I think im finally buying what this broad is selling...

Maroon 5 Featuring Rihanna - If I Never See your Face Again



Now this song was originally featured on Maroon 5's sophomore album Soon Before Long and Being a big fan of Adam and the gang, I liked it, much like the album as a whole. Did I love the song? not really, did I love the follow up to their amazing debut Songs About Jane as much as the SAJ album itself? not so much... but did I like both, the song and the album A LOT, u bet ya...But now that the song has been reworked with, everyones favorite light skinned gal of the moment, Rihanna (since theres 1 every few years or so) The song is slated to be featured on not only Maroon 5's re release but also the rerelease for Rihanna's Good Girl Gone Bad . I must say this extra kick and sass is JUST what i think the song lacked, like many of the songs from SBL, they were all great but at times often felt like they fell flat and made u wonder what else could have been added to the song to really make them POP. The video is amazing the new embellishments are genius in my opinion, and dare I say it..this makes me like Rihanna and actually buy what she's peddling, now am I going as far to say that shes a credible artist that exudes creativity and is anything special? no..but will I roll my eyes slightly less when I hear her on the radio, sure.

but ALLLLLLLL I kno! is that on the Maroon 5 rerelease, their Mark Ronson remix to "Wake Up Call" featuring Mary J Blige BETTER be on that bitch...thats all I KNO....ugh how amazing would that video been? Mary rockin out, bouncin up and down, wig flyin to and fro...ugh I need a glass of water just thinkin of that hotness.

Listen to 30 Second clips of Estelle's "Shine"

Right now you all can head on over to Amazon.com and listen to 30 second clips of every song from Estelle's upcoming album "Shine". After listening to all of the clips I CAN NOT WAIT to listen to them in their entirety, ESPECIALLY "Pretty Please" featuring Ceelo...this album is giving me a HUGE spring/summer feel...I have a feeling this will be in HEAVY rotation this summer for me, like "Introducing Joss Stone" was last year...take a listen and tell me what you guys think.

No wonder Estelle is RhythmicWords artist of the month YOU NEED TO KNOW for April, shes amazing... Estelle's album "Shine" hits stores on the 29th!!

More Mariah and Madge shit...

Cant wait until the 15th to hear the new Mariah album? head on over to Amazon.com and listen to 30 second clips of each track from the album. Since these are only previews im not going to give a review or even a real opinion, that would be unfair, and after all, I want to listen to the all the songs in their entirety before i say I don't like them!..but anyhoo... im just gonna say that so far im digging "O.O.C", "I'll be loving you long time", and ofcourse "Im that Chick" ...which tracks sparked your interest? which songs turned your stomach? coughsideeffectscough... let me know in the comments!


Haven't seen Madonnas new video? check it out

I must say that i actually really like it, energetic and fun..Madonna looks amazing and definitely on the creative side, unlike the song, I love how she breaks it down at the end..She is GETTIN it for 50 isnt she? A visual that DEFINITELY surpasses the song (and yes, i purposely ignored Justin Timberlake...i mean...shouldnt we all?)

Preview "New Amerykah Part One"

Right now, u all can mosey on over to Amazon.com and listen to 30 second clips of every track from the upcoming Erykah Badu album New Amerykah Part One (4th World War) which is scheduled to drop next Tuesday (Feb 26)..ahem..the day before my birthday...but anyhoo...Click Here to go straight to the page and get ur ear full...im waiting for the entire album to give my 2 cents in the Rhythmic Review, so untill then..enjoy

New Mariah!!!!!!!!! + My 2 cents, ofcourse

Not only has the first single from Mariahs upcoming album debut today, but also the NEW album title and release date...Christmas came early this year for u Lambs out there....According to Mariah's Official site, the new album will be titled E=MC² and drop April 15. For you that havent heard the new track "Touch My Body" yall can mosey on over to ConcreteLoop.com...Now i woulda posted the song myself, but ehhhh I SHANT be victimized!...shoooooo...

My thoughts on the song? I think its really cute..nothing new, nothing special, EXTREMLY safe... A very safe track thats sure to impact radio in a BIG way...u can just tell when a song is MEANT for radio (todays radio atleast), the melodies are simple, the lyrics are on an almost remedial level and the singer usually tames his or her voice down to a none threatening whisper, unless ur Rihanna and yanno...thats considered straining and pushing urself, but anyhoo...For some reason I expected the song to be a club banging uptempo track, why im not sure....

