Top 5 Songs of the Moment

So, there really appears to be a lack of quality music currently, but I'm sure that one can find a few diamonds in the ruff.

My 5 songs of the moment are:
1) Always Strapped (ft. Lil' Wayne) by Birdman
2) All I Really Want (ft. The-Dream) by Rick Ross
3) Every Girl by Young Money
4) Halo by Beyonce
5) Like A Surgeon by Ciara

I would recommend these songs to those of you who are unfamiliar with them as they are certainly IMO a great listen.

So, what's in heavy rotation in YOUR iPods, Zunes, or what have you???

The Bad Boy Curse Revealed?

Hmm...why does this not surprise me AT ALL.

Per LiveSteez: http://livesteez.com/livestyle/read/84/There-is-No-Bad-Boy-Curse-There-s-Just-Diddy

There is No Bad Boy Curse. There's Just Diddy.
Posted by GoodGirl 4 hours, 32 minutes ago, 0 repliesThere is No Bad Boy Curse. There's Just Diddy.

Although he was portrayed as a good guy in the Biggie biopic, Notorious, (being the executive producer and all) the real life Sean “Diddy” Combs has a smudged record that boasts numerous failed artists and groups. Danity Kane, Bad Boy’s most recently dissolved group fell prey to the curse after a short two years in the industry. The alleged “bad boy curse” dates back to Diddy’s early beginnings with the ill-fated Notorious B.I.G. Some speculate as to whether it’s really a Bad Boy curse, or simply a Diddy curse.

It’s safe to say that Bad Boy is the Bermuda triangle of the music world. Artists go in and are never to be found again. Remember Carl Thomas? Tall, handsome R & B crooner? He’s now an independent artist. Seems very weird considering that he was such a great talent. Disappointed with the direction of their career on Bad Boy, the L.O.X. fought to be released from their contract in order to join the then newly formed Ruff Ryders/ Interscope label. "When you see me, don't ask me nothin' about us and don't definitely ask me about Puffy," the L.O.X.'s Kiss spewed in a song entitled "Blood Pressure." Rapper Mase was dipped in the baptismal font (found Jesus) and is currently saving souls in Atlanta. We definitely don’t consider that a downgrade by no means, but we do find it rather funny that Bad Boy artists need spiritual guidance after dealing with Mr. Take That, Take That. I.E. Loon converting to Islamic faith. Both Mase and Loon declined to comment on the matter. Check out these interesting details from an article published in the Village Voice by Peter Noel: Even Bad Boy insiders are fed up with the way Combs allegedly has treated prominent acts such as singer Carl Thomas and rapper Black Rob. "I remember when Carl was signed to Bad Boy for a long time and used to hang out with me in Brooklyn," says an R&B artist who spoke on condition of anonymity. "He was broke just from waiting to have his album put out. He was on the label for at least two years and Bad Boy wouldn't put his album out. I would ask him, 'When you coming out, Carl? What's up with your stuff?' His album came out after the Club New York shooting. "Puffy had no choice," the artist continues. "He needed something to save the label. If you save the label, you're one of his guys. He'll take you to St. Bart's for a while, and then you're never heard from again. You hear nothing about Carl Thomas these days. Almost nothing." Adds the source: "It's just disgusting to me how nobody sees that anybody with a lot of talent who goes to Bad Boy suddenly disappears. As soon as somebody doesn't agree with him, their music goes on the cutting room floor." Who could forget Jamaal "Shyne" Barrow, the gangsta rapper who was convicted of two counts of assault, two gun possession charges, and one count of reckless endangerment in the Club New York case. Barrow lashed out at Diddy, accusing him of betraying his trust to save himself. Sounds about right. Shyne will be release in October of 2009. Will he be out for blood?

