Joe:If I Was Your Man

If I Was Your Man

The PK, preacher’s kid is back and soulful as ever. Joe Thomas, better known as Joe just dropped his latest album Ain’t Nothing Like Me on April 24th. This album is a collection of songs that are snapshots from his own life. “At this point in my life after being in the industry since I was 19 years old, this is more like a reflection of me and all the things I've seen in life. This album really captures my own journey," says Joe.

The album features Papoose and Yung Joc with production from Jermaine Dupri, Dre & Vidal, Tim & Bob, Brian Michael Cox, Stargate and Sean Garrett.

His second single of the album, “If I Was Your Man”, exposes a more personal side if this distinctive voice in R&B. Joe explains how he would give up the world if he can get back with the women of his dreams. He only gets a part of her and he wants it all.

The video for this particular song does a great job explaining the lyrics. It starts out with Joe so much in love with this women. They look like there is no one else but them. Then, the story flips when you find out she has a husband, Blair Underwood, and Joe is just second string. Feel this artist pain by checking him out on You Tube.

Hilary Duff: With Love

With Love

This childhood star is growing up and she is doing it in front of the world. Hilary Duff born September 28, 1987 is an actress, fashion designer, and a singer. She is known for being the trendy Lizzy McGuire on the hit show on the Disney. She has now grown up and moved on to music.

Hilary’s first album Metamorphosis was #1 on the Billboard 200 and went on to sell more than 2 million copies with the #1 single So Yesterday. She definitely has shown she can succeed at anything she puts her mine to. No wonder why the “tweens’ love her.

Hilary says she loves singing and performing because through her music she can show the world her true self. On April 3, her latest album, Dignity was released and the first single, “With Love” has Ms. Duff and her fans spinning in a new direction. It has a techno pop rock feel if that is possible. Her voice is a sexy husky as she sings the words “just do with it love.” She is telling the world be straight with her… don’t beat around the bush with this barely legal star. You can be blunt, tell her she is coming on to strong…just do it everything with love. I give this song a cool C.

Ne-Yo: Because of You

Because of You

Shaffer C. Smith, better known as Ne-Yo, just released his sophomore album, Because of You, this week and this singer/songwriter came back hard. This man has been busy between albums writing hit songs for R&B artist such as Mario, Mary J. Blige, B2K, Faith Evans, Musiq, and his latest song hit “Irreplaceable” written for Beyonce. The one artist Ne-Yo would like to write for and hasn’t gotten the chance to, is Prince.

I must say that this Def Jam artists latest project seems to have a lot of style from the artist formerly known as… and he does his sound mixed with his own very well. The debut single, which is also the title of the album, is called, “Because of You”. It is a nice mix of classic Ne-Yo with new sounding Ne-Yo.

The song is a classic love song, which he is known for. He explains how a girl makes him feel better than anything he has ever felt before. “I know this much is true you’ve become my addiction… I’m so strung out on you” He plays it like she is his drug and he uses the play on words nicely in this top charting song. Check out this future star on YouTube.

DJ Khaled: We Taken Over

We Taken Over

This Terror Squad member is very proud to be Palestinian-American. Khaled Khaled, which is Arabic for eternal, better known as DJ Kahled, is a DJ and radio personality in South Florida at WEDR 99 Jamz where he controls the airwaves from 6pm to 11pm in the TakeOver with K. Foxx.

His semi-successful first album, Listenn…The Album, was released the summer of 2006. The album featured an array of artist such as Chamillionare, Twista, John Legend, and many more and “Holla At Me” premiered on MTV’s “Making the Video.

Now, DJ Kahled has finally made his breakthrough hit off his sophomore album, We The Best, and his first single, “We Taken Over” features a powerhouse of rap artist. The line up includes T.I., Rick Ross, Fat Joe, Baby, and Lil’ Wayne and the man that brings all these men together in the hook, the R&B top charter, Akon.

This song explains how DJ Kahled and these hip-hop men are going to take the world by storm. Akon belts out, “If you want to we can supply you. Got enough work to feed the hold town…Come around and try to stomp on our ground ‘cause we taken over… one city at a time!” On top of these don’t mess with me type of feel you get a great hip-hop produced by no other than DJ Kahled and 5 rappers adding their fire to the track.

This is not one of those songs that grows on you because if you are a hip-hop fan it will draw you in from the first note and keep you tuned till Lil’ Wayne says his last line. Check out the song and video here courtesy of You Tube and you watch all these top-named featured artist rescue DJ Kahled.

Avril Lavigne: Girlfriend

Girlfriend

Avril Lavigne is being who ever she wants to be. After being interested in music and learning how to play the guitar as a child, she performed everywhere she got the chance. At 16 she was probably one of the luckiest kids in America. The L.A. Reid heard her sing and he was amazed by her voice. Once he discovered she wrote her own material he signed her to Arista Records. She then hit it big with her debut song “Complicated” in the summer of 2002.

Now she is back to finally release her third album, The Best Damn Thing Ever, and it cannot be anything other than a pop-rock album. She did not hold back at all after she married Deryck Whibley, member of Sum41. This album is more teen spirited than ever and her first single is definitely making a statement saying... I’m still young and want to have fun.

“Girlfriend” made its debut on the Hot 100 Billboard at number 5. It was the highest debut single Avril has ever had. This is one of those songs that makes you want to get on a bed and jump around while singing into a brush. Avril sings, “I don’t like your girlfriend… I think you need a new one…I could be your girlfriend.” This is a very light-hearted play around song and if that is what Lavigne was going for… she did it. The only complaint with this song: Avril, if you want a kiddie song than suggest you don’t use words like muth*f*ck*. Thanks. I give this song a C.

Rihanna feat Jay-Z: Umbrella

Umbrella feat. Jay-Z

Rihanna is back with her third album Good Girls Gone Bad, set to be released June 5, 2007. The last time we heard from this 19 year old Cover Girl was her last smash hit S.O.S. released in 2004. I am hear to tell you, she has switched up her sound once again. According to her official website, she said, “I feel like I want to do a lot of uptempo songs. I want to keep people dancing but still be soulful at the same time."

The lead single, “Umbrella” has a feature by no other than Jay-Z, the man who signed her to Def Jam records. The song was produced by Christopher “Tricky Stewart and Terius “The Dream” Nash who produced Britney Spears and Madonna’s hit “Me against the music.”This song is very rock hip-hop which seems to be the current style in urban music. A lot of artist are ready to “Party like a Rock Star”. Umbrella has a catchy hook that reminds a lot of Ashely Simpson’s “L.O.V.E’.

There is not a video for this song yet but listen to it, hear…thanks to you tube. It is a good song if you need some uplifting from a friend. With lyrics like, “Said I'll always be a friend ,Took an oath I'ma stick it out till the end ,Now that it's raining more than ever Know that we'll still have each other, You can stand under my umbrella…”, how can you not want to be there for someone in their time of need. Good Job Rihanna! You changed up your sound and succeeded.

I give this song a B+!

Musiq: Buddy

Buddy

Luvanmusiq, Musiq’s first album from Atlantic Records is definite reminder that no matter where he goes he will not change. He said he used this album to reintroduce himself to the world. Not that he needs any reintroduction. His debut album, Ijustwanasing (2000), was good enough to know that he will be back.

Musiq Soulchild, born as Taalib Johnson, grew up in Philadelphia. Even though he never finished high school he did have one thing, music. He was inspired by the voices of Billie Holiday, James Brown, Patti Labelle, and Sly and the Family Stone. As an early teen, he performed at open mic spots around Philly.

Mama’s Boys, his management team, brought him to the attention of Def Jam and due to his talent he was immediately signed. He recorded his first three albums there. The second, Juslisen, debuted at number one on the Billboard RnB/hip-hop charts. His third album, Soulstar, became global.

Now, at Atlantic the release of his new album has a major single, BUDDY. Musiq, known for spelling a few words has not lost his touch. This song is a feel good old school song that Detroit and Chicago steppers could groove too. Musiq sings as a man trying to get a girl to be a so-called buddy by spitting game to her. This song could be a girl’s nightmare if men try to use pick-up lines from this tune, but it is definitely catchy. With lyrics like, “Sorry if I come off disrespectful, But my convo is a little bit too sexual, But, d*mn, it's incredible, Be more flexible, ‘cause the contents of this text is special” Speaking as a woman… I might talk to a guy if he was that smooth. 


The video is also fun… Buddy, the video, is Musiq walking down the city street trying to get a beautiful young lady. Check it out on You Tube! Musiq has been a fine of mine for years and I can give nothing less than a “A” to this man of “music.”

Linkin Park: What I've Done

News Spin: What I've Done

Today, Monday 16th, the biggest school shooting in U.S. History took place on Virginia Tech’s campus in Blacksburg, Virginia. Thirty-two people have been killed and there are also many with injuries. The shooter then killed his self after shooting those at the second location.

The first shooting was roughly at 7:30 this morning in the schools dormitory and apparently he made his way across campus into a school building shooting students and teachers in their classroom…That’s another investigation in itself.

This is a sad day for us as American. We either are in college, been in college, or know someone in college… and this is just a reminder that those you love can die of senseless violence. Since this sight is about music I will let a music group explain it better.

It’s been since 2004 since Linkin Park has released an album and it is good to have them back. After a bold move to mix their array of hits with the Jay-Z’s hits, a rap pioneer, they have been missed. This group is an old school hip hop mixed with new age electric rock sound and they to me…. are one of a kind.

Linkin Park’s latest video, “What I’ve Done”, from their up and coming album, Minutes to Midnight, is a call out to America’s foreign and domestic policies by getting a montage of clips describing today’s war tone world. The lyrics to this rocked out song are a little murky. I’m not sure whom he is talking about or if he is apologizing for someone. For some reason though, the lyrics and this video work. Check it out… and get involved! A new president is coming in 2008 so know whom you are voting for.

This post is dedicated to those who lost their lives today at Virginia Tech and my thoughts and prayers are with their families.

Gym Class Heroes: Cupid's Chokehold

Cupids Chokehold

Gym Class Heroes is a alternative hip hop band from Geneva, New York. The group uses live instuments intstead of a beat machine and it gives them a street edge like the hip hop group The Roots. The group original formed in 1997 when lead singer Travis McCoy and drummer Matt McGinley become friends in their high school gym class. They teamed up with guitarist Milo Bonacci and bassist Ryan Geise.

As Cruel as School Children is Gym Class Heroes latest album. Their latest single, “Cupids Chokehold” featuring Patrick Stump from Fall Out Boy, is the number 8 single on the Billboard’s Hot 100. “Cupids Chokehold” is a Breakfast in America remake written by Roger Hodgson and Rick Davis and the band pulls it off to be a new hit.

This twisted love song explains how good love can be and how fast it can be taken away. “I know I'm young but if I had to choose her or the sun, I'd be one nocturnal son of a gun” These lyrics might be cheesy but it works with Gym Class Heroes corky since of style.



The music video is not to shabby either. The lyrics are brought to life on this cheap shot at cupid himself. A little boy is dresses up as cupid break dancing his way into making Travis fall in love. This is a cute must see. Since this band is new to the scenes…. Check out their website and get to know this up and coming group of young men. They are currently touring the world on Gwen Stefani’s tour The Sweet Escape. So, watch out.

Amy Winehouse: Rehab

Rehab

Amy Winehouse , 23, is an an award winning British soul singer. She may be unknown to a lot of Americans but she is now performing a sold out tour overseas. This jazz style vocalist is a voice to reckoned with. With chops compared to Aretha Franklin and the late Etta James how can you not want to at least see what this young lady from London has to offer.

Her sophomore album, Back to Black, is buzzing in the music world. It embraces the oversized production techniques employed by Phil Spector, the pop of Berry Gordy’s Motown Records.

Her latest single Rehab and the must-hear song that opens the second album from Winehouse, is a Motown-style winner with a banging beat and a lovesick bad girl testifying the words, “They tried to make me got to rehab but I said no no no…” there’s a high chance that you would want to hear what comes next from this soulful voice. Universal records explains her as taken solace in the music of Ray Charles and Donny Hathaway.

I give this song a C, but there are a few songs on the album that are A worthy. If you are still wondering who this new name might be check out the video on You tube. It will give you a real look into whom Ms. Winehouse truly is.

Lloyd: Get it Shawty

Get It Shawty

For R&B singer Lloyd Polite, success is not taken lightly. Singing has always been natural for this New Orleans native because he comes from a musical background. His mother played piano and sang in the church choir, while his father directed the choir and played saxophone. His parent’s was the inpiration for him to pursue music. As a pre-teen he was signed with a group and got to experience the spot light but by the age of 14, the R&B trio, Ntoon, was disband and he moved to Decatur, GA where he finished high school.

Now, this 20- year old singer and songwriter is debuting his sophomore album, Street Love. The new album is a healthy blend of old school flavor, flawless vocals and stellar production by Big Reese J-Lack, and none other than Jazze Phizzle himself.

I must say this album shocked me. I didn’t expect it to be this good and his latest single “Get it Shawty” is more than good. The song makes you want to bob your head from the first note and dance by the time the hook hits. Even though the hook is pretty basic by just saying “Get it Shawty” …it works. The bass and the echo techno sound make this a club hit!


The video is not that shabby either. The shoot consists of only three scenes but it backs up what this song is…something to dance to. I give Mr. Polite a big B.

Nelly Furtado: Say it Right

Say It Right

Grammy award winner Nelly Furtado whom was raised in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada grew into the music scene after spending countless summers with her mother cleaning houses. She turned to R&B artist like Mariah Carey, TLC, and Bel Biv Devoe. She also was exposed to rock artist like Radiohead, Oasis, the Verve, and U2 by sneaking into her older brother’s music collection. She became intrigued by music and deviled in playing the guitar and ukulele.

After high school she moved to Canada and worked by day and played in a hip-hop duo Nelstar at night. She let loose and began to merge all her styles of music together including Brazilian to create a funky sound.

Nelly’s third record, Loose, is another applause for this Portuguese-Candadian singer. She worked with producer Timbaland who definitely put his foot in this album. He laid down more than 60% percent of the tracks including Promiscuous, Maneater, any many more. One of Nelly’s latest single, Say it Right, was also produced by the hit making genius. They defenitely have a music chemistry that is undeniable.

Say it right starts sort of eerie with bass and drums and the tribal sounding voice of Timbaland. This is definitely a free flowing club hit. With lyrics like, “You either stand or you fall, When your will is broken, When it slips from your hand, When there's no time for joking, There's a hole in the plan” you cant help but sit back and think while you listen to the rhythmic drums and the dancing sounds of Nelly’s voice.

The video is also very basic which makes it a pleasure to watch. Now that a lot of videos look like movies...just to focus on Nelly, Timbaland and few dancers makes it easier to watch the video and pay attention to the lyrics.

In conclusion, if you do not already own the album, Loose, and you like more than two of her singles... why do you not have it? I rate this song a B++ BUT I give the beat an A!

Beyonce and Shakira: Beautiful Liar

Beautiful Liar

Beyonce will be re-releasing her B’day album on April 3rd. The album will include five new songs and six songs in Spanish. She teamed up with Shakira on her latest single, “Beautiful Liar”, on the re-release of “B’Day.” With two signature style voices like Beyonce and Shakira you can’t expect anything but a unique song from these divas.

Chuck Taylor from Rolling Style describes this song as an enterprising threading of an R&B rhythmic pulse and Latin horns, alongside fiery Middle Easter instrumental hooks.

The video is really what sales this song for me. If I had heard the song before I saw the video than I might not haven given this unexpected duet a fair shot. The video shows a sexy side of Shakira and Beyonce dancing like they would almost be twins.


Due to Beyonce’s light complexion and Shakira’s dark complexion the pair pull of this illusion very well. Their hair is styled the same and they dance and wear the same outfit in the second half of the video for a sexy treat. Beyonce can move her hips like Shakira and Shakira can shake that butt like Beyonce.

I give the video an A- for its creative and two beautiful women who know how to work it. The song on the either hand is very unique in it’s own right. For it to be two divas singing together…. they sing together not like they are competing and for that I give it B.

T-Pain: Buy U a Drank

T-pain

T-pain, the man in love with a stripper, is back. “Buy U a Drank”, his first single from his sophomore album “Epiphany” definitely is something you can bob your head to.

T- Pain is known for using a vocoder to make his voice unique and it seems to be working. This smooth R&B track is t-pain having a conversation with a woman at a bar. It does not have much depth or meaning but it is something that men in a club can relate to. Who hasn’t seen a man try to buy a women a drink in the club… after a few free drinks who knows what type of situation that woman can get in to.

This track also contains a feature from the platinum rapper Young Joc and with rhymes like, “Now were both bout tip sy, You say you in the mood , All i need is bout a hour , Better yet maybe two” you can’t help but visulize where this night be headed if he buys her a drink.

Charles Perez from Rolling Stone said, Mr. Pain has had a busy first quarter, already charting with R. Kelly's "I'm a Flirt" and Bow Wow's "Outta My System"—but now he's prepped for headlining glory, destined to follow previous top 10s "I'm Sprung" and "I'm in Luv (Wit a Stripper).” I must admit that I really thought T-pain was a joke when he first appeared in the music scene and know I can see that he is here to stay and I’m ok with that. He is entertaining and fun. I rate this song a B-.

Norah Jones: Thinking About You

Norah Jones

Blue Note recording aritst, Norah Jones was born March 30, 1979. She is an acclaimed young jazz vocalist with a sultry voice. Jones is also more than a voice she plays the piano and writes her own lyrics. Being inspired by musicians like Billie Holiday and Bill Evans, she is definitely an old soul.

Her latest album, Not Too Late, hit the shelves January 30th and it has been getting mixed reviews since the day of release. A writer from Buzzugar says " I have mixed feelings about Norah Jones. On the one hand, I think she's very talented, but sometimes, I wonder why someone my age chooses to make music that's so often stodgy. That said, however, I like what I've heard so far of Jones' new album"

Norah’s debut single from Not Too Late is entitled “Thinking About You” and she has not strayed too far from her original sound and Jones’ irresistible charm paints the material in warm, comforting shades of grey.

Metzger from BMG Records said, “Thinking about You” has Chicago-style horns and they become color to an arrangement that draws upon the easy-going sophistication of Steely Dan. The subsequent Broken bears hints of Bob Dylan and The Band, and its minimalist orchestration is sublimely moody.

With lyrics like, 'My cold hands needed a warm, warm touch and I was thinkin' about you', you might think the song is very basic and a little rhyme happy, but her voice and sound of the jazz band makes it all fit into this nice little package.

The video is also a very interesting creation with a lot of animation. Jones takes you into her head litrally. I give this song a C+. I like it but I don't love it, but that voice of hers will always get an A in my book.

The Lyrics

Yesterday I saw the sun shining

and the leaves were falling down softly

My cold hands needed a warm, warm touch

I was thinkin' about you

But here I am lookin' for signs to lead me

You hold my hand but do you really need me

I guess it's time for me to let you go

But I'll be thinkin' about you

I'll be thinkin' about you

Will you sail across the ocean waters

and you reach the other side safely

Well could you smile a little smile for me

Cause I'll be thinkin' about you

I'll be thinkin' about you

I'll be thinkin' about you

I'll be thinkin' about you

Chris Daughtry: Its Not Over

Chris Daughtry

North Carolina native, Chris Daughtry released his first album, Daughtry on 19 records/RCA. An American Idol contestant from season 5, is a now a rock star in his own right. With his new band Daughtry, a band that Chris hand picked himself, they may have scored a smash hit with their first single, “It’s Not Over” and it definitely wont stop for this American Idol singer in Hollywood.

“It’s Not Over” starts off with Chris' rough but smooth voice and a simple electirc guitar. As the hook approaches so does his emotions he belts out with harmony and axe leads. Daughtry might remind you of a smiliar sounding group, Nickelback and thier lead vocalist Chad Kroeger, but do not be fooled... he is no Chad. Chris Daughtry definelty has something that makes his his voice his own.

The lyrics of this song have power by just reading them. "It's not over" explains how a man and his love can not end... "My life with you means everything, So I won't give up that easily.I’ll blow it away, blow it away..." because no matter the pain they face, they are meant for eachother.

The "It's Not Over" video is a very heartfelt midway cheesy production. The story line focuses on a man who left his pregnant girlfriend behind as he spent years in jail. His girlfriend picks him up when he is realeased and he finally meets his at least 6 year old daughter. He struggles finding a job and it puts stress on his relationship. He ends up getting a job and a nice little surprise is left at the end of the video.

It's Not Over

I was blown away.What could I say?It all seemed to make sense.You've taken away everything,And I can't deal with that.I try to see the good in life,But good things in life are hard to find.I’ll blow it away, blow it away.

Can we make this something good?Well, I'll try to do it right this time around.Let's start over.I'll try to do it right this time around.It's not over.

’Cause a part of me is dead and in the ground.This love is killing me,But you're the only one.It's not over.I've taken all I can take,And I cannot wait.We're wasting too much time Being strong and holding on.Can't let it bring us down.My life with you means everything,So I won't give up that easily.I’ll blow it away, blow it away.Can we make this something good?'Cause it's all misunderstood.Well, I'll try to do it right this time around.

Let's start over.I'll try to do it right this time around.It's not over.’Cause a part of me is dead and in the ground.This love is killing me,But you're the only one.It's not over.We can't let this get away.Let it out, let it out.Don't get caught up in yourself.Let it out.Let's start over.I'll try to do it right this time around.It's not over.’Cause a part of me is dead and in the ground.This love is killing me,But you're the only one.It's not over.Let’s start over.It's not over, yeah...This love is killing me,But you're the only one.It's not over.

Carrie Underwood: Before He Cheats

Carrie Underwood

Underwoods' debut album cover.

Carrie Underwood, 23, former American Idol winner, has been making quite a name for herself. Her debut album, Some Hearts, has been getting a lot of buzz. After taking home two Grammys, one for best female country vocalist and for her No. 1 song “Jesus take the wheel” she showed the world that she is not going to be an Idol has been.

“Before her Cheats” is Underwood’s latest single and it leaves quite a message. As Underwood sings, she explains how her man is cheating on her with other woman as she speaks and he has no clue that Underwood is getting revenge while he is enjoying his night out on the town.

Right as the song starts, it becomes aggressive with a raging guitar, cymbals, drums, and everything a country song is. Underwood’s soft country twang voice comes out a little rougher in this song. She goes explaining what her man is probably doing with another woman as she speaks. The song takes an aggressive tone in the hook as she explains how she is destroying his precious 4-wheel drive to teach him a lesson.

With lyrics like… “I dug my key into the side of his pretty little suped up 4 wheel drive, carved my name into his leather seat... I took a Louisville slugger to both headlights, slashed a hole in all 4 tires...” he will get the picture not to cheat on this pretty little country girl again. The moral conveyed in this rocked out country song… think before you cheat on a woman because you don’t know what she is capable of.

Janelle Landauer, from Country Music Online said, “On ‘Before He Cheats,’ you find a more rough tone to Underwood's range, but it works for this song particularly. What a perfect way to share in the joy of sweet revenge than with a sassy, fun song like this one.”

The video for “Before he cheats” goes right along with the lyrics of the song. The opening scene is a hand keying the door of a beautifully red-coated automobile. Through out the video you see Underwood destroying a truck and a man kissing a woman in a bar. One of the last scenes is Underwood giving the key to the man in the bar with the girl. It is clear at that point that he got caught and punished by Ms. Underwood.

This is great catchy song, but I must say as a young woman like Underwood… I think this could be a bad message to send. You can go to jail for destroying someone property and being that she was an American Idol… I’m not sure if that’s good behavior. With that note of caution aside, Underwood is staking her claim in the music industry and I am looking forward to her sophomore album.

The Lyrics

VERSE 1Right now he's probably slow dancing with a bleached-blond tramp, and she's probably getting frisky... right now, he's probably buying her some fruity little drink cause she can't shoot whiskey... Right now, he's probably up behind her with a pool-stick, showing her how to shoot a combo...

{Hook}And he don't know... That I dug my key into the side of his pretty little suped up 4 wheel drive, carved my name into his leather seat... I took a Louisville slugger to both head lights, slashed a hole in all 4 tires... And maybe next time he'll think before he cheats.

VERSE 2Right now, she's probably up singing some white-trash version of Shania karoke.. Right now, she's probably saying "I'm drunk" and he's a thinking that he's gonna lucky, Right now, he's probably dabbing 3 dollars worth of that bathroom Polo...

{Hook}And he don't know... That I dug my key into the side of his pretty little suped up 4 wheel drive, carved my name into his leather seat, I took a Louisville slugger to both head lights, slashed a hole in all 4 tires... And maybe next time he'll think before he cheats. I might saved a little trouble for the next girl, Cause the next time that he cheats...

BRIDGE Oh, you know it won't be on me! Ohh... not on me... Cause I dug my key into the side of his pretty little suped up 4 wheel drive, carved my name into his leather seat... I took a Louisville slugger to both head lights, slashed a hole in all 4 tires... Maybe next time he'll think before he cheats. Ohh.. Maybe next time he'll think before he cheats... Ohh... before he cheats...

Ciara: Promise

Ciara: Promise

Ciara's Website

Ciara is on her sophomore album, The Evolution of Ciara, and her latest single “Promise” is all over the airwaves. “Promise” shows Ciara’s growth into becoming a young woman and now that she is finally an adult she can take a bigger risk in her lyrics and her message. The remix with R.Kelly is also climbing up the charts.

After her break-up with rapper, Bow Wow, a lot of her fans were expecting a personal album and with lyrics like… “I've been kind of lonely But I'm looking for somebody to talk to, Love me, someone who can hold me, is that you…” you can tell she has grown up and she is OK with standing on her own.

The “Promise” Video was her coming out to the world as an adult. She was able to be sexy on the microphone as she used it as a prop. Throughout the video she stayed true to herself and showcased her hip-hop dancing skills in a breakdown dressed up in hooded sweat-suits.

I give this song a B for her soft sensual voice and the continuous sexy drum and bass line. The song reminds me of an old 90’s tune that may have been song by groups like Blackstreet and Jodeci.

Christian Hoard from the Rolling Stone gave his two cents on Ciara and her sophomore album:

With big-name producers and songwriting contributions from the platinum girl herself, Ciara's second album banks on a lightweight version of the sexy-cool futurism of Justin Timberlake's latest. Packed with electro beats and Miami bass, cuts like "I Proceed" and "Bang It Up" blend hooks and underground club chicness. Ciara's still prone to diva blandness and silly little pop songs, which drags down the 50 Cent feature "Can't Leave 'Em Alone." But this time she's more interesting by half.

Hoard gave Ciara's album, The Evolution Of Ciara, 3 out of 5 stars. I must agree with him. Her album as a whole was not what I expected it to be. Due to the marketing of saying the album will be something you have never heard from the artist.... they put it on a pedestal it could not reach.

She had a few tracks that were promising, no pun attended, but as a whole the CD lacked something new. The lyrics as a whole were refreshing but she can't seem to get out of the dance feel good club hopping tracks. When Ciara can finally do that.... that is when she will evolve as an artist.

For this album to be the sophomore curse, she held her own. She gave the world a taste of what is in store for Ciara the artist and I can't wait to see what she does next.

The Lyrics:

Come enjoy the life Baby take your time I just wanna find you, you Baby you and I can have a good time Tell me what you like Oo oo

[Spoken] Now listen I've been single for a while now And I've been kind of lonely But I'm looking for somebody to talk to, Love me, someone who can hold me, Is that you?

I'm looking for somebody I can call boo Looking for the only one that I can give my all to Tell me if it's you, you, you What you wanna do, do, do Make your move You can be my teacher I'll do homework You can give me extra credit, baby I'll do more work What you wanna do, do, do Now it's me and you, you, you Make a move

This mood is so right It feels so right You can be my prince My knight You can be my superman Save me here I am 'Cause baby There's nothing I won't do To spend my life with you I'll give my all to you I promise that I will never lie to you boy There's nothing I won't do To spend my life with you I'll give my all to you I promise that I will never lie to you boy

You and me together Picture perfect I'll spend all my money all the time Because you're worth it It's just me and you, you, you What you wanna do, do, do Make a move Call me mama, spoil you like a baby Thinking about you, dreaming about you Got me going crazy What you wanna do, do, do Now it's me and you, you, you Come on babe

This mood is so right It feels so right You can be my prince My knight You can be my superman Save me here I am Baby There's nothing I won't do To spend my life with you I'll give my all to you I promise that I will never lie to you boy There's nothing I won't do To spend my life with you I'll give my all to you I promise that I will never lie to you boy

[Spoken] I mean everything that I say From the bottom of my heart I will never, never ever hurt you

I open my heart Open my heart Give it to you Tell the whole world that I'm in love with you Whatever you want Baby I'll do I know I don't want nobody I else but you There's nothing I won't do (there's nothing I wont do baby)

To spend my life with you I'll give my all to you I promise that I will never lie to you boy There's nothing I won't do To spend my life with you I'll give my all to you (I will give my all to you my baby boo my love is true oohhh) I promise that I will never lie to you boy [fading out] Baby boy you got me, i been waiting waiting waiting For you You can be my homie, i'll be waiting waiting waiting For you Baby come and hold me, I'll be waiting waiting waiting For you you can be my one and only,you can be my one and only

Omarion: Ice Box

Omarion: Ice Box
#30 on billboard

Overview: The album, 21 is speaking for its self as Omarion shows maturity and growth in his latest hit. Ice Box is a mid-tempo club ballad with a continuous flow of piano melodies and hard "knocking" bass. Timbaland produced another hot beat with his very distinctive sound and this track is guaranteed to be hot since he also produced the latest hits for Nelly Furtado, Justin Timberlake, and the Pussy Cat Dolls. It can be danced to at the club or vibed to at the lounge.

On the lyrical side this song explains how he takes feelings from his past relationships out on his present girlfriend. Throughout the song he tries to explain that he is trying to melt away his cold heart so he can do right by her in the future. These lyrics hit home with Omarion's original voice and Timbaland's hard heat beat. I give Ice Box a B++ !

Ice Box: Music Video

LYRICS

[Verse 1:] Fussing And Fighting, We Back At It Again I Know That Its My Fault, You Dont Understand (N Oo) I Got Memories(Uh) This Is Crazy(Uh) You Aint Nothing Like The Girl I Use To Know Good With Ma, Good With Pop, Cool Wit All My Ni***s I Should Try To Preside, Wanna Let You In But (Noo) Damn These Memories(Uh) And Its Crazy (Uh) You Aint Nothing Like The Girl I Use To Know (Oooh)

[Chorus:] Girl I Really Wanna Work This Out, Cause I'm Tired Of Fighting And I Really Dont Understand The Meaning The Way I Want You Said I Reallly Wanna Work This Out, Damn Girl I'm Tryin There Is No Excuse, No Excuse (But I Got This) Icebox Where My Heart Use To Be (But I Got This) Icebox Where My Heart Use To Be (Said I Got Ittt) I'm So Cold, I'm So Cold, I'm So Cold, I'm So Cold(Nooooo) I'm So Cold, I'm So Cold, I'm So Cold (But I Got This) Icebox Where My Heart Use To Be (Said I Got This) Icebox Where My Heart Use To Be (Noooooooo Ohh) I'm So Cold, I'm So Cold, I'm So Cold, I'm So Cold(Nooooo) I'm So Cold, I'm So Cold, I'm So Cold

[Verse 2:] Why Can't I Get It Right, I Just Can't Let It Go(Go) I Open Up, She Let Me Down, I Won't Feel That Nomore(Noo) I Got Memories(Uh) This Is Crazy(Uh) She Aint Nothing Like The Girl I Use To Know I Didn't Mean To Take It Out On You Baby, But I Can't Help It Cause My Heart Is In The Same Ol' Condition That Baby Left It (And I) I Apologize, For Making You Cry Look Me In My Eyes, And Promise You Won't Do Me The Same [Chorus:] Girl I Really Wanna Work This Out, Cause I'm Tired Of Fighting And I Really Dont Understand The Meaning The Way I Want You Said I Reallly Wanna Work This Out, Damn Girl I'm Tryin There Is No Excuse, No Excuse (But I Got This) Icebox Where My Heart Use To Be (But I Got This) Icebox Where My Heart Use To Be (Said I Got Ittt) I'm So Cold, I'm So Cold, I'm So Cold, I'm So Cold(Nooooo) I'm So Cold, I'm So Cold, I'm So Cold I Got This Icebox Where My Heart Use To Be (Said I Got This) Icebox Where My Heart Use To Be (Noooooooo Ohh) I'm So Cold, I'm So Cold, I'm So Cold, I'm So Cold(Nooooo) I'm So Cold, I'm So Cold, I'm So Cold

[Bridge:] [Timbo:] I Don't Wanna Be Stucked Off In This Cold Cold World Oh Don't Wanna Mess This Up, Betta Keep Your Eye On Me Girl Oh Don't Wanna Mess This Up, Betta Keep Your Eye On Me Girl Oh Don't Wanna Mess This Up, Betta Keep Your Eye On Me Girl

[Timbo & Omari:] I Don't Wanna Be Stucked Off In This Cold Cold World Oh Don't Wanna Mess This Up, Betta Keep Your Eye On Me Girl Oh Don't Wanna Mess This Up, Betta Keep Your Eye On Me Girl Oh Don't Wanna Mess This Up, Betta Keep Your Eye On Me Girl

[Chorus:] Girl I Really Wanna Work This Out, Cause I'm Tired Of Fighting And I Really Dont Understand The Meaning The Way I Want You Said I Reallly Wanna Work This Out, Damn Girl I'm Tryin There Is No Excuse, No Excuse (But I Got This) Icebox Where My Heart Use To Be (But I Got This) Icebox Where My Heart Use To Be (Said I Got Ittt) I'm So Cold, I'm So Cold, I'm So Cold, I'm So Cold(Nooooo) I'm So Cold, I'm So Cold, I'm So Cold I Got This Icebox Where My Heart Use To Be (Said I Got This) Icebox Where My Heart Use To Be (Noooooooo Ohh) I'm So Cold, I'm So Cold, I'm So Cold, I'm So Cold(Nooooo) I'm So Cold, I'm So Cold, I'm So Cold Girl I Really Wanna Work This Out, Cause I'm Tired Of Fighting