Sorry about he lack over posts over the last week or so. As most of you will appreciate, this is a very busy time of year.

Just wanted to say a huge Merry Christmas from Urban Review, thank you to everyone who has visited my site over the year & a special thanks to everyone who has sent an email, left a comment, given me a link or just said hello. My site has grown massively in just one year & I always appreciate every visit.

Have cool Crimbo, & be nice to those people you don't even like. See you on the flip-side. One!

M@rk

Urban Review

As Most Will Already Know, The King Of Pop; Michael Jackson Is Set To Re-Release The Best Selling Album Of All Time, This Time Entitled; Thriller 25.

The album will contain some original recordings, as well as brand new remixes, here is Billie Jean which features production from Kanye West. This sounds real hot, but whether it's better than the original I'm not sure.

I can't wait for this album to drop, I have had my eye on this one for months. Check out the track below & let me know what you think?

LISTEN: Michael Jackson ft. Kanye West - Billie Jean

This One Is For The UK, It's Got A Very Specific Taste, But I Can't Get Enough Of It.

Although Drum & Base/Garage music gets very little airplay, it has a huge underground following in the UK & I know this is a very sought after tune. It took me a while to find a copy. TS7 have killed it with Smile, this track is an amazing example of a very energetic genre of music.

This will not be a favorite of regular readers but I thought I would post it to get it some exposure. By the way it is ripped from a compilation CD so it mixes at the end, but it's the best I got at the minute. If you want to check out more of TS7's music, click Here

LISTEN: TS7 ft. Tonia - Smile

Hmm Yeah, How Do You Pronounce That? Anyway, Puakenikeni Is A New Track That Has Leaked From The Serially Delayed; Her Name Is Nicole.

Rumored to be the next single, it has some very hot production from Akon & features an act called Brick & Lace. I think the track is OK but it won't catch the world on fire, whatever is holding up Nicole's album, it better get sorted soon, because she needs another; Whatever U Like.

Check out the track & let me know what you think, & what you make of the album delays, have you lost interest in Nicole?

LISTEN: "Nicole Scherzinger ft. Brick & Lace - Puakenikeni"

One Of The Most Highly Anticipated Albums Of The Hip-Hop Year Has Been Leaked To The Net In The Form Of Lupe Fiasco's; The Cool.

With the huge success of his current single Superstar, this was always going to be an interesting one. But I am disappointed to see that it has received a large majority of bad reviews since it's leak.

Still, Lupe has a lot to say & I for one will be interested to hear him speak, if your included in this group, you can grab the album below. Loving the cover by the way.

Here Is The Brand New Video From British Grime Artists M.I.A.

Her latest single Paper Planes is a definite highlight from her amazing album; Kala. M.I.A is of a particular taste & if you don't get her then that's sort of understandable, but she receives a 'cult' following from her fans, once you love her, there is no going back.

Not loving the video that much, nor the fact that the gunshots have been edited out, it was sort of a big part of the record. Still this is for an American audience, so I suppose we are lucky it even gets played. If you like M.I.A or are interested in hearing her music, check out the video below.

Here Is The Brand New Video From Cherish, The R&B Beauties Are Back & Are Joined By Yung Joc.

In my opinion, Killa is by far the best single Cherish have released, although that's not really saying much. Still I am really feeling the catchyness of this track, it has nothing on a Destiny's Child song but is pretty hot!

Killa has been affiliated with the new movie Step Up 2, I'm sure the soundtrack will be pretty cool, just like the last one was. The video is quality, the choreography is on-point & it feels more expensive than anything Cherish have put out before.

After A Minute Out Of The Limelight, Janet Jackson Makes A Return To The Music Scene With Her First Single To Be Lifted From A New, Currently Untitled Album.

Feedback is a Dark Child produced track with a huge dance rhythm & nice arrangement. It has a hot hook & some very overdubbed vocals, but still hits the spot, Janet is obviously making a return to the mainstream pop world.

