Song Of The Day (11/29)

"Popular Demand (Popeyes)" By Clipse feat. Cam'Ron

This street banger from VA group, The Clipse is one of their newest singles off of their forthcoming release, Til The Casket Drops. The hard hitting bass and piano keys make for a worthy street number. Cam'Ron stops by for a humorous verse, while Pusha T and Malice deliver decent verses as well. The Neptunes continue to produce good music with this beat, look out for Clipse's third release, in stores December 8th.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_vrzuh0xKU

Song Of The Day (11/28)

The "Song Of The Day" is a new segment I am incorporating into the blog, simply a favorite song that I personally select each day. It can vary from old school, a little old to present.

"Nothin' On You" By B.o.B. feat. Bruno Mars

The first "song of the day" comes from ATLien, B.o.B. a.k.a. Bobby Ray. The lead single off of his upcoming debut album, B.o.B. Presents: The Adventures Of Bobby Ray, has the multi-talented artist hooking up with rising producer/songwriter/singer, Bruno Mars. Original lead single, "I'll Be In The Sky" was a good introduction to B.o.B., but somehow didn't fair as well in the mainstream, this single hopes to reach that. Bruno Mars is a singer hailing from Hawaii, who is one half of The Smeezingtons, who produced the track. Mars' clear, smooth hook is delivered practically perfect here, while light piano keys ride and the feel good vibe is felt throghout. B.o.B. continues to show his talent with simple rhymes in a nice flow. Good single that should bring more hype to an artist that is definitely talented enough to back it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqy0eH1lIZ4

The Lowdown (12/1)

The self proclaimed "Pied Piper of R&B" returns with his ninth solo album, after much delay. Originally scheduled to be released in the summer of 2008, under the title of 12 Play: 4th Quarter, the whole album leaked onto the net, causing a rerecording of all the material. Interestingly titled, Untitled, similar fashion to Nas' past release, it is unknown why he decided to go with the title. Following the hip hop flavored Double Up, the album contains the bedroom numbers that Kells is known for delivering, as well as some club numbers. Collaborators include Rock City, OJ Da Juiceman, Keri Hilson and the baby maker extravaganza with The-Dream, Robin Thicke and Tyrese.

Lead Single: "Number One (feat. Keri Hilson)", "Religious"

New Orleans veteran, Juvenile returns also with his ninth album, Cocky & Confident. Taking a three year absence since his slightly Katrina themed Reality Check in 2006, Juve returns with a "more fun" album with bangers. Collaborating with several southern newcomers, Shawty Lo & Dorrough, as well as New Orleans affiliates, B.G., Kango Slim, Mista Meana, and some crooners, Bobby Valentino, Pleasure P and Q Corvette. This Louisiana vet is sure to have the streets bangin' with his newest release.

Lead Single: "Gotta Get It", "Hands On You (feat. Pleasure P)", "We Be Getting Money (feat. Shawty Lo, Dorrough & Kango Slim)"

Album Review: Birdman-5* Stunna

Keeping the Cash Money boat afloat, Birdman brings his third solo release, 5* Stunna. Two years since his last release, Fast Money and fresh off his collaborative duo release, Like Father, Like Son with Hip Hop megastar, Lil' Wayne, Birdman looks to keep stunting and shining on his foes. With the mafia voiced mobster in several skits here, as he did on Like Father, Like Son, it looks as if Cash Money is shining better than they have.

Kane's gun toting and grand beat is worth noting on opener, "Fully Loaded", as things get off to a decent start. With assistance from Lil' Wayne, "I Run This" results in a synthetic banger that has some hard knocking bass, courtesy of Drumma Boy & TMIX. A worthy club banger on an album that has few certified ones. Lead single, "100 Million" has a plethora of guests, Rick Ross, Young Jeezy and Weezy all drop vocals, while Dre croons on the hook and Khaled does his usual adlibbing annoyance. Cool & Dre present another commercial hit, as Dre's chorus is an inspiring ode to the hoods with crashing piano loops and extravagant horns blast building to the hook. Birdman however drops the weakest verse, "move them thangs, get them thangs, switch that lane, get that change, flip them thangs, get yo money homie do yo thang, see I got em like ten times, spend money got it like ten times, flip that got it like ten times, got money like ten times mo n***a".

Lyrical weakness is evident throughout the album, which really proves how bad of a rapper Birdman is, but surprisingly, guest appearances and production keep things moving. "Pop Bottles" features a chopped and screwed hook with a hard hitting beat of drum rolls and claps with Lil' Wayne adding a charismatic persona to Birdman's mobster rhymes. Successful number that is a hood club banger with Cash Money written all over. The next highlight is The Fliptones produced, "Make Way", with a reggae Weezy and solid Fat Joe verse, "stunna my brotha, weezy we da syndicate, hundred phantoms, hundred maybachs, I guess we n***a rich."

While there are a few highlights, lyrical inconsistency and redundancy is found on the dull, "Love My Hood" which has more of the stunna's boasts. The bare "All The Time" fails to impress, forgettable "The Money (So Fresh)", and more filler in "Wet Paint." Another negative is the twenty two song tracklist, which has a number of filler in it. A shortened tracklist would have made this Birdman release a bit more bearable, but twenty two tracks of his stunnin' gets a bit tiresome for any listener.

Birdman's third release isn't bad, but the overabundance of tracks makes the listener weary by the end. Birdman's releases have always been better than what they seem, but that doesn't cover up the unoriginal lyrics that Birdman continues to spit. Regardless, the Cash Money faithful will eat up the bangers with Lil' Wayne's assistance, while "We Gangsta" and "Grind" work due to their guests. "R.I.P." has Birdman at his most reflective and serious, proving he can deliver some real material. 5* Stunna has its moments, but its another mediocre release from a bad rapper. As long as he has money though, there's no stopping Birdman from delivering decent albums with highlighting singles.

Tracklist:

1. Intro (Produced by Keleigh Reid)

2. Fully Loaded (Produced by Kane Beatz)

3. I Run This (feat. Lil' Wayne) (Produced by TMIX & Drumma Boy)

4. The Money "So Fresh" (Produced by Jean "J Rock" Borges & Gorilla Tek)

5. The Old Man #1 [Interlud] (Produced by Keleigh Reid)

6. 100 Million (feat. DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, Lil' Wayne, Dre & Young Jeezy) (Produced by Cool & Dre)

7. Believe Dat (feat. Lil' Wayne) (Produced by Mark Batson, Detroit Red & K1 Mil)

8. Wet Paint (Produced by TMIX)

9. Grind (feat. Lil' Wayne & Brisco) (Produced by StreetRunner)

10. All The Time (Produced by Jim Jonsin)

11. The Old Man #2 [Interlude] (Produced by Keleigh Reid)

12. Head Busta (Produced by Young Yonny & Vaushaun "Maestro" Brooks)

13. Pop Bottles (feat. Lil' Wayne) (Produced by Raymond "Sarom" Diaz & Steve Morales)

14. Love My Hood (Produced by TMIX)

15. I'm A Stunna (Produced by TMIX & Happy Perez)

16. The Old Man #3 [Interlude] (Produced by Keleigh Reid)

17. Make Way (feat. Fat Joe & Lil' Wayne) (Produced by The Fliptones & Javon "4Mil" Thomas)

18. So Tired (feat. Lil' Wayne) (Produced by The Fliptones & Da Honorable C.N.O.T.E.)

19. Outro (Produced by Keleigh Reid)

20. We Gangsta (feat. All Star Cashville Prince & Yo Gotti) (Produced by TMIX)

21. Bossy (feat. Jason DeRulo) (Produced by The Fliptones)

22. R.I.P. (Produced by Mousa & Rodnae)

Top Tracks: "I Run This (feat. Lil' Wayne)", "100 Million (feat. DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, Lil' Wayne,

