HIP-HOP

The Riverfront Times, October 18th 2000
"There is so much to choose from music right now, But you've never heard anything like this before."

Product Description
Home Room Productions

HIP-HOP

HIP-HOP,Bits N Pieces

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HIP-HOP

Average customer rating: we reviewed this.... Dreck This isn't their first instrumental album Pure Garbage Wierd

The Mix-Up Beastie Boys Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Soul-Jazz & Boogaloo | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Icky Thump Zeitgeist We Are the Night Era Vulgaris Libertad ASIN: B000PY32CE Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

1. B For My Name
2. 14th St. Break
3. Suco De Tangerina
4. The Gala Event
5. Electric Worm
6. Freaky Hijiki
7. Off The Grid
8. The Rat Cage
9. The Melee
10. Dramastically Different
11. The Cousin Of Death
12. The Kangaroo Rat

Amazon.com

Having long since shed their image as hip-hop's clown princes, the Beastie Boys now bring what feels like their emeritus recording, a celebratory instrumental memoir of all of the influences (except punk) that brought them to their secure place among hip-hop's fickle elite. The party opens with the aptly titled "B for My Name," its plodding bounce staking claim to the mid-tempo path the album treads almost throughout. "14th St. Break" picks up the pace, especially in the auxiliary percussion breakdown, complete with rally whistle. Then, beginning with "Suco de Tangerina," the album drops into a deep groove cut from dub- and dancehall-tinged ostinati that carry through a full third of its tracks. Among these, "The Gala Event" suffers from a lack of developmental motion that characterizes many of these tracks, but highlights still abound. "Off the Grid," for example, departs from the otherwise unbreakable chill and rips the proceedings wide open, blooming again and again in a series of pulsing riffs that celebrate the very institution of the instrumental groove. More than 20 years since Licensed to Ill took a long, irreverent piss into the mainstream, it seems you can still fight for your right to party. --Jason Kirk

Amazon.com

The Mix-Up is Beastie Boys' first-ever full album of all-new instrumental material. The follow-up to 2004's To The 5 Boroughs, The Mix-Up features Diamond, Horovitz and Yauch back on drums, guitar and bass, with able assistance from Keyboard Money Mark and percussionist Alfredo Ortiz, on 12 brand new wordless, sample-less, scratchless originals. Sure to please fans of the instrumental cuts from Check Your Head and Ill Communication and the cult hit compilation album made up largely of those tracks, The In Sound From Way Out!, The Mix-Up finds NYC's favorite sons drawing on one of their arsenal's primary strengths and pushing it into bold new directions.

Beastie Boys Photos

More from Beastie Boys

Paul's Boutique	Check Your Head	Ill Communication
Licensed to Ill	Awesome, I Shot That	DVD Video Anthology - Criterion Collection

Customer Reviews:

we reviewed this...........2007-07-26

We rated this album.... as part of a camp project at St. Ives Camp near New York City. We did a poll to choose everyone's favorite album of the summer.... and the winner .... is an album called + EURO CLUB HITS + which is on iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, etc......it was a close race between many albums.... everyone in the camp (200+ kids!) is now going to vote again on Amazon & iTunes... and please add your vote also!! Thanks!

Dreck.......2007-07-26

This ferkachte CD is barely worth the plastic it was printed on. How the Beastie Boys could have gone from the heights of Check Your Head and Ill Communication, and the ensuing instrumental mashup masterpiece The In Sound From Way Out, to this limp, soulless, grooveless piece of dreck is beyond me. Seriously, take it from one schmegege to another, you will not be kvelling when you listen to this.

This isn't their first instrumental album.......2007-07-25

People keep comparing this to their hip-hop albums, but you can't compare it. It's a totally different type of music. I agree partially with an earlier review ; if you like MMW or Galactic(Stanton Moore) then this album might not measure up, but this funky acid jazz style is what MMW and S. Moore do best. It's not what the B.B. do best. I give them a ton of credit for going out of the box and doing other things. In 1996 the B.B. made an album called "The In Sound From Way Out". It was all instrumental and it was VERY good! When I first heard it, I didn't believe it was the B.B. So before you criticize, remember these are hip-hops artist who decided to actually pick-up instruments and play them. Not use synthesizers and samples. I think it's a really good cd. True, it doesn't measure up entirely to your MMW records, John Scofield, or Galactic, but it is a good addition to your funk collection.

Pure Garbage.......2007-07-24

How can some artists always stay fresh with new sounds and others become washed-up? The only reason I give one star is because you can't give zero. This album makes for an expensive drink coaster.

No fresh sounds, nothing upbeat and very monotone. I guess when you have a reputation like Beastie Boys you can assume something good is going to be relesed. After 2 clunkers in a row that's no longer the case.

The name of the album should be called "Fill My Bank Account" since all they are doing is taking your money and retiring on it. These boys are a very long way from "Paul's Boutique" and "Check Your Head"...two masterpieces.

Zero stars!!!!!!!!!!

Wierd.......2007-07-22

I like the Beasty Boys but this is just to wierd for me. check out the new Taylor Hicks cd for good musik

Average customer rating: we rated this.... T.I. Review Big Thing's Poppin KING!! NOT THE KING

T.I. vs T.I.P. T.I. Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Gangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Southern Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: From Nothin' to Somethin' Double Up Epiphany Young Jeezy Presents U.S.D.A.: Cold Summer We the Best ASIN: B000Q3646A Release Date: 2007-07-03

Tracks:

1. Act I: T.I.P.
2. Big S**t Poppin' (Do It)
3. Raw
4. You Know What It Is
5. Da Dopeman
6. Watch What You Say To Me
7. Hurt
8. Act II: T.I.
9. Help Is Coming
10. My Swag
11. We Do This
12. Show It To Me
13. Don't You Wanna Be High
14. Touchdown
15. Act III: T.I. Vs. The Confrontation
16. Tell 'Em I Said That
17. Respect This Hustle
18. My Type

