Archive » Soul Cynic

Dear Hidden Beach: Please Stop.

 

Hidden Beach, I am really starting to loathe you. Granted you put us all onto Jilly from Philly but then you released that farce that was Al B Sure!'s--can't forget the exclamation point!--last album and now you have decided to...

ill Mami  |  11/03/2009 at 5:00 PM  |  Comments (11)  |  Permalink

Are The Lights On? When Did Everybody Get So Dark?

 

When I say "dark," I'm not referring to the not-so-friendly debate at the center of "Good And Bad Hair." What I'm referring to is popular music's infatuation with emo-goth-vampirism so much that it has seeped into almost everything labeled as...

ill Mami  |  10/21/2009 at 2:00 PM  |  Comments (9)  |  Permalink

The Problem That Michael Created

 

Although we did our best to remember and not eulogize Michael Jackson--since he will never be gone in our hearts--I still can't help but to pour over the remembrance articles dedicated to his legacy. Scoop Jackson's article on Michael in...

ill Mami  |  10/19/2009 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (7)  |  Permalink

Hip Hop: A Tale Of Two Demographics

 

There has been much aflutter in the Hip Hop realm lately concerning younger rappers calling out older heads who earned a modicum of respect from everyone but the newcomers. Granted it's a pissing contest battle royale, nonetheless, but what's really...

ill Mami  |  10/15/2009 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

Common Doesn't Listen To Hip Hop

 

Back in December and after Barack Obama's presidential win, Common declared that Obama was "going to change hip-hop for the better." These days, Hip Hop's favorite backpacker turned Hollywood bit-part actor is now saying that the "Obama effect" has resulted...

ill Mami  |  09/24/2009 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

'The Jackson Dynasty' Is Almost A Reality (Show)

 

I know, I know. I wasn't so much on board when news of a reality show featuring the Jackson brothers broke, and even suggested other shows that might go over better. However, now that the show, which will be called...

Harlem  |  09/22/2009 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

How Priscilla Renea Got Soul-ed Out Right Before Our Eyes

 

Have you guys been following the story of amateur singer Priscilla Renea? I have, and from the beginning, with her humble YouTube postings two years ago in her Vero Beach, FL bedroom to her singing her heart out on MTV's...

Harlem  |  09/09/2009 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (9)  |  Permalink

Understanding The Roxanne Shanté-Doctor Scandal

 

Much has been made this week of an old news item that was widely circulated purporting that Roxanne Shanté claimed to have received a Ph.D. from Cornell University on former label Warner Brothers' dime. The other shoe proverbially dropped, as...

ill Mami  |  09/04/2009 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (9)  |  Permalink

Is Houston's Voice At Its 'Whit's' End?

 

Yes, we know. Whitney Houston's voice is shot. We surmised as much after listening to the tracks from her new album, I Look To You. However, it was never more evident and obvious than after this morning's performance on Good...

Harlem  |  09/02/2009 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (19)  |  Permalink

Should R. Kelly Be Using 'Number One' As A Second Chance?

 

For all those who have been involved in heated debates over the past week as to whether Michael Vick deserves a second chance at his career, have we got a new case study for you! Seems old Robert Kelly, or...

Harlem  |  08/18/2009 at 4:00 PM  |  Comments (13)  |  Permalink

Jackson 8 Tour Plans Reveals Janet > Her Brothers & Sisters

 

The world may have collectively wept during with the Jackson family while we all watched Michael Jackson's memorial funeral service, but now it seems that there may be a reason for some infighting amongst the tight-knit clan. Details about a...

ill Mami  |  08/17/2009 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Diddy's A 'Starmaker'? Really?

 

So, the other night, as I was flipping channels, minding my own business, I came across MTV, where the show Making His Band was on. The music channel must've wanted me to turn the channel immediately, because, as if on...

Harlem  |  08/06/2009 at 4:00 PM  |  Comments (11)  |  Permalink

Mary J. Blige's Protege LaNeah Leaves Us With More Questions Than Answers

 

I will admit that I'm on Twitter more than a little bit. It's my CNN of sorts. Now that we have that confession out of the way, I was more than intrigued when I saw Mary J. Blige's tweet about...

ill Mami  |  07/17/2009 at 2:00 PM  |  Comments (13)  |  Permalink

Getting What You Never Asked For: 'A Day In The Life' Movie Spoken Entirely In Rap

 

There are few things in life that get on my nerves more than interpretive dancing, bad musicals, and spoken word with bongos. Now I can definitively add to this list the "rapudrama" as evidenced by the Sticky Fingaz-written and directed...

ill Mami  |  07/09/2009 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

Now That Michael's Gone, Will The Music Save Itself?

 

After my mind was able to wrap itself around the very notion that a piece of my life and soul was gone and wasn't returning, after the gobs of tears stopped momentarily falling from my eyes, and after I visited...

ill Mami  |  06/29/2009 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (6)  |  Permalink

To the Artists We Love: Please Don't Use Auto-Tune On Your Next Album

 

Now that our beloved Mary J. Blige has dropped "The One" which is Auto-Tuned within an inch of its life, we can't help but fear for the rest of our faves. Many of them, we can't imagine selling their souls...

nOvaMatic  |  06/11/2009 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (24)  |  Permalink

If This Is Naturi Naughton Singing 'Fame' Then Call Me Lil Kim

 

The last time I had this much interest in anything Fame-related, I was six-years-old, and Janet Jackson hadn't yet appeared in the hallowed halls of the fictional High School of The Performing Arts. Speculation as to whether Naturi Naughton, 3LW...

ill Mami  |  06/01/2009 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (10)  |  Permalink

We're Still Waiting, Spike

 

OK, Spike Lee. I know that those thrilling, inspiring moments leading up to the election of President Obama led a lot of people to say some overly optimistic things. Those were heady times when almost all of us were intoxicated with the prospects of Hope...

Ro  |  05/25/2009 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

Will Amerie's Def Jam Debut Be The 'Thing' Fans Have Been Waiting For?

 

We love Amerie. No, really, we LOVE her. But we're approaching this new Def Jam situation with extreme caution, as the label's track record with female R&B/Pop singers is shaky at best. (Let's see... Rihanna is known as a "singles...

nOvaMatic  |  04/07/2009 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (12)  |  Permalink

Where in the World Is Alice Smith?

 

Some of you may be asking yourselves, "Who in the world is Alice Smith?" However, SoulBounce faithful may remember that we've been singing this young lady's praises. Smith's 2006 album For Lovers, Dreamers & Me (later picked up by Epic...

Dar  |  04/06/2009 at 2:00 PM  |  Comments (17)  |  Permalink

Judging Artists Outside Of Their Music: How Bad Are We?

 

Last week's post on Erykah Badu's tweets detailing everything from her feelings about past love Common to her love of being a single mother got some of you thinking judging from the comment thread. It got me thinking a bit,...

ill Mami  |  04/06/2009 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (20)  |  Permalink

Confused By Rap Lyrics? Now There's Help

 

I'm not quite sure if this is a spoof or a something genuine, but UnderstandRap, a website accepting submissions from those confused by rap lyrics, is now here to rescue hoardes of confused masses. By now most of you have...

ill Mami  |  04/01/2009 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

Do You Want Your MTV Anymore?

 

MTV has changed quite a bit since JJ Jackson and the other original VJs first aired on the world's first all-video network. This little experiment has changed music and unfortunately reality TV as we know it. The days of MTV...

ill Mami  |  04/01/2009 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

Is Diddy Still As Evil As We Once Believed?

 

Diddy is an enigma to me. And before you start snickering, let's ponder this: Diddy is a man who has built a global empire of music, fashion, and television production and along the way has managed to run a...

ill Mami  |  03/30/2009 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (14)  |  Permalink

Where In The World Is Emily King?

 

If you were like me in 2007, you fell hard for Emily King. Personally, I was infatuated with her honey-coated voice, her round-the-way/Bohemian B-Girl steez, and the fact that she plays guitar. Her debut album, East Side Story (how...

Dar  |  03/26/2009 at 3:00 PM  |  Comments (18)  |  Permalink

Do People Slow Dance Anymore?

 

I'm sure I am dating myself by admitting this, but there was once a time when there seemed to be a format to every good party. First Hip Hop was played by the DJ, then uptempo R&B leading into mid-tempo...

ill Mami  |  03/26/2009 at 2:00 PM  |  Comments (10)  |  Permalink

If You 'Married A Baller,' Why Are You On 'Survivor'?

 

When I first heard that Tamara "Taj" Johnson-George was cast on Survivor, now in its 18th season, I was pretty excited because in my mind that meant that this would have been the first celebrity edition of reality competition,...

Butta  |  03/25/2009 at 4:00 PM  |  Comments (9)  |  Permalink

FULL DISCLOSURE: A Mary J. Blige Song I Hate

 

Congratulations to Mary J. Blige and her label for being cleared of stealing "Family Affair" from Leonard Jones and James White, who claimed the track was similar to their own "Party Ain't Crunk." As you all know, we ride for...

nOvaMatic  |  03/19/2009 at 2:00 PM  |  Comments (12)  |  Permalink

We Don't Believe You, Jay-Z, You Need More People

 

Recently, my comrade nOvamatic posted an opinion piece regarding Jay-Z's thoughts on Hip Hop's effect on racism in this country, thoughts which were quite baffling, if not blatantly false. After reading, I immediately felt compelled to write my own rebuttal...

