“It’s not microwavable music!”

Rap-Up TV recently caught up with the incredibly raw girl group Electrik Red. If you’ve followed MESH. for even a second you know how we backed there debut album How to Be a Lady Vol. 1 (easily 2009′s best surprise). Well, as their fans (myself included) eagerly await their sophomore album, this quick video gives a little more information on the upcoming project. The best thing to hear is that they will be working with The-Dream and Tricky Stewart again on the album (not exclusively though). I’m glad they aren’t totally abandoning who is largely responsible for their unique sound and ridiculous production. Hopefully, Vol. 2 can be a continuation of its predecessor and catapult Electrik Red into the respect they deserve.

Cj..

This month marks the eight of new music, albums, and more importantly of the year (This year is going by fast). From January until now, we’ve witnessed some of the most remarkable and unremarkable efforts in the music industry. We’ve experienced girls “Rocking That Thang” while living the “Magnificient” live. We’ve all spoken “Gibberish” avoiding the inevitable way love can “Knock You Down.” 2009 has been debut year of new artist while seasoned artists experimented with new sounds. Songwriters and producers have switched roles becoming artists while rap stars tried their hand in rock. It also marked the return of some old favorites. And the best part about it is, there is still four months remaining.

MESH. has compiled a list of the  year’s top albums (in our opinion) thus far  (Disc 1) as well as the albums we can’t wait to get our hands on (Disc 2). Let’s get into it.

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2009′s Best Thus Far

The Dream — Love Vs. Money

The Dream‘s sophomore effort Love Vs. Money continues where his debut Love/Hate left off. The gritty/clever lyrics from The Dream coupled with the amazing production of Tricky Stewart produced one of the year’s greatest efforts. The album solidified the Dream’s impeccable craft of effortlessly creating memorable tracks such as “Put It Down” “Love Vs. Money” “Mr. Yeah” “Fancy” and basically every song on the album. It was a musical delight to the ears from the first track to the last. This is what new R&B should sound like.

Ryan Leslie- Ryan Leslie & Keri Hilson- In a Perfect World

As mentioned in a previous MESH. post [here], there has been a growing phenomenon in the music industry of producers and songwriters jumping from behind the spotlight to take the forefront as artists. Ryan Leslie‘s self titled debut proved why he is one of the most talented producers in the game. The infectious rhythms in tracks like “Gibberish” and “How It Was Supposed To Be” filled the entire album and was a great (but sadly under appreciated) effort. Songwriter Keri Hilson had a large buzz about her talents before her debut album was released. Known for penning several hits, and being ‘that girl’ on Timbaland’s hit “The Way I Are,” Keri looked to establish herself a strong force with In a Perfect World. Her efforts were stifled at first as her first singles didn’t pick up but when her #1 hit “Turnin’ Me Off” became a certified club banger, things changed. Her album has several gems on it including the sultry “Slow Dance” and the beautiful “Make Love.” Keri & Ryan both had incredible albums this year.

Maxwell- BLACKsummers’night &    Joe- Signature

2009 marked the return of R&B favorites Maxwell and Joe. Joe‘s album Signature went under the radar a little but was a very solid effort. It when back to classic R&B and allowed Joe to showcase his artistry. The smooth tracks of “Wanna Be Your Lover” and “Metaphor” showcase the quality of the album. Maxwell‘s release was perhaps the most anticipated R&B comeback of the past five years. BLACKsummers’night is a classic album filled with heavy soul, funk, and sultry instrumentals blended with Maxwell’s signature falsetto. His lead single “Pretty Wings” was one of the most touching tracks of the year while other songs on the album such as “Playing Possum” and “Stop The World”  also speak to Maxwell’s ability to embed genuine emotion within each song he sings. Great comebacks.

Laura Izibor- Let the Truth Be Told &   Electrik Red- How To Be a Lady Vol. 1

New artist Laura Izibor showcased her songwriting, producing, and singing talents on her debut album Let the Truth Be Told. The adult contemporary album is filled with empowering songs fuzed with soul. Tracks like “MMM” and “From My Heart to Yours” sum up what to expect on the disc. Her album is said to be in the lineage of Jill Scott and Lauryn Hill, which speaks to how genuine her sound and music is. Electrik Red (comprised of Naomi, Sarah, Lesley, and Binky) came with pure heat with their debut How To Be a Lady Vol. 1. The ironically titled disc included a slew of songs that speak to the power, sexuality, and fun of being a lady. Their debut is one of the most well put together debuts with production from The Dream and Tricky Stewart, their sound is distinct and original. From the sultry “9 to 5″ to the fun “P is for Power” the girls have looked to take R&B girl groups to the next level.

Fabolous- Loso’s Way &     Drake- So Far Gone (Mixtape)

The year in hip hop hasn’t had too many spectacular releases but has had some amazing mixtapes from the likes of Kid Cudi, J. Cole, Wale and others. One album that is impressive, is the the recently released Loso’s Way from Fabolous. From the single “Throw It In The Bag” to “Money Goes, Honey Stay” to the gritty “There He Go” and “Pachanga,” Loso’s Way signals a growth within Fabolous. Simply put, the album bumps hard and might be well on its way to be a classic.  Although it’s not an album, it would  be foolish not to include the So Far Gone mixtape from Drake. It was perhaps the biggest treat to hip hop this year.  It generated a large buzz and following for a rapper who hadn’t even released an album yet. Every track form it is memorable rather it be “Uptown” or “Houstatlantavegas” or “Successful” or the now single “Best I’ve Ever Had.” It catapulted Drake into a light where most rappers only dream to be making his debut album one of the most anticipated albums of the year. I’m sure he will deliver.

Honorable Mention:

Chrisette Michele- Epiphany

India Arie-Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics

2009 so far has been an interesting year for music and with several anticipated disc soon to be released, it will definitely be a memorable year for music. Stay tuned for Disc 2: The Best To Come as we list the albums you will definitely want to get your hands on.

Cj

If you can’t tell already, MESH. goes hard for the girls of Electrik Red. We feel it’s so sad that their talent, edge, and bomb ass album aren’t appreciated like they should be. Check out a video of the girls performing at the Burger King Fam Fest. They did an amazing job and truly deserve for their hard work to pay off.

Question: Why didn’t they perform at the BET Awards pre-show?

Cj

The title speaks for itself. Along with our friends over at UrbanCouture, we feel like the girls of Electrik Red are certainly a force to be reckoned with. If it wasn’t for the lack of promotion from DefJam you’d probably hear a lot more about them. We urge you to check out their latest album How To Be A Lady: Vol 1. It’s fiyah! (to say the least) Here are some pics from a recent shoot they did with Honey Magazine.

Aisha

Check out my favorite current girl group trying to hit it big Electrik Red and the campaign for NOH8.

The campaign has something to do with the California ruling Propositon 8. I don’t care about that, I just know ERED has some sexy members.

Cj

MESH. has done it again and this time bigger than ever before!  You enjoyed the fun of After Hours and the smooth vibes of Couple’s Therapy, now come journey on a two hour ride of musical fulfillment provided through MESH. The Music Volume III Mixtape: The Release. It’s a MESH. tradition to share the hottest tracks (some that won’t pick up nationally until 2-3 months from now) and The Release holds true to it. Filled with three great acts (Summer Fun, Summer Hype, and Summer Love) expect to be thrilled and soothed by this great Summer playlist. This is the largest mixtape MESH. has offered thus far, so don’t be a fool–DOWNLOAD IT!!

(Download The Release here)

Let us know how you enjoyed it.

MESH.

Okay. Lets just jump into this.

First. These J. Press Madras Ties.

Check J. Press Madras out [here].

Second. Electrik Red and this HILARIOUS video these crazy girls made to slightly promote their upcoming single “P is for Power”

They are retarded! And their album is the truth-go cop it if you haven’t already.

Third. Kelly Rowland and her sexy self.

Seen performing in London. Her video with David Guetta for “When Love Takes Over”  is set to premiere soon.

Finally. MTV humiliating Eminem at the movie awards last night. Because, well, I just don’t like him anymore. Almost despise.

Someone was pissed. haha!

Cj

Here is a glimpse of why.

Go ahead. Read the review. Naomi of Electrik Red approves haha.

Cj

As usual, I got my hands on an advance copy of another album. This time it’s Electrik Red‘s debut How To Be a Lady: Vol 1 which comes out tomorrow May 26th.

If Electrik Red (comprised of members Naomi Allen, Sarah Rosete, Binkie Reevey, and Lesley Lewis) were described using our MESH. acronym, their Music would be the Edge while their Style and beauty would leave anyone in Heaven. The sexy  group under the guidance of masterminds The Dream and Tricky stewart is here and telling us all exactly how to be (as they bluntly put it) “some fucking ladies.” The group’s buzz single “Drink In My Cup” and first single “So Good” initially sparked high interest in the interestingly edgy group that seems to defy all conventions of a traditional girl group. Their debut album, ironically and cleverly titled How To Be A Lady: Vol 1, is a undeniable statement of female power, confidence, and sexuality. 

Full Review, Downloads & More after the jump…

read more »

And because it equates to breathing, let me keep it pumping through your lungs.

(Cry-Jazmine Sullivan)

I have no words for this leak. Okay, I do. F*#$ing amazing. This girl’s talent is rare.

(You Got Me-Stacie Orrico)

Many of you may not remember or know who she is (go find out). It’s great to know she’s still making music because she’s talented. “You Got Me” is rumored just to be a demo, but that doesn’t stop it from being great!

New Electrik Red, Jeremih & more after the jump…

read more »

First video is for a song that has been on my iPod rotation like something serious. Twista‘s “Wetter” is a great song filled with enough sexual innuendos to warrant it as a legitimate bedroom boom anthem. 

The video looks a tad bit low budget though.

A very cool and rare performance of the hot collabo “I’m His Only Woman” from Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia.Wow.

Discovered from Youtube by Justin Timberlake, Esmee Denters is determined to show the world her talent and amazing voice. Check out the leaked duet with Justin entitled “Casanova” that will be featured on her debut album Outta Here.

FERK4]

Like it? Download it [here].

A while ago, we showed the video for “Give It To Me Right” by a certain Melanie Fiona, who is getting a lot of buzz right now. I sort of see her as someone who is going to blow up to the same effect as Jazmine Sullivan; she’s beautiful and very talented. Here is a new leak from her that taps into her Guyanese roots (nice island feel) called “Sad Songs.”

Get it [here].

FYI: There is a lot of buzz about Electrik Red’s song “Electrik City” being their ‘newest’ leak. Know that it is actually a very old track (2006) and there is a video for it on Youtube. Just keeping you guys ahead of the curve. Actually, here is the video.

Yea, definitely from one of their first attempts at the spotlight. 

Cj

It seems the sweet days of the separate reigns of R&B girl groups such as En Vogue,  Xscape, 702, TLC, SWV, and Destiny’s Child are gone and truly missed. The girl group has been a dead topic ever since the “break” of Destiny’s Child (rumored to return in 2011). There have been attempts at the success of these previous groups (Danity Kane, Cherish, 3LW, JS, etc.) but despite tremendous talents, these attempts didn’t quite succeed or last long. Danity Kane seemed to be well on their way but we see how that ended up.

Destiny's Child, one of the most successful girl groups of all time.

Well, it’s a new dawn of music and a new year that seems to welcome the return of the girl group in a industry solely focused on solo talent and artists. Although the task of being a successful girl group is a tremendous one, 2009 sees three efforts ready to fight the good battle to become the new leading girl group of R&B: Electrik Red, Sophia Fresh, and RichGirl.

1. Electrik Red- Think if Kelis were in a girl group with a touch of The Dream and Tricky Stewart.

Electrik Red is a very interestingly raw girl group under the direction and vision of mastermind songwriter/producer/ artist The Dream. All four girls were dancers and models before forming Electrik Red. They all appeared in Ciara’s “Like A Boy” video and from there became friends and formed the sexy quartet. Naomi, Leslie, Kyndra, and Sarah look to take the industry by storm. Their current single “So Good” is doing extremely well on the charts and their debut album How To Be a Lady Vol. 1 releases May 25. With tracks like “So Good” “Freaky Freaky” “Blind” and others it should do fairly well. Check out another single’s video they released earlier last year “Drank In My Cup.”

Yes, Volume II of The Music presented by us here at MESH has arrived. It’s titled Couple’s Therapy and has the R&B lover in mind. Everyone’s relationships can go through break ups and then oddly right into sensual make ups, it’s part of the fun. Come on a journey with 22 tracks that all relate to our deepest emotions: love & lust. Whether your relationship is having the “Troubles” of Act I, the “Break Up” of Act II, the longing, missing, and reminiscing of Act III, or the ultimate make up–the best “Couple’s Therapy” (SEX) of Act III, this mixtape is sure to please. 

WARNING: If you are looking for a lot of club bangers this is not the mixtape for you, try (MESH MIXTAPE VOLUME I HERE) or wait a couple more weeks for our summer jam mixtape coming soon.

And yes, I’m aware the tracklisting numbers got a little jumbled. Oh, well haha.

(DOWNLOAD MESH MIXTAPE VOLUME II:COUPLE’S THERAPY HERE)

Also stay tuned for the next mixtape filled with jams for the summer.

MESH.

Okay- Here is my Top Seven of right now. Songs old and new that are on heavy rotation on my iPod.

7. So Good- Electrik Red (funny huh? use to not like this song)

6. Best I Ever Had- Drake

5. No More Rain- Angie Stone

4. Water and A Flame- Daniel Merriweather ft. Adele

3. Assume the Position- Hot Stylz

2. Make Love- Keri Hilson

1. The Entire Love Vs. Money album- The Dream 

(it isn't fair just to pick one or two tracks)

(Tell MESH what your Top Seven is..)

-Cj

Originally, I didn’t care to much for this song but dug this video. I figured well, if the song isn’t popping it’s not worth the post but now that I’ve warmed up to the song and feel that the video is dope, here is The Dream’s group Electrik Red’s video for “So Good.” I wonder how they will take off (this is like their third or fourth single).

Here is another one of their many videos- “Friend Lover” (runs the risk of being annoying-or really good).

Doesn't the main chick sound like Kelis?

-Cj