William “Rick Ross” Roberts is the most polarizing and interesting man in rap right now.

The same colossal ball of baritone who not too long ago seemed exiled to the most doomed of rap’s realms – that of lost credibility – has proven that good music does in fact trump all.

With his fourth album, Teflon Don, Ross has created a poignant eleven-track escapade doused as much in bombastic beats and bravado as it is in thought provoking, focused storytelling.

Enlisting a slew of heavy-hitting guest appearances (Jay Z, Kanye West, T.I, and Erykah Badu are just some of music’s elite featured), Grammy-worthy production from producers The J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, No I.D., Lex Lugar, and the Olympicks (to name a few) Ross has served a magnum opus, worthy of the hype.

Teflon Don, no doubt a reference to Robert’s ability to dodge credibility issues (Ross entered shaky ground when two years ago, despite his insistance on his drug-trafficking past, a Smoking Gun photo showed him in a Miami-Dade county correctional officer’s uniform).

The real treasure of Teflon Don is its cohesiveness. The features, though aplenty are expertly placed and Ross holds his own with the game’s best. On what is probably the best song on the album, Ross stands fearlessly toe-to-toe with Hov on Free Mason. Another gem, the Bobby Seale introduced Tears of Joy, sees Ross poignantly telling of the dual side of fame and it’s trappings (I wanna walk in the image of Christ/but damn that bitch Vivica nice) as Cee-Lo croons a painfully palpable “I ask when someone wants to be me, why?/ My God, I’m scarred…”

Live Fast and Die Young with West drips of a self-destructive braggadocio that brings out the best in both artists, creating a rarity –a hip hop song that not only tells a story, but is sure to set the dancefloor ablaze.

The album then takes a change of pace with the airy No. 1, a jam though well intentioned, is an ultimate train wreck. Ross loses the depth of the album’s first half and dabbles in the forgettable. That is until the two biggest songs of the summer, MC Hammer and B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast). Despite a ridiculous Gucci Mane verse, the songs that have sparked more ad libs  (I think I’m Big Meech! Larry Hoover!) than any other in recent memory, are unforgettable and necessary.

Chrisette Michele provides the album’s biggest surprise as she enchants on the smooth Aston Martin Music with new rap superstar Drake. It is however, the album’s last great song as All the Money In The World, with Raphael Saadiq is another well-intentioned song lacking little punch.

Since his 2006 Port of Miami debut, Rick Ross has continuously improved as an MC. He’s constantly getting better, and he knows it. He’s the man of the hour, and he knows it. He speaks, and we listen intently; and he knows it. Teflon Don is a exceedlingly solid album signaling Ross’ ascension to rap’s big leagues. Is it this year’s best? Not quite. Most intriguing? Most definitely.

Rating: 4/5

MESHWORTHY TRACKS

Free Mason

Tears of Joy

Live Fast, Die Young

B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast)

Aston Martin Music

AR!

Though I doubt everyone will.

I get it.

Tomorrow (7/13) strikes the U.S. release of M.I.A’s third studio album /\/\ /\ Y /\ (MAYA).  It seems that critics are having incredibly mixed opinions on the UK-born Sri Lankan songstress who has dwelled in creating music both entertaining and controversial latest offering. Though less political at the surface, MAYA titled off her first name is in many ways is more organic than previous M.I.A. efforts. With a new son and husband, the disc offers an almost battle of old M.I.A (loud, political, controversial) and a newer M.I.A (pop star, mother, lover). The result is an album that at its core, makes you vibe, dance, and more importantly–think.