Amazon.com

T.I. may take alter-egotism to new heights on T.I. vs. T.I.P., an album that's essentially a spinoff of a song (Trap Muzik's psychologically charged "T.I. vs. T.I.P."), but few artists have been known to spin something so compelling out of a concept so silly. T.I.P. is the hoodie-wearing hustler we get to know in the first part of this exceptionally long disc--he curses and boasts behind the beats with a lazy bravado that manages to be both slouchy and sharp (check out "Da Dopeman," "Watch What You Say" featuring a fired-up Jay-Z, and "You Know What It is," with Wyclef), and T.I. is the right-minded tycoon-type who takes over for a while in act two. As smooth an operator as T.I. is--"Show It to Me," featuring Nelly, finds its groove and never lets up--he's more compelling in the grittier parts of the disc, including a four-song final act in which the two halves of his deeply divided personality square off. "Respect This Hustle," the M.C. commands on the next-to-last track; detractors will try not to, citing the slightness of his concept. T.I. is at the top of his game, though, and he makes it heard. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

we rated this...........2007-07-26

We rated this album.... as part of a camp project at St. Ives Camp near New York City. We did a poll to choose everyone's favorite album of the summer.... and the winner .... is an album called + EURO CLUB HITS VOL. 1 + which is downloadable from iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, etc...... (it's not on Amazon yet)......it was a close race between many albums.... everyone in the camp (200+ kids!) is now going to vote again on Amazon & iTunes... and please add your vote also!! Thanks!

T.I. Review.......2007-07-26

i loved the album. i listened to it for 2 weeks straight. i think this was better than the King album. this is a must buy. go cop it. youll enjoy it as much as i do.

Big Thing's Poppin.......2007-07-26

I love the CD and I love hoiw Amazon had it here within 3 day's of my purchase I like you guy's keep it up and you will alway's have bussiness from me much Love

KING!!.......2007-07-24

I'VE ALWAYS BEEN A FAN OF T.I. & T.I.P.
I BELIEVE IT WAS BRILLANT OF HIM TO BRING OUT BOTH PERSONAILITES AND PLACE THEM ON ONE CD!!
I LOVE IT...HE IS TRULY THE KING OF THE SOUTH!!

NOT THE KING.......2007-07-22

NOT THIS TIME. THIS CD WAS NOT WORTH THE HYPE. I WAITED FOR THE RELEASE DATE AND PURCHASED THE CD THAT MORNING. I HAVE BEEN PLAYING IT EVER SINCE WAITING FOR IT TO GROW ON ME BUT IT HASN'T. THERE ARE THREE SONGS THAT I REALLY LIKE BUT THAT IS IT. T.I. IS GONNA SELL REGARDLESS, HE HAS ALREADY ESTABLISHED HIS SELF SO HE HAS ROOM FOR MISTAKES AND THIS CD WAS JUST THAT , A MISTAKE. HE WILL HAVE 1 MORE BIG SINGLE OFF OF THIS CD, MAYBE 2 BUT THAT'S IT. I LIKE T.I. BUT THIS ONE DIDN'T DO IT FOR ME.

Average customer rating: we reviewed this.... Tasty beats however One problem Shocked at shock value Can't stop Tim

Timbaland Presents Shock Value Timbaland Manufacturer: Interscope Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Similar Items: Good Girl Gone Bad FutureSex / LoveSounds It Won't Be Soon Before Long Because Of You Dignity ASIN: B000NA26ZE Release Date: 2007-04-03

Tracks:

1. Oh Timbaland
2. Give It To Me
3. Release
4. The Way I Are
5. Bounce
6. Come & Get Me
7. Kill Yourself
8. Boardmeeting
9. Fantasy
10. Scream
11. Miscommunication
12. Bombay
13. Throw It On Me
14. Time
15. One & Only
16. Apologize
17. 2 Man Show

Amazon.com

When the most exciting producer in pop music himself puts out a CD, the thrill is in the discovery: The world may have already suspected that Justin Timberlake, Nelly Furtado, and a small army of other singers owed 75% of their fame to the stockpile of skittering beats Timbaland built and then graciously set them upon, but here's a chance to prove it. Or it might have been in less welcoming hands. Shock Value is a far-reaching and ambitious disc; a masterpiece, even, in its own way. But it's not at all self-centered. If there's a point being put across here, it's that Timbaland came by your vote as behind-the-scenes musical man of the hour honestly: pair him with Fall Out Boy or the Strokes, and he will not only provide tracks that surprise you by maintaining their rock 'n' roll integrity, he will also convince you that shimmer's role in rock music has, to now, been tragically misguided and miniscule. Re-team him with Timberlake and Furtado (for the near-flawless track "Give It to Me") and he will again trade vocal bites, but they will still be nibbly, not voracious. In a CD full of experiments and puzzles (why is Elton John just piano-playing, not singing? And how did the L.A. band One Republic end up on this disc?) a single truth emerges: Timbaland's taste is impeccable, but his judgment is even better. Shock Value, by virtue of its swirly beats and mesmerizing rhythms, will bring him a smidge closer to the spotlight. But because it's a disc of collaborations, he'll retain the shadowy-genius reputation that precedes him, and that he so richly deserves. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

we reviewed this...........2007-07-26

We rated this album.... as part of a camp project at St. Ives Camp near New York City. We did a poll to choose everyone's favorite album of the summer.... and the winner .... is an album called + EURO CLUB HITS VOL. 1 + which is downloadable from iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, etc...... (it's not on Amazon yet)......it was a close race between many albums.... everyone in the camp (200+ kids!) is now going to vote again on Amazon & iTunes... and please add your vote also!! Thanks!

Tasty beats however.......2007-07-23

This is the first hip-hop album that I had ever bought and I'm satisfied with it. I thought this was Timbaland's solo album, but in truth only the first track "Oh Timbaland" can be described as a solo effort. As for the whole album you can expect to listen to the unique beats that is his signature.

As genius as he is in creating beats, he is no lyricist or at least a keen observer of lyrics. Take the first four lines into the song "Miscommunication" which incidentally was not written by him as Timbaland could have suggested better rhymes instead of the ones there.

My favorite among his collaborators in this album is Keri Hilson. Her smooth singing voice provided counterbalance to Timbaland's throaty effort, as evidenced in the track "The Way I Are". Unfortunately I don't feel any chemistry between Timbaland and Hilson as the lyrics would have suggested. Timbaland, as charismatic he can be, just don't have the persona for flirting with a 'co-star'.

Another collaborator worth mentioning is Amar, the British/Indian singer on the track "Bombay". Here I'm particularly fond of Timbaland's accentuation of the upbeats, slight syncopation of the downbeats, added with the otherworldly qualities of Amar's Indian singing style.

