"Cudderisback" Freestyle - Kid Cudi

Stumbled across this Cudi material. I can dig it . Give it a listen here.

Lil' Wayne's - "On Fire"

"On Fire" is Wayne's third release from his upcoming Rebirth album which is slated to drop December 21st. There's really not much to say about the track, nothing spectacular. Sounds a lot less rock then the first two singles from Rebirth (Prom Queen, Hot Revolver).

Here's a link to the track.

Chris Brown's 20/20 Interview

Another interview?  I'm on my Ed Lover s*** right now, #C'MON SON. What happened to you not discussing any specifics?, or anything for that matter. By far funniest part of the interview is when the question was asked about the song Chris wrote for Rihanna. The one she said she never heard. Chris told Robin Roberts he knows she heard it, when Robin asked how he knew, Chris said " I played it for her, and the first time she heard it she cried" . C'MON Rihanna, if you heard the track why lie about it?. Man honestly I'm convinced this is a publicity stunt now. They goin' back and forth with these Interview battles?, this is old news. Folks gone forgive Chris in due time because people are flip floppy that way. Not to say I condone anything that went down. But we'll see how his album sales overall because Rihanna's first week sales were a flop. Chris Brown's "Graffiti" drops December 8th #thatisall

R.Kelly - "Untitled"

I tend to gravitate more towards R.Kelly's inspirational music, with an occasional club banger or "sexy" song (For those who don't know I like "Sexy" music) here and there. My thing about R.Kelly is I don't think he's "that" bad and artist, I can acknowledge that he makes hits, just don't think it's quite my groove.

Surprisingly the album actually kind of knocks I have to admit it. "Exit" and "Echo" lead off the album and they had me groovin. He went back to vintage Kells on this Project, with a few tracks attempting to keep up with the times. I dig the smooth vibe of "Whole Lotta Kisses", and there's something about "Number One"Ft Keri Hilson that initially hearing it I was immediately hooked. I think they're chemistry was just that good for me. One of those tracks that did just enough in every category. Digs it. Some folks didn't agree with me but "Pregnant" is my S***. That track is groovy.

Overall the album lyrically is not too bad, probably because the content is sexy and I'm biased towards that kind of material. Not a Kells fan, but throughout His career I give props when there due, and I must say the album is pretty solid. The tracks I mentioned before of him trying to stay hip to the times could have been left off the album honestly.

Stand Out Tracks : "Exit", "Echo", "Number One","Pregnant"

On The Groove Scale ...it registers a 7

"Tune In" -Lykke Li's - "Youth Novel"

 

   I was introduced to Lykke Li on Drake's So Far Gone mixtape on the track "Little Bit" which he remixed for his project . I was recently re-introduced to her while watching a performance on Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance", which featured the track "Time Flies"

The organized noise on "Dance Dance Dance" had some depth to it with the various instruments used. Listening to the album puts me in a place where it feels like I should be painting or doing something artsy, it's real chilled.

 The album is Melodically engaging, Her small voice is some sort of Intoxicating and the instrumentation on tracks like "Trumpet In My Head" tell their own story without much dialogue. Looking forward to future material from Lyyke Li , this provided as a nice appetizer for more to come. It's a cool project. Tune In and check it out!

Stand Out Tracks: "Let It Fall", "Little Bit", and "Time Flies", which is my favorite track on the album.

On The Groove Scale...it registers a 7

Here's a link to listen to album

Alicia Keys "The Element Of Freedom"

If you're following me on twitter then you should know that I haven't been feeling any of the material released from Alicia Keys newest effort. None of the singles blew me away, or even built any anticipation for the release. Her first single "Doesn't Mean Anything" sounds like a 2009 sequel to "If I Ain't Got You", been there heard that Alicia, give me something new.

She probably should have held released "Empire State Of Mind (Part II)" before Hov released The Blueprint 3 because without him on the Track the song just isn't the same.I'm  always one for an acoustic version of a track but this one falls on deaf ears. Hov should Thank Ms. Keys for one of (maybe the biggest) hit he's had to date.

 "Put It In A Love Song" Ft Beyonce' has elements of Get me Bodied in the beat, but its very faint.Can't Say I'm feelin the track that much though. With that combo of talent Alicia should have just played the Piano and let B just destroy the track with those vocals. (I.E. "Impossible"-Christina Aguilera)

A sinking album was given some breathe by "Like The Sea" . I can Dig the concept of the song in terms of Love discovered and the UP's, and then you start getting to those down's and being taken "Under". "Love Is Blind" is my favorite track on the album right now. Her vocals are raw and intense, a good blend with the hypnotic feel of the beat.