Diddy’s biggest artists have ditched Bad Boy for different labels, all with the same complaint – It’s all about Diddy. Great artists become faint memories, steadily losing relevance while the CEO gets his shine on. In 2003, Faith left the label to sign with Capitol Records. 112 left Bad Boy and signed to the Def Soul roster in early 2002. Popular R&B group, Total disappeared into thin air after having a platinum album. Mark Curry, an Atlanta-based entertainer who was signed to the Bad Boy Entertainment record label from 1997 until 2005, wrote most of Diddy’s first hit singles, including “Come With Me” from the 1998 Godzilla soundtrack. In his new book, Dancing With the Devil, Curry talks about some of Diddy’s ridiculous antics (appearances in EVERY video, being on every record). “Puff charged the artists for his appearances on their records and videos, usually without them realizing it until they discovered their paltry publishing royalty statements. That’s when they discovered that a large sum of their money had gone to fees which were doubled, tripled and even quadrupled because of Puff’s special guest appearance. He charged artists, for example, for having his Bentley in their videos – which he insisted upon - then took a tax credit for business use of the car.”Dare we say that the curse rests not upon the record label, but is directly correlated to Puff’s poisonous acts? There’s no doubt that there is a science to his success (dude is a mogul), however his rap sheet is long and treacherous. This idea of an ever-looming dark cloud could really just be a man with a different plan. Executives typically follow a formula that works in their artists favor. Diddy does not. In his fight to remain a relevant brand, assuming wannabe stars are vacuum-sucked into the Bad Boy machine, drained of their talents, and spit back out once they are no longer an asset to the Sean John dynasty. There is no curse, people. These careers have been destroyed by motives. You may kindly Diddy-bop your way to the unemployment line now.

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This is really a shame and its a wonder that he's been able to get away with such atrocities for so long. In my opinion, unfortunately, Day26 will be the latest victims to the 'Diddy Scam.' The proof is really in the pudding. Look at the underperformance of their criminally underrated lead single for 'Forever In A Day' "I'mma Put It On Her," if you would like evidence of the pattern repeating in 2009. Why is that a major-label act with a #1 TV show can't even get a prime-time performance of their LEAD single, Diddy? These poor guys, after a platinum album, US tour and strong first week sales of their second album are still performing on cruises and at college campuses for crying out loud! WTF is really good, Diddy?

It is clear that Diddy knows how to put only one person on, and that is himself. Sad as it is to say, R.I.P. Day26, hope to see all of you or one of you on a successful label ie) Def Jam, sometime in the future. SMH.

T.I. Gets The Deal of A Lifetime!

Talk about getting a break?! Wow, so everyone I'm sure by now has heard that poor T.I. is going away for a year and a day, literally for possession of illegal arms. I mean, I was feeling for the guy because mistake or not, it sucks to have to leave the free world when you are undoubtably at the top of your game! But it appears that this will no longer be one of T.I.'s worries as his sentence has now been shortened to drum-roll please....2 MONTHS!!!!!!!!!! What?! I know, right. Run that back. I said, 2 MONTHS!!!!!!!! Yeah, I know. This *ish is unbelievable.

Do I agree with the decision? Not really, I think if you do the crime, you should do the time. But I do acknowledge that this is beyond great news for his career! He now has the liberty to continue to release material and make videos from the supreme Paper Trail or capitalize off the success of his latest album and ready a new one for the end of year. I mean, 2 months is really child's play in the industry and T.I. now has much more control in the pivotal direction of his career. I'm happy about this. More power to his career. He's a true talent.

Thoughts?

Yung Joc Airing Out?!

So Yung Joc has had quite the weekend and its all culminating into a what he promises will be a 'Tell-All Tuesday'. Upset because of his recent hospital stint because of an attack by Kat Williams' coked-up dog and because of not recieving his royalties and promotional funding from Bad Boy (surprise, surprise), Joc promises via Twitter to out those who are "sucking and fucking" in the industry. Hmmm, I wonder who he's planning on 'outing'? lol...C'mon, Joc, not to steal your thunder, but...we been knew Diddy was gay.

Anyway, I'm pretty sure that this is not going to get you your money orrrrr improve your tarnished street cred. Nobody likes a snitch. Even if it is about juicy gossip. Womp, womp.

Ciara Readies 'Work'

So, Christmas has come early for Ciara, it seems. Jive must really believe in this project because despite disappointing sales for a album coming off a top-ten Billboard-chart hit, she has been given 'go-ahead' to release a third 'official' single. 'Work (ft. Missy Elliot)' will be lifted from the Fantasy Ride set at some point in the near future and per her twitter she is in rehearsals for the video.

What do I think of this? Well, I think it's a bold move. The first bold move of the whole project really. The song is DEFINITELY not what one is used to hearing on the radio and so it will most certainly elicit SOME sort of response from listeners. Whether that response is favorable or not is the key question here, however. It seems the general public is pretty well split in terms of opinions about this song. No doubt this joint will have clubs ablaze but is it mainstream enough to be the crossover hit that Ciara so desperately needs? We are a long way from 2005, when the Missy Elliot assisted '1,2 Step' ascended to number 2 on the Billboard charts. Will both of these artists with career's on life-support be able to recapture their lost spotlight with this song?