The rest of the tracks I'm not really fond of. "2 Man Show" with Elton John for example, feels a bit dry and uninspiring. The tracks with fellow hip-hop collaborators I can't really decide as this is, after all, my first hip-hop album.

One problem.......2007-07-21

Timbaland has a talent for making hits, and there are so many potential singles on this thing it's not even funny. But there are a bunch of filler songs in the middle of the album that are disappointing.

There are a lot of good, fun, danceable songs on this CD, it's just that the bad songs really weigh down the good ones. Tracks 6-10 could've been left out quite easily. Since the cd is 17 tracks long, I'm constantly skipping over those songs to get to the good ones. It's just inconvenient.

Other than that, this is pretty good. Like I said before, it's just annoying to have to skip over a bunch of songs.

Favorites: The Way I Are, Bombay, Throw It On Me, Time, One & Only, Apologize

Shocked at shock value.......2007-07-13

Now, I'm not going to say I didn't like the album. I did like it. But, I just do not feel Timbaland let loose enough.
I think he is a wild stallion, but it just felt like something was pulling back on the reins, something was MISSING.
I can't put my finger on it, but felt this album was...Too controlled to offer an SHOCK to me.
I wanted a cut loose RAW BEAT album.
I was satisfied, but being satisfied means the content was just satisfactory. I want to be satiated. I hope another album is to follow this, I really do. I'm addicted to the beats, Timbaland is EXCELLENT for those. I can't get enough. BUT, please next time don't just shock me.
I want shock waves, electricty to the veins. Maybe next time.

Can't stop Tim.......2007-07-09

This album rocks. I love that Timberland teamed up with all different types of artists. Rock this!

Average customer rating:

Finding Forever Common Manufacturer: Universal Music Group ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Graduation Desire T.I. vs T.I.P. The Return of the Magnificent Curtis ASIN: B000RN86BK Release Date: 2007-07-31

Album Description

Multi-faceted Hip-Hop superstar Common is prepping his highly anticipated seventh album, Finding Forever, for a July 31st release on G.O.O.D Music/Geffen Records. The album is the follow up to the four times Grammy nominated, critically heralded and Kanye West produced Be, which spawned hits including The Corner, Go, and Testify. Finding Forever, finds Kanye again taking the bulk of production work with help from Will.I.Am on the sultry I Want You, the late great J. Dilla on So Far To Go, featuring a surprise guest appearance by D'Angelo and G.O.O.D Music producer Devo Springsteen on Misunderstood. On Finding Forever, Common, rips the mic like a hungry newcomer. The street single The Game produced by Kanye with scratches by the legendary DJ Premier is a horn drenched, vintage NY rap boom-bap banger from the Chi-town emcee, no less. The resounding lead single The People finds Common lyrically asserting why and who he creates his music for over regal strings, delectable keys and hard to get vocals by Gil Scott Heron. This is the explicit version.

Average customer rating: Quite Impressive! Love This CD "say it" Great Sophomore Album! Best

Because Of You Ne-Yo Manufacturer: Def Jam ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Ain't Nothin' Like Me Double Up Special Occasion Luvanmusiq Street Love ASIN: B000NVL4EW Release Date: 2007-05-01

Tracks:

1. Because Of You
2. Crazy (feat. JAY-Z)
3. Can We Chill
4. Do You
5. Addicted
6. Leaving Tonight (feat. Jennifer Hudson)
7. Ain't Thinking About You
8. Sex With My Ex
9. Angel
10. Make It Work
11. Say It
12. Go On Girl

Amazon.com

Kelly Clarkson, kindly step aside: the title "Because of You" now belongs to Ne-Yo, who has done things with it no one with a pair of hands to clap will soon forget. And not just on the phenomenally appealing first single. Throughout Because of You, the sophomore disc by the songwriter responsible for such monster hits as Beyoncé's "Irreplaceable" and Rihanna's "Unfaithful," a flutter-voiced fluidity--the kind seldom heard since Michael Jackson's Off the Wall days--reigns. Jay-Z makes room to let it rip on "Crazy," and Jennifer Hudson wraps herself around it with restraint on "Leaving Tonight," a lovers' quarrel that could hold its own against anything Marilyn McCoo & Billy David Jr. cared to toss off in their heyday. If it's MJ who's lingered in Ne-Yo's ear longest, Prince hasn't gone silent, either: echoes poke up on the far-out "Sex with My Ex." Elsewhere, shades of contemporaries such as Nelly and Diddy show through. Overall, though, Ne-Yo's flammable hooks, flirty vibe, and flawless vocals reveal an R&B genius in the making. If the talent bar for up-and-comers is set impossibly high in the coming years, chances are it will be all because of him. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Quite Impressive!.......2007-07-12

I'm just saying you should check out what other reviews have been written from a reviewer before you let it pursued you for or against a release because it may influence how much credit you give their review.
This sophomore release by Neo shows maturity, growth and solidifies his presence in the R & B genre. Because of You, Crazy minus J-Z intro., Do You, Leaving Tonight, Aint Thinking About You, Make it Work, Tell Me, are most noteable. Which is quite a number of tracks, practically the whole CD. Each track flows into the next, you can really just press play and relax, let the music work it's magic.
BET Awards Show said it "Best R&B Male" enough said.

Love This CD.......2007-07-12

Simply put, this is a great CD! My favorite songs are:
2. Crazy f/ Jay-Z
4. Do You
6. Leaving Tonight
11. Say It

I recommend this CD to listeners who prefer a CD that isn't filled with featured rappers!

"say it".......2007-07-10

if "say it" were the ONLY song on the album, i still would've gotten my money's worth. i also love "do you", "because of you", and "can we chill". all in all i like about the same amount of songs on this album as i did on the other one.

Great Sophomore Album!.......2007-07-07

I am always wary of sophomore efforts from singers, but I really loved Ne-Yo's first CD, and I love the fact that he's a songwriter -- his songs usually make sense -- so I went ahead and picked it up even though I had only heard snippets of "Because of You" (the title track) and no other song. I'm glad I did. I really love this CD from start to finish -- the tracks are smooth and you can definitely see the influence from different artists on the CD. It's a "chill on a Saturday afternoon" CD (and that's exactly what I am doing right now), and I like it better than his first CD.

