Having produced a couple of hits for A list artists, your first thought would be that the album is nothing new. Not in this case. The Dream aka Mr Christina Milan delivers on this album and his songs have been on high rotation on a number of stations. The recipe for a hot R&B/Hip Hop album: get the relevant content, have mushy tracks that lovers will dedicate to each other, club bangers or radio friendly stuff, and lastly, a sprinkle of the hottest talent out there like Kanye West on “Walking on the Moon” and Mariah Carey on “My Love”. The album has all the makings of a classic.
This is strictly for the underground fans, a CD which will go down well like a cup a soup on a cold winter day. Red & Meth have been away for so long but their chemistry is still on point. This time, they hooked up with people like Havoc (from MOBB DEEP) the legendary Pete Rock, Erick Sermon and Rockwilder - all the main chefs of the hip hop genre. Redman takes you back to the Def Squad days with Keith Murray on “Errbody Scream” and METH reminds you that Wu Tang still got it on lock with Raekwon & Ghostface Killah on “Four Minutes to Lockdown”. Good an album as this is, Blackout 1 is a tough act to follow.
Firstly, the album cover has some Linkin Parkness to it, the back cover looks like something out the history channel and to top it off, there no production credits. That's Mos Def for you. Mighty Mos is still one of the best in the game, but it should be mentioned that this album is nothing like his last offering “NEW DANGER”. He continues to take you on another journey with experimental sound. Present day hip hop is ruled by the auto tune but Mos has turned a blind eye to that. The album is very 2009 yet so 90's with all the elements of good hip hop. If you are looking for something different “THE ECSTATIC” should be first on your list. MOS keeps it real and soulful with a smidgen of rock. This album is not for the faint hearted.
This is one of most highly anticipated albums in the hip hop world, produced by Dr Dre. But it should have been called “Like I Never Left”. Em apparently did this album whilst he was at his lowest after losing his best pal “PROOF”. After being addicted to all sorts of pills, Em has made a comeback and he has new targets like Amy Winehouse, Lindsay Lohan, Kim Kardashian and Hanna Montana. Then of course; the usual suspects like Mariah Carey, Jessica Simpson and the late Christopher Reeves aka Superman. This is a good album and the sales have proven that. The album will earn him some new fans and die hard fans will be over the moon. Word has it that RELAPSE 2 is done so look out for it.
I'm quite ashamed to admit that I wasn't familiar with K'Naan's debut album titled “The Dusty Foot Philosopher”. But when I heard this new one, I knew I had to check him out. He's Somalian and he's on point. Outstanding, to say the least. This is not your typical rap album. Troubadour does not try to impress with explicit lyrics and ridiculous content, but sticks to subjects he's very familiar with, and his life's experiences. He has very interesting and diverse collaborations; like Adam Levine, Mos Def and Kirk Hammett of Metallica. The majority of the album was recorded primarily in Kingston, Jamaica where K'Naan had unlimited access to Bob Marley's original home studio at 56 Hope Road and the legendary Tuff Gong studios. This boy's going places. Get yourself this CD.
Many didn't think that this album would be possible; especially after Fergie had a very successful solo career, as well as Will.I.Am who has also become of the world's most sought after producers after releasing a hit album. This latest offering is far, far removed from their rap beginnings, so don't get this album if you want to hear songs similar to the ones from their first album. It's safe to say that they're on their way to dominating the pop world. “The E.N.D” is a feel-good, party album and only time will tell if this album will be a classic like their previous albums.
Just like his debut album, “R.O.O.T.S (Route of overcoming the Struggle)” sees Flo collaborating with a number of A Listers like Ne-Yo, Nelly Furtado, Akon, Wyclef Jean and Pleasure P. This album is purely entertaining: catchy hooks, great beats and a number of jams you can sing along to - the perfect recipe for club bangers. It's almost impossible to play this and not be tempted to dance. With an army of hot producers (Timbaland, Danja, Will.I.Am), Flo Rida can't go wrong.
