Thursday, February 21, 2019

[ALBUM REVIEW] – ARIANA GRANDE – ‘Thank U, Next’




[ALBUM REVIEW]

Artist/Album: 
ARIANA GRANDE – ‘Thank U, Next’
Record Labels:  Republic
Release Date:    02/08/19
Singles (thus far): “Thank U, Next”, “7 Rings”, & “Break Up With Your Girlfriend…”

Last August, Ariana Grande returned to the limelight a mega-star, thanks to her wildly-successful (but emotionally underwhelming) ‘Sweetener’.  Can I blame her though?  From her overly-perceived diva outbursts publicly; the tragic Manchester bombing canceling her UK tour; Mac Miller’s death; embarrassing tattoo failure; to her quick engagement & break-up with Pete Davidson – she’s been dealing with a lot mentally.  ‘Sweetener’ had fluttery bubble-gum hits, but felt over-produced & sugar-coated.  Unfocused, detached, impersonal, and I saw through its forced sense of positivity.  In my mind, there had to be more going on in her psyche & it was frustrating she didn’t pour it into her music.  Fast-forward to the reveal of this album’s title ‘Thank U, Next’, and I knew she was bringing totally different emotions and may be ready to open up.

Things kick off with December’s promo cut “Imagine”, where dreamy-yet-grand composition, allows Grande to bring back her complex vocal runs, meatier harmonizing, & whistle-register – all of which felt absent on ‘Sweetener’.  Perky title-track “Thank U, Next” is a catchy but bitter denouncement of her failed relationships, calling them out by 1st name.  “Needy” is a candid, woozy confessional ballad over lone snaps & elegant keys that’s a good pace-setter for the project’s whole mood.  Five months isn’t long, but the overall reflective writing is my favorite improvement.  The somber “Ghostin” pairs her raw feelings of being broken by both love & loss; over a faint, stripped down, ghostly sample of ex-boyfriend Mac Miller’s “2009” – a noticeable centerpiece of the album.  The bad-intentioned “Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored” makes for a bouncy promiscuous banger.  There’s a great middle stretch of ambitious, slower-tempo jams like: the man-don’t-kill-my-vibe “Bloodline”; the murky and sad “Fake Smile”; the playful-yet-cocky “7 Rings”; her suggestion of sex as an anesthetic on “Bad Idea”; to her metaphor for needing space on “NASA” – some of her more adventurous tracks to date. 

Many songs were introspective, showing her layers of anxiety, desire, & crazy clash of thoughts, so it was tough finding many I didn’t enjoy.  “Make Up” while flexing some cool deliveries, stood out as a clangy, less-inspired, Lilly Allen-esque contemporary jingle, closer to the ‘Sweetener’ sound I’d like to leave behind.  Elsewhere, the synth-heavy trappy-adlibbed “In My Head” was less conceptual and felt equally too busy & under-developed. 

A rather interesting therapy session.  I genuinely liked 10-of-12 tracks, so I’m grading ‘Thank U, Next’ as a *SUPERIOR ALBUM* and one of the year’s best.  It’s a welcomed opposite to the radio-friendly ‘Sweetener’ – but instead of being sour, it’s rather salty.  It’s darker, sparse mood music, that’s sometimes veiled in attitude, pain, regret, and/or chilly sadness.  Artistically, Ariana's less Pop-diva here, and it plays more like honest-to-herself diary entries.  My favorite songs I recommend are: “Bloodline”, “Fake Smile”, “Bad Idea”, “Thank U, Next”, “Ghostin”, & “NASA”.


MY FINAL VERDICT:
5 STARS (out of 6)

BUMP IT Or DUMP IT!, VOL. 115:


*WEEKLY 9: BUMP IT Or DUMP IT!, VOL. 115:


Simple rules:
Here’s the Top-9 new singles officially sent to Urban-based radio formats, that are either beginning to chart right now or expected to chart soon.  In exchange, you can have & listen to them, and personally comment below, stating if you would *Bump It* or *Dump It* for each record and why... [Strong Bump, Weak Bump, Weak Dump, or Strong Dump]
-----------------------------


"BREAK UP WITH YOUR GIRLFRIEND..." (Ariana Grande),
Debuting @ #26 on Pop formats;
Debuting @ #36 on Rhythmic/Club formats;
+ Shipped to Urban 02/12/19;
via Republic.,
[beginning w/ 2,619 + 538 + 102 Daily US Spins].


"PLEASE ME" (Cardi B & Bruno Mars),
Debuting @ #27 on Pop formats;
Debuting @ #29 on Urban formats;
Debuting @ #27 on Rhythmic/Club formats;
via KSR/Atlantic.,
[beginning w/ 2,524 + 988 + 834 Daily US Spins].


"I'VE BEEN WAITING" (Lil Peep f/ ILoveMakonnen & Fall Out Boy),
Debuting @ #35 on Pop formats;
+ Shipped to Rhythmic/Club & Urban 02/09/19;
via AUTNMY/Columbia.,
[beginning w/ 1,408 + 168 + 129 Daily US Spins].


"I AM WHO THEY SAY I AM" (Youngboy N.B.A. f/ Kevin Gates & Quando Rondo),
Debuting @ #28 on Urban formats;
via Never Broke Again/Atlantic.,
[beginning w/ 1,051 + 182 Daily US Spins].


"GIRLS HAVE FUN" (Tyga f/ G-Eazy & Rich The Kid),
Debuting @ #29 on Rhythmic/Club formats;
+ Shipped to Urban 02/13/19;
via Last Kings/EMPIRE Dist.,
[beginning w/ 794 + 301 Daily US Spins].


"PROJECT DREAMS" (Marshmello f/ Roddy Ricch),
Debuting @ #31 on Rhythmic/Club formats;
+ Shipped to Urban 02/07/19;
via Joytime Collective/Warner Bros.,
[beginning w/ 677 + 74 Daily US Spins].


