N.E.R.D.

N.E.R.D.
Seeing Sounds
Virgin Records US
www.virginrecords.com
www.myspace.com/nerdofficial

RATING: 4 out of 5
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After hearing that N.E.R.D. wouldn't be making anymore albums years ago sadden me, so seeing that they released a new album I was greatly excited. These guys rock, not because they were the first concert I went to, its because they're hot and fresh! Compare them to older rock bands, of course they couldn't hold a torch to them, but for the time as of now, they are legendary. I guess you can say they're like a breath of fresh air. With cd sales declining because of the internet, you know that they are going to delivery, so there's no need to second guessing about spending the $13 for the "Seeing Sounds" album. If I had to say this album is different from the previous two "Fly or Die" and "In Search Of", which is good though. If you're a true N.E.R.D. fan then there's no doubt that you'll love this album, but those who are new fans you might want to go back to "In Search Of" and start from there, this album might be to deep in style (that's the best way I can say that) for you. The first single off of this album is "Everybody Nose", which is a good start for the jumpoff single. Right now on mixtapes and some radio stations they have out the "Everybody Nose Remix" with Lupe and Kanye on it. Sorry no hidden tracks on this 12 song album, but I can tell you that this album is one of those albums you play it again right after you just got finish listening to it though. The next single I think maybe "Love Bomb" or "Kill Joy"
The instruments they picked in the songs are superb and hot. Its a new polished N.E.R.D. so just go out and get the album when it comes out on Tuesday.

HIGHTLIGHT TRACKS: "Love Bomb", "Everyone Nose", "Time for Some Action", "Sooner or Later", "You Know What"

N.E.R.D.

N.E.R.D.
Fly or Die
Virgin Records US
www.virginrecords.com
www.myspace.com/nerdofficial

RATING: 4 out of 5
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Years after dropping "In Search Of", N.E.R.D. is back with new hot music. Though the last album had many guest appearances, this just has Joel Madden and Benji Madden from the rock band Good Charlotte, they appeared on the single, "Jump". Most of the songs were written early in Pharrell's years as a teen. On this album they talk about punishment and not caring about what people think in "Breakout". They have many hidden tracks which are VERY impressive! On my copy of this cd, I just had to make them single songs by themselves. One of the hidden songs is called "Waiting For You", a slow paced song about a baby almost drowning in the water. If you loved "In Search Of", then you won't be disappointed with this album...if its not better, its just about there.

HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: "Jump", "Breakout", "The Way She Moves", "Thrasher", "Waiting For You"

N.E.R.D.

N.E.R.D.
In Search Of
Virgin Records US
www.virginrecords.com
www.myspace.com/nerdofficial

RATING: 4 out of 5
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The first N.E.R.D. release is consider somewhat a classic. The producers Pharrell Williams & Chad Hugo did they're best work to date on this album. Bringing out the whole gang to sprinkle they're talents on this album included, Kelis, both members of the Clipse Pusha-T, Malice, Vita & Lee Harvey. The album playlist is pretty much good, they have "Provider" and "Bobby James" spread apart so they can capture your heart and everything in the middle they have a soft but great song "Run to the Sun", then two songs down they have the heavey rock song, "Rock Star" and the track to lead this hot album off is their single "Lapdance". If you didn't know Pharrell is the lead though Chad laid down vocals its only background and Shae does have a few lines here and there. If you're looking for an album that has everything on it, then its this. With this album being a classic one, its timeless.

HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: "Bobby James", "Run to the Sun", "Lapdance", "Provider", "Rock Star"

HI-TEKNOLOGY

HI-TEKNOLOGY
Hi-Teknology 2: The Chip
Babygrande Records
www.babygrande.com
www.myspace.com/hitek

RATINGS: 5 out of 5

With a gang of different artist on this album Hi-Tek has proven himself to be a well rounded producer. Not only just working with east coast rappers and singers, but ones from all over. If you're not in tune to what Hi-Tek has produced just look up Talib Kweli's "Reflections External" album and there you have it. With the single "Where It Started At (NY)" being its first single off of this hot album, it brings in the thugs and the gangster with this hard knocking beat. "The Chip" provides different songs for different occasions. The first song I loved from the beginning was "Keep It Moving" featuring Q-Tip and Kurupt. One of the most talked about song on this album I would have to say is the track "Music Is My Life" which is dedicated to the fallen producer J. Dilla. The rappers who are on that song serve up the best of their skills, while Marsha from the duo group Floetry sings and harmonize her tail off. If you don't have a Hi-Tek album, then you NEED to pick this up. You need this kind of music in your life, good music.

HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: "Keep It Moving", "Music Is My Life", "Let It Go", "So Tired"

JAGGED EDGE

JAGGED EDGE
Baby Makin' Project
So So Def Records
www.sosodef.com
www.myspace.com/jaggededge

RATING 4 out of 5
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This album from Jagged Edge is probably one of the most focused albums they have done. The title speaks for itself, "Baby Makin' Project" which basically means a whole cd with nothing but slow songs on it. Their first single from this cd is with Ashanti "Put A Little Umph In It". I don't see how those paths connect, but she did one hell of a job singing her part on the track. With most of the songs they fade right into the next track not giving you a chance to do anything, but its a smooth, swift transaction that you wouldn't know the differences until minutes later. This cd I rank high on their catalog list I would say probably #3 (out of 6 cds) overall and #1 (out of their 6 cds) that I can just listen through the whole way without stopping. If you like slow jams then definitely go out a purchase this album.

HIGHLIGHT TRACKS:
"Put A Little Umph In It", "Whole Town Laughing", "Way To Say I Love You", "Turn U On"

KANYE WEST

KANYE WEST
Graduation
Roc-A-Fella Records
www.rocafella.com
www.kanyewest.com

RATING 4 out of 5
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Finally going through the stages of Kanye's life on "College Dropout" and "Late Registration" he finally has graduated on "Graduation". The 13 song album has different flavors for every music lovers taste. Kanye introduced the album with the mellow song "Good Morning" and it was followed by an good feeling track named "Champion". With many albums under his belt for production, Kanye definitely delivered great quality beats on this album. One of the most amazing songs on the album would have to be the "Good Life" song that features the hot producer/rapper T-Pain. Kanye did a good job on the sample, which is from the pop icon Micheal Jackson's "P.Y.T." When Def Jam decided to land Kanye's album release date to September 11th, that fired up 50 Cent to go to war with Kanye on record sales. Though the beef between them really helped out 50 Cent and maybe a little with Kanye, but Ye already had two hot singles on the airwaves. "Can't Tell Me Nothing" was Kanye's first single off of this album and in the video, he had one car and one girl and they were in the middle of the desert, talk about pushing videos to the envelope. There weren't many guest appearances on this album just Lil Wayne, Mos Def, Dwele, T-Pain and DJ Premier who scratched over the track "Everything I Am". His second single, "Stronger", knocked everything off of the tracks with its futuristic sound. This album is a good listen, though its a notch under Late Registration, Kanye put everything he had into this album.

HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: "I Wonder", "Flashing Lights", "Big Brother", "Drunk Hot Girls",

KANYE WEST

KANYE WEST
Late Registration
Roc-A-Fella Recrods
www.rocafella.com
www.kanyewest.com

RATING: 5 out 5
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Kanye’s latest CD dropped August 30th, but right now he’s in the news for more than his music. He’s known for saying that our President George Bush doesn’t like black people. No, I don’t believe that it was a stunt to push more units for his CD. "Late Registration " is something different then his last CD…to me he’s more in touch with his feelings. He did a song about his grandma being in the hospital on the song “Roses” and he raps/sings the song to his mother in “Hey Mama”. Though what shocked me the most was hearing one of my favorite rappers Nas on his CD, being the whole drama between Nas and Jay Z. What made him so popular with his last CD was “Jesus Walks”…that was the first song about God that I ever heard in the clubs. That song was VERY moving…deep lyrics and all. I would say that’s what he’s missing on this album, but it doesn’t mean his lyrics are weak. I noticed if you compare something to the first one and the second one is on a completely different level, then you will most likely say that the second one doesn’t add up to the first one. So I look at everything with a clean slate, comparing it to nothing, just reviewing it for what it is. Your first listen to the CD will be searching the songs out by beats and when you sit down through it you will find some interesting songs. It’s a good listen, you won’t regret listening to this CD. The skits will have your rolling on the ground with Broke Fi Broke and can’t forget about the hit singles…”Diamonds”, “Gold Digger” & “Diamonds” (remix). You can go ahead and be late to your registration and listen to this CD.

TRACK HIGHLIGHTS : "Touch the Sky", "We Major", "Bring Me Down", "Late", "Crack Music", "Heard Em Say"

TIMBALAND

TIMBALAND
Shock Value
Blackground Records
www.timbalandmusic.com
www.myspace.com/timbaland

RATING: 3.5 out of 5
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The "Shock Value" album is probably the most popular album of Timbaland to date. He mixed everything from rap/r&b/pop/rock all into one and it has a nice transition from one song to another. Just about every song he has a guest artist whether its Missy, Justin, Nelly Furtado, The Hives they bring their style on the Timbaland beat. It is definitely a hot album, not just by the beats but also the messages behind the songs. "Kill Yourself" which featured Sebastian (Timbaland's brother) and Attitude was directed towards another producer who shall remain nameless. In the video of his first single "Give it to Me", you will find clips of Timbaland, Justin and Nelly Furtado in different concerts having fun. The second single "The Way I Are" is tearing the charts up, I'm not sure if its the additive beat, the message of the song or the hot appearance from Keri Hilson & D.O.E. The most shock on the album is the appearance from Elton John who played the piano in "2 Man Show", the song itself was a different sound like I have never heard before. The album is a definitely a fun one, if you can only take one cd with you on an island, that has all different gens then you would pick this one.

HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: "Give it to Me", "The Way I Are", "Fantasy", "2 Man Show", "Miscommunication", "Kill Yourself"

TALIB KWELI

TALIB KWELI
The Beautiful Struggle
Rawkus Records
www.talibkweli.com

RATING: 3.5 out of 5
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While rap gets more packed with hardcore and crunk rappers, Talib Kweli sets a path for the bookbag rappers. In 2002, he came out with his album "Quality" that was a close to perfect! If not, it was perfect. While two years passed in 2004, he comes out with the album "The Beautiful Struggle". He wasn't finished with what he started on "Quality", so he continued it in this album. He hosted many guest stars from Faith Evans, Mary J, John Legend, to the creative Res, Common and the soulful artist Anthony Hamilton. This album isn't as flashy as the last album. Its more raw with the songs "Going Hard" and the Hi-Tek produced "Work It Out". The song "We Got The Beat" brings together rock and rap, just like the Aerosmith and Run DMC song "Walk This Way". Again Kweli gives you a wholesome album, it has slow, mellow and fast pace songs to make one of the best album out this year. It's the Beautiful Struggle.

HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: "Around My Way", "Beautiful Struggle", "Never Been In Love", "Black Girl Pain"

TALIB KWELI

TALIB KWELI
Eardrum
Warner Bros
www.warnerbrosrecords.com
www.talibkweli.com
www.myspace.com/talibkweli

RATING: 4.5 out of 5
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Alright, finally after months of being pushed back by Kweli himself, his album drops almost a year after the "suppose" release date and the wait was well worthed it. Many producers on this album including Justin Timberlake, Hi-Tek, Will.i.am, Madlib, Nick Speed, Just Blaze, Pete Rock, Kwame, DJ Khali, Kanye and others. The feel of the album is a good one, its a mix between his past albums "Quality" and "Reflection Eternal". The first single off of the album was "Listen!!!", though he hasn't officially released a second single that's not bothering him or his sales. The second week after his album dropped he was at the #2 spot on the charts, which is a good look for him and for hip-hop. The song "Country Cousins", which features rap duo group UGK and the singer Raheem Devaughn could possibly be the second single. His kids are also on the album rapping on the song "Oh My Stars" with Musiq Soulchild. If you like Kweli to just attack the beat with his ill flow, then you'll love the Hi-Tek produced song "More or Less". The album "Eardrum" is well worth your hard earned $16 US dollars with 17 original tracks 3 bonus tracks and a gang of seasoned guest artist that rang from Jean Grae, Lyfe Jennings, Dion, Krs-One, Sizzla, Coi Mattison, Kanye West to Norah Jones need I say more?

HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: "Country Cousins", "NY Weather Report", "Everything Man", "Soon the New Day", "In the Mood", "More or Less", "Listen"

COMMON

COMMON
Finding Forever
Universal Records
www.universalrecords.com

RATING: 4 out of 5
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Two years after his previous album "Be" dropped, Common has released more addictive quality music to the streets with his latest album "Finding Forever". With the shake up of album release dates this year, Common's album dropped weeks before Talib's and Kanye's to get a jump on things. Though he doesn't get much radio play, his truth speaking single "The People" is in heavy rotation on BET show Rap City. On this album Kanye West was the executive producer and produced majority of the album though the rapper Common had help from other producers like Will.i.am, J Dilla and Devo Springsteen. In the up tempo song "The Game", DJ Premier is doing the nasty with the turntables bringing you back to the early 90's when music had scratches in them. Just last week Common released another single "Driving Me Wild", which features the singer Lily Allen who is the one of the two guest appearances on the album, the other is D'Angelo on the song "So Far to Go". The album is like a smooth slide that has great song selection and great song placement. Whether to get this album or not is really a no brainier if you liked the previous Common albums then you'll fall in love with "Finding Forever".

HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: "Start the Show", "The People", "I Want You", "Southside", "The Game", "Break My Heart"

CHRISETTE MICHELE

CHRISETTE MICHELE
I Am
Def Jam Records
www.defjam.com

RATING: 4 out of 5
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She has the most perfect voice out now days. With Beyonce always on the airwaves, Chrisette is a breath of fresh air. You're probably asking who is she? Do you remember Jay Z's recent hit "Lost Ones" or Nas "Can't Forget About You" song? C Michele laced them with her lovely vocals on the chorus in those two songs. Now out with her own album, called "I Am" she released her first single "If I Have My Way". Majority of her album is slow mellow ballads, though she does have one or two up tempo songs, one being my favorite "Let's Rock". When listening to this album you get a good feeling, because she puts everything into it when she sings and not most artist do that now days or even know how to do it. If you're looking to expand your music collection with classic albums look no further, because this one is a solid album.

HIGHLIGHT TRACKS:
"Like A Dream", "Mr. Radio", "Love Is You"

SHOP BOYZ

SHOP BOYZ
Rockstar Mentality
Republic Records
www.universalrepublic.com

RATING 0 out of 5
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Now I had to check out this cd, seeing that they have a big radio hit on their hands. I wasn't impressed one bit while I was listening to their album. I really didn't want to sit there and even listen to their entire album, but I did it just for the review, I wanted it to be a fair one. Even though their single "Party Like A Rockstar" is going crazy over the airwaves their album wasn't nearly exciting as their hit song. In a article I read they said they were into rock and once I read that, I thought they were going to have some rock beats up there - nope, none. They're a gimmick and they're record label was in it for the quick bucks. They have one song produced by David Banner, which will be their second single "They Like Me". How they became stars, I don't know. I wouldn't get this cd...if albums in the future are dumb like this one, then I agree with Nas Hip Hop is Dead!

HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: none

NE-YO

NE-YO
Because of You
Def Jam Records
www.defjam.com

RATING: 3 out of 5
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"Because of You" is Ne-Yo's second solo album and also one of his singles. He didn't have an intro song, he just jumped right into it with "Because of You". The song "Crazy" features Jay Z, but Jay's appearance in the song doesn't move me or make the song better I feel. He also has another guest appearance by Jennifer Hudson on the song "Leaving Tonight" which is better then most songs on this album. As the cd goes on the songs that aren't singles get better, like one of my favorites "Make It Work" and also "Angel" are good listens. Ne-Yo's second single which is in the airwaves now is "Do You" and he also has a remix with Mary J on it, so check that out. I'm not going to lie, Ne-Yo lost me on some songs. It was like a good song then two non average songs, then it'll be another good song and two non average songs. Overall this cd is a step down from his debut album, though its Ne-Yo he could've put some work into this album seems like he wasn't focused or he just threw it together all at once.


HIGHLIGHT TRACKS:
"Leaving Tonight", "Do You", "Make It Work", "Go On Girl"

LUPE FIASCO

LUPE FIASCO
Food & Liquor
Atlantic Records
www.atlanticrecords.com

RATING: 5 out of 5
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Just when I thought music was at a state where it couldn't be saved from the trash that we call music now days Lupe Fiasco drops. Who is Lupe, you ask? Lupe Fiasco hails from the Chi and has been on many mixtapes, he also appeared on Kanye West's single "Touch the Sky". Now out with his own 14 song album, Lupe delivers good music to the ears. Though this is his first album, he has heavyweight guest appearances like Jill Scott & Jay Z with also guest appearances from Gemini, Sarah Green, Jonah Matranga and Matthew Santos. His first single "Kick, Push" was based on a group of kids who of course rode skateboards to escape the madness in their life. The second single "I Gotcha", he received from the beat maker himself Pharrell Williams. If you closed your eyes, cleared your brain and let Lupe play you'll go from one thing to another. A mute kid who knew a lot but couldn't speak "The Instrumental" then a mother and father conversation over their child "He Say She Say" to being in a robot who has fought the White House in "Daydreamin". The track "American Terrorist" makes you think, with a catchy hook it will easily become one of your favorites on the album. "Food & Liquor" is a great collection of songs, which makes a terrific album. Lupe Fiasco has let his presence be known and if he chooses to continue to make music like this, then the people will greet him with open arms.

