THE HIGH ROAD Review
This Time- Uhoh JoJo ain't playin no more. This Time she's gon take advantage of the situation and get hers. Alright now. I love the vocals and one of the few uptempos she sounds good on.7/10
The Way You Do Me- Now this is my shit. JoJo done brought it, I like Swizz Beatz songs are so basic that the artist can create a melody and song out of it like an acapella. The way her boyfriend is treating her is too good that she can't let go. Sure JoJo... we all kno u gettin ur back blown out. LOL9/10Too Little Too Late- This song is built the same way as Leave (Get Out), her debut single so you automatically know thats her sound. Instead of tellin to him to leave, she's tellin he's a little too late to be telling lies. Its nice and a great way to remind fans of who she is.8/10High Road- JoJo is too good to stoop down to your level of insecurity. She's gon take the high road and I'm not mad at her one bit. A great song that everybody can relate too. Her vocals and the lyrics are very well done.10/10Anything- This song reminds me of Baby Its You from her debut. In fact I prefer that song over this. She'll do anything for her boo. Average but overdone for a midtempo. I love the Africa sample they use for the beat.4/10Like That- I love how airy and feminine her vocals sound. She's trippin over him doing her like that. It sounds good but I accidently deleted it off my iTunes. So if anybody can upload this song in mp3, it'll be greatly appreciated.???Good Ol- I love the metaphors used as she reminisce on either the good ol days or good ol lovin. I've hear those different takes on it. Another great midtempo that relaxes ya. I feelin this one Jo.7.5/10Coming For You- NOOOO. JoJo let Kelly Clarkson ruin her voice by singing pop/rock, keep your voice pure. I don't like this song at all and she don't sound right singin to a more rockish beat. She's not gon let you go, she's comin for that ass. Ok, sounds like somebody else is RINGIN THE ALARM. Don't fuck with JoJo!!3/10Let It Rain- She's gon weather the storm to keep the relationship alive. The 2nd sign of maturity (1st is taking the High Road)... that she has shown. Rumored to be the second single (so is Way U Do Me). I love the storm effects, her effortless vocals and smooth glide of the song.7.5/10Exceptional- Now here we get down to the best part of the album. She knocks out 3 GREAT ballads to close out. A very inspirational song about boosting one's self esteem about themselves. Perfect for all the teenagers who go thru the whole hating themselves phase. Exceptional vocals and song.10/10How To Touch A Girl- JoJo is givin yall boys lessons on how to treat (touch) a girl. Its more midtempo but still ballady. I love the breakdown at 3:17 (like we ain't ready) and how she comes back even stronger.10/10Note To God- my favorite song from this little diva apprentice. She straight up killed this song... very inspirational and just the perfect closer. Just her sitting down praying to God about issues thats on her mind.12/10And there you have it folks the end to a great sophomore effort from JoJo. This girl will be a serious threat once she find her style/sound. Her uptempos and midtempos seem to be her weak points at times, she goes overboard with the vocals or she underperforms. Her ballads are where she shine and SHINE. She said her next album will come out once she's 18 and if she keeps workin on those vocals, her next album will be awesome. I would love for her to work with Linda Perry, Diane Warren, Babyface and Jimmy & Terry on her next album. They will give her what she needs so people really take notice of her. I hope this sales well and I have become a true fan. I can't wait to see her live cuz her AOL Sessions was hott. Go head JoJo... do the damn thang. B+-------------------------------- courtesy of: Tony "Playboy" RobertsHere are the bonus tracks:"Do Whatchu Gotta Do", "Get It Poppin" and "I Can Take You There" http://www.megaupload.com/?d=QICCGDFWCorrection about the B'Day review score... B-
Michael Jackson Exclusive (October 15, 2006)
DUBLIN, Ireland (October 15, 2006) -- It's half past four in the morning and I'm making my way to Dublin with Ray. I have spent a fair amount of time in the back of Ray's car in the last 34 hours. He is the driver, henchman for Paddy who owns the recording studio in the middle of no man's land, Ireland. Not only is it a quaint studio built inside the grounds of an old stone classic Irish estate...it's the new creative home of Michael Jackson. And yes, I just conducted the first interview with Michael Jackson since he left the United States in June 2005. First off, let me tell you what this interview is not: It is not a bare all, rehashing of that period of his life. I was prepared to ask him all the questions in the world regarding mistakes made and lessons learned, but trust me, he was not. He asked if 5 minutes of rolling tape was ok in the studio while he "collaborated" with Will.I.Am from the Black Eyed Peas. Ultimately, We rolled for about 40 minutes and I did ask him questions about music and his thoughts for making a comeback. Michael Jackson was nervous and antsy. He was truly torn. He wanted to stay and keep jamming and have some fun, but he also wanted to leave before, from his perspective, he got crucified by another TV interview. Michael's publicist and advisor, Raymone Bain, informed us (me and my Executive Producer, Rob Silverstein - pictured above with Michael and Will.I.Am) that Michael would like to meet us alone, no cameras, in his cottage first. We agreed of course and before long we were seated at a breakfast table in a very cozy, humble stone cottage. Down the spiral staircase he came. First his boots, then his pants...black with a gold stripe down the side, then a velvet jacket with a white t-shirt underneath, then he turned to face us. I admit, my pulse was running high. He is a mythical character as atypical and untouchable as can be. First impression I had was that he looked healthy. Fit. As Paddy told us earlier, artists come to his estate for the whole experience - nature walks and horseback rides, organic, homegrown food, the indoor mineral spring pool....peace and tranquility. It has suited Michael well, although he does not live there. We stood up, shook hands and began small talk about life... soon, Michael began to make clear what he did not want: an interview. He was just willing to let our cameras roll while he and Will listened to beats and opened the lid to a comeback. I said that we should just go in there and go until he didn't want to anymore. Pensively, he agreed and we started for the door and the 50 yard walk to the studio. This interview is a baby step for Michael. About ten minutes into the session, after I had rolled out several questions, Michael paused and tried to get out. He did not like receiving pointed questions and he encouraged Will to play more beats so we could just roll casually. At the end of the day, we did a little more of both. At one point, I suggested Michael remake "Thriller" for a new generation...with CD/DVD and Web components, essentially go with what's proven but update with the help of technically savvy producer, Will.I.Am. Michael lit up. Amazingly that was something he hadn't considered. When the music was rolling and he didn't have me asking him questions, one could see sparks of life and energy. He hummed a little and at one point got up and walked to the back of the room where he could move a little to the music... he was almost dancing. Michael was there with his children. I never saw them but Paddy, the studio's owner, said they were having a ball, playing with his children and enjoying the exquisite countryside. According to Paddy, Michael gets up in the morning and makes breakfast for them... usually porridge and fruit. I find myself hoping that Michael's life is as normal as possible. Of course, it isn't. Nobody knows anything about him... does he drive? Apparently, he does occasionally and he even had a cell phone before losing it a day later. There....something normal to which people can RELATE. Again, this was a first step for Michael. He was excited and terrified. It's all about feeling whether he can trust somebody or not. His track record is horrible on that front. Maybe it will improve in regards to us. I am quite sure there is more to come.
(Note: More of Billy's interview coming to Access Hollywood in November) Source: http://www.accesshollywood.com/news/ah2057.shtmlMichael Jackson's Entertainment Tonight Preview http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7aY1nKzra42007 Album Teaser http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zcWFfVCpkI&NR
Today its all about Canada. Tomorrow's blog will have brand new music along with my Real Talk Session 101. I just wanna thank Byron on an excellent tv review.
Canadian R&B
Canadian R&B is right there in between US & UK R&B. Yall have more pop appeal in some aspects. But good R&B is limited there as in the UK. I love Deborah Cox and Tamia, the absolute BEST vocalists to come from Canada.
