We didn’t get a chance to do a review (one possibly in the works), but….

MESH. officially dubs Big Boi‘s Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty the #BestRapAlbum of the year thus far.

But then again, Teflon Don is coming around the corner…

Cj.

MESH.

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..

If you haven’t read my review for The-Dream‘s Love King album. Shame.

If you haven’t grabbed a copy of the disc. Shame.

But as always, I’m here to let you redeem yourself. One of my favorite sections of Love King is the “Yamaha”- “Nikki Part. 2″ -”Abyss” transition. I’m glad to see some of those 8+ videos The-Dream shot are finally coming to surface. This trilogy was shot by Motions Family and it does a pretty good job relating each song to each other. Enjoy.

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 »

The cover of July’s issue of Dazed & Confused is none other than M.I.A. who has been landing a lot magazine covers in anticipation for the release of her album /\/\ /\ Y /\ which drops in July. Check out this behind scene video of her shoot that was photographed by Rankin.

Check more out here at Dazed & Confused.

Cj..

There are few things like a dope hip-hop track that rides easy.

The vibe of Shaun Boothe‘s “Let Me Go” is unmatched. The newest single off his upcoming Hip-Hop in 3D, “Let Me Go” gives a sample of the rawness of a Shaun Boothe track. So when your taking a break from the J.Cole’s, Drake’s and Big Sean’s of the world….give Shaun Boothe a listen.

by theMESHlife

[Download Let Me Go Here]

*Bonus: check out his video for his single “Poor Boy”

This is hip-hop you’re witnessing.

Cj..

MESH. readers know I’m ready for this album. Here’s the cover of The-Dream‘s next album Love King dropping June 22th.

I mean, it's nothing "epic" but I'm sure the disc might be.

Cj..

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..

Here’s the cover of Christina Aguilera‘s next studio album Bionic.

I was a big fan of hers during her Stripped era, hopefully she can bring that same soul/passion to her next record.

She looks like Glenn Close in this shot. Kinda cool though.

Cj..

Check out the interesting artwork for B.o.B‘s debut album The Adventures of Bobby Ray

The album drops April 27th

Thoughts?

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..

Promotional cover for the upcoming New Amerykah Part Two: The Return of the Ankh

The “maybe” is hilarious. She’s serious about not releasing it if it leaks prematurely.

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..

PAPERS!! Sorry had to get that out my system. Check out the latest promo video released for Usher‘s upcoming release Raymond vs. Raymond (which was originally pushed back because it was ‘too amazing’-whatever that means). Its new release date is currently March 1st, 2010. Check out the album cover as well.

Let MESH. know, what are your thoughts on this one?

Cj..

Here are the new album releases of December 8th, 2009

Can Chris Brown salvage his career with the release of his third studio album?

Will The Clipse establish themselves as Hip Hop heavy weights with their latest?

Can Shock Value II even live up to its predecessor?

His mixtapes are amazing, but will his album be?

Does Snoop still have selling power?

If you could only cop one album which would it be?

I’ve only fully listen to two of the albums released today (Chris and Gucci) and I’m working on The Clipse now.  Breezy’s effort is decent at best and Gucci’s is true to his style/persona. I’m interested to see the responses each get.

Cj..

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

Speaking of Gucci, check out Gucci Mane’s album cover for his album The State vs Radric Davis.

I like Gucci Mane, so I’m looking forward to the album.

It drops December 8th

Are you checking for Gucci’s new album?

Cj

Sorry I beat you to it Aisha.

Here’s the cover to Rihanna‘s anticipated Rated R.

Does absolutely nothing for me.

But how does it make you feel?

Cj

Here is the cover to Omarion‘s new album Ollusion dropping November 24th.

Thoughts?

Cj

Cool video of the making of Jay-Z’s The Blueprint 3 album artwork.

Cj