Nothing too special from the 41 year old star, but it's still pretty solid. I think her album will be worth a listen, but won't make a dent on the likes of Mariah or Whitney when they drop their new records.

LISTEN: Janet Jackson - Feedback

Scream Is Set To Be The Fourth World Release From Timbaland's Masterpiece Album; Shock Value.

If you have not ever heard this track, you will have to give it a few listens but if you are not hooked in the end, maybe you should be listening to a different genre of music. Scream has slick production, a catchy hook & some sexy vocals from both Keri Hilson & the gorgeous Nicole Scherzinger.

Although not my first choice from Shock Value it's still solid. I can't wait for a video to be shot, Damn! That is going to be hot. For now, check out the album version of the track below, I'm thinking th radio edit won't include Timbo's sleazy set at the end.

LISTEN: Timbaland ft. Keri Hilson & Nicole Scherzinger - Scream

Here Is The Brand New Video From Celebrity Drunk; Amy Winehouse.

Love Is A Losing Game is a pretty obvious final single from her fantastic album Back To Black. I am really loving this song, which totally surprises me, it's not really my thing, but it is stunning all the same.

I don't really get the video, Amy isn't dead, not yet anyway, so why the strange 'recap' sort of video? Still I can't hate on her or the track, I honestly think that this album is a modern classic & will be remembered as milestone in music.

Let's hope that Amy can sort herself out, she needs help, but to get that, she has to want it. If she can get clean, I think this woman can be recognized as an international superstar, like the UK hasn't seen in a long time.

Firstly, I'm Not The First One To Notice This Girl, So No Hating On My Lateness Please!

Kid Sister is a new female MC from Chicago, as you can tell from this track, she has the backing of Mr Kanye West. But even without this huge push, she still is massive style & an awesome flow, she reminds me of Lil' Mama in a good way.

I assume Pro Nails is not her first track, but it's the first I've come across & I like it, the video is slick, as is the production. Check out the video below & I would love to know what you make of her? If you want to know more, you can check out her Myspace by clicking Here.

Homecoming Is Reported To Be Kanye's 3rd UK Single, While The US Will Be Getting Flashing Lights As Theirs.

While this is a solid enough track, I really feel there is so much better to come from Graduation, I'm really not sure why this one was chosen Still, I won't hate on it because it is a good track, even if Chris Martin is on it.

Here's hoping that this one disappears real quick, so he can release Champion. Check out Homecoming below, if you don't already have the album.

LISTEN: Kanye West ft. Chris Martin - Homecoming

Yup, Another Top Album Has Been Leaked To The Net, This Time It's Mary J. Bliges's New Record; Growing Pains.

At first listen, I'm not sure it was what I expected, but I don't want to make judgment yet, expect a review within a week or so.

Finally, Just Short Of It's Official US Release, Here Is One Of The Most Highly Anticipated Records Of The Year.

Love Me All Summer, Hate Me All Winter is the full title of The-Dream's first album, this guy is hot! He is a producer, writer & singer, he has already been responsible for two of the biggest joints of the year, he wrote Rihanna's Umbrella & J. Holidays's Bed.

I have been excited about this album for such a long time & I haven't been disappointed, I don't want to say too much about the album until I have had a lot of listens. I will be doing a full review pretty soon, for now all I will say is you will want to listen to She Needs My Love, an instant favorite & a HUGE track!

1. Shawty Is Da sh*t (ft. Fabolous)
2. I Luv Your Girl
3. Fast Car
4. She Needs My Love
5. Falsetto
6. Playin' In Her Hair
7. Purple Kisses
8. Ditch That
9. Nikki
10. Luv Songs
11. Livin' A Lie (ft. Rihanna)


The-Dream - Love Hate


Heard The Album?
Love To Know What You Think...

One Of The Greatest Voices In Music Returns With A New Album & New Single Called Hate On Me.

