Keyshia Cole - Point Of No Return ALBUM REVIEW

It's hard to believe that next year will make ten years since Keyshia Cole set foot into the R&B world. Seems like yesterday I was for the first time watching her video for "I Should Have Cheated". Her first big single from her debut album. It was Keyshia's brash attitude, good looks and the west coast hood in her that drew people close to her. She was certainly a change of pace compared to the other R&B divas who were out at the time. But it's more so what she says in her music when it comes to love and relationships. While it's a topic 98% of singers talk about, Keyshia tells in a way that everyone woman can seriously relate to. Especially when it comes to talking about "ain't shit niggas". This is one of the many reasons why her whole career she's often been compared to Mary J. Blige. Well now, nine years later, she's still doing what she does best. Speaking to/for the ladies in the hood making them all say "yasss" in agreement. This is her sixth album Point Of No Return. Although I never listened to any of her albums from start to finish, I pretty much already know what to expect from her. After listening, it's pretty much the same stuff being talked about that I told you before. However, it's clear that she's either going through a bad relationship or trying to get over a bad break up. You can tell from her words and her tone of voice that she is upset and distraught about it all. Let's find out what's going on. Here's the breakdown:

1. Intro (Last Tango)

Right off the back she tells you exactly what's going on. By telling him how she feels. Fed up with the way the relationship is going. How all they do is "fight, fuck then make up" as she says in the hook. This isn't the kind of relationship she wants but yet she doesn't want to leave him. I hear this story way too many times with females. But this was a good way to start off a drama filled album.

2. Heat Of Passion

Now it's starting to get intense. Over a very low distorted bass line beat, she just finds out about her man cheating and how she knows everything he has done with her. Where they had sex, where they been hanging out, all the money he's given her etc. You can feel the emotional anger in her on this song. Especially on the hook how it kinda sounds like she's threatening to kill dude. The added sounded effects of police sirens and 911 dispatchers gives it more of a dramatic feel as well. I can only imagine the number of women who went through something similar who are gonna cling quickly to this song.

3. N.L. U (featuring 2 Chainz)

In the opening I mentioned how she often talks about those "ain't shit niggas". Well...here it is. The acronym in the title means Niggas Like U. Pretty much self explanatory what's going on here. After two tracks with soft production it finally got to something a bit more faster and uptempo. My only issue is you guessed it...2 Chainz. Not that his verse was horrible (it wasn't great either) but why is he on this track. He did nothing for it and seemed out of place. Overall though it's a cool song despite what she's talking about.

4. Next Time (Won't Give My Heart Away)

The drama continues. Here she shares how much of a mistake it was to take this guy back who did her wrong, cheated on her and such. But no matter how much they fight or if they split up, she still loves him. Kinda what the intro was talking about. I gotta say her choosing this song as the first single is rather interesting. Is it because of all the songs this is the one that best reflects what she's been through? Thinking to share it with everyone by making it a single? I'm sure all these songs on this album has a lot to do with her but.....I don't know man. Women are so confusing. The song is cool.

5. Rick James (featuring Juicy J)

First of all, I could do nothing but laugh when I saw the title of this track. With the way this album is going I could only imagine what this was about. I was hoping it would be a change of pace and getting away from the drama but nope...it isn't. Now it seems like her and dude got into a physical fight. Well...either with him or the girl he was cheating with I can't really tell. But in the hook she talks about putting her feet up on his (or her) couch. Following it with "yeah bitch I'm Rick James". It's so funny because it seems she's getting humorous with it by using this Rick James reference. The song is alright but once again, another not-needed guest verse. Juicy J's verse does nothing for this. But again, it's an alright song overall. 

6. Do That For (B.A.B.) [BONUS TRACK]

This track here is pretty dope. Especially the beat. I'm a little surprised that it's a deluxe edition track. It's clear here that now she's starting to get over him and she's just doing her. Having fun. I kinda laugh hearing her talk all that thug shit at the end when talking about dude. It's weird because she actually sounded a bit like 2Pac when he used to go on his profanity laced rants. What I didn't like was her reciting that God awful "Boss Ass Bitch" song in the beginning. I was praying that wasn't what the "B.A.B." in the title stood for. It's still a dope song though regardless. I like it.

7. New Nu

We go from one good beat to an even better one. Much props to Mike Will Made-It on this hard hitting rap beat. Again like I said on the last song, she's doing her now and over dude, In fact this song talks about him trying to get her back by showering her with gifts. Not gonna work. She's moved on and on her "new shit" as the sample in the song says. Dope track and love the production.

8. She

Now for some controversy. This was the single that had Twitter going nuts. It's one of those songs that will fool you if you don't listen to the lyrics closely. It's clear by the lyrics that she's either embracing her new found lesbian side (singing about being with another woman. The "she" she's referring to), or, she's talking about a little..."self-loving" if you get my drift. Either way the song and the lyrics are sexy. This was also a surprising DJ Mustard beat. It's much slower and well...R&B sounding than what he usually does. A lot of women today are a little bi-curious so this song shouldn't be that big of a deal. They also like to "self-love" as well. Yeah...I'll just leave it a that. 

9. Believer

I guess this is the part of the album where the sexual tension builds. This song is nothing more than her serenading her man. Making love to him and catering to him the way he likes. Possibly the way she likes too. Nothing more to take away from it than that. I think this one has to grow on me some more.

10. On Demand (featuring Wale and August Alsina) [BONUS TRACK]

The second of two bonus tracks. This was the best song on the album as far as collaboration. While the other features were misses this one was done well. Wale drops two okay verses in the beginning and end and August shares the hook with Keyshia. Sounds single worthy if you ask me. The beat is a little flat for my taste however. With these kind of guest features I expected something more energetic and uptempo but it doesn't hurt the song too bad.

11. Love Letter (featuring Future)

While there were many unimpressive guest features on this album, none really made the song bad....until now. I honestly cannot even like this song like I want to thanks to Future and his half-assed singing. I swear he sounding like a dying animal when trying to hit those high notes. I don't know what Keyshia was thinking getting him on this song when she could have gotten an actual male singer who would have done one hundred times better than this fool. Not feeling it. 

12. Party Ain't A Party (Gavyn Rhone)

....and now where back to the drama. I was deceived by the song title I gotta admit. Nothing really going on here but her expressing to him that she's leaving despite the fact that he wants her to stay. We finally, after the bad rap guest features, get a good R&B feature from Gavyn Rhone. Making a pretty good duet. Cool song.

13. Remember Pt. 2

This is probably the one real slow ballad of the album. This is also the one song that kinda puts everything into perspective. It sounds like here that she's still upset about the break up, but she clearly still loves him and wishes things could have worked out better. But then she goes on to say that it just wasn't meant to be. Maybe. 

In closing, I thought the album was good. Keyshia Cole continues to show emotional pain through life situations, specifically relationships and make it so all the young women she reaches out to can relate. I give it a final grade of a B-. I think one of the main reasons so many women can relate to Keyshia Cole is because of her background. Where she's from. She comes from a similar struggle to most women out here and knows exactly what they're going through. Not just when it comes to men and relationships but everyday things. This is why she is six albums in and is still relevant because of her words. Yeah at times she comes off as aggressive, raunchy, "bitchy" or straight up hood, but that's just the emotions in my opinion. I honestly think she is someone to look up to if you're a young woman. No doubt. End.

Final Grade: B-

CREDITS

Executive Producers

Keyshia Cole

Manny Halley

Lead Artist

Keyshia Cole

Production

Tim Kelley

Marcus White

Antwan Thompson

Jerrol Wizzard

Troy Taylor

Larry Griffin Jr.

Mark Landon

Roahn Hylton

Andre Parker

Michael Williams

Marquel Middlebrooks

Dijon McFarlane

Priese Lamont Board

Mikkel Eriksen

Tor Erik Hermansen

John Webb Jr.

Patrick Hayes

Collaboration

Tauheed Epps

Jordan Houston

Olubowale Akintimehin

August Alsina

Nayvadius Wilburn

Gavyn Rhone

Label

Interscope Records

Mic's Mixtape Of The Week

Ty Dolla $ign

Sign Language

Available now on Datpiff

Mic's Web Chick Of The Week

Alisha Marie

Baltimore, MD

Twitter/Instagram: @_naturalbeauty2     

Copyright 2014. Mic Navarro's Corner.

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Chris Brown - X ALBUM REVIEW

Right now, if you start a conversation about Chris Brown, you'd probably get a lot of mixed of opinions about him. He's pretty much become a love him or hate him type of person. Hasn't always been like that though. Despite all the controversy, all the relationship drama and all the anger issues, you can't deny that Chris Brown, for the last nine years has been one of R&B and hip hop's most talented singers and performers. Countless chart topping hits, countless awards, high album sales you name it. It seems that no matter the situation he goes through, he still manages to do what he does best and that put out quality music. Here he is with X. His sixth album. Now honestly, I've never heard a full Chris Brown album. Just bits and pieces. His last album Fortune I never got to hear at all. So I didn't have any kind of expectation for this. I thought this album was just a barely average project. It seems Chris Brown has really embraced this whole uptempo/pop/dance style and embraced it hard. Majority of the production centers around that. Even the more somber and emotional songs. Also of course, what's a CB album without a bit of relationship drama. Which he has seen plenty of and talk about on here. Anyway, here's the song breakdown: 

1. X

The album starts off with what Chris has been doing a lot of lately. Genre blending. This song starts off as a R&B track, calm and slow. Then the beat switches to hip hop as he gets more aggressive with his vocal tone. The producer Diplo did a pretty good job with it. As far as the meaning, it can be interpreted in different ways. I see it as him showing a bit of maturity. He talks about how he's now blocking out all negativity. Avoiding it. How he's stop hanging with the wrong crowd, how he's avoiding girl drama and such. An okay way to start the album I suppose.

