The Lowdown (10/27)

Two new releases this tuesday, with Kansas City independent artist, Tech N9ne releasing his tenth solo album titled, K.O.D. (King Of Darkness). Dedicated to his mother, the new release finds Tech Nina exploring darkness, breaking the album up into three sections of Anger, Madness and The Hole. Production comes from the usual suspects involved in a Tech N9ne album, Seven, Matic Lee, YoungFyre and Robert Rebeck. Lead Single: "Leave Me Alone", "Show Me A God", "Strange Music Box"

Rick Ross's crew, Triple C's (Carol City Cartel) release their debut album with Custom Cars & Cycles. The Miami bred group features MIA Boss, Rick Ross, with his comrades, Gunplay, Torch and Young Breed. One of Ross' first releases from his Maybach Music Group in association with Def Jam, Triple C's strive to deliver anthemic street music for the hoods and clubs alike. Appearances by Gucci Mane, Young Jeezy, Bun B, The Game, Yo Gotti among others, while production is handled by new production crew, The Olympicks, rising street beat creator, Schife and Drumma Boy. Lead Single: "Go (feat. Birdman)"

The Lowdown (10/20)

The lone noteworthy release comes in Detroit veteran and Slaughterhouse member, Royce Da 5'9''. His fourth solo release, Street Hop, comes after heavy delay, originally announced to be released in 2006 and rumor that DJ Premier would handle all production duties. Now ready for release, guest features include Slaughterhouse, Busta Rhymes, Bun B and Little Brother member, Phonte, as well as production by StreetRunner, DJ Premier, Nottz, Emile and Mr. Porter. Lead Single: "New Money", "Shake This", "Part Of Me"

Album Review: Mario-D.N.A.

With the skyscraper tall Mario looking afar, Mario proved with Go! that he deserved a mention as a possibility for R&B crowning. Hoping to shorten the break between albums, D.N.A. finds the singer working with big names like The Runners, Jim Jonsin, Dre & Vidal, Stargate, just to name a few. Titling his fourth release, D.N.A., the change from the original title, And Then There Was Me was to display the musical changes. Is Mario's D.N.A. enough to solidify him in the R&B elite?

Buzz started with lead single, "Break Up" which features a sparse bass and a revolving rhythm with claps courtesy of overnight success, Bangladesh. The track doesn't show much for Mario, as Gucci Mane drops two verses and Sean Garrett handles one as well, however the commercial appeal has been large and while it doesn't show much vocally, its a catchy summer number that works. Better off is the building midtempo of "Thinkin' About You". While The Runners & The Monarch production isn't that great, in face seemingly generic, Mario's vocals glaze the synths well and its a highlight.

Tricky Stewart and The-Dream continue their success with "Starlight", as the bouncy clubby uptempo fits perfectly for the dance floor. Shining lights and flashy club atmosphere come to mind, Mario is there to get love, singing "girl make love to me" and insisting he must "end this night with you on me". The most diverse track is the heavy bass and drum instilled "Get Out" as Jim Jonsin's synths buzz busily. Mario dynamically croons about a confusing relationship with a girl. The Dre & Vidal produced, "Before She Said Hi" is one of the best tracks, with a throwback rhythm and cruising vocals. Up and coming G.O.O.D. Music rapper, Big Sean drops a worthy verse and the track is a smooth yet energized production.

The musical "The Hardest Moment (Afraid To Cry)" is another significant highlight that is Mario in dramatic theatrical mode. Another impressive number, its very personal and has Mario showing his falsetto that ends the album on a strong note. Missteps would have to be the overly produced "Soundtrack To My Broken Heart", generic "Ooh Baby" and decent "I Miss My Friend".

While the productions head for bigger audiences and greater appeal, Mario seems to have slightly lost that innocent and convincing singing displayed in his past albums. There isn't any strictly R&B number, the album is comprised more of pop, rock tinged, clubby R&B that shows a diversity in direction, yet lacks his true forte. "I Choose You" is a typical Stargate guitar laced number, however "Stranded" has a comforting string and bass combination with a relaxing hook. While its better than Turning Point, it isn't as strong as Go!, the memorable moments are less and the album lacks a personality expressed earlier in his career. He may appeal to a broader audience and gain a stronger mainstream presence, however in doing so, he's lost a bit of his personal sound and identity. D.N.A. is by no means a bad album, its a worthy release, its just a minor stepback in his progression as an artist, since he had been so consistent in development with album releases.