"POLEDANCER" (Wale f/ Megan Thee Stallion),
Debuting @ #47 on Urban formats;
Shipped to Rhythmic/Club 02/15/19;
via MMG/Warner Bros.,
[beginning w/ 573 + 62 Daily US Spins].


"ROLL SOME MO" (Lucky Daye),
Debuting @ #16 on Adult/R&B formats;
Shipped to Urban 02/04/19;
via Keep Cool/RCA.,
[beginning w/ 556 Daily US Spins].


"OCEAN DRIVE" (Smif-n-Wessun f/ Musiq Soulchild & Rapsody),
Shipped to Urban formats 02/12/19;
via Duck Down/Fontana Dist.,
[beginning w/ 59 Daily US Spins].


=
=
=
=

...
Download Links:
https://www43.zippyshare.com/v/LZj9EUhy/file.html







Wednesday, February 20, 2019

THE PANEL #114 - Feb 2019

It’s that time again, for THE PANEL's BUMP IT or DUMP IT #114 review. 

We have 3 HMV staff members this week, who'll take on the 9 new singles shipped to radio, to analyze how much they liked (or disliked) them & predict how successful they'll be.  Here are the ratings across the board; And since we wanna share the interaction, if you’re interested in reading the full reviews from each person, feel free to check out their individual pages linked underneath their names.  This week THE PANEL consisted of: 

@Rapper A.M. (Baltimore, MD);
https://www.facebook.com/Angryman410/

@Doc J (Clermont, FL);
https://www.facebook.com/DocJMusicAndEntertainment/

@Slin K Renaissance Man (Pompano Bch, FL);
https://www.myperspectivemusic.blogspot.com/


Check them all out, and see if you agree with some of us.  Enjoy & #Salud.

----------------------------------

1. "MOB TIES" (Drake)

2. "YUSO" (Kid Ink f/ Lil Wayne & Saweetie)

3. "CLOSE FRIENDS" (Lil Baby & Gunna)

4. "IF YOU WANT LOVE" (NF)

5. "ENVY ME" (Calboy)

6. "2 AM" (Casanova f/ Tory Lanez & Davido)

7. "NIGHTS LIKE THIS" (Kehlani f/ Ty Dolla $ign)

8. "BEDROOM" (The-Dream)

9. "COMMITMENT" (Monica)




Tuesday, February 19, 2019

PLAQUE REPORT TUESDAY - Week 5 (2019)

[PLAQUE REPORT TUESDAYS]

It's my privilege to blast out the weekly music sales success report hot off the presses here @ RIAA.  This is where I'll weekly be acknowledging all artists who have earned a certified sales plaque for both singles & albums. 

For Week 5 of 2019, we see our plenty of multi-Platinum & Platinum, and even some plaques for older releases...

My personal congrats goes out to: The Weeknd, Travis Scott, Chris Brown, Sheck Wes, Yo Gotti, Nicki Minaj, Nas, Maluma, French Montana, Kendrick Lamar, G-Eazy, Kevin Gates, Juice Wrld, YBN Nahmir, Amine, Derez De'Shon, K Camp, Russ, & Ty Dolla $ign - and all of their respective record labels.  Keep the hits coming!



Saturday, February 9, 2019

FREE ISH FRIDAYS, Vol. 1




[FREE ISH FRIDAYS, Vol. 1]



For 2019, we're trying our best to kick things off in a giving mood.  So, time permitting, I'll be making one of these free download posts weekly every Friday... for all you collectors out there.  Now, since many of us are passionate & "married" to this music; we'll be riding on the concept of "something old & something new".  Something old - being any release that came out this same calendar day at least 8 years ago or more.  Something new - will be a release in the last 1-2 weeks that I genuinely enjoyed & want you to check out.  So since today is 2/9... let's see what albums I pull out:



SOMETHING OLD:

Artist/Album:  SADE – ‘Soldier of Love’
Record Labels:   Sony Music
Release Date:    02/09/2010
Singles:   “Soldier of Love”, “Babyfather”, & “The Moon and the Sky”



Success:   Debuted #1 in 11 countries, including on US Billboard selling 502,000+ 1st week; spent 3 weeks in a row at #1; certified Platinum in both America, Canada, Greece, & Switzerland; has sold over 1.4-million units in the US alone; and music on this album scooped her up 2 Grammy nominations.  



SOMETHING NEW:

Artist/Album:  MASS APPEAL Compilation – ‘Starting 5, Vol. 1’
Record Labels:   Mass Appeal/Def Jam
Release Date:    02/05/2019
Features:  Nas, Black Milk, Fashawn, Ezri, Stro, 070 Phi, Cantrell, Keyon Harrold, Liana Bank$

Details:   Quick but jammin’ 8-song compilation EP in support of Mass Appeal Records’ upcoming US tour beginning on February 6th, featuring the new label roster Nas is trying to promote.  


LINKS:
Sade = https://www81.zippyshare.com/v/5uZaGiCV/file.html
Mass Appeal = https://www81.zippyshare.com/v/5Mkniylc/file.html

Friday, February 8, 2019

[ALBUM REVIEW] - AESOP ROCK & TOBACCO - '...are MALIBU KEN'

[2019 ALBUM JUDGMENT]



















Artist – Album: AESOP ROCK & TOBACCO – ‘…are MALIBU KEN’
Record Labels:  Rhymesayers Entertainment
Release Date:    01/18/19
Singles (thus far): “Acid King” & “Corn Maze”

Experimental weirdness, dizzy deliveries, super-dense vocab;
One of the tougher lyricists to decode for some; but provides complex, trippy storytelling.

Those unfamiliar with either:  Aesop Rock is a Long Island-born, Portland OR.-raised, underground emcee/producer who’s been making music since 1996.  He’s often described as an abstract, sophisticatedly-weird, surrealist rapper that’s CL Smooth-meets-Salvador Dali - who rose to fame in the Definitive Jux & Rhymesayers Ent heydays.  Tobacco hails from Pittsburgh, and is producer/frontman for the psychedelic, electro-synth band Black Moth Super Rainbow; with a carefree passion of synthesizers, vocoders, & old pre-digital hardware.