Dar  |  03/18/2009 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (7)  |  Permalink

Do Synched Lips Sink Ships?

 

It's an age-old question--does lip-synching make you less of an artist? There has been instance after instance of lip-synched performances in the past; sometimes it's necessary, and sometimes it's not. Let's get some clarity on this issue, once and for...

Dar  |  03/18/2009 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (6)  |  Permalink

Have Talent, Won't Travel

 

Those of you old enough to remember when "urban" radio reflected music that people in surrounding urban areas wanted to hear as opposed to what was dictated to them may recall, there used to exist a wonderful melange of music...

ill Mami  |  03/16/2009 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

Kanye West Does Not Care About Poor People

 

By now, most of you have seen at least one of the sneakers Kanye West has designed for Louis Vuitton. Now we have the news of other items in the product line, along with pricing information. What immediately comes to...

Dar  |  03/13/2009 at 5:00 PM  |  Comments (13)  |  Permalink

Where In The World Is Missy Elliott?

 

The last time SoulBounce heard from Missy Elliott, she was guesting alongside Ne-Yo on one hell of a Busta Rhymes' track (hell being the operative word). Apart from that, Elliott's own Block Party LP was originally supposed to come out...

Dar  |  03/11/2009 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (9)  |  Permalink

Hip Hop Republicans Coming Soon To Your Hood

 

Michael Steele, newly appointed first ever Black President to the Republican National Commitee, wants to count the Hip Hop community as one its valued members. Steele is one of the more liberal conservatives out there, and to prove it, the...

ill Mami  |  02/23/2009 at 4:00 PM  |  Comments (6)  |  Permalink

The Importance of Listening To the Words

 

As I was explaining to someone earlier today, sometimes when you don't like something, you don't have to list the reasons. When certain songs do not appeal to you as a listener, you can spend an inordinate amount of time...

nOvaMatic  |  02/18/2009 at 5:32 PM  |  Comments (6)  |  Permalink

Is Motown Even A Label Anymore?

 

With all of the press surrounding Motown's 50th anniversary, something sticks out in my mind. Motown, as we've come to know it, does not exist anymore. It appears to not be a label, but more of a "label group," now...

Dar  |  02/11/2009 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (6)  |  Permalink

Should Diddy Press Stop?

 

Given the recent drama surrounding Danity Kane's eventful dissolution, it seems appropriate to bring forth a subject that has danced around the minds of many (in a shiny suit, perhaps). That topic is Diddy's uncanny inability to keep a group...

Dar  |  02/05/2009 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (23)  |  Permalink

Wesley Snipes As James Brown? In What Alternate Universe?

 

Earlier this week news spread that Wesley Snipes had been cast to play James Brown in an upcoming biopic by Spike Lee. The diminutive director bought the rights to the Godfather of Soul's story in 2007 and cast Snipes...

Butta  |  01/29/2009 at 7:00 PM  |  Comments (12)  |  Permalink

How Does It Feel (To Exercise Extreme Patience)?

 

It's still taking us a while to process this bit of info about D'Angelo's forthcoming James River, mainly the part about it being "forthcoming." I mean, c'mon, part of D'Angelo's mystique as an artist is his unfaltering ability to not...

nOvaMatic  |  01/27/2009 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (20)  |  Permalink

Is R&B Indefensible At This Point?

 

Only a week ago we somewhat agreed with Bobby Valentino that R&B is dead. The points previously made still stand: many R&B artists have ventured away from the genre in hopes of gaining revenue in more lucrative genres. More and...

Ro  |  01/15/2009 at 11:15 AM  |  Comments (17)  |  Permalink

Is Fashion In Music Dead?

 

Writing for SoulBounce affords me the opportunity to sample many Soul and Hip Hop blogs on a daily basis. For those who know me personally, they know that both music and fashion share top billing as passions of mine. Perusing...

ill Mami  |  01/09/2009 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (6)  |  Permalink

Is A Posthumous Left Eye Album Necessary?

 

As an unabashed TLC super-fan I have to answer that question with a resounding no. Arguably the most multi-talented, and decidedly the most unpredictable, member of the group, Left Eye was taken before any of us were prepared to see...

Ro  |  01/08/2009 at 2:30 PM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Bobby Valentino is Right

 

This item was simply too hot to be relegated to Morning Soul. Bobby Valentino thinks R&B is dead. Not as in completely gone, since we have evidence of artists like Mary J. Blige, Jazmine Sullivan, Jill Scott and a few...

nOvaMatic  |  01/08/2009 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (14)  |  Permalink

What's Good With G.O.O.D.?