HIGHLIGHT TRACKS: "Sunshine", "American Terrorist", "Kick, Push", "I Gotcha", "Just Might Be Ok"

CORINNE BAILEY RAE

CORINNE BAILEY RAE
Corinne Bailey Rae
EMI Records
www.capitolrecords.com

Rating: 5 out of 5
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This album is totally phenomenal. Most haven't heard of her in the states, but they are starting to hear the buzz about her now. I didn't find out about her till months ago, when I caught the end of one of her videos - I forget which one because I was trying to find a pen (which I didn't find), so I had to remember her name. Definitely a great sound which is totally different. At the price of $10 I brought most of my friends (who listens to all kinds of music) this cd for a christmas gift or just to let me hear her without giving them my official store copy. With 11 songs of soul Corinne delievers the truth to you about whatever she is talking about. You actually feel her love for the song in her voice when she sings it and it just soothes you. "Put Your Records On" is a single you can hear on adult pop radio stations and also on adult urban radio statioins. Though you won't find her videos on mtv or bet you can catch her videos on vh1soul channel or on betj channel. "Breathless" and "Trouble Sleeping" are also singles off of this awesome album. It was hard picking favorites on this album, because every song is above par. All in a nutshell if you haven't heard of this woman and you like/love smooth soul music then don't hesistae to get her album.


HIGHLIGHT TRACKS:
"Trouble Sleeping", "Breathless", "Call Me When You Get This"

FANTASIA

FANTASIA BARRINO
Fantasia
J-Records
www.jrecords.com

RATING: 2.5 out of 5
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I think that Fantasia is great at doing mellow/slow songs, but not as great in fast songs. Not sure if its her voice or its the beat that sounds funny, I can't put my finger on it. I think its the producer though, because I was feeling the Swizz Beats produced song "Surround U", which is a fast paced song. The album "Fantasia" is a mix between fast pace songs and slow mellow songs, majority fast songs. "I Feel Beautiful" is like an anthem for ladies, its just about a female and how she feels about herself. The American Idol winner dropped "Hood Boy" as her first single from this album and to add heat to the song she threw on Big Boi from Outkast on it. Just like the last album Missy Elliott produced a couple of songs, but as of yet none of them are her singles. When an artist releases two songs and they are usually the first two songs on the album most of the time the rest of the album lacks potential and that is what this album does for me. The fast songs besides "Hood Boy" and "Surround U" are C graded fast songs that aren't up to par for Fantasia status. In words, I would rather download the songs that I like and don't worry about the rest of the songs.


HIGHLIGHT TRACKS:
"Only One U", "I Nominate U", "Two Week Notice"

BOBBY VALENTINO

BOBBY VALENTINO
Special Occasion
Def Jam Records
www.defjam.com

RATING: 4 out of 5
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We all know about the infamous sophomore slump faze which most artist who recieve high praises on their first album go through. Though I don't think it affected Bobby Valentino, I'm not sure if its because Ludacris is his backing or because he's just a good artist. Being on Def Jam Records is starting to get to Bobby, because they are putting all they're chips on Neyo who is a labelmate and Bobby feels that he's not getting the publicity like he should be getting. With releasing a single months ago "Turn the Page", he released the Timbaland produced song "Anonymous" as his second single. His album is a good listen, sounding like no other singer out there and that's what I like about him. I believe he'll be around for a while in this r&b thing. 16 tracks, with one interlude and of course one intro and a thank you, the song "Anonymous" is the only fast pace song. Ludacris appears on the song "Rearview" and Fabolous also makes an appearance on a song too. It was hard picking my favorite songs, because the whole cd is like a whole slow jam and the songs make smooth transaction into one another. "Special Occasion" I think is actually better then his first album, this album is definietly a getter if you like good r&b.

HIGHLIGHT TRACKS
"Rearview", "How About It", "Home Is Where You Belong", "Can't Wait Til Later"

JAY Z

JAY Z
Kingdom Come
Def Jam Records
www.defjam.com

Rating: 4.5 out of 5
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Jay Z is a step ahead of the rest of the dudes in this rap game. He knows that rap isn't all about rapping about killing people or slanging dope. This album shows that he still has it, though many people don't really like it - it has its picks of the trade. The album may have to grow on you, but once it does you're trapped. If its either the smooth pop sound of "Hollywood", the up tempo of his first single "Show Me What You Got" or the song "Lost Ones" you can tell that Jigga man has grown over the years. With beef with rival crew Dipset, he airs out how he feels about them in the south bounce beat song "Dig A Hole". Now that everybody has a Hova sample in their song, he doesn't have to worry about disappearing to dust in the years to come. This album was named Kingdom Come and the king has came.