My favorite songs on the album: "Crazy" (featuring Jay-Z, it's well written and a really smooth entry on the CD); "Can We Chill" (smooth dance track about being in a club, which I usually hate, but this one is pretty well written as well and I love the beat and melody), "Addicted" (the premise is funny, and if you can laugh good-naturedly at Ne-Yo's grandstanding in the CD -- it's a great song), "Leaving Tonight" (I love Jennifer Hudson, she sounds like a goddess on this CD, American Idol shouldn't have cut her and I hope she comes out with a CD ASAP!) and "Sex With My Ex" (Prince fans should flock to this one, it sounds like something The Artist would've sung.)

Best.......2007-07-06

Neyo has come with his sophomore album STRONG. This is a play right through CD. All of the songs are HOT!

Average customer rating: MANY REALLY GOOD songs on this CD Pretty Good Not impressed; More substance and hits would've been nice... I'll take a drink over this album anyday! Not Impressed

Epiphany T-Pain Manufacturer: Jive ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Double Up T.I. vs T.I.P. From Nothin' to Somethin' Good Girl Gone Bad Special Occasion ASIN: B000P0JQ9Q Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

1. Tallahassee Love
2. Church featuring Teddy Verseti
3. Tipsy
4. Show U How featuring Teddy Pain & Teddy Penderazdoun
5. I Got It
6. Suicide
7. Bartender featuring Akon
8. Backseat Action featuring Shawnna
9. Put It Down featuring Ray, Teddy Penderazdoun & Teddy Verseti
10. Time Machine
11. Yo Stomach featuring Tay Dizm
12. Buy U A Drank (Shawty Snappin')Featuring Yung Joc
13. 69 featuring J Lyriq
14. Reggae Night
15. Shottas featuring Kardinal Offishall & Cham
16. Right Hand
17. Sounds Bad

Amazon.com

T-Pain opens the liner notes to his hotly anticipated second disc with a couple of helpful definitions: An epiphany is "the manifestation of a supernatural being" (definition No. 1) or "a sudden moment of insight or revelation" (No. 2), the opening page puts forth. Because most of the R&B record-buying world knows that T-Pain is not a supernatural being, but a stylish and inventive singer from Tallahassee, it would seem the second definition inspired the title--T-Pain probably felt flashes of inspiration when laying out the lyrics. A single spin ought to convince listeners a little of both factored in, though: Songs like "Bartender" and "Buy U a Drank" send out a southern hip-hop vibe silky enough to be considered a revelation (thanks partially to Akon, who pitches in on "Bartender"). And because the entire album leans hard on the vocoder, tracks such as opener "Tallahassee Love," a nod to Tupac's "California Love," sound otherworldly, a la definition one. Throughout, T-Pain hands out hooks like there's been a two-for-one sale. Maybe they came to him in a series of epiphanies. Or maybe a benevolent R&B being--some supernatural force who knows how to make a hit record--whispered them in his ear. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

MANY REALLY GOOD songs on this CD .......2007-07-23

It's not perfect, although VERY few albums are. For a mainstream album to have a song as serious as Suicide that directly discusses HIV/AIDS it's amazing! Backseat Action and Put It Down are two sexy songs and whether he meant it to be or not Yo Stomach is hilarious. I suggested everyone I talk to go buy the CD for those songs not for the radio songs (Bartender and Buy You A drink - which are good dance songs). Also, I think I liked all of the songs on the album but Buy You A Drink and that is because it has been PLAYED to H3LL and back on the radio.

ALSO Church comes HARD (the second song on the CD)!

If a person gave this CD a rating lower than 3 they are not really into Hip-Hop/R&B so I would not suggest anyone who is into Hip-Hop/R&B take their advise!!!

Pretty Good.......2007-07-03

I noticed a lot of people did not like this album. I thought it was pretty damn good. The reason why I didn't give it five stars is because there are two stupid skit and two song I don't like. That leave me with 13 songs that I really liked. It has both a comical side and a serious side. I suggest you buy this album yourself and see what you think. It makes for good driving music too with a lot of bass. Check it out.

Not impressed; More substance and hits would've been nice..........2007-07-01

So I joined the bandwagon and bought EPIPHANY. Why you ask? Well my friends, "Buy U A Drank (Shawty Snappin')" was bumping and it was one of the most undeniably catchy (as well as stupid) songs of 2007. I couldn't resist. I'm not a big fan of "clubby" R&B albums, but sometimes i give into guilty pleasures. In some respects with EPIPHANY (which I have to agree with one of the reviewers that this is no "epiphany" by any means), I wish I'd let the album itself pass by and just downloaded "Buy U A Drank". But I had to indulge and I can't help to say that ultimately EPIPHANY is a disappointment. Then, you also have to think mentally, that with such club-savvy artist as T-Pain, Akon, and sometimes R. Kelly (though excluding nis great new album DOUBLE UP), that the club-centric albums only tend to have one hit. Sure, EPIPHANY is good for a couple of worthy numbers (first single and "Church" to name a few), but overall, it is nothing but a mess. Sure, I'm happy T-Pain surprised everybody to take the #1 spot on the Billboard charts, hold back both Rihanna and expected chart-topper Paul McCartney, but still you wonder if people were expecting a real "epiphany" for the money. Oh well.

The album begins with the introductory track, "Tallahassee Love" in which T-Pain not only defines "epiphany" but also gives love back to his hometown, Tallahassee. It is completely unnecessary, as with most intro tracks, but it is actually better than some of the full length tracks on EPIPHANY. "Church" has the most undeniably catchy groove of EPIPHANY with an incredibly soulful guitar riff, tropical sounding drum-programming, and random interspersed "rah!" during the verse. Vocally, T-Pain sounds top notch, even if he is halfway between singing and rapping. T-Pain sounds among the hardest ever when he sings: "***damn, you think you cool, you think I'm not, you think you're tough, ***damn, you think you're hard, you think I'm soft, you think you're rough... I'm gonna have to take you're a** to church..." Sure the song's ridiculous, but it is worthy of spins in the CD player. "Tipsy" features overall repetitive, but sound production work, with an undeniably catchy sounding synth-line. Sure the track lacks substance, but it is the same man who took "I'm N Luv Wit A Stripper" to #6 on the pop charts. "Show U How" is plain annoying and odd, though the hook is well performed. "Suicide" is perhaps T-Pain's first attempt at being serious (it is a song about AIDS), but he falls short, particularly when he uses clumsy lines as "cause I f***** her/ and didn't have a rubber on me." Sure, it is a worthy enough track, but again, it comes over cornier than it ultimately should.

