5 REASONS TO EXPLAIN WHY RIHANNA'S ALBUM DROPPED BY 70% ON THE CHARTS

inspired by the hiphopconsultant

1. Was there a disconnect with those sympathetic to a victim of domestic violence? Those adult women who were disgusted by what Chris Brown did not care too much for her regardless.

2. Are the teenage girls blaming her for 'trying to ruin his career' and therefore not supporting her? Something I've heard continuosly.

3. Is the overlysexed bad girl image coming off as a fraud? For us that's pretty much it. This era comes off as a chick trying to act like something she's not. You can't can beat up and sing about how :"hard" you are. Just not believable. This is more Gaga impressions than the Rihanna we grew to love (even with the edge that Good Girl Gone Bad brought). This is just trash.

4. This is just a slow start, she's never done big numbers early. Well first, this is the second week and she's never dropped this far down before. We suspect it has to do with rumors of Def Jam buying copies of the album to give a good first week impression (as they are rumored to always do). As a result the majority of their artist take a nose dive in the subsequent weeks, reflecting the lack of interest that would have been reflected had they not bought albums. Second, this album did not get the promo of her last 3 albums. After her last album Rihanna entered the league of those expected to recoup the major dollars put out in promo, hence that argument is no longer valid. Not to mention the loss in selling the album for 99 cent. Also, the fact that she has no longstanding top 10 singles on the hot 100 suggests that there is no reviving this album. The only potential I see is the latest single and that was made for urban. In other words, it's a wrap for this era. Maybe they will do the usual 150 rereleases with new songs to bring back some interest.

5. Does the album just suck? At the end of the day isn't that what its all about. That American Idol dude has gotten a lot of flack yet he's still in the top 5 2nd week in a row. Susan Boyle with all her psycho antics before even releasing a record has sold 1 million copies in the US in 2 weeks with no video. Finally, unlike her previous efforts, not even the europeans are feeling this album. No #1s (or top 5) in any country to date.

AMERIE 'IN LOVE AND WAR' IN STORES NOW

Ladies and Gentlemen, one of the best albums released by a major in 2009. After listening to this effort by Amerie I have to say I am totally impressed. The sound is totally in her own lane and she stays true to herself. I have to say that Defjam totally did not push this the way it should have, probably because they are too focused on spending payola dollars on pushing Rihanna. Such a shame. I love every single song on this album and it all fits in the 'love and war' theme. It's very seldom that an artist can compile an effort with a theme that makes sense and that is truly great. Kudos to you Amerie.

Listen to "Love and War" HERE

ALBUM REVIEW: Brandy

This is Brandy's worst album out of all of her previous releases. "Right Here' is my joint, Piano Man is hot, 1st and Love is exceptional, and "Long Distance" is better than average. With the exception of those I found it to be quite a snore as a collective effort. Her vocals are on point as far as notes, her tone is not as rich and I detect some kind of protool influence. Instead of the rich dark effort of her last album, the tone seems light and airy. Lyrically she has some depth. But that's not saying much considering the hits of today including "I'm Up on him, He's up on me, Don't pay him any attention...." and "Diva is a female version of a hustla."

In this climate Brandy had to show us who she is as an artist but bring something new to the table. I'm afraid she didn't. I can get this effort from any of the many RnB chick waiting in the wings.

If you don't have Afrodisiac (her previous effort), I'd get that instead.

I give it a B.

ALBUM REVIEW: Beyonce "I Am/ Sasha"

So since I think only about 3 possibly 4 songs on the Sasha Gimmick are worth repeating (and could be done by anyone else)out of the other forgetable track, and didn't want to be called a 'hater' for not being impressed, I've decided to take a page from Rapup.com and collect the critics review….....

