Review: Tank Brings Back The Hope In R&B With 'Now Or Never'

A lot of music fans may know Tank thanks to his hit single "Maybe I Deserve" released in 2001. And although he's released a few albums after his debut Force of Nature, Tank has managed to make a name for himself as a really great songwriter and producer but not so much an artist.

After you take a listen to Now or Never, you might just kick yourself for not uncovering the hidden gem known as Tank.

Nas & Damian Marley Unite On 'Distant Relatives'

After experiencing numerous release date changes dating back to 2009, rapper Nas and Reggae artist Damian Marley’s collaborative effort Distant Relatives finally hit music store shelves today May 18, 2010.

It’s no secret (unless of course you completely shelter yourself from the internet) that Nas has experienced a flood of media attention thanks in part to his very public separation from his soon-to-be-ex-wife singer Kelis. While some would find it difficult to focus on presenting a collection of quality work, Nas made it seem so simple and the tracks on Distant Relatives reflects this sentiment.

Distant Relatives consists of 13-tracks that center on both educating and entertaining, edutaining if you will.

Album Review: Toni Braxton 'Pulse'

Toni Braxton returns with her sixth studio album Pulse.

Album Review: Sade 'Soldier of Love'

Singer Sade Adu returns with her band to bring us a new LP titled Soldier of Love. The sixth studio album holds gems that are much needed in a time of music where everything is evolving and taking on synthetic sounds.

Album Review: Keke Wyatt's 'Who Knew'

It has been a while since we’ve heard from the talented songstress Keke Wyatt. When she first made her debut in 2000 by way of R&B singer Avant’s captivating ode to love “My First Love”, R&B fans alike gravitated towards the woman with the mind-blowing powerful vocals and the signature sound. She eventually released her solo effort Soul Sister that went on to place in the top 5 on the R&B charts.

After a setback in 2002 that found the singer indicted for allegedly stabbing her husband during a domestic dispute, Keke Wyatt’s image turned from soft and star-studded to controversial and unforgettable.

But that was then and this is now, and now Keke is back and better than ever. Noticeably svelte and lean, Keke brings a brand new look to the table with the same familiar sound via her newest project titled Who Knew.

Album Review: Omarion's 'Ollusion'

Omarion returns with Ollusion – his first album in 4 years – looking to present a brand new man with the brand new sound.

The “Ice Box” singer has seen some success following an abrupt departure from his platinum-selling group B2K, but has since been able to hold his own as a solo artist. Omarion has succeeded in having two of his solo albums grace the number 1 spot; however, this new project may not be so lucky.

Ollusion is a collection of songs that focuses on showing Omarion’s grown and sexy side. There are no teeny-bopper tunes here as made very clear by the parental advisory sticker that sits pretty on the albums cover. Though Ollusion shows great production with a brief timeline (the 11-track album runs for no more than 38 minutes), none of the singles seem to sparkle on their own.

The album opens up with the lead single “I Get It In” that features incarcerated rapper Gucci Mane. The song plays on powerful drum patterns that are reminiscent of a college marching band. This single seems to be the most popular amongst his fans because of its heavy bass and quick pumping high hats.

M.Y. Album Review: Keri Hilson-In A Perfect World

The long awaited album has finally made it's way to a store near you. In A Perfect World was pushed back so many times, it had everyone convinced that it would never see it's way to record store shelves; but, yesterday (03.24) it made it's debut and it was well worth the wait.

Keri Hilson delivers in a major way with her very first studio album. Her background as a songwriter has definitely helped in crafting this album and making it a great way to splash in the arena of R&B. The 14 track album is what R&B has been missing, originality and spunk. This is an album that you will more than likely play from beginning to end all the while looking forward to the accompanying track. You can hear the strong Timbaland vibe on "Return The Favor" and Polow Da Don's presence on the very popular "Turnin Me On".

Keri's voice glides on a track like an ice skate on paved ice; hitting notes with little effort and without a crack in sight. Say what you want about her very daring "diss track" (that she continues to deny), the girl is gifted and just might have reason to talk sh*t.

M.Y. Favorites:

• Knock You Down
• Slow Dance
• Tell Him The Truth
• Energy
• Make Love

In A Perfect World is an album that reminds listeners of 90's R&B where it was all about the voice and the words; definitely songs that the ladies can connect with and relate to and the gentleman will secretly enjoy. A good majority of the tracks are dripping in heavy base and you would think that Keri was an MC instead of a singer listening to her on each and every one of her songs. Keri delivers on providing a hit album and just might earn herself a couple of over-the-shoulder looks from the Grammy committee.

Keri Hilson's In A Perfect World is....

M.Y. Certified Ear Candy!

M.Y. Album Review: The Dream-Love vs. Money

The Dream returns with his new album Love vs. Money with a very distinctive and signature sound. The 14 track album is full of futuristic beats and excessive moaning from The Dream. Honestly, I felt like most of the songs on the album sound alike. Nearly all of the beats had that loud bounce and orchestra sounding vibe.

What's great about the album is the fact that there is something on there for everyone to connect with. It is definitely an album that can be listened to at home, in your car, or when you want to woo that certain somebody.




M.Y. Favorites

• Walkin' On The Moon


• My Love

On some of the songs, the lyrics were pretty elementary; I did have a little trouble understanding what he was saying on a couple of his songs because of the overpowering beat. Overall, Love vs. Money is not a waste of cash as well as not worth fighting over the very last copy. To check out the full album before you buy it click here.

Love vs. Money hits stores Tuesday, March 10th.

Album Review: Ludacris "Theater Of Mind"

Ludacris’ Album Theater Of Mind dropped Monday, November 24th after being pushed up from November 25th by his label. It was, in my opinion, overshadowed by Kanye West’s album 808’s & Heartbreak that was also released on the same day by the same label, Def Jam. In short Theater Of Mind can be summed up in just one word; genius. Click here for the full article.

T-Pain "Thr33 Ringz" album review

T-Pain’s album is full of two essential things; features and funny skits. The skits are what really saved this album from being a complete and utter train wreck and even those went a bit too far. T-Pain had a total of 15 features from artist ranging from Kanye West to Mary J. Blige on a 23 track album. I honestly forgot who’s album I was listening to for a moment because I was so overwhelmed with featured artists. Click here for the full article.

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