Second single "Bartender" tries to bank on the success of the great "Buy You a Drank", but it also falls short. It isn't bad, but the repetitive piano loop doesn't quite sell as well as the great "Buy You A Drank". Sure, T-Pain jacks his discoverer Akon, but it still doesn't make "Bartender" as top-notch as the inescapable first single. "Backseat Action" features mammoth drums supporting T-Pains heavily produced vocals (that stupid vocal effect again) and proves to be one of this albums few stronger tracks. "Put It Down" is solid as well, making it look like EPIPHANY might have a stab at redeeming itself after a number of misses via "Show U How" or even the utter unconvincing nature of "Suicide". "Put It Down" actually has some very nice moments, even moreso than "Backseat Action". "Time Machine" is a miss, while "Yo Stomach" is OK. "Buy You a Drink" almost comes too late, and is followed by misses that continue all the way to the end of the album ("69", "Shottas", "Right Hand", and finally "Sounds Bad").

It's unfortunate for T-Pain because had he bottled the best of EPIPHANY and perhaps written songs with more substance not so focused on sex or the strip-club, he may have truly had his FIRST epiphany. Sure at times, EPIPHANY is on the edge of at least being average, but with so many misses and with numerous unconvincing moments and a title such as EPIPHANY, a listener can't help but rip on T-Pain. More substance in the future please - you are a talented rapper and vocalist. 2 stars.

I'll take a drink over this album anyday!.......2007-06-28

I only bought this album for the hit single Buy you a drink. And its funny because thats the only jammin' song on there ! Thank God I bought it bootleg for 3 bucks because its not worth the retail price!( Yeah Yeah I know alot of people may look down on others that buy or sell bootleg copies of cd's but hey if the artist only drops one hot single and nothing else what can you expect! Im sure as hell not gonna chance all my money for a cd that dont jam!)

Not Impressed.......2007-06-23

This is another album where only the singles are a hit. Save your dough.

Average customer rating: So entertaining! Up a notch...... amazing version Mark's Version of other hits!! It delivers the goods in style.

Version Mark Ronson Manufacturer: Red Int / Red Ink ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Dance | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Similar Items: Back to Black Icky Thump The Reminder Our Love to Admire We Are the Night ASIN: B000PGTF4G Release Date: 2007-06-12

Tracks:

1. God Put A Smile Upon Your Face (featuring The Daptone Horns)
2. Oh My God (featuring Lily Allen)
3. Stop Me (featuring Daniel Merriweather)
4. Toxic (featuring Tiggers)
5. Valerie (featuring Amy Winehouse)
6. Apply Some Pressure (featuring Paul Smith)
7. Inversion
8. Pretty Green (featuring Santo Gold)
9. . Just (featuring (Phantom Planet)
10. Amy (featuring Kenna)
11. The Only One I Know (featuring Robbie Williams
12. Diversion
13. L.S.F. (featuring Kasabian)
14. Outversion

Amazon.com

Following up his success in helping produce Amy Winehouse's Back to Black, Mark Ronson's second solo project covers a series of mostly British indie-rock songs but with a funky soul remake. The meeting of two styles you ordinarily wouldn't associate with one another makes for some interesting hybrids. The cover of Radiohead's "Just," done with Phantom Planet is unexpectedly excellent but hearing Tiggers and Ol' Dirty Bastard remaking "Toxic" by Britney Spears will probably leave more folks scratching their heads than nodding them. Overall, the balance is positive and should hopefully open up both indie rock and funk fans to both respective genres. In a class by itself is Winehouse's cover of the Zutons' "Valerie," --the best song Paul Weller and Martha Reeves never made. --Oliver Wang

Product Description

A lot has been said about Mark Ronson. Some have called him "a 21st century Quincy Jones," while others know him as one of the worlds finest DJ's with International renown, favored by the decadent fashion cognoscenti, the Hip-Hop elite and anyone in general who likes to party... Now add to that list THE PRODUCER DU JOUR! From his stellar production on Christina Aguilera's multi-platinum "Back To Basics" to his cutting edge contributions on the much buzzed about Lilly Allen album "Alright, Still Back To Black" and the genre bending Amy Winehouse release that's taking fans and critics by storm, Mr Mark Ronson is strutting his stuff, and strutting it well.

With all the production credits for other artists under his belt, he's now turned his attention to his own project, Version, the album the UK critics are calling a Major winner. Version is a beautiful collection of cover songs, re-imagined by Mark. His philosophy on Version was to work with songs he's long loved- while not trying to make them better, he just wanted to make them bounce... From the feel good "Valerie" cover (The Zutons) featuring Amy Winehouse, to the quirky and fun "Oh My God" (Kaiser Chiefs) featurung Lily Allen, to the piece de resistance: "Stop Me" (The Smiths), featuring the soul stirring vocals of newcomer Daniel Merriweather, Version is poised to be the must-have album this summer

Customer Reviews:

So entertaining!.......2007-07-25

I love listening to this cd. The songs are all incredibly catchy. This is my favorite album to play at work. Great fun!

Up a notch.............2007-07-20

Knows whats up. "Stop Me" and "Oh my God" better than the originals.
Ronson kills it.

amazing version.......2007-07-17

Mark Ronson's latest album could be one of the best albums that i have heard this summer. His fresh beats that he mixes with every track are unlike anything I have heard in a long time. Whether it's Coldplay, Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen or Kasabian each and every track has it's own flare. I went to a concert in Manhattan just last week and I am telling you his music is just as good if not better in person. I highly suggest buying this album!!!

Mark's Version of other hits!!.......2007-07-11

Mark Ronson is a DJ/producer, and on "Version", he takes other peoples songs, some hits, others obscure, and does his version using guest vocalists. The general sound is rich in horns, set to a funky, danceable rhythm, and loads of guest artistes on vocals. The album has already hit #2 in the UK.