Deborah Cox audio
Nobody's Supposed To Be Here http://download.yousendit.com/11144F3953B8E984Up & Down (In & Out) ft. Jadakiss http://download.yousendit.com/AB81C6210435E6B2Things Just Ain't The Same http://download.yousendit.com/47D770B919AD5D21We Can't Be Friends ft. RL http://download.yousendit.com/2231A28F60EA67CF
Tamia audio
So Into You http://download.yousendit.com/F35A606B7FD9D204Officially Missing You http://download.yousendit.com/9587CE9345DB66A7Imagination ft. JD http://download.yousendit.com/88D822D422153CE3Glenn Lewis and Remy Shand are the best men. Great singers with good solid music. Remy Shand is like Maxwell with vibes of Marvin Gaye.Glenn Lewis audio
http://megaupload.com/?d=UVST3NV3 Includes: Remember Me, Nothin' I Can Say & StormDon't You Forget It http://download.yousendit.com/66CCFF2042C3B90E Back For More ft. Kardinal Offishall http://download.yousendit.com/0D1DB742718C0B0BRemy Shand audio
Take A Message http://download.yousendit.com/369D0733272BC054Divine Brown has a great voice as well and very ol skool in her approach, I'm feelin her hard. Very soulful. U Shook Me (All Night Long) http://download.yousendit.com/C99FF55662422635Carl Henry is decent but he doesn't interest me. Can I Sex You Tonight? http://download.yousendit.com/9852BF4C1F8FDA9C I Wish We Could Be Together http://download.yousendit.com/5B8E56582B28FA99Shawn Desman.... I'm not even sure about him, he seems more pop and Justin Timberlake like. Get Ready http://download.yousendit.com/9B924EC00B6E2CBFI love Keshia Chante, the future of music along with JoJo. Does He Love Me ft. Foxy Brown http://download.yousendit.com/D8D90C8B043D9E83Unpredictable http://download.yousendit.com/1F90F23256FE6B43Shook (The Answer) http://download.yousendit.com/6F94161B34299891Last but not least, Massari. The tone of his voice is annoying but his material isn't that bad. I think he tries to hard to be black tho. Rush The Floor ft. Belly http://download.yousendit.com/F089D99C01B9371B Real Love http://download.yousendit.com/03554FDE39CCB03BSmile For Me ft. Loon http://download.yousendit.com/1D3722DC260CDCC6Be Easy http://download.yousendit.com/89F76D0D1E9B4ED6Overall, Canadian R&B is betta then UK R&B. And their music seems to be much more pure as in Divine or Remy than commercial as in Massari or Shawn. I'm keeping it short and lettin the music speak for itself... I hope you all will take a chance outside the norm and check these artists out.Special thanks to Geronimo of dc3forever forums for uploading all these songs, you have been a HUGE help in my journey of understanding and learning about Canada's black music scene.
Sorry for the lack of update but unlike other blogs, I have a life. LMAO. Nah seriously, I don't feel the need to update every single day with 1 song. I like to have at least 3 or somethin worth talkin about. Also you won't find no Chris Brown, Omarion, Cassie or Ciara etc on this blog. I think they all suck and are not worthy of being in music. But every once in a while one will surprise me with a hot song (ie: Omarion "Touch", Chris Brown "Shorty Like Mine" and Ciara "Promise") that I will post. The same applies to Britney & the rest of the pop stars. This blog is a celebration of great music and me tryin to promote/support it. If there is anybody that you may think I'm sleepin on or you just want them to have some exposure then let me know. I'm always willin to discover a new talent.