2. Add Me In

This is a fast uptempo flash dance sounding track. You can most definitely hear the Michael Jackson influence in this. Not only in sound but even in the vocals. He even does those little sudden breaths that MJ used to do. However this song lyrically was poor. He uses math references and metaphors to try to attract a female. The one he said in the opening line was cringe worthy: "your body is an isosceles and I'm just tryna try angles". Horrible. The song overall is just not my cup of tea.

3. Loyal (featuring Lil Wayne and Tyga)

An argument can be made that this was by far the biggest hit record of 2014. So big that the hook became one of the years most popular phrases. "These hoes ain't loyal". From t-shirts to internet memes, it was everywhere. The first time I heard this song I thought it was cool and catchy but after endless radio spins it's now become a major headache. I do prefer to hear this version of it with Tyga instead of French Montana version where he does nothing but steal Jay-Z's whole verse. It's a fun song for everyone whether it's the fellas that can relate or the women who hate it. 

4. New Flame (featuring Usher and Rick Ross)

Single #2. Much like "Loyal", this too is becoming quite a headache because of all the radio play. Although this is the first time Chris and Usher have ever collaborated, am I the only one that feel like this song could have done without Usher? Not that he was bad but this song has too many people on it considering the songs sound and content. It feels like a remix. Rick Ross was enough. But whatever. The song is rather average to me but it's understandable why many like it.

5. Songs On 12 Play (featuring Trey Songz)

When I first saw this song listed, I thought it wouldn't be nothing but another generic panty wetter for the ladies. Turns out this song was that plus more. This was basically this generations two most popular male singer coming together to salute the man and the album that paved the way. Chris and Trey sings about making love to this album while naming various tracks from that album. I thought it was pretty cool. Nice tribute song.

7. Drown In It (featuring R. Kelly)

Well, it's only fitting that the very next track features the man himself. Now my early perception of this was the same as "Songs On 12 Play". Well...turns out that's exactly what it is. A panty wetter. Shouldn't be too much of a surprise considering the song title. Anyway, it's just your typical bedroom banger. Nothing special. Spend a night with a female, put this on and have fun.

8. Came To Do (featuring Akon)

What's with all of these duets with male singers on this album? Looking a little suspect right now Chris. Anyway, this song is kinda cool. Well...production wise anyway. Nic Nac, who also did "Loyal", does a good job here. You can also hear some DJ Mustard influence in the beat too. The big issue here is the repetitive hook which you all know I hate. Also I don't know if Akon was the right person for this song. Could have used a rapper. On a album that has numerous singles, I'm shocked this isn't one of them.

9. Stereotype

Okay...now begins the drama. It took a few listens but when you listen close to the lyrics, he's clearly talking about a relationship that went sour. Blaming it on the girl. Talking about how he thought she was different but she's just like the rest. Another "stereotype". I can help but think there's only one person he could possibly be talking about. I'm not even gonna mention her name. Y'all know. What's crazy is the production is very clubby and dancy. Giving off a happy feel as if he's happy about coming at her like this. Or just happy to be moved on from her. A part of me laughs because a lot of the stuff he says about her, while it might be true, could also be said about him. But I won't go no further into that. That's none of my business.

10. Time For Love

Nothing special going on here. Just another uptempo genre blending dance track. It's a lot of that going on on this album. But again, another repetitive hook. He's certainly slacking in that department. At least on this album he is. A barely average track overall. 

12. Autumn Leaves (featuring Kendrick Lamar)

One of the years more anticipated collaborations. I'm a bit surprised at how emotional and mellow this track is. I expected to go a total different way. But anyway this is just another example of Kendrick giving a song more life with his incredible poetic lyricism. Not easy to do on the very calm and breezy beat (pun intended). Had Chris not got him on here it probably wouldn't be as enjoyable. Probably the only song on the album saved by the guest artist.

13. Do Better (featuring Brandy)

After the success these two had with the hit song "Put It Down" from a few years ago, they had to do it again. This time around things are a bit more serious. This is another one of those male singer/female singer duets where they portray a couple expressing feelings to one another. Only this time they talking about their bad break up and how they regret it. It's a okay song if you like these kind of duets. Not as good as "Put It Down" but it's okay.

14. See You Around

Here he's going through another emotional break up. Although this sounds more like his current situation which I'm not gonna even get into. But yet again, he pours out emotion on another uptempo dance beat. Why not a more emotional production choice? That was another error with this album. I think he's way too attached to that sound now. 

15. Don't Be Gone Too Long

....and the uptempo pop madness continues. Apparently this track features Ariana Grande who you can clearly hear in the background vocals. But yet she's not credited on the album. Don't understand the issue there. Whatever the case, this sound is really getting old and predictable now.

