New Video: Emeli Sandé 'Heaven'

You might not know the name but you will know the voice.  Back in 2009 Scottish singer, Emeli Sandé featured on Chipmunk's hit single, 'Diamond Rings', and has been on the up ever since.

Sandé also boasts collaborations with Wiley (Never be your woman), Tinie Tempah (Let Go) and Professor Green (Kids that love to dance).  The singer/songwriter has proved pretty useful behind the scenes too as she has written songs for the likes of Cheryl Cole, Susan Boyle and Alesha Dixon.

This time, the soulful songstress is going out alone with her debut single, 'Heaven'.  With Sandé's immaculate vocals and Naughty Boy's lavish strings, bombastic horns and drum and bass instrumentation, this soulful banger is certainly a great start to what I'm sure will be a long career for the Scot.

The song will be released on 14 August.  To check out the Jake Nava directed (of Beyoncé's 'Crazy in Love')  clip, click below:

Emeli Sandé - Heaven Official Music Video

New Music: N Dubz star Dappy has 'No Regrets'

Heart of a winner

Arguably the star attraction of pop rap group N Dubz, Dappy, has stepped out on his own for his debut single, 'No Regrets.'

The controversial rapper stopped by Trevor Nelson's 1xtra show to introduce his first single since the group announced they would take a break back in May.

This could easily be another N Dubz song, with it's catchy hook and chorus.  The only thing missing is the their trademark 'Na Na Niiiiiiii' and some  unnecessary ad libs from Tulisa.  It's a catchy pop driven, diluted rap number that is sure to appeal to N Dubz' core market - teenagers.

Dappy, or Costadinos Contostavlos, has already experienced moderate success with Tinchy Stryder on their single 'Spaceship' but this time he is searching for his own solo success.

Check out the song below:

(HQ) Dappy - No Regrets (FULL) by tazmin-hodge

New Video: Ed Sheeran 'You Need Me I Don't Need You'

As his debut single, 'A Team', continues to ride high on the UK itunes chart (#2) Ed Sheeran is back with a more upbeat number for his second single, 'You Need Me, I Don't Need You.'

The tracks accompanying video sees the song performed in sign language for deaf fans. 

Sheeran's album '+' is due out on 12 September.

Check out the video below:

New Kanye West and Jay Z: Otis

Sophisticated Ignorance

Kanye West and Jay Z delve into the classic soul archives to revive legend, Otis Redding, for the second cut off their collaborative “Watch the Throne” album, due out next month.

On “Otis”, West reminds us why he’s renowned for his juxtaposition of classic soul beats with raw hip hop, as the pair go bar for bar over the top of Redding’s, “Try a little tenderness”. 

This track has definitely made me more eager to hear the rap duo’s joint effort in full.  It will be interesting to see how the album plays out as Jay certainly has the lyrical edge on this track.  When Jay and Kanye go bar for bar, you know you can always expect something special.  There’s an air of competitiveness between these two that makes greatness almost inevitable.

The album is due for release on 1 August.

Check out “Otis” below:

Kanye West & Jay-Z-Otis-2dope by sirgenesis

New X Factor judges begin auditions

The circus surrounding the UK X Factor and its judging panel is now over.  Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh, Tulissa Contostavlos and Kelly Rowland arrived in Birmingham today to kickstart this years auditions process.

Here are some pics of the new line up arriving at the LG Arena:

The only constant in this years X Factor, Louis Walsh, was the first to arrive.  He urged viewers to get over Cheryl and Danni and to give Tulissa and Kelly a chance on the show.  Take That frontman Gary Barlow said he would liked to have seen Cheryl back on the panel.  Be careful Gary! You don't want to offend Kelly and Tulissa on your first day.

Pics of Tulissa and Kelly after the jump:

New Beyoncé "Best Thing I Never Had"

After coming to the realisation that "Who Run The World?" was not catching on with listeners, Beyoncé has gone back to the drawing board and come up with, "Best Thing I Never Had".

This time round Beyoncé has opted to play it safe with another "Irreplacable" type pop number.  The song is a definitive break up mid tempo which sees the diva "dodging a bullet" and escaping a bad relationship.