Lead off single, and #2 UK hit "Stop me" is a lovely remake of The Smiths' "Stop me if you think you've heard this one before" which segues into The Supremes' hit "You keep me hanging on" over Hip hop beats. It features the lovely vocals of Australian Daniel Merriweather

Amy Winehouse (whose brilliant "Back to black" album he produced parts of) guests on the sunny Motown-like "Valerie", which was originally done by The Zutons.

Lily Allen (whose lovely album "Alright, Still" he also produced parts of) guests on the retro funk sounding "Oh my God", a remake of the Kaiser Chiefs song. It is currently in the UK top 20.

Britney Spears' hit "Toxic" is slowed down and almost unrecognizable, featuring vocals by Tiggers and a rap by ODB.

The Maximo Park song "Apply some pressure" is given a slight ska feel, set to an almost marching beat. Vocals by Paul Smith.

Kasabian show up on a funky remake of their "L.S.F", while Coldplay's "God put a smile on your face" gets the big horn section treatment.

Robbie Williams (his "Rudebox" album was also part produced by Mark) shows up on the Shaft-like remake of The Charlatans "The only one".

I like it!!!

It delivers the goods in style........2007-06-18

Mark Ronson's a busy man. He's been producing for Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen and Robbie Williams, yet has still found time to focus on his own studio album.


Comprised of new versions of old classics, it's a very entertaining listen from back to front, featuring the likes of Amy Winehouse, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Daniel Merriweather and Kasabian, all helping Ronson put his considerably fresh and funky twist on familiar tunes.


Highlights include the late ODB rapping to the Britney Spears refix of Toxic, Winehouse making vast improvements on the original with 'Valerie' and Phantom Planet singing an uber cool version of Radiohead's 'Just'.


Impressively suited for a party play through, this is definitely one to pick up for the nearing summer months.


With "Version", super-producer Mark Ronson has set out to prove that pop voyeurism and experimentalism don't have to be bad things using his own unique re-interpretive style.


Hence, he has assembled an album of spectacular cover versions that deliver very alternative versions of modern classics from Coldplay, The Charlatans, Radiohead and The Smiths.


Some listeners will undoubtedly write it off almost instantly as disastrous. Others may take some convincing.


But for many, "Version" is a brave, bold, blast of an album that almost always gets things right.


Ronson, for his part, emerges as a musical artist of the highest calibre -a music innovator whose funk-strewn re-interpretations effortlessly place themselves on the right side of cool.


On the whole, "Version" is a cut above most cover version compilations, as well as a darn fine party album for the approaching summer season. It probably won't impress the die-hard cynics - but for those willing to open their minds, or anyone in search of some expert funk, it delivers the goods in style.





My picks: "God Put A Smile Upon Your Face", "Oh My God", "Valerie", "Pretty Green", "Amy", "Just" and "Toxic".

Average customer rating: Best Cd Yet LOSO DOES IT AGAIN Fab's has another hit Decent From Nothin' To Somethin'

From Nothin' to Somethin' Fabolous Manufacturer: Def Jam ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Gangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: T.I. vs T.I.P. Double Up Epiphany We the Best Because Of You ASIN: B000MCID4Q Release Date: 2007-06-12

Tracks:

1. From Nothin' To Somethin' Intro
2. Yep, I'm Back
3. Change Up feat. Akon
4. Make Me Better feat. Ne-Yo
5. Baby Don't Go feat. T- Pain
6. Return Of The Hustle feat. Swizz Beatz
7. Gangsta Don't Play feat. Junior Reid
8. Real Playa Like feat. Lloyd
9. First Time feat. Rihanna
10. Diamonds feat. Young Jeezy
11. Brooklyn feat. JAY-Z & Uncle Murda
12. I'm The Man feat. Red Café
13. Jokes On You feat. Pusha T
14. What Should I Do feat. Lil' Mo

Amazon.com

It's hard to catch a break when you're Fabolous. Though his skills as a manufacturer of blazing-hot street bangers and pop-crossover hits have not gone unnoticed by the hip-hop hype machine, the Brooklyn rapper hasn't come close to matching 50-Cent and similarly gifted superstars in the sales department. Which accounts for his decision, with album No. 4, to do somethin' about it. From Nothin' to Somethin' rounds up a massive herd of talent--Akon is here, and so are Swiss Beatz, Rihanna, Young Jeezy, Jay-Z, Lloyd, Junior Reid, Ne-Yo, and T-Pain. It's a little hard to locate Fabo on "Change Up," the Akon track, but otherwise he goes about spreading his Fabolousness throughout: "Diamonds," a bling-centric track with Jeezy, benefits from a borrowed take-it-easy Southern drawl, "Brooklyn" brings it home for New York with a spirit seldom seen since the East Coast/West Coast war was at its nastiest, and "Return of the Hustle" solidifies a career built on street cred with an asphalt-hot beat. Start to finish, but especially on the Timbaland-helmed "Make Me Better," production is top-notch. If there's a disc that can restore the fabulousness to being Fabolous, Somethin' is it. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Best Cd Yet.......2007-07-19

I got this cd for the song Make me Betta, but the whole cd is great, I highly recommend this cd to anyone.

LOSO DOES IT AGAIN.......2007-07-19

I would have have to say I was pretty happy with this album. Probably not his best work, but definitely worth buying. From nothing to something definitely seems like it is intended to be a bit more commercial sounding than his last album.

Fab's has another hit.......2007-07-12

Don't know why people are giving this low stars if you don't like it then don't worry about it. Listen to the classic rap albums all day and cry about the new hip pop that is out today. Cry to yourself though and don't be bitter about Fabolous new album because it is good hip pop album. I recommend buying this hip pop album it is worth it. HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

Decent.......2007-07-11

Fabolous's 4th album is "From Nothin To Somethin". What I've always noticed about fab is that even though he tries to sound mainstream a lot he is still very underrated. Fabolous is right in same category as Trick Daddy & Mystikal. They can make good songs but their albums never really blow you away or make you say wow that's some tight s**t right there.

"From Nothin To Somethin" is a 15 track release with collaborations on all but 2 songs.