Young Jeezy & Dre)", "Pop Bottles (feat. Lil' Wayne)", "Make Way (feat. Fat Joe & Lil' Wayne)"

Skippers: "The Money 'So Fresh'", "Love My Hood", "Wet Paint"

Rating: 6 out of 10

Album Review: Birdman-Pricele$$

Is Cash Money making a comeback? A return to their reign they achieved nearly a decade ago? Regardless, Cash Money co founder, Bryan "Birdman" Williams has always kept the label together with his riches. With his fourth solo release, Pricele$$, the rapper continues his boasts of endless billions and riding in the fanciest cars, while shouting out "YMCMB" and "Uptown" in nearly every verse. However, with a new Cash Money/Young Money crew, will the new look label give this album a better sound?

We all know that Birdman isn't the greatest lyricist, in fact is very close to being the worse. Nearly every verse, whether guest or his own song, he must mention money, women, cars and Uptown with no metaphors at all. The album starts with welcoming beat, but features the typical forgettable lyrics from Birdman. Fortunately, two of the rap game's hottest emcees, Lil' Wayne and Drake, both of which are signed and affiliated to Cash Money, show up enough to bring some memorable moments. This is the exact case in "Money To Blow" and "4 My Town (Play Ball)". Another catchy Drake hook and impressive verse, decent Wayne feature and rehashed Birdman verse equal club banger. Storming up the charts recently, the Drumma Boy produced single has glossy synths at head nodding pace with moody horns mixed in.

Boi-1da who has worked extensively with newcomer Drake, produces the next single, "4 My Town (Play Ball)". The hook is fitting with the horn based beat with tapping hi hats in a similar rhythm to "Forever". With its building and pacing styled beat, Birdman drops his usual verse, while Wayne brings a better verse stating, "I been running this s***, blisters!" Its yet another Cash Money banger that will serve the faithful, with potential to do damage on the charts and clubs alike.

The most disappointing thing about the album is the quality production work throughout. Every beat is solid, (spare the repetitive and mundane loop on "Mo Milly") however Birdman's poor lyricism doesn't do them justice. The opening, "Been About Money" has a repetitive hook and grand beat, but the track is brought down by Birdman's tiresome lyrics of "brand new harley, keep some extra clips, keep some extra diamonds, keep some new whips". Likewise, "Shinin'" isn't memorable, despite its destructive club bangin' beat, T-Pain's hook also is a bit annoying with Pain practically yelling at the top of his lungs.

When Birdman does fit the beat and not get too repetitive, things aren't bad. The best of the bunch lying in "Bring It Back" featuring a computerized Lil' Wayne hook that somehow comes off as reflective. Slick synths smoothly glisten among a knocking beat. "Nightclub" is a little weaker, but the beat is fitting. A preview of Wayne's Rebirth is found on the title track, which has Weezy offering a rock styled hook over Jim Jonsin's heavy guitars to a mixed result. Bun and Drake go in on "Mo Milly", but the beat is too loopy that it becomes hard to listen to.

The bottom line is if you are Cash Money and possibly Young Money faithful, you should enjoy this release. With a few bangers, it makes for a nice ride with some party numbers. If the beats appeal to you enough that can surpass the horrid lyrics by Birdman, you'll enjoy. For those that listen for lyrics, Birdman can't rhyme to save his life, hence the numerous appearances by Cash Money affiliates, Lil' Wayne, Drake and Bun B. The pop/dance floor number, "I Want It All" features Cash Money signee, Kevin Rudolf delivering a partying hook that repeats the title, while Wayne is at his most fun flow, and the production has a party aspect that will appeal to club goers. "Always Strapped" is remixed here with Mack Maine appearing to give the song a little more newness since its release was so long ago. The album is cut at a smart tight thirteen song tracklist, which compares better than the overlong and redundant 5* Stunna. Decent album from Birdman that works better than his past works, a little less memorable than Fast Money.

