Urban Review

"N.E.R.D - Spaz"

2008-05-13T00:44:00.006+01:00

Source - Chris Picks

Skateboard P Seems To Be Back To What He Does, Edgy, Exciting Urban Music.

Spaz is a brand new track that has leaked from N.E.R.D's new album - Seeing Sounds (previously reported as N.3.R.D), it is energetic & exciting. I love the aggressive beats & synths that Pharrell has taken to using, definitely a good look for him.

N.E.R.D are both unappreciated in the form of chart success & by music critics, they are creative, productive & contribute something fresh to a world dominated by bland 'Hip-Pop' & 'teen R&B'.

LISTEN - N.E.R.D - Spaz

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Does It Make You Wanna Spaz?
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"Ne-Yo - Trouble"

2008-05-13T00:20:00.006+01:00

Do You Want The Good News Or The Bad News?

The bad news is the fact that Ne-Yo's new album - Year Of The Gentleman - has been pushed back from June to August. The good news however, is the fact that I have got a brand new track from the project.

Trouble continues the European-Dance theme from Ne-Yo's recent venture, it is a top quality Pop record with some R&B thrown in for good measure. I absolutely cannot fault this guy on what he is doing, he is showing creativity & textbook artist development, it looks as though that 'difficult third album' maybe ever so easy for Ne-Yo.

LISTEN - Ne-Yo - Trouble

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Or Is He In Trouble?
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"Usher - Trading Places"

2008-05-13T00:04:00.004+01:00

As Usher's Highly Anticipated New Album Draws Ever Closer, The Record Continues To Leak Track After Track.

Trading Places is a sultry slow jam, with some well built beats & sexy lyrical content, I really like the guitar burst on the bridge, nice touch. It continues the run of solid songs to leak from Here I Stand, while nothing I have heard so far really matches the brilliance of Confessions, I can't pass judgement until the final article is released.

I have been hearing criticism of Usher's new music, simply because it has little emotional value, due to the fact that he is now happily married, maybe he simply has no more Confessions?

LISTEN - Usher - Trading Places

What Do You Make Of Usher's Recent Leaks?
Trading Places?
Leave A Comment Or Get Out...

"Cassie - 2 The Morning"

2008-05-12T23:40:00.005+01:00

It's (Yet) Another B-Cox Joint..! Cassie Continues The "Accidental Leaks" Of Possible New Tracks From Her Yet Untitled Second Album.

2 The Morning it's more of the same really, another production heavy track with some low level melodies & an overall enjoyable feel. While tracks like this are nice additions to a record, it seems that this is the bulk of the new material from Cassie & it's starting to feel very 'wallpaper' to me.

Still, can't knock it, cool song, very good beats & an easy listen, I fail to see how you could be offended by Cassie? It's just a shame that she can't meet the original expectations that Diddy placed on her.

LISTEN - Cassie - 2 The Morning

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Thought On Her New Album?
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"Young Jeezy ft. Kanye West - Put On"

2008-05-07T20:41:00.004+01:00

Source - Kanye West's Blog

You Ready For Some Fire Right? Here Is The Killer New Single From Young Jeezy.

Put On is a club banger that is sure to be grabbing the limelight on urban radio very soon. The track features Mr Kanye West, as well as being produced by the man himself, he also chose to use an 'autotuner' for the song, but to be fair, it sounds slick.

I have never been an 'album fan' of Jeezy, but I am really feeling this track, as well as his various collaborations over the years. He is a guy that always seems to grab critical acclaim as well as love from fellow artists. While Put On feels very radio friendly, I love it!

LISTEN - Young Jeezy ft. Kanye West - Put On

Feeling The Joint?
Jeezy? Yeezy?
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"Usher - Flash"

2008-05-07T20:10:00.005+01:00

I'm Sure A Lot Of You Guys Are Just As Hyped As I Am About Usher's New Album - Here I Stand. Here Is A New Track That Didn't Make The Cut.

Flash is a bit of an oddity, the production, courtesy of Pharrell, is very mellow & not really fitting to an Usher track IMO. Still, it's a pretty nice cut, Usher times his vocals well with the beat, while not really coming through with the lyrics.

I can see why this track was dropped from the final track listing, but if this was the worst track on the album, then the finished article should sound amazing!. Here I Stand is due for release on the 27th of May.

LISTEN - Usher - Flash

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"Cherish - Amnesia" (Video)

2008-05-07T19:42:00.003+01:00

As R&B Quartet Cherish Ready The Release Of Their Sophomore Album - The Truth. The Video For The Second Single - Amnesia - Has Surfaced.

The track is really solid, it's not up there with Killa, but still offers some radio potential, without loosing the quality harmonies. I think there are much better tracks on The Truth, but I'm not against Amnesia being released as a single.

Cherish - Amnesia

I am surprised that Cherish are not more successful by now, there seems to be a hole in the market for that Destiny's Child sound, but I'm not so sure that Cherish can bring it. Also, I don't think that they have been promoted to their potential either, I don't like seeing artists being crammed down your throat, but I have never even seen these girls out of the USA.

Feeling The Video?
Any Thought On Cherish?
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Mariah Carey Covers Vibe Magazine

2008-05-07T19:18:00.003+01:00

Here Is The Latest Cover Of Vibe Magazine, This Issue Features Apparent Newly-wed - Mariah Carey.

Mariah always looks effortlessly flawless, I really can't remember seeing a bad shot of her in the last decade! While some may criticise Mariah for being a 'Barbie Doll', I can't imagine her not being that way, it's the reason people love her, may her diva image live long & prosper.

What Do You Make Of The Cover?
Mariah's Image?
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Chris Brown Covers Ebony Magazine

2008-05-07T19:04:00.003+01:00

Rising Superstar Chris Brown Is Featured In The Latest Issue Of Ebony Magazine.

Chris has come a long way in the past 3 years, from that 16 year old kid singing - Run It! Through to an annoyingly good looking teen idol. I have never been a massive Chris Brown fan, but his music is undeniably catchy & I'm sure he is not going away any time soon.

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Chris Himself?
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"Mariah Carey - Bye Bye" (Video)

2008-05-06T20:49:00.005+01:00

Here Is The Official Video For Mariah Carey's New Single - Bye Bye.

The video features 'suspect lover' Nick Cannon, if rumours are to be believed, the couple recently tied the knot without anyone knowing. Or, if you not an idiot, it's just a publicity stunt to sell records... (I hope this doesn't come back to bite me in the ass!)

I really like Bye Bye far more than when I originally heard it, obviously a personal track, it's just a shame that Mariah didn't smash her vocals all the way through. I get a little bored of her opening up on the bridge.

Mariah Carey - Bye Bye

The video itself is something a little different from Mariah, it's a little less glitzy & a just a little deeper. I really respect the fact that she spliced in pictures of people who are special to her, rather than just shots of Tupac & Aaliyah flying around the place.

What Do You Think Of The Track?
The Video?
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Remember This? - "The Brand New Heavies - Dream On Dreamer"

2008-05-02T20:39:00.004+01:00

Remember This? Focuses On Tunes From The Past That You Just Might Have Forgotten About.

This week I have chosen another British R&B track from the 90s, in the form of The Brand New Heavies with Dream On Dreamer. Technically speaking, The Heavies are more of a Jazz band, but that didn't stop them reaching the UK top 20 in 1994 with this R&B jam.

The Brand New Heavies - Dream On Dreamer

I remember loving this song when I was a child, before I even new who made it, I could always spot talent. Ha! Wicked Memories.

Feeling This Week's Jam?
Remember It?
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"Maroon 5 ft. Rihanna - If I Never See Your Face Again"

2008-05-02T20:05:00.005+01:00

R&B Beauty Rihanna Has Teamed Up With Pop/Rockers Maroon 5.

If I Never See Your Face Again is a remake of a Maroon 5 track that is present on their album, the track will feature on a re-release of their album, plus the re-released version of Rihanna's Good Girl Gone Bad.

While this is not really my sort of song, Maroon 5 are a guilty pleasure of mine, & with the added verse from Rihanna, it makes for one hell of a catchy tune. I can see this being a real good collaboration for both parties.

LISTEN - Maroon 5 ft. Rihanna - If I Never See Your Face Again

Feeling The Track?
Hit? Miss?
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"Lil Mama - L.I.F.E." (Video)

2008-05-02T19:41:00.004+01:00

L.I.F.E. Is The Brand New Single From The 'Voice Of The Young People' - Lil Mama.

This song shows a massive diversity for the 18 year old star. Gone are the childish lyrics of Lip Gloss & the club sound of Shawty Get Loose & welcomed is much deeper, thought provoking lyrics & grown rapping skill of Lil Mama.

Lil' Mama - L.I.F.E.

The video adds well & gives even more feeling to an already heart heavy song, it sombre without feeling depressing. L.I.F.E. is the first track from Lil Mama that has made me feel as though she can live up to the hype.

What Do You Think Of Lil Mama?
The Song? Video?
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"Chris Brown - Forever" (Video)

2008-05-01T18:26:00.004+01:00

Here Is The Official Video To Chris Brown's Latest Single - Forever.

The track is lifted from the re-released version of his smash hit album - Exclusive, I am feeling the track as it attempt to move Chris into another direction, rather than the usual 'Teen R&B' that he produces.

Chris Brown - Forever

The video is a little 'meh', while the choreography is on-point as ever, it feels forced, like they didn't really know what they were going for. It serves a purpose, but for a track that is not very strong to start with, maybe they should have shelled out some moolah for the video.

Are You Feeling The Track?
The Video?
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"Busta Rhymes ft. Linkin Park - We Made It" (Video)

2008-05-01T00:16:00.005+01:00

Oddly, The Official Video For Busta Rhymes' New Single - We Made It, Has Leaked At The Same Time As The Song. They Seem To Have Kept This One Well Under Wraps!

As expressed before, I love this song, I'm aware that it is just another Pop crossover with no real roots in anything, but it is so addictive to me. I like the vocals, the lyrics, the message & the overall feel of the song.

Busta Rhymes ft. Linkin Park - We Made It

The video itself leaves a little to be desired, it's not all that, but it's not a shambles either. I think it matches well with the track but again, seems to have no moves towards Busta or Linkin Park, just somewhere in the middle.

What Do You Think Of The Track?
The Video?
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"Busta Rhymes ft. Linkin Park - We Made It"

2008-04-30T20:54:00.005+01:00

H-What Is This? & How Did It Slip Under My Musical Radar For A Whole Day?

We Made This is the huge new song from Busta Rhymes' new album - Blessed. It features 'Rock Band' Linkin Park, who are once again spreading their versatile wings into the region of Hip-Hop. The track has been produced by Mike Shinoda (from Linkin Park), as well as Cool & Dre & the legendary Timbaland.

We Made It is a fusion of rap & rock, & unless Rihanna gets her Umbrella out again, it sounds like a guaranteed number #1 single. I really admire Busta's diversity & innovation as an artist, her always manages to remain fresh without selling out his routes.

LISTEN - Busta Rhymes ft. Linkin Park - We Made It

What Do You Think Of The Track?
Selling Out? Or Just Genius?
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"Rihanna - Take A Bow" (Video)

2008-04-29T21:06:00.004+01:00

Here Is The Official Video For Rihanna's New Single - Take A Bow.

I really like this song at the moment, but I think it will have that 5 minute effect that Rihanna seems to have, it's not a classic, but it's all right. I'm not sure it warranted a re-release of her album, which to be fair, was already pretty solid.

Rihanna - Take A Bow

The video is very standard, it makes me feel that Def-Jam were going for the 'Irriplacable' feel for both video & song, but not really pulling it off, mainly because that was a great song, & this isn't. Still, I ain't hating, Rihanna looks absolutely gorgeous, she is becoming a real style icon for young girls, & I love her hair.

Feeling The Video?
The Song?
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"The-Dream ft. Young Jeezy - I Love Your Girl" (Video)

2008-04-29T20:47:00.005+01:00

Why Is The Man Not A Superstar By Now? The-Dream Continues The Single Releases From His Brilliant Début Album - Love Me All Summer / Hate Me All Winter (Love/Hate).

Here is the official video for I Love Your Girl, which is definitely not the hottest track from The 'American' Dream but is still hot, nice production & an added verse from Young Jeezy make for a wicked slow jam. Personally I'm still awaiting the release of the mad hot track - She Needs My Love.

The-Dream - I Love Your Girl

If you haven't yet grabbed The-Dream's album, do it, now! Excellent contemporary R&B tracks, with something added attitude & massively enjoyable. He remains my hot pick for 2008!

What Do You Think Of The-Dream?
The Track?
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"Ne-Yo - Closer" (Video)

2008-04-28T23:40:00.004+01:00

If You Haven't Heard It By Now, Where You Been? Ne-Yo Is Back (Like He Ever Left?), With His Brand New Single - Closer.

Since originally hearing & reviewing this track, I have grown to like it even more than I did originally, this new club/dance feel that Ne-Yo is pushing seems like a real good look. Closer has a real polished feel to it, without losing that musical creativity that Ne-Yo can bring to the table.

The video continues this streak, with something a little more 'conceptual' than we are usually used to from the king of R&B radio tunes. I like the concept, the choreography & the overall 'feel' of the video. This really seems to be shaping up to be - The Year Of The Gentleman.

Ne-Yo - Closer

What Do You Think Of The Track?
The Video?
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GTA IV

2008-04-28T22:29:00.006+01:00

No, You're Right, I Haven't Started Doing Gaming Reviews.

However, I know for a fact that loads of you are going to be hyped about a certain computer game going on release tonight at midnight. The best selling games franchise this millennium - Grand Theft Auto - sees it's latest instalment in GTA IV.

I happened to get my hands on this game late last week (by legal means, obviously) & I am happy to confirm that it is amazing! If you have played the predecessors & are anticipating this one, it is everything that you will want it to be.

Again, I know I'm not a games reviewer, but I thought it worth noting such a major event in our world of pop culture.

Will You Be Checking GTA IV?
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"Usher ft. Beyonce & Lil Wayne - Love In This Club (Part II)"

2008-04-24T20:49:00.005+01:00

After The Huge Success Of Usher's Latest Track - Love In The Club, Here Is A New Song Dubbed - Part II.

Beyonce & Lil Wayne have jumped on the track in a strange combination, I can see the King & Queen of R&B joining forces, but Weezy seems a little lost IMO. Still, the track feels more like contemporary R&B over it's Poppy predecessor.

I am really looking forward to Usher's new album, I'm still not a fan of the man, but I love the music. Definitely going to be a hot pick of 2008.

LISTEN - Usher ft. Beyonce & Lil Wayne - Love In This Club (Part II)

Feeling The Track?
Beyonce? Wayne?
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"R. Kelly - Hair Braider" (Video)

2008-04-24T20:25:00.005+01:00

Damn! I Can't Honestly Believe He Is Releasing This Crap.

R. Kelly seems to me to be out of control, someone close to him needs to slap him round the face & tell him to get it together. Although not confirmed, it seems that Hair Braider will serve as the début single from Kell's new album - 12 Play Fourth Quarter.

R. Kelly - Hairbraider

The video is pretty standard, R. Kelly has never really been a master of music videos, however with a song like this, maybe he should have upped his game with the imagery.

Kelly seems intent on copying T-Pain rather badly, instead of expressing any musical charisma or creativity. At this time in his career, he should be less worried about growing a stupid beard & be more concerned with his lack of relevance in today's music, Kells used to be an innovator!

What Do You Think?
Hot? Cold?
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Remember This? - Rosie Gaines - Closer Than Close

2008-04-23T21:05:00.006+01:00

Remember This!? Is Something New I Thought I Would Try.

Every week I will bring you a classic tune from the past. You music buffs out there will remember everyone of them, but for some, they will be brand new.

First, we are going back to 1995 for Rosie Gaines' classic jam - Closer Than Close, from her 4th studio album of the same name. Rosie was described by Prince as his "Secret Weapon" because of her amazing, purely soulful voice, but she never had that 'superstar' quality.

Rosie Gaines - Closer Than Close

Nice track, a song that never really gets old. If you have any suggestions for a great throwback, or think you have a classic that maybe I've never heard, drop me an email at - mark@urbanreview.co.uk - or leave a comment.

Remember The Track?
Got A Suggestion?
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"Fergie - Labels Or Love"

2008-04-23T20:48:00.006+01:00

Spotted At - ThatGrapeJuice

Here Is A Brand New Track From The First Lady Of The Black Eyed Peas - Fergie.

Labels Or Love is lifted from the official soundtrack to the highly anticipated 'Sex & The City' movie. The song very pop, but has some nice electronic beats, which sample the recognisable theme tune to the TV show.

This track is also set to feature on the Re-Release of Fergie's album - The Dutchess, while the album was far, far stronger than I expected, did it really need another round? I mean, it's almost two years old now, & you know where I stand on Re-Releases, they rob true fans of their money, there should be some sort of law!

LISTEN - Fergie - Labels Or Love

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The Re-Release?
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"Mariah Carey ft. Jay Z - Bye Bye" (Remix)

2008-04-23T20:20:00.004+01:00

Here Is The Official Remix To Mariah Carey's New Single - Bye Bye. It features long time friend & previous collaborator - Jay Z.

It seems to me, that Mariah's people are trying to bring this track to the clubs, with a new verse from Jay & an adapted, banging beat. It feels unnecessary, as this song was never meant for a club audience, it's an R&B ballad, so I don't really see the need.

LISTEN - Mariah Carey ft. Jay Z - Bye Bye (Remix)

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