 

When Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music launched with the releases of Be and Get Lifted, many of us knew we finally had an imprint that, although nestled in the organic, textured warmth of Soul music, had enough commericial viability to push...

nOvaMatic  |  12/15/2008 at 2:10 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

'Notorious' Soundtrack Just Another Biggie Greatest Hits Album

 

The reason I've always had a blazing Clair Huxtable side-eye for the Notorious film is because, so many years later, folks are still finding ways to profit from familiar B.I.G. material and mythos. Rarely is there anything new added to...

nOvaMatic  |  12/05/2008 at 12:30 PM  |  Comments (6)  |  Permalink

Who Is Hip Hop's Best Singer?

 

When it comes to singing hooks on a Hip Hop track, there is a certain skill required that doesn't always follow the same rules as singing a song that lasts three to four minutes. Given that the singer is not...

ill Mami  |  12/01/2008 at 12:30 PM  |  Comments (17)  |  Permalink

Dear R&B, Stop Making Songs About Liquor

 

If you're anything like me, you love to "get your drank on." You love poppin' bottles wit' models up in da club. And why shouldn't you? You're grown! But you know what's really tired? Songs that not only constantly reference...

nOvaMatic  |  11/13/2008 at 3:00 PM  |  Comments (7)  |  Permalink

Stand Up! We're Not the Only Ones Disgusted with the Lack of Women in Hip-Hop

 

More and more, there is a rising sense of indignation about the lack of women in hip-hop that we at SoulBounce have been voicing for a while now. Over at Jezebel there is a post that raises the question "Doesn't...

Ro  |  11/07/2008 at 6:30 PM  |  Comments (9)  |  Permalink

Do The Jacksons Ever Visit Each Other? Or, Like, Call?

 

I have a long, tortured history covering the Jacksons on this site. They're my favorite performers. They're also endearingly loco. I resisted the urge to write-up Jermaine Jackson's 1,547th reveal that the kids are getting back together for a tour....

nOvaMatic  |  10/31/2008 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

Pen & Pixel + Hip Hop Thuggery = Jail

 

We bloggers like to believe that we are a sophisticated lot. We appreciate Hip Hop in all of its various forms and some of us like to constantly critique our beloved Hip Hop in hopes that it will become something...

ill Mami  |  10/29/2008 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

Common Promising New Album, Kanye Will Likely Have To Do The Same

 

With Invincible Summer, er, I mean Universal Mind Control, set to drop next month, it's a bit odd to find Common talking about what his next project will be, isn't it? The Believer, an LP that he was set to...

ill Mami  |  10/27/2008 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

World In Financial Ruin But Russell Simmons Advises You To Buy A House

 

Wondering how you'll buy a home in today's current financial climate when you can barely afford gasoline? Well never fear. Russell Simmons, along with Ludacris, Young Joc, Gorilla Zoe, and other artists whose music never find their way onto your...

ill Mami  |  10/20/2008 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Mutual Masturbation: Vanessa Beecroft and Kanye West

 

Kanye West has finally given me a reason to lose any sliver of interest in his music by choosing to "collaborate" with artist Vanessa Beecroft. There are a myriad of interpretations that could be forced upon the listening party that...

Ro  |  10/16/2008 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (9)  |  Permalink

Let's Expand the Criticism of Sexism in Hip Hop Beyond Who Rocks the Mic

 

As a thoroughly politicized woman who is keenly sensitive of gender inequities both in music and in, you know, life, I am deeply invested in the recent rise in discussion about women emcees. It's always been an issue, and expressing...

Ro  |  10/15/2008 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (6)  |  Permalink

Not Corporal But 'Classical' Punishment?

 

Back in July, an Ohio man was found to be playing Hip Hop on his car stereo too loud. Well, it was July, and that's prime cookout season, so what's the big deal? The big deal came when he was...

ill Mami  |  10/10/2008 at 3:00 PM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

'It Was All A Dream'

 

In yesterday's Morning Soul, we posted an item about Kanye's "Love Lockdown" clip being inspired by American Psycho, according to the artist. This is the film starring Christian Bale as Wall Street yuppie Patrick Bateman. During the day, Patrick is...

nOvaMatic  |  10/09/2008 at 12:20 PM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

Maxwell & Swizz Beatz? It Could Happen

 

Now we will accept the arduous task of constructing Maxwell's first entry into his Black Summers Night trilogy from some recent insights into the Man of Mystery. For the past several years, Maxwell has been "kickin' it" and cutting his hair...

nOvaMatic  |  10/08/2008 at 1:30 PM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

Quincy Jones Calls Wynton Marsalis Out On His Musical Myopia

 

According to the New York Daily News, Quincy Jones recently cited famed trumpeteer Wynton Marsalis as having a narrow-minded view of the varied musical landscape. Jones was quoted as saying "Wynton doesn't want to hear any other kind of music"...

ill Mami  |  10/06/2008 at 4:20 PM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

BET To Q-Tip: Get To The Back Of The Line

 

You would think that after being part of the wave of artists ushering in hip hop's "Jazz Age" and having your videos played an innumerable number of times on BET would get you some love from an afterthought network such...

ill Mami  |  10/03/2008 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (9)  |  Permalink

Pied Piper Watch: Missy Elliot and Jazmine Sullivan

 

I get that Missy Elliot could be an important figure for ambitious young singers and performers. She has used her industry pull to propel the careers of her protégés, like Tweet and Ciara, into success they might not have attained...