TRACK HIGHLIGHTS: "Dig A Hole", "Lost Ones", "Kingdom Come", "Beach Chair"

COMMON

COMMON
Be
Geffen Records
www.geffenrecords.com
www.common-music.com
www.okayplayer.com

RATING: 5 out of 5
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This collection of work we have here from Common is a classic. Not only in my eyes, but also in urban magazines (XXX, the Source, Vibe) gave him a high rating of a classic album. This cd is my first store purchase of Common, but it won’t be my last. With Kanye West on the boards and also an executive producer, you pretty much can’t go wrong. Common set the radio airwaves on fire with his first single “The Corner”. Most were talking about the amazing video, but the lyrics are something you can’t forget! Lonnie Lynn which is Common’s name, worked with the great John Mayer on his second single “Go”, which has a mellow feel-something you can listen to after you leave the club. The only thing I wanted to hear from Common was his hardness that he was putting out on Kanye West song “Two Words”, but I found nothing like it. Though I’m not sad, because he came through with this studio album. You can tell he put his blood, sweat and tears into making “BE”. Common is taking it back to the real hip-hop were they were actually teaching people things and also talking about something worth listening to.

TRACK HIGHLIGHTS: “Go”, “Faithful”, “Love is…”, “Its Your World (Part 1&2)

LUDACRIS

LUDACRIS
Release Therapy
Def Jam Records
www.defjam.com

RATING: 4.5 out of 5
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With his last release "Red Light District" Ludacris had some fans wondering what was he thinking when he released it. "Red Light District" was probably the most unliked album by hardcore Ludacris fans. Though on his follow up cd "Release Therapy" he is sure to bring back those who straid away due to his last release. This album is packed with a punch and I mean alot of it too! With the help of Mary J he released his second song "Runaway Love", which has blasted away on the charts the song is about young girls being molested, running away and other things that teenager girls go through. You can consider this album a classic, one of those cds you can just lay back and press repeat on. Ludacris get his sexy swagger on "Woozy" (features R. Kelly) and "End of the Night" (features Bobby Valentino). Ludacris continues to make great music by himself and with other artist. Even if you're not a Ludacris fan this album is something you should give a listen to a couple of times.

TRACK HIGHLIGHTS: "Slap", "Runaway Love", "Woozy", "Tell It Like It Is", "Grew Up A Screw Up"

FLOETRY

FLOETRY
Flo'Ology
Geffen Records
www.geffenrecords.com
www.floetry.net

RATING: 5 out of 5
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Floetry released their second studio album three years after their debut. First it was Floetic, Floacism (live cd) and now Flo'Ology. They always put deep thought into their songs and CDs. Floetry is unlike any other group out here in the music world. Marsha is the "songstress" and Natalie is the "floacist". Hailling from UK, Floetry made moves to the US and released their CD. First releasing singles like "Say Yes" and "Getting Late", this time they threw "Common" from their first single off of this CD and released "Supastar". The single can make you feel sunshine in your life when you hear it. They always had great production work and it continues with this album. Most of the songs are slow and mellow, so this is a CD that you would want to throw on if you were chilling with the opposite sex. I'll leave it like Floetry would say and "give thanks".

TRACK HIGHLIGHTS: "I Want You", "Imagination", "Sometimes You Make Me Smile"

CASSIE

CASSIE
Cassie
Bad Boys Records
www.badboyonline.com

RATING 3 out of 5
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Everybody and their momma loves her first single "Me & U", which made it the #1 song of the summer. Cassie first album was a success, though her terrible performances (as the media say) maybe hurt her as a performer - but maybe not as a singer. The beats are fresh on her cd, the song "Call U Out" beat reminds me of a video game, but the beat is hot. Also on that song, she kinda gets her swagger on and does a little rap on it, its funny cause I can't see a model rapping. Her second single "Long Way 2 Go", has just hit the airwaves and its getting nothing but positive feedback. I think Cassie hasn't seen the last of stardom and will be back with another album, if she wants to.


TRACK HIGHLIGHTS: "Me & U", "Long Way 2 Go", "About Time", "Kiss Me"

BEYONCE

BEYONCE
B'Day
Sony Recrods
www.sony.com

RATING: 3 out of 5
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Beyonce's second cd "B'Day" is a tough album to listen to. This album is not quite what I thought it was going to be. To me the album is kind of below average, what makes is that you ask? Well first the singing don't really fit the songs. On a few fast songs, it sounds like she's trying to battle the beat just to be heard, which has her sort of screaming - and it doesn't sound to good. The current single "Deju Vu" has her future husband Jay Z on it. I think he boosted her sales with just rapping on that track. I want to see her do ONE cd without Jay Z rapping on any track - just ALL Beyonce.

Listening to the cd I heard my favorites the first time, while other ones I had to force myself to listen to, so I can do this review. Beyonce's cd right now isn't one of those cd that would get much replay in my cd player, I might just burn my 3/4 good songs on a mix cd. I don't know what's up with the 10 songs, plus a bonus track, she should have added some more songs - maybe it would have even the album out to an average cd. I say definietly give this cd a listen to before you decide to buy.