I am sure the track will garner much more support than it's predecessor but I think it's a bit of a cop out if I'm honest.  At least "Girls" was innovative and showed a little change in direction from the superstar.  This, on the other hand, makes me feel like i've stepped back into to 2006 and found a hidden track on the "B'Day" album.  Generally, I feel like Beyoncé has to switch it up a little and try something new because this new era has got off to a such a shaky start, and if she wants to keep up with the Lady GaGas and Rihannas of the world she'll have to come a lot harder.

The album, '4', is due out on June 28th.  Check out the song below:

Ed Sheeran performs acoustic version of "A Team"

"The worst things in life come free to us"

Twenty year old Ed Sheeran stunned online fans with a stunning acoustic performance of his single, "The A Team".

While the track has been doing the rounds on the internet for more than a year, it is finally receiving the promotional push that will hopefully propel the uber talented singer/songwriter to new heights. 

"The A Team" sees Sheeran beautifully narrate the story of prostitute who is addicted to heroin.  A poignant topic that is explored brilliantly by his slick songwriting and smooth tones.

The single can be downloaded on itunes now and will be officially released on June 12th.  His debut album '+' is due for release in September.

Check out the performance below:

New Lupe Fiasco and Chamillionaire "All Black Everything"

Chamillionaire has added his two cents to Lupe Fiasco's, "All Black Everything".  Following Lupe's lead, the Texas native ponders his own alternate reality where 'a Muslim sits at a table with the Methodist' and everyone is an optimist - even Lil Kim and Nicki Minaj are friends in this reality.  Far fetched maybe, but a great listen nonetheless.

Check it:

Spotted at Rap-Up

Beyoncé KILLS it at Billboard Awards

"Beyoncé is more than a pop star or an icon.....she represents the dream!"- Lady GaGa

"She makes songs that will live forever" - Bono

"Beyoncé has made history and she's not even 30 yet" - Stevie Wonder

"She's an entreprenuer, she inspired me to be more of an artist" - Babyface

Queen Beyoncé was tonight crowned "Artist of the Millennium" at the Billboard Awards in Las Vegas and was there to prove just how much she deserved that accolade.

Before giving a truly EPIC performance, the singer was praised by First Lady, Michelle Obama, Lady GaGa, Stevie Wonder, Babyface, her sister Solange and her mother Tina, for her musical achievements and humility in a touching video tribute.  She then took to the stage for a ferocious performance of her new single, "Who Run The World" and did not take any prisoners!  Attacking the stage with serious conviction, she mastered the complicated choreography which was made more difficult by the interactive nature of the performance and effortlessly nailed the vocals to perfection.  It was feisty, energetic and had all those Beyonce-isms that makes her live performances such a spectacle.  The finale saw her joined on stage by hundreds of female dancers and epitomised what Beyoncé has come to represent - female empowerment.  Whether you love or hate the song, i guarantee you will be sold on the performance.

She was then presented with the award by her teary mother, Tina Knowles and nephew, Juelz.  A heartfelt acceptance speech followed where she thanked her family, Destiny's Child (including the original members) and her husband, Jay Z.  In a rare public acknowledgement of their relationship, she said "I'd like to thank my best friend.....I love me some Jay Z." 

Watch the video montage, as well as the performance and her acceptance speech below:

Here's a pic of a reunited Destiny's Child at the ceremony:

No shade but I hope the Rihannas and Lady GaGas of the industry were taking notes because this is how it's done ladies!  No hype, no gimmicks just pure, raw talent.

New Video: Katy B "Easy Please Me"

"No boy is on a level, believe me"

"Easy Please Me" was produced by electro/dub-step Gods, Magnetic Man, and serves as the fourth single from the Brit School graduate's debut album, "On a Mission".

Her beautiful tone flows effortlessly over a subtle dub step beat as she vents her frustrations about the lack of decent men out there (I hear you Katy, HA). This is definately my favourite track from Katy's album so I'm delighted that it has been given the single treatment but was hoping for a little more from the video.

The low buget video takes place around a pool table and is mildly amusing but the song is fantastic, so check it out anyway:

New Drake - Dreams Money Can Buy

As Young Money alum, Drake, continues work on his sophmore album "Take Care", he is wetting our appetites with this new teaser, "Dreams Money Can Buy" on which the Canadian native discusses the joys that come with his newly found fame and wealth.