Top Tracks: "Starlight", "Break Up (feat. Gucci Mane & Sean Garrett)", "Thinkin' About You", "The Hardest Moment (Afraid To Cry)", "Before She Said Hi (feat. Big Sean)"

Rating: 7.5 out of 10

Album Review: Mario-Go!

Successfully showing growth with his sophomore release, Turning Point, Mario delivers his third album, Go!. Rather than the clean faced innocence of the Turning Point cover, here he's a bit scruffier with the facial hair and hooded with a focused look. With chances of proving to be apart of the R&B elite, Mario aims to prove his spot and talent.

Lead single, "How Do I Breathe" is one of his best singles so far, if not the best. Stargate continue their hit single streak with a looming bassline and echoey string plucks. The track is refreshing and smooth with Mario pondering how he will breathe without his girl. The next highlight would have to be "Crying Out For Me", as Polow Da Don delivers one for the clubs, yet dually suitable as a relaxing midtempo. Similar in theme to his smash hit off Turning Point, "Let Me Love You", Mario explains how he hears her heart calling out to him. Soothingly crooning, "I can hear your heart, crying out for me", Mario flexes the vocals towards the end, showing his talent.

Ralph B. Stacy produced, "Music For Love" has the sounds of a summer club hit, as heavy bass and a catchy hook rightfully fit the track. Highlights continue with "Kryptonite", however an ill advised and out of place Rich Boy slightly taints things the track from being as good as it should be. Calling girls his kryptonite, Mario explains how he can help but have feelings for all of his adoring lady fanbase. Another single worthy number, Mario shows that he's exceeded expectations with four highlights.

The downfall of the album has to be the Juelz Santana assisted and Mr. Collipark produced, "Let Me Watch". The bass heavy flute lined number aims for "Boom" success but sounds odd and seems out of place, simply tacked on at the end. There's a few filler numbers in the synthy Timbaland helmed "No Definition" and "Why" despite its great chorus, but its evident that this is Mario's best album. The "Right And A Wrong Way" remake is a solid bedroom number that despite its mediocre lyricism, works to satisfy couples endeavors.

On his junior release, Mario displays his best album with a stronger vocal presence within the tracks, as well as selecting a better grouping of tracks. He satisfies the bedroom with "Right And A Wrong Way", summery club vibe with "Music For Love", recreates similar "Let Me Love You" magic with "Crying Out For Me" and offers the refreshing "How Do I Breathe". Vocally he's much more strong, less dependent on the catchy hook and finding his niche within the R&B competition. The inspiring "Do Right" is another Akon concoction, that finds the singer positively dedicating a song to his mother about stopping drugs, in which she has been addicted to cocaine. Congo drumming and piano keys build, while the honesty of the track truly leaves a lasting appeal to listeners. Consistently Mario has shown growth with each release and its satisfyingly good on Go!, proving he has the talent to do well and thrive within a competitive R&B male category.

Top Tracks: "How Do I Breathe", "Crying Out For Me", "Kryptonite (feat. Rich Boy)", "Do Right"

Rating: 8 out of 10

Album Review: Mario-Turning Point

Two years since his debut, there is a new confidence and more grown Mario, expressed on Turning Point. Charming the ladies with his debut, its apparent that Mario wanted to expand out of that fanbase without leaving them. On Turning Point, there's more big names involved, better songwriting and several instances where Mario swears. The album's title is a bold statement, confidently stating change, does it help his growth within the R&B game?

With as big of buzz that "Let Me Love You" has stormed up, there's an even bigger challenge in creating an album that will back it up. Hitmaker Scott Storch provides an intimate, smooth background comprised of a midtempo rhythm with light string arrangements. The beauty of "Let Me Love You" is Mario's vocals, the production complements his innocent tender pleading and allows him to truly come off as the perfect boyfriend. "Baby, good love and protection, make me your selection, show you the way love's supposed to be," croons Mario on the catchy chorus, and its undeniably the best track on the album. With that being said, that isn't to say that the album is weak, because it does the job in supporting a single of such appeal.

The energized opener has Mario boasting that he's merely "18" and confidently stating, "I got seven years to catch up". Fellow J Records artist, Cassidy drops a verse that is a nice addition. This confidence is spread throughout, which is a positive, indicating he's finding his sound more and more. Other features are surprisingly street hip hoppers, New Orleans rhymer Juvenile, ATL's T.I. and NY vet, Jadakiss. Juvenile fittingly appears on "Boom", a bass hitting club number that is made for the dance floors, cooked up with an ATL synth production by Lil' Jon. Reggae influenced "Girl I Need" features Cham, with its bouncy backing, Mario explains what he's looking for. Conversely, The Underdogs produced "How Could You" shows the young Mario experiencing a bitter breakup. While the production at times is a bit dull, Mario handles the track well, making it better with his raw emotion and bitter lyrics, which eventually builds to a soaring reflection of moving on.

The dramatic, panicked pace on "Here I Go Again" works, supported by a solid beat from Ron "Neff-U" Feemster comprised of strings and a heavy guitar. Where the song truly shines is its musical bridge, which also makes it yet another highlight on Turning Point. The feel good "Nikes Fresh Out The Box" has some mediocre songwriting, but Harold Lily's organs and positive vibe, make Mario's comparison of his lady to a fresh pair of Nike's work. Where the album falters is not because of bad tracks, but simply because the tracks aren't too memorable. Decent tracks like "Call The Cops", "Directions", and "Couldn't Say No" are worthy filler, but the worst of them would be "Shakedown". From the messy beat of horns and constant whistle blows, Mario gets lost in the production with weak songwriting as well. Tacked at the end is "Let Me Love You [Remix]" which pairs the singer with T.I. and Jadakiss, creating remade beat that is tailored more toward the club and cunningly works.

The growth is impressive here by Mario, more mature subject matter and 13 song tracklist keep things at about the right amount for the teenage crooner. Built around his hit, "Let Me Love You", the convincing "How Could You" and club rattling "Boom" are supportive highlights. While there is some filler, they merely are decent tracks that lack the catchiness and memorable aspects that the highlights contain. Turning Point is another step for the young singer in the right direction, making a bold statement and building a sound.

Top Tracks: "Let Me Love You", "How Could You", "Let Me Love You [Remix](feat. Jadakiss & T.I.)", "Boom (feat. Juvenile)"

Rating: 7 out of 10

First Listen: Mario/D.N.A.

Break Up (feat. Gucci Mane & Sean Garrett): 4/5

Thinkin' About You: 4/5

Get Out: 3.5/5

Soundtrack To My Broken Heart: 3/5

Starlight: 3.5/5

Stranded: 3.5/5

Ooh Baby: 3/5

Before She Said Hi (feat. Big Sean): 4/5

I Choose You: 3/5

Don't Walk Away: 3.5/5

I Miss My Friend: 3/5

The Hardest Moment (Afraid To Cry): 4/5

Overall: Mario's fourth release finds the singer moving toward a broader audience. Positively it is more of his development rather than a push for mass appeal. A lot of the beats have some heavy percussion and large, building hooks or catchy quick uptempo ones. There's some ballads, none of which are spectacular, but decent. The problem with the album is that a few of the songs begin to sound the same with the same formula which affects the convincingness of the tracks and their appeal. There aren't necessarily bad tracks, but a few aren't as memorable. There's no killer ballad/bedroom number or a pure R&B number, more pop accessible tracks that focus on catchiness.

First Listen: Ghostface Killah/Ghostdini: The Wizard Of Poetry In Emerald City

Not Your Average Girl (feat. Shareefa): 3/5

Do Over (feat. Raheem DeVaughn): 3.5/5

Baby (feat. Raheem DeVaughn): 4/5

Lonely (feat. Jack Knight): 4/5

Stapleton Sex: 2.5/5

Stay: 3/5

Paragraphs Of Love (feat. Estelle & Vaughn Anthony): 3.5/5

Guest House (feat. Fabolous & Shareefa): 3.5/5

Let's Stop Playin' (feat. John Legend): 3/5

Forever: 3.5/5

I'll Be That (feat. Adrienne Bailon): 2.5/5

Goner (feat. Lloyd): 3/5

She's A Killah (feat. Ron Browz): 2.5/5

Back Like That [Remix](feat. Ne-Yo & Kanye West): 4/5

Overall: Switching things up was a risky move for Ghost, however he's such a respected emcee at this point that the Ghost faithful and old heads can appreciate what he's done here. The album could have been a disaster, rather its a solid release from a Wu Tang vet who isn't afraid to express his feelings toward the opposite sex. With soulful samples in a number of the productions, Ghost delivers elaborate and interesting tales of relationships that he's known for. Assisting guests play roles of singing hooks, characters and add their talents to complement the stories told. Ghost correctly does the R&B laced album without losing his credibility.