TRACK HIGHLIGHTS: "Upgrade U", "Kitty Kat", "Deju Vu"

JR WRITER

JR WRITER
History In The Making
Koch Records
www.kochrecords.com

RATING: 3.5 out of 5
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Finally after ALL the Dip-Set mixtapes and being featured on somebody elses song JR comes out with his own LP entitled "History In The Making". With 19 tracks JR shows you his sick rapping skills on every track. On one of my favorite songs "Goonies", he gets Jim Jones and Hell Rell to help him out. He also got help from his Dip-Set partner's Cam'Ron and .40 Cal on songs "Byrd Call" and "Pay Homage". The cd is pretty much average, but what makes it so good is that he didn't put all his good songs the first couple of songs on the cd, like some artist do. Though JR Writer is an up north rapper on the song "Grill Em" JR spit over a beat that had that down south feel bounce to it. After hearing the whole cd front to back, I'm quite impress it. The production work was definietly on point and JR Writer brought the lyrics to the table. Though this cd isn't a classic one, I wouldn't mind hearing it from song 1 to song 19 some other time.

TRACK HIGHLIGHTS: "Take Notes", "Grill Em", "Goonies", "He's Movin", "Riot Pump", "Xtacy", "That's A Bet"

LITTLE BROTHER

LITTLE BROTHER
The Minstrel Show
Atlantic Records
www.atlanticrecords.com

RATING: 5 out of 5
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It's great to hear another rap group out there that's not doing gangsta rap, like most of the rap groups coming out now. Coming out of the state below Virginia, North Carolina; Little Brother comes with new material that has never been heard before. The group consists of three members; Phonte, Rapper Big Pooh and the producer 9th Wonder. While the group catches America's eyes with "The Minstrel Show", they toured with Mike Shinoda & Demigod's. I had a chance to catch them at a local venue in the nation's capital, D.C. The show was electricfing. Rapper Big Pooh and Phonte gave the audience a good vibe and also a great show. The CD is about neck and neck with De La Soul's Grind Date. They slayed 13 tracks on this CD with a few skits and funny interludes. It's a non-stop minstrel show party when you listen to it. The CD definietly makes you want to go dig in a bin or shuffle through the selves at the music store for their previous releases. So the next time you're flipping through the tv, throw it on UBN (inside joke) and check it out.

TRACK HIGHLIGHTS "Beautiful Morning", "Hiding Place", "Lovin It", "We Got Now"

CHERISH

CHERISH
Unappreciated
Capitol Records
www.capitolrecords.com

RATING: 4 out of 5
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Its not one bit surprising that this new young female singing group is based out of Atlanta. With their single "Do It To It" blazing them to the number one spot on the billboard charts, these girls are finding their place in stardom. When I first saw the album cover I thought of this one r&b group Allure, I don't know why...I just did. Once I gave the cd a listen I knew that they would be around for more then just one hit. Just when r&b was falling to the wasteside good music like this helps it back up. Their sound is like 90's r&b, not this fake new stuff now days. Hearing one of my favorite songs "Oooh" they reminded me of the group 702. With 12 songs on their LP they get straight to business with the song "That Boi" (which sounds like a future single). Seeing that Destiny's Child is no more and there's no more soul singing r&b groups out there, that makes it just a little bit sweeter for these ladies future. The mood of the cd is more of a laid-back groove, something you can just ride around the city at night with your mate and listen to. Definietly give this cd a good listen with NO distractions, because I do believe that you have yet to see the last of Cherish.


TRACK HIGHLIGHT: "That Boi", "Do It To It", "Chevy", "Oooh"

SHAWNNA

SHAWNNA
Block Music
Def Jams Records
www.defjam.com

RATING: 3.5 out of 5
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The first lady of DTP, Shawnna. Shawnna is a rapper, but her cd doesn't have that feel. I'm not sure if its because it doesn't have that rapper's feel on the cd or what. Most of Shawnna's songs are kind of slow beat and fast rhyme (which she's good at). For me, this cd was an alright listen. I wouldn't listen to the whole thing like everyday, the only time I would listen to the whole cd again is if I was bored or I haven't heard it in a while. Is Block Music worth the 16 bucks? That's all up to you, but you should give it a listen. Though she hasn't quite found her own ground she's growing, I would say by her next studio album she'll have that classic album or close to it. Now the radio did play the hell out of her single "Getting Some Head", so that brought her some first-time fans that never heard of her before.


