Underdog day: Remember Remember the 18^th of May!

May 18^th, 2010 marks the day of the Underdog in the music world.

First we have Kelly Rowland who has amazing potential and has released 2 albums that found mediocre success compared to her Group Destiny’s Child. Kelly Rowland will release her first single “Commander” produced by David Guetta, which has the Internet buzzing.

Up next is Kelis, the eclectic, former Star Trek First lady that showed much promise at the close of the 90’s with the single “Caught Out There”. Kelis 2^nd album  “Wanderland” was shelved in the U.S., but her 3^rd album created the monster single “Milkshake” which peaked on the billboard Hot 100. After the smash, came the decline where her fourth album “Kelis Was Here” failed to gain the same momentum as her predecessor. After the disappointment of support of her record label. It was reported that Kelis was going to give up music and become a chef. May 17^th marks the worldwide release date day for her 5^th album Fleshtone that includes the #1 Dance Single “Acapella”. Unfortunately, Fleshtone will not be available in the U.S till July 6th.

Finally, Kansas born Janelle Monáe, a new artist discovered by Outkast’s Big Boi. Janelle was signed to Big Boi’s Purple Ribbon Label and was featured on The Idlewild Soundtrack. During this era, Janelle’s material never saw the light of mainstream media. In 2007, Janelle took the leap into the underground indie circuit to produce the first EP of 4 Metropolis Suite I of IV: The Chase. It was reported that she was able to sell 10,000 copies of the EP on her own. After numerous tours, collaborations, and finding a home at Bad Boy, Janelle Monáe is set to release her first full-length LP The ArchAndroid: (Suites II and III of IV) on May 18^th .

So tomorrow everybody breakout your itunes, cash, and debit cards and go support these ladies tomorrow!

Tony

Twitter.com/tony3k

B.O.B – Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray – Release date April 27^th 2010

Rating 4 out of 5

“Airplanes” Featuring Hayley Williams of Paramore

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While his album dropped last week and he’s being forcasted to be #1 on the Billboard 200 this week, we just wanted to share a review of B.O.B “Adventures of Bobby Ray” because it’s just that damn good and 85,000 album sales are great, Bobby deserves to sell even more.

Off the top you instantly fall in love with this guy B.O.B aka Bobby Ray. He seems like the homie everyone is friends with. You know the guy next door. Imagine knowing this guy, then you find out he is super talented.  Armed with a smile, guitar, and a pen, Bobby Ray takes you on a journey through his life wearing his heart on his sleeve. While sliding in and out different styles of music effortlessly.

The key notable tracks are the second single emo-rap “Airplanes” Featuring Hayley Williams of Paramore and part 2 with Eminem,  southern-backpacker bop of “Past My Shades” featuring Lupe Fiasco. Bobby Ray soars when steps into the alternative side with “Don’t Let Me Fall “ and “Ghost in the Machine.”  Bobby Ray would not have been possible without the likes of Drake, Kid Cudi, and Cee-Lo but he does make a great addition to the singing/rapper platform. This album marks the beginning for B.O.B and serves a bright future ahead for Bobby Ray Simmons.

Tony S.

http://www.twitter.com/tony3k

Toni Braxton – Pulse Release Date May 4^th 2010

Rating: 3 out of 5

“Why You Won’t Love Me” – Track 11

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In Pulse, Ms. Toni Braxton returns from a 4-year hiatus. During her break, she experienced a great deal of events that occurred in her life since the last project. From her headlining show in Las Vegas to her son being diagnosed with autism, herself falling ill, and being separated from her husband Keri Lewis. You would believe going through these ups and downs in life, creating an album that is personal and heartfelt would be the right way to go. However, Pulse does not take advantage of creating a masterpiece.

Toni takes a leap into Pulse jumping in and out of different genres as if she’s an amateur American Idol contestant. However, Pulse does offer some favored songs. Some of the standout tracks include “Hands Tied” which is one of the singles of the double helping of Toni Singles we’ve heard during the past couple of months of promotion. Also the “kids” party anthem “Makes My Heart” offers a welcomed dance track to the album. “No Way” has the signature Toni Braxton sound and the best song on the project “Why You Won’t Love Me” which offers a look into what might have happened between her and Keri Lewis.

Toni fails when she leaves her comfort level like the journey into a country – pop venture in “If I have to Wait” and “ Looking at Me” which is an attempt to have a reggae infuse pop jam. The rework of “Yesterday” takes a sad and unfortunate turn of overproduction and then there’s the sleepy power ballad from the title track “Pulse”. Toni’s foray into these genres was never part of her signature sound, which leaves her listeners feeling like “what the F*ck was that???”

Tony S.

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/tony3k