I finally have that Lupe Fiasco comfort piece due to a good friend of mine. So this post is dedicated to the man who is bringing back that real Hip Hop, FNF UP!!!FOOD & LIQUOR Comfort Piece1. Intro2. Real (f/. Sarah Green) --This song is a great way to start off "Food & Liqour". Over a bass heavy intriguing beat, Lupe raps about everyne wanting something "REAL", something that they can feel, which can be interpreted anyway you want it to be, but if you listen closely, the song is about hard times and reality. A great message for a song and still a good way to start off the album. 8/103. Just Might Be OK (f/ Gemini) --For those who had the original leak of "Food & Liqour", this was easily the best song on the CD. Lupe cements his amazing storytelling ability with this song, telling a story about a young man who hustles on the street to help his mother survive due to poverty. It's one of the more politically challenging songs on the album, a definite recommendation cuz many people can relate to this song.9/104. Kick, Push --Really, this song makes the CD for me. Sure, I don't know how to, ain't interested in learning and NEVER will skateboard, but Lupe's vivid storytelling is almost at it's peak with this song. Who else can make a song about skateboarding and do a good job at it? Not my favorite song, but it isn't bad at all.8/105. I Gotcha --Now really, I wasn't sure about this being the second single. I mean; SURE, it's fun and catchy but it's really the only song on his album that doesn't have a real meaning. It's upbeat, and the Neptunes production is amazing on this song, but after a while, it can either get repetitive or wear off on you. But it's one of the more commercial songs on the album,and got some radio airplay, so it's still good.7.5/10 {6.5}6. The Instrumental (f/ Jonah Matranga) --Again, this song was on the original leak of the album, and it's quite amazing. For those who haven't realized this by now, the song is about a guy who believes everything he sees on television, and the television pretty much has the lock & key on his life. It's a really strong song on the album.8.5/107. He Say She Say (f/ Sarah Green / Gemini) --This song might hit close to home for some people because it can be interpreted many ways. The song is about a boy who's father is not around at all, and his mother tries to do the best she can to raise him. Really, with Sarah Green & Gemini's amazing vocals and Lupe's obviously already great storytelling, one could say that this is one of the album highlights....? {Editor's Note: The female singing sounds alot like Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child, being the fan that I am. I wish it was Michelle cuz this would beat Daydreamin as my favorite *wink to all my fellow DC3/Michelle fans*}9/10 {9.5}8. Sunshine --Another song from the original leak, but the production has been tweaked a bit. This song is the most catchy song on the album. Lupe cleverly delivers a song about finding love in the club without degrading women in any way, shape, or form. This song seriously should be considered as a single in the future. With the right marketing, it could be a great single.9/109. Daydreamin' (f/Jill Scott) --One of the most relaxed songs on the album with a old school feel to it, Lupe effortlessly raps about many different daydreams with a sick flow, and the chorus is blessed with the soulful vocals of the ever talented Jill scott. This already is a single, so I can't recommend it to be one.8/10 {10}10. The Cool --This is the second best song on Food & Liqour. Can't really be described, but anyone who hears it would probably agree. It's sort of sad in a funny ironic way. Sorry if this isn't helping much. But a definite recommendation from me.10/1011. Hurt Me Soul --One of my favorite songs from the original leak. In a way it's sort of a auto-biography of how Lupe grew up, and some political issues from the past, and now present. This song may be good, but it sort of in a way slows down the movement that was building up for the album, as in my opinion, it's one of the weaker tracks now.7/10 {8}12. Pressure (f/ Jay-Z) --*cough* SINGLE...? Sure, Jay-Z stayed retired for like 3 minutes, and it wasn't long enough for some of us. But still, this song right here is amazing. Not only is it Jay-Z in his best going directly at Lupe (who doesn't do a bad job of attempting to match Jay's rhymes) and it's really just amazing. If Jay-Z didn't have a album coming out soon, this could DEFINENTLY be the third/fourth single.10/1013. American