Drakes flow is always ridiculous and this one is no exception, it has certainly made me more eager to hear his new album.

Check it it below:

Drake - Dreams Money Can Buy by Hypetrak

Source - Hypetrak

New Music: Mickey Factz "Genocide"

New York rapper, Mickey Factz has gone in over Dirty Money's "Ass On the Floor" instrumental for the thought provoking "Genocide".  I'm always a sucker for a rapper with a social conscience but the fact that he is using this Dirty Money club banger beat seems to almost trivialise the songs content.  That said, he goes in hard on the war in Afghanistan, the deadliest war in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and America's exploitation of Africa's natural resources. 

He's no Lupe Fiasco but this track is definately worth a listen:

On the Floor (Genocide) by Mickey Factz

Brand New Video: Beyonce "Who Run The World?"

 

"I think I need a barber coz none of these bitches can fade me"

Beyoncé finally dropped the hotly anticipated visual for her brand new single, "Who Run The World (Girls)" on tonight's American Idol.

The debut single from her upcoming album, '4' which is due for release on June 28th, has got off to a shaky start thus far but the superstar diva will be hoping that this no expense spared video will rescue it from the depths of chart irrelevance. Having already plummeted down itunes and out of its top 100, the track is in desperate need of revival.  But as soon as Bey's promo campaign gets into full swing I am sure the charts will reclaim their queen.   After its premiere on American Idol and ahead of her performance on the FINAL Oprah Show next week, I am confident 'Girls' will soon become another tally on Knowles' hit list.

The Francis Lawrence directed clip shows a militant Beyoncé and her kick ass female army ruling the world and battling the opposite sex with their ferociously slick and sexy dance moves.  

Check the video out here: 

Back In Time: Tinie Tempah

It is fair to say that 2010 was all about Tinie Tempah.

The anthemic "Pass Out" earned him his first Number 1 single in the UK and it was all uphill from then on with hits such as ,Frisky, Written In The Stars and Invincible.  He took UK rap music to new levels and now he is embarking on US domination.  His "DiscOvery" album saw its stateside release today and Tinie is hoping to replicate the success he has already experienced throughout Europe.

But let us not forget that Tinie was on the scene for a while before he garnered mainstream success with "Pass Out".  I would like to take a moment to look back at one my favourite Tinie tracks.

Check out his 2008 single, "Tears":

New Video: Rihanna "California King Bed"

In what seems like the 500th single from her "Loud" album, the red headed siren gets sexy for the "California King Bed" visual.  Not your typical booty shaking, dutty wining Rihanna video but it works all the same.  Simple yet effective.

Check it out here:

New Video: Lupe Fiasco "Words I Never Said"

Still gushing over Lupe's "Lasers" album, I'm glad one of my favourite tracks has been given the single treatment.

"Words I Never Said" features raps new go-to-girl, Skylar Gray and is definitely a stand out track from his new album. A politically conscious video accompanies the lyrically thought provoking track perfectly.  It's an intense song and the video serves to complement his conviction and draw attention to some of the issues Lupe discusses on the track. From the Middle East, Obama, Islam and Africa, Lupe's never short of an opinion.

If you didn't read my review of the "Lasers", you can read it here

New Music: Lethal Bizzle "Mind Spinnin"

More Fire Crew alum, Lethal Bizzle is coming hard with his brand new single "Mind Spinnin".

Dirty baseline with a filthy dubstep twist, it might not have that signature grime sound that we have come to expect from Bizzle but it's a scorcher nonetheless.  Seems like everyone is jumping on the dubstep bandwagon, but when it sounds like this, who are we to complain?  Complete with a clean catchy sing along hook contrasted perfectly with the immense dub step production, this is definitely a move in the right direction for Bizzle.

Check it out here:

New Music: Estelle, Ny and Cherri V

British urban music has been experiencing  a massive resurgence of late but it seems to be the men who are running the show.  Luckily I'm here to shine a light on some the UK's most talented young females.

First up it's British songstress and part time rapper, Estelle.  "Break My Heart" (featuring Rick Ross) is the debut single from Estelle's third album, "All of Me", due out later this year.  It's a smooth neo soul jam that ponders whether or not a relationship will end in heartache.  Rick Ross usually irritates the life out of me but his bars prove  surprisingly complementary on this one. 