Tracklist:

1. Intro (Produced by T-Minus)

2. Been About Money (Produced by I.N.F.O.)

3. Money To Blow (feat. Drake & Lil' Wayne) (Produced by Drumma Boy)

4. Money Machine (Produced by Howard "X-Fyle" Metoyer)

5. Pricele$$ (feat. Lil' Wayne) (Produced by Jim Jonsin)

6. Bring It Back (feat. Lil' Wayne) (Produced by Infamous & Laurent "Slick" Cohen)

7. Nightclub (Produced by Howard "X-Fyle" Metoyer)

8. 4 My Town (Play Ball)(feat. Drake & Lil' Wayne) (Produced by Boi-1da)

9. Hustle (feat. Gudda Gudda & Lil' Wayne) (Produced by Drew Correa)

10. Shinin' (feat. T-Pain) (Produced by T-Pain)

11. Mo Milly (feat. Drake & Bun B) (Produced by Boi-1da)

12. I Want It All (feat. Kevin Rudolf & Lil' Wayne) (Produced by Kevin Rudolf)

13. Always Strapped [Remix](feat. Lil' Wayne & Mack Maine)(Produced by Mr. Beats & Lil' C)

Top Tracks: "Bring It Back (feat. Lil' Wayne)", "Money To Blow (feat. Drake & Lil' Wayne)", "4 My Town (Play Ball)(feat. Drake & Lil' Wayne)", "Always Strapped [Remix](feat. Mack Maine & Lil' Wayne)"

Skippers: "Money Machine", "Shinin' (feat. T-Pain)"

Rating: 7 out of 10

First Listen: Birdman-Pricele$$

Intro: 1.5/5

Been About Money: 2/5

Money To Blow (feat. Drake & Lil' Wayne): 4/5

Money Machine: 1/5

Pricele$$ (feat. Lil' Wayne): 2/5

Bring It Back (feat. Lil' Wayne): 3/5

Nightclub: 2.5/5

4 My Town (Play Ball)(feat. Drake & Lil' Wayne): 3.5/5

Hustle (feat. Gudda Gudda & Lil' Wayne): 2.5/5

Shinin' (feat. T-Pain): 1.5/5

Mo Milli (feat. Drake & Bun B): 3/5

I Want It All (feat. Kevin Rudolf & Lil' Wayne): 3/5

Always Strapped [Remix](feat. Mack Maine & Lil' Wayne): 4/5

Overall: Yet another typical Birdman album that covers the same rehashed topics that he's been creating. Frankly he simply isn't a good rapper, but this is more of a business move and something he does for fun, which he can afford to do. Lyrically he hasn't improved and its the same old, uptown, M.O.B., YMCMB (Young Money Cash Money B****), gettin money, ballin, shinin, etc. Production work isn't bad, however Birdman's lyrics simply can't do them justice, so its a decent album with a few bangers, thanks largely to the guest list and nearly an appearance from BMJR, Lil' Wayne, on every track. If your a Cash Money Young Money fan, you'll enjoy, but for others, Birdman still isn't a great rapper and even with a short tracklist which suits him better this go around, doesn't mean he can hold an album all the way through, considering the many guest appearances.

Album Review: 50 Cent-Before I Self Destruct

“You want some? Come get some, n***a, its murder one when you see my gun,” 50 taunts on the dark, chilling DJ Premier production. From the Terminator influenced album cover to the three mixtapes released before the album (War Angel LP, Forever King, The 50^th Law Of Power), it was clear 50 was going towards a more hostile and violent attitude reminiscent of his debut.

Since the mega success of his debut, Get Rich Or Die Tryin’, there has been a disappointing decline of mediocre albums with a few high charting singles. With his G-Unit crew becoming less and less relevant, 50 promises to bring back that street mentality of his debut after much delay.