Opening with “The Message” a short introduction that cleverly boast “….the head bones connects to the neck bone, neck bone connects to the arm bone, arm bones connects to the hand bone, connects to the internet connects to the google connects to the government.”  Intricate and fun tracks “Stepping Up” “XXO” and “Teqkilla” follow. One of the albums highlights “Lovalot” is simplistic and complicated all in one breathe–inspired by the story of a suicide bomber avenging the death of her husband. Other highlights like the raggae inspired “It Takes a Muscle” and the chill vibes of “It Iz What It Iz” establish the album’s overall softer vibe. After the album’s lead single “Born Free”, the disc proceeds with a heavy mix of uptempo tracks like “Internet Connection” and “Believer” and beautifully trance like moments such as “Space” “Tell Me Why” and “Caps Lock”. Although many clam her music to sometimes be cluttered with sounds, chants, machines and more, the intricacies of an M.I.A. track is what sets her music apart from others. If your a fan of M.I.A.’s previous works like songs “Sun Showers” and “Bucky Done Gun” then this album will work for you. MAYA is a great companion her previous albums Kala and Arular and I’m sure I will be listening to its tracks for years to come.

Verdict: MAYA offers a new vision of an artist while holding on to the key elements that made that artist in the first place. A solid effort.

MESHworthy Tracks:

Lovalot

Internet Connection

Space

Believer

It Takes a Muscle

It Iz What It Iz

For your ears:

Cj..

Pops album in.

<< Rewind to 2007

Who the hell is The-Dream, and who gave him permission to create a R&B classic? Love/Hate was easily 2007′s best surprise, a cohesive and innovative album with slick production, carefully mastered transitions, and catchy lyrics that conveyed our deepest emotions: love and hate.

>> Fast forward to 2009

Time for the sophomore album. Terius “The-Dream” Nash has already established himself as a powerful songwriter and producer penning tracks like Rihanna’s mega smash “Umbrella” and worked on artists’ entire albums with partner Tricky Stewart, but could he really recreate the breakout magic of his debut? He could and he did. 2009′s Love vs. Money was a seamless tracklist of synth infused hits and ballads. Any doubters of The-Dream’s ability soon realized–this music thing is his forte.

> Play

A year later, The-Dream’s latest and possibly final studio album, Love King is released. The third in the “love series” the album looks to take off where the previous two discs finished, but does Love King live up to its predecessors?

Full review and downloads after the jump… read more »

While the bulk of the hip hop industry drenches it’s music with auto-tune and computer generated sound technology to boost their careers, the non-commercialized philadelphia funk infused crew, The Roots, stick to their–well, roots. With a sound coined by the use of actual instruments, and an organic rhyme style accompanied by indie-like moans on the chorus, How I Got Over showcases the groups consistency.

Conscious rap aint dead.

And 11 albums later, the Roots maintain this message with a more mature sound. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal ?uestlove states that this is the first album that’s been written by all members together acting as an “eight-piece-unit” and recording together, which is extremely evident. At times I caught myself checking the iPod to see if the track had switched yet, with how fluid it all sounds.

I’m all for sounds and feelings,  but what is the album about?

How I got over. This too shall pass. Hope. The Obama-nation.

At times the album comes off as a story to me. Black Thought open’s up and sets the album’s tone on the track “Walk Alone” (Which happens to be one of my favorites) with the line, ”The devil wants me as-is/but God wants more.” He continues on to talk about independence and self-growth, which acts as an overlaying theme of the album. Each track chronicles an experience, and manages to take you there. It is uplifting, to say the least, and reminds us of how hip hop can, and will continue to be used as a practical means of expression.

Standout Tracks:

“This Day” – Featuring Blu, Phonte & Patty Crash

“Doin It Again” – ft. John Legend

“Right On” – ft. Joanna Newsome & STS

Aisha

This is an assault.

Sleigh Bells.

Remember the name.

When discussing the Brooklyn-based duo (guitarist, songwriter, producer) Derek E. Miller and (vocalist) Alexis Krauss the official term for the genre of music they make sounds just about right: pop noise.

But then again, maybe not.

When I hear noise, I think of annoyance; cacophony.

This ain’t that.