Check out more from Ny and Cherri V after the jump:

Chipmunk "Transition" Album Review

FROM A BOY TO A MAN

Chipmunk first appeared on our radio's with his own Slim Shady type anthem, “Chip Diddy Chip” back in 2009 and now he's back with his brand new album, “Transition”

Preceded by his massive hit single “Champion” featuring Chris Brown, hopes for Chipmunk's second album were certainly high.

Having recruited a plethora of US superstars for the album – Keri Hilson, Trey Songz, Kalenna Harper (of Diddy's Dirty Money) – the album has a definitive formula. First you get yourself a smooth radio refined beat, then you add a couple self indulgent bars and finally, call up every American RnB singer whose number you can find on your blackberry and ask them to lay down a highly infectious chorus. Successful formula, maybe, but it certainly doesn't show any growth on Chipmunks part.

It's as if he is being primed for world domination but not by standing out in his own lane. Instead, by becoming part of the “music by numbers” brigade that swamp the US billboard chart on a weekly basis.

For the most part, it sounds like he's been lyrically restrained. His cheeky rhymes and brash delivery seem to have been watered down for commercial purposes.

Beyoncé is BACK with new single "Run the world" (Girls)

THE RULER IS BACK

Everyones favourite diva has returned with the epic new single, "Run the world" (Girls).
Sampling Major Lazer's "Pon de floor" Beyoncé's upbeat floor filler is sure to set dance floors alight in the coming months.  Having kept us waiting a while since the release of "I am...Sasha Fierce" in 2008, the hotly anticipated first single from her as yet untitled fourth album, does not dissapoint.

In true Beyoncé style, it's pop music with an innovative urban edge that draws you in and makes you want to dance.  Beyoncé likes to take risks and this one is no exception. The production is creative and doesn't sound like anything she's done before, the extra drums on top of the "pon de floor" beats makes it all the more gritty. 

She's exercising major swag on this ode to girls who rule the world and I for one, never say no to a good ole ladies anthem.   Queen Bee is dishing out props to the girls who are "smart enough to make these millions, strong enough to bear the children, then get back to business."  POW. Another female empowerment anthem that will certainly propel her back into her rightful place - at the top of the charts.

Rihanna, take a seat, the queen wants her thrown back.

UPDATED WITH HQ RADIO EDIT

Artist Spotlight: Femii Thai

Could this be the UK's answer to Chris Brown?

His name is Femii Thai and he is an unsigned artist from South London.  I came across one of his tracks on Channel AKA (dont judge me) a while ago and was impressed.  He boasts a great tone to his voice and some catchy little RnB numbers which showcase it beautifully.  He's not half bad to look at either :P  

Femii's new video for "Stargate" premiered today, it's a guitar driven RnB meets rock type track that shows a lot of potential.

Check out the video below:

Rihanna and Britney Spears S&M Remix

Pop princesses Rihanna and Britney Spears have joined forces for the remix of Rihanna's monster hit "S&M".

It's not really a patch on the nympho anthem's original, with some new electro heavy production the track is headache inducing and Britney's sub par vocals don't really contribute anything.

That said, the furore surrounding it will no doubt ensure that it becomes a huge hit around the globe.  Hype over substance, as is often the case with both these ladies.

Check it out and see for yourself:

Nas and Damian Marley Gig Review

 Real Revolution Rhymers

Following the success of their collaborative album “Distant Relatives”, Nas and Damien Marley touched down in Glasgow for a sold out show at the 02 Academy.

After having my back searched within an inch of its' of its life and being accused of having too much to drink (I WAS SOBER), I was finally granted entry to the what was sure to be an exciting night.

Opening with the victorious “As We Enter” the packed crowd are hyped and ready to bask in the innovative musical fusions of one hip hop visionary and his reggae counterpart.

As Marley announces “I got the GANGA”, it dawns on me, the vigorous vetting at the door must have been in case I had my own personal stash of the green stuff. Gig goers are visibly lighting blunts (haha I have never used that word before) and an overpowering stench of weed starts to engulf the academy.