With three guests on the album, 50 clearly wanted to prove that he could still handle things on his own. The Dr. Dre produced “Death To My Enemies” features some relentless boom bap with assisting guitar strums. 50 delivers a mixture of aggression and flow, spitting, “430 Spider, carbon fiber, hit my targets like Al-Quidda, natural fighter, rap with fire, its sweet like apple cider,” while proclaiming on the hook, “I bring money to my n***as and death to my enemies.”

The highly anticipated collaboration of Eminem and 50 appears on another Dr. Dre produced number, “Psycho”. The collaboration fulfills expectations, with 50 delivering a rapid cadence and Eminem rapping in alter ego-Slim Shady form, except with less of the accent displayed on Relapse. Dre’s production of paranoid synths, pulsating beeps and epic strings, assist in building the track’s haunting sound.

The Ne-Yo assisted “Baby By Me” works nicely with Polow Da Don crafting a club ready beat of pounding bass, twinkling bells and refreshing synths. The track shows 50’s ability as a hit maker and satisfies mainstream club rotation. The smoothest 50 gets is the string filled “Do You Think About Me” which has 50 simply wanting to “f***, be friends and live comfortably” and wondering whether his woman thinks about him or the luxuries bought for her.

The soulful “Strong Enough” and “Then Days Went By” both fair decently, with the latter fairing a bit better in its storyline of drug addicted family members and a close friend in the streets. A 50 record wouldn’t be complete without a controversial diss track, which comes in the form of “So Disrespectful”. A repetitive hook, plucking strings and organ fuel 50s diss shots at Young Buck and The Game, “come on Game, you’ll never be my equal, your homies shoot doors, my n***as shoot people”.

The latter half of the album isn’t nearly as strong as the start, beginning with the dull club attempt, “Get It Hot”. The horrid hook mixed with a generic synth buzzing beat make for an annoying track, despite some decent lyrics. “Gangsta’s Delight” is an updated gangsta version of the classic Sugarhill Gang hit, “Rapper’s Delight”, however it adds nothing to improve the original concept and comes off as corny. R. Kelly’s chorus seems sporadic on the forgettable “Could’ve Been You”, while the completely clichéd and lazily compiled “I Got Swag” tries to capitalize on rap’s current trend of “swag” or swagger.

How does Before I Self Destruct compare amongst previous 50 albums? It’s on par with 07’s Curtis, resulting into another mediocre album. Despite having some decent tracks, the album’s main flaw is its replay value, as it comes off as very unmemorable. Sure there is more aggression expressed on the songs, but it only works on a few tracks and after a while, the flow becomes forced and unappealing. The difference between Curtis and Before I Self Destruct is the single potential. Curtis had its select singles that were a guaranteed success, when listening to this album, there is a question as to what singles will chart. 50’s knack for creating catchy hooks has significantly gone down and with each album he seems to consistently be less and less interesting. The 50 and G-Unit loyal will be satisfied, as for the rest of the hip hop community, if you like 50, you’ll enjoy, for the others, its simply another release from one of hip hop’s most controversial figures.

Top Tracks: “Psycho (feat. Eminem)”, “Baby By Me (feat. Ne-Yo)”, “Death To My Enemies”

Rating: 7 out of 10

The Lowdown (11/23)

Call it Cash Money Monday, as the record label powered by Lil' Wayne and Birdman serve a few releases. The first of which, comes in the form of pop star, Jay Sean. Releasing his debut album within the United States, after success overseas, bringing his smooth vocals and dance floor jams to fruition with All Or Nothing. The British, Asian-Indian singer worked extensively with J-Remy & Bobbybass who provide the majority of the production and the rest left to Alan Sampson. Guests include Cash Money labelmate, Lil' Wayne, dancehall artist Sean Paul, the king of crunk Lil' Jon and Jared Cotter.