The newest addition to M.I.A.’s record label N.E.E.T., Sleigh Bell’s debut album, Treats is a 36 minute in-your face, supersonic assault. Just as pulsating to your ears as your heartrate, this pop noise (there goes that term again) group delivers an amazing musical experience I can easily say is one of, if not my favorite album so far of the year (it’s between this and Nas/Damien Marley)..

Not since Major Lazer’s album dropped last summer have I been put at such a whirlwind of such boombastic sound. This album is great, I honestly don’t even know how to describe it. So i guess I’ll leave that up to you..

But enough about me.. What do you think?

Sample tracks

Tell Em – Download HERE

Kids – Download HERE

Treats – Download HERE

2008′s Here I Stand was a departure for R&B superstar Usher. Filled with ballads and adult contemporary tracks, the album showed a more mature Usher as he dealt with relationships, marriage, fatherhood, and life. It was a hard album for his fans to swallow, a great one, yet it didn’t do well. Two years later, Usher is determined to prove that he still has the charm of arguably his greatest release yet, 2004′s Confessions.

Enter Raymond V. Raymond

Similar to his previous albums, Raymond V. Raymond is a vaguely autobiographical disc that showcases Usher’s familiar confidance-boosted demeanor in it’s tracks. The lead single “Papers” is one of the biographical tracks as it deals with his recent divorce. In songs like “Guilty” featuring T.I., and “Foolin’ Around”, the story-telling continues as he explains (in true Usher fashion) infidelities and relationship problems. The majority of the remaining tracks on the album have Usher attempting to regain his title as the oversexed batchelor and heart throb of R&B. With tracks like “So Many Girls” and “Hey Daddy” the statement is clear: Usher wants you to know he is back.

The album’s standout tracks are what make the disc a solid effort. The fun and sexual tale of “Little Freak” featuring it-girl rapper Nicki Minaj, the energetic “Pro Lover,” and Bangladesh produced “She Don’t Know” all keep the album fun and the 31-year old singer current. The laid back “Okay” and amazing slow jam “Mars Vs. Venus” also standout. One of the albums defining tracks, “There Goes My Baby,” has Usher proudly boasting about a lover through soothing falsettos and that Usher confidence we all are accustomed to.

Although the disc is great, there are a couple of mishaps such as the will.i.am produced “OMG” and “More”. The album tries to resemble the biographical nature of Confessions but as a whole falls short of the 2004 disc. Raymond V. Raymond serves as Usher’s 6th studio album and definitely shows that he stills has the charm, but sadly it can’t topple Confessions, which steadily proves to be Usher’s masterpiece.

The album releases tomorrow March 30th

MESHworthy tracks:

“There Goes My Baby”

“Pro Lover”

“Mars vs. Venus”

“Okay”

“She Don’t Know”

“Guilty”

Are you checking for Raymond V. Raymond?

Cj..

The Love Experience and Love Behind the Melody are effortlessly soulful masterpieces from singer Raheem DeVaughn. They both spoke to a sincere and organic form of R&B. They both had their own identities yet fit the mastermind of Raheem’s artistry. They both are two of my favorite albums.

A lot of people aren’t aware that next week Raheem will be releasing his third studio album The Love & War Masterpiece (March 2). I must admit I am very apprehensive about the album. I’m not a fan of most of the leaks I’ve heard including his current single “Bulletproof” though I must keep faith in Raheem DeVaughn’s artistry. I am previewing the album now and there are some promising tracks and I will just have to wait until hearing the entire album to determine if it lives up to its predecessors. I will try to give a full review for this one and I hope Raheem brings it, the man truly creates magic with his music.

Are you guys interested in Raheem DeVaughn’s next album?

Cj..