Lead-off track/2nd single, “Corn Maze” instantly exhibits the type of reverbed, whirling, funky-thump, and strangely-reflective raps we’re in for.  His unique imagery’s best displayed in “Tuesday”; a lasery, drunken ode describing his dirty apartment, hygiene, & care for plants – that he ends with the euphony that life thrives best when left alone.  “Acid King” is a dark mix of frantic, restless, ominous keyboards & 8-bit video game sounds; over which Aes tells the 1980s tale of Long Island-murderer Ricky Kasso, who stabbed his best friend 32 times over stolen PCP.  “1+1=13” is driven by a broken organ and creatively reaches at good luck charms & superstitions.  Lyrically, he capably shifts from his blurred-reality, nostalgic, cartoony-view of negative world news on the staticy “Save Our Ship”; to my favorite record here, the zap-heavy, bassy, head-nodding “Suicide Big Gulp” – the most braggadocious I’ve heard Aesop.

Aes’ rhyme-schemes are sharp as ever & his puzzling, wordy verses are out-there & personal; while Tobacco adds a different kind of weirdness.  His rumbling, analog, synth-funk is interesting & very unpredictable - some of the livelier beats I’ve heard Aesop on.  Still unorthodox, abstract, alternative-hip-hop; but not as boom-bap-influenced as his previous works.  Occasionally, Tobacco’s thick tsunami of off-kilter, zappy, electro-keys are a little overwhelming – so admittedly it’s headphone-rap you have to be in the mood for.  Knowing Aesop Rock’s an acquired taste; these concepts are too tedious & aren’t trendy enough for the mainstream to get into.  Underground fans though will find it a colorful, groovy addition to his collection & one of the 1st good projects of 2019.  I enjoyed 6 songs out of 10, so I’m grading it as *Above-Average*.  The best tracks I recommend are: “Suicide Big Gulp”, “Acid King”, “Tuesday”, & “Corn Maze”.


My Final Verdict:
4 STARS (out of 6)



Thursday, February 7, 2019

PLAQUE SUCCESS REPORT - Week 3 (2019)

[PLAQUE SUCCESS REPORT]

It's my privilege to blast out the weekly music sales success report hot off the presses here @ RIAA.  This is where I'll weekly be acknowledging all artists who have earned a certified sales plaque for both singles & albums. 

For Week 3 of 2019, we're seeing a Diamond plaque, some multi-Platinum & plenty of Gold, .. so my personal congrats goes out to: Bruno Mars, The Smeezingtons, Needlz, Bazzi, Goldlink, Brent Faiyaz, Shy Glizzy, Gucci Mane, Drake, Youngboy Never Broke Again, Flipp Dinero, G.R.I.T.S., Toby Mac, The Carters, Solange, Chris Brown, The Weeknd, Jessie Reyez - and all of their respective record labels.  Keep the hits coming!



Sunday, February 3, 2019

[ALBUM REVIEW] - FUTURE - 'Presents THE WIZRD'



[2019 ALBUM JUDGMENT]


Future



















Artist – Album: FUTURE – ‘Presents THE WIZRD’
Record Labels:  Freebandz/Sony/Epic
Release Date:    01/18/19
Singles (thus far): “Crushed Up” & “Jumping On A Jet”

Trappy, bizarre, trippy, tip-toes the line of drug abuse vs. love-struck;
But a bloatedly-long listen that’s unevenly uninspired, snoozy, formulaic, & very autopilot… 
Things begin great on “Never Stop” with a lighter, thoughtful, violin-backed beat allowing Future to speak reflective & personal.   “Krazy But True” is enjoyably off-kilter & moody, showing some of his current opinions & relationship insecurities.  “Call The Coroner” while implying he wants to be a drug-lord; flexes one of the better, harder, bangers on the album.  “Promise U That” is catchy, has lots of thump, a ghostly girl-sample, & slower, clearer vocals – probably the best single-appeal for me.  It’s good to see Future try different deliveries on the atmospheric, beat-switching “Baptiize”.  Some catchy slower-tempo beats & less-repetitive hooks, fit his autotune acrobatics well and are good distractions from his less-than-stellar verses, like “Tricks On Me” & the Travis Scott-featured “First Off”.

Problem is, 1st single “Crushed Up” should’ve been an early indication that Future’s still focused on watches, diamonds, drugs, models, foreign cars, & threatening cops over boring generic trap beats.  “Stick to the Models” is endless corny trap-triplet flows, and ignorantly/angrily sounds mad at females; while “Overdose” over-uses adlibs & is occasionally off-beat is more a train-wreck.  Stepping away from bridges & numerous hooks, “F&N” presented a chance to impress me with 32 straight bars – but his delivery bores, and there’s only so much lean, choppers, bitches in his bed, & foreign trucks I can stand.  The cocky “Talk Shit Like A Preacher” is probably his worst lyrics (and most negative influence) I’ve heard of his career.  20 tracks of this same gear, starts to feel mind-numbing & heavily drags.

Conclusively, I only liked 7 songs of 20, so I’m grading ‘Presents THE WIZRD’ as below-average.  Too streamlined, too similar, too comfortable, too drug-glorifying, & too lazy.  His hazy, melodic, spacey-trap at times can be catchy – so I don’t doubt Future’s impact can still be there; especially when he experiments, finds good guest features, & candidly opens up about the consequences of his drug abuse.  Yet with the world of rap & pop changing, Future’s unadventurous, unprogressive tunes continue a trend of music that’s getting more repetitive with each listen… and doesn’t feel too *futuristic*.  Nonetheless, the good tracks I recommend are: “Promise U That”, “Never Stop”, “Krazy But True”, Baptiize”, & “Call The Coroner”.