Ro  |  10/02/2008 at 4:00 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

D'Angelo Has A New Single. Sort Of. Not Really.

 

When the announcement was made that D'Angelo would be releasing an album in early 2009, we were at first somewhat excited. This excitement was then dampened when this same announcement contained within it info on a greatest hits CD/DVD compilation....

ill Mami  |  10/01/2008 at 11:20 AM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

Maxwell Tickets Are How Much?

 

This morning on Twitter I had a minor major meltdown when I ranted to whoever would listen about my utter disgust and sheer dismay at the price of Maxwell tickets for his upcoming concert tour stop in Washington, DC. As...

Butta  |  09/26/2008 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (48)  |  Permalink

Can Michael Jackson Make Another 'Thriller'? Do We Want Him To?

 

Michael Jackson is allegedly hard at work on his comeback album, which he wants to be on the same level or better than Thriller. Good luck with that, Mike, because I really don't see that happening....

Butta  |  09/24/2008 at 3:30 PM  |  Comments (23)  |  Permalink

Keyshia Plans A 'Breakthrough'. Should We Be Concerned?

 

It's things like this that make me do a happy dance, knowing that my side-eye is still intact and ready for action. Over the weekend, our favorite around the way girl neighborhood diva Keyshia Cole appeared on TV One and...

Harlem  |  09/23/2008 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (9)  |  Permalink

Prince Goes 'Crazy' Over Baby Dancing To His Song

 

Most of you by now have heard of Prince being very controlling of his music, and why not? When you're an independent artist who happens to be a musical genius and who has been screwed over royally by your former...

ill Mami  |  09/11/2008 at 2:00 PM  |  Comments (13)  |  Permalink

So What Will Common's Album Be Called When It's Actually Released?

 

Have you been keeping up with the long, convoluted saga of Common's 8th studio album? Because if so, and you have the copious notes to prove it, then you should write for this blog because I am tired. This album...

nOvaMatic  |  09/11/2008 at 11:40 AM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

Jay-Z, Beyoncé, & Kanye Are Coming Back [It's Been Seconds Since We've Seen You]

 

If there are three artists you barely ever get to read about on a Black music site it's Jay-Z, Beyoncé and Kanye West. To be sure, they are the least exposed artists of our time and could benefit from an...

nOvaMatic  |  09/10/2008 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (15)  |  Permalink

No, Spike. The Exact Opposite Will Happen

 

We all know that Barack Obama is a powerful figure, but is he really powerful enough to galvanize the Black creative community into generating better output? Yes, according to Spike Lee: "I believe artists have to lead the way. The same...

nOvaMatic  |  09/02/2008 at 4:19 PM  |  Comments (10)  |  Permalink

Five Reasons Why 'Freedom' is Impossible Today

 

In a nostalgia-induced stupor the other day, I stumbled upon the song "Freedom" while clicking around YouTube. I mean, I remember the song itself but seeing the sheer number of successful black female rappers, singers and musicians moved me. It...

Ro  |  09/02/2008 at 1:45 PM  |  Comments (14)  |  Permalink

It's Been Ten Years Since 'Miseducation' So What Have We Learned?

 

Unlike many bloggers and journalists out there, I have really tried to not take a stance of wanting to understand what happened to Lauryn Hill because it's quite simple really: she just couldn't handle the pressure. It's this same pressure...

ill Mami  |  08/21/2008 at 4:05 PM  |  Comments (15)  |  Permalink

Is the Motown Re-Tread Ingenious? Or a Crutch?

 

We've been absolutely ga-ga over the singers we've highlighted on this site that "go way back, back into time" to channel what can only be defined as a decidedly "Motown Sound." To wit, anything that reminds us of the imprint's...

nOvaMatic  |  08/20/2008 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (9)  |  Permalink

Barack the Note! Obama Recruits Joss Stone for Campaign Song

 

In news that couldn't have hit us any harder had someone used a ba-rick, Democratic presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama has recruited British singer Joss Stone to record a theme song for his Presidential campaign. Yes, you read that right....

Harlem  |  08/14/2008 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

When Bad Remixes Happen to Good People: Jennifer Hudson Edition

 

Remember a time when a song's remix was often hotter than the original song itself? Mixologists would take an R&B song and put their foot in it, whether it was a hip-hop heavy remix for the jeeps or a dance...

