“See Me Now” should have been a monster of a track. Kanye West & Beyonce on an original track together? But sadly, it failed all my expectations. So naturally I was a little apprehensive to check out the latest leak “Monster” featuring Rick Ross, Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj and Bon Iver. But, maybe Jay has one on Beyonce, because this track goes in. Set to be featured on Kanye West and Jay-Z’s upcoming collaborative EP “Watch The Throne” that will consist of 5 tracks.

01 Monster feat. Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj & Bon Iver by theMESHlife

(click down arrow to download)

Who had the best verse? (Rick Ross’s two seconds on the track shouldn’t count as a feature)

(I miiiight have to give it to Nicki Minaj–she kind of went in.)

Cj..

Here’s the trippy new video for M.I.A.’s single “XXXO” off her latest effort.

Enjoy.

Cj..

Disclaimer: I am apart of #TeamPalm (a rare breed yet a loyal one).

#TeamBlackberry it seems that in attempts to remain relevant, RIM is gearing up to release its newest device and operating system. Coined the Blackberry Torch, the device is very reminiscent of Palm’s Pre handset. It sports a touchscreen and slide-out keyboard, the first of its kind to be among the Blackberry family. It will also utilize RIM’s brand new Blackberry 6 OS. I mean, it doesn’t look to promising to me but I could be wrong.

Here’s what really sucks about it–it will launch exclusively for AT&T (why do they get everything?)

More info on the Torch [here]

Releasing on Aug. 12, are you checking for the Torch?

Cj..

I bang with Theophilus London more and more as each day passes. His latest leak “Calypso Blues” (a remake of Nat King Cole’s) is beyond words. It’s easily has become my jam of the week. Okay enough talking, listen, download and replay.

by theMESHlife

**Player might be unavailable—download [Here].

#GENIUS

Cj..

I’m rooting for Teairra Mari. Ever since she was played by Jay-Z and Rihanna, I’ve wanted her to get the shine she deserves and the less talented stole. Her severely delayed sophomore effort is being revamped. Her latest single to leak is another urban club banger, which she has become great at delivering. This one is called “Coins” and confidently boast about–what else, materialism. It low-key goes in, so I hope it does something for Teairra’s project.

(Click the downward arrow on the player to download)

Cj..

This might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but here is the video for Robyn‘s first single “Hang With Me” from the second installment of her three part album release Body Talk Part. The album (Part 2) releases on my birthday (September 6) and will be quickly be followed by part 3.

Simple. I like it.

Cj..

Okay, little miss “it” girl rapper Nicki Minaj has made a comeback of sorts. Her initial first single “Massive Attack” bombed on the charts but her surprising second single “Your Love” is doing fairly well. It has already topped the rap charts and nearly becoming a top ten hit on the 100 chart. The video for it released and I must say I like it. For the most part it is a really simple video that matches the song (and simple for Nicki Minaj is saying a lot). In fact 90% of the video she has jet black hair. (Wow right?) Anyways, even with the samurai battle to the death at the end, it’s a nice simplistic video for Nicki. Enjoy.

THOUGHTS?

Cj..

Last night, I was getting this song stuck in all my co-worker’s head.

Usher‘s “There Goes My Baby” is one of my favorite tracks off his Raymond v. Raymond album.

The video is the typical male r&b singer caresses and almost kisses a model chick for three minutes. Nothing special, but enjoy.

Cj..

Everyone goes in. Even Janelle’s rap, where she proudly defends her style of dress and why she wears nearly the same thing all the time. Haha

I went from loving Janelle to being indifferent to slowly starting to love her again.

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..

Couple of new tracks for your listening pleasure.

First. A new promotional single leaked from the anticipated M.I.A. /\/\ /\ Y /\ album. The track is called “Teqkilla” and like any other M.I.A., it goes in. Like I’ve said before, I’ve previewed the album and it sounds like it will be a definite winner releasing July 13th.

[Download Here]

Second. A track from Outkast’s Big Boi who is gearing to release his solo album Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dust. “Tangerine” features T.I. and is a solid track. I like it much better than he current single (maybe I’ll give his album a try after all).

[Download Here]

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 »

I’ve been banging this song for a minute now and after all the attention “She Geeked” has been receiving, I’m pleasantly surprised that Sean Garrett‘s “Get It All” featuring femcee Nicki Minaj got video treatment. It’s a solid track and the video is fitting. I like the notion of going back and fourth between present and a young 6th grade Sean as he croons over his girl. Good stuff.

Cj..

Maroon 5 rarely disappoints me. I didn’t say that to segue into why their latest single “Misery” has, because it hasn’t, so stop jumping the gun.

“Misery” serves as another track that shows why Maroon 5 is good at what they do. It doesn’t break any molds or is something incredibly innovative for the group–it stays true their original sound and if you’re any type of a Maroon 5 fan, you’ll love it.

The band’s third album Hands Over Me is set to release this September .

[Download Misery Here]

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..

Once again time for MESH.‘s What’s New? Who’s Next? series that focuses on the grind. Up and coming artists, musicians, business, talents, etc. who are sure to make a name for themselves one way or the other.

—

This feature’s spotlight is on the newly formed production company Reel Pangea Films. Fostered through the ambitious collaboration of two Howard University seniors from the renowned John H. Johnson School of Communications (home to all the PNCs), John F. Knight and Kristen M. Iverson have created an innovative business venture that looks to merge the talents of Howard University students and individuals in the D.C. community.

The company is looking to fill the void in the quality of today’s film and television with creative concepts that have relevance and substance. With several projects in the works, including a remake video of Notorious B.I.G.’s “Sky’s The Limit”, the company is off to a great start.  The best thing about Reel Pangea is not only their desire to uplift and inspire an entire community but their plans and goals of utilizing resources and establishing mentor programs for D.C. and surrounding youth.

Check out a documentary Reel Pangea put together along with Dream City Entertainment.

Follow on Twitter: Twitter.com/ReelPangeaFilms

Their official website will be launching soon so keep up with them on Twitter to find out when.

MESH.

Perhaps the best offering from his successful Kush & Orange Juice mixtape, Wiz Khalifa‘s “Up” is a bona fide classic.

A little disappointed with visuals for the track, but I guess it serves its purpose.

Time to go play this track on #repeat for a day or two. There is no denying its excellence.

Cj..

Some of you may know R&B artist Novel, many of you don’t. He had a single a while ago called “F*ck with My Mind” that is a gem. Well, he is hard at work making his album Calligraphy that is scheduled to drop later this year. Of course, since mixtapes are the best promotional tool these days, he is releasing one soon called Legato Blues Summer and it features this recently leaked track “State of Loneliness”. I won’t say much else, just download it.

We’ll let him slide on the artwork since the music is dope.

by theMESHlife

[Novel-State of Loneliness Download]

Just to switch it up like MESH. loves to do. Here is a more alternative offering from musician Saadi. The track is called “Pollen Seeking Bees” and has a relaxing and simple vibe to it. Definitely worth the listen and of course if you’re feeling it, the download.

by Hypetrak

If you’re feeling it, the download button is on the right of the player.

Enjoy.

Cj..

A while ago I posted a hot track “Lady of the Night” by a new duo Christian Rich. It was leaked in anticipation for their mixtape The Decadence. Well, the mixtape dropped and last week MESH. was invited to its listening party in NYC. Of course, Aaron and Aisha held it down (I wonder if they have any images from the event). Anyways, now the mixtape is available and it offers a very different sound. Actually, I remember Aisha asking me to describe their sound, and it was the hardest thing for me to do. I can’t get over when someone truly tries to do something different with their music and I feel Christian Rich have done just that. It’s definitely worth the listen.

Download the mixtape here

Cj..

First, lets get into the vid for “Deuces” one of my favorite tracks of Chris Brown and Tyga‘s popular mixtape Fan of a Fan.

Unlike most of the videos off the mixtape, this one doesn’t look completely low-budget. Haha

#Random Thought

With the release of two mixtapes that both bump hardbodied, is Chris Brown finally starting to salvage his career?

It’s no secret that Chris has been struggling ever since the Rihanna incident. It’s like no one really wants to forgive him. His last studio album Graffiti didn’t perform well as it was unsupported and ignored by the industry as a whole. I think that Chris will slowly get the respect he needs back for his career to continue and grow. I think he should focus on his mixtapes as they slowly warm audiences back up to him and some of his best material is on the In My Zone and Fan of a Fan mixtapes. With that being said, he also needs to watch his actions and his random fits via Twitter because that’s never a good look. Wishing him lucky and hoping everyone can look past his past, I mean we all make mistakes.

Thoughts?

Cj..