16. Body Shots

On an album where majority of the production was either average or poor, this one stands out. Much props to Razihel on the production. This could also be a huge club record with a sound like this. Especially what he talks about in the song. Drinking and taking shots. Pretty good song overall. 

17. Drunk Texting (featuring Jhene Aiko)

Another much anticipated collabo and I gotta say, it's a pretty damn good one. The two talk about a late night where they are beyond drunk and texting their lover some things they might regret the next day. Now I'm sure a lot of you can certainly relate to this. How fitting that this comes right after a song called "Body Shots". The beat on this was dope as well. How crazy that the last track (unless you have the deluxe edition) is probably the best song on the album. 

Overall, from a full R&B stand point, this album is just average at best. Mediocre pop beats, excessive genre blending, and just messy lyrics. Like I said this is apparently the route Chris Brown is gonna go with his music now and I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not based on this. I give this a final grade of a C.  Well like I said in the beginning, love him or hate him, you can't deny his talent. Regardless if he's singing, rapping or dancing. He is one of music best entertainers today. Now we will see where this new sound blending thing takes him. Could be good could be bad. Hopefully it does goes good. Last thing he needs right now is to make more bad decisions. End.

Final Grade: C

CREDITS

Executive Producers

Christopher Brown

Mark Pitts

Lead Artist

Christopher Brown

Production

Thomas Pentz

Nathan Hills

Nicholas Balding

Justin Johnson

Melvin Hough II

Rivelino Wouter

Robert Kelly

Jean Baptiste

Darhyl Camper

Leon Youngblood Jr.

Jonathan Solone-Myvett

Scott Hoffman

Joseph Bereal

Nicolo Arquilla

Daniele Autore

Tommy Brown

Steven Franks

Tranell Simms

Collaboration

Dwayne Carter

Michael Stevenson

Usher Raymond IV

William Roberts

Tremaine Neverson

Robert Kelly

Aliuane Thiam

Kendrick Duckworth

Brandy Norwood

Jhene Chilombo

Onika Maraj

Label

RCA Records

Mic's Mixtape Of The Week

Ty Dolla $ign

Sign Language

Available now on Datpiff

Mic's Web Chick Of The Week

Alisha Marie

Baltimore, MD

Twitter/Instagram: @_naturalbeauty2     

Copyright 2014. Mic Navarro's Corner.

micnavarro.blogspot.com

Jhené Aiko - Souled Out ALBUM REVIEW

Who is she? Where did she come from? In the last few years, you've heard her angelic voice either on the hook or in the background of numerous hip hop songs. Collaborating with everyone one from Kendrick Lamar, to Drake, to Childish Gambino, to Common and so on. Meet Jhené Aiko. Technically speaking she not "new". She's been in the music industry for close to a decade. But as of late, she has become the new "it" girl in R&B. Her gorgeous looks, her calm and mellow demeanor and her overall laid back down-to-earth ora instantly pulled people in. Including myself. So it's easy to understand the overwhelming anticipation for this. Her major label debut Souled Out. Late last year she dropped an EP titled Sail Out which pretty much propelled her further into the spotlight. One of the songs featured on it was "The Worst", which was one of this years biggest R&B hits. I myself thought the EP was fantastic. I mean there's no way she could top that right? Wrong! This album is just as fantastic if not more. Everything from Jhene's vocals, to her lyrics, to the outstanding production just made this album so enjoyable on all levels. She gives us a perfectly done concept album chronicling her journey from sadness and depression to happiness and joy. Which explains why the album cover kinda shows her ascending from darkness to the light. It's an album filled with tons of story and emotion and will move you. Here's the song by song break down:

1. Limbo Limbo Limbo

Like any story telling concept album, she starts off by taking you back to the beginning. Detailing (in third person) how her life then was nothing but an emotional roller coaster. She describes it in the hook as her "life being on a ride". Then she gets into talking about a guy I'm assuming she was involved with and how he's changed into something he wasn't before and how much she hates it. I loved the slow drums and the bass on this production. Well produced by Dot Da Genius. This was a great way to start this album. 

2. W.A.Y.S.

This is pretty much a dedication to her brother who passed away. She talks about an angel that comes to her at night and tells her to basically fight off all the negativity and the evils around you because things are gonna get better. Your future will be brighter. Again, another outstanding production with dope crashing, echoing drums. Very powerful song. (FYI: The title is an acronym that stands for "why aren't you smiling?". A saying her brother always used to tell her).

3. To Love & Die (featuring Cocaine 80s)

When a woman is head over heels in love, no telling what she may do or say. That's the message I get here from this song. She talks about fighting until the death to get "his" love and affection. In the hook she says "where I'm from we live by the love die by the love". Which is a play on the saying "live by the gun die by the gun". I really loved the dark hypnotic sounds of this production. It kinda gives you that trippy feel. I also like the little sampling she did of 50 Cent's "Many Men (Wish Death)". Definitely one of my favorites.

4. Spotless Mind

I like the very relaxed, tropical island vibe this gives off. Like your just laying in a hammock basking in paradise. Anyway, this song finds herself in a day dream where she talks about different places of love she's visited. Calling herself (and him) a wanderer in the hook. Quite fitting seeing as how this song does make you feel like your in some sort of dream state. I like it.

5. It's Cool

I have to give major props to No I.D. He put in foot into this album with the production. Seriously. This has a vintage smooth jazz sound to it that sounds excellent. Here she talks about a guy who at first she only had a sexual attraction for but in grew into fully falling in love with him. To the point where she's always thinking about him and showing up to his door all the time and so on. Sounds like she's thirsty to me. But overall this is a good song to. I'm sure plenty females will relate to this struggle.

6. Lyin King

Right when I read the title I already knew what this would probably be about. Some "ain't shit nigga" she used to be with that treated her wrong. I was right. Apparently dude lied to her, played too many games and was just straight up immature. Another one females will strongly relate to. Another great song despite the male bashing.

7. Wading

This has another one of those slow, dreamy "bedtime" beats that just relaxes you. Judging by the lyrics, she's talking about a guy who's interested in her but is too afraid or intimidated to approach her. So she just lowly drifts away from him. Once again another relatable topic. Cool song.

8. The Pressure

This hand down my favorite beat on the entire album. It's the only one that has a true hip hop sound. Much props to Fisticuffs on the production. It's a bit hard to make out what she' talking about here. Seems to me like she's discussing the pressure of keeping it real with her significant other. Or in relationships in general not just her. As pretty and sweet as she is, let's not forget she's from Los Angeles and I just love how she flexes her gangsta in the lyrics: "major weed smoke in the air/pass it like you just don't care/have you seen my fucks to give/I have none I cannot live with". Love it. 

9. Brave

This was a pretty cool song. The acoustic-like guitar on here is dope. She sings as if she's speaking to her man. Telling him that she's not perfect and she can be difficult to deal with. In short, he's a brave man for stepping up, being a man and just deal with it because the love is so strong. A bit complicated to understand at first but it makes sense after a few listens. Good to see a woman admitting her flaws when it comes to relationships. Not many like to. Anyway this song was cool.

10. Eternal Sunshine

It took me a minute to jump on this song mostly because it's a bit difficult to make out what she's discussing here. However, I do like the enchanting pianos on the beat. Sounds very soulful and spiritual. Nice song overall.

11. Promises (featuring Miyagi and Namiko)

I can guarantee you no song on this album will touch your heart more than this one. This song is a dedication and/or message to her late brother Miyagi and her daughter Namiko. She begins talking to her daughter telling her how much she always misses her when shes away and just basically tells her that she will always be there for her to protect her and keep her safe. Just a loving message from a mother to her little girl. If that wasn't enough, her daughter actually sings on the hook. It's rather...adorable. Then she begins talking about her brother and how much she and her daughter misses him so much. You can just feel the strong love and emotion in this song. If you're a very emotional person it might be enough to make you break down and shed a tear. Absolutely beautiful song.

12. Pretty Bird (freestyle) (featuring Common)

This song closes out the album in perfect fashion. It basically describes her as a pretty song bird finally being free and flying into the sky. Free from all the pain, heart break and depression. She has made it. Common's spoken word-like verse really brings it to home towards the end. It's a great song and a great way to end such a triumphant album and story.

Overall, I absolutely loved this album. It's the best R&B debut maybe since Frank Ocean's Channel Orange. The overall radiant and spiritual vibes of this album just makes you fall in love with it. I give it a final grade of an A+. Jhené Aiko is most certainly a breath of fresh air not just to R&B but to music as a whole. Her lyrics, her voice, her topics. There's just not many others in the industry like her at all. Between this album and Sail Out I have indeed become a fan. This without a doubt is a start to what I believe could become a legendary career. I don't throw that L word around often but in this case, there's just no other way to describe it. She is without a doubt, in every way, a living angel. I hope she's here to stay. End. 

Final Grade: A+

CREDITS

Executive Producers

Jhené Chilombo

Ernest Wilson

Ketrina Askew

Lead Artist

Jhené Chilombo

Production

Ernest Wilson

Oladipo Omishore

Brinton Ewart

Stephen Bruner

Michael Volpe

Brian Warfield

Mac Robinson

Dwane Weir II

Collaboration

James Fauntleroy

Svein Berge

Torbjorn Brundtland

Lonnie Lynn

Label

Artium/Def Jam Recordings

Mic's Mixtape Of The Week

Lil Bibby

Free Crack II

Available now on Datpiff

Mic's Web Chick Of The Week

Sneakerz

Los Angeles, CA

Twitter: @ladyyngredLMKR

Instagram: @yo_facee

Copyright 2014. Mic Navarro's Corner.