Overall I'm not impressed at all.Her singing has declined since "Songs In A Minor" and the substance although relevant to many is repetitive and lacks creativity. The Production isn't even impressive.I've been anticipating a new release from Alicia Keys for so long and this is what she gives me/us? Maybe I needed to lower my standards to appreciate the album more, but if I have to lower my standards then that speaks for itself. I'll see what you all have to say.

Stand Out Tracks:

"Distance And Time" " Love Is My Disease" "That's How Strong My Love Is" " Love Is Blind"


On The Groove Scale....it registers a 6 

Listen To The Album here

Grammy Nominations

The 52nd Grammy Award Nominations have been released, and Beyonce leads all Nominations with 10. Impressive B! Taylor Swift reeled in 8 Nods, while Kanye West, Maxwell, and The Black Eyed Peas each brought in 6 nominations. Jay-Z  and Lady Gaga got recognized 5 times each.

Other nominees include Eminem, Flo Rida, Q-Tip, Mos Def, Common, T.I. ,Drake, Keri Hilson ,Rihanna, Jamie Foxx , T-Pain , Indie.Arie ,Musiq Soulchild( 3 Nods), & Mary J. Blige

The 52nd Grammy Awards ceremony is scheduled to be held on January 31, 2010, and will be held at Los Angeles' Staples Center. Check it out and see who goes home with the most Trophies!

Rihanna "Rated R"

     Figured I'd do a review on Rated R. Don't really no where to begin with this Album. Rihanna has never been a "singer" to me, BUT, her voice isn't unbearable, not to mention she always has some heat in the form of producers/writers. Kudos to Ne-Yo for penning "Russian Roulette" which to me is the best track on the album,very infectious.  The feel of the track vocally,lyrically and production wise was just the right blend. I think I have a thing for the Island accent which is why I don't mind " Wait Your Turn", glad to see she went back to her roots on that one. I kind of dig the smooth vibe of "Te Amo" . Rated R has an eerie, dark feeling through the project. I feel like I need to have a vile of Holy Water by my side when listening to it. The album as a whole was pretty disappointing, in addition the first week sales doesn't add anything to her credits. A Poor Follow Up to "Good Girl Gone Bad"

Stand Out Tracks : "Russian Roulette ", "Cold Case Love", " Hard"

On The Groove Scale....it Registers a 5.5

"Tune In" - Chill Moody's "The iIL-Chill Project"

     I got Tuned In to Chill Moody on Twitter a couple months back and decided to download his newest Mixtape "The iIL-Chill Project" and I gotta say I got a good vibe from it. Here's some background info on the project. " Four Months ago West Philly Natives Chill Moody (Rapper) and iiL Meel (producer) decided to join forces and create a mixtape. The result of the collaboration comes in the form of a 23 track originally produced release that some are calling a full fledged album. The iIL-Chill Project was released Friday, November 13th at 11:13am and by 11:24am had received 100 downloads just  through word of mouth. With features from Add-2, Dominique Laure, Damo, Twan D. and Boogie Mandela and many more. Check out what all the fuss is about".                    

Now to the "The iIL-Chill Project" Review:

If your lookin' for some refreshing Lyrics/flow and production Check out "The iIl-Chill Project".If I didn't know this was a self promoted unsigned project I would have thought it was just a signed "Underground" artist. Chill's approach on the project is as if he's a seasoned vet, I sense full comfort in the delivery, no hesitation. The chemistry and Collaboration of Chill and Producer iiL Meel is a nice "One,Two" punch of cohesive creativity. Conceptually the Album has a lot of Elements,including some comedy in the form of "PSA's" and  Interludes, and Substance oozes from track to track with Creative word-play,metaphors and similes.One track in Particular "War In My Mind" (Ft Stones) where Chill debates and battles internally with which direction to take with his craft. The Instrumentals are full of soul, just the kind of music I can dig. It's only right that I put it on the "Groove Scale"..and it registers a Solid 8. Keep doin' ya Thing Chill!