Butta  |  08/11/2008 at 3:45 PM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

Do Jill Scott & Jesus Know About This?

 

If there's one niche of music I love, it's the reworked remake. Both Butta and myself have written about this in the past, and I will always love the dancehall reggae version of Guy's "Let's Chill." When it comes to...

ill Mami  |  08/06/2008 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (11)  |  Permalink

Teens Who Listen To French Rap Prone To Snobbery & Baguette Theft New Study Advises

 

I mean the title of this post in jest...sort of. A new study published by the Australasian Psychiatry medical journal advises that child psychiatrists should pay more than close attention to the type of music that their teen patients favor. For...

ill Mami  |  08/05/2008 at 3:20 PM  |  Comments (7)  |  Permalink

Can Tank & Donell Jones Keep Grown Man R&B Alive?

 

When it comes to big R&B male soloists, who's worth a damn? R. Kelly? Nope! Because he's lecherous, creatively-repetitive and thinks he's a rapper. Maxwell? Maybe, if he stops putting us through this slow Chinese water-torture. Usher, to be fair,...

nOvaMatic  |  07/23/2008 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (13)  |  Permalink

Dru Hill Cannot Be Stopped, No Matter What You and I Think

 

Imagine the collective disappointment that surged through us upon hearing the new Dru Hill track called "Loose." Oh wait, you don't have to imagine it because it's all right here! But the awfulness of that song cannot be blamed on...

nOvaMatic  |  07/21/2008 at 12:50 PM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

Maxwell Shocks, Awes and Delights at BET Awards

 

Last night was extremely trying on a sista. A glutton for punishment, I agreed to live-blog the BET Awards '08 knowing full well that I would have to subject myself to random acts of ignorance and my people behaving--and...

Butta  |  06/25/2008 at 5:00 PM  |  Comments (28)  |  Permalink

JET Announces, 'Prince Turns 50!'...Two Weeks Late

 

I swear, I couldn't make this up if I tried. JET magazine, a publication that prides itself on delivering black news first, has just announced that music and cultural icon Prince is celebrating his 50th birthday!!! The problem with that...

Harlem  |  06/16/2008 at 2:40 PM  |  Comments (8)  |  Permalink

Can Janet Still Sell a Record? Does it Even Matter?

 

While there's plenty of blame being tossed around regarding the non-success of Discipline, there are some things that need to be pointed out from a very patient fan's perspective. It's everyone's fault, including Janet Jackson herself. But, to a larger...

nOvaMatic  |  06/10/2008 at 2:55 PM  |  Comments (21)  |  Permalink

Rev Run is Kool-Aid's New Spokesperson. 'Oh Yeah'?!

 

I have to admit that Kool-Aid was not a staple in my household growing up. Once in college, however, I became a Kool-Aid chemist, mixing those flavored packets of colored powder and sugar until the concoction was just right. I...

ill Mami  |  05/28/2008 at 1:30 PM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

About That J-Hud T-Pain Collabo...

 

A while back we linked out to an MTV story about Jennifer Hudson recording a duet with reigning Queen of Urban Radio, T-Pain. Since then, we've heard a track or two of Hudson's output, and got more news regarding her upcoming...

nOvaMatic  |  05/27/2008 at 1:30 PM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

Busta Rhymes Defiles 'Love Thirst' Like Only He Can

 

When Jean Grae's "Love Thirst" was released, it represented a sound from her that we hadn't been accustomed to hearing. Love is not an emotion we have heard from Jean, unless it's for hip hop, and she gave us almost...

ill Mami  |  05/19/2008 at 2:00 PM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Rumored Producers for Whitney's Comeback Proves Singers Over 40 Don't Get Out Much

 

Prepare for an imaginary fourth quarter "showdown" between Whitney Houston and that other troubled "Itney" in 2008. I swear, the fact that so many music sites are even uttering their names in the same sentence with regards to music makes...

nOvaMatic  |  05/13/2008 at 1:12 PM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Another Reason To Use iTunes

 

The PRO-IP Act a/k/a "Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act" just sailed through our nation's House of Representatives yesterday. What does this mean for you? This act, if enacted into a bill, will give the government more resources...

ill Mami  |  05/09/2008 at 2:35 PM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

RZA Shows Love To The Ladies On New Album Cover. If By 'Love' You Mean 'Objectify.'