“Please hold for the doctor, the doctor will be right with you.” Words that open the deluxe edition of Robin Thicke‘s fourth studio album Sex Therapy: The Experience. Living up to its name, the album is sexy, exciting, and oddly therapeutic-so sexy in fact that it has earned Robin his first Parental Advisory sticker. The album’s ‘true’ opener “Mrs. Sexy” sets the tone of the album with its mellow vibe that subtly alerts you this album is about to bump-hard bodied. Polow Da Don’s infectiously seductive beat for “Sex Therapy” is next. This lead single is a certified bedroom banger as Robin’s trademark airy vocals ignite one of the album’s best tracks. After the fun, hip-hop and Jay-Z assisted “Meiple” comes the uptempo dance inspired “Make You Love Me.” The track is a classic and reminds me of Robin’s “Wanna Love You Girl” though the track has a completely different vibe.  As the next song plays, the horn filled and Snoop Dogg assisted “It’s in the Morning”, the album solidifies itself as an amazing effort. “It’s in the Morning” is an album highlight. The track is undeniably one of Thicke’s best to date. It’s only downfall is that it’s only three minutes long as you never want it to go off. Following suit is the fun “Shaking It for Daddy” featuring Nicki Minaj, the haunting “Elevatas” featuring Kid Cudi, the danced inspired “Rollercoasta” featuring Estelle, and the vintage Thicke styled “Million Dollar Baby” featuring Jazmine Sullivan. After the beautiful ballad “2 Luv Birds” comes a block of songs that have the elevator/blues sound Thicke is known for. The best of these being “Brand New Luv.” The album ends with “Diamonds” ft. The Game.

Sex Therapy is a great effort from Robin Thicke that effortlessly blends Robin’s classic sound with a slightly new, edgier,and youthful one. The album also has the remarkable ability to cater to the musical stylings of the artist featured on each track without losing the essence of Thicke himself. The album delights, surprises, and relaxes its listeners and contends with Thicke’s best album The Evolution of Robin Thicke. It’s great to see Thicke return with such a great disc as his last album Something Else left a lot to be desired.

The Verdict: Get this album, Robin doesn’t disappoint! Also, get the deluxe edition.

MESHworthy tracks:

It’s in the Morning

Sex Therapy

Mrs. Sexy

Make You Love Me

2 Luv Birds

Shaking it for Daddy

Brand New Luv

Listen/Love/Download

(It’s in the Morning)

(2 Luv Birds)

(Mrs. Sexy)

Cj..

A good friend of MESH., Benjamin “B[dot] Jay” Barnes, has released his much anticipated mixtape, DiamondsDunks&BackPackz. So MESH decided to review the album and post it for your listening pleasure. Hope you enjoy!

Success. Fashion&Conciousness.

Or as Benjamin “B[dot] Jay” Barnes would say: DiamondsDunks&Backpackz.

The highly anticipated mixtape from the young Virginia MC who through his clothing line (Weirdoe Clothing), entertaining tweets (@bdotjay on Twitter) and music, has built a legion of fiercely loyal fans; hit the online circuit as the latest installment in the budding career of the artist known simply as “Bdot.”

DiamondsDunks&Backpackz, a representation of the three elements which Bdot believes embody him as a rapper, is a personal diary of sorts, taking the listener into Barnes’ life with reckless abandon: “I want the listeners to get a glimpse into my mind. People think they know me through Twitter, but really they don’t.”

We know a little more now.

57 minutes of dope beats, undeniable steez, and catchy lyrics have shown us a lot more than we knew before about the Twitter celebrity. Bdot likes sex, dresses better than you, has more swag [and intelligence], and can’t stand that girl Roxanne.

DDB serves as the seeming establishment of Bdot as a serious MC. Having produced most of the beats himself –with additions from producers Static and Work Hard of The Legion production team– and gone through the entire album with few features, listeners learn a lot about Bdot. Whether using witty wordplay over booming bass to tell you how unstoppable he is (“Auto[dot]”), revealing his darker outcast persona (“Purple Clouds”), or discussing his budding, yet explicit, love and sex life (“Me&MyBae”), Bdot shows with DDB that he is not afraid to expose himself to the masses, a trait that proves helpful to the overall quality of the album.