MY FINAL VERDICT:

2 STARS (out of 6)


Thursday, January 31, 2019

[ALBUM REVIEW] - BOOGIE - 'Everything's For Sale'

[2019 ALBUM JUDGMENT]





















Artist - Album:  BOOGIE – ‘Everything’s For Sale’
Record Labels:  Shady/Interscope
Release Date:   01/25/19
Singles (thus far):   "Self Destruction” & “Silent Ride”


Boogie brings a vulnerable modern melodic blueprint for his 1st album at Shady Records.  Through his self-proclaimed *Gospel, Gangsta, Trap-and-B*, I actually noticed some reflective & relatable material.  A tad depressing at times but honest.  His voice fits him in a unique box of lighter, cagey, slight monotone-rasps.  The album vibe feels subdued & smooth – yet personal & introspective; sprinkled with a little west-coast pride.  As a mainstream debut, it’s a mature, authentic vision… so I’m not shocked to learn he’s a 29-year-old rap “rookie”. 

The slick production stood out, with a bigger budget than expected; it’s polished, glitzy, sullen, & often uses beautiful keyboard or string instrumentation.  Many of the beats on built on slow-churning soul, which helps lighten the mood.  From the intro, he condemns conscious lyricism… but for a guy that doesn’t like consciousness, he surprisingly shows lots of conscious reflection in his rhymes.  I prefer his rapping over his singing; but I appreciate when he ends verses with his optimistic thoughts/lines.  There are clever guests here from JID & Snoh Aalegra, for different reasons – on “Soho” JID’s faster flow & energy brought a needed contrast; while the Snoh-feature on “Time” provides unlikely chemistry & some smoky, sultry, singing chops that Boogie lacks. 

I wasn’t liking the short song lengths; 6-of-13 tracks being under 2:26.  Definitely expected more from the Eminem-feature on “Rainy Days” – where although the hook’s catchy, both rappers forced rhymes & metaphors that misses the mark.  While Boogie has depth & a vivid vocab; certain records felt anti-climactic, unfinished, or one-dimensional.   He displays only 1 gear, being hit or miss with deliveries, so I hope he can develop different speeds & cadences.  I also prefer the grittier 2nd single “Silent Ride”, over the 1st single choice of “Self Destruction” which struck-out for me. 


Cumulatively, I generally liked 7 tracks here, so I’m grading it as a slightly above-average release.  ‘Everything’s For Sale’ examines Boogie’s world in dark tints, both good & bad.  While it lacks a smash hit or goto jams; it’s definitely mood music & a listener’s album.  His vibe, insecurities, & introspect are encouraging for a debut.  Charisma & versatility were setbacks, but the album’s POV holds my attention.  I’m interested in seeing him rap a little more, craft longer songs, and experiment with other emotional tones in the future.  My favorite tracks I recommend are “Soho”, “Whose Fault”, “Silent Ride”, “Tired/Reflections”, & “Time”.



MY FINAL VERDICT: 

3.5 STARS (out of 6)

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

PLAQUE SUCCESS TUESDAYS - Week 3 & 4 (2019)

[PLAQUE SUCCESS TUESDAYS]

It's my privilege to blast out the weekly music sales success report hot off the presses here @ RIAA.  This is where I'll weekly be acknowledging all artists who have earned a certified sales plaque for both singles & albums. 

For Week 3 & 4 of 2019, we see (2) DIAMOND plaques!.. so my personal congrats goes out to: Bruno Mars, The Smeezingtons, Needlz, Ed Sheeran, & Steve Mac - and all of their respective record labels.  Keep the hits coming!



Tuesday, January 22, 2019

PLAQUE SUCCESS TUESDAYS - Week 2 (2019)

[PLAQUE SUCCESS TUESDAYS]

(Week 2 - 2019)

With my fresh new position as liaison between Mediabase & RIAA, it's my privilege to blast out the weekly music sales success report hot off the presses here @ RIAA.  This is where I'll weekly be acknowledging all artists who have earned a certified sales plaque for both singles & albums.  For Week 2 of 2019, my personal congrats goes out to: C. Tangana, Becky G, Bruno Mars, Cardi B, Carlos Vives, Diego Torres, Future, Gucci Mane, Kodak Black, Lil Peep, Lil Wayne, Mau Y Ricky, Nicki Minaj, SZA, & XXXTentacion - and all of their respective record labels.  Keep the hits coming!

 
 



Saturday, December 22, 2018

Doc J’s quick “What’s Free” Challenge!:

Doc J’s quick “What’s Free” Challenge!:

My #WhatsFreeChallenge... y’all know me, I’m tired of cheap/lazy pens, so I had to take 2 verses.  Enjoy!, and pass it on... #HMVEnt #TheTwistedCritics # Salud!



Monday, December 17, 2018

Akon's Launching A New Video-Streaming App



Akon's Launching A New Video-Streaming App:


R&B singer Akon is expanding his reach in the world of technology with a new video-streaming app.

Akon has joined forces with bosses at electronics giant Samsung to launch the subscription-based program Cinemoi Channel, which will provide inspiring content 24 hours a day.  The app, designed for smart TVs & cell phones, will allow subscribers to watch movies both old and new, as well as TV series and talk shows.

It's the latest tech venture for Akon - he recently announced his own cryptocurrency, called Akoin, in his family's native Senegal, aimed at helping to boost the African economy.  He has also been busy building up the solar power market in Africa as part of his Lighting Africa project, through which he hopes to provide affordable electricity to those who have none.



(original source - https://allhiphop.com/news/akon-s-launching-a-new-video-streaming-app-Yl_a4ZZz-0qsFJkofsILCg/)

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

HAPPY 44th BIRTHDAY, to… STYLES P!



HAPPY 44th BIRTHDAY, to… STYLES P!


David Styles - born 11/28/1974 in Corona-Queens, NY – is an American rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur, health food shop owner, & book author.