Jill Scott, while still never reaching the mainstream audience, still holds a huge 'cult' following & for good reason. This track is awesome, the vocal performance is on par with any of the great singers out there & the video, while being pretty cheap still does it justice.

Jill still maintains that she doesn't hit mainstream radio stations because the audience wants to hear beautiful people, not beautiful voices. I don't really agree with this because there are some real uglies in the music game that do well; (sorry to people in the list) Fantasia, Lil' Kim, Aretha Franklin ETC.

Check Out The Video Below & Let Me Know What You Think Of The Track, Especially If You Have Never Heard Of Jill Scott?

After Poor Sales & Bad Reviews, You Have To Give Credit To Jennifer Lopez For Continuing With The Single Releases From Her Album Brave.

The video for her next single; Hold It Don't Drop It is a so-so effort, no real theme, just a good party track, I can imagine this doing well in the club scene.

To be fair, this track is a favorite from the lack-luster album, but then again there is very little to chose from. It has some nice production & is an easy listen, but I personally feel that J-Lo has lost that edge she used to have, she is no longer very 'street' & now more 'pop'.

Finally! The Video For Kelly Rowland's Next UK Single Has Been Released.

Work is a personal favorite of mine from the poor performing Ms Kelly, which is now experiencing a re-release. I'm puzzled why this track is not a world single, I think it's equally as good as Like This.

The video is hot, it's faced paced camera shots & cool choreography match the track well, this will be a club banger over the coming months. I hope that this is the start of a long run of solid singles, this lady cannot afford another round of poor sales, otherwise her only hope is a Destiny's Child reunion.

Here Is The Video Premiere For The-Dream's Second US Single Falsetto.

For those who don't know, where you been? The-Dream is a singer, songwriter & producer who penned, among others; Rihanna's - Umbrella; J Holiday's - Bed & Mary J Blige's Recent Hit Just Fine.

This guy is 'Uber Cool' he reeks of talent & is one of my hot picks for the year to come. His album Love Hate is due to drop next week in the US, but currently has no UK release date, which has annoyed me to say the least. Although his first UK single is a track called Ditch That, which I will be featuring pretty soon!

Seriously cannot wait to get my hands on the album, for now, check out the video below & let me know what you guys think?

Continuing The Support Of The UK Artists, Here Is The Brand New Video From Asian Star Jay Sean.

Ride It has an R&B feel with some solid vocals & is a strong representation of the Desi Beat Sound, which is growing support in the UK urban scene. This is a slick record & I am really feeling it, this guy is back on the block & I love it.

In my opinion, Jay Sean, & other UK artists can easily match or beat their US counterparts, this track is far better than a lot of songs on Mario's current album. It is a real shame that the international music scene cannot grasp the amount of underground talent on the shores of Britain, your missing out!

After Significant Success In The UK Charts With Her First Two Singles, Here Is The Video For Mutya Buena's Third Solo Single.

I featured this song months ago as a highlight of her album Real Girl, & I'm glad it has been picked as a single. It's also great to her Amy Winehouse giving her vocal ability & the hype that goes with her name to a smaller artist.

The video is not up to much, very disappointing, & unsurprisingly Amy didn't manage to make the video shoot. Mutya is not looking good in this video, shoot the stylist! I have been proved wrong by this girl, I predicted that the ex Sugababe would fail as a solo artist, but even I'm wrong sometimes. Jokes!

As Kelly Rowland Makes The Final Preparations For The Re-Release Of Her Ill-Fated Album Ms Kelly, Here Is The Return Single.

Daylight is a high-tempo 'R&B-Pop' record which features Travis McCoy of the Gym Class Heroes. When I first heard rumors of this track I was pretty excited, I imagined a 'Club-Banger' with some 'Fire Production'.

Instead we are left with a middle of the road record which is leaves you unfulfilled & disappointed, Kelly is deeper than this, her original album contained some top tracks, solid production & heart-felt input from the R&B star. The poor sales IMO were due to the poor PR & lack of effort from the record company.