Well, in my opinion, no. I really think that 'Turntables' was the smarter move here. The wild beat in 'Work' and its clear aim at a voguing audience could be a turn off to the general public. The only way that I truly see this song succeeding is with a killer music video. If Ciara is able to make a watchable video with innovative dances mixed with simple, memorable and reproduceable choreography, I think this song will be able to make it to the mainstream. Some high-audience broadcasts of live performances (ie) BET awards/MTV awards, both upcoming) could definitely help this song get off the ground and the shine it needs.

She is really going to have to work (no pun intended) like a dog to even get people to consider listening to her again, and she's going to have to be fully committed to this cause before we witness any turnaround in album or singles sales. "Work" the promo trail, Ci Ci!

So, what do YOU think?

Welcome 2 the WTF Files!

Ok. So, sometimes when people get $$$ they lose common-sense (and a mirror apparently) and they feel that can somehow "create" own swag. Well, these are a few cases people in this mindset failed MISERABLY.


Case 1: Jennifer Hudson





Now, I was just about to take you off the 'Sean/Daren 2009 Inappropriate List' but this nastiness just secured you a top spot! LOL.







SMH...looking like you had a field day at the salvation army.





Case 2: Rih Rih.




Now, normally, I'm feelin' Rih Rih, I mean, I've got a Rihanna shrine in my room for crying out loud!

But with this, she goes from 'fine as hell' to 'fine at 49'! And trust me, that it a compliment.












Cut it out. NOW.









Case 3: Repeat Offender Rihanna!



Umm, the ridiculousness is plain to see here so I don't think a long reasoning here is necessary.






Hmmm...Rihanna by day, Count Dracula by night, I see...SMH. AGAIN!

Rihanna The New Cash Cow???

Well, it seems that our beautiful Bajan princess is about make some people $$$ without having to do a thing, kind of like Britney Spears does the paparazzi.  Jim Jones has taken it upon himself to create a contest to find a girl with a better body than Rihanna.  He claims that the winning contestant will be paid top vixen dollar and will be featured in his new music video.  

Per his twitter:

Just send pictures and contact info to betterbodythanrihanna@gmail.com

So, ladies, will you be entering?  

P.S.  Jimmy, can you send some of the pics this way? lol.

New Music Monday!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, so this is post where I select a few tracks that are new (to my knowledge) and play kiss it or diss it. Let's get it!!!!!!!!!!!

First up? Souljaboytellem-"In Da Club (Goin' Hard)"
http://www.therundown.tv/new-music/soulja-boy-in-da-club-goin-hard/

Ummm, to put it quite simply, NO. What on God's green Earth is this nonsense? Ok, ok. You've had a hot few months with "Kiss Me Thru The Phone" and "Turn My Swag On (remix)" but this is just inexcusable. Yes, it's that offensive, lol. I'm tired of people that can't hold a tune if it had a handle, "crooning" through a hook. Is the recession THAT bad that we can't get someone with talent to "sing" on a hook? I'm also left to think how many clubs an 18 year-old can get into to "go hard" in anyway? But, yeah, this isn't any "Turn My Swag On" and I don't know how many rappers will be in line to jump on a remix for this. Womp.

Verdict: D

Get 'ya self up and try again, Soulja. You've got plenty of time.

Next Up: Lil Wayne ft. Kevin Rudolf-"Spit"
http://www.therundown.tv/new-music/lil-wayne-feat-kevin-rudolf-spit/

Yes, yes. The dynamic duo as of late. Well, they're at it again and this time Wayne has made a few changes to his flow. Because his "singing" was not recieved all too well (ie) Prom Queen, Hot Revolver), he's adapted a more hip-hop friendly flow, while still rockin' the rocker beat. The result? Not bad. I can appreciate the direction that he's headed in and the dream to become larger than life by conquering multiple genres. I can't help but feel however, that at least as of now, Wayne is still best flowin' over a bangin' hip-hop beat a la "Lollipop" and "A Milli." If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? But, change is good sometimes and this change is O.K.

Verdict: B

This One is Interesting: Chris Brown-"Apology" http://www.therundown.tv/new-music/chris-brown-apology/

Ok, so this one isn't new (as April 15th is about 1 month ago), but it's new to me. Anyone else find the title and the timing of track LOL worthy?