Born in a Jamaican & South African mixed home, Styles had modest beginnings.  After his parents divorced, he & his younger brother Gary moved to Yonkers with their mother.  While in high school, he & 2 friends (Jadakiss & Sheek) formed a rap group first called ‘The Bomb Squad’ and then later named ‘The Warlox’.  They began working local talent shows in 1993, and made their 1st mainstream appearance on Main Source’s “Set It Off” in 1994.  They showed face at nearly every Yonkers hip-hop event, created demos, and started developing a fan base by appearing on many underground mixtapes. One of their admirers was fellow Yonkers-alum Mary J Blige, passed their demo on to Bad Boy CEO Sean ‘Puff Daddy’ Combs, who eventually signed them to a multi-album deal.  Through the advice of Combs – they shortened their group name to The Lox, started appearing on many DJ Clue tapes, Jadakiss & Styles started notably co-writing for other rappers, and the group gained a string of collaboration exposure featuring on hits from Puff, Notorious BIG, DMX, Mase, NORE, Mariah Carey, J-Lo, etc.  By January 1998, they released a debut album ‘Money, Power, & Respect’ that eventually sold Platinum.  Styles tried his hand at solo work, getting 2 hits with “My Life” (w/ Pharoahe Monch) & “Good Times” in 2002.  He released his own debut solo album ‘A Gangster and a Gentleman’ through Ruff Ryders/Interscope in July 2002, which sold Gold in about 3 months.

Styles’ career momentum had a couple hiccups.  While their debut was commercially successful, he & his group had a well-publicized conflict with Puff & Bad Boy over contract terms, finances, & creative differences; that took “Let the LOX Go”-street campaign & nearly 6 months of legally maneuvering to get out of their deal and sign with Ruff Ryders.  This was followed by - his brother Gary dying in a car accident in May 2001; Styles himself having to serve an 8-month prison stint for his involvement in a NY-club stabbing that same year; and then his stepdaughter Tai committing suicide at 21 in 2015.  Diversified his skills, he continued on though.  While still maintaining a steady tour schedule - Styles signed a multi-project book deal with Random House publishing in 2011, releasing his first novel that same year entitled ‘Invincible’.  Styles brokered a small sponsorship deal from High Times, and twice he helped establish indie labels with national distribution for his group (D-Block Records) & for himself (Phantom Records).  Already a vegan and avid veggie-juicer since 2003, he linked with 2 business partners, and he & Jadakiss became owners of a health juice bar chain called Juices for Life – which now has 2 locations in NYC & the Bronx.

Musically, Styles P has created: (10) solo albums, (4) group albums, (3) group mixtapes, & (8) collaborative/duo compilations, and (1) EP – which along with his features, have all collectively helped earn him: (1) 3x Platinum plaque, (3) 1x Platinum plaques, & (4) Gold plaques …


>’Money, Power, & Respect’ (1998) [as part of The LOX]
>’Ruff Ryders, Ryde or Die Vol. 1’ (1999) [as part of the Ruff Ryders]
>’We Are The Streets’ (2000) [as part of The LOX]
>’Ruff Ryders, Ryde or Die Vol. 2’ (2000) [as part of the Ruff Ryders]
>’RR, Ryde or Die Vol. 3: In The R We Trust’ (2001) [as part of the Ruff Ryders]
>’A Gangster And a Gentleman’ (2002)
>’Ruff Ryders Vol. 4: The Redemption’ (2005) [as part of the Ruff Ryders]
>’Time Is Money’ (2006)
>’Super Gangster [Extraordinary Gentleman]’ (2007)
>’No Security’ (2009) [as part of The LOX]
>’The Green Ghost Project’ (2010) [duo w/ DJ Green Lantern]
>’Master of Ceremonies’ (2011)
>’The World’s Most Hardest MC Project’ (2012)
>’Float’ (2013)
>’The Trinity Mixtape’ (2013) [as part of The LOX]
>’Phantom & The Ghost’ (2014)
>’The Trinity: 2nd Sermon Mixtape’ (2014) [as part of The LOX]
>’The Trinity: 3rd Sermon Mixtape’ (2014) [as part of The LOX]
>’A Wise Guy and a Wise Guy’ (2015)
>’Filthy America… It’s Beautiful’ (2016) [as part of The LOX]
>’The Seven’ (2017) [duo w/ Talib Kweli]
>’Vibes’ (2017) [duo w/ Berner]
>’Nickel Bag EP’ (2018)
>’G-Host’ (2018)
>’Beloved’ (2018) [duo w/ Dave East]
>’Dime Bag’ (2018)

Thursday, November 15, 2018

HMV Ent presents... The PANEL Reviews, for BUMP IT or DUMP IT #106



It’s that time again, Hear My Voice Ent. presents *THE PANEL* for the BUMP IT or DUMP IT #106 review.

We have 3 HMV staff members this week, who'll take on the 9 new singles shipped to radio, to analyze how much they liked (or disliked) them & predict how successful they'll be.  Here are the ratings across the board; And since we wanna share the interaction, if you’re interested in reading the full reviews from each person, feel free to check out their individual pages linked underneath their names.  This week THE PANEL consisted of:

@Rapper A.M.​ (Baltimore, MD);
https://www.facebook.com/Angryman410/

@Doc J Music & Entertainment​ (Clermont, FL);
https://www.facebook.com/DocJMusicAndEntertainment/

@Slin K Renaissance Man​ (Pompano Bch, FL);
https://www.myperspectivemusic.blogspot.com/

Check them all out, and see if you agree with some of us.  Enjoy & #Salud.
----------------------------------

1. "MIA" (Bad Bunny f/ Drake)

2. "UP 1" (Yella Beezy f/ Lil Baby)

3. "RIGHT NOW" (Jazz Cartier f/ Ktoe)

4. "CLOSE TO ME" (Ellie Goulding f/ Diplo & Swae Lee)

5. "BACKIN' IT UP" (Pardison Fontaine f/ Cardi B)

6. "FINE CHINA" (Future & Juice Wrld)

7. "BLIND MAN" (Xavier Omar)

8. "TRIBE" (Bas f/ J. Cole)

9. "WHIPPED CREAM" (Ari Lennox)


Friday, November 9, 2018

New Official Video from DIPSET for new single "Sauce Boyz":

New Official Video from DIPSET for new single "Sauce Boyz":


Juelz was granted a relocation bid in his house arrest agreement, allowing the group to reunite for the video shoot to their comeback vid "Sauce Boyz." In this new single, all 4 core members are in the fold, including Juelz & Freaky Zeaky, getting a chance to rap over a very gritty-NY Heatmakerz beat, going down memory lane. The visuals place the Dipset boyz, performing rooftop, paying homage to known Harlem locations, dressed in business attire eatting luxury fruits at an after-hour laundry-mat, and pouring out their formerly-licensed liqueur they once promoted, all in the name new beginnings.  Their new album 'Diplomatic Ties' marks their 1st group release in 14 years, and is slated to debut during Thanksgiving 2018.