Im keeping hope alive that Mariah will have some type of challenging and fresh material on her album this time around..shes been dabbling with the same formula for over a decade hoping it works, and we all know sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't....but before u lambs start hissing and getting that "WHAT THE HELL DO U KNO, MIMI GETTIN MONEY AND U JUST HATIN!!!" email all typed up and ready to send...i LIKE THE SONG! i repeat...i LIKE THE SONG!...i just want more from one of my favorite artist thats all *shrugs*...and i KNO Mariah's never been a Lauryn Hill or Amy Winehouse with the pen and pad...but "If Its a Camera up in here, then I best not find this on youtube"????

Erykah Album Cover + Tracklisting

1. "Amerykahn Promise"

2. "The Healer / Hip-Hop"

3. "Me"

4. "My People"

5. "Soldier"

6. "The Cell"

7. "Twinkle"

8. "Master Teacher"

9. "That Hump"

10. "Telephone"

11. "Honey" (Bonus)

The covers gonna have to grow on me...its a weeeeeee bit...creepy? but I can NOT wait to hear some more new material from Ms Badu. Looking at the tracklisting i guess this is the year of short ass albums, but with Erykah u never kno, each song may be like 15 minutes long or some shit, who knows. Plus i prefer my albums short than long, drawn out and boring..... "Honey" is absolutely a fav of the moment for me...her rumored second single "The healer"? yeaaaaaaaaaa not so much.

'That Chick' Tracklisting

Billboard.com is reporting that Mariah's new album That Chick (smh) has officially been set with a April 1st release date.

"Mariah Carey has set an April 1 release date for the follow-up to her
mega-selling album "The Emancipation of Mimi," which was the biggest selling
album of 2005. Dubbed "That Chick," the set features production from Jermaine
Dupri, will.i.am and Rodney Jerkins, plus collaborations with the likes of
T-Pain and Damian Marley."

The rumored first single is suppose to be "Migrate" featuring Tpain...ive been ITCHING to hear this track because its Mariah and i always love her first singles, but Tpain? smh 2 steps forword, 4 steps back away from fierceness huh Mariah? Heres the tracklisting, only 10 tracks? Hmm i dunno how i feel about that one, I prefer my r&b albums with a minimum of 14 tracks, short and sweet but not TOO short. But Yall kno how Mariah do, her ass will most likely re-release in May with 4 more tracks anyway..Heres the tracklisting, im sure its gonna change depending on what track she picks for the first single, EVERY Mariah album always opens with the first single and follows up with the second.

"Lovin' You Long Time"

"Touch My Body"

"That Chick"

"Thanx for Nothin'"

"For the Record"

"Migrate"

"Cruise Control"

"Love Story"

"OOC"

"Bye Bye"

New Album Release Tuesday

Spice Girls - Greatest Hits

Raheem Devaughn - The Love Behind The Melody

John Legend - Live from Philidelphia

Marvin Gaye - Here My Dear (Expanded Edition)

Which one will you be getting?

btw...the Raheem Devaughn review WILL be up...tomorrow...or...eventually

Dwele Readies New Album

So alots been going on in the past week, folks May or May Not have been getting touched, babies are havin babies and Jay's finally tired of Pullin a Diddy on half of the Def Jam roster...but in news I actually give a shit about...Dwele is gearing up a new album! he talks with Billboard.com about the direction and the sound of the new album along with the excitement that comes along with a Grammy nomination..Heres the snippet...

"Dwele describes the as-yet-untitled album as "kind of a mixture. I have a couple songs that are more radio-friendly, but I'm actually trying to take my time and elevate. It's all about going with the music and trying to follow that."

Click on the quote to read more

Rhythmic Releases

Today is Tuesday and like every tuesday a swarm of new releases hit the shelves and this week is no exception...



In stores today: Growing Pains by Mary J Blige, The Cool by Lupe Fiasco, Hate it or Love it by Chingy, and Makings of a Man by Jaheim...I think we ALL know which ones im purchasing (and which ones im not)..click here to read my review of The Cool and come back later for my review of Growing Pains

'Work That' By Mary J Blige

Heres rumored second single and the very first track on the Growin Pains album (In stores 12-18-07), the song is called 'Work That'. My thoughts on the song? I love it, not head over heels about it, but its definately a grower. I think its perfect to open up an album to tho...I love the upbeat and positive vibe im getting from this album, who needs a self help book when u got Mary and a few uptempo tracks???