Lead Single: "Down (feat. Lil' Wayne)", "Do You Remember (feat. Sean Paul & Lil' Jon)"

Cash Money co founder Birdman joins Jay Sean in the Cash Money monday with his fourth solo release, fittingly titled Pricele$$. Consistently speaking of money and the riches he flaunts, Birdman intends to continue working his stunna formula to lead the new Cash Money into the generation, hoping to regain supremacy as the old days. With numerous guests, mainly Lil' Wayne and Drake, with side appearances from Bun B, Kevin Rudolf, T-Pain and Cash Money family, like Gudda Gudda, and Mack Maine. Boi-1da, Drumma Boy, Howard "X-Fyle" Metoyer and Lil' C all provide beatwork for the release.

Lead Single: "Always Strapped [Remix](feat. Lil' Wayne & Mack Maine)", "Money To Blow (feat. Drake & Lil' Wayne)", "4 My Town (Play Ball)(feat. Drake & Lil' Wayne)"

From the black and white photo to the title, Rated R, Rihanna realized that with the great success from her Good Girl Gone Bad, fans loved the bad and dirty Rihanna. She returns with her highly anticipated fourth album, delivering an edgier and more aggressive lyrical stance, spawning her first album to bear a Parental Advisory label. Usual suspect hitmakers, The-Dream & Christopher "Tricky" Stewart provide work, along with Stargate and Chase & Status.

Lead Single: "Russian Roulette", "Hard (feat. Young Jeezy)", "Wait Your Turn"

The Lowdown (11/17)*

What a difference two years can make. Since their 07 release, Late Night Special, it was all downhill for the group, experiencing the loss of member, Pleasure P and then being dropped from Atlantic Records. Singer Pleasure P sought to have a solo deal and felt that Pretty Ricky's raunchy and immature style wasn't for him, resulting in him leaving the group.

The group attempted to replace fan favorite Pleasure P with a Pittsburgh singer name 4Play which they worked on their third album, 80s Babies. Several delays and eventually album leakage on the internet forced the album to be shelved, as well as major label, Atlantic Records dropping the group. 4Play would leave the group because of creative differences and the gap of a singer was yet again visible.

Going independent with Big Cat Records and Bluestar Ent., the group emerged back in 2009 with their newest album out today, simply self titled. With new singer, Lingerie, the Miami crew that burst on the scene with their smash hit, "Grind On Me", hope to retain that chart success once again. A new group, fresh start, their fourth album hopes to prove their need in the game. The album was fully produced by their very own, Music Royale Productions.

Lead Single: "Tipsy (In Dis Club)", "Say A Command"

The Lowdown (11/17)

The biggest release comes in superstar, 50 Cent who delivers his fourth release, Before I Self Destruct. Losing to Kanye West in a sales competition with the mediocre Curtis, 50 returns to the street mentality with a viscous growl. Mentor Dr. Dre puts in work, alongside hitmaker Polow Da Don, and several lesser known producers as well. Hoping to obtain his street cred back, the fierce flows and Terminator styled album cover show his intentions with his newest.

Lead Single: "OK, You're Right", "Baby By Me (feat. Ne-Yo)"

God emcee Rakim returns after a decade's absence to release his third solo album entitled The Seventh Seal. Known for his classic material in his debut and early days, Ra returns to prove old school hip hop still exists within a commercialized rap game. Collaborating with Maino and a handful of hook singers, Ra hopes to still see relevance in the new age of hip hop.

Lead Single: "Walk These Streets (feat. Maino & Tracey Horton)", "Holy Are You"

Hip Hop News: Clipse-Til The Casket Drops Album Cover

The VA duo present their unique album cover, courtesy of famous visualist, Kaws. Their forthcoming third album, Til The Casket Drops is set for a December 8th release date. There is heavy competition on the date with Snoop Dogg, Chris Brown, Usher, Timbaland, Gucci Mane all set to release their respective albums.

