If you really know me, you know that I listen to a wide variety of music. This blog has primarily been an urban focus thus far, but I will begin to include other genres of music that I listen to. Days like yesterday when I just wanted to SCREAM, I knew exactly who to listen to…Nobody, but Linkin Park. No, I’m not the listener that jumped on the bandwagon when Jay-Z teamed up with the group to produce the album Collision Course. I’ve been a fan since I got their breakthrough album, Hybrid Theory, from Michael Corda back in 2001. It’s CRAZY I remember things like when, where, and from whom I receive music from, but oh well! I’m creating a new series for this alternative, punk, metal, rock sound that I’ve missed out on for the last few months. It will be titled Music from My Other Ear…
by Ludacris: Clearly, Ludacris is releasing a new album this year. Being out of the game for a few years, Luda made an astonishing comeback with a track from his mixtape titled Politics (Obama is Here). That granted him to be the topic of a few news reports to put his name back out there. Additionally, he is featured on several song verses such as Monica’s Still Standing and Ciara’s High Price. Ludacris’ new album is titled Theater of the Mind and is slated for November ’08. The first single is reported to be What Them Girls Like featuring Chris Brown and Sean Garrett, but the song is only ok in my opinion. It’s the typical first-single club banger that will get people interested in the release. Alternatively, I like this track with T.I better. Record execs should have asked me!
I was leaving the grocery store as my ears were greeted by Kiss from a Rose by Seal. I began to think of the song and other connections to the song and the artist. My mind scattered from Heidi Klum, Seal’s wife, to Batman, the soundtrack that features the song. As my thoughts continued to scatter, I thought about other songs that were equally important as the movie in which they were made for. I remember Can I Get A… from the Rush Hour soundtrack introduced me to Jay-Z and Ja Rule, while no one would have taken time to see Wild Wild West if it hadn’t been for the same titled song by Will Smith. I’m attempting to think of the last noteworthy song that was on a movie soundtrack and my mind is drawing a blank…
For some random reason, I wanted to listen to The Eminem Show this morning. Yes, The Emimem Show by Marshall Mathers, better known as Emimen or Slim Shady. I know I’m not the only person who used to listen to Em, but for those of you who won’t even admit to being closet Eminem fans…it’s ok! Knowing that I haven’t listened to this album in 3+ years, I was surprised that I remembered lyrics to his tracks. The more I listened, I was quickly reminded of how much of an impact Slim had on music. Pushing every boundary possible, he continually expressed his feelings around problems in his life and the relationship between his wife and daughter. Being the researcher that I am, it was absolutely necessary for me to get an update on Eminem. There are reports that he will release another album this year. No leak on a title or an expected release date, but be on the lookout!
by Solange Knowles: Previously told that I was a Beyonce hater, I can not deny the talent that is apparent in one individual of the Knowles family. I really like the unique sound produced by Solange. I’m happy that she didn’t follow in her sister’s footsteps and try to imitate the sound that has made her sister famous. I Told You So is a song about two people in a new relationship. Solange states that in relationships things are strong at the beginning, but as time passes feelings begin to change. She says “I told you so” as a prediction that the relationship will turn sour. It’s sad to make that prediction because thinking so will turn it into a reality. My significant other and I were talking about this a few days ago, and we both agreed that if people in relationships have a natural connection, a strong foundation as friends, and are honest with one another, they can make it through anything… On a different note, I’m really looking forward to the release of Sol-Angel and the Hadley Street Blues
by Eric Benét: I’ve been in the mood to listen to Eric Benét since last night when I discovered his new single. Femininity was the song that introduced me to and made me a fan of Eric Benét 10+ years ago. There isn’t really much to say to describe this song as the lyrics, vocals, and harmonic flow speak for themselves…
by Eric Benét: I was SHOCKED when I read that Eric Benét has an album that will release in September. I quickly researched to see if he has a single that is getting radio play, and sure enough I am SO LATE! I can partially blame his label. In my opinion, Eric Benét never gets the credit he deserves, which is sad because he is such a talented artist. I had heard this song before, but I definitely did not know it was Eric Benét singing. I’m all about playing an artist’s video, but in this instance I want to showcase this artist’s true talent. I’ve been listening to Eric for years, and I will always love his music. Think I’ll go play True to Myself before I go out…
by Jay-Z: This is for all those Jay-Z lovers that hate on Kanye West. I don’t understand how you can hate on the man’s protégé. Clearly Jay likes Kanye’s skills enough to let him produce the first track to be released off his album Blueprint 3. We all know the sample king didn’t create this beat on his own as it was snatched right from Run DMC’s Dumb Girl. Maybe that is why this song doesn’t really feel like Jay, but some hot joint from the 80s. This song is so different from a lot of songs that are out right now and for all of you who will be partial to this beat, it’s like I say with all of Kanye’s hits: Just listen to the lyrics. So classic that someone special was making fun of me the other day because I didn’t know what “jocking” meant. Glad I know now! Oh…and after listening to this song a few times, Obama count on 6iv=3.
It is AMAZING to me how we have decided who our President is and not a single citizen has voted. So many artists endorse Barack Obama and support his campaign. Even millionaires feel the strain on the economy and are looking for the chage Obama promises. This new series is dedicated to those songs that give a shout out to our soon-to-be President, Barack Obama…Not to mention the song that opens this series, Crazy World by Young Jeezy, is hot as fire! Obama count on 6iv=2 (including a previous post Something’s Gotta Give by Mary J. Blige and Big Boi)
by Ciara ft. Ludacris: This is my summer pre-club jam! I’m not too big on Ciara or Ludacris, but this beat is so hard! I liked the song a little better before I looked up the lyrics because I hate how artists rap/sing about money and what they can buy. I also think the song sends the wrong message to a girl that a guy should buy her everything she wants and if the guy isn’t dressed fly, she shouldn’t pay him any attention. Although, Ciara was correct with her line about a fresh pair of Nikes! I hate when guys wear dirty shoes but, a girl should be able to buy her own things if she wants them! Ludacris does spit a sick verse and my favorite lines are:
Let’s go on a shopping spree to an expensive place