TRACK HIGHLIGHTS: "Damn", "Candy Coated", "Roll Wit Me", "In The Chi", "Take It Slow", "Hit The Back Slide In"

DJ KHALED

DJ KHALED
Listennn: The Album
Koch Recrods
www.kochrecords.com

RATING: 4.5 out of 5
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I kind of knew of Dj Khaled through the mixtapes here and there, but not on a point to where if I saw him in the street I could point him out. I knew he worked heavily with Terror Squad and everybody that comes out of Miami. When I heard the couple of tracks off of the the "Listennn: The Album" I knew it was going to be straight fire! With the tons of guest stars like Kanye West, Young Jezzy, Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Trina, Rick Ross, Jadakiss, Beanie Sigel, John Legend, etc the album reminded me of a classic like Puff Daddy "No Way Out" with all the guest appearances.

What makes this cd so different then the cds out there is #1 besides underground mixtapes, no DJ has put out an album in a while and #2 Dj Khaled managed to get everybody from everywhere to get on this cd for example just look at his first single "Holla At Me" with Fat Joe, Pitbull, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Paul Wall. If you're looking for something to bump in your ride with slamming beats and tight artist go ahead and pick up Dj Khaled cd and just listennn!

TRACK HIGHLIGHTS: "Born N Raised", "Gangsta S---", "Holla At Me", "Candy Paint"

YUNG JOC

YOUNG JOC
New Joc City
Bad Boy South
www.badboyonline.com

RATING: 2.5 out of 5
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I wasn't expecting much from this down south rapper. His first time out of his corner and he rolled with P. Diddy's Bad Boy South Records that also holds the rap group hailing from Tennesse, 8 Ball and MJG. There wasn't much to his cd out of 16 songs, four of them are interludes. He wasn't really talking about the same thing other down south rappers do. I was actually surprised to see that there wasn't any excessive crusing on his cd. Mostly Young Joc talked about his rims, throwing up the dueces (the peace sign - for those who don't know) and his car. Maybe next time out of the box he will have better verses and songs. Though the beats were pretty fresh and bumping the lyrics lacked, so if you were to buy this cd - it won't get much replay value in your car unless you're really into the beats of a song.

TRACK HIGHLIGHTS: "Its Going Down", "Do Ya Bad", "Dope Boy Magic"

CHRISTINA MILIAN

CHRISTINA MILIAN
So Amazin'
Def Jam Records
www.defjam.com

RATING: 3.5 out of 5
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Though once her cd "So Amazin" sales didn't meet Def Jam Records approval, they decided to drop this New Jersey born RnB artist from their roster. Christina gave us previous hits like "AM to PM" and of course the club banger "Dip It Low" with the rapper Fabolous. I can't compare this cd to the other ones, because I haven't heard anything from them besides the singles. Though from word of mouth, I heard they weren't that good. This time around Ms. Milian hooked up with the flaming hot producers Cool & Dre and made this cd a complete one. Slow songs like "Y'all Aint Nothing" rides smooth out my speakers and the songs "Who's Gonna Ride" & "Foolin" are to her ex-boyfriend Nick Cannon. What I like about Christina is that she has her own voice and she doesn't try to sound like nobody else. Though her cds don't do great sales wise, she keeps pushing just like that rapper from the Chi did till he hooked up with Kanye and finally got his BIG break. The cd also host the song "Say I" featuring Georgia's own Young Jezzy. So if you're tired of hearing the voices of Beyonce and Mary J then you should pick up Christina Milian's cd "So Amazin".


TRACK HIGHLIGHTS: "Say I", "Y'all Ain't Nothing", "Twisted", "Hot Boy", "My Love Goes"

FIELD MOB

FIELD MOB
Light Poles and Pine Trees
Geffen Records
www.geffenrecords.com

RATING: 2.5 out of 5
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Its great to hear these guys come out after a couple of years of being absent. Its also great to see that they signed with DTP (Ludacris' record label), so I know with that I will see them more in the spot light. They're last album was good, my friend actually put me on to them. So I saw them do their thing, but I was hoping to see them come out again and late 2005/ early 2006 they appeared on Ludacris "Georgia" song. The cd has a lot of tracks, which I do like. The only thing is the songs I like are like the first few in the beginning then the cd gets boring to me. I mean the songs are ok but nothing to write home about and they end the album with the single "Georgia". They do have an addictive single with Ciara "So What" that's heating up the streets right now. I say if you're a fan, then go ahead and be loyal and get the cd. If you're not a true fan you might be disappointed in this cd, but just check out a few songs on the cd.

TRACK HIGHLIGHTS: "1 2 3", "My Wheels", "Area Code 229", "Georgia"