First Listen: Playaz Circle/Flight 360: The Takeoff

Turbulence: 2.5/5

Look What I Got (feat. Korleone): 3/5

Stupid (feat. OJ Da Juiceman): 3.5/5

Hold Up: 3/5

Yeah We Gettin' Rich (feat. Ludacris): 4/5

Can't Remember (feat. Bobby Valentino): 3/5

Big Dawg (feat. Lil' Wayne): 2.5/5

Quit Flossin' (feat. The Casey Boys (of Jagged Edge): 3/5

Big Wheel Whippin': 3/5

Weight Droppin' (feat. Raekwon): 3/5

DJ Know Me (feat. Young Dro): 2.5/5

Ghetto (feat. Cee-Lo & Sunni Patterson): 4/5

Outta Here: 2/5

Overall: There is improvement from their debut, which was mainly supported by their hit single, "Duffle Bag Boy". The album failed to back it however and ended up being a merely mediocre to disappointing release. Productions are what save this duo on their sophomore release titled fittingly enough, Flight 360: The Takeoff. Beats are bigger and more celebratory with a ballin' mindset throughout, while Tity Boi and Dolla Boy aren't the most interesting rappers, they somehow get the job done. Although its better, there are still reasons for the duo being mediocre. Bangers come in "Yeah We Gettin' Rich" with a great Luda appearance, "Stupid" merely because of production and a hilarious OJ Da Juiceman verse, and a few others. Enjoyable numbers with no substance, are what they produce, catchy tracks, big productions and decent lyrics. Improvement from debut, but still a mediocre release.

First Listen: Lil' Boosie/SuperBad: The Return Of Boosie Bad Azz

My Avenue (feat. Lil' Phat & Lil' Trill): 3/5

Top Notch (feat. Mouse & Lil' Phat): 3/5

Better Believe It (feat. Young Jeezy & Webbie): 4/5

Lawd Have Mercy: 2/5

I'm A Dog (feat. Lil' Phat): 1.5/5

No Mercy: 3/5

Levi's (feat. Lil' Phat & Webbie): 2.5/5

Bulls***: 3.5/5

Who Can Love U (feat. Bobby Valentino): 3.5/5

Miss Kissin' On You (feat. Trina & KaDe): 2.5/5

Pain: 4/5

Loose As A Goose (feat. Foxx & Mouse): 3.5/5

Clips & Choppers (feat. Lil' Phat): 3/5

Bank Roll: 3.5/5

Crayola: 2/5

Mind Of A Maniac: 3.5/5

Overall: Boosie's high pitched voice is always amusing, along with his Louisiana drawl, however at times he doesn't seem to match the intensity of the production or drop the proper lyrics. We all know that lyrically Boosie isn't anything to listen for, but his funny rhymes and at times fiery verses are worth listening, at times it isn't there. Luckily the production is on point with some solid offerings by BJ and B-Real. There are obvious highlights and some duds, but its a decent release from Boosie that shows he can still keep things street and gutter for listeners.

First Listen: New Boyz/Skinny Jeanz And A Mic

Cricketz (feat. Tyga): 2.5/5

You're A Jerk: 3.5/5

Dot Com: 2/5

Colorz: 3/5

Way 2 Many Chickz: 2/5

Turnt: 2.5/5

Bunz (feat. Kydd-SB): 3/5

Cashmere: 2.5/5

So Dope: 1.5/5

Tie Me Down (feat. Ray J): 3/5

New Girl (feat. D&D): 3/5

No More (feat. O.N.E.): 2/5

One Night: 1.5/5

Overall: New Boyz keep things light, fun, and teen throughout, however it doesn't result in a strong release. Two sections, poppy and sappy R&B numbers with bass driven "You're A Jerk" remakes are the disc. Lyrically they're average but lack any introspection or real lyricism. They bring a different sound and style, however it begins to wear thin by the end of the 43 minute debut.

The Lowdown (10/13)

The only release worth noting would be the self proclaimed "Soul Truth", singer Mario. The fourth release from the Baltimore raised singer is titled, D.N.A., which he hopes to show his improvement and growth as a singer. Mario made great growth with Go in 2007, he hopes to capitalize off the success and be accepted as part of R&B's best. Guests include Sean Garrett, Gucci Mane and Big Sean, with production handled by The Runners, Jim Jonsin, Tricky Stewart, L.O.S. Da Mystro among others. Lead Single: "Break Up (feat. Gucci Mane & Sean Garrett)", "Thinkin' About You"

The Lowdown (10/6)

