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by Solange Knowles: Previously told that I was a Beyonce hater, I can not deny the talent that is apparent in one individual of the Knowles family. I really like the unique sound produced by Solange. I’m happy that she didn’t follow in her sister’s footsteps and try to imitate the sound that has made her sister famous. I Told You So is a song about two people in a new relationship. Solange states that in relationships things are strong at the beginning, but as time passes feelings begin to change. She says “I told you so” as a prediction that the relationship will turn sour. It’s sad to make that prediction because thinking so will turn it into a reality. My significant other and I were talking about this a few days ago, and we both agreed that if people in relationships have a natural connection, a strong foundation as friends, and are honest with one another, they can make it through anything… On a different note, I’m really looking forward to the release of Sol-Angel and the Hadley Street Blues

by Eric Benét: I’ve been in the mood to listen to Eric Benét since last night when I discovered his new single. Femininity was the song that introduced me to and made me a fan of Eric Benét 10+ years ago. There isn’t really much to say to describe this song as the lyrics, vocals, and harmonic flow speak for themselves…

by Eric Benét: I was SHOCKED when I read that Eric Benét has an album that will release in September. I quickly researched to see if he has a single that is getting radio play, and sure enough I am SO LATE! I can partially blame his label. In my opinion, Eric Benét never gets the credit he deserves, which is sad because he is such a talented artist. I had heard this song before, but I definitely did not know it was Eric Benét singing. I’m all about playing an artist’s video, but in this instance I want to showcase this artist’s true talent. I’ve been listening to Eric for years, and I will always love his music. Think I’ll go play True to Myself before I go out…

by Ciara & T-Pain: There is a little controversy over this song as to whether or not the female vocalist is Ciara. At first, I thought it was. Then, the more I listened to the song, it sounds like a demo…meaning T-Pain recorded the track with another artist and presented it to Ciara, hoping she would record it. This can be confirmed by T-Pain’s opening verse when he says “I’m the incredible, Super sexual, Call me Ci Ci.” This song hasn’t been confirmed to be on Ciara’s upcoming album, Fantasy Ride, which is scheduled to release in November. I hope the tracks she did choose are as good as this one, or I will have a glorious time reviewing her album!

by Jay-Z: This is for all those Jay-Z lovers that hate on Kanye West. I don’t understand how you can hate on the man’s protégé. Clearly Jay likes Kanye’s skills enough to let him produce the first track to be released off his album Blueprint 3. We all know the sample king didn’t create this beat on his own as it was snatched right from Run DMC’s Dumb Girl. Maybe that is why this song doesn’t really feel like Jay, but some hot joint from the 80s. This song is so different from a lot of songs that are out right now and for all of you who will be partial to this beat, it’s like I say with all of Kanye’s hits: Just listen to the lyrics. So classic that someone special was making fun of me the other day because I didn’t know what “jocking” meant. Glad I know now! Oh…and after listening to this song a few times, Obama count on 6iv=3.

It is AMAZING to me how we have decided who our President is and not a single citizen has voted. So many artists endorse Barack Obama and support his campaign. Even millionaires feel the strain on the economy and are looking for the chage Obama promises. This new series is dedicated to those songs that give a shout out to our soon-to-be President, Barack Obama…Not to mention the song that opens this series, Crazy World by Young Jeezy, is hot as fire! Obama count on 6iv=2 (including a previous post Something’s Gotta Give by Mary J. Blige and Big Boi)

by Ciara ft. Ludacris: This is my summer pre-club jam! I’m not too big on Ciara or Ludacris, but this beat is so hard! I liked the song a little better before I looked up the lyrics because I hate how artists rap/sing about money and what they can buy. I also think the song sends the wrong message to a girl that a guy should buy her everything she wants and if the guy isn’t dressed fly, she shouldn’t pay him any attention. Although, Ciara was correct with her line about a fresh pair of Nikes! I hate when guys wear dirty shoes but, a girl should be able to buy her own things if she wants them! Ludacris does spit a sick verse and my favorite lines are:

Let’s go on a shopping spree to an expensive place

Then I lick you up and I lick you down

Because I love your expensive taste

Someone brought this to my attention a few weeks ago and I thought it was purely comical. As The-Dream releases more songs, I realize it more often. Groundbreaking thought: EVERY song The-Dream is on and/or produces, he or the artist repeats what is said during the chorus similar to an echo. Take this new track by LL Cool J…”I’m your baby, your baby, your baby, your baby…” Ok, let’s take it back to Rihanna’s song “You can stand under my umbrella, ella, ella…” Then we have J. Holiday’s “I’m a put you to bed, bed, bed…” So either homeboy has a stuttering problem (which there is nothing wrong with because I sometimes do) or he needs to work on expanding his vocabulary.

by Plies ft. Jamie Foxx & The-Dream: Plies first captured my attention during a 106 & Park interview. I expected him to say “baaaby this” and “lil mama that”, but surprisingly he spoke rather eloquently. I have never considered myself a Plies fan, but I am feeling his newest single. It’s definitely not “new” by any means, but I have been waiting for a release of this video for some time now. I’m glad Jamie is on the track, although I feel as though The-Dream should have been cut from the line-up. I’m not impressed by The-Dream (I will detail why in a following post) but Plies gets two thumbs up from me!