Stand Out Tracks:
"Where You Are", "Wat I Spit Fo' " "War In My Mind" "iHATErappers" "You Got Wat" "Hip Hop Don't Fade Away", and the "outChro"

You can download "The iIL-Chill Project" here
Extras: If You wanna check out the Making of the album cover click here

For more info on Chill Moody Tune In to:
www.chillmoody.com
twitter: @chillmoody
facebook.com/chillmoody
chillmoody@hotmail.com

Chris Brown's "Graffiti"

     Chris Brown's Follow up to "Exclusive Isn't a bad piece of work. "I Can Transform Ya" Kind of grew on me after a couple hundred listens. Swizz can make a club banger without even trying.
"Sing Like Me" Grooves a lil' bit, nice production and vocals. It has a "Invented Sex" kind of feel to it, meaning the "wait till I get you to the crib" type of thing.

     Don't really see what the Hub Bub is about with "Crawl" , I guess because people think it's about Rihanna? ..eh.. I've heard better ballads from Chris.

     I must say I'm diggin "So Cold" the beat drives the track mixed with the flow of the vocals gets a good groove going. Until the end that is, breakdown doesn't fit the track, and the hype man isn't needed. "Famous Girl"'s production is impressive, track knocks and incorporates some funky instrumentation. Vocals dance effortless over the track. Thought "Take My Time" had a Pretty Ricky feel until Tank came and blessed the track with some stellar vocals. "Wait" Ft Trey Songz goes kinda hard. The Beat is bananas. Track Could have done without The Game though.
      Graffiti has a good mix of Bangers and ballads. The concept stays pretty consistent throughout. Love discovered, lost a couple times, yet seems like it ends with a unfulfilled,longing feel. Solid Album, Production team was on point, feel like the momentum of the album died down towards the end but all in all nice follow up to Exclusive .

     Since I like alot of the material upon this first listen I'll point out some of the low points for me " I.Y.A." just does't seem to fit with the album flow, "Lucky Me" would have been good except for the chorus. It ruins the track for me. "Fallin Down" and "Girlfriend", which Lupe Fiasco probably should have stayed off.  This track sounds like a 2nd hand B'More club song. Again Solid Project!

On The Groove Scale....It registers a 8

Listen to the album here

A lil' Extra: " I Love You" Ft Ester Dean . Tracks not on the album but it grooves.  Get It Here

Snoop Dogg "Malice N Wonderland"

Snoop Dogg brings to us his 10th studio album "Malice N Wonderland". Snoop gives us a new twist to and oldie in "I Wanna Rock" which features a sample from popular groove " It Takes Two" (Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock)
"1800" Ft Lil Jon fails as a club banger, it seems as if Lil Jon's time has expired.
A random highlight on the album is "Different Languages" ft Jazmine Sullivan, she always adds somethin' groovy to a track as she ever so effortlessly sings over the track  " Im from the east coast but im ballin ,so hard a n**** got me crip walkin im from the suburbs but its that good make a good girl wanna get to the hood" in this exclamation of how the love is so good it has her speaking in different languages.

 "Gangsta Luv" Ft The Dream is rather annoying,while "Special" Ft Brandy , Pharrell is probably the best track/collaboration on the project. Typical Snoop on the track, real laid back and smooth. Brandy's vocals don't sound bad and surprsingly neither does Pharell's.

"Secrets" Made me wanna throw up the "West Side" sign and do my old head bop with a lil' cup of some spirits in one hand.

I can appreciate that the album wasn't overloaded with tracks. Production was sub-par at best, even though "Upside Down" knocks. Lyrics/concepts were typical Snoop. Not Impressed by any means. But it wasn't a complete disappointment. 

Stand Out Tracks: "Different Languages", " Special" & "I Wanna Rock"

On The Groove Scale....it registers a 6

Groove here
 for a link to listen to the album from the good folks at www.rapgodfathers.com

Melanie Fiona "The Bridge"

Production on the project is Stellar,reminiscent of Amy Winehouse mixed with some elements of Solange's album. "The Bridge" sounds much older/more mature than some of today's music. Melanie emerges amongst a time where looks outweigh talent .There's only about a handful of female R&B artist that can actually sing, and she's one of them.She possesses a sultry voice. Some tracks like " Please Don't Go" keep the album from becoming boring, it has a do wop feel to them, Straight out of the Temptations era." Walk On By" never made a scorned female sound so good.Though "Give It To Me Right" was the first single,"It Kills Me" Displays just enough of the vocals to entice a listener ,and the production on the track is crazy groovy. As a new artist she has a ways to go . But her album is pretty solid. One of those chilled grooves you play at a moderate volume until that one track comes on that you just can't help but blast.