Tuesday, November 6, 2018

[FREE DOWNLOAD] PUFF DADDY CAREER MIX (1995-2018)




In respect & tribute of the recent birthday of Sean Combs (aka Puff Daddy aka Diddy aka P Diddy, etc-etc) this past Sunday, 10/4/18… I’ve been commissioned to do a thorough career mix for him.  His recording career has lasted from 1995 to presently 2018.  This playlist contains 144 tracks – consisting of all his major hits, radio singles, soundtrack jams, fan-favorites, celebrated remixes, surprise collabos, & even a few rare interviews.
 
The tracklist includes:
 
001 – Mar 1995 – “MAKING MOVE WITH PUFF" (ft. Craig Mack)
002 – Oct 1996 – “NO TIME” (ft. Lil Kim)
003 – Feb 1997 – “CAN'T NOBODY HOLD ME DOWN” (ft. Ma$e)
004 – Feb 1997 – “SOMEONE” (ft. SWV)
005 – May 1997 – “I’LL BE MISSING YOU” (ft. Faith Evans & 112)
006 – July 1997 – “YOUNG G’S” (ft. Jay-Z & Notorious BIG)
007 – July 1997 – “FRIEND” (ft. Foxy Brown)
008 – July 1997 – “MO MONEY MO PROBLEMS” (ft. Notorious BIG & Ma$e)
009 – Aug 1997 – “No WAY OUT” (ft. Black Rob) [Money Talks SDTRK Exclusive]
010 – Aug 1997 – “IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BENJAMINS” (ft. The LOX, Lil Kim, & Notorious BIG)
011 – Aug 1997 – “THE WORLD IS FILLED…” (ft. Notorious BIG, Too $hort, & Carl Thomas)
012 – Nov 1997 – “DON'T STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING” (ft. Lil Kim)
013 – Nov 1997 – “WILL THEY DIE 4 U?” (ft. Ma$e & Lil Kim)
014 – Dec 1997 – “BEEN AROUND THE WORLD” (ft. Notorious BIG & Ma$e)
015 – Dec 1997 – “BEEN AROUND THE WORLD RMX” (ft. ft. Carl Thomas, Notorious BIG, & Ma$e)
016 – Dec 1997 – “SERONITA” [“Been Around The World”, B-SIDE]
017 – Mar 1998 – “VICTORY” (ft. Notorious BIG & Busta Rhymes)
018 – Mar 1998 – “I KNOW WHAT GIRLS LIKE” (ft. Jay-Z & Lil Kim)
019 – Apr 1998 – “IS THIS THE END?” (ft. Ginuwine, Carl Thomas, & Twista)
020 – Apr 1998 – “GET THIS $” (ft. The Lox)
021 – Apr 1998 – “CAN'T STOP, WON'T STOP” (ft. The LOX) [“Get This $”, B-SIDE]
022 – May 1998 – “COME WITH ME” (ft. Jimmy Page) [Godzilla SDTRK Exclusive]
023 – July 1998 – “LOOKIN' AT ME” (ft. Ma$e)
024 – July 1998 – “I LOVE YOU BABY” (ft. Black Rob)
025 – July 1998 – “24 HRS 2 LIVE” (ft. Ma$e, The LOX, Black Rob, & DMX)
026 – Mar 1999 – “ALL NIGHT LONG” (ft. ft. Faith Evans)
027 – Apr 1999 – “HATE ME NOW” (ft. Nas)
028 – July 1999 – “DO IT AGAIN” (ft. Ma$e)
029 – Aug 1999 – “P.E. 2000” (ft. Hurricane G)
030 – Aug 1999 – “IT'S ABOUT THAT MONEY” ft. Too $hort)
031 – Oct 1999 – “SATISFY YOU” (ft. R. Kelly)
032 – Oct 1999 – “SATISFY YOU RMX” (ft. R. Kelly & Tha Luniz) [“Satisfy You”, B-SIDE]
033 – Oct 1999 – “FAKE THUG DEDICATION” (ft. Redman) [“Satisfy You”, B-SIDE]
034 – Dec 1999 – “JOURNEY THROUGH THE LIFE” (ft. Nas, Beanie Sigel, Lil Kim, & Joe Hooker)
035 – Dec 1999 – “REVERSE” (ft. Shyne, Redman, G-Dep, Cee-Lo, Busta Rhymes, & Sauce Money)
036 – Jan 2000 – “DO YOU LIKE IT, DO YOU WANT IT” (ft. Jay-Z)
037 – Jan 2000 – “REAL…” (ft. Notorious BIG & Lil Kim) ["Do You Like It, Do You Want It" B-SIDE]
038 – Jan 2000 – “NOTORIOUS B.I.G.” (ft. Notorious BIG & Lil Kim)
039 – Feb 2000 – “BEST FRIEND” (ft. Mario Winans)
040 – Apr 2000 – “ANGELS WITH DIRTY FACES” (ft. Bizzy Bone)
041 – Aug 2000 – “PD WORLD TOUR” (ft. Black Rob)
042 – Dec 2000 – “QUEEN BITCH II” (ft. Lil Kim)
043 – July 2001 – “LET'S GET IT” (ft. G. Dep & Black Rob)
044 – July 2001 – “PAIN” (ft. G. Dep) ["Let's Get It" B-SIDE]
045 – Aug 2001 – “LIGHTS CAMERA ACTION RMX” (ft. Mr. Cheeks, Missy Elliott, & Petey Pablo)
046 – Aug 2001 – “YOU GETS NO LOVE” (ft. Faith Evans & Loon)
047 – Sept 2001 – “NO MORE DRAMA RMX” (ft. Mary J Blige)
048 – Oct 2001 – “STOP PLAYIN' GAMES” (ft. 8Ball)
049 – Nov 2001 – “SPECIAL DELIVERY” (ft. G. Dep)
050 – Nov 2001 – “BAD BOY FOR LIFE” (ft. Black Rob & Mark Curry)
051 – Dec 2001 – “BAD BOY FOR LIFE RMX” (ft. Busta Rhymes & MOP)
052 – Dec 2001 – “THE SAGA CONTINUES” (ft. Black Rob, G. Dep, & Loon)
053 – Feb 2002 – “I NEED A GIRL PT. 1” (ft. Usher & Loon)
054 – Feb 2002 – “PASS THE COURVOISIER PT. II” (ft. Busta Rhymes & Pharrell Williams_
055 – Mar 2002 – “SPECIAL DELIVERY RMX” (ft. G. Dep, Ghostface, Keith Murray, & Craig Mack)
056 – Mar 2002 – “DIDDY” (ft. Pharrell Williams)
057 – May 2002 – “NOTHIN' RMX” ft. NORE, Pharrell, Foxy Brown, Capone, Final Chapter, & Musaliny-N-Maze)
058 – May 2002 – “WELCOME TO ATLANTA RMX” (ft. Jermaine Dupri, Murphy Lee, Snoop Dogg, & Ludacris)
059 – May 2002 – “I NEED A GIRL PT. 2” (ft. Ginuwine, Mario Winans, & Loon)
060 – June 2002 – “THAT'S CRAZY RMX” (ft. Black Rob, Missy Elliott, Snoop Dogg, & G. Dep)
061 – June 2002 – “I DO [WANNA GET CLOSE TO YOU]” (ft. 3LW & Loon)
062 – Aug 2002 – “I DON'T KNOW” (ft. Usher)
063 – Sept 2002 – “SO COMPLETE RMX” (ft. Cheri Dennis)
064 – Sept 2002 – “TRADE IT ALL, PT. 2” (ft. Fabolous & Jagged Edge)
065 – Oct 2002 – “BUMP BUMP BUMP” (ft. B2K)
066 – Oct 2002 – “ROLL WITH ME” (ft. 8Ball, MJG, & Faith Evans)
067 – Nov 2002 - “AND WE” (ft. Black Rob, Craig Mack, Mark Curry, Big Azz Ko, Foxy Brown, & G. Dep)
068 – Dec 2002 – “DANCE WITH US” (ft. Brandy & Bow Wow) [Wild Thornberrys Movie SDTRK Exclusive]
069 – Dec 2002 – “DO THAT” (ft. Birdman, Mannie Fresh, & Tateeze)
070 – Dec 2002 – “BIGGER BUSINESS” (ft. Swizz Beatz, Birdman, Jadakiss, Snoop Dogg, Ron Isley, Cassidy, & TQ)
071 – June 2003 – “SHAKE YA TAILFEATHER” (ft. Nelly & Murphy Lee) [Bad Boy II SDTRK Exclusive]
072 – July 2003 – “SHOW ME YOUR SOUL” (ft. Lenny Kravitz, Pharrell Williams, & Loon) [Bad Boy II SDTRK Exclusive]
073 – July 2003 – “GIRL, I'M A BAD BOY” (ft. Fat Joe & Dre) [Bad Boy II SDTRK Exclusive]
074 – Nov 2003 – “CAN'T TALK TO HER” (ft. Loon & Joe Hooker)
075 – Mar 2004 – “I DON'T WANNA KNOW” (ft. Mario Winans & Enya)
076 – Apr 2004 – “YOU DON'T WANT NO DRAMA” (ft. 8Ball & MJG)
077 – Sept 2004 – “BREATHE, STRETCH, SHAKE” (ft. Ma$e)
078 – Sept 2004 – “BABY GIRL” (ft. 8Ball & MJG)
079 – Mar 2005 – “RUN THIS CITY” (ft. Clinton Sparks & Miri Ben-Ari)
080 – May 2005 – “DEM BOYZ” (ft. Boyz N Da Hood)
081 – Sept 2005 – “WHAT YOU BEEN DRANKIN' ON” (ft. Jim Jones, Jha Jha, & Paul Wall)
082 – Oct 2005 – “NASTY GIRL” (ft. Notorious BIG, Nelly, Jagged Edge, & Avery Storm)
083 – Apr 2006 – “ME & YOU RMX” (ft. Cassie & Yung Joc)
084 – Sept 2006 – “COME TO ME” (ft. Nicole Scherzinger)
085 – Oct 2006 – “COME TO ME RMX” (ft. Nicole Scherzinger, Yung Joc, Young Dro, & TI) [“Come To Me”, B-SIDE]
086 – Nov 2006 – “TELL ME” (ft. Christina Aguilera)
087 – Dec 2006 – “RIDIN' HIGH” (ft. 8Ball & MJG)
088 – Jan 2007 – “AFTER LOVE” (ft. Keri Hilson)
089 – Feb 2007 – “LAST NIGHT” (ft. Keyshia Cole)
090 – Feb 2007 – “LAST NIGHT RMX” (ft. Keyshia Cole, Pharrell Williams, & T.I.) [“Last Night”, B-SIDE]
091 – Mar 2007 – “EVERYTHING I LOVE” (ft. Nas & Cee-Lo Green)
092 – Oct 2007 – “GET BUCK IN HERE” (ft. DJ Felli Fel, Akon, Ludacris, & Lil Jon) [Midnight Club: Los Angeles Video Game, Exclusive]
093 – Oct 2007 – “5000 ONES” (ft. DJ Drama, Nelly, T.I., Yung Joc, Willie The Kid, Jeezy, & Twista)
094 – Oct 2007 – “HELL YEAH” (ft. Yung Joc)
095 – Mar 2008 – “TAKE YOU THERE” (ft. Donnie Klang)
096 – Dec 2008 – “CHANGE” (T-Pain & Akon)
097 – Jan 2009 – “ARAB MONEY RMX” (ft. Busta Rhymes, Swizz Beatz, Lil Wayne, T-Pain, Akon, & Ron Browz)