The album gets off to a pretty good start with "From Nothin To Somethin Intro", a decent opener that kind of sounds like a freestyle. the beat is crazy. And if the song was a little bit longer instead of just being an intro it would probably be one of the better songs on here. This album is basically the typical rap album these days. You got the songs where he constatly brags about himself ("Yep, I'm Back", "I'm The Man" feat. Red Cafe & "Jokes On You" feat. Pusha-T of The Clipse). As well as the songs for the ladies ("Baby Don't Go" feat. T-Pain, "Make Me Better" feat. NE-YO, "First Time" feat. Rihanna & "Real Playa Like" feat. Lloyd). You got the club bangers ("Diamonds" feat. Young Jeezy & "Return Of The Hustle" feat. Swizz Beatz). "Brooklyn" feat. Jay-Z & Uncle Murda has a great beat. But the hook is very dissapointing. It reminds me of "New York S**t" from Busta Rhymes's cd The Big Bang. The standout track for me is "Gangsta Don't Play" feat. Junior Reid. The beat is tight and Fab and J Reid deliver a solid street track. The only two songs that Fabolous really shows any hunger on are "Change Up" feat. Akon and the deep track "What Should I Do" feat. Lil Mo. And the bonus track "This Is Family" feat. Ransom, Freck Billionaire, Red Cafe, Joe Budden & Paul Cain is a solid posse cut. This album will go platinum but it isn't album of the year material.

My Top 5

1. "Real Playa Like" feat. Lloyd
2. "Diamonds" feat. Young Jeezy
3. "Change Up" feat. Akon
4. "Return Of The Hustle" feat. Swizz Beatz
5. "Make Me Better" feat. NE-YO

Honorable mention tracks

- "Gangsta Don't Play" feat. Junior Reid
- "Brooklyn" feat. Jay-Z & Uncle Murda
- "What Should I Do" feat. Lil Mo

From Nothin' To Somethin'.......2007-07-10

Definitely not his best but trust me it will grow on you. If you're a real Fab fan u will be willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. The problem with this album is not a lack of features got em (Lloyd, T-Pain, Akon, Jay-Z, Ne-yo, Red Cafe, Rihanna) or hot beatz got em (Just Blaze, Swizz Beatz etc.) but a lack of hooks. Brooklyn w/ Jay-Z was especially disappointing for that reason. But The cd does have at least 7 pretty good tracks and who can deny the kid with the Grammy grin? Hope this helps. Najwa >: <

Average customer rating:

Graduation Kanye West Manufacturer: Roc-A-Fella Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Finding Forever Curtis T.I. vs T.I.P. Desire From Nothin' to Somethin' ASIN: B000RG1FMO Release Date: 2007-08-21

Album Description

This is the official label release of Kanye West's new CD. Features the singles "Stronger" and "Can't Tell Me Nothing."

Average customer rating: Pretty good, but you gotta get the Best Buy version Not up to Monch standards 8 years later, Pharoahe Monch does it again Makes you think. P Monch is back

Desire Pharoahe Monch Manufacturer: Umvd Labels ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Finding Forever Ruff Draft The Return of the Magnificent Popular Demand I'll Sleep When You're Dead ASIN: B000JJRIOI Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

1. Intro
2. Free
3. Desire
4. Push
5. Welcome To the Terrordome
6. What It Is
7. When the Gun Draws
8. Let's Go
9. Body Baby
10. Bar Tap
11. Hold On
12. So Good
13. Trilogy

Customer Reviews:

Pretty good, but you gotta get the Best Buy version.......2007-07-25

This is my first Pharoah Monch album. Having listened to some of his collaborations over the years ('Dub Plate' w/Wyclef, 'Love' w/J Dilla, etc.), I knew he was going to have a classic album with this one. Well, at least it's classic compared to a lot of what's coming out these days.

The big problem with this disk is the production. I believe a great beat can save a bad MC, but a so-so beat cannot save a great MC, and that's the case here on 'What it is,' 'Gun Draws,' 'Hold On,' and 'Trilogy.' I haven't heard much from Mr. Porter before (Only 'Around the World' on Game's Doctor's Advocate album, which also wasn't that great), but after learning he learned under J Dilla and Dr. Dre, his work's really disappointing here.

Enough with that negative ish, you gotta love the intro to the album, a slave song that compliments many of the issues PM talks about on this CD. This naturally leads into 'Free,' which is as hard as any song released this year. Then The Alchemist produces 'Desire,' an incredibly soulful song that's probably the best on the album. A great beat compliments 'Push,' but as another reviewer commented it's not long enough. 'Welcome to the Terrodome' is a cover of the Public Enemy classic with a political introduction by Chuck D himself. It's as good as always, and Pharoah adds a bit of his own flavor here. 'Let's Go' is pretty good, a more laid back track compared to some of the other songs here. 'Body Baby' has the best beat and hook on the record, further proving that blues and hip hop mix rather nicely. 'Bar Tap' has a decent beat from one of my favorite producers at the moment, Black Milk (go cop his CD too, while you're at it), and it's also pretty funny. I love Erykah Badu, but she can only do so much for the boring 'Hold On,' but it's immediately redeemed by 'So Good,' one of the best pre-sex hip hop tracks of all time. Try playing this during a romantic night and see if clothes DON'T come off. Finally, 'Trilogy' does get better as the track progresses, so skipping ahead makes this an ok track.

But you gotta get the Best Buy version, which has the excellent 'Book of Judges.' This is what 'Gun Draws' should have been, it's angrier, more controversial and fresher. With this version, PM has just released the hip hop album of the year so far, though it could be replaced shortly by Common, Kanye West and Chamillionaire.

Not up to Monch standards.......2007-07-23

In the barren wasteland of the current hip hop desert, one tends to look at anything that doesn't sound exactly the same as the mainstream trash as something better than it truly is. If this album were released in 1994-2000, it would be considered in Pharoahe Monch's minor works. Surely we wouldn't place it with his seminal masterpiece Stress: The Extinction Agenda, or even the now defunct solo record Internal Affairs. This album has way too much sugary r & b hooks throughout, this from the same guy who posited "Why do you choose to listen to R & B?" Gun Talks is a standout cut, but haven't true Organized Konfusion fans already been down this road with Stray Bullet?
Pharoahe's skills on the mic are always going to be at the top of the game, the production and lack of subject matter needs to catch up. Mediocre and redundant.