As much as I want to diss this, I can't. It's definitely a solid cut and a lot less corny than I thought it would be. And hey, Rihanna bought his apology, so why shouldn't we? But yea, from the laid back beat to the remorseful vocals, this smoov R&B cut is definitely a keeper. Under normal circumstances I wouldn't consider it a contender for first single, but in light of recent events, I can't think of anything more appropriate.

Verdict: A-

JUST IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  (A_Status Exclusive)!!!!!: Tre- "Beat Box"

Ok, ok.  This one is special.  It comes to ya'll from my homie Tre!  A good friend of mine.

file://localhost/C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Tangel/My%20Documents/My%20Music/Aaliyah%20Ft.%20Jay-Z/Miss%20You-Remix-(Promo%20CDS)/beat_box.mp3

Without the need to be partial, I have to admit the song goes hard!!! From the human beat box to the raw lyrics, it's clear that Tre is serious and dedicated to the craft of lyricism.  I'm sure that in a short amount of time he'll be riding the wave of hip-hop's newcomers  (Drake, Lupe Fiasco) and help bring TRUE hip-hop back.

Verdict: A-

What do ya'll think?

The-Dream: "The Love King" Slated for a December Release

Per Billboard:
http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/the-dream-recording-new-album-for-december-1003970940.story

May 07, 2009 01:49 PM ET

Gary Graff, Detroit
A second album from The-Dream this year is apparently a reality.

The "Umbrella" songwriter and solo artist tells Billboard.com he's "seven records in on a new album," tentatively titled "Love King" and targeted for a December release. "I have to pace myself 'cause there's so much time between here and then," The-Dream says, "but the seven records I do have are timeless records. Whether they come out now or later it's not really going to matter what kind of records they are."

And while his latest release, the gold-certified "Love vs. Money" -- which came out in March and debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 -- featured guest appearances by Mariah Carey, Lil Jon and Kanye West (on the current hit, "Walkin' on the Moon"), The-Dream says no features are set yet for the next album. "Usually it's one of those things where I kinda wait," he explains. "I wait 'til the end, and then who's ever doing their thing at that particular time, that's who I get."

The-Dream is balancing recording sessions with preparations in Los Angeles for his tour with Keyshia Coles, which starts Wednesday in Cincinnati. Unlike his "special guest" stint on last year's Jay-Z/Mary J. Blige trek, this tour will allow him to present "a bigger Dream," complete with four dancers and a five-piece band.

"I'm coming pretty stocked-up this time," he says with a laugh. "I'm like a kid in a toy store, like, 'Oh, this is gonna be fun!" I'm coming DVD-ready." And, in fact, he plans to film a DVD at some point during the tour, which wraps June 21 in Oakland, Calif.



The-Dream says fans can expect songs from his two albums but plans to offer only "hints" of the hits he's written for Rihanna, Usher, Carey, Blige, Jamie Foxx and others. "I don't have enough time," he explains, though there will be a cover of Michael Jackson's "Dirty Diana." "I've been trying to sing that song forever," The-Dream notes.

He's also planning his own headlining run for the fall, when his repertoire will be expanded not just by the "Love King" material but also by forthcoming work with Carey, Brandy, Christina Milian and Puff Daddy, the latter with a song called "Change" that The-Dream calls "probably one of the best male records I've ever written...the best record I've written besides 'Umbrella.'"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hmmmmmmm...not sure how I feel about this one. While "Rockin' That Thang" is undoubtably The-Dream's best work yet, from it's epic instrumental to the catchy hook, Love Vs. Money leaves a lot to be desired, IMO. And while not selling what he may have wished to sell, I certainly think that there are a few urban hits left on this cd, ie) Put It Down, Mr. Yeah. So, I guess we'll have to wait until after "Walkin' On the Moon" (which in my opinion will be his biggest hit Billboard-wise as it has most cross-over appeal) does it's thing and whatever else may be released to see how he's doing on timing. He just may pull a "Rihanna" circa 2005-2007 where he's got a single out non-stop with no gap between the last single of the prior album to lead single of the new album. Seems like that's what you gotta do to stay relevant in today's game! Usher, take note.