DDB is at its best however, not when Barnes is at his most jubilant, but the contrary. It is on songs like “iLL.Ness,” where Barnes explores darker subjects such as his mother almost having an abortion while carrying him, and “Heart Collision” where he discusses the failed love between himself and on-and-off-again soulmate Roxanne, where Bdot is at his best. Listeners can feel the pain in Bdot’s voice as he speaks of the love run afoul and consequently are drawn closer to the artist than before.

The album however does have its weak points. The strength Bdot possesses as a producer sometimes overshadows his talents as a lyricist. It is clear that Bdot is still a budding MC as he has yet to find a comfortable niche in his delivery. With sometimes choppy and inconsistent lyrics that are oftentimes overshadowed by superb beats, Barnes has a staunch task ahead if he wants to be seen as more than just a teeny bop hipster rapper. His flows seem to always leave you wanting just a little more, and it is not until he can totally capture his audience, that he will be able to have a complete record.

“It’s all about how you carry yourself,” Barnes admits “I jus do what I think is dope… it’s about your personality.”

Personality isn’t the problem.

Personality has gotten Bdot nearly 3000 followers on Twitter. Personality has led fans to download DDB over 500 times in less than 5 hours. Personality, has gained the respect of notable MC’s Mickey Factz, and The Cool Kids. Bdot’s personality is fine. It’s the intangibles he has to fine tune if he really wants to be a successful artist.

Download DiamondsDunks&BackPackz HERE

MESH.

With his romantically charged lyrics and smooth production R. Les tells listeners the story of a secret love. Effortlessly, he uses this 2nd studio album, Transition, to bring a new steez to the art of “spitting game” and finding that perfect girl–you know, the one who “Looks good with no make-up“.

Unlike his self-titled debut, Ryan Leslie, which had a more airy summer love type sound, Transition is a bit more soothing and hopeful–seductive almost. The album outlines everything, but sex, and brings back true romance. He takes us through a journey of searching for true love, making that transition from friendship to something more, and solidifying that relationship.

Though most say his music sounds the same, I’d like to consider it as more so the development of his unique sound and approach to R&B. This Harvard grad isn’t a dummy and I’d like to say his approach is actually genius. Ryan Leslie‘s sound is different enough to place him in his own lane, so why conform?  Transition single handedly represents the new face of R&B that not everyone has exactly caught on to yet.

Here are some of my favorite tracks from Transition

[ Rescue U ] (My Fav)

[ Guardian Angel ]

[ Sunday Night ]

[ Something That I Like ]

Are you checking for Ryan Leslie’s new album?

Aisha

All’s fair in love and war? Right? Well, Amerie is here to tell her tale of the ins and outs of love with her fourth studio album In Love & War. As with most of her albums, In Love & War is heavily injected with a loud, fun 70′s funk inspired sound and that classic cross of R&B and Go-Go influences the singer has become known for. The album opens with the powerful “Tell Me You Love Me” which appropriately sets the tone for the album. Slightly aggressive, the album continues with the tribal club banger “Heard ‘Em All” and the retro “Dangerous” and “Higher.” Before slowing down, the album’s first single “Why R U” ushers in the second half of the album.  With tracks like “More Than Love” featuring rapper Fabolous and “Pretty Brown” featuring Trey Songz, In Love & War truly takes on the various highs and lows of love. Album highlights also include the incredibly sensual “Red Eye” as well as the emotionally charged “The Flowers.” As a cohesive album, In Love & War succeeds and oddly fails at the same time. It’s a solid effort with several songs that flow well together and that can easily make it into some “Favorites” playlists but as an entire album it seems that Amerie could have come just a littler harder. The album is a great one, but doesn’t produce the “WOW” that may or might not have been expected.

The verdict: Solid tracks and a great effort from Amerie. Worth the listen.

