14 MUSIC REVIEWS
hotmusic Album Of The
Month Justin Timberlake The 20/20 Experience 2013 RCA
Records Although it has been seven years since his last album, Justin has quickly made up for lost time with the 20/20 Experience. Rather than flood the charts with the norm Justin has simply stuck to creating classics that will remain favourites within your music collection. A long established music relationship sees Timberland’s skills in full effect as the main producer on the album, with a mix of up- tempo sounds such as ‘Suit & Tie’ and ‘Body Count’ bound to keep the dance floor happy. Hot production coupled with Justin’s flawless falsetto tone, makes this album a refreshing listen and our album of the month.
Whatever Happened to... Lady
of Rage She rocked rough and stuff in her Afro puffs and then?? Lady of Rage first caught attention in 1994 with the Death Row Records release ‘Afro Puffs’ but her debut album ‘Necessary Roughness’ wasn’t released till 1997. Aside from guest appearances with artists like Dre and Snoop, Lady’s career never really gained traction. After a short acting stint the rap game drew her back in 2000 and she’s now part of the group N’Matez, with Daz Dillinger, Kurupt and RBX. We’ll have to wait and see if those puffs release any new music.
R&B/ Soul: Bilal - A Love Surreal
Star rating:H H H H As Bilal’s third studio album in twelve years, Love Surreal presents an eclectic mix of acoustic soul, blues and rock. It demonstrates Bilal’s great song writing skills, his dynamic vocal ability and displays an abstract reflection of his world of sound. Recorded in a live studio environment, the entire album creates an intimate listening experience and what was originally intended to be an EP has resulted in a 14 track masterpiece. ‘West Side Story’ and ‘Flow’ are the closest the album comes to upbeat, while tracks such as Butterfly featuring jazz pianist Robert Glasper are light and melancholy, just perfect for the spring!
Dancehall: Street Bomb Riddim Star rating:H H H H
Uncensored, unadulterated and extremely hostile is the best way to describe this one riddim album. This really is hardcore Dancehall music in every sense of the word. Well documented is the battle between the living legend Beenie Man and his greatest adversary Bounty Killer, this war has been running since the mid 90s and doesn’t seem to be ending any time soon! Now Gaza member Tommy Lee has found himself involved in a three-way battle with the veterans and is on the end of some venomous lyrical content. You can listen to the latest episode of this ongoing drama on Street Bomb Riddim produced by Markus Myrie son of the incarcerated Buju Banton. Dancehall fans don’t
delay, download from iTunes today. Words: Vinnie Vii
Team RnB vs Hip Hop Latasha Lee & The Black Ties - Win Her Heart
Carnival Beats Entertainment Up and coming artist Latasha Lee is a little bit country with a whole lotta soul. The Texan native is new on my radar but making a name for herself in the States. Press play on her latest release ‘So Blind’ and what hits you is a gritty, raspy voice reminiscent of Amy Winehouse with traces of Gabrielle and greats like Etta James. ‘So Blind’ is the lament of many a woman so blinded by love they can’t see their man is no good! Testify! Like her Motown ancestors this track is going straight to Hitsville!
Marco Polo & Rakim - Watz Wrong, Soulspazm When I drop the name ‘Rakim’ this battle is already wrap! Its not often you get to hear this legendary rapper spit lyrics. ‘Watz Wrong’ was originally produced by Marco Polo in 2009 for Rakim’s Seventh Seal album, however due to clearance issues it did not make the track list and will now feature on Marco’s forthcoming LP. I guess it stands to reason why this track has that authentic old school sound. So E you can turn all hillbilly this month while I go back to my old school hip hop roots. Winning is an art and as the legendary Rakim likes to say “Don’t sweat the technique!.”
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