Mary J Blige - Work That

A Diva Winter

According to FOXNews.com, Mariah Carey's new album Sweet Soul Odyssey has been pushed back from its original December 4th release to now being released in February. This means she will be releasing her album around the same time as Janet Jackson's and Madonna's upcoming effort's. Mariah, Janet and Madonna...or as i like to affectionately refer to them as The Trinity of Hits and Misses...will all be dukin it out in the MAGNIFICENT month of february (my birthday month btw!!!!!) and im curious to see who comes out on top...dont get me wrong im a HUGE fan of all 3 of these lovely ladies, BUT i have a feeling Janet's album will be as successful as George W. Bush as a President...Madonna will have a strong first week sales and then go down the charts faster than madonna herself behind a nightclub in the 80's (rimshot)...Mariah i see coming out the victor out of these 3, but with rumored collaborations from Da Brat..I dont see that being much of a flawless victory.

Fall Music Showdown

USA today Broke Down upcoming releases and put them against each other in a Kanye vs 50 style...None of the albums are coming out on the exact same day as the other artist their put up against, but they put artist against each other according to their Genre and its a cool lil read to get the lowdown on some of their albums comin out, so why the hell not....But if u will see Mariah Vs Celine part you will see that MIMIs album comes out in December now (Dec 3 to be exact), as opposed to the original November date that would have put her against Mary...Told You So...

Rhythmic Review: Jill Scott - The Real Thing

I was never crazy about the terms Neo-soul or Grown Folks Music, I much rather refer to those 2 as SOUL and GOOD music, with yanno...actual lyrics that mean something and actual instruments that play in the background...It was always funny to me how something so authentic and organic was the one that required a sub category while the artificial and manufactured didn't..But after listening to "The Real Thing" i kinda thought to myself...."I wouldn't want Jill to be grouped with that other bullshit ANYWAY"

Real Thing is Jill's 3rd studio album since her 2004 effort "Beautifully Human", and for many who have listened would argue that this its her best since her CLASSIC 2000 debut "Who is Jill Scott"...why? you ask... Jill brings back the sass thats why! her first single "Hate on me" is the 2007 upgrade to "gettin in the way" in many ways, clearly not for the obvious reasons, but it brings back a Jill we all knew and loved, that sadly didn't show in Beautifully human, aswell as an overall feel of cohesiveness (admit, BH was was kind of all over the place). The song "Only you" also Jogs the memory of vintage Jill, with its laid back delivery and melodic piano.

With recent personal changes in Jill's life (shes divorced from her husband who inspired many of the classic tracks from her debut album) As a fan i expected for it to effect her sound in some way.... but that hasnt gotten her down one bit, its gotten her HORNY...someone please WIPE HER DOWN!...On songs like "Crown Royal" where she says "Your hands on my hips pull me right back to you, i catch that thrust give it right back to you, your in me so deep im breathin for you". With lyrics like this, it a pretty good indication that shes not sittin at home cryin while listening to the best of Phyllis Hyman. "All I" carries on the sensual mature vibe of crown royal and shows that this album, altho not necessarily considered "grown folks music" is definitely directed toward those who can appreciate not only good music but know what the hell shes talking about!! (and NO, lamont passin u a "do u like me? yes or no" note in homeroom doesnt mean uve experienced the ups and downs of love)

The one (of MANY) stand out tracks for me on the album is "Celibacy Blues" which is a bluesy type of track that delivers some sexual innuendos beautifully, without making you feel all....nasty, and shows off Jill's talent and love for writing (any one that can fit "he aint scratchin it right" in a song and have it NOT sound like a Crime Mob track should get some sort of award). "Epiphany" is delivered with a spoken word style, that Jill is genius, over a heavy percussive beat thats infectious and provides the first half of the album a slight upbeat rejuvenation and then slides into everyones current favorite "My Love". This song is reason enough to buy the album, but more so than anything shows the versatility in Jills talent, being able to display the power of love ("he loves me" anyone?) aswell as showing off what happens when things go south, SUCCESSFULLY. We all kno thats not an easy feat for EVERYONE, some cant do it AT ALL, while some can..but not too well (QQN @ Mary)...All in all i think that this album is one of the far more superior SOUL albums of the year...nothing neo, grown or sub category about it, pure vintage soul at its finest with every intention to make you love it, and love.... love.


I give "The Real Thing" 4 1/2 hotcombs out of 5...just because of that damn album cover

Now head over to VH1s The Leak and take a listen to "The Real Thing" for yourself..and
remember the album is In stores September 25th

Rhythmic Review: Keyshia Cole - Just Like You

Now im no Rich from FourFour when it comes to writing a music review, and ive never written one before..BUT i do have ears and a love for music....so i can throw my 2 cents out there to you guys when it comes to a new album im looking forward to, or atleast give abit of a damn about, to take a listen to it...so here goes...

Upon first listen to "Just Like You" your knocked upside the head with the obvious growth of Keyshia, vocally that is....No she isnt on some Jennifer Holiday, or even Hudson, type shit...but shes definitely learned that she doesnt have to scream to get her point across, or that LOUD doesnt necessarily mean u can "sang"... in her case, less is DEFINITELY more this time around...A perfect example of this is her song "Work It Out" and most of all "Fallin Out"(produced by soulshock) Keyshia shines on this, showing that her more subdued tone, compared to a say "Love", is a pleasant one that doesnt wear out its welcome after 30 seconds... Another stand out for me is the track "I Remember" its a sassy ballad that reminds me of nothing more than "Love" dressed up in its sunday's best...but without all of the special Olympics vocal aerobatics that u either loved or hated, which in this case is good because u can focus on not only the beautiful display of keyshias voice, on this song, but the actual music itself, which isnt too shabby...

Like any other R&B album now a days, Just Like You does have its forgettable, or downright worthless, tracks that could have been left on the cutting room floor. Mainly the head scratch inducing "Didnt I Tell You" featuring Tooshort, now i understand Keyshia is being promoted as your run of the mill girl u see at the swap meet cursin someone out over her botched pedicure and french tip job...BUT i feel the song is out of place with the rest of the album, and any other album made after 2004 for that matter...Other forgettables include "Heaven Sent" and "Just Like You"

Now down to the bedazzled elephant in the room...The comparisons to Mary J. Blige...ofcourse theres similarities between the 2, and with songs like "Losing You" and "Give Me More" (that sounds like it was directly snatched from a scrapped 'Whats the 411' session) I dont think Keyshia has a problem with it at all... Although Keyshia does bring her own vibe to this album more so than the last, the Mary moments this time around are blatantly OBVIOUS (the ladida dada in "Give me More" is IDENTICAL to that of the song "My Life" for fuck sakes!)...but i have a feeling with more time that passes Keyshia will mold a sound thats all her own, beautifully polished and sparkly, but for now shes definitely following in the footsteps of a Legend..."Just Like You" takes me back to when R&B albums were about the ALBUM and not just the occasional hot single here and there on a record, and thats where this album shines.... In due time i believe keyshia will wander off and make footsteps all her own, (im sure those footsteps will be somewhere around ur nearest liquor store) but until then im anxiously waiting...

I give "Just Like You" 3 jars of Clear Ice out of 5...just because she so damn classy, now go touch up them baby hairs



Now take a listen and decide for yourself on BETs Transmission and remember... "Just Like You" hits stores September 25th

The Queen vs. The Voice

The Buzz in the Blogworld is that Mariah Carey and Mary J. Blige will release their albums on the same day, November 20th...Mary's album is titled "Growing Pains" and Mariah's is yet to have a title, which brings me to this....Mary already has an album title and the announcement of her release has recently been made. Mary's been making appearances (The VMAS for example) to get her face back out there, much like any other artist would do when a release is approaching, its only a matter of time before a single is released...now Mariah on the other hand has been laying low and has been mum about anything dealing with her album. The actual 20th release date was announced MONTHS ago before she was even deep into the recording process, which leads me to believe that MIMI will have a pushback to a date where she can sufficiently promote the album, instead of rushing to get it done and THEN half assing the promotion to it...as much as i would LOVE a clash of the divas ( i love both of these bishes like i love cake) but i doubt DefJam would do Mariah like that, ESPECIALLY after the huge success of MIMI...things will be done RIGHT....smh, i kno i just broke the heart of a little gay youth with his heart set on a Fierce off between these 2...sorry young one, but im just givin my 2 cents

Because them otha niggas have been posted about ENOUGH...