Entertainment Weekly: On Beyoncé, there are some lovely ballads, including ”Disappear,” with its sweet guitar-picking and delicate harmonies, and the soaring ”Halo” and ”Ave Maria” … The collection might have been better served had she edited it down to one disc, rather than belabor what ultimately seems like a marketing gimmick. B+

Rolling Stone: But the Sasha disc boasts Beyoncé’s most adventurous music yet: She rides frothy techno on “Radio,” turns out modal-sounding hooks over 808 bass on “Diva,” and juices the eerie, Nine Inch Nails-style beats of “Video Phone” with lines like “Press ‘record’ and I’ll let you film me.” 3.5 out of 5

Los Angeles Times: As a vocalist, Beyoncé seems more comfortable in Sasha’s stilettos. Her performances on those cuts feel unforced and fun, like she’s thinking on her feet. Stretching for deep meaning on the Beyoncé ballads, she risks sounding ponderous—communicating thoughtfulness weighs her down.

The Guardian (U.K.): Elsewhere, though, they’ve come up with stuff such as “Halo,” a pallid rewrite of Rihanna’s “Umbrella”—same icy synths, same drivetime rock dynamic, same repetitive chorus—which certainly raises some questions: is this any way for the queen of R&B to be carrying on? 3 out of 5

New York Magazine: The more-subdued first disc, for which B.’s less outrageous side was responsible, really isn’t bad (we like “Disappear” and “Halo,” especially), but who listens to Beyoncé for the ballads? NOBODY.

Rap-Up’s Favorite Tracks: “Halo,” “Radio,” “Smash Into You,” “Ego”

THE NEXT ARTIST TO GET LEAKED

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

review to come....

GAGA BILLBOARD REVIEW

It'd be easy to dismiss a 22-year-old debut artist sporting a blonde Cher wig, hooded Catwoman suit and glowing staff she calls the "disco stick"—but not if she delivers an album full of hits. Lady Gaga's first single, the heavily synched "Just Dance," is now impacting the Pop 100, after a summer of burning up the dance charts. But full-length "The Fame" proves she's more than one hit and a bag of stage tricks. The album borrows sonically from hip-hop, dance-pop and modern R&B but has the glam-rock soul of Gaga's beloved Queen and David Bowie. "Poker Face" and "Love Game" carry the pleather-and-sequins vibe of the downtown New York scene out of the underground and onto the FM dial without losing its smut and sass. Comparisons to acts like Scissor Sisters and Princess Superstar are inevitable, but Gaga's got a shrewder pop ear.

The LP is out this week. Available at all music stores and itunes. PS official Album Review to come.

ALBUM REVIEW: Jennifer Hudson

I've had a chance to listen to Jhud's new LP which comes out September 30th. It starts and ends hot but there are a few misteps in between. Lets break it down:

1. Spotlight - midtempo; relatable lyrics by Neyo, great melody, fire delivery...A

2. If This Is Love - Ballad; Doesn't sound like her; What that song "Energy was suppose to sound like; Great Melody; Should be a single; Could see Beyonce doing this song........B+

3. Pocket Book - Uptempo; Swagga/Sassy intensified; Sounds like something En Vogue would do; Luda Kills as always....A

4. Giving Myself - Ballad; Something Whitney would do, classic R&B; Sounds like reflective of her current relationship; Here comes the yelling; Filler cut....B-

5. What's Wrong (Go Away) - Ballad with Tpain; Tpain singing with Jhud, really?; Jhud and a Vocorder really?; filler....C

6. My Heart - Mid tempo with Polo da Don; Love the beat; Hate the melody; Simple lyrics; Something Brandy would do; Kinda boring; Sassy lyrics for a chruch girl...B-

7. You Pulled Me Through - Ballad; Classic RnB; Inspirational lyrics; Wierd melody; SOunds like something Mariah would do...B-

8. I'm His Only Womam - Ballad with Fantasia; Bootleg "woman to woman"; Here comes the yelling; Single worthy only becuase of the collabo appeal; no vocal chemistry; Still proves why Fantasia rightly won AI...B

9. Can't Stop the Rain - Midtempo; Advice to another woman; Sounds like for crossover appeal; Like the melody...B

10. We Gon Fight - Ballad; Lyrics a lil too street for her image; Swaggalicious delivery; Do not like the melody or the bridge; Sounds R Kelly-ish...B-

11. Invisible - Mid tempo; Sounds familiar; Simple production but it builds up which is nice; Seems to have a crossover appeal; Reflective; Okay Melody...B

12 And I Am Telling You - Played out but we like it....A

13. Jesus promise Me - Church.....A

14. All Dressed Up - From Sex in the City Soundtrack; Love it; Dixco feel; Should have followed "Spotlight".........A

In all, it didn't live up to the first single. That should be her sound. Seems like they just mixed a lot of sounds together. Still better than I expected from her. With the right single choices, she could go platnum. But well see. Overall grade......B

ALBUM REVIEW: Gunit "TOS"

In sum, Gunit provided a solid effort but it could have been even better.

The Good = Songs like "Close to Me," "You So Tough," "I Don't Want to Talk About It," "Money Make The World Go Round" and the current singles "I Like the Way She do It," and "Rider Part II" reflects classic Gunit (ie great melodies and tough rhymes). Although each bring it's on element and are totally "single" worthy, it is the Mavado featured "Let It Go" and the semi tribute the Queens and the murder of Sean Bell "Straight Out Of South Side" that take it to another level.

The Bad = not enough songs like "Straight Out of Southside" that touch on a more diverse topic. Sure they are who they are but creatively they could have brought a bit more to the table besides Banks potent punch lines and clever metaphors. In addition, songs like "Casualties of War," "TOS" "Kitty Kat" and "Get Down" seem like fillers or the same ole lyrics and overall generic sound.

The Scoop Grade = Based on the solid single worthy material, majority great melodies, and clever lyrics primarily from punch line king Lloyd Bilanks....with negatives including filler songs and lack of diverse lyrical/musical content, we give Gunit's "TOS" a B+

ALBUM REVIEW: The Carter III

It's taken me a while to post a review because I was not motivated to do so. I heard this album and the only word to describe it was 'anticlimactic.' After all the hype all the mixtapes all the glory .....

All the notables and greats have classic album from Big, Nas, Jay, Tupac, to even 50 Although Wayne's been crowned by all living (and I suppose the dead are nodding in agreement) he has yet to fall in their company. His biggest mistake was thinking what worked for his mixtape would work for an album.

The beginning starts off nice with swag songs from '3peat,' to 'mr. carter' f/ jay, to 'a milli,' (my personal favorite). Then 'Get Money' with Tpain brought the calliber completely down. All right all ready.....despite great beats I'm getting sick of you saying you're the greatest...tell me why. He continuously throws out random 1,2punch lines that while clever, never strings together to make a cohesive song.

The exception came with the most notable "Dr. Carter" in which Wayne plays a hip hop Dr. Phill saving hip hop in different aspects with each verse. This is arguably the most creative/lyrical/well put together song from a hip hop artist I've heard in this decade....so far. It is brilliant. But songs like these came few and far between.

His collabos with rnb heavyweights also proved worthy. 'Tie My Hand' with Robin Thicke caught a bit more depth as Wayne touched on how he was affected by katrina which occurred in his hometown; while 'Comfortable' with Babyface about how a girl shouldn't get too comfortable in a relationship otherwise she'd get the axe, was mediocre.

Multiple productions from Kanye West and David Banner proves Banner to be the most underrated producer yet. Banner contributed to 'Phone Home' in which Wayne elaborates on his clever 'i'm a Martian' line; and "Lala' along with Busta Rhymes and Brisco...a less appealing track. The West produced songs are not worth discussing.

In all, there were moments of greatness but they were few and far between. Collectively it's a group of songs that can be played on the radio with a few exceptional true hip hop hits and a lot of the same talk he did on the mixtape route.

Dear Weezy:

A Biggy you are not;
A Pac you will never be;
A Jay you can always aspire to be;
A 50 your spine can't fathom being;
A Nas or Andre 3000 your vocabulary is too limited to be:

The album gets a B+.

Album Review: Janet Jackson's Discipline

We all hoped that Jermaine Dupri could do for Janet what he did for Mariah. Even the lead single "Feedback" was a step in the right direction, although it had to grow on us. Having gone through the Nipplegate scandal and flopping with 20 YO, we were sure that those rough days were behind Janet.

We finally got a chance to absorb the entire album and come to the final conclusion (we know we flip flop on this one often) that 40 year old women inately cannot be hip and/or relevant. At this age you cannot compete with the umbrella yoddling, matrix moves and uh oh booty hop of today. Today is a different day.

The difference between Janet and Madonna is that Madonna embraces the youth but puts a mature spin on her music today. This allows her to be, not so much relevant, but an option for people her age and for young folk who want to be cutting edge. Madonna no longer makes popular music but she makes music that has an audience. This is because she embraces her predecessors and creates a lane for herself. Janet on the other hand wants to compete with her predecessors and compete in the same lane. In addition, her music hasn't grown with her demographic.

Just like her previous albums, Janet is all about the nasty talk in Discipline. "Flow like a first day period" is just the beginning. Wait till you hear the song "Discipline." And then hearing Janet try to talk 'hip hop' and act all man hungry at her old age is just a turnoff. At her age most women have had kids and at a different space when it comes to men. Listening to Janet's lyrics is like listening to a horny tweenager. As a result her flow is borderline cornballish. The actual instrumental music was way too major for the lyrics and her voice to be honest. At times her vocals seem to drown in the beats.

Longtime producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are notably absent, making way for Dupri, Ne-Yo, Rodney Jerkins, The-Dream, and StarGate. They often drown out Jackson's breathy vocals with soulless beats. Only a few midtempo grooves (''Curtains'') and schmaltzy ballads (''Never Letchu Go'') are thrown into the mix, leaving Discipline heavy on forced, forgettable dance cuts (like ''The 1,'' featuring Missy Elliott). Though Jackson boasts in ''Feedback'' that her swagger is ''heavy like a first day period,'' it's more like a bloody mess. B-

ALBUM REVIEW: Cherish

Cherish's second effort is above average, but lack of personality resulting in lack of interest, unrelatable lyrics, and poor promotion has them trailing pop peers like Danity Kane and P*ssy Cat Dolls.

"The Truth" consists of a few club bangers like "Killa," a hand full of mid tempos, and a couple of tastefull ballads. Vocally, they're no Aretha but they're no 'Assie either. They equally have very solid mid ranges and execute them by the book. However, there is something missing. In comparison to other groups: they don't have a leader who stands out vocally, however irritating ala Destiny's Child, they're not particularly sexy with powerhouse voices ala En Vogue although very cute girls, they're not glamorous ala The Supremes, they don't have dynamic personalities that shine through the songs ala TLC....which leaves them well, forgettable.

Having laid out the reasons why despite an exceptional album they still will flop...I must say I haven't enjoyed an album from a pop girl group like this since "Writings On The Wall." The melodies are perfect, the production is the best of the best, and the vocals are solid. Standouts include: "Amnesia" about forgeting about him; "Framed Out" talking smack..a swagga song; "Before You Were My Man" about having messed with his friend before you met him unknowingly; "Only One" about devotion to your loved one; "Love Sick" about letting go and now he misses you ala 'cry me a river': and "Like a Drum" about losing love and what it does to your heart.

On the strength of great melodies, great production, and solid vocals and lyrics, we gave this album a B+. However there is nothing exceptional about the positives; ie the beats aren't 'out of this world', the vocals aren't 'an improvement from the last album or the best i've every heard,' and the lyrics aren't necessarily connecting with the emotion in the presentation so as to make you 'feel the song.' In addition, the album lacks of that extra umph, personality, swagga, and interest that is necessary for pop sucess in these times.

ALBUM REVIEW: Ashanti "The Declaration"

The Queen of Midtempos gives us just that on this new effort. I must say it starts off slow with mediocre melodies and substandard lyrics. For a lyricist of her caliber, it did not hit the spot in the early stages. It opens with first single "The Way That I Love You" which is a grower at the very least but what it lacks in single worthiness it more than compensates in visuals. It is arguably, video of the year (2008) so far.

The lyrical theme seems to be about heartbreak and trying to get her man back. "So Over You" goes through the same ole, 'I gave you everything and you were bad to me so I'm over you' vibe, but not even in a clever enough way to make us forget it's just the same ole. However the highlights come in the middle of the album with songs like "Girlfriend" about wanting to be with a guy, which gives a sensual vibe; to "In These Streets" which is classic round a way Ashanti. This is the most relatable lyrically for me and possibly the best song on the LP. It talks about how there is really nothing out there to leave your man for....kind of a 'the grass isn't always greener' effect. And the beat....knocks hard; "Things You Make Me Do" with Robin is a banger too. "Body On Me" is a clear single, as Akon joins in with his usual ranting and oohhing.

In all I think Ashanti made a solid effort but I think she can do better. She's the same ole Shani with no evolution and only hints of classic Ashanti. I'm not sure it will be enough to give her the "princess" crown back. If she were to go back in the lab and redo the first half of the album, she could be looking at a classic LP. Since that is just wishful thinking and we have to take "The Declaration" for what it is.......she gets a "B" on the strength of the last half of the album.

ALBUM REVIEW: Usher "Here I Stand"

To sum it all, this is a sexy album. Lots of sexy mid tempos. I hear some standouts from the Dream/Trickey influence. His next single 'moving mountains' is kind of blah and is shocking why he would pick that instead of standouts like "Trading Places," "Something special," "Love you Gently," "Before i Met You," and "Lifetime." Lyrics range from 'I want to leave her' to 'love in this club' to ' i was running around like a fool now I'm glad I found you' so it doesn't really give too much insight into his relationship with the cougar. The album is long, with 19 songs, which are mostly solid. Off course there are interludes with the "Prey For You" interlude with his son being the most touching. But once you think of who the mom is you get over it.

Surprisingly, I didn't hear much of JD. I didn't read the credits so maybe he changed his trademark sound. I thought I could tell a JD production a mile away...maybe not. The In the Club Part II is on there, which I think is crap and extended remix with Jason Nevins is the most uptempo joint he has on the album.

In all PS gives this album an A-, and recommend you cop it May 27th.

PS ALBUM REVIEW: Danity Kane's "Welcome To The Dollhouse"

From Left To Right: Shannon, Andrea, D Woods, Dawn, Aubrey

Not since En Vogue has the industry seen a girl group with equally talented members and equal shine. While they are years behind the talent of En Vogue, these girls present En Vogue's pop version. Unlike their RnB counterparts, DK is a manufactured group with buzz only around the MTV crowd.

This may be why despite their #1 platnum selling debut album, the industry has not taken notice. "Welcome to the Doll House" (WDH) is suppose to be the album that will give them the buzz to overshadow the fact that they were created on a reality show. It is suppose to show that their talent overrides the circumstances of how they came together. Did it do that? The answer is no.

• THE GOOD:

The first single "Damaged" (video seen here) is fiyah, with a catchy hook, hard knock beats, and relatable lyrics, it sets WHD up to be a crossover pop album that will make some noise this year. Other album highlights come from the mid and up tempos. The Missy produced "Bad Girl" seem perfect for DK. Missy lays an impressive verse as well. Brian Michael Cox's "Sucka for Love" stands out as one of the best tracks on the album. Dawn writes "Lights Out" which is pretty descent. Despite these attempts, the filler up tempos and boring ballads really hurt WHD.

• THE BAD:

The ballads on WHD carry on with high pitch screams and ad libs that go on forever (perhaps the downside of a 5 member band with no lead). "Ectasy" with Rick Ross starts wonderfully with a great verse from the hip hopper, then 4 of the girls sing and sound like one person for the rest of the song. With the exception of Dawn, none of the voices are distinct or have any swagger to carry what could otherwise be potential hits. As a result, the songs seem to blend together and become one big bore.

Lets not forget the fillers. Up tempos like "Pretty Boy" and "Strip tease" should not exist on this album. They were completely useless and forgotten soon after hearing. "2 of You" and "Key to my Heart bring nothing to the album either.

• OVERALL

For these reasons, the album did not accomplish the mission of making DK more relevant or impress a wider audience this year than they did with thier first album. It will likely debut at #1 and die off shortly before it goes platnum.
As a group, if they manage to stay together, they certainly have potential. An upgrade from the Pussycatdolls, but leap years away from an En Vogue. They will have to carve a stronger attempt and not be so obviously focused on making fluffy pop sounds for the masses. They need to understand that pop music can last only if created in a quest to make good music, not just to make a catchy tune. We still look forward to seeing what DK has in store for the future.

• Grade: B-