The Lowdown (5/19)

This tuesday we have a number of new releases, as a few independents drop and several majors. The biggest of course, Eminem returning from his hiatus and drug addiction with Relapse, next Bussa Bus drops Back On My B.S., underground duo, Method Man & Redman reconnect after 10 years since their favorable Blackout!, with Blackout! 2 and finally DJ Drama releasing Gangsta Grillz: The Album Vol. 2. 

A four year break and finished with drug rehab,  Eminem brings Relapse as the first head of the three headed monster, supposedly ready to run 2009. Consisting of a collage of pills, Eminem's face is portrayed in the pills with a medical sticker administered by Dr. Dre who produces the whole album. There are no guests outside of Shady/Aftermath, as Dre and 50 Cent offer verses, but the album is mainly Slim Shady. Lead Single: "Crack A Bottle", "We Made You", "3 a.m."

Busta Rhymes returns and states to fans that he's Back On My B.S. Since cutting the dreads with The Big Bang which turned out to be decent, he's back to deliver his energized charismatic flow. Producers include, Cool & Dre, DJ Scratch, Ron Browz, The Neptunes and others. Guests include hookman T-Pain, guest verse supplier, Lil' Wayne, Jadakiss, Akon, T.I. and a few other high profile guests. Lead Single: "Arab Money"(feat. Ron Browz), "Hustler's Anthem '09"(feat. T-Pain, "Respect My Conglomerate"(feat. Lil' Wayne & Jadakiss)

10 years since their lovable Blackout! debut, the two New York emcees combine for another set of crazy stories and stoner appeals. Blackout! 2 features beats from Erick Sermon, Buckwild, Vinny Idol, Pete Rock, Rockwilder and others. With a few New York guest shots from Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, Erick Sermon, Streetlife, and a southern spot from Bun B. Lead Single: "A-Yo"(feat. Saukrates), "Mrs. International"(feat. Erick Sermon)

Famous promoter of his Gangsta Grillz series and DJ for T.I. and Grand Hustle, DJ Drama offers the second installment of his Gangsta Grillz: The Album Vol. 2. With a tighter tracklisting and more higher profile guests, Drama combines a variety of rappers and singers for some bangers. Trey Songz, T.I., Young Dro, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, Akon, The-Dream, Nas, B.G. and of course his Aphilliates rappers, La The Darkman & Willie The Kid. Lead Single: "Day Dreamin'"(Akon, Snoop Dogg & T.I.), "Ridiculous"(Gucci Mane, OJ Da Juiceman, Lonnie Mac & Yo Gotti)

The Lowdown (5/12)

This past tuesday featured new releases, one from Dipset general, Cam'Ron who released, Crime Pays and H-Town resident, Paul Wall with Fast Life. 

Paul Wall delivers his third release, having blown up with The People's Champ and decent follow up, Get Money, Stay True, he brings Fast Life to the rap game. Consisting of mainly Houston and southern producers, native duo Beanz N Kornbread handle a few tracks, as well as Mouse and Travis Barker. Guests include, Baby Bash, Too Short, Z-Ro, Webbie, Yung Joc & Gorilla Zoe among others. Lead Single: "Bizzy Body"(feat. Webbie & Mouse)

Killa Cam is back after a three year absence since, Killa Season. A lot has occurred since his absence including his severed relations with his Dipset brethren. With Crime Pays, Cam goes to a more street/mixtape sound filling the album with street bangers from araabMUZIK & Skitzo. Lead Single: "My Job", "Get It In Ohio", "Cookies-N-Apple Juice"

First Listen: Ciara/Fantasy Ride

Ciara To The Stage: Ciara's light vocals glide over the atmospheric synths and electronic sounds. A slow burner that sets the tone for the album. 

Love Sex Magic: Ciara's collabo with Timberlake showcases a sexy dance tempo with a dance ready bassline. 

High Price: Luda & Ciara combine to recreate the magic experienced on "Oh". Where "Oh" was a slow burning A-Town anthem with bass and synths, "High Price" is a decent remake. Featuring synthier sounds and high pitched vocals, the track at times doesn't quite flow.

Turntables: Dance tempo track by Danja, Chris Brown croons with Ciara for a decent club joint.

Like A Surgeon: The track is filled with synth and clanky piano keys, while Ciara smoothly croons sexually.

Never Ever: Polow Da Don crafted track, fellow ATL resident, Young Jeezy drops an appearance similar in effect as "Love In This Club". The track is based around old school classic, "If You Don't Know Me By Now", as Ciara handles the track nicely as an intimate ode for women to relate.

Lover's Thing: The-Dream & Ciara offer a sexy midtempo with L.O.S.'s typical sounding production of synths and twinkling bells. 

Work: While their hit smash "1, 2 Step" was an excellent dance number, "Work" features a hyped up hook but production doesn't quite jam as smoothly and well as its predecessor. 

Pucker Up: Heavy synth production by Rodney Jerkins works really nice here and features a sassy Ciara telling boys to "kiss her swag". 

G Is For Girl (A-Z): Similar drum pattern to "Work", Ciara sounds comfortable on the track that features a decent hook. 

Keep Dancin' On Me: Seductive blend of crooning at the hook and light singing during the verses with subtle keyboard in the background. 

Tell Me What Your Name Is: Another decent midtempo that has synths but isn't too impressive.

I Don't Remember: A building ballad that even has scratchy record sounds. Ciara smoothly reflects on a party filled night she can't remember. The hook builds well and her vocals blend well.

Overall the album doesn't really showcase any new sides to Ciara, merely utilizing a bunch of high name producers with their synthy productions. At times her personality doesn't quite shine through and its listen isn't as likeable as past hits. At times she creates some decent numbers, but the album so far is only decent.

The Lowdown (5/5)

Sorry guys, I've been a bit busy, but I'll break down last weeks Lowdown of releases. While there weren't any Rap or Hip Hip albums, two pop/R&B albums dropped. 

The first of which, would be the Crunk & B mistress herself, Ciara. She releases her third disc, Fantasy Ride, featuring a bunch of big name producers and guests. Developing a much more pop sound on her last album, Ciara: The Evolution, she attempts to blend sounds from her first two albums into one. Originally planned to be triptych, consisting of three kingdoms, Crunktown, Kingdom Of Dance & Groove City. Also she introduces Super C, Ciara's alter ego, reminiscent of Beyonce's Sasha Fierce. Production comes from Tricky Stewart, Rodney Jerkins, Polow Da Don & The Y's among others. Lead Single: "Never Ever" (feat. Young Jeezy), "Love Sex Magic" (feat. Justin Timberlake)

The second release is from the jazzy R&B sounds of Chrisette Michele who releases her sophomore disc, Epiphany. Her first album, I Am was a wonderful album that proved Michele's rich voice and talent. Executive produced by Ne-Yo, Ne-Yo and his assistant producer, Chuck Harmony helm most of the album and sound of Epiphany. Since her last album showed an older audience sound, she goes for a "fresher and younger" sound on Epiphany. Lead Single: "Epiphany (I'm Leaving)"