MESHworthy Tracks:

1. Red Eye

2. Heard ‘Em All

3. Tell Me You Love Me

4. More Than Love ft. Fabolous

5. The Flowers

6. Higher

7. Swag Back

Take a listen:

[Amerie- Red Eye]

[Amerie- More Than Love ft. Fabolous]

Are you checking for Amerie’s new album?

Cj

Who: Trey Songz

What: Third Album “Ready”

Where: Worldwide Release

When: August 31, 2009

The R&B game needs a certified king.

With Kellz having not had an official album in almost two years, Neyo falling off just a bit, Lloyd producing great music with no impact, and The-Dream not quite falling into a certain niche, the throne seems to be there for the taking. The only question is: who’s ready?

Apparently, Trey Songz.

With what may be this year’s most anticipated R&B album from anyone not named Houston, Tremaine “Trey Songz” Neverson is making a strong case for why he needs to be talked about in the same circles as the heavy hitters.

Having created a fiercely loyal fan base through a multitude of leaks and mixtapes (“Anticipation,” “Genesis,” etc.) it’s not support Songz was looking for with this album, but unbridled expression: “this is the album that most exhibits myself… with the least compromise.”

Express himself Songz does.

Ready is a good, solid album showcasing sizeable growth from his first two: 2005’s I Gotta Make It and 2007’s Trey Day. Beginning with the unabashed “Panty Dropper” Songz sets the tone with the sensuality he’s known for. It is from this point that we are reeled into the world that is Songz.

Whether he’s bothering neighbors with raucous love making on “Neighbors Know My Name,” trying his hand at monogamy (One Love), or dreaming of unbridled success (Successful), Ready exposes all facets of the man that is Trey Songz.

The strength of Ready lies in its ability to not be one-dimensional. Often times, listeners are treated only to a sexy, almost lustful Songz, And while that man is definitely there, we also see a more vulnerable, human side of Trey – a by product of Songz’ obvious growth as an artist over the last few years.

Tracks like “Jupiter Love” and “Holla If You Need Me,” the latter of which was produced in part by current Howard student Chris Hines, are classic “Trey tracks” which, due largely to Songz smooth-as-silk voice, comparable production, and addictive lyrics will captivate even the coldest hearts. But it is the least recognizable tracks, that show a different side of Songz, which prove to be the album’s standouts. Take “Black Roses” for example. A sleeper hit, the Bei Maejor track is addictive as Songz croons of a dying love over a twisted guitar. “One Love” also samples a heavy guitar as Songz tells of his yearning for lasting monogamy. The Human Nature reminiscent “Love Lost” and seemingly Purple Rain themed “Yo Side of the Bed” are also great tracks showcasing Songz growth.

However, as with all growth, there are a few pains.

“Say Aah” featuring Fabolous, the owner of the best rap album of 2009 so far, has what it takes to be a certified club banger and will probably be the next released single and hit for Songz. However one can’t listen to it without calling to mind the already blockbuster “alcohol and club correlated“ hit “Blame It’ by Jamie Foxx—an originality fail. However the most glaring mishap has to go to the emoticon inspired “LOL (Smiley Face)” featuring Gucci Mane and Soulja Boy. Smiley Face is so commercial and mindless that it’s silly; and totally disrupts the smooth, concentrated flow of the album.

Webster’s Dictionary defines Ready as being “fully prepared.” Consider “Ready” as Trey Songz warning to the rest of the field. No this album is not a “typical” Songz album á la his smash mixtape “Anticipation.” But ready is a good album. Songz shows considerable growth from his first two albums, and makes it clear that the best is yet to come.

The throne is still vacant, and there’s a heated race to the top.

Trey Songz leads that race.

4/5 MESH MARKS

MESH.worthy Tracks

“Neighbors Know My Name”

“Holla If You Need Me”

“Jupiter  Love”

“Black Roses”

“Say Aah”

MESH.