098 – Mar 2009 – “IMMA PUT IT ON HER” (ft. Day26 & Yung Joc)
099 – Apr 2009 – “MUST BE LOVE” (ft. Cassie)
100 – May 2009 – “DIDDY BOP” (ft. Yung Joc)
101 – July 2009 – “BETTER ON THE OTHER SIDE” (ft. Chris Brown, Boyz II Men, The Game, Usher, Polow Da Don, & Mario Winans) [PROMO SINGLE, Michael Jackson Tribute]
102 – Nov 2009 – “ANGELS” (ft. Dirty Money, Notorious BIG, & Rick Ross)
103 – Jan 2010 – “MILLION DOLLAR GIRL” (ft. Trina & Keri Hilson)
104 – Mar 2010 – “HELLO GOOD MORNING” (ft. Dirty Money & TI)
105 – Apr 2010 – “HELLO GOOD MORNING RMX “ (ft. Dirty Money, Pitbull, TI, Rick Ross, & Nicki Minaj)
106 – Apr 2010 – “O LET'S DO IT RMX” (ft. Waka Flocka Flame, Rick Ross, & Gucci Mane)
107 – June 2010 – “ALL I DO IS WIN RMX” (ft. DJ Khaled, T-Pain, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes, Fabolous, Jadakiss, Fat Joe, & Swizz Beatz)
108 – June 2010 – ABC NEWS SPECIAL: Modern Mogul
109 – Aug 2010 – “MONEY MONEY MONEY” (ft. Red Café & Fabolous)
110 – Sept 2010 – “LOVING YOU NO MORE” (ft. Dirty Money & Drake)
111 – Nov 2010 – “COMING HOME” (ft. Dirty Money & Skylar Grey)
112 – Nov 2010 – “LOVE COME DOWN” (ft. Dirty Money)
113 – Dec 2010 – “LOVE COME DOWN RMX” (ft. Dirty Money, Jim Jones, Fabolous, & Red Café)
114 – Mar 2011 – “YOUR LOVE” (ft. Dirty Money & Trey Songz)
115 – Mar 2011 – “LOOKING FOR LOVE” (ft. Dirty Money & Usher)
116 – Mar 2011 – “SOMEONE TO LOVE ME [NAKED]” (ft. Mary J Blige & Lil Wayne)
117 – Apr 2011 – “ASS ON THE FLOOR” (ft. Dirty Money & Swizz Beatz)
118 – June 2011 – “HEARTBREAK HOTEL” (ft. The Game)
119 – Dec 2011 – “I'M ON YOU” (ft. Timati & Dirty Money)
120 – Feb 2012 – “SHOT CALLER RMX” (ft. French Montana, Rick Ross, & Charlie Rock)
121 – Mar 2012 – “SAME DAMN TIME RMX” (ft. Future & Ludacris)
122 – Nov 2012 – “OCHO CINCO” (ft. French Montana, Red Café, MGK, & King Los)
123 – Nov 2012 – “CHECK ME OUT” (ft. Trey Songz & Meek Mill)
124 – Jan 2013 – “SCREAM & SHOUT [HIT-BOY RMX]” (ft. Will-I-Am, Hit-Boy, Britney Spears, Waka Flocka Flame, & Lil Wayne)
125 – Feb 2013 – “SHOULD BE YOU” (ft. Ne-Yo & Fabolous)
126 – June 2013 – “BALLIN' OUT” (ft. French Montana & Jeremih)
127 – Oct 2013 – “BOUT THAT LIFE” (ft. Rick Ross, French Montana, & Meek Mill)
128 – Aug 2014 – “DON'T SHOOT!” (ft. The Game, TGT, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, Fabolous, Wale, DJ Khaled, Swizz Beatz, Yo Gotti, Curren$y, Problem, & King Pharoah) [PROMO, Michael Brown Tribute]
129 – June 2015 – “FINNA GET LOOSE” (ft. Pharrell Williams)
130 – Sept 2015 – “YOUR STYLE RMX” (ft. Troy Ave & Ma$e)
131 – Oct 2015 – “WORKIN” (ft. Big Sean & Travis Scott)
132 – Feb 2016 – “BLOW A CHECK” (ft. French Montana)
133 – Apr 2016 – “POWER 105.1 BREAKFAST CLUB INTERVIEW Apr-16”
134 – Apr 2016 – “MONEY AIN'T A PROBLEM” (ft. French Montana)
135 – Apr 2016 – “HELP ME” (ft. Sevyn Streeter)
136 – May 2016 – “MMM” (ft. Future & King Los)
137 – Apr 2017 – “DRINK CHAMPS INTERVIEW, Apr 2017”
138 – Oct 2017 – “BOTTLES UP” (ft. Jeezy)
139 – Dec 2017 – “VOGUE MAG 73-QUESTIONS INTERVIEW”
140 – Dec 2017 – “WHATCHA GON' DO” (ft. Notorious BIG & Rick Ross)
141 – Jan 2018 – “POWER 105.1 BREAKFAST CLUB INTERVIEW Jan-18”
142 – Mar 2018 – “YOUNG NIGGA” (ft. Nipsey Hussle)
143 – May 2018 – “THOUGHT YOU SAID” (ft. Brandy) [RARE CIROC/BREAKTHRU BRANDY PROMO]
144 – July 2018 – “WOAH” (ft. Bow Wow)


Lots of work went into this, and I hope the good people at Haven are hyped for their career mix night.  For my online fam & friends, if you'd like this mix yourself as well, please download for free at the following link:


***Please replace the "XX" with "tt" so that the link can work.  Thanks & Enjoy!!