Tracklisting For Til The Casket Drops:

1. Speak Of Freedom (Produced By Sean C & LV)

2. Popular Demand (Popeye's)(feat. Cam'Ron) (Production By The Neptunes)

3. Kinda Like A Big Deal (feat. Kanye West) (Production By DJ Khalil)

4. Showin' Out (feat. Yo Gotti) (Production By The Neptunes)

5. I'm Good (feat. Pharrell) (Production By The Neptunes)

6. There Was A Murder (Production By DJ Khalil)

7. Door Man (Production By The Neptunes)

8. Never Will It Stop (feat. Ab-Liva) (Production By Sean C & LV)

9. All Eyes On Me (feat. Pharrell & Keri Hilson) (Production By The Neptunes)

10. Counseling (Production By The Neptunes)

11. Champion (Production By The Neptunes)

12. Follow In My Footsteps (Production By DJ Khalil)

13. Life Change (feat. Pharrell & Kenna) (Production By The Neptunes)

14. I'm Good [Remix](feat. Rick Ross & Pharrell) (Production By The Neptunes) *Bonus Track*

Album Review: Jay-Z-The Blueprint 3 (Full)

“I don’t run rap no more, I run the map,” Jay-Z boldly states in his introductory number, “What We Talkin’ About,” off his newest release, The Blueprint 3.

The third disc in the heralded Blueprint series and his eleventh solo album, finds the entrepreneur boasting of the luxuries of celebrity life, yet utilizing good flow and wordplay to keep things interesting. Starting in 2001 with his critically acclaimed classic, The Blueprint, Jay returns with what he defines as a “new classic.”

Releasing a few teasers over the summer, the buzz started with street single, “D.O.A. (Death Of Autotune).” Stirring controversy within the hip-hop community, Jay-Z confidently spits, “I know we facin’ a recession but the music ya’ll makin gon make it the great depression.”

Producer No I.D.’s guitar loop and bluesy saxophone create a nice backdrop for Jay-Z’s bold statements. Popular radio jam, “Run This Town” pairs Jay with musical heavyweights, Rihanna and Kanye West over a chanting rhythm fueled by relentless guitar loops. The track serves its purpose as a commercially appealing anthem with a catchy Rihanna hook and a worthy guest verse from West.

Part of the success of The Blueprint was the production contribution from Kanye West. Jay-Z reconnects with West for seven of fifteen tracks, including two collaborations with newcomers, Kid Cudi on the lively “Already Home” and Roc Nation signee, J. Cole on the soul sampling rundown of hip hop history with “A Star Is Born.” The true highlight of the album is the Al Shux produced, “Empire State Of Mind” which features a soulfully vibrant hook by Alicia Keys that is equally inspiring. Serving as a New York anthem, Jay-Z runs through the finest things about his city, while hopeful piano keys plunk and building guitars lead to the show stealing Keys.

However, a few missteps are evident, most surprisingly coming from Timbaland, whose futuristic sounding productions are interesting, but sound out of place in the mix of songs on the album. “Off That” is a decent club number with a wasted Drake appearance, while “Reminder” has an awkward and repetitive hook that taints things. Worst of all, “Venus Vs. Mars” featuring a bad cadence from Jay and furthermore, the dull hook of “shawty get it in, daddy go hard.” Although “Hate,” sounds interesting with a creative production, the slight autotune presence contradicts Jay-Z’s statement with “D.O.A.,” and the different flows unfortunately don’t work.

Following American Gangster, is a tough task considering the album’s vivid storytelling and heavy lyricism. Jay-Z succeeds with BP3, reconnecting with West for good productions and pulling out high profile guest stars to create a solid commercial album that works thanks to Jay-Z’s consistency and ability to keep listeners interested. Things positively end with the reflective, “Young Forever,” as Kanye’s smooth synths loom and Mr. Hudson croons of seeking to be young. Jay-Z proves he’s still worth listening to, and while he may not drop another classic, more solid albums like this will only continue to build his legacy within rap history.