Stand out tracks: "Give It To Me Right" "You Stop My Heart" " It Kills Me"

On The Groove Scale .... It Registers a 7.5

Also Check out an interview with Melanie Fiona by a friend of mine Ms. Arianna Davis for Rap.com . Tune In here people

Dame Dash Brings Us : "The BlackRoc Project"

Dame Dash got together with The Black Keys to bring us this ecletic mash up album. The album was recorded in 11 days , by 11 artists (Billy Danze,Jim Jones, Nicole Wray, NOE, Ludacris, Mos Def, ODB, Pharoahe Monch, Q-Tip, Raekwon & RZA) that birthed 11 tracks which was released this previous Black Friday. The album has a hypnotic groove to it curtesy of The Black Keys. Stand Out tracks for me were "On The Vista", "Why Can't I Forget About Him", "Stay Off The Fuckin' Flowers","Ain't Nothin' Like You"and "What You Do To Me" . Final Thoughts : An artistically Interesting project. Black Keys lent some rugid synth sonic sounding instrumentals to the project. Random Artist ensemble, but made for some groovy collabs here and there. Lookin' forward to some more mash-ups like this. On The Groove Scale...registers a 7

 Groove on over here to this Rap Godfathers Forum for A Listen and Make some Comments. Invite your friends to comment to. Appreciate It!

The Clipse " Till The Casket Drops"

Album is kinda Dope .Don't know what this is gonna do for their record sells though. Real Hip Hop heads will appreciate the project. Production is bananas as expected. The intro " Freedom" goes hard, and the momentum keeps goin through Neptunes Produced tracks like "Popular Demand", "Counseling" & the victorious track "Champion". Most of the material im sure we've all heard with the numerous release date delays ("Kind Of A Big Deal", "I'm Good", "Doorman"). Lyrically it's nothin new, typical Clipse Material/concepts, yet it's still groovy if your a Clipse fan, if your not it may make you dig in the crates for some previous material. Bottom Line : Production is solid, Lyrics...eh... somewhat repetitive and expected, but good nonetheless. The features weren't overwhelming .I fear that they'll still face the "slept on" label for awhile longer. On the Groove Scale...Registers a 7

Listen to it here

Priscilla Renea "Jukebox" Album Review

Since being introduced to this artist with her smooth tempo laid back vocal arrangement on "Hello My Apple" I've anticipated what her debut album would sound like.
For an artist so young she's written the majority of her album. There's a certain maturity level that manifest throughout the album. There's a nice blend of up tempo tracks and the more ballad driven tracks. The album has a refreshing feel to it. From rebellious female anthem-esk "Dollhouse" to more cater to you type tracks such as "StoneGarden" , "Bacon & Eggs". Priscilla tries to school us all on "early sexin" as she refers to as in "Rockabye Baby" a tale about the struggles of dealing with unwanted pregnancy, but its laced in a uptempo beat so its not depressing. The album tells a few stories that we can all relate to at some point in time. For those who know me and for those who don't, I Love vocals, and she packs some. My Stand out Vocal display tracks are "Fixing My Hair" & "Pretty Girl" . Final Thoughts : Pretty solid groove. It's what I expected it to be. On the Groove Scale it registers a 7.5

Experience the album here

Lupe Fiasco's " Enemy OF The State: A Love Story" Mixtape

Solid Mixtape for Mr. Fiasco . He starts the project off with "The National Anthem" where Lupe displays his Collegiate,Higher Education Wordplay intertwined with his Political flow.Groovy!. The mixtape has some heat in the form of his "Fireman"(Lil Wayne) track, crazy!. Can't say I was feelin the "Angels" (Remix) flow . Stand out tracks for me are "So Ghetto" , "Say Somethin' & "Popular Demand". That beat is kinda serious. Im hearing He might make a Remix appearance on The Official track with The Clipse. Final Thought: Lupe kept the Mixtape short and sweet. Said more in its short time then some artist whole albums. Groove Scale (1 - 10) I'll give it a solid 8.

Here's A link for those who haven't Experienced the mixtape yet;