Cassie N Rih Rih Get Nakey Nakey

So...the internet's been abuzz lately with all these naked/half-naked pics of the celebs we love dearest...(well, Rihanna moreso than Cassie), and I can't say that I'm mad at it, sorry. Call me a perv. Anyway, the plot now thickens as what was once seen as a beyond-desperate publicity stunt for Cassie to become relevant again and as an attempt by Rihanna to upstage Cassie and become an even bigger star of minimal talent, has now been determined to be the work of a hacker. Apparently, this guy/girl (I hope guy) has more tricks up his sleeves...oh yay. Yes, that's right, J.Lo nakey pics are scheduled, that's right, scheduled to hit the net later on today, Monday. Now, I don't know about you, but I think this guy must really have some balls to flat out declare in the open that there's more pics AND to state the identity of the person! So...bottom line, I'll be watching for 'em, and I'm sure that I won't be alone. *cough, cough* I mean, what am I saying?! We need to catch this sick perv right away!!!

Thoughts?...

P.S.

Cassie, your off the hook for "Loser of the Industry" for now, but I've got my side eye on ya. That "rocker chick" look just ain't the business, baby! Get better soon.

Ciara, Ciara, Ciara

So, I'm really feeling sorry for Ciara as of late. The girl was fiyah when she blasted onto the music scene in 2005 with "Goodies." I mean, Beyonce had released her debut 2 years prior (2003), Rihanna's *ish was whack (how long did it take her to get another hit after "Pon 'de Replay"?), and Ciara was that bridge that connected the gap between Beyonce and Janet Jackson. The pop and hip hop world embraced her! She was the princess of this new and exciting 'crunk' sound. So what happened between then and now? Why is a platinum, mult-platinum even, artist opening with 75k-80k? Is the recession really THAT bad?

Because she lost her direction. Goodies was fresh as hell. It was simple, fun, and the uptempos were the *ish. "Goodies," "1,2 Step" and "Oh" dominated both the pop and urban charts...3 consecutive top 2 hits! From a debut artist, that's impeccable! Evolution still worked, despite losing the appeal of bangin' uptempos, because the slow-jams were classic R&B. She created her own sound and really did show how she evolved lyrically (as she co-wrote every track) and vocally (ie) My Love, So Hard). But then came Fantasy Ride and the attempt to bite off more than she could chew. She wanted to please all...her 'crunk' fans, her 'R&B' and her 'pop' fans. But where she fell short was in the music quality. It seems like there was too much 'experimenting' and not enough perfecting. Let's be real. Those leaked tracks were WHACK AS HELL!!! I mean, no wonder she had all of those push backs. And not to mention the poor single choices. Did the record labels actually HEAR "Go Girl"? How does someone with a track record of top 10 hits come up with that as a LEAD single *cough, cough* excuse me, what was I thinking? A PROMO single, of course. And then, why, when you've obviously lost your pop appeal, lead off with a mid-tempo URBAN record? But, not all hope is lost on Fantasy Ride. Whoever had to make the final decision on the cuts did a decent job and almost got rid of all the screw ups, bar "Pucker Up" and "I'm On." There are a few stand out tracks even! Tracks like the laid-back "Keep Dancin' On Me," the sensual "Ciara to the Stage," the Aalyiah-esque "Like A Surgeon," the thumpin' (although corny) "G is for Girl." and the crunkalicious "High Price." is where Ci Ci really shines and reminds us why we fell for her.

So the verdict: B.
Not near the polishedness of Evolution or the freshness and funness of Goodies, but still a solid effort non-the-less, and in my opinion, worth the purchase.

What can save this sinking ship?
Singles, singles, singles!!! At this point, it is CRUCIAL to Ci Ci's CAREER, not just the success of this album, that the right singles are chosen! No need to mess around with URBAN singles. This is where her fan-base remains most intact and everyone should realize that this is in general NOT the album/single buying demographic. POP is where the money is! It may be risky, but risky is what is needed currently. Don't ignore the opinion of the masses! When "Turntables" is leading the pack on iTunes downloads, even jolting past current slow-burner "Never Ever," it should be a sure-sign that this is strongest single contender!!! Don't want Brown on the track? Then replace him with some other A-lister, but the high-energy attention-grabbing beat on this track is too good to waste. Please, please, please!!! Don't let this album fail because of continued poor single choices. That's it. Rant over...all thoughts are welcome!

Welcome!

Welcome, welcome one, welcome all!!!! This is my very first blogggggg...ya boy A_Status, baby. It's a new chapter. So basically, this is just a place for me 2 air my feelings and keep u abreast 2 entertainment happenings. Right now, it'll prolly be bootleg, but eventually we gon' get our weight up! Enjoy da ride, baby!