I heard rumors that Kelly was thinking of quiting the music scene, I'm afraid to say, if she can't pull something out to match former band mate Beyonce then that might soon be a reality. I hope that does not happen.

LISTEN: "Kelly Rowland ft. Travis McCoy - Daylight"

I'm Not Usually Into Posting Up Pics Of Celebrities Looking Bad, I'm Not A Hater, But This One Has Got To Be Seen.

I love Amy Winehouse's music & really hope that she gets better, this ain't an addiction, this is a disease. This pic was taken at 5.45AM on Sunday, after Amy walked out of a friends house & just started randomly wandering the streets, before returning to the house a few minutes later.



I honestly think it is only a matter of time before the drugs kill her, or she takes her own life, I honestly hope that someone can help her out before we lose a true talent.

R&B Beauty Rihanna Is Continuing Her World-Wide Domination Of The 'Pop-R&B' Market With Her Fifth Single From Good Girl Gone Bad.

Breakin' Dishes is a high-tempo, energetic song which, in my opinion, is a highlight of her very likable 3rd album. The track's theme (is you can call it that) is Rihanna getting pretty pissed with her man & starts; Breakin' Dishes.

Although Rihanna does not have the vocal ability to match the likes of Beyonce or Mariah, nor the charisma. I find it so hard to hate on her, she is a cool, young woman making some very radio friendly music. Check out the track below & let me know what you guys think of it?

LISTEN: "Rihanna - Breakin' Dishes"

The 'Queen Of Hip-Hop Soul' Mary J Blige Has Covered The Latest Copy Of Billboard Magazine.

I'm really feeling the look Mary is going for, she is subtle, stylish & at 36 years old, still remains sexy as ever. I must admit that Mary has had a few fashion disasters over the years, but 90% of the time she looks on-point.

Mary will be is prepping the release of her new album Growing Pains over the coming weeks, so be on the look out for her. Check out the cover below & let me know what you think?

What Do You Think Of The Cover?
Let Me Know...

Serial Hit-maker & Front Man Of The Legendary Fugees; Wyclef Jean Returns To The Music Scene With His Sixth Studio Album, Check Out My Review Below.

Wyclef Jean - Carnival Vol. II Memoirs Of An Immigrant

Track List

Good Timing, After Featuring Snoop Dogg's Latest Single Sexual Eruption, Here Is The Video Premiere.

This time it is titled Sensual Seduction, because it is the video version. I am really liking the track & I think the video is cool as well, didn't quite 'get it' at first, but now I think it's a little bit of genius.

I can't back this track enough, I love the new Snoop sound & if Ego Trippin' (his album) turns out the same, Snoop will rise up a good few paces in my books. Check Out The Video Below & Let Me Know What You Think Of It?

Yeah, Your Right, I'm Very Behind On This Tune. I Heard This Snoop Dogg Track A Few Weeks Back & Thought Nothing Of It. But Now I've Seen The Error Of My Ways & Realised What I Missed.

If you haven't heard Sexual Eruption (Sensual Seduction [Radio Edit]) then you might not even believe this is Snoop, this is really an R&B tune. I think this is a good look for the 'Doggfather', big respect to him for trying something very different, I did not see this one coming.

I think this is a real good look for Snoop, already a legendary Hip-Hop artist, he is now showing his diversity & I hope this track does well for him. On a note - apparently this new sound was produced by the auto-tune technique that T-Pain is famous for. Check t Out Below & Please Let Me Know What You Think?

LISTEN: "Snoop Dogg - Sexual Eruption"

Here Is The New Video From Rising R&B Star Chen'elle.

Hurry Up will serve as her second single from her debut album Things Happen For A Reason, the track is pretty solid, with a very catchy hook. The video is also pretty hot, Chen'elle is very sexy, she knows it & uses it to her own advantage.

