Trials and Tribulations…

I’d like to apologize for the server downtime that has caused the music files to be unreachable for the better part of 2 weeks.  That’s why I haven’t posted anything new.  The situation is now under control and I am back.

We’re at the homestretch of summer and the industry is desperate for late summer hits.  Ludacris and Pharrell failed terribly with “MoneyMaker.”  Mark my words, that track will not catch on.  It’s just not hot.  HOWEVER, here are a couple of certified bangers… followed by a bunch of other tracks that I’m feelin.

VALEDICTORIANS:

P Diddy & Nicole Scherzinger – Come To Me  (Diddy is a smart smart man.  First Cassie, now Nicole… who holds the majority of vocal talent of the Pussycat Dolls.  This track sounds eerily like Me & U.  Take the winning formula and flip it.  Another banger.  I know this is going on my rotation at the clubs.)

Joe Budden – Stuntin  (I’m always pulling for Joe.  He can tell a story on a track like no other, but has trouble making club bangers without some help.  Jay Z blesses the track (as well as puts some more money in his pocket) with his voice sampled on the chorus.  The beat sounds like it was produced by R Kelly… with the same whistle song used on the Jamie Foxx & Game track on Foxx’s album.  Cross your fingers for Joe.  I hope this blows up… for his sake.)

Cassie – Me & U (Ryan Leslie Remix)  (This is the last remix… I promise.  The genius behind the original Me & U beat cooks up another heater and also flows a smooth 16.  You can’t beat the original… but who can?  Definitely a worthy alternative.)

HONOR ROLL:

Penelope Jones & Mya – No Matter What They Say  (Mya’s back… and she sounds good.  The track samples Lovin You and is a huge winner in my book.  If you like the Chingy & Tyrese track, you’ll probably like this one too.)

Donell Jones & Clipse – Im Gonna Be  (So so smooooooth.  I don’t even want to write about it.  Just wanna sit back and enjoy it.)

Field Mob – Blacker The Berry  (The blacker the berry… the sweeter the juice.  The fact that this samples 2Pac is good enough for me.  Even if Field Mob completely sucked on this track, hearing Pac’s voice redeems it.  Yes, Pac is THAT good.)

Hikaru Utada – Dareka No Negai Ga Kanau Koro  (From her new album Ultra Blue.  I’m a sucker for great vocal talent backed by piano.  Yes I have 2 testicles.  Thanks for asking.)

Kierra “Kiki” Sheard – It Is What It Is  (Another R&B newcomer.  Got potential.)

Nelly Furtado – In God’s Hands  (If you’re looking for another Promicious Girl, move on.  Furtado’s versatile… and she shows it here.)

Shareefa & Ludacris – Need A Boss  (Down south monster.)

Stacie Orrico – I’m Not Missing You  (I don’t write too much for non hip hop songs.  I don’t know why I like them, I just do.  And usually… I’m right.)

like The Karate Kid… this blog is totally irresistible

Not much to say for this one… just going to post up some stuff I've been holding for a few weeks.  If you understand the relevance of the Karate Kid poster to this post, then props to you.  Otherwise, you're probably too young or have poor taste in movies.  And by poor taste I mean you didn't enjoy The Karate Kid, possibly one of the best movies of all time.

Chicago – Love Will Come Back  (Who says I don't listen to bands from the 80s?)

Talib Kweli – Listen  (Who says I don't listen to conscious hip hop?)

The Source & Candi Station – You Got The Love (New Voyager Mix)  (Who says I don't listen to non hip hop music?)

Urban Mystic & Rick Ross – I Refuse (Divine Mill Street Mix)  (Rick Ross is EVERYWHERE.)

Young Jinsu & Chris Brown – Never Change  (The new Lil Bow Wow)

Dre Robinson & Jae Millz & Papoose – Be So Cold  (He's from Boston… and he's a much better rapper than Benzino.  I guess that's not saying much…)

Dre Robinson & Dakari – Oh Yeah  ("Dre fresh on the scene like a new face… now all these broads want my seeds in their mouth like toothpaste.")

Governor Brown & Jay Bezel – Hands Up  (Diplomat afilliated.  Produced by Swizz Beats.  Well, I'm not sure it's produced by Swizz… but it definitely sounds like it.  I'd put some money on it.)

Santana & Sean Paul & Joss Stone – Cry Baby  (Interesting collabo.)

Strange Fruit Project – Special  (If you like Little Brother, check this out.  If you don't know who Little Brother is, check out Little Brother and this.  Heh.)

Aksent & Beenie Man – Zingy  (One of the most slept on club joints this year.  Hailing from the UK, Aksent comes hard.)

Cherish & Sean Paul – Do It To It  (Another one of them down south R&B anthems…)

Camron & Nicole Wray – My Life  (In my opinion… the only listenable song from the Killa Season album.  He's fell off so much since Come Home With Me… or even SDE.)

Smitty & Joe – Everyday  (Nice and easy…)