Marley slips into the background as Nas takes centre stage to perform an array of hits. The classic “If I Ruled the World” proves to be a big crowd pleaser as the predominantly male crowd sing along to Lauryn Hill's unforgettable chorus. Followed by “Got Yourself a Gun”, “Made You Look” and the controversial “Hip Hop is Dead” the crowd, almost duty bound, affectionately recite every word back to the New York native.

Kelly Rowland Gets sexy for "Motivation"

Euro pop queen Kelly Rowland returns to her RnB roots for new single "Motivation"

Having grown quite attached to Kelly's synth pop floor fillers ("Work", "When Love Takes Over", "Commander", etc) I was somewhat dubious of her planned return to urban music, not because I didn't like Kelly's older stuff but because I felt she had found her niche in the euro pop sound.

Then I heard "motivation", an undeniably sexy, infectious and understated RnB smash in waiting.  The song is all about SEX but is not provocative for the sake of it.  Everything about the Jim Jonsin produced track oozes sex and Lil Waynes super smooth bars certainly add to the cut.

It helps of course that the video is an absolute flesh fest (not in a distasteful way though).

Check out the video below:

New Sade and Jay-Z

Sade is not usually one for collaborations but she has enlisted  Brooklyn's finest Jay Z to remix "The Moon and the Sky" for the upcoming "Ultimate Collection", due out on 9th of May.

The track first appeared on Sades 2010 "Soldier of Love" album and has been remixed by Hov for the upcoming greatest hits collection.

Having already turned down collobos with Jay and Drake in the past, this is a welcomed change in direction for the songstress.

The new production on the track updates it with a more intense hip hop edge but Sade's signature smokey vocals complement it beautifully.  And a nice reflective verse from Jay Z brings the two genres together effortlessly.

Check it out here:

Emeli Sandé 'Kill the Boy' Acoustic

And so the unhealthy obession continues.......Check out this live acoustic performance by Ms Emeli Sandé, one of the most exciting new talents in the UK.  Having already featured on several hit singles (Diamond Rings, Never be your woman, Kids that love to dance), this soulful songstress is certain to be a star in her own right.  Her debut album CANNOT come quick enough.  That said, I'm glad it's not being rushed simply to capitalise on her success with Chipmunk and Wiley.

Watch her acoustic performance of 'Kill the Boy' below and love it:

Sunday Songs

On a Sunday (the only day I seem to have any free time) I like to dig out some music I might not listen to regularly and reignite my appreciation for it.  So I thought i'd share some of my Sunday highlights.

This unreleased Solange track titled "wanna go back" features Marsha Ambrosius (of Floetry) and Q-Tip.   With Solange's airy voice and soulful melodies this is definitely one of her best efforts.  Still bemused as to why it didn't make her last album.  That said, it makes me excited for what the new album might hold in store.

I have a secret penchant for Nigerian hip hop music and this man here is my favourite.  A friend introduced me to M.I. a few years ago and I was so impressed by his flow and sick metaphors.  His flow is a cross between Lil Wayne and Kanye West and his word play is ridiculous.

Remember Kano?  He seems to have got lost in this UK grime resurgance but Kano was one of the first to experience mainstream chart success in the genre.  As Chipmunk, Tinie Tempah and Wretch 32 take over the UK scene, don't forget this man.  "London Town" is one of my favourites from his spectacular second album of the same name.

Kobi Onyame "Congratulations"

Check out this new track from Ghana born, Glasgow based rapper Kobi Onyame.  The track features Mista L and is taken from his debut album 'Green green grasses'.  Looking forward to big things from Kobi in the coming year.  Hip hop coming out of Glasgow, it's a new era people.  Watch "Congratulations" here:

Lupe Fiasco 'Lasers' Album Review

Almost four years since 'The Cool', Lupe Fiasco has finally returned with his long awaited third album, 'Lasers'.

Lupe has never been your cliché rapper, concerned with money, cars, and booty. His witty, intelligent and articulate bars are both enlightened and thought provoking and this album is no different.

A rapper with a social conscience, Lupe addresses many important issues on this album. He salutes the independent woman of this world on the inspiring “Coming Up”, a rap song that talks about woman in a positive light- there's an anomaly for you.

Lupe outlines his disgust with some of the worlds ills “Words I Never Said” (w/Skylar Grey), he even has some words for the American President: “Gaza Strip was getting burned, Obama didn't say shit.”