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Jeezy - Seen It All: The Autobiography ALBUM REVIEW

Trap music. Trap beats. It's been the new wave in hip hop at least for the last half a decade or more. But there's one thing that's always troubled me. The one man that made trap beats popular when debuting in 2005 gets no credit for it to this day. That man is Jeezy. Mostly known for his drug rap, his tales of the come up and his signature ad-libs, it's the trap music sound that made him what he is today. In fact, it's the one reason why his debut album, Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101, is considered a classic to some including me.  Since then Jeezy has been the leading voice in the south's trap rap division. Here he is with album number five. Seen It All: The Autobiography. Coming off his fourth album, 2012's TM 103: Hustlaz Ambition, I expected nothing really but him to continue doing what he does best. As he did on that album. This time around, nothing has changed as predicted. I thought this album was a pretty good listen. Like I said, Jeezy is not someone that changes or switches up what he does. Nor does he experiment with sounds or anything like that. It's the same thing with him. Trap beats, coke rap, tales of struggle and hood survival, achieving success, enjoying the limelight and so on. One thing that does stand out about this album though is the fact that you can definitely hear the growth and maturity in Jeezy. You can tell from his words and emotions that he's learned so much and has matured a ton. It's probably why he decided to drop the "young" in his name. Anyway, here's the song by song break down:

1. 1/4 Block

Well to no surprise, this album begins in typical Jeezy fashion. Coke rap. Like I said this has been his M.O. since day one. It's why he's called the snow man. Anyway this is cool I suppose. He's had better intro songs but this wasn't bad. Sounds awesome in your vehicle as does majority of this album.

2. What You Say

This one is pretty cool too. Again, nothing special or new. More of that street thuggery over a cool trap beat. Another one to rattle your trunk too.

3. Enough

One thing that always found cool about Jeezy is how much of a motivator he is. He always try to uplift those going through a struggle and teach them how to make it out of that. This song is about that. He tells you in the hook things you can achieve or become "if you work hard enough". Definitely a cool song and another cool motivational message. Thug motivational that is. 

4. Holy Ghost

On this track, it appears Jeezy is doing a lot of deep thinking. He talks about some of his biggest regrets and mistakes. Along with that, he's also addressing a former friend of his about the wrong he did and how it effected their friendship. At first listen it sounds like a subliminal diss but it seems as though Jeezy is deeply upset about the whole ordeal. Either way this is good track. I'm sure I'll come back and do some investigating on the story behind this song.

5. Me OK

If there's one rapper/producer pairing in the south that's a cut above the rest it's without a doubt Jeezy and Drumma Boy. These two have been making magic together since Thug Motivation 101 and it continues here. One of the best beats on the album and definitely the best trap beat on here. I even thought the hook was one of the best despite all the braggadocios attitude he throws all over it. Dope song.

6. Been Getting Money (featuring Akon)

After the success these two had on the hit record "Soul Survivor", it was only right Jeezy called upon Akon again to make another hit. Although not as good, this is still a pretty dope track. Again, like the last song, Jeezy's braggadocios comes to play as he boasts about his money and how he been getting it since day one. This was very well produced by Childish Major as well. Dope beat and a dope song.

7. Seen It All (featuring Jay-Z)

I gotta admit, for this to be the lead single, it's rather weak. Not weak in general but too weak to be a single. There are other songs on here that would have made much better singles that this. The song itself however isn't that bad. The beat is pretty cool (especially the flute playing). This almost sounds very similar to "The Devil Is A Lie". The Rick Ross song that also features Jay-Z. Anyway, it's a good song overall, just not good enough to be a single.

8. Win Is A Win

Only being a minute and a half long, this is pretty much an interlude. That's kinda disappointing seeing as how this sounds like it could have been a good song if it was a full song. Once again, he's reflecting back on some bad situations he was in the middle of regarding close friends of his. I wish I knew the story behind everything he's talking about on this album regarding that. But I guess this song is okay for what it is. 

9. Beautiful (featuring The Game and Rick Ross)

This is probably the one song on the album that totally missed it's potential. Now that doesn't mean it's a bad song, it's just missed what it was trying to go for. They all describe things in life they see as beautiful. From women, to cars, to houses, to clothes. You know...all that materialistic stuff. This actually could have been a dope concept song if Jeezy gave this more thought. But then again...Jeezy isn't that type of rapper. The song is okay overall. Just wasted potential in my opinion.

10. Beez Like (featuring Lil Boosie)

Here's another one of those "thug motivational" tracks. But this one is a little different. He goes about teaching the young thugs and gangsters how to stack their money up through the street hustle game. Based on what he knows from experience. Also, I'm not a fan of Boosie at all, but this is probably one of the best guest verses he has ever done. At least that I've ever heard. Cool song though.

