'll Be Lovin' You Long Time do not give me the impression that they are going to be timeless classics.
Production seems promising, with primed tracks from the likes of Danjahandz, Swizzie & long time friend & collaborator Jermaine Dupri. Then again, Mariah has never needed top notch beats to top the charts.
The Music
From the offset, it is apparent that E=MC2 is the Hip-Hop version of The Emancipation, the first track hits you like a slap from Mariah herself. Migrate offers an instant flavour of club orientated, sexy beats from the mind of Timbaland's number #2 - Danja. This track is my jam, Mariah's sultry, slightly autotuned, vocals glide effortlessly over the energetic, 'Get Up & Dance' production. She even got T-Pain to sing a whole chorus!
In a nut shell, this pretty much sums up the feel of the record, huge pop records like the current single - Touch My Body & the summer jam - Cruise Control, provide an easy listen & an unburdening sound that is pure Mariah. (It's worth noting that Mimi doing a Jamaican accent next to Damien Marley is totally unnecessary)
After my first few listens, I still remained unimpressed by Mariah's efforts, I thought E=MC2 lacked the emotional depth & heartfelt soul that The Emancipation offered. While Mariah delves deep into her past for the mid-tempo Side Effects, "If I Started, I'd Keep Crying For The Rest Of My Life" relating to her some what abusive past relationships. It just doesn't feel as deep as some of her previous efforts.
Mariah remains strong throughout the core of the album, it's unfortunate that for the most part her vocals are never stretched to the death defying heights of previous outings. While tracks such as I'll Be Lovin' You Long Time & I'm That Chick offer some friendly, sing-a-long lyrics, they offer no real challenge to the famed 'Whistle Scale' voice that we know & love.
It's not until a few repetitions that I started to appreciate some of the tracks of E=MC2. From the highly tuned I Stay In Love to the somewhat semi-autobiographical Love Story, with lyrics such as "This Aint Gonna End Up Like That Casablanca Movie" - relating to the record company owned by former partner Tommy Mottola. This album is deeper than I first gave credit for.
I think the reason The Emancipation was such a great album was due to it's mix of high energy 'Hip-Pop' records & brilliantly sung soul ballads. While E=MC2 reaches these heights with it's club based records, it falls a little short on the slow jam level, there is just something missing. That indescribable Mariah Magic that can bring tingles to the spine is less prominent in this record.
Certain tracks, that I expected to burst with flavour & energy just seemed a little absent, there are some exceptions to the rule, the emotional Bye Bye, in which Mariah says goodbye to recently deceased members of her family. Also - I Wish You Well, while being stunningly performed, does feel like a carbon copy of Fly Like A Bird, my personal favourite Mimi track, it even includes another spoken word performance from Clarence Keaton, Carey's pastor.
Analysis
Overall, E=MC2 offers a modern, perfectly polished, well sung, brilliantly produced record that combines Carey's astonishing vocals with her obvious love of Hip-Hop. In parts, the record offers raw emotion, in others, it is a party record that will be big on radio & in the clubs.
The downfall of this record is it's predecessor, where The Emancipation offered an amazing new sound for Mariah, E=MC2 just feels like it's full of tracks that didn't quite make the cut for her last album. It almost feels like a step backward for Mimi, if she plans on retaining her newly found R&B crown, she needs to try something new. With new albums from the likes of Beyonce moving towards the European/Dance market, Mariah needs to step up her game, she can't afford to be a one trick pony.
Verdict
I recently heard Mariah say - "If The Emancipation Was The Main course, Then E=MC2 Is the Dessert" - this is the perfect way to sum up the record, E=MC2 is a sweet treat, but I was already full from Mimi's last album. You wouldn't want to replace the main course with dessert now would you?
******** - 8/10
"Nicole Scherzinger - Rio"
After A Few Solid Singles & Reported Record Company Turmoil, It Seems That The Ill Fated Début Album From Nicole Scherzinger May Have Been Scrapped.
Still, here is another record that has been leaked from the project, Rio is a cover version of Duran Duran's 1982 Pop classic. I'm not sure this would have ever made the final cut anyway, it's pretty poor IMO & doesn't really do justice to the original, it lacks that 'energy' that Duran Duran bought to it.
In a recent interview, Nicole stated that the new Pussycat Dolls album would be released before Her Name Is Nicole & rumours are rife that the album has been scrapped altogether in favour of a revised album from Scherzinger. Whatever the outcome, I think they need to get a move on, Nicole only holds a certain shelf life, she can't be flavour of the month forever!
LISTEN - Nicole Scherzinger - Rio
"Chris Brown - Forever"
Despite My Predictions, It Seems That Chris Brown Is Continuing The Single Releases For His Current Album - Exclusive.
Forever is set to be the next record, lifted from the "Forever Edition" of the album (not too crazy on the name). Still, the track is a nice addition, it's European dance floor feel adds a new dimension to Chris' sound & I'm sure it will be another hit.
My personal favourite from Chris' album is the Kanye West aided - Down, this is rumoured to also be ready for release in the charts, I think this one will be much more successful. As far as the 'Re-Release' thing goes, it annoys the hell out of me, if a record is not ready, or it needs more tracks, don't put it out! It only robs real fans of their money!
LISTEN - Chris Brown - Forever
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