Terrorist (f/ Matthew Santos) --The most controversial song on the CD. This song is so controversial because many people don't know that Lupe Fiasco is muslim. With that being said, this story is about as a muslim how they felt they were being interpreted during the 9/11 atacks, different social stereotypes, and how things would have been different had it had been another culture. Definently controversial and a touchy song subject matter, but with great storytelling ability, this song is definently good. Even if your not a muslim or one of the stereotypes listed in the song.8.5/10 {10}14. The Emperor's Soundtrack --I sorta can't get into this song like I do with the others for some reason. I don't know; it's not that I don't like it, it's just that it's not a song I can imagine myself listening to over and over. It's a good song indeed, but it's far from the best song on the CD. Lupe's delivery is amazing, but anyone who has heard the original leak would know; "Gametime" would have been better. Still, "The Emperor's Soundtrack" is better than some of the stuff on the first leak, and a lot of pointless rap songs out there today.7/1015. Kick, Push II --Alright. So why was the beat changed? The original "Kick Push II" was easily a 10/10. The dark, intriguing feel it had was amazing; but with a new beat, the song doesn't have the same mysterious feel to it. Lupe's amazing storytelling and flow both peak again, but the new production almosts throws this song off.7/1016. Outro --Who in the HELL does a 12 minute outro.......?Overall Score: 8.5/10 (B)Overall Opinion: This CD is a definite must buy for a die-hard hip hop fan. With amazing songs such as "The Cool", "Pressure", "Daydream", and "Sunshine", this CD is definently a CD that should not be overlooked. Expect great things from Lupe fiasco in the future; bringing Hip Hop back to where it should be.*{ } are the editor's rankings
-----------written by: B. Moten courtesy of The Comfort ZoneHere are the bonus Lupe tracks from F&L:Carrera Lu
http://www.rogepost.com/dn/v35k/Lupe+Fiasco+-+Carrera+Lu.mp3
Titled
http://www.rogepost.com/dn/3brf/Lupe+Fiasco+-+Tilted.mp3
What It Do
http://www.rogepost.com/dn/zlma/Lupe+Fiasco+-+What+It+Do.mp3
Thanks again B, your a timesaver. Anytime you wanna do another review just holla at me.
THE MAKINGS OF ME
Everytime The Beat Drops- Alright now, Murda Mo is BACK!!! This song screams ATLANTA and thats exactly what she was lookin for. I'm so tired of the snap movement, but I can see that its dyn down so thats a relief. Anyways, this song is nothin but Grillz in reverse as far as production. JD is gettin uncreative and lazy (ie: Janet's 20 Y.O) but Monica's voice is damn good.. she could sing anythin and it'll sound hott. Dem Franchise Boys are featured and I swear they say the same thing on every song.6/10A Dozen Roses- This song is produced by Missy and it has that So Gone vibe. I love her vocals on here... so damn beautiful. The lyrics suck and I just figured out that its full of crappy metaphors. The song is about her sayin how much she loves some dude. She of course does her infamous rap and she's gettin betta at it.7.5/10
Sideline Ho- Just be reading the title you know it one of them hood rat anthems. Lyrically, Monica pushes it but she doesn't execute it well at all. Its a conversation she's having with the woman her man is cheatin with.7/10
Why Her- Sounds like We Belong Together due to JD's recycling ass. The best part of the song is when she gives a lil pep talk... the song is real laidback and breezy. Lyrically this one is a step of improvement.8/10Hell No- One of the album's best moments. Just a great song that shows her frustration with her cheating man. Twista comes and drop a hot 16 with Monica droppin a 16 of her own. Yes, she brought it with her flow.8/10Doin Me Right- well its safe to say that Monica gets pleased in the bed. Monica the classy girl from ATL has finally shed all of that. She went from being ghetto to now expressing slightly her sexuality. Well Missy produced it and Mo picked the right one to get sexy with. A nice jam.7/10RAW- The hottest midtempo on the album. Her adlibs are fuckin fiyah on this. Swizz Beatz did this one and it sounds like a track from B'DAY (Upgrade U/ Get Me Bodied)... but Monica rides the beat very well and delivers a solid song. She coming with the realness so get ready for it RAW.8/10My Everything- Signature Monica song... HOTT. She found a man that completes her 100% and she is sprung. A true love song and of course I'm lovin her adlibs.9/10Gotta