11. No Tears (featuring Future)

Remember when I said there were songs more worthy of being singles? This is one of them. First of all, it's produced and produced well by Mike Will Made-It. Who's been doing his thing with producing these radio hits. Then Future, despite my dislike for him, does a pretty good job on the hook and doesn't over do it. Now you may say it wouldn't make a good single considering the content (talking about overcoming all the hardships, pain and struggle in his life and career) but the beat and Future's hook changes that logic. I'd give it a shot a radio play myself. We'll see what happens.

12. How I Did It (Perfection)

This album closes out with what sounds like Jeezy just giving us a quick breakdown of how he got here. Sharing a couple stories from his days in the streets, the beginning of his rap career and where he is now. He shares with you how he perfected it all. Everything he's done and everything he has succeeded in. Kind of a good way to close out and overall solid album. 

In closing, I thought this album was pretty good. Solid work. Jeezy hasn't missed yet with one of these albums and it doesn't look like he will anytime soon. I give this a final grade of a B. The hood, the streets, the trap. It needs Jeezy and Jeezy needs it. He's been the motivational speaker for them for nine years now and shows no sign of stepping down from that title. While he continues to rap about the drug game, his riches and success, he fully understands where he came from and knows it was not easy making it to where he is now. He also understands the struggle of those going through what he went through which is why he reaches out to them every time in his music. It's for this reason that makes me a fan of his. Hip hop needs more dudes like him. Motivators. Or in this case...thug motivators. End.

Final Grade: B

CREDITS

Executive Producers

Jay Jenkins

Kyambo Joshua

Shakir Stewart

Lead Artist

Jay Jenkins

Production

Don Cannon

Christopher Gholson

Michael Williams

Frank Dukes

Lyle LeDuff

Ernest Wilson

M. Randall

B. Forest II

Collaboration

Aliuane Thiam

Shawn Carter

Jayceon Taylor

William Roberts

Torrence Hatch

Nayvadius Wilburn

August Alsina

Label

CTE World/Def Jam Recordings

Mic's Mixtape Of The Week

Lil Bibby

Free Crack II

Available now on Datpiff

Mic's Web Chick Of The Week

Sneakerz

Los Angeles, CA

Twitter: @ladyyngredLMKR

Instagram: @yo_facee

Copyright 2014. Mic Navarro's Corner.

micnavarro.blogspot.com

Ariana Grande - My Everything ALBUM REVIEW

Is she R&B? Is she Pop? Is she both? While these questions can be asked for dozens of singers, when it comes to the new crop of singers, I find myself often asking these questions about Ariana Grande. Regardless of what genre you categorize her, it's easy to see why she is one of the industry's most popular new comers in the last thee years. Like a few notable artists (especially among the young pop singers), she got her start on television through the show Victorious on Nickelodeon. That's how many people knew of her before hand. But with the good start that her music career has already taken, she'll soon be known as just a singer. This is her sophomore album My Everything. Last year she made her debut with the album Yours Truly. An album that unfortunately I was never able to review. I regret that because I heard it and it was a pretty good album for a debut. This time around it's the same thing. Another good project. You get a bit of everything from this album. Some hip hop, some R&B, some pop/dance, some funk, even a bit of jazz. The production is the biggest stand out by far. Probably the best production of any R&B album I've heard this year. What's really amazing is how her beautiful voice (which also is very strong for a petite 21 year old) is able to go so perfectly with all these sounds. Killing every high note she sings. True talent right there. Here now is my song by song breakdown:

1. Intro

Nothing special here. Just a few lovely vocals to start the album off with.

2. Problem (featuring Iggy Azalea)

I've actually liked this song since I first heard it on the radio. It's the beat that truly sells it. It's the perfect bend of a hip hop/dancy pop beat. Iggy Azalea's verse is one of the best I've ever heard from her as well. Just a overall catchy and addicting song.

3. One Last Time

This was an okay song. It has these African drum like sound and sped up tempo. Kinda sounds something like Drake and Rihanna's song "Take Care". I can't say much else on it but like I said it's okay. May be fun for some people to dance to as well. 

4. Why Try

This song perfectly shows why myself and many others compare her to Mariah Carey. This sounds so much like vintage Mariah. Here she sings about the struggles of a relationship (the arguing, the fighting etc) and how she still wants to stay because the love is that strong. This, as well as many other topics on this album I'm sure is very relatable for most women. Especially the ones that are madly in love.

5. Break Free (featuring Zedd)

This is the albums second single and it's another cross blend of pop and dance. It's songs like this that confuses me as to what genre to put her under. Regardless, it's a okay song. Not really my cup of tea but I can understand why a lot of people like this. 

6. Best Mistake (featuring Big Sean)

Well...this is certainly one collaboration that I'm sure no one is surprised to see. Considering the recent news of these two dating and all. Anyway, this is actually a pretty good song. Clearly they're talking to each other. Ariana calls him "the best mistake she's ever made" and how she pretty much can't let him go. Meanwhile Sean shares his love for her right back and where he sees them in the future and things. It's a rather well..."cute" song. Wouldn't be surprised if this becomes a single. This will most likely be the first of many songs they will do together. 

