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: