Urban Review

RSS Feed Homepage

Articles: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

"M.I.A - Paper Planes"
2007-11-06 20:50:00
If You Are A Regular Reader, You Will Remember Me Featuring "M.I.A's" Current Album; "Kala".For those who don't know, M.I.A is a UK Grime & Hip-Hop artist who has been making waves over the past few years, she is not mainstream or commercial & thus does not make it into the charts. Still, she is one of the most inventive, creative artists I have ever heard, she is good friends with "Timbaland" & as a result, gets the hottest producers on her records."Paper Planes " will be her 3rd single to be lifted from one of the 'illest' albums of the year ( a personal pick from 2007). I know Paper Planes is a firm fan favorite from the album, although I'm quite surprised she decided to use it as a single, still none of the tracks are exactly commercial.Just a note, you may have seen at this years "EMAs" there was an award that was voted for by musicians, there was a small VT with a lot of well known faces making their opinion know. To my amazement, "Nicole Scherzinger" suggested...

"Alicia Keys - No One" (Live On 'Friday Night With Jonathan Ross')
2007-11-06 01:19:00
Firstly, Sorry To My Regular Readers For The Lack Of Posts Over The past Couple Of Days, God Doesn't Send Enough Hours Sometimes. I have Been Keeping My Finger On The Pulse, So Expect A Barrage Of New Songs & Videos Over The Next Week.Now, Here Is 'Super-Star Songstress' "Alicia Keys " Performing Her Current Smash Record "No One" Live On The UK's Number #1 Chat Show "Friday Night With Jonathan Ross".As expected, Miss Keys was on-point, her performance was solid as always, plus she looked gorgeous as ever, she never fails to bring something special & this was no exception.Alicia will be returning to the UK at the beginning of next year to tour, & I have been lucky enough to grab myself some tickets to see her live in London, can't wait to see if she lives up to my expectations. For now, check out the video below & let me know what you think of the performance.Like The Performance,Let Me Know?

"Chris Brown - Exclusive" (Album Leak)
2007-11-02 21:03:00
Although Nearly All The Tracks From "Chris Brown 's" New Album Have Already Been Heard, Here It Is In It's Entirety.Exclusive is due for release on Monday, but you can grab it first & check out Brown's signature Pop/R&B fusion. Although I'm not his biggest fan, damn can that boy Dance, his vocals are CD worthy, & the production on this record is pretty hot. First impressions are good, expect a review soon.1. Throwed2. Kiss Kiss [ft. T-Pain]3. Take You Down4. With You5. Picture Perfect [ft. Will.i.am]6. Hold Up [ft. Big Boi]7. You8. Damage9. Wall To Wall10. Help Me11. I Wanna Be12. Gimme Whatcha Got13. I'll Call Ya14. Lottery15. Nice [ft. The Game]16. Down [ft. Kanye West]"Chris Brown - Exclusive"What Do You Think On First Listen,Let Me Know?
More About: Leak

Preview: MTV European Music Awards 2007
2007-11-01 20:52:00
The Annual "European Music Awards " Are Due To Kick Off Tonight in Munich, & It Promises To Be A Good Show, by "MTV's" Standards Anyway.The show is due to be hosted by "Snoop Dogg", which will either be embarrassing or hilarious, plus appearances by; "Kelly Rowland", "Craig David", "Wyclef Jean" & "Joss Stone" who will all present awards. On top of the star studded presenters, there will also be some great performances from the likes of; "Will.i.am", "Nicole Scherzinger" & "Amy Winehouse". For once, I will actually feature an MTV awards show & genuinely look forward to it, it's just a shame there are not more European performers. It feels like an 'MTV tour of that little continent', rather than a celebration of European music, where's "M.I.A" at? Viewers in the UK can catch the show live on MTV ONE at 10:30pm tonight, I'm not too sure when or if it will be aired stateside. Will You Be Checking For The EMAs,Let Me Know?
More About: Preview , Music Awards

"Mary J Blige - Growing Pains" (Album Cover)
2007-11-01 20:22:00
Here Is The Official Album Cover For "Mary 's" New Studio Album; "Growing Pains".I am very excited about this album, "The Breakthrough" was such a hot record, I have every confidence that this will be just as good. Still, I'm not so convinced by the artwork, it's a little plain IMO, I was thinking it would be a little more vibrant, but Mary does what Mary wants.Growing Pains is due for release on December the 11th (US).What Do You Think Of The Cover,Let Me Know?
More About: Blige , Mary J Blige

Timbaland Works On New Album...
2007-10-31 21:34:00
Source - Ev Luva Ya In What Is The Best News I Have Heard In A Long Time, It Is Rumored Super Producer "Timbaland " Is Already Hard At Work On His Next Album . 'Working Title' "Shock Value II". While "Shock Value" has done extraordinarily well in the US & Europe. I felt that the single releases are moving very slowly, this to me was a sign that Tim wouldn't work on a follow up for some years to come. But, while being appearing at "Kiis FM's" homecoming concert he told fans that he had already recorded tracks with "Akon", "Gwen Stefani" & "Linkin Park". This is fantastic news, Shock Value was my best all round album of this year & Tim is my favorite artist in the game. Excited About A New Timbo Project,Let Me Know Your Thoughts?
More About: Works

"Twista - Pimp Like Me" (Video)
2007-10-31 21:17:00
This Is The Brand New Video For "Twista 's" Next Single; "Pimp Like Me".Although I am a fan of Twista, I'm not such a fan of this track, the lyrical content is very questionable; "A Pimp Like Me Just Wanna Work That B*tch Hard" seems a little dis-tasteful & will not win him too many fans among the 'Oprah Generation' of woman.On a good note, this track contains some sick beats, very hard & fast; they feel almost like UK beats from a "Grime" track. Plus, although the video is a bit cheap, it does serve a purpose.Check Out The Video Below & See If You Agree With Me?Twista - Pimp Like Me Presented By Urban ReviewWhat Do You Think Of The Track & Video,Let Me Know?

"John Legend - Another Again" (Video)
2007-10-31 21:01:00
Here Is The Newest Video From R&B / Soul Singer; "John Legend ".Although I totally respect Legend's musical ability, he just isn't pulling his weight lately, his sophomore album "Once Again" has pretty much passed me by, except for "Stereo", I can't remember a single track from it."Another Again" is an OK single, it's the sort of song you could fall asleep to, or listen to in a restaurant... This is not a good thing! Still, it has it's charms, & John is definitely going to fall off the map anytime soon, let's just hope he can pull out the stops for his next LP.Check Out The Video & Let Me Know What You Think?Feeling The Track,Let Me Know?

The Salt-n-Pepa Show - VH1 Debut
2007-10-31 19:49:00
Here Is A Short Clip Taken From The First Episode Of "Salt -n-Pepa 's" Brand New Reality Show On "VH1".The show covers the history of the group & follows them on the rocky road to be reunited, as you can see below, it ain't going to be an easy ride. I can't wait for it to premiere in the UK.Check Out The clip & Let Me Know What You Think?What Do You Think Of The Show,Will You Be Tuning In?
More About: Debut , Salt-N-Pepa

"Leona Lewis - Angel"
2007-10-30 20:49:00
While "Leona Lewis " Enjoys Unbelievable Success In The UK Charts With Her Smash Hit "Bleeding Love" (250,000 sales & growing), The Second Single (Unconfirmed) From Her Debut Album Has Been Leaked. "Angel " seems to confirm exactly what I feared about this girl, it is just too 'Poppy', even though it has been produced by "Stargate", it almost fails on the R&B front & sounds like a pop song, not a bad one, but still a disappointment. My excitement over this girl has not yet been squashed, she is still the most talented singer I have heard in about a decade & her album "Spirit" may contain some solid album tracks, only time will tell. Check Out The Track & See What You Think? LISTEN: "Leona Lewis - Angel" What Do You make Of The Track,Let Me Know?

"Nicole Scherzinger ft. Will.i.am - Baby Love (Remix)"
2007-10-29 21:31:00
While "Nicole " Seems To Be Doing A Reasonably Well With "Baby Love ", I'm Thinking This Newly Leaked Remix Is Just A Little Better.The characteristic sound of "J. R Rotem" can be heard among the beats of this track, it gives the song a fresh new feel & I'm really feeling it. I have said it before & I will again; why did she pull "Whatever U Like" as a UK single? That beat was so hot!I am hoping she will do well with her album; "Her Name Is Nicole", this girl is stunning, has a brilliant voice & a nice personality, she has the whole package.Check Out The Remix Below & Let Me Know What You Think?LISTEN: "Nicole Scherzinger ft. Will.i.am - Baby Love (Remix)"What Do You Make Of The Track,Let Me Know?

"Sean Paul - Watch Dem Roll" (Video)
2007-10-28 19:11:00
Here Is The Video Premiere For "Sean Paul 's" New Single "Watch Dem Role", Taken From His Forth-Coming Album; "A New Age" (Unconfirmed Title).Really not feeling the song, but the video is pretty hot, still Sean remains to be a chart topper even with a lot of people hating on him. Although I am a fan of his albums, he always fails to release a 'serious' single, but never the less, he is a top 'Hip-Pop' artist.Check out the video below & let me know what you think of both it & the track?Sean Paul - Watch Dem Roll Presented By Urban ReviewFeeling The Track Or The Video,Let Me Know?

"Estelle ft. Will.i.am - Wait A Minute (Just A Touch)" (Video)
2007-10-27 19:26:00
Here Is The Video Premiere For One Of My Favorite Tracks At The Moment."Estelle " has taken her time with this track, it surfaced months ago, but there wasn't any word from the star on when it would be released, I'm thinking there was a little behind the scenes stuff going on.Still, here she is with a pretty standard video to a great song, produced by "Will.i.am", "Wait A Minute " (Official song title, not 'Just A Touch ') has a feel good factor to it that I love. This song has been on constant rotation with me for weeks now, I hope it is a smash.Check Out The Video Below & Let Me Know What You Think?Estelle - Wait a Minute (Just a Touch)Presented By Urban ReviewYour Thoughts,Let Me Know?

"Timbaland ft. Keri Hilson & D.O.E - The Way I Are" (Fashion Rocks 2007
2007-10-26 21:43:00
My Favorite Performance Of The Evening From Last Weeks "Fashion Rocks " Show Was Most Definitely "Timbo".He performed his international smash hit record "The Way I Are", most importantly for me it was a chance to hear a live joint by "Keri Hilson ". Keri gave a good show with a few questionable vocal abilities, but still she seemed confident & hit just about every note, can't wait for this girl to blow!As it was a fashion show, obviously the artists' appearance was important, Tim looked very dapper, while Keri pulled off a very sexy outfit with good grace & style.Check Out The Video Below & Let Me Know Your Thought? Timbaland 2007 Fashion Rocks!Presented By Urban ReviewLiking Timbo's Style,Let Me Know?

"Unklejam - Stereo" (Video)
2007-10-26 20:28:00
Here Is The Latest Video From Crazed UK R&B Group;"Unkle jam".For those who don't know, Unklejam are one of the UK's most unique groups, their strange concoction of styles range from Pop to Electro to R&B & Soul, & they are making waves among the urban music scene.While this track does not seem on par with their last two singles, it is still a very cool song with a super stylish video. I am really feeling Unklejam, & I hope that their debut album actually sees the light of day, as subsequent delays are a very bad sign.Check Out The Video Below, If You Are Not From The UK, I Especially Want To Know Your Opinion's On Unklejam & The Track, So Please Leave A Comment.What Do You Think Of The Track & The Video,Let Me Know Your Thoughts?
More About: Stere

"Alicia Keys - Like You'll Never See Me Again"
2007-10-25 21:22:00
While "Miss Keys " s Currently Enjoying Huge Success With Her Current Smash Single; "No One", She Is Already Prepping The Release Of Her Next Track. "Like You 'll Never See Me Again" is a slow jam from Alicia , set to be the next singe from her soon to be released album; "As I Am". The "Timbo" produced track is sort of what you would expect from Alicia, it seems to have a longevity to it IMO, not an instant classic, but I'm thinking it will be a grower. Apparently, the video has already been shot for this track & with her album due on the 13th(US) of November, it all seems to be moving quite fast for the R&B star. Although Timbaland has always been my favorite producer, & I would never doubt a single move he makes, this track is a very welcome change from his normal 'club bangers'. LISTEN: "Alicia Keys - Like You'll Never See Me Again" Are You Feeling This Track,Better Than The Last,Let Me Know Your Thought?

"Mary J Blige - Just Fine" (Video)
2007-10-25 20:34:00
"Mary J" Has Been making Good Progress With Her New Single "Just Fine ", Now She Has Also Premiered The Video .I am really feeling the track, it show Mary in an obvious good place in her life, she is a true living legend & deserves to be treated as one. I can't wait for her new album to drop in November, "Growing Pains" is going to be huge.The video itself, is very basic but very smooth, it's simply Mary jamming & doing her thing, can't fault this lady with anything she does. Mary looks in real good shape, she always looks so fashionable & cool, whatever she wears she can rock it well.Check Out The Video & Let Me Know Your Thoughts?Mary J. Blige - Just FinePresented By Urban ReviewWhat Do You Make Of The Track Or The Video,Let Me Know?
More About: Mary J Blige

"Chris Brown ft. Kanye West - Down"
2007-10-24 21:30:00
Yup! Yet Another "Chris Brown " Leak, This One Is Produced By & Features "Kanye West ". "Down" is a very catchy track with an extremely hot hook & beat, although it's not as 'immediate' as "Kiss Kiss" I'm definitely checking for this one, I think it's hot. Not a big Chris Brown fan, but this album might actually be worth a listen, very commercial, but I like it. Just a thought, the hook on this track follows the same vocal arrangement as the "4 Non-Blondes" 1993 smash hit "What's Up", if you need a reminder of the lyrics click here. You can sing the lyrics over this track's hook, they match almost perfectly. LISTEN: "Chris Brown ft. Kanye West - Down" Will You Be Getting 'Down' To Chris' Album,Let Me Know?

"Chris Brown - With You"
2007-10-23 19:12:00
"Chris Brown " Songs Seem To Be Leaking All Over The Place, Here Is Another, Titled; "With You ".The "Stargate" produced track is pretty much "Beyonce's" "Irreplaceable" with different lyrics, most of SG stuff is just the same one beat at a different tempo, not my favourite producers by a long shot.Still, it is quite a solid joint with good 'break' opportunities for remixes, I'm not sure it will be wise to release this as a single, but still, he is yet to release a slow song from "Exclusive". On a side note; "Kiss Kiss" is doing phenomenally well in the download charts & looks like it is going to be a smash here in the UK, people are loving that track.LISTEN: "Chris Brown - With You"What Do You Think Of The Track,Let Me Know?

"Common ft. Will.i.am - I Want You" (Video)
2007-10-23 18:53:00
After Featuring The Track Earlier This Week, "Common 's" Latest Single Now Has A Star-Studded Video .Although I am feeling the track a little more than I had previously, I am not loving the video, even with the edition of "Alicia Keys", "Kanye West" & "Serena Williams" still doesn't lend any favors.I respect what he was trying to do, Common never joins conventional musicians when it comes to music or videos, but this one just isn't going anywhere. It is sad to admit, but 99% of artists, Need to make some mainstream 'Hip-Pop' records to be a huge success, until Common makes a "Gold Digger" he ain't moving forward.Check Out The Video & Give Me Your Opinion?Common - I Want YouPresented By Urban ReviewWhat Do You Think,Let Me Know?

"T-Pain - Church" (Video)
2007-10-21 18:57:00
Singer, Rapper & Producer "T-Pain " Has Premiered His Newest Video For His New Single; "Church ".Probably the most instantly likable track off his current album "Epiphany"; this song brings a change to the usual T-Pain sound, this one is far more of a Hip-Hop, Dance fusion. It brings a quality to an album that is surprisingly short of hit records.I am liking T-Pain the more I hear him, he is everywhere at the moment & is hot property when it comes to producing & featuring on tracks by top artists, from "Kanye" to "Chris Brown". I think that 'Nappy Boy' is a real talent & I have totally changed my opinion on him, for once it appears I was wrong, lol.Check Out The Video Below & Let Me Know What You Think Of It?T-Pain - ChurchUploaded by Urban ReviewFeeling The Track,The Video,Let Me Know?
More About: T Pain

"Common ft. Will.i.am - I Want You"
2007-10-21 18:35:00
Source - Chris-Pix"I want You" Is Set To Be The Next Single From Socially Conscious Rapper; "Common ".The track is produced by & features superstar producer "Will.i.am" & is taken from Common's latest album; "Finding Forever". Although I am not a major fan of Common, I do respect his 'morally correct' material & what he tries to do, whether it makes for good music is another matter. The track itself is pretty solid, it's got some good production & intermediate lyrics, I'm not so sure it's single material, but I haven't got the album so cannot judge fully on that matter. Check out the song for yourselves & see what you make of it.LISTEN: "Common ft. Will.i.am - I Want You" Liking The Track,Let Me Know?

"Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love" (Live Performance)
2007-10-21 18:20:00
Soon To Be Superstar "Leona Lewis " Dropped By This Week's "X-Factor" To Perform Her New Single.Leona was last years winner of the show & if you tuned in, it would have been apparent that she is a million times better than any of this years contestants. She gave a stunning performance of "Bleeding Love ", then still remained humble afterwards, I think this girl is amazingly talented & if all goes well, "Mariah" better watch out.Check Out The Live Performance & Let Me Know What You Think, Pay Attention To Her Solid Key Changes New The End Of The Song.What Do You Think Of Leona,Let Me Know?

