"Maroon 5 ft. Rihanna - If I Never See Your Face Again" (Video)

Damn, I'm A Sucka For A Good Pop Song..! Here Is The Official Video For Rihanna's Recent Outing With Maroon 5.

If I Never See Your Face Again is a little bit of Pop genius in my eyes, I think that it's effects will wear off after about 10 minutes, but for now I am hooked. I like the catchy lyrics, the synths & the vocals.

Maroon 5 & Rihanna - If I Never See Your Face Again

The video is pretty slick as well, Rihanna is looking on-point as ever & it has a quite a modern, fresh feel to it, which draws me in even further. I think this could be another number one single for two artists who are already monsters in the charts.

Are You Feeling The Track?
The Video?
Voice Your Opinion...

"N.E.R.D - Everyone Nose" (Video)

I Seem To Be Having An N.E.R.D Marathon At The Moment. Here Is The Official Video For Their New Single - Everyone Nose.

I love this track, the production is outstanding, it delivers lyrically (girls on cocaine theme), plus has ounces of style & energy. While it is built towards a radio audience, I think it is some of N.E.R.D's best work to date, lets hope their album can deliver more of the same.

N.E.R.D. - Everyone Nose

The video adds well to the feel of the song, encompassing a party feel & touching on the theme once more. It's not what I was expecting, I was feeling more of a slick, Kanye-style video, but still I am not disappointed with this effort at all.

Feeling The Video?
The Song?
Drop A Comment...

"Cherish - Amnesia" (Video)

As R&B Quartet Cherish Ready The Release Of Their Sophomore Album - The Truth. The Video For The Second Single - Amnesia - Has Surfaced.

The track is really solid, it's not up there with Killa, but still offers some radio potential, without loosing the quality harmonies. I think there are much better tracks on The Truth, but I'm not against Amnesia being released as a single.

Cherish - Amnesia

I am surprised that Cherish are not more successful by now, there seems to be a hole in the market for that Destiny's Child sound, but I'm not so sure that Cherish can bring it. Also, I don't think that they have been promoted to their potential either, I don't like seeing artists being crammed down your throat, but I have never even seen these girls out of the USA.

Feeling The Video?
Any Thought On Cherish?
Leave A Comment...

"Mariah Carey - Bye Bye" (Video)

Here Is The Official Video For Mariah Carey's New Single - Bye Bye.

The video features 'suspect lover' Nick Cannon, if rumours are to be believed, the couple recently tied the knot without anyone knowing. Or, if you not an idiot, it's just a publicity stunt to sell records... (I hope this doesn't come back to bite me in the ass!)

I really like Bye Bye far more than when I originally heard it, obviously a personal track, it's just a shame that Mariah didn't smash her vocals all the way through. I get a little bored of her opening up on the bridge.

Mariah Carey - Bye Bye

The video itself is something a little different from Mariah, it's a little less glitzy & a just a little deeper. I really respect the fact that she spliced in pictures of people who are special to her, rather than just shots of Tupac & Aaliyah flying around the place.

What Do You Think Of The Track?
The Video?
Shout Back At Me...

Remember This? - "The Brand New Heavies - Dream On Dreamer"

Remember This? Focuses On Tunes From The Past That You Just Might Have Forgotten About.

This week I have chosen another British R&B track from the 90s, in the form of The Brand New Heavies with Dream On Dreamer. Technically speaking, The Heavies are more of a Jazz band, but that didn't stop them reaching the UK top 20 in 1994 with this R&B jam.

The Brand New Heavies - Dream On Dreamer

I remember loving this song when I was a child, before I even new who made it, I could always spot talent. Ha! Wicked Memories.

Feeling This Week's Jam?
Remember It?
Give Me Your Thoughts...

"Lil Mama - L.I.F.E." (Video)

L.I.F.E. Is The Brand New Single From The 'Voice Of The Young People' - Lil Mama.

This song shows a massive diversity for the 18 year old star. Gone are the childish lyrics of Lip Gloss & the club sound of Shawty Get Loose & welcomed is much deeper, thought provoking lyrics & grown rapping skill of Lil Mama.

Lil' Mama - L.I.F.E.

The video adds well & gives even more feeling to an already heart heavy song, it sombre without feeling depressing. L.I.F.E. is the first track from Lil Mama that has made me feel as though she can live up to the hype.

What Do You Think Of Lil Mama?
The Song? Video?
Shout Back At Me...

"Chris Brown - Forever" (Video)

Here Is The Official Video To Chris Brown's Latest Single - Forever.

The track is lifted from the re-released version of his smash hit album - Exclusive, I am feeling the track as it attempt to move Chris into another direction, rather than the usual 'Teen R&B' that he produces.

Chris Brown - Forever

The video is a little 'meh', while the choreography is on-point as ever, it feels forced, like they didn't really know what they were going for. It serves a purpose, but for a track that is not very strong to start with, maybe they should have shelled out some moolah for the video.

Are You Feeling The Track?
The Video?
Let Me Know...

"Busta Rhymes ft. Linkin Park - We Made It" (Video)

Oddly, The Official Video For Busta Rhymes' New Single - We Made It, Has Leaked At The Same Time As The Song. They Seem To Have Kept This One Well Under Wraps!

As expressed before, I love this song, I'm aware that it is just another Pop crossover with no real roots in anything, but it is so addictive to me. I like the vocals, the lyrics, the message & the overall feel of the song.


Busta Rhymes ft. Linkin Park - We Made It

The video itself leaves a little to be desired, it's not all that, but it's not a shambles either. I think it matches well with the track but again, seems to have no moves towards Busta or Linkin Park, just somewhere in the middle.

What Do You Think Of The Track?
The Video?
Let Me Know...

"Rihanna - Take A Bow" (Video)

Here Is The Official Video For Rihanna's New Single - Take A Bow.

I really like this song at the moment, but I think it will have that 5 minute effect that Rihanna seems to have, it's not a classic, but it's all right. I'm not sure it warranted a re-release of her album, which to be fair, was already pretty solid.


Rihanna - Take A Bow

The video is very standard, it makes me feel that Def-Jam were going for the 'Irriplacable' feel for both video & song, but not really pulling it off, mainly because that was a great song, & this isn't. Still, I ain't hating, Rihanna looks absolutely gorgeous, she is becoming a real style icon for young girls, & I love her hair.

Feeling The Video?
The Song?
Let Me Know...

"The-Dream ft. Young Jeezy - I Love Your Girl" (Video)

Why Is The Man Not A Superstar By Now? The-Dream Continues The Single Releases From His Brilliant Début Album - Love Me All Summer / Hate Me All Winter (Love/Hate).

Here is the official video for I Love Your Girl, which is definitely not the hottest track from The 'American' Dream but is still hot, nice production & an added verse from Young Jeezy make for a wicked slow jam. Personally I'm still awaiting the release of the mad hot track - She Needs My Love.


The-Dream - I Love Your Girl

If you haven't yet grabbed The-Dream's album, do it, now! Excellent contemporary R&B tracks, with something added attitude & massively enjoyable. He remains my hot pick for 2008!

What Do You Think Of The-Dream?
The Track?
Let Me Know...

"Ne-Yo - Closer" (Video)

If You Haven't Heard It By Now, Where You Been? Ne-Yo Is Back (Like He Ever Left?), With His Brand New Single - Closer.

Since originally hearing & reviewing this track, I have grown to like it even more than I did originally, this new club/dance feel that Ne-Yo is pushing seems like a real good look. Closer has a real polished feel to it, without losing that musical creativity that Ne-Yo can bring to the table.

The video continues this streak, with something a little more 'conceptual' than we are usually used to from the king of R&B radio tunes. I like the concept, the choreography & the overall 'feel' of the video. This really seems to be shaping up to be - The Year Of The Gentleman.


Ne-Yo - Closer

What Do You Think Of The Track?
The Video?
Let Me Know...

"R. Kelly - Hair Braider" (Video)

Damn! I Can't Honestly Believe He Is Releasing This Crap.

R. Kelly seems to me to be out of control, someone close to him needs to slap him round the face & tell him to get it together. Although not confirmed, it seems that Hair Braider will serve as the début single from Kell's new album - 12 Play Fourth Quarter.

R. Kelly - Hairbraider

The video is pretty standard, R. Kelly has never really been a master of music videos, however with a song like this, maybe he should have upped his game with the imagery.

Kelly seems intent on copying T-Pain rather badly, instead of expressing any musical charisma or creativity. At this time in his career, he should be less worried about growing a stupid beard & be more concerned with his lack of relevance in today's music, Kells used to be an innovator!

What Do You Think?
Hot? Cold?
Let Me Know...

Remember This? - Rosie Gaines - Closer Than Close

Remember This!? Is Something New I Thought I Would Try.

Every week I will bring you a classic tune from the past. You music buffs out there will remember everyone of them, but for some, they will be brand new.

First, we are going back to 1995 for Rosie Gaines' classic jam - Closer Than Close, from her 4th studio album of the same name. Rosie was described by Prince as his "Secret Weapon" because of her amazing, purely soulful voice, but she never had that 'superstar' quality.


Rosie Gaines - Closer Than Close

Nice track, a song that never really gets old. If you have any suggestions for a great throwback, or think you have a classic that maybe I've never heard, drop me an email at - mark@urbanreview.co.uk - or leave a comment.

Remember The Track?
Got A Suggestion?
Let Me Know...

"Alicia Keys - Teenage Love Affair" (Video)

R&B Songstress - Alicia Keys Is Continuing The Single Releases From Her Astonishing Album - As I Am.

Teenage Love Affair was named number #23 in Rolling Stone Magazine's '100 Best Songs Of 2007'.The track is about the experience of first love & is an excellent song, with both musical depth & an air of innocence.

The concept for the video runs parallel with that of the song, it is an excellent theme but is executed poorly, it seems very 'hit & miss' with another track from As I Am (I Need You) cutting straight across the video.


Alicia Keys - Teenage Love Affair

Still, the video is ultimately enjoyable, it doesn't take away from a brilliant track & a stunning album, a hot pick of mine,which is still on constant rotation on my iPod.

What Do You Think Of The Video?
The Track? / Album?
Let Me Know...

"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?

What Do You Think Of The Track?
The Video?
Let Me Know...

"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.

Lupe Fiasco - Paris, Tokyo

What Do You Think Of The Video?
Lupe's Departure From Music?
Let Me Know...

"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!

Jay-Z & Mary J. Blige - You're Welcome

What Do You Think Of The Video?
Seen the Tour?
Let Me Know...

"Wiley - Wearing My Rolex" (Video)

A Little Late Off The Mark On This One. But Here Is The Latest Video From The Godfather Of Grime - Wiley.

Wearing My Rolex is taking the UK urban scene by storm, I featured it weeks ago, as soon as I heard it. Now I like it even more, it is a total move away from his roots in Grime, but instead of hating, I would rather big up Wiley on being an innovator.

The video itself is a bit 'Blah', it's just some random chicks dressed as fox's, I don't think there is a reference, & if there is, I don't get it. You may notice that Wiley isn't even in the video, there were rumours stating this was because he was scared of foxes, which 'surprisingly' turned out to be a lie. I think it was something to do with the fact he didn't like the concept, set out by the record company, so refused to be in the video (Not Confirmed).

Wiley - Wearing My Rolex

What Do You Think Of Wiley's New Sound?
The Video? Fox Rumours?
Let Me Know...

"Nelly ft. Fergie - Party People" (Video)

Seems To Be A Day Of Video Premiers, Next Is Nelly's latest Track - Party People.

The track features Fergie & is a change in style from past Nelly offerings, the Polow Da Don production offers a brilliant backdrop to a fast paced, aggressive, Hip-Pop track. Maybe this spells a change in direction for Nelly's new album - Brass Knuckles.

While the video is nothing too special, it compliments the song well. Nelly is rocking his usual 'Muscle' thing, while Fergie is trying out a new, very questionable sense of fashion. It delivers on most levels & will serve the track well.


Nelly - Party People

What Do You Think Of Nelly's New Sound?
The Video?
Let Me Know...

"Usher ft. Young Jeezy - Love In The Club" (Video)

After A Long Wait & Much Anticipation, Here Is the Video For Usher's Number #1 Single - Love In The Club.

The video itself is well thought out, well themed & fantastically choreographed, it is completely different from what I was expecting. The production for the track was recently exposed as being made with samples from Apple's Garageband, it's still hot. I like the whole track, as well as everything else have heard from the album so far, I hope the consistency continues.

While I still believe Usher is a grade A idiot (trying to get your official fansite closed down because they don't like your wife? - Bull-ish). I do believe that he is a legend in the making, this track is simply a continuation of former solid, well made songs, he always manages to bring 'IT' with everything he makes.

IMO, Usher is the male Mariah Carey, he is not too innovative, but instead sticks to a formula for making songs, a brilliant formula that continues to create masterful music. If he manages to recreate his last album - Confessions, he will have done enough for me.

Usher - Love In The Club

(Note - Did You Spot All 3 Of The Cameo Appearances? )

Feeling The rack?
The Video?
Let Me Know...