Move On- Yes, thats Tweet on background and she mixes well with Monica. Missy be making those tight jams. This sounds like a Missy R&B song. Reminds me of Teary-Eyed.7/10Getaway- My favorite song on the album, classic Monica ballad. With all the shit I'm goin through at the moment, this song is perfect to help me zone out and be at peace. Thats what this song is about. She sings this very subtle but filled with emotion. Perfection.10/10The fist Monica album, I can play all the way through without skipping one or two tracks. Thats an accomlishment in itself LOL. Before I was bit with my love for DC/B.. I was a huge Monica fan. The thing that pisses me off that this album would be stellar if it was done by Ashitti or T-Error Marie who is just flops. But for Monica's vocal skill she should be singin alot betta material. I hope she gets with Babyface or Brian McKnight and goes back to being an artist. Christina, Beyonce and Monica are the best vocalists of this generation and its a shame that only 1 out of the 3 sings songs on their level. The album is consistent but the lyrics are her downfall. I'm also tired of these gaps between cds cuz she hasn't done anythin groundbreakin to keep an outside fan still interested. B------------------courtesy of: Tony "Playboy" RobertsHere is the Best Buy bonus, Misery
http://www.sendspace.com/file/jy9sca
I saw this on UBG forums and it was funny but true so of course I have to share this with yall...17 "Don'ts" for Black Folks in 2007 1. DON'T visit a tanning booth. I do not care how light you are, tanning is not an activity listed as acceptable for African Americans. If you are that light, buy a bronzing cream. 2. DON'T outline your lips with black lip liner. You are not Caucasian. Your lips are big enough already. There is no need to call attention to them. 3. DON'T leave the house without lotion. Ashy is not synonymous with sexy. 4. DON'T skip a day. Your body chemistry is different from that of Caucasians. Please use deodorant. Funky is only good if it's a bass line in A song. 5. DON'T sprinkle a bunch of baby power on your chest and think it keeps you cool and looks good. If you're older than 6 months...it is no longer necessary! 6. DON'T drive a car that is worth more than your house. 7. DON'T put on cologne without showering, bathing, or washing up first. You stink. 8. DON'T believe the myth that all black folks can dance. Remember your Uncle at your sister's wedding? That's how you look, just 2 years younger. 9. DON'T confuse a hustle with a job. Your hustle is what you do in addition to your job. Going to the studio is not a job. In fact, it's not even a hustle unless you get paid. 10. DON'T walk around half-naked outside. We don't want to see it. Have you ever wondered why your lover/spouse turns the lights off before you get in the bed? They don't even want to see it.11. DON'T laugh when your children cuss. It's not cute. 12. DON'T ever let anyone make you feel bad for being "too black" - Whether In skin complexion, culture, or attitude. Remember the words of Ossie Davis In Purlie: "I find, in being black, a thing of beauty...A joy." 13. DON'T accuse someone of selling out simply because they've become successful. Gospel artists, hip hop stars, and jazz musicians like nice things just like you; and if you could get paid to drink sprite on camera or sell a million records, you would too. Kirk Franklin and Ice Cube aren't sellouts -- they're successful. Learn the difference and then handle YOUR Business. 14. DON'T neglect the older folks in your life. They have plenty of good wisdom. Besides, you'll be trying to jump in the grave with them when they die. 15. DON'T refer to straight hair as good hair. If it covers your head, it's good hair. You can be happy nappy. 16. DON'T go to BedsideBaptistChurch. In other words, get your butt up on Sunday morning, get dressed, and GO get your worship on. Don't try to watch church shows on TV, and say you went to Church. God deserves it; and you need the Word and the fellowship whether you know it or not. 17. DON'T pass on ridiculous e-mails and swear up and down that they are true. Your cousin did not see Tommy Hilfiger on Oprah dissing black folks. Proctor and Gamble is not owned by Satan. No one is going to steal your kidney if you visit New Mexico. Bill Gates is not going to give you jack; we're still friends even if I don't return an e-mail, and I do love God despite not forwarding a prayer to over 300 people.Expect a full update later on today... Monica and Lloyd Banks albums have leaked
