14 MUSIC REVIEWS hotmusic
Album Of The
Month Rihanna Unapologetic
2012 The Island Def Jam Rihanna returns to the charts with ‘Unapologetic’ her seventh studio album in a career that currently runs parallel to her chart topping success. Her latest offering steers closer to RnB than Pop as beats are turned on their heads with breaks. Even a touch of dub step can found on ‘Jump’ which offers a surprisingly hot remix of Ginuwine’s ‘Pony’. This album has something for everyone from the reggae infused ‘No Love Allowed’, slow ballad ‘Stay’ featuring Mikky Ekko to the hip hop lovers ‘ Numb’ featuring Eminem, despite its poppy undertones. Unafraid to experiment with her sound, Rihanna proves that she has staying power in a nicely produced album that will no doubt have people talking for all of the right reasons.
Whatever Happened
to..Curiosity
Reggae: Eva Ready Riddim – Various Artists RDX
Star rating:H H H H This riddim features a varied blend of artists including Agent Sasco, Tifa and the man of the moment himself Konshens. He returns with ‘Ready Fi Dem’ which adds even more strength and quality to his 2012 campaign, with Vybz kartel incarcerated the game has been blown wide open! The production comes courtesy of Fresh Ear Productions who are well known for their ‘WorldWide’ Riddim,. This Riddim reinforces their skills and consistency. I must say RDX have impressed me this year, no DJ should be without a track or two from these guys, they return with ‘Pop Dance’ another guaranteed floor filler. Dancehall fans download this riddim from iTunes today! - Vinnie V
Hip Hop: Busta Rhymes - Year of the Dragon 2012 Dundridge Entertainment/ Unlimited Business Star ratingtar r
:H H H H
Busta proves time and time again that his music is still relevant to today’s musical tastes with the release of his ninth album ‘Time of the Dragon’ featuring all of the essential ingredients of a Busta album. The element of fun ‘Make It Look Easy’ Feat Gucci Mane, a track for the streets ‘Till We Die’ feat Rick Ross and Trey Songz and some bashment for Reggae lovers ‘Wine & Go Down’ feat Vybz Kartel. ‘Grind Real Slow’ is a guaranteed floor filler, although I’m a sucker for that typical relationship track ‘Love Hate’. “Baby I don’t like you, even though I love you” those lyrics alone bring a smile to my face. Good looking out for those of you that caught the album on free download in August. However priced at £6.99 on iTunes this album is still a steal, download now.
Dance: Ministry Of Sound - Anthems 90’s 2012 Ministry of Sound Recordings Ltd
Star rating: H H H M.O.S take us back to the 90’s with this collection of dance classics. Call it somewhat an obvious play list of the most commercial if not cheesy tracks from this era it is a trip down memory lane nevertheless. As a 90’s baby you will be hard pushed not to know any of the tracks featured, classics like Baby D’s ‘Let Me Be Your Fantasy’, Technotronic’s ‘Pump Up The Jam’ and ‘On a Ragga Tip’ by SL2. All that’s missing is the shiny shell suits and Reebok classics. It’s the perfect purchase for your Christmas stocking or office secret Santa.
Killed The Cat Beret wearing lead singer Ben Volpeliere-Pierrot, guitarists Nick Thorp and Julian Godfrey Brookhouse and drummer Migi Drummond made up the group Curiosity Killed The Cat who shot to fame with 1986 single ‘Misfit’. Curiosity as they were later known had a relatively short lived career with just two albums 1987’s ‘KeepYour Distance’ and 1989’s ‘Getahead’. Apart from a National Lottery appearance in the 2000s and Volpeliere-Pierrot’s solo effort on some 80s revival tours Curiosity will probably only ever resurface as karaoke renditions by fan faithfuls like myself.
Team RnB vs Hip Hop Team RnB -Girl On Fire - Alicia Keys - RCA Records Alicia’s latest female empowerment anthem/ballad ‘Girl On Fire’ is the first single off her soon to be released fifth album of the same name. AK’s signature tinkle of the ivory keys is a subtle underlay to the more prominent drumbeats. The lyrics once again refer to that superhero AK sees in every woman. Also noteworthy are remixes ‘Inferno’ featuring Nicki Minaj and ‘Bluelight’ which removes the piano and drums leaving the bass and vocals exposed. What makes it this month’s Team RnB pick? Hey it’s a sure fire HIT and AK can do no wrong!
Team Hip Hop
Ludacris – Representin – 2012 The Island - Def Jam Group Luda is back! With this hot single, Kelly Rowland adds the sex factor on the hook.. This is the second single from Luda’s yet to be released album ‘Ludaversal’. He shows that he still got what it takes to be a star in this rap game while talking about his game beneath the sheets. This track is something for the ladies and the guys and is sure to keep you warm throughout the winter nights!
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