 

Wu-Tang leader RZA has a new album in the works as his alter ego Bobby Digital. I loved RZA as Bobby Digital and thought his alter ego was a great concept (Prince Rakeem notwithstanding), even when he completely went misogynistic on...

ill Mami  |  05/05/2008 at 4:22 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

How To Make Michael Jackson's Next Album Good

 

To be sure, the most effective (tolerable) tracks from Michael Jackson's Invincible were the ones that relied on a more smooth, stripped-down sound. If the album had been filled with more tracks like "Butterflies," "Break of Dawn" and "Heaven Can...

nOvaMatic  |  05/05/2008 at 1:30 PM  |  Comments (6)  |  Permalink

Meth & Red Have Trouble Keeping Up With Themselves

 

With the news of Method Man and Redman possibly working on Blackout 2, we have to wonder if this is their last ditch effort to remain relevant in a game that has all but forgotten about [1] New York, [2] rappers...

nOvaMatic  |  03/21/2008 at 3:02 PM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

Mariah Blowed On Saturday Night Live

 

Mariah Carey graced disgraced the stage of Saturday Night Live this past weekend in what can only be described as a master class in what not to do. After all of the chatter about Mariah replacing Janet Jackson (!)...

Butta  |  03/17/2008 at 5:59 PM  |  Comments (30)  |  Permalink

Blackface Already? But It's Not Even Halloween Yet!

 

I give anyone reading this post 3 guesses as to which Black actor this is before proceeding onto the next line. A young Ben Vereen? No. An angry Will Smith? No. Lighter-skinned Don Cheadle? Umm...definitely not. Brace yourselves, y'all....

ill Mami  |  03/07/2008 at 4:00 PM  |  Comments (24)  |  Permalink

Oh Really, Maxwell?

 

Last night I was up doing something close to nothing and dipped onto MySpace for a few minutes that turned into an hour. Right before I logged off, lo and behold what did I see but a new status message...

Butta  |  02/13/2008 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (8)  |  Permalink

Prince Paul's 'Bring A White Girl' Party

 

When I initially saw the flyer on the right, I wasn't sure how to feel. I mean, I know Prince Paul's sense of humor runs on the more sarcastic side of things, and there are several examples of De...

ill Mami  |  02/12/2008 at 5:00 PM  |  Comments (7)  |  Permalink

Lupe and Jill are Grammy Winners, but You'd Never Know It

 

As expected, many of the "urban" (read: black) awards weren't televised on last night's Grammy ceremony, purportedly to focus on performances in honor of Grammy's 50th anniversary. Yeah ok. We probably could've done without Rihanna spoiling The Time's "Jungle Love"...

nOvaMatic  |  02/11/2008 at 4:35 PM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

Call the Law: Janelle Monae Has Become a Very Bad Girl

 

Bad Boy Records doesn't exactly have a noted history of nurturing and producing some of the most talented, creative artists in the industry, especially when it comes to R&B. Occasionally, they've struck Gold and Platinum while producing some quality, borderline...

Shooter  |  01/29/2008 at 2:12 PM  |  Comments (20)  |  Permalink

Perpetual Headscratcher: BET On Sunday

 

Since BET's Celebration of Gospel is airing this Sunday, I thought now was as good a time as any to ask-- What's really going on?It's the Perpetual Headscratcher, something we wondered about even before Black Entertainment Television began it's certain...

nOvaMatic  |  01/25/2008 at 5:00 PM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

Hey, Grammy! You Slept On Robin Thicke!

 

This was Robin Thicke's year. After his strong but overlooked 2003 debut, A Beautiful World, he sat on the curb for a long time watching those with lesser talent run it on the charts. But with the 2006 release...

Butta  |  12/14/2007 at 3:00 PM  |  Comments (7)  |  Permalink

Hey, Grammy! Keite Young Is Missing From Your List!

 

One of my favorite new artists this year is Keite Young. The Fort Worth, Texas native released his debut disc, The Rise and Fall of Keite Young, on Hidden Beach in late August, and I've been bumping it ever...

Butta  |  12/13/2007 at 7:00 PM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Hey, Grammy! Did You Forget About John Legend?

 

Let it be known that John Legend doesn't want for any Grammy Awards. His arms are chock full with the five that he's already won, you know? However, it must be said that the Grammy Awards got it wrong...

Butta  |  12/12/2007 at 2:10 PM  |  Permalink

These Jackson Reunion Rumors are Encroaching Upon My Blog Steez

 

Are all the Jackson reunion rumors part of a diabolical plot by the Jacksons themselves to keep their names on our lips and in our blogs? With so much conflicting information floating around, one can't help but wonder (© Carrie...

nOvaMatic  |  12/12/2007 at 1:00 PM  |  Permalink

Rhymefest Appropriates Michael Jackson's Beats, Habit for Making Empty Promises

 

Look, we kinda dig Rhymefest. His "Angry Black Man On the Elevator" with Lil' Jon was the jumpoff. Amazingly. And, "Jeff N Fess" from Return of the Magnificent? Bad-ass!In a couple of days he's dropping the Michael Jackson "Dedication" mixtape...

nOvaMatic  |  12/12/2007 at 11:30 AM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Hey, Grammy! What About Talib Kweli?

 

These corporate rappers like 'Why this dude pickin' on me?' --"Holy Moly"Yes, we definitely agree with the Grammy nominations for Kanye West and Common, but alongside Graduation and Finding Forever, I was also faithfully bumping Talib Kweli's Ear Drum. Not...

nOvaMatic  |  12/11/2007 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

Hey, Grammy! You Missed Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings!

 

Last Friday your SoulBounce Editors celebrated the recognition of music worth listening to in this year's Grammy nominations with our picks and predictions. But now we're down from our high and realizing that there are a few glaring omissions from...

Butta  |  12/10/2007 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

What's the Deal With Lily Allen?

 

Every time Lily Allen does or says something I have to wonder if she feels like she isn't getting enough negative attention. Newsflash, Lily: You don't have to f*rt everytime Amy sh*ts. Ever since her whiny, misguided and sideways slams...

nOvaMatic  |  12/06/2007 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Leave Lauryn Alone?

 

I'm really on the fence when it comes to Lauryn Hill. When claims of her erratic behavior first began surfacing, I basically attributed it to the frustration of being a public figure whose fame and expectations had skyrocketed out of...

nOvaMatic  |  12/05/2007 at 2:00 PM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Parsing the 112 Comeback

 

Anyone that knows me is aware that I'm quite the fan of 90s-era Bad Boy, so it goes without saying that 112 was one of my favorite acts of the time. The first three albums were classic material, but the...

nOvaMatic  |  12/04/2007 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

New D'Angelo? Not Quite.

 

Any astute SoulBounce reader may have noticed in last week's new release roundup that a new D'Angelo import CD was listed. But don't break open the piggy bank just yet, y'all. Even D'Angelo himself is giving the bizarrely titled Yoda:...

Butta  |  11/12/2007 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (7)  |  Permalink

Raheem DeVaughn's New CD Pushed Back

 

Jive Records really needs to stop playing with my emotions. After tempting my tummy with the taste of Raheem DeVaughn's musical honey at his Love Behind the Melody promo tour back in September and finally giving the dude what I...

Butta  |  11/08/2007 at 5:45 PM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Nas - Greatest Hits?

 

Before I delve into the farce that is Nas' Greatest Hits, I will provide the tracklist for you to peruse: Less Than An Hour - (ft. Cee-Lo) Untitled It Ain't Hard To Tell NY State Of Mind One Love...

ill Mami  |  11/07/2007 at 2:00 PM  |  Permalink

Leona Lewis: Is This The Next Diva?

 

The UK has produced some serious female vocal talent as of late. There's everyone's favorite train wreck Amy Winehouse and the outspoken spitfire Lily Allen, but these two have some serious competition about to drop her debut album in...

Butta  |  10/25/2007 at 4:35 PM  |  Comments (38)  |  Permalink

The Awesomeness/Sadness That is 'Fiasco-Gate'

 

Not for nothin', but Lupe Fiasco is a comic genius. Ok, maybe not? But this is good stuff. So right now it's like when Isaiah Washington just kept digging a hole as he "clarified" what really went down on the...

nOvaMatic  |  10/10/2007 at 12:54 AM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

I Call 'Foolishness': The 'American Music Award' Noms

 

Soul/Rhythm & Blues:- Male artist: Akon, Ne-Yo, T-Pain- Female artist: Beyonce, Fantasia, Rihanna- Album: B'Day (Beyonce), Double Up (R. Kelly), FutureSex/Love Sounds (Justin Timberlake) Rap/Hip Hop:- Male artist: Fabolous, T.I., Young Jeezy- Band, duo or group: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Pretty Ricky,...

nOvaMatic  |  10/09/2007 at 7:35 PM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink

Maxwell Says "It's About Damn Time" (Amongst Other Things)

 

Maxwell's MySpace blog has been on fire as of late (and we already warned y'all that we were jocking, so don't act all brand new). This past Sunday he posted a blog entitled "its about damn TIME" where he gave...

Butta  |  09/14/2007 at 7:34 AM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink

Why D'Angelo Should Probably Keep the Weight

 

Would you be less likely to purchase D'Angelo's next album if he didn't look like a god?There's been much made of his weight gain and unkempt look over the past few years, but it must be argued that this isn't...

nOvaMatic  |  09/11/2007 at 12:32 AM  |  Comments (6)  |  Permalink

OMG! Maxwell! We Love!!

 

Over the weekend Honey broke that Maxwell quietly, mercifully updated his Myspace profile with... are you ready? A song. After the Valentine's Day Massacre of not delivering to his devoted fanbase the first single initially promised, the mysterious, freshly...

nOvaMatic  |  09/03/2007 at 6:01 AM  |  Comments (5)  |  Permalink