7. Be My Baby (featuring Cashmere Cat)

I swear there are so many single worthy songs on this album and this is another one. It's also another favorite beat of mine on here. Props to Benny Blanco and Cashmere Cat on the production. Nothing much else to say about it. She showing affection to a guy that she really likes. Not on some thirsty shit but more on some high school crush type of shit. It's a cool song. 

8. Break Your Heart Right Back (featuring Childish Gambino)

Pay back is a bitch. That's pretty much the underline moral of this song. Getting your heart broken but breaking theirs right back in the same way they did. I myself don't agree on handling the situation like that but hey...to each his own. Gambino gets on a drops some dope lines in typical Childish Gambino fashion ("I'm a G from the A", "flow so gross my nickname school lunch"). This was one of my favorites on the album definitely. 

9. Love Me Harder (featuring The Weeknd)

This one I'm still kinda on the fence about. The production is okay but I'm really not sure if The Weeknd was the person to put on this song. He doesn't really mesh too well with this pop sounding production. It wasn't awful but it just was too enjoyable in my opinion. Some will like though I suppose. 

10. Just A Little Bit Of Your Heart

This is the first of two R&B slow ballads. Great vocals over mostly pianos. This sounds like a song that I personally would like to hear performed live. It just really amazes me how her voice can go so well with such a variety of beats. Nice song here. 

11. Hands On Me (featuring A$AP Ferg)

Ariana Grande and A$AP Ferg? This is probably the most bizarre pairing I've seen all year. However this is another favorite of mine. This is solely because of the outstanding beat well produced by Darkchild. Nothing against Ferg (he did what he was supposed to do on a song like this I guess) but there a so many other rappers I would have put on this song and beat that would have sounder a hundred times better. Also, again, another single worthy track. But I hope this becomes one more than the others. 

12. My Everything

The second of the slow R&B ballads. Pretty much the same thing going on here as the last one. Soft but great vocals over mostly pianos. Although it's only a two and a half minute track, it's a great way to end the album off on a beautiful note.

13. Bang Bang (featuring Jessie J. and Nicki Minaj) [BONUS TRACK]

If you tuned in to this year's MTV VMA's then you caught a glimpse of this song as these three ladies performed it together. The sound this gives off actually sound a bit throwback. Like this song could have came out in any era. 80's, 90's doesn't matter. Nicki and Jessie were the perfect people to put on this high energy track. They mesh very well with each other. Cool collabo, cool song. 

14. Only 1 [BONUS TRACK]

I don't really understand why this is a bonus track. This would have went perfectly with the main album. Especially this production which has been solid up to this point. This is probably my favorite out of the three bonus tracks.

15. You Don't Know Me [BONUS TRACK]

On an album chock full of dope beats, this was probably my least favorite. It kinda sounds rushed in comparison to the rest of the album. But luckily it's a bonus track so it's not too much of a concern. 

Overall, this was a enjoyable listen and a good sophomore album from Ariana Grande. Whether it's R&B or pop, you can't argue that this was one of the best listens this year out of both genre's. I give this a final grade of B+. You certainly cannot deny this young ladies talent. She to me has a once in a lifetime voice. She sounds perfect in all genres dealing with singers. She definitely has potential to be the next Mariah Carey as some people are saying. At only 21 years old, she has a long career ahead of her. I personally think we have a star in the making. Without a doubt. End.

Final Grade: B+

CREDITS

Executive Producers

Ariana Grande-Butera

Scott Braun

Wendy Goldstein

Lead Artist

Ariana Grande-Butera

Production

Max Martin

Ilya Salmanzadeh

Peter Carlsson

Rami Yacoub

Carl Falk

Savan Krotecha

Giorgio Tuinfort

Ryan Tedder

Benjamin Levin

Noel Zancanella

Dwane Weir II

Peder Losenegard

Magnus Hoiberg

Andrew Wansel

Warren Felder

Ali Payami

Peter Svensson

Johan Carlsson

Rodney Jerkins

Paul Dawson

Tommy Brown

Victoria McCants

Kuk Harrell

Travis Sayles

Harmony Samuels

Maurice David Wade

Collaboration

Amethyst Kelly

Anton Zaslavski

Sean Anderson

Magnus Hoiberg

Donald Glover

Abel Tesfaye

Darold Ferguson, Jr.

Onika Maraj

Jessica Cornish

Label

Republic Records

Mic's Mixtape Of The Week

Travi$ Scott

Days Before Rodeo

Available now on Datpiff

Mic's Web Chick Of The Week

London Hill

Columbus, OH

Twitter/Instagram: @_londonbridgey

Copyright 2014. Mic Navarro's Corner.

micnavarro.blogspot.com