26 May Trey Songz showcases Chapter V in London | Album Preview
In the plush surrounds of private members club Home House in London, we eagerly await the opportunity to have one of the first public listens of Trey Songz' upcoming album, Chapter V.
25 May T.I. releasing second novel in September | Book News
In his quest to be more than just another rapper, T.I. continues to add to steadily diversifying portfolio with his sophomore novel Trouble & Triumph: A Novel of Power & Beauty, the sequel to last year's Power & Beauty: A Love Story of Life on the Streets.
22 May Tank – This Is How I Feel | Album Review
With his name permanently etched as a powerhouse in the R&B history books, eight-time Grammy nominated singer, songwriter and producer Tank has earned a reel of songwriting [writing for fellow R&B artists Omarion, Keri Hilson, Jennifer Hudson & more] and production credits as an associate member of production team The Underdogs throughout his blossoming career.
Having moved from Barry Hankerson’s Blackground record label to Atlantic Records in 2010, the singer placed his focus back onto his own material serving up a new album, Now or Never, and mixtape, Diary Of A Mad Black Man. Two years on from his last LP, the 'underrated' R&B novice brings the world his fifth studio album, This Is How I Feel.
07 May B.o.B – Strange Clouds | Album Review
Previously on The Adventures of B.o.B aka Bobby Ray, Atlanta rapper/singer B.o.B was busy claiming the many plaudits for what was a superb year for him back in 2010. Emerging from under the tutorship of DJ Drama and southern kingpin T.I., Bobby Ray broke away from the limited expectations many had of his career and became a household name thanks to a charming persona plus a clutch of monumental Hip Hop records that tugged at the hearts of daytime radio's core audience.
Now a name which the masses instantly gravitate to, B.o.B's next adventure finds him tackling the much dreaded second album, which has claimed many careers due to the difficulty of matching the lofty heights of one's previous efforts. How will his sophomore effort Strange Clouds fare in the challenge?
24 Dec Young Jeezy – Thug Motivation 103: Hustlerz Ambition | Album Review
With the festive season already offering up classic material [Common, The Roots], there is still a hankering from a few for something more... Something motivational. Whilst the aforementioned may offer a whole heap of realness, ATL's supremo Young Jeezy offers an intriguing dosage of uncompromising street tales and reality which keeps many heads drawn to him.
13 Dec T.I. – No Mercy | Album Review
An album title which is undoubtedly appropriate for Clifford “T.I.” Harris’ latest venture, mercy is something which he will be shown little of by some artists, fans and, more specifically, the law. Another criminal offence has led to Tip facing more time behind bars, putting another setback to the roll of success which he had been gathering within the last few years - but, one of rap’s hottest commodities, he has ensured that his long awaited project (previously named King Uncaged) still gets the green light and aims to win over the sceptics and doubters who may be casting an eye of doubt over his title as ‘King’.
19 May Album Review: B.O.B Presents The Adventures of Bobby Ray
The characteristics of "Hip Hop" have undergone several changes over the years. The genre has become associated with many new trends; one of which is the rappers themselves accompanying their verses with their own singing (Biz Markie made it humorous, Ja Rule suffocated the style). Andre 3000 took on this format some six years ago and to this day his Love Below album is still held in high regard. The next ATL superstar who hopes to follow in the same path is B.O.B.
Possessing a fiery Southern delivery, Bobby Ray also lays claim to an impressive falsetto voice, which has flooded over many mixtapes and guest collaborations. But when it comes to his first solo outing, which of his skills will triumph; the harmonic soul star or the brazen lyricist?
24 Mar B.o.B: Southern Graduate
Within the realms of Hip Hop there are tons of beat makers, rappers and flat out illiterate sounding assholes, but you rarely hear about musicianship. That’s why it was a surprising pleasure to find out about B.O.B (born Bobby Ray Simmons), an Atlanta based rapper-musician-producer that’s just been inked to Grand Hustle.
Featured on the cover of XXL’s Hip Hop Class of ‘09 (with other newcomers like Wale, Charles Hamilton and Asher Roth), B.o.B’s music gained momentum with a hand-full of guest slots as well as being featured on tons of end years list when he does release a song. But after EPs and mixtapes (with his latest mix being B.o.B aka Bobby Ray: May 25th) in preparation for his new album, he still has something to prove. People still need to know who B.o.B is, simple and plain.
In-between cities on a promotional tour, the 21 year old rapper met me at a down home blues restaurant in downtown Columbia for a southern fried lunch and sit down. When he arrived (after sitting with members of his entourage including manager and local label reps) I didn’t know what to expect.
Before I wanted to get into any questions, the kid was antsy. Looking at the stage of the restaurant called Mac’s On Main, the stage with full-working P.A. system was tempting to the young artists.
“That stage makes me want to grab my guitar and my trumpet right now and start playing.
I have my in. I ask him about his history of live instrumentation...