Run's House Season 4 Preview
2007-10-21 18:08:00
Source - ThatgrapejuiceHere Is The Official Trailer For The 4th Season Of "MTV's" Smash Hit Reality Show "Run's House ".I love this show, & cannot wait for it to premiere over here in the UK, "Run" is always an entertaining person to watch no matter what he is doing & it is one of a few MTV shows that actually has some connection to music.If you have seen the show before, it looks pretty much like more of the same, if you have never seen it before, check out the clip below to see what you are missing.Will You Be Checking For Run's House,Let Me Know?
More About: Preview

"Leona Lewis - Forgiveness"
2007-10-19 21:31:00
Source - whatz-newHere Is A Brand Spanking New Track From Soon To Be Superstar "Leon a Lewis "."Forgiveness " is the official B-side to the UK single release of "Bleeding Love", although it is more Pop than R&B is very well sung & shows Lewis' potential as a vocalist. Fortunately (IMO) this track has not been included in the album, which is a promising sign.To be honest, this girl Cannot fail, I think she will truly be a megastar, whether she will be the next "Mariah" is yet to be decided. If you live in the UK, you can see Leona perform her new single on Saturday Night's "X-Factor", for now check out the track below & see what you think.LISTEN: "Leona Lewis - Forgiveness"What Do You Think Of The Track,Let Me Know?

Whitney Houston @ Fashion Rocks 2007
2007-10-19 20:28:00
The Annual "Fashion Rocks " Event Was Held Last Night In London. The surprise guest of the evening, was the Legendary "Whitney Houston ", in an effort to prove she has turned her life round, & in an early promo for her new CD, which is currently slated for early next year.-She arrived with her daughter Bobbi-Kristina (Yes It's Her Daughter), & dazzled both guests & photographers with her diamond encrusted "Valentino" dress. Other stars of the night included "Alicia Keys", "Kate Moss" & "Uma Thurman", whose almost see through dress caused quite a stir. But I think the real surprise of the evening was the fact that the organizers managed to keep the Whitney thing a secret! I can't wait to hear some new material for Houston, I hope she comes through with a real classic, we know she can kill it vocally, but whether she is passed her peak will only be answered with an album. What Do You Think Of The Whitney,Let Me Know?

"Nelly - Wadsyaname" (Video)
2007-10-18 20:21:00
"Nelly " Continues His Unstoppable String Of Hits With The Video To His New Single; "Wadsyaname".Although Nelly is not always held in the highest esteem by many critics, his unmistakable style & stage charisma nows no bounds, Nelly really doesn't make a bad single. I'm feeling the track & liking the video, a good all rounder & welcome return to form in my opinion.Nelly's new album; "Brass Knuckles" is due for release on the 13th of November (US).Check Out His Video Below & Let Me Know What You Think?Nelly - Wadsyaname Uploaded By Urban ReviewFeeling The Video,Let Me Know?

"Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love" (Video)
2007-10-17 21:40:00
The Soon To Be Leading Lady Of UK R&B "Leon a Lewis " Finally Debuts The Video For Her Brand New Single "Bleeding Love ".I'm not quite sure what I was expecting for this video, but it wasn't this, with throwbacks to "Mariah Carey's" "We Belong Together" video (IMO), Leona is looking like a superstar, gone are the "X-Factor" days of being shy & sheepish. She is looking on-point, sexy while still remaining very humble.It is very exciting to finally see a female from the UK who can honestly be a global superstar, I only hope that her album will contain more R&B rather than more pop tracks. This girl needs to take charge & Represent for the UK scene, which is almost non-existent at the moment.Check Out The Video Below & Please Leave Me Your Opinion?Leona Lewis - Bleeding lovePresented By Urban ReviewWhat Do You Think Of Leona,What About The Video,Let Me Know?

Nicole Scherzinger Covers Blender Magazine
2007-10-17 21:09:00
Source - EV Luvs UIt Appears That "Nicole Scherzinger 's" Promotion Is Now In Full Swing, She Has The Full Cover Shot From November's Issue Of "Blender " Magazine .Although "Baby Love" seems to be a recipe for success, I am still baffled as to why she decided to pull "Whatever U Like" as the lead single for the UK, the track & Video both kicked ass.Anyways, here she is looking fine on the cover, this girl just cannot look bad, she is so effortlessly gorgeous.Wow!What Do You Think Of The Cover,Let me Know?
More About: Covers , Blender Magazine

"Chingy ft. Amerie - Fly Like Me"
2007-10-17 00:33:00
Here Is The Brand New Single From 'Hit & Miss' Rapper; "Chingy ". "Fly Like Me " features R&B star "Amerie " & will apparently be the lead single from his up-coming album: "Hate It Or Love It". The "Bryan Cox" produced track is pretty solid, but will not do 'Ching-a-ling' any favors as a debut, it's quite catchy, quite a good flow & quite good production. That just sums it up, quite good! Maybe it will be a grower, but I wouldn't put money on it, let's hope he decides to opt for a different first release.LISTEN: "Chingy ft. Amerie - Fly Like Me" Feeling The Track,Let Me Know?
More About: Erie