“All Black Everything”, sees Lupe explore an alternate reality, one in which slavery never existed. In this new world, global politics and religion are skewed. He talks about a world where: “Fox News reports live that Ahmadinejad wins the Mandela peace price.” The haunting use of orchestral music makes this all the more intense.

Despite lapping up much critical acclaim since the release of his debut album, “Food and Liquor” in 2006, major commercial success has escaped Lupe's grasp so far. This is something he addresses in “Till I get there” where he mocks his label and their desperation to make him a famous money maker by 'prescribing him a publicist'. Perhaps a dig the label for delaying the release of this album.

It's not all intensity on 'Lasers' though, Lupe lightens it up a little with the smooth“Out of my head” (w/Trey Songz) which sees the pair swoon over a girl they can't forget about. Here, you can't help but wonder if this was included simply to appease the label, who are yearning for more commercial success. While it's not a bad track, it is a little out of place on this album.

Electro banger, “I don't wanna care right now” shows a more playful Lupe dabbling with autotune and an infectious hook that should make it a chart shoo-in.

This is a thought provoking piece of work where Lupe takes on the role of a rap philosopher taking his listeners on a journey. A little less 'cool' than his last album, but much more inspired in places.

With the album set to top the US Album Chart this week, Atlantic records can breath a collective sigh of relief that they didn't shelve it.

Standout Tracks: Words I Never Said, All Black Everything, Beautiful Lasers (2 ways)

My verdict: 8/10

The Brits

Despite the fact that viewing figures for the Brits seem to have plummeted in recent years, this years show wasn't half bad.

Okay, so James Corden should never present a live show EVER AGAIN.  And Labrinth should not go to the bog when he wins an award (with Tinie Tempah), but the rest of the show had much to offer.

The night was, of course, all about Tinie Tempah who had four nominations.  He managed to get his hands on Best British Breakthrough Act and Best British Single for 'Pass Out' and perfomed a medley of his biggest hits over the last year.

Other big winners included Rihanna, Laura marling, Arcade Fire, Mumford and Sons and Jessie J.

She may not have been nominated BUT the real winner of the night was Adele.  She opened the show with the beautiful 'Someone Like You' armed only with a piano and mic. The 'Rolling in the Deep' songstress stole the show with her raw talent and recieved a standing ovation.  Opening any big show with a ballad is difficult but Adeles ability to capture any audience made it look so effortless.

Check out the stunning performance below:

'The Lonely Boy' Album Launch

Recently I had the pleasure of attending the album launch for Glasgow based band 'The Lonely Boy'.  Their debut album is entitled 'Lonely in London' and was recorded live at the legendary Troubador Club.

Check out some footage and my interview with the boys below:

Jessie J

Yet another Brit School alumni has been doing the rounds of late, no not Adele but new diva on the block, Jessie J.  The singer's debut single "Do it like a dude" recently charted at #2 in the UK.
So far i've been a bit indifferent to her music. She is certainly talented, but I  found myself instantly put off by her  attempt at an American accent (see: 'Do it like a dude') despite being from London.   
Then I found this footage of Jessie performing the title track from her debut album 'Who You Are' for subway goers in New York. 

Check out the flawless performance:

Breaking the Law?

Ignore the alarms, ignore the police

'Breaking the Law?' is a new track written and performed by Emeli Sande and Naughty Boy, the duo behind many of the UK's catchiest urban hits.  This time around the duo have chosen to get political, the song and its accompanying video (hosted by SBTV) is a heartfelt illustration of last month’s student protests in London.  The question mark in the song title is poignant and begs the question whether or not the protestors were really breaking the law.  The video highlights that fact that only a small number of the protestors were instigating violence and the protest itself was intended to be a peaceful one.

Check out the video:

Kanye West Album Review

Everybodys favourite jackass is back.

Since the infamous Swift-gate incident, Kanye West has been keeping a relatively low profile but he has finally returned with a brand new album, “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy”.

The first single from the album is the defiant 'power' where Kanye compares himself to a 'superhero' and sings his own theme music: “No one man should have all that power,” he raps with predictable immodesty.

While the album is a pretentious manifestation of Yeezy's ever expanding ego, the originality and innovation exerted on each of the 12 tracks almost justifies his egotism.