Top Tracks: “Empire State Of Mind (feat. Alicia Keys)” “Already Home (feat. Kid Cudi)” “Run This Town (feat. Rihanna & Kanye West)” “Young Forever (feat. Mr. Hudson)”

Rating: 8 out of 10

Hip Hop News: B.G. Arrested

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Reports have come out that rapper, B.G. has been arrested in his hometown of New Orleans on weapons possession and has been booked on a felony charge. He was charged with possession of one illegal firearm and is unconfirmed regarding bond/release status. The arrest comes two months prior to the release of his new album, Too Hood 2 Be Hollywood. It is unknown whether this will affect the album's December 8th release date through Chopper City/Atlantic/E1 Entertainment. Fellow Hot Boy, Juvenile releases his new album, Cocky & Confident a week earlier (December 1st) off Atlantic/UTP/E1 Entertainment.

The Lowdown (11/10)

On Wyclef Jean's new release, Toussaint St. Jean: From The Hut, To The Projects, To The Mansion, the singer/rapper/songwriter among other titles, brings us a return to his harder rap roots. Experiencing crossover success on the charts with pop tunes and collaborating with a number of artists, Jean decides to come back to what led to his rise of fame. From his time as a battle rapper in high school to his time with The Fugees, Jean took a break to focus on more pop/R&B/club tunes. Here, DJ Drama joins 'Clef in his tale of rise to chronicle as the album's narrator. Intriguing guest appearances from Timbaland, Eve, Lil' Kim and even Cyndi Lauper (credited also as Luscious Loo Loo).

Lead Single: "Warrior's Anthem", "You Don't Wanna Go Outside"

Proudly proclaiming himself as the "Ambassador of rap for the capital", Wale hails from Washington, D.C., taking great pride in being one of the first to truly represent in the rap game. His delayed debut, Attention Deficit being released through Allido/Interscope features an array of talent. From rising trap rapper Gucci Mane to soulstress Chrisette Michele to clubby pop singer Lady Gaga, there are some high profile appearances. Production is handled by Best Kept Secret, Cool & Dre, The Neptunes & Mark Ronson among others.

Lead Single: "Chillin' (feat. Lady Gaga)", "World Tour (feat. Jazmine Sullivan)", "Pretty Girls (feat. Gucci Mane & Weensey)"

The Lowdown (11/3)

Top notch producer Ryan Leslie returns with his sophomore album, Transition, merely nine months since his self titled debut. Leslie based the album around his relationship with an individual he met since the debut's release. Conceptually, the girl had a boyfriend and therefore he had to deal with a lot to be with her. Fully written, arranged, produced and engineered by Leslie, the lone guest appearance comes from The Clipse member, Pusha T. Looks to be a promising release by the highly intelligent producer/songwriter/singer who built Cassie's career.

Lead Single: "You're Not My Girl"

Cali duo of rapper Shwayze and singer Cisco Adler return with their second album, Let It Beat. With its 80's influenced album cover and overall sound, the album showcases the nightlife of the two. With their self titled debut, they duo showed perfect music for summery Malibu lifestyle and a laid back mentality. Assisted with a TV show and plenty of MTV support, the duo brings a more club, late night weekend partying numbers with this release. There is a drastic difference in sound, intended to show the group's versatility. Fellow Cali emcee, Snoop Dogg drops by, as well as Tabi Bonney and The Knux. Fully produced by Cisco Adler, Kool Kojak and Ric Ocasek also assist.

Lead Single: "Get U Home"

The final release comes in singer, Amerie who produces her fourth album entitled In Love & War. The two time grammy winner blew up with her hit single "1 Thing off her sophomore album, Touch. Hoping to recapture the success of her first two albums, the singer dealt with label issues, involving her third project, Because I Love It which suffered label support and proper release dates. Teaming up with Def Jam and creating her own record label, Feenix Rising. With the artistic album design, a break from her similarly created album covers with Columbia Records, Amerie offers a solid product with appearances from rapper Lil' Wayne, Fabolous and singer, Trey Songz. Production comes from Sean Garrett, Jim Jonsin, Bryan Michael-Cox, Eric Hudson and Warryn "Baby-Dub" Campbell.

Lead Single: "Why R U", "Heard 'Em All", "Pretty Brown"