8 years later, Pharoahe Monch does it again.......2007-07-20

I remember Pharoahe Monch from Organized Konfusion, but to be honest with you other than "Fudge Pudge" with O.C. and (Crush, Kill, Destroy) "Stress" I couldn't tell you too much about them. I was blinded by A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Gang Starr, EPMD, and several others from those days, so I didn't get around into knowing too much about Organized Konfusion. In 1999, I definitely had to start paying attention to Pharoahe Monch once I heard "Simon Says". It was hard for me to believe that Pharoahe could produce a track that was so tight and have the lyrics to back them up. Internal Affairs was definitely a nice, versatile CD. You had a little bit of everything on this CD. My favorite track was the "Simon Says (Remix)" because of the dope Redman verse but you still had classic tracks like the MOP featured "No Mercy", "The Next S____" featuring Busta Rhymes, "The Truth" w/Common and Talib Kweli, "Queens" and "Behind Closed Doors".

I figured that Pharoahe would wait a couple of years and then release another CD but I never figured that there would be 8 years inbetween releases. He attempted to hold us over with tracks like "The Life" w/Styles P., "Guerilla Monsoon Rap" w/Black Thought and Talib Kweli from Talib's "Quality" CD and "Oh No" which featured Mos Def & Nate Dogg from the Lyricist Lounge Volume 2 CD.

One of my boys from high school called me and told me that Pharoahe Monch was releasing another CD and I honestly didn't believe him. Finally, I realized that "Desire" would be droppin' soon. The "Intro" sets the tone for the first part of the CD. Once you hear the beat for "Free" start blaring out of the stereo, you almost forget that it was 8 years between releases. Pharoahe drops some knowledge for people who haven't heard a CD displaying an actual message since Common's "Be" CD. Pharoahe mixes in his actual MC skills while spreading knowledge at the same time and that's actually a good thing. The Alchemist stops by to produce my favorite track on this CD and that is the title track. "Desire" has a nice beat to it but Pharoahe's lyrics are what you will want to focus on this time around. They will make you forget about the beat altogether, as well as, Showtyme sounding like K-Ci, during his sober days, on the track. Once you hear the beat to "Push" you'll wish the track was alot longer. Pharoahe starts the track trying to harmonize but he does his best when he raps his verse at the end of the track. Showtyme, Mela Machinko & the horns from Tower Of Power all add a nice flavor to the track. This is definitely one of the best beats on the CD. "Welcome To The Terrordome" is a remake of the Public Enemy track that was featured on "Fear Of A Black Planet". Chuck D even starts the track with a spoken word intro and Pharoahe Monch adds his own flavor to the track with some new lines to the song on Verse 2 of the song. "What It Is" has Pharoahe Monch simply displaying his MC skills. The track actually sounds like a freestyle and T. Jamerson gives Pharoahe a nice beat as well. Just like the track "Push", you'll have yourself wishing that the track was alot longer that it ends up being. "When The Gun Draws" is produced by Denaun Porter from D12 and from what I understand it is a sequel to the Organized Konfusion track "Stray Bullet". Some people may see the track as being controversial but all I see is a MC who is simply telling it like it is. People have been at the candy shop for so long buying a "drank", that anytime someone makes a song that you actually have to think about, then some people act like a crime has been commited. That's a shame. "Let's Go" is a pretty good track especially because of Pharoahe Monch's lyrics. My only disappointment is that the beat sounds just like "Safe To Say (The Incredible)" from Fat Joe's "All Or Nothing" CD. "Body Baby" is clearly a track made to be a single for "Desire". It might not catch you the first time you listen to it, but the more you listen to the track, the more it will grow on you. Most people will find the track a nice change of pace to the serious tone that is on the majority of the CD. "Bar Tap" might be the worst track on this CD. However, 1 bad track on a 13 track CD is definitely not a problem compared to some of these rap CDs that have been coming out lately. "Hold On" features Erykah Badu and the track has Pharoahe spreading positive messages throughout the song. "So Good" is Pharoahe's dedication to the ladies as he attempts to get grown and sexy over a nice midtempo track. "Trilogy" ends up being a 3 part track where Pharoahe describes a situation where a man has found that his wife has cheated with his best friend and he finds the 2 of them together. The 3 part track ends up being over 9 minutes and adds different perspectives of what the man in question would be thinking after seeing the 2 of them together and the actions that follow afterwards. Dwele adds some smooth vocals and horns to the 2nd part of the Trilogy and this track should definitely end up being one of your favorites on "Desire".

Overall, once you listen to "Desire" a couple of times, you'll scratch your head wondering why Pharoahe Monch waited 8 years before he dropped another CD. With the way hip hop is going nowadays we need more CDs that you can actually listen to and learn something from. If you're a fan of any of Pharoahe Monch's past work with Organized Konfusion or "Internal Affairs", then you should also pick up "Desire".

James' Top 6

1) Desire
2) Free
3) Push
4) Gun Draws
5) What It Is
6) Trilogy

Honorable Mention:

Welcome To The Terrordome
Hold On w/Erykah Badu
So Good
Body Baby

Makes you think........2007-07-19

I think this is a pretty good album. I only recently started listening to this dude. I like how he's conscience of the politcal environment and speaks his feelings about it. The first few tracks are hot fire but over all the album is thought provoking.

P Monch is back.......2007-07-18

The follow up to the Classic Internal Affairs, this album is great. Original Hip Hop where everything lately sounds the same. Buy this album, support the artist. We need more hip hop like this.

Rap Music:

1. Hip Hop Classics: Players from the Underground [Explicit Lyrics]
2. Hip Hop Mix [Explicit Lyrics]
3. Hustlin' Pays [Clean]
4. Hustlin' Pays [Explicit Lyrics]
5. I Ain't Mad No More [Explicit Lyrics]
6. I'm the Bad Guy [Explicit Lyrics]
7. Indestructible
8. Ironman [Explicit Lyrics]
9. Isn't It Romantic [Import]
10. Just Reality

Rap Music

rap music

Recommended Music:

1985-2001 [Import]

Hifumi Shimoyama

Higher Ground

Music: Mireille / Melodies

Rock Music rock-music-74

From Irmgard with Love

Hymns and Prayer Songs

Favorite Classical Overtures

George Jones

El Peso de Una Pluma [Explicit Lyrics]

Everything to Everyone [Collector's Edition]

Gap [Import]

DJ Mix Series, Vol. 7

I'm a Million Dollar Man

The Best of the 50 Guitars