While I don't think she is anything too special, she does what she does very well, aimed at the Cassie end of the market, she is very 'Pop', but I quite like it. Check Out The Video Below & See What You Think?

Here Is The Brand New Retail Version Of "Wyclef Jean's" New Album, With The Longest Title In The World; "The Carnival II: Memoirs of an Immigrant".

Already, the album has received high acclaim from reviewers who got an early copy & from my first listen it appears very solid & could turn out to be great. Once I have had a few listens I will give my full opinion, for now, you can download the album below.

Rising Superstar "Leona Lewis" Dropped By "Radio 1's" Live Lounge Last Week, She Performed Her Recent Number #1, As Well As This Cover Of "Snow Patrol's" "Run".

Although her debut album is not everything it could or should have been, I still have massive support for Leona, she has the best voice I have heard in such a long time & I believe she has the potential to one day match "Mariah" or even "Whitney".

This track is amazingly performed, she makes it seem effortless, her pitch & tone are perfection & the emotion put into a track that was not even wrote by or for her is great. She really makes it her own, I still can't believe that people could hate on someone so talented.

Check It Out, I'd Love To Know What You Think?

LISTEN: "Leona Lewis - Run" (Radio 1's Live Lounge)

Here Is The Video For "Chris Brown's" New Single; "With You".

Not feeling this one at all, Chris has little variation at what he is good at, he can't sing but he sure as hell can dance. So, IMO I think he should stick to the more entertaining, fast paced tracks (Run It, Kiss Kiss), while I like "Yo", which was a slower song, I simply don't like With You. Every time I hear the "Hearts All Over The World Tonight" bit, I cringe...

Plus, there are much better tracks on "Exclusive", which although very 'Poppy' is still well worth a listen. I think that Chris should stick to what he is good at, in saying that, people will buy this track simply because of it's 'mushy', 'wintry' feel.

Check Out The Video Below & Let Me Know What You Think?

Apple Are Well Known For Their Modern, Vibrant & Popular TV Ads, Here Is The Latest Starring The 'Queen Of Hip-Hop Soul' "Mary J Blige".

It also serves as a very nice plug for "Work That" which, as reported, now looks to be the next single from her highly anticipated new album "Growing Pains". I think Mary is looking 'Super Fly' as a computer enhanced figure. Check Out The Ad & See What You Think?

Here Is The Second Single From The New Album By UK Rapper "Kano".

"Feel Free" features fellow Brit "Damon Albarn" & shows a more serious side to Kano; with it's catchy chorus & rhythm, plus an eerie video, this one should be a hit. Still, it's the 'lyrical fiyah!' that makes me love this song, Kano absolutely kills it, perfect flow, prominent vocals & strong lyrics makes this the number one example of the UK Hip-Hop scene.

The video itself is very British, the strange children, crappy weather & camera shots bring a very wintry feel to the track, I'm still feeling it though. Check Out The Video Below & Let Me know What You Think?

Here Is The Rumored Second Single From "Mary J Blige's" Soon To Be Released Album; "Growing Pains".

"Work That" is an up-tempo, beat driven track with a positive, empowering feel to it, a real good look for Mary. I hope her album follows this line, although Mary makes some of her best tracks when she is 'down', it is great to hear a more upbeat sound from her.

Growing Pains is set for a December 18th release (US), I can't wait to hear the whole album, I'm feeling a masterpiece coming on! Check Out The Track Below & Let Me Know What You Think?

LISTEN: "Mary J Blige - Work That"

Here Is The Video For "Chingy's" New Single; "Fly Like Me", Which Features R&B Star "Amerie".

I'm liking the track & the video, both are pretty standard for an R&B, Hip-Hop cross over, & should serve well as the first single from Chingy's new album; "Hate It Or Love It". Plus, Amerie is sure looking fly in this video, Damn!

Check Out The Video Below & