Tuesday, November 10, 2009

50 Cent's Before I Self Destruct


Before I Self Destruct is an aggressive vent from the multi-platinum rapper. One of the eighteen true to form lyricals is "Then Days Went By," where 50 Cent shows off over Rich Harrison audio magic. The cold and brazen verses offer a raw slant into the Queens musician. The ruckus of "Strong Enough," finds 50 returning to the select style seen on 2000's Power of the Dollar and 2003's Get Rich or Die Tryin'.



50 Cent unleashes heavy verbal disses on "So Disrepectful." The cut has a simple chorus but explodes as 50 Cent takes on The Game and Young Buck. The quick bar "your homies shoot dawgs, my n***as shoot people," proves that 50 is by far no Wanksta.



The angry "Psycho," is a mangled pictoral snapped by both 50 and Eminem. Both flow so well over the paralyzing beat, it is hard to determine who delivers better. "Ok, You're Right," the Dr.Dre produced third single complements the aloof style fans of 50 Cent have come to know. It lifts its hand to The Massacre's "Outta Control" and Curtis' "I Get Money," in that it speaks on ego in a crafty way with lines like "N**a I ain't crazy, b****es like me cause I'm paid/They want me, LeBron, Kobe or Dwyane Wade/When I say I'm ballin I'm not talkin 'bout a ball/I'm talkin 'bout Tiffany & Co. stones out the mall/N***as they can hate all they want but they know they like this."



Before I Self Destruct comes complete with the courting treasures similar to "Candy Shop" and "Amusement Park." "Baby By Me," featuring Ne-Yo feels like a hookup between "Disco Inferno" and "Just a Lil Bit," whereas "Do You Think About Me" and "Get It Hot," relish in relationship enjoyment on their own and seemingly uproot his previous radio gratification.



In an interview with MTV, 50 Cent was quoted as saying that "Before I Self Destruct will be the best record of that [this] time period." Perhaps this batch of dark tidbits testify to how relentless of a rapper he is.



Final Grade: A

Sunday, November 08, 2009

Leona Lewis' Echo

From the UK to the USA, pop sensation Leona Lewis totes a peaceful vocal. With a platinum debut under her belt, she was quoted in an interview saying she hoped Echo, would follow in Spirit's footsteps.

The mood of Echo is a cocktail of electropop/R&B that is inviting. The first single, "Happy," is a distinguished takeoff into hope and courage. The following cut, "I Got You," is a wave of percussion as Leona commutes to vocal heights that follow in the same refrain as "Bleeding Love." The electronics of "Can't Breathe," allow for a more hectic sound from Lewis, while "Love Letter," conveys remixed folk.

Leona Lewis enlisted the help of American Idol's Simon Cowell and the Clive Davis machine to put together an organic record of thirteen songs. Each of Echo's properties feel tragic yet reassuring; complementing the twenty-four year old's voice. Unlike the aperitif, Spirit, Echo, needs to be sipped slowly for the collection of songs give off an edgier taste.

As with any sophomore release, the artist is always excited to record better and more tuneful works of art. Echo does achieve this - but will undoubtedly have to claw its way to the sexy character exhibited on the debut.

Final Grade: B-

Sunday, November 01, 2009

Hidden Neo-Soul Gems: Beverley Knight

Illustrations of impressive vocal power are prominently displayed on the sixth release by Beverley Knight. Aptly titled, 100%, the album comes across as soul but wades in the waters of glittery pop and distances itself from the robust Affirmation and the sweet sounding, Prodigal Sista. Beverley Knight has not lost her smooth touch, however.

"Beautiful Night," starts the project off and hints at house/dance stomping with twinkling synths and percussion. The mid tempo register of the UK star is exhibited here.

The bursting "In Your Shoes," is a heavily produced composition that is simplified by striking lyricism from the artist herself. The song is memorable and noteworthy as catchy and shameless.


The title track is a grower and captures an artist who has graced the neo-soul scene with longevity. The production provided by musician, Kevin Bacon, allows for Knight to show off her ravenous range. Inspiration arrives with "Every Step." Beverley's vocals soar on the chorus, "If I have my time again/There's no one I'd rather be/If I walk this world again/I'll take every step as Me." Produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the cut is both stirring and heartfelt.

Beverley revisits the rightly named urban style on "Moneyback," a circular on closure and reproduces the Bee Gees' classic, "Too Much Heaven," with exquisite melisma and timbre.

Beverley Knight was nominated for the best UK Act at the 2009 Mobo Awards. 100% was released on September 7 on Knight's own label, Hurricane Records. 100% is an expressive undertaking from a stunning vocalist.
Final Grade: A-