Today is Tuesday, which means NEW MUSIC...and for the past 2 months this day has mumbled across every HipHop fans lips atleast once...the kanye and 50 and Kenny Chesney showdown !....but we all kno about those albums dropping....but im putting MY money down on these little lads above...B5!...watch out 50 and kanye... "Why would Diddy let his D-list artist go up againt 2 A-list artist, without properly providing publicity or promotion?" u ask? Maybe the cute older one with the Halle Berry circa Boomerang inspired hair do didnt let diddy scratch and sniff the kitty...but the hell if i kno (or care)

Tough Call? Which album will u be purchasing this week?...i think i kno which one u wont be

Preview "Graduation" in its Entirety

Ask anyone that knows me and they'll tell u im team rainbow kanye, which is why last week i didnt post any links where u could Illegally listen to the album, since it was leaked...go out and buy that shit!..but now this week Clear Music Channel has "graduation" in its entirety for you to listen to and make a judgement about...Im all for supporting an artist u like...BUT...i do believe in test drivin shit before u buy...believe me, CDs can be lemons...QQN @ kelly rowland....but anyhoo, im lovin the album, ofcourse in pure kanye fashion he throws in a few tracks that I, and im sure others, could have lived without...but for the most part the album is definately worth purchasing...and if Champion isnt released as a single i dont kno wtf he's thinkin...

This time around I love how its all about the music...no silly interludes interrupting the flow of the album, they tend to take u out of the experience... This album, unlike kanyes past 2 albums, doesnt wear out its welcome..its straight to the point, makes its argument and leaves u feeling like u could go for more, rather than leaving u on track 12 out of 21 wondering when the shit is gonna be over...i like that...If u liked his past albums, then youll like this one..he doesnt really bring anything new and revolutionary to the game, but what he does bring is catchy and infectious.

Click here to Listen to Graduation

Tracks to Look Out For:
Big Brother, Champion, Flashing Lights, The Glory

New Albums you NEED to know

Sri Laka rapper MIA brings the heat, complexity, and cultural bending sound that made me LOVE her debute album "Arular" is BACK with her Sophomore album "kala"... if u liked her debut album, you'll go ape shit for this..if u dont kno who the hell she is..than u should DEFINATELY take a listen to her ENTIRE album COMPLETELY FREE... at aol music by Clicking Here

favorite track: Bamboo Banga

why? the beat is ridiculous

Talib's best solo effort since 2002's "Quality"...nuff said, now go LISTEN NOW!

favorite track: "In The Mood" Ft. Kanye West and Roy Ayers

why? ITS ROY MUTHAFUCKIN AYERS!

and yes, other albums came out this week...but they suck so shits to them

New Album Covers

Ok so im weird when it comes to album covers...they have a big impact on if i buy the actual album or not, depending on who the artist is ofcourse....but i lurked around the web and pulled together some covers of a few albums im looking forword to hearing...so here ya go

Jill Scott - The Real Thing: Words and Sounds Vol. 3
In Stores: September 25th 2007

When i first seen the black and white promo picture for the "real thing" i thought "BEAUTIFUL! ARTSY! CREATIVE! FIERCE!"...but once i seen the official album cover i thought...huh?...i mean i love me some jill and she can do no wrong to me...but she has that "u gone eat yo co'nbread!?!?!??" look goin on in the eyes...not fierce jill...not fierce

Kanye West - Graduation
In Stores: September 11th 2007

kanye is so gay i bet he shits glitter...this album cover is fagulous and i love it..colorful, vibrant and definately FUN...i give it 2 thumbs up

Angie Stone - The Art of Love and War
In Stores: October 16th 2007

this is wat i like to see..growth musically AND visually...work the hotcomb angie..it IS your friend

Keyshia Cole - Just Like You
In Stores: September 25th 2007

girl stop...now u KNO u wrong...if lena could barely pull this off , what in the colt 45 hell made keyshia think she could? now she KNO she needa ass whoopin ...album covers like this are meant for DEEP singers....or just ugly ones...and keyshias a pretty girl!..and although"let it go" does enduce a finger snap and a weave toss every now and then..it is not deep