New York vet, Fat Joe releases his delayed J.O.S.E. 2 (Jealous Ones Still Envy 2) off of Imperial/Terror Squad. Having experienced fairly good longevity, the ninth release features Lil' Wayne, T-Pain, Raekwon, Akon and others. As well as production from DJ Infamous, The Inkredibles, Jim Jonsin and Eric Hudson. Lead Single: "One (feat. Akon)", "Aloha (feat. Pleasure P & Rico Love)"

Former Def Jam signee, Joe Budden drops another album, Escape Route, as a prelude to his official third solo album, The Great Escape. Since departing from Def Jam, Budden has teamed with Amalgam Digital and maintained a heavy internet presence with his famed Joe Budden TV. With productions from StreetRunner, 9th Wonder, Chad West and lesser known producers, Budden continues to give fans material. Lead Single: "We Outta Here (feat. Royce Da 5'9'', Joell Ortiz & Crooked I)"

Former Ill Will affiliated artist, Tre Williams can be best remembered as the soulful singer on Nas' "Let There Be Light" off his '06 release, Hip Hop Is Dead. Now Williams is onto bigger things, teaming with former Roc-A-Fella artist, Rell and a handful of musicians known as The Revelations. Tre Williams & The Revelations deliver their debut piece of work in The Bleeding Edge. Being in a rare category of soul music, Tre hopes to bring back the genre and deliver good music in a more confined R&B genre nowadays. Lead Single: "How Do I Tell Him"

Hip Hop News: Ryan Leslie's Transition official track listing

Music mastermind, Ryan Leslie, the creator of Cassie's hit smash, "Me & U" a few years ago, prepares his second album, Transition. Leslie recently released the official tracklisting, as well as explaining how the album is created conceptually. Evidently, Leslie met a certain lady, whom had a boyfriend and the songs are based off his relationship with this person. Sounds intriguing, the only guest appearance comes from the Clipse's Pusha T.

1. Never Gonna Break Up

2. Something Like I Like (feat. Pusha T (of Clipse))

3. Zodiac

4. Is It Real Love?

5. Sunday Night

6. You're Not My Girl

7. To The Top

8. Nothing

9. Guardian Angel

10. All My Love

11. I Choose You

Hip Hop News: 50 Cent's Before I Self Destruct album cover

Thoughts? Reminds me of the Terminator.....album is set for a November 17th release.

The Lowdown (9/29)

New releases include Marques Houston with his fourth solo release, Mr. Houston. Expressing good growth with his last album, Veteran, Houston returns after two years with a more glitzy release. Known for his seductive falsetto and light crooning, Houston works with mentor, Chris Stokes heavily for this release with only a few producers. Lead Single: "I Love Her (feat. Jim Jones)", "Date", "Body", "Sunset"

The most consistent Wu Tang member brings us yet another solo release in Ghostdini: The Wizard Of Poetry In Emerald City. Ghostface Killah returns with an R&B based album, featuring a plethora of singing talent to assist Ghost in his tales of love. Switching things from the typical New York street crimes, Ghost expresses various tales of affection for the opposite sex over R&B/Rap productions by Sean C & LV, L.T. Moe, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, among others. Guests include John Legend, Raheem DeVaughn, Fabolous, Lloyd and others. Lead Single: "Baby (feat. Raheem DeVaughn)"

The twelfth album in her famed catalog, Mariah Carey brings Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel. Collaborating with the hottest producers in the R&B game, The-Dream and Christopher "Tricky" Stewart produce the whole album, with instances of frequent Mariah producer James "Big Jim" Wright, as well as L.O.S. Da Mystro. Described as a "personal album for the fans" with the tracks serving as "entries in a private diary", Carey delivers the summer ladies jam, "Obsessed". With the solid E=MC2 last year, Carey continues her successful career with this release, an up to date collaboration with the hottest producer and songwriter. Lead Single: "Obsessed", "I Want To Know What Love Is", "H.A.T.E.U."

Disturbing Tha Peace duo, Playaz Circle round out the releases with their sophomore album, Flight 360: The Takeoff. Delivering their debut, Supply & Demand in 2007 with their smash hit, "Duffle Bag Boy" and their nickname of being the Duffle Bag Boys, they have been fairly quiet. Starting the buzz for this album was "Stupid" with the latest up and coming trap rapper, OJ Da Juiceman. With DTP boss, Ludacris guest appearing, as well as former DTP singer, Bobby Valentino and a surprisingly appearance from Wu Tang member, Raekwon, the duffle bag boys hope to prove their worth. Lead Single: "Stupid (feat. OJ Da Juiceman)", "Can't Remember (feat. Bobby Valentino)", "Yeah We Gettin' Rich (feat. Ludacris)"