Never a conformist, Kanye takes the hip hop genre and moulds it to suit his own artistic creativity. He dips in and out of rock, soul, disco and hip hop. He often pushes the envelope so far that the musical fusions become a genre of their own.

The melodic 'blame game' featuring John Legend, soulfully explores the ups and downs of a dysfunctional relationship. A self-reflective track that offers more of an insight into Kanye the man as oppose to the persona that has made him so infamous.

As the album progresses you can't help but think that he might be a schizophrenic. You've got the egotistical 'power' that serves to enhance the already negative opinion the public have of him, and then comes the vulnerability of 'runaway' and the sensitivity of 'devil in a new dress'. There is obviously much more to Kanye than his ostentatious exterior would suggest.

The album boasts collaborations with some of the biggest names in music; Beyoncé, Rihanna, Jay Z and Bon Iver. There is even a piano solo from Elton John on the anthemic ' all the lights', as well as a comedy skit from Chris Rock on 'blame game'.

“My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy”offers an insight into the crazy mind of a man who defies all musical boundaries and conventions. They say theres a thin line between genius and insanity and i'd say this album demonstrates both beautifully.

Stand out tracks: So appalled, Devil in a New Dress, Hell of a Life
My Verdict: 9.5/10

Gig review:Emli Sandé at King Tuts

On Monday night I went to see Emeli Sandé perform at King Tuts Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow. Those of you who know me will be aware that have I been obsessing over Emeli's talent since I stumbled across her myspace page a couple of years ago.

Finally I was going to see her live and its safe to say my expectations were pretty high.

We arrived bright and early at 8pm expecting a prompt start. Bad move, as it turned out she wouldn't be on stage until 10.30 pm – on a school night? I began hyperventilating at the thought of not getting my eight hours.

Almost three hours and several bottles of beer later, Ms Sandé finally took to the stage. Opening with the infectious and slightly aggressive 'Kill the Boy', she captured the crowd instantly. My heavy eyes perked up and I was ready to enjoy the show.

With a voice as powerful as some the greatest divas of our time, I found myself in awe of her talent. At only 23 she has the composure and vocal ability that would put seasoned veterans to the test.

She sings with so much conviction that you believe every word. When she asks to 'stop the clock' in a song that takes issue with the lack of time the modern woman has to spend with her significant other, you begin wishing for time to come to a standstill. Or when she sounds deflated because 'her babys got a suitcase' and is leaving, you too feel sad that it has come to this. Each of her songs tell a different story and for three of four minutes you become immersed in those stories.

Closing with what is rumoured to be her first single 'Daddy', the crowd become excited and begin to sing along. She thanks the crowd and exits the stage to a rapturous applause and some rogue hecklers requesting songs that she didn't perform.

After chants of 'one more tune' from the crowd, the surprisingly timid seeming Sandé, returned to the stage with her keyboard player to perform 'clown' as the encore. And it was during this performance that she cemented herself in what I like to call, my musical heart. Stripped back vocals and no special sound effects (like the voice-echo effects she had been using throughout the show), the performance was simply stunning. Powerful vocals counter balanced with the soft vulnerability of the song, this was definitely worth keeping me out late on a school night.

With her soulful charm, well written songs and ability to capture the audience, this diva certainly has the whole package.

Spotlight: Melanie Fiona

Canadian soul songstress, Melanie Fiona released her phenomenal debut album 'The Bridge' in 2009.  Although the album was well received by critics, it didn't do so well in the charts.
The Toronto born singer's music transcends generations and musical boundaries.  A little bit of 60's inspired motown, some contemporary jazz and soulful ballads make her eclectic without being directionless.
She takes me back to the 90's, before RnB was kidnapped by the pop market and diluted down for mass consumption.
 
Kanye West and Quest Love are among her fans.  Yeezy even invited the singer to join him on his 'Glow in the Dark' tour for which she received rave reviews.

She makes strong, soulful, empowering RnB music which is rare in an increasingly generic market.
Fiona is currently recording her new album "The MF Life" but here is one of my personal favourites from her last album, the finger snapping Jacko-esque 'Johnny':

Tinie Tempah Album Review

He came to cause a little chaos and to break rules.

South Londons finest Tinie Tempah, released his long awaited debut album 'Discovery' this week.
The always witty and slick lyricist has already won over the nation, with three consecutive number one singles. But those who expected the album to follow the same formula as the anthemic 'pass out' might be disspointed.

Tinie is indiscriminate when it comes to genres. Not one to be pigeon-holed he hops effortlessly between trance, pop, dubstep, hip hop and rock. Sometimes when artists try to dip into many genres on one project it doesn't come together as one piece of work. This is certainly not the case with 'Disc-Overy'.

The Kelly Rowland assisted 'Invincible' is a catchy number that will have pop fans warbling along. While the Swedish House Mafia party track 'Miami 2 Ibiza' will keep the trance heads bobbing. My personal favourite is the guitar driven 'Let Go' featuring up and coming singer Emeli Sandé, the track sees Mr Tempah approach more serious issues and gives us an insight into his love affair with his craft: 'If music needed saving i'd die for it. Musics where my heart is, im alive for it,' he states with unfaltering conviction.

The album also boasts collaborations with Ellie Goulding and Snoop Dogg. Although feature tracks dominate the disc, Tinie is sure to put his unique stamp on each track.
At only twenty-one, Tinie is innovating the face of urban music in the UK . On the album he tells us that he's 'Simply Unstopabble' and i'd have to agree.

Stand out tracks: Let Go, Miami 2 Ibiza, Illusion and Pass Out.
My verdict: 8.5/10

Magnetic Man at Radio 1's Live Lounge

Dubstep trio Magnetic Man hit up Radio 1's Live Lounge for an ELECTRIC performance of new single 'Perfect Stranger'. The mesmerising performance featured live violins and chellos and came complete with flawless vocals from Katy B.
Artwork, Skream and Benga (collectively Magnetic Man) are doing big things for dubstep music in the commercial arena.

Check the performance out here:

Their self-titled album was released on October 4th.

Is pop music too sexy?

When I was younger I used to love nothing more than singing and dancing around my bedroom to Steps or S Club 7. Nothing excited me more than the step by step dance instructions they sometimes enclosed in their single sleeves. Think 'Tragedy'. My friends and I would dance around perfecting these routines for hours and hours. All fairly innocent play for young girls I’d say.

So what do today’s' pubescent generation dance along to with their friends? 
Certainly not innocent pop music.
Last week I found myself on a train, sat behind three teenage girls. For the duration of my journey I was subjected to a full version of Rihanna's 'rude boy' by the trio. 'Come here rude boy, boy is you big enough', 'Boy can you get it up?’ they sang, and I almost choked on my latte. I estimate the girls were about thirteen. In between, they made sure to adjust their makeup and apply more mascara to their already thickened eye lashes.

On another occasion, I attended a Pussycat Dolls concert and felt like the oldest, most prudish person in the world. At only 21 my friend and I felt like we had crashed an inappropriate kids party. The average age in attendance I would estimate at 14. These young girls were dressed for a night club; skirts, belly tops, heels and excessive make up. Some even branded hoodies asking the question: 'Don't you wish your Girlfriend was a freak like me?'. As the group of girls in front of us danced on their chairs, booty shaking and whining along with the pussycat dolls singing: 'Can you loosen up my buttons babe?'. I found myself blushing and struggling for a place to look that would rescue my eyes from the inappropriateness going on all around me.

Are kids growing up too quickly, and who is to blame? MTV, Youtube, Pussycat Dolls?

The fact is, kids can access scantily clad women bumping and grinding seductively to provocative lyrics at any time of the day. And no one seems to be policing or regulating what these kids have access to on TV, online and radio.

Spotlight: Emeli Sandé

Todays music industry is full of talentless manufactured artists with little musical authenticity.  But every now and then you come across a band or singer that restores your faith in good music and bona fide talent.   A while ago i came across the myspace page of Aberdeen born singer and songwriter Emeli Sandé and it's safe to say i've been addicted ever since.  She's blessed with old school jazz pipes like Ella Fitzgerald, the contemporary edge of Beyoncé and song writing skills that approaches sometimes cliché subjects in a new and fresh way.
Check her out singing an acoustic version of her song 'Daddy'.

Sandé is playing King Tuts Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow on the 15th of November.