Album Retrospect | My Mood Is Music.com

Your Title

Album Retrospect: Asleep In The Bread Aisle

May 5, 2009

Written By Kaia Karamoko

Could this album sit on a shelf in Paul’s Boutique? Would Mike D. shake his head with the same fervor as he did during the making of “99 Problems” by Jay-Z? I do not know. I’m no Mike D, but my Beastie Boys permeated brain can’t tolerate sleeping in the bread aisle.

I’m beyond the point of needing a rapper to be black. However, good music is good music. And yes folks, bad music is bad music just as well. Considering my spectrum, Asher Roth is below average. Roth sounds like Kevin Federline walked to Compton and bought some bad weed. What are the odds of this happening? I don’t know.

He cleverly says nothing. Bloggers everywhere claim that he should battle Eminem for the title, but folks Eminem despite the parody and I hate my mother eulogies; he’s no average rapper.

Asher Roth has created a new genre of music. A box that is not serious, but not completely ignorant. He loves college. Asleep in the Bread Aisle dropped on every stoner’s favorite day, April 20, 2009. It is a surplus of the track before this one and the track before that one.

I’ve heard him freestyle and was at best intrigued. I guess the saying is true that it’s not that easy for a freestyler to liberate himself from an environment that knows no boundaries. This goes for most studio rappers (laughing out loud hysterically); many of them choke at the thought improvisation.

“Lark On My Go Kart” adds appeal. “I Love College” and “Be By Myself” are other tracks that are cordial to the ears. I find that Roth’s problem are two things: he has a hard time being himself lyrically and his collaborations outweigh him word wise subsequently bringing the wrong attention to his otherwise empty bread aisle.

I assumed the aisle was empty since he was sleeping there.

Album Retrospect | Tags: Asher Roth | 2 Comments | Album Retrospect: Asleep In The Bread Aisle | Posted by admin

Album Retrospect: It’s Blitz

May 5, 2009

Written By Kaia Karamoko

New York revival rock has never been this revolutionary sound before—not in a long time. This all means that the Yeah Yeah Yeahs really cracked the egg.

Karen O stood on David Letterman’s stage with her band mates. They ripped it. This performance led to this review. I know the Yeah Yeah Yeahs simply because I love rock bands whose lead singers are females. O’s new found or better yet strengthened confidence and seasoned nature to the mic was absolute definition of “dope.”

The lovely Karen O says “Off with your head/dance until your dead” in the beginning of “Heads Will Roll.” She also asks, “How are you not going to get high?” on “Dragon Queen.” Its statements like these that gives It’s Blitz the energy of a raging bull. The band has switched guitars and has headed straight to the dance floor.

No booty shaking per se but the walls will sweat. So ladies and gentleman “shake it/like a ladder to the sun.” Don’t ask any questions; just grab your leather jacket.

Karen O has changed. She has always had a high-flavored, sexy aura about her that bleeds into the Yeah Yeah Yeahs music. But this time, it’s different.

She’s bigger, while her band mates are channeling wavelengths of the Richter. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs has a style that can not be bought—and they’re straight beyond and below zero.

“The eagle has landed.”

Album Retrospect | Tags: Yeah Yeah Yeahs | 1 Comments | Album Retrospect: It’s Blitz | Posted by admin

Album Retrospect: The Last Kiss

May 5, 2009

Written By Kaia Karamoko

Jadakiss is the nastiest mixtape rapper. With that being said, pucker up! I suggest Jadakiss tries the kiss once again. Next time around kiss like you mean it.

Often times as Jadakiss fans, we expect the same “I’m the king of rap” fire he spits on his mixtapes. Unfortunately for us and Jadakiss, radio does not love undefined lyricism or blunt reality.

On The Last Kiss everything is too club-oriented, too soft enough for the ladies. I was waiting to hear the flow that usually makes my brain freeze and press rewind until my finger feels like I’ve been playing Sonic.

“Can’t Stop Me” is a Rocafella, New York banger. “Grind Hard” and “Cartel Gathering” is notable somewhat. The letter to big is heaven sent.

With all the non-Jada on Jadakiss’ album, I hope he breaks even somewhat. Shamefully, we only have Sound Scan to ask? Can I get a Hard Knock Life Tour 2009? I can not wait until the moment real Hip Hop, real rap, real music because the number one product of these pushers.

Album Retrospect | Tags: Jadakiss | No Comments | Album Retrospect: The Last Kiss | Posted by admin

Album Retrospect: Mims “Guilt”

April 28, 2009

Written By Kaia Karamoko

Ladies and gentleman, he tried. Mims has the right confidence but it appears there is nothing backing it up. So, then is it arrogance he possesses?

Shawn Mims says he’s hungry but what exactly has he been eating in the mean time? It can’t possibly be steak potatoes. Someone bright said “eat n*gg@/let it stick to ya rib.” Smart man, wouldn’t you say.

Guilt is the name of Mims second bout. What is he guilty about? Sorry for all the questions, much was left unanswered. He should be guilty about trusting that his ringtone, one hit wonder success could help him pull it off again. Mims does not stand out, period. His album cover art is insipid, up to the poorly chosen red, black plaid shirt—which is no lumber jack fit.

“Move” is a definite radio-stalker, club hopping joint. However, “Making Money” is a swagger jackling annoying. The title, “In My Life (Why O Why),” gives the illusion of substance but sorry folks. Ky-Mani Marley (“One Day”) and Letoya Luckett (“Love Rollercoaster”) could not bring life to Guilt. “On & On” tells us that Mims is not for beef, that he’s not scared. But I think he should be. Good competition, lyrical match-ups always make good creations. Creativity should not scare you.

Be brave and different and Mims, you might garner something more than ringtone success. Take off the glasses maybe some light will shine in that dark hallway your in.

Album Retrospect | Tags: mims | No Comments | Album Retrospect: Mims “Guilt” | Posted by admin

Album Retrospect: Gavin DeGraw “Free”

April 28, 2009

Written By Kaia Karamoko

Gavin Degraw wants us to believe that he took a chariot and has finally found his musical voice. In my interpretation, he is referring to freedom of expression. Such an expression attained musically does transcend.

I am not convinced.

Degraw’s voice introduced the CW’s “One Tree Hill” for many seasons. The acoustic version of “Belief” is one my favorites. Furthermore, “Chariot” was the platform that the world thought would give Degraw Grammy nominations for best new artist.

Notice I have mentioned only two previous tracks of 22, prior to the releasing of Free.

Free should be his clear headed post post-break up album. No pressure, except to free himself from the over production his sophomore album, “Gavin Degraw.”. But (insert pause here). There is something missing. Free sounds as if Degraw was tossed all the free, tranquil wannabe, play in a coffee house gimmick tracks there are over at J Records. Which to me gave him shackles not freedom.

Freedom and music are compatible but can not be masked by an “Indian Summer” that has snow covered cedars. “Why Do The Men Stray” is a terrible strange song about gender differences.

Degraw being free is not something acquired quickly. It takes time and focus. Chariot was released in 2003 and Gavin Degraw in 2008. Time was clearly there, but many fans were left unimpressed and hugely disappointed by Gavin Degraw. Obviously ten months is not sufficient either. I would plug into whatever gave us Chariot. Give your brother a ring; it’s always good to go home.

What is saddening is that Degraw has a strong voice. If paired with his original pen and an appropriate production team, fans will truly have something to believe in. Despite my harsh criticism, Free does have the some strong points. “Lover Be Strong” and “Stay” offers the earthy, take a bath Degraw voice and sound we love.

Album Retrospect | Tags: Gavin DeGraw | No Comments | Album Retrospect: Gavin DeGraw “Free” | Posted by admin

Album Retrospect: New Jack City II

April 24, 2009

In 2009, there is actually a sun that shines in Jack City. New Jack City II is the polar opposite of Wesley Snipes’ grime reality of being the boss of all bosses. Confused? You should be.

Bow Wow and Jermaine Dupri thought cleverly to entitle the album that marks their reunion as New Jack City II. This strange, newly coined term of endearment encapsulates the reconciliation of friends. In Bow Wow and Dupri case, there was “no” bad blood when they parted ways record label wise. So, this is the tale of friends remaining friends and making music once again—not friends becoming frenimies.

New Jack City II is the first time Bow Wow has ever musically received a parental advisory sticker. Yellow-smiley face elation is probably a poor example of expression considering he became Bow Wow in April of 2002. Has he really matured? I’m not referring to the maturation of an individual, but as an artist. Oddly, when Bow Wow is unleashed he only goes gold. When he keeps it clean and symphonic, he certifies his platinum status.

Too bad there is a “pole in the basement,” the T-Pain, Lil Wayne fusion is the best track, production wise on the album. “Pole in the Basement” is a superb southern produced joint by Drumma Boy (smart move). Many thought that “Marco Polo” featuring Soulja Boy would be on the album, but it did not make the cut. Mr. Radio Hit & Never Miss, T-Pain, is present on “She’s My.” “Roc The Mic” is Bow Wow and Dupri’s “stuntin’ like my daddy” tribute.

Any track is a potential radio hit and subsequently club bangers. This commercial wisdom proves his maturity as an artist.

The lack of lyrical growth may be of a disappointment, but Bow Wow makes up for it by making of the era music. Jermaine Dupri did is job by making sure certain collaborations were in place. He clutched features from T.I., Ron Browz, Nelly, Trey Songz and others. His production team was diverse featuring: J.R. Rotem, Swizz Beatz, Dj Khaled, Nitti, T-Pain, Bryan-Michael Cox, Allstar, DJ Toomp, Ron Browz, and No ID.

The first single “You Can Get It All” featuring Johnta Austin and Dondria. The second single “What They Call Me” featuring Nelly and Ron Brows.

New Jack City II doesn’t turn your brain to mush; it just has the wrong name. Thus far New Jack City II is Bow Wow’s lowest selling album.

Written By Kaia Karamoko

Album Retrospect | Tags: Bow Wow | 1 Comments | Album Retrospect: New Jack City II | Posted by admin

Album Retrospect: Rick Ross – Deeper Than Rap

April 22, 2009

The Rick Ross and friend’s version of “Mafia Music” should have made the cut. Preferably, squeezed in between tema uno and “Maybach Music 2” or at least offered as a gift as a bonus track.

I must admit that I was one of many Bison’s that booed Mr. Miami at Howard University Yard Fest. We have been wrong before.

“He’s not bigger than Biggie,” Ross states on “Yacht Club.” Who cares, at this point? Notorious’ spot is solidified. Ross is hungrily putting forth the effort to make a list. Maybe he’s not King, but damn close.

A rapper is supreme in my book based on his confidence and how well he can express his imperturbability. His coolness has to be raw. The creativity he or she possesses must provide a certain swagger that is not of the hackneyed nature. Honesty is important too. I ask how many Russell “Stringer” Bell characters are there?

Deeper than Rap is an earnest statement that many rappers endure once they transcend gold status. It is also the matchless response to 50 Cent’s ‘I’m rich and bored’ antics.

“Mafia Music” rides in clean, without a hook, with enough space to take verbal shots at 50. “Magnificent” featuring John Legend is sure make the ladies mysteriously rub on Ross’ tummy ensuing the Nelly-esque (think eagle meets white linen) dancing to coast until the end of this summer.

The Runners are to be extremely commended on the production of “In Cold Blood.” “All I Really Want” featuring The Dream is sure to make radio.

The DJ Toomp produced track, “Valley of Death” featuring Mary J. Blige is a gem to add to Hip Hop’s immaculate contribution to beautiful music. There is something in Mary’s soul that brings out the best in rappers and provides pure harmonic retrospection.

Rick Ross was clearly meticulous in regards to production by avoiding those that engage in vapid creation. Gripping Louis Sluggers the Inkredibles, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Tricky Stewart, The Runners, Drumma Boy, Bigg D and Dj Toomp provides the wizardry of the backdrop that landed Ross an almost spotless transition album.

Ross’ mishaps are tracks “Face” and “Murda Mami.” It is a well known fact that rappers must maintain the interest of the ladies. Albums will not move off shelves. However, don’t just carelessly throw estrogen into the pot. Both of these tracks despite the grotesque subject matter of “Face” and disappointing temperament of “Murda Mami” the Queen Bee would have constructed A-1 tracks.

Another lesson for Ross, if at all cost and possible never let another emcee upstage you. Nas’ to the point verse murdered him on “Usual Suspects” much like Jay-Z on the original “Maybach Music.”

No prime lyrics to mention. But that’s okay. “Mafia Music” gives us a glimpse of what Ross can do if he really puts his pen to it. Ross stay away from 50 Cent, he’s parasitic. His beef is the product of marketing schemes.

Ladies and gentleman cop Deeper than Rap. Deeper than Rap hit stores yesterday, Tuesday, April 21, 2009.

Written Kaia Karamoko

Album Retrospect | Tags: Rick Ross | 1 Comments | Album Retrospect: Rick Ross – Deeper Than Rap | Posted by admin

Album Retrospect: Keri Hilson – In A Perfect World

April 6, 2009

In a perfect world…what exactly? I am betting that the songs Miss Hilson discarded during the time it took to get ready for her original September 2008 release date to now, were all top notch hitters. It has been disclosed that about 90% of the track listing was changed.

Keri Hilson’s perfect momentum was murdered by the constant pushing back of her release date. I will be the first to say that the internet is an enigmatic virus when it comes to the music industry. Nevertheless, the mysterious nature of the Internet’s muscle and the fathering authority of record labels is no excuse for poor product. No excuse to settle for princess status as opposed to the queen. At least that’s the interpretation I received from her “Turnin’ Me On (remix).” I thought she was going for the gold or more preferred platinum.

In 2007, when Timbaland dropped “The Way I Are,” I was high off of helium. ‘When is her album coming out? Who is she?’ These are the questions I had in regards to Keri Hilson. I thought her style was different, dissimilar to Beyonce or Ciara. And after “Scream” was released I was truly pumped. We plug into those divas because their own inherent talents. Keri should want the same fan base.

Given her rap sheet of singer and songwriter, I was hoping for a female soldier to join the ranks of the Songwriter/Artist Movement. I was ready to hear track for track phenom. Keri is one part of the five person songwriters’ crew, The Clutch. She has written songs for Britney Spears and Mary J. Blige. Coincidentally, while preparing for this review I said she was like a black Britney Spears.

I think that In A Perfect World has too much collaboration to be a R&B debut. It lacks the energy that we all noticed back in 2007. This made me pose the following questions: Is she better off as a featured artist? Is she just a songwriter? Is In A Perfect World a victim of unfair circumstances?

Despite the aforementioned criticism I can tolerate “Energy,” “Change Me (featuring Akon)” and the radio ready “Knock You Down” featuring Kanye West and Ne-Yo.

There is no argument to whether or not she has the talent to secure a promising career. I would suggest Keri Hilson to demand complete creative control on her next project. Don’t let them change you. We want the woman who wore those fabulous wedges at her California album release party.

Written By Kaia Karamoko

Album Retrospect | Tags: Keri Hilson | No Comments | Album Retrospect: Keri Hilson – In A Perfect World | Posted by admin

Album Retrospect: J Holiday – Round 2

April 6, 2009

Written By Kaia Karamoko

J. Holiday would like us to rumble the sheets, once again. Will we fall asleep this time (in a good way)? Based on the song titles, it appears as if this time he prefers if we sat at the edge of the bed and discussed a few things.

Round 2 is a more mature approach to the love thang J. Holiday sang so eloquently in the back of his Cadillac (corny I know.) His first single “It’s Yours” declares that Mr. Holiday has switched cars. It’s still a Cadillac, but just not as much room in the back seat.

No more confessions of what he’s going to do in the bed. Holiday is deep in thought about the throws of love. He falls in love in the track, “Fall.” He pleads for his lover to stay all the while realizing he is the cause of her exit performance in “Don’t Go.” Rick Ross provides him with the perfect baritone on “Wrong Lover.” No more crooning or thug loving. J. Holiday has a different pitch and a new subject. Is it enough?

It seems that the strategy is, to make at best, two hot singles to ensure that the people come out in droves to support you. How good is this strategy in an internet driven environment?

I have said this before. There once was a time when mental conundrums occurred every musical season like clockwork. We just could not figure out which album not to buy. Nowadays, it’s different. With guilt on our conscious or not, many of us result to downloading individual tracks instead of purchasing whole albums.

Holiday doesn’t sound bad vocally but nothing on the album strikes a cord or mimics a thread count.

Album Retrospect | Tags: J Holiday | No Comments | Album Retrospect: J Holiday – Round 2 | Posted by admin

Album Retrospect – Heather Headley – Audience Of One

March 24, 2009

In 2006, this Trinidadian queen realeased In My Mind. The title track, “In My Mind,” was my collegiate morning soundtrack. I’m sure I drove my roommate insane. The soundtrack consisted only of this one song.

I was not experiencing relationship woes of any sort but it was something about this song that gave me the needed torque to weather any storms my professors decided to start.

Her voice is angelic, thus no wonder her appropriate congregation is an audience of one. This past January, Heather Headley released a gospel record. Yes, a gospel record entitled Audience of One. The album states cleary that it’s never too late to go home.

Many R&B artists often tip-toe to the other side of the railroad and give praise for the God give talents and other blessings. Whitney Houston and Michelle Williams have made positive contributions in the name of the Lord. Duke Ellington joined forces with Mahalia Jackson on the Sunday best, “Come Sunday.” Most recently on Mariah Carey’s The Emancipation of Mimi, featured “Fly Like A Bird.” The track had a spiritual tone despite the upbeat party and sultry love songs the album comprised of.

Audience of One doesn’r involve too much clapping, stumping, utterance of fancy living or false Holy Ghost spirit catching. Why Ms. Headley sings is written all over this album.

Production by Keith Thomas, who is known for his work with Whitney Houston and Yolanda Adams, served Headley well. It kept her light shining. Notable performances are “Hymn Medley” and “Running Back to You.” If you strangely did not know her at first, it will be hard to forget her after Audience of One. Smokie Norful gives his labelmate a fitting duet on “Jesus is Love,” a cover of The Commodores’ hit.

It will not take long before church choirs look to Audience of One to assist them in their hours of praise. Growing above a church makes for good gospel, music or otherwise.

Written By Kaia Karamoko

Album Retrospect | Tags: heather headley | No Comments | Album Retrospect – Heather Headley – Audience Of One | Posted by admin

Album Retrospect: India Arie- Love and Politics

March 24, 2009

India.Arie Testimony Vol 2: Love & Politics

Legendary KRS-One has always boasted about his lack of concentration on the strains of marketing. He proclaimed and proved consecutively that his craft originated from his origin and only as he saw fit.

The same can be said of India.Arie, down to her toe nail polish she transcends hackeneyed ideals. The proof is in the fabric both figuratively and literally. Many are not able handle her disregard of pop culture but it appears that such is the key for classics.

Testimony Vol 2: Love & Politics pure nature is what sets it apart from the rest. It is vocally, sonicallyzn sound as Ms. Arie intended her work to be. I have to be honest. Initially, I was one of the music heads that couldn’t stand her constant positive message or style of music. This was true up until the moment I heard “Ready For Love.” And as far as I was concerned all of her music should rock to that very beat.

My or our dreams have come true. Love & Politics is a conplete turn around [for me], that it not too pop, too R&B, or too India.Arie (if that makes sense after you read my next thought). It is different yet it is as inspiring as the “old” India.Arie.
The album portrays how disconnected dynamic of politics and love. India.Arie’s testimony delicately gives an in depth look through sound, the needed guidance between the two. The awkwardness arises because one’s landscape is supposedly straight and narrow (politics) and the other wild, rugged and without a manual (love). Such is perfectly conveyed through the array of both song title and subject. This balance beam action is heard in the juggling of topics like the ever-so Domino cause and effect of the loss of a real father and daughter relationship sung in “The Cure” and the fresh, yet all to ancient story of thr ghettoes of America and Africa in “Ghetto.”

Love & Politics exercises Arie’s talent outside of the guitar. The piano rifts in “Long Goodbye” are impressive. The sound is mature and properly produced. India.Arie also intelligently gambled with collaborations with Musiq Soulchild, MC Lyte, Terell Carter, Gramps Morgan, Dobet Gnahore and blues legend, Keb Mo.

“He Heals Me,” “Psalms 23,” “River Rise,” and “Long Goodbye” are sure to be favorites. Love & Politics is a great addition to Arie’s catalogue; an appropriate exploration to the emotions, vision, and lyrics painted in Testimony Vol 1: Life & Relationships.
The point is stop India.Arie’n, India.Arie.

Written By Kaia Karamoko

Album Retrospect | Tags: india arie | No Comments | Album Retrospect: India Arie- Love and Politics | Posted by admin

Album Retrospect: All I Ever Wanted

March 20, 2009

IIs Pop music dissolving?
It seems that every pop record mandatorily must fit perfectly to the landscape of J.Lo’s 1999 “Waiting For Tonight.” What is surely to follow is thousands of techno mixes.
Wrong! At least this is true for a few pop divas. True for the ones that can sing: Christina Aguilera, Jessica Simpson or Tiffany Evans. These famed few have the options of actually singing, singing as many different tunes as they want.

Kelly Clarkson has done this time and time again with songs “Behind These Hazel Eyes,” “Since You’ve Been,” “Because of You” and pretty much any track off of Breakway. The problem is Kelly has become Miss Dependent. She has become dependent on ghostwriters (Katy Perry has inked a few tracks) and OPP (other people’s personality).

I believe a real singer can sing just about anything. Hence, Kelly has tried it all and in tune. But amongst the guitar rifts and bright, neon strobe lights Kelly has lost sight of the multiplicity of her voice.

All I Ever Wanted makes you wonder as to what does Kelly really want. The title is not clarified. The production is weary. It defines why pop musicians are not taking seriously or at least the genre. Breakaway is still the quintessential album for the ladies who are/were fed up. I was far from needing musical therapy. Yet, it never failed, before “Beautiful Disaster” slowly crept through the speakers; I would find myself holding the closest thing resembling a microphone. Thus, the bar was set and we all expected her to continue to soar.
Kelly’s vocals have not changed nor weakened but her flight has become a bit loopy. No tracks recommended because I can’t remember any titles. I love Kelly’s music but All I Ever Wanted is just not my kind of December or should I say March.

Album Retrospect | Tags: Kelly Clarkson | 1 Comments | Album Retrospect: All I Ever Wanted | Posted by admin

Album Retrospect: Love vs. Money

March 14, 2009

The Dream jammed that the radio with banger after banger in 2007 and hasn’t looked back.

From inking songs for Rihanna “Umbrella” to J. Holiday’s “Suffocate,” the man has proven that musically he is diamond.

Love/Hate went gold dispelling that numbers do lie. The only way Love/Hate was not stimulating bedrooms, clubs and/or personal studio session (i.e. showers everywhere) was because the one corner of the Earth untouched by technology.

After a year of allowing us to recuperate from his musical green thumb. Radio Killer is at it again.

He has managed to devise exactly what the radio has been missing. The formula is simple math.

Double your initial ingredients to make more. Love vs Money is Love/Hate². Mr. Stewart said that “this album is just gonna be the first album on crack, basically.” Love vs Money provides the answer to why Christina Milian is one of The Dream’s good friends.

He knows exactly what the ladies want to hear. The nine second intro lures you in.
With his second track and first single “Rockin That Sh**,” he finished where he left off in ’07 with “Shawty is a 10.”

The track strategically gases up us ladies. Later to say that what ever she is doing got him “walking on the moon” featuring the one, the only Kanye West. Another notable collaboration is with MC. On “My Love” Mariah Carey as angelic as possible helps to deliver strong duet.

This time around however, the tracks her smooth. There’s alot of serenading going on.

You hear a dollop of Mr. R. Kelly. If track 13, Kelly’s 12 Play, has not given it away.

My suggestion is if you did not but on Tuesday, March 10 go out and buy it. Bring out the red dresses and Sean John Unforgivable. Pop it in and see what happens.

For the ladies sake, press repeat.

Album Retrospect | Tags: The Dream | No Comments | Album Retrospect: Love vs. Money | Posted by admin

Album Retrospect: Lily Allen It’s Not Me, It’s You

March 9, 2009

I don’t like it. It’s plausible that I raised the bar too high. She dropped a promising debut album, Still, an unblemished package that was sure to ignite her career.

Is it or is it not natural for a fan to want an artist to consistently progress and offer something new. At best I think it’s fair to want to buy your favorite artist, to brag to your friends how dope their music sounds. Such raving could cause persuasion of multiple purchases throughout a gajillion circle of friends. No wonder album sales are so ridiculously low.

Lily chose some heavy subjects to sing about. The album goes from family, deadbeat dads, insufficient lovers, prescription drugs, and back around the world again. The topics are intriguing except the lyrics are like water for content—too simple. It’s like she’s talking to me. Call me crazy but I would love to hear her sing about all of this stuff, but a little more stimulation.

It’s like the “Enter” key is jammed on her keyboard. Lily sometimes it’s okay to press backspace. The end of 2008 and the premiere months ’09 has been the musical focus for retrospection. I simply expected more from an artist who is not afraid to tell it like it is, who uses her music for therapy rather it is her own or otherwise.

Some critics will say that she covered every angle but I’m saying give me the riot every time.

There are some notable lines, which are plain as day shots at the skin driven industry. Such as “I’ll take my clothes off and it will be shameless, cuz everyone knows that’s how you get famous,” a dig from her single, “The Fear.” “Back To The Start” is to be applauded as well as “Not Fair.”

Don’t write Lily Allen off just yet because we all know that we’ve heard considerably shoddier second bouts. It seemed like in trying to have a more mature sound; it buried the best of Lily. Progression occurs naturally, so let it Lily.

Written By Kaia Karamoko

Album Retrospect | Tags: Lily Allen | No Comments | Album Retrospect: Lily Allen It’s Not Me, It’s You | Posted by admin

Album Retrospect: A Kid Named Cudi

February 12, 2009

Kid Cudi Man on the Moon

Written By Kaia Karamoko

It sounds like an air balloon, really high up in the air. And it’s weird, until you learn that Kid Cudi wants to live on the moon.

Kid Cudi presents to the world, Man on the Moon, duh! The sound is completely rare. No copy cats here. Clearly, Dot is a genius. Dot Da Genius is responsible for the beats that Kid Cudi gears his altitudinal lyrics to.

Kid Cudi comes off as that dude that you chill with on the couch. You laugh with Cudi, decipher intricate details about life with Cudi, you indulge conversation after conversation to one day learn that you to want to live on the moon too.

Kid Cudi, real name Scott Mescudi from Cleveland, OH is gorgeously influenced by rock as “Down & Out” squeezes its way in after the silly intro. From that point on it’s like a movie, unreal like the man on the Moon in 1969.

Cudi makes you wonder was John Legend really talking about essence of the herb on his hit record, “Let’s Get Lifted” on “Maui Wowie.”

Cudi borrows from already heard before beats (used by Common, Gnarls Barkley, and Grindhouse) but very eloquently on “Save My Soul,” “Cudi Spazzin’,” and “50 Ways to Make a Record.” However, the “sampling” does annoy the craft of music.

Cudi is witty and political. The record is very approachable, no high-tech tricks that makes you hide the CD behind what you really want to hear.

Ear-worthy tracks include “Is There Any Love?” featuring D.C.’s Wale, “Day & Night,” “Cudi Spazzin’,” “Cleveland Is the Reason,” “Whenever,” “50 Ways to Make a Record,” and “Save My Soul.”

My only complaint is that some tracks are ridiculously short as two minutes and three measly seconds.

Let’s follow Cudi to the Moon.

Album Retrospect | Tags: Kid Cudi | No Comments | Album Retrospect: A Kid Named Cudi | Posted by admin

« Newer Posts — Older Posts »
- - Disclaimer
    
    This is a blog/website that provides INFORMATION AND OPINIONS. Therefore ALL opinions here are based on observation by our authors.
    
    If you believe that any content appearing on My Mood is Music infringes on your material please email us at info@mymoodismusic.com with your contact info, the exact url where there is an issue, and a description of how your work has been infringed.
    
    Thank ya kindly.
  - Subscribe Via Email
    
    Enter your email address:
    Delivered by FeedBurner
  - Join us on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter!
    
    My Mood is Music on Facebook
  - Artists Who Love MMIM!
    
    Tabi Bonney
    
    M.I.M.S.
  - Upcoming Album Releases
    
    February 22, 2011
    Adele - 22
    
    March 1, 2011
    Marsha Ambrosius - Late Night, Early Mornings
    Lykke Li - Wounded Rhymes
    
    March 8, 2011
    Lupe Fiasco - LASERS
    Avril Lavinge - Goodbye Lullaby
    Raekwon - Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang
    
    March 15, 2011
    Travis Barker - Give The Drummer Some
    
    March 22, 2011
    Chris Brown - F.A.M.E.
    Jennifer Hudson - I Remember Me
    Gucci Mane - The Return Of Mr. Zone 6
    
    March 29, 2011
    Big Sean - Finally Famous: The Album
    Snoop Dogg - Doggumentary
    Wiz Khalifa - Rolling Papers
    
    May 3, 2011
    Musiq Soulchild - MUSIQINTHEMAGIQ
    
    May 10, 2011
    Raphael Saadiq - Stone Rollin’
    
    May 23, 2011
    Lady Gaga - Born This Way
  - When Leaving A Comment, Please Remember:
    
    1. Limit your comment to issues or topics related to the post.
    
    2. We don't mind you putting links to your blogs, websites, myspace page, etc. in the post just as long as you leave a comment.
    
    3. We prefer that you use the email to ask questions rather than posting it in the comment section.
    
    4. When posting a comment, please don't insult or criticize the other commenters' opinions just to prove your point.
    
    5. We have the right to approve or disapprove every comment posted on MMIM.
  - Recent Comments
    - remy jackson on New Music: Keri Hilson “Blind”
    - Talia Coles Music » My Mood is Music on Pictures: Trey Songz Love Faces Tour in DC
    - tani wypoczynek on Chris Brown and Tyga Fan of A Fan Tour
    - Nikki on Lyrical Analysis: Erykah Badu “Orange Moon”
    - captin cams on Nicki Minaj Gets New Release Date
  - Search for:
  - Interviews
  - Categories
  - Blogroll
  - Tags
    Alicia Keys Beyonce Chris Brown Chrisette Michele Ciara Common Diddy Drake Eminem Erykah Badu fabolous Jamie Foxx Janelle Monae Jay-Z Jazmine Sullivan John Legend Kanye West Keri Hilson keyshia cole Kid Cudi Lady GaGa Lil' Wayne Ludacris Lupe Fiasco Mariah Carey Mary J. Blige Maxwell Melanie Fiona Michael Jackson N.E.R.D. Nas Ne-Yo nicki minaj Raheem DeVaughn Rick Ross Rihanna Ryan Leslie The Dream The Roots TI Timbaland Trey Songz Usher Wale Young Jeezy
  - Archives

Disclaimer

Subscribe Via Email

Join us on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter!

Artists Who Love MMIM!

Upcoming Album Releases

When Leaving A Comment, Please Remember:

Recent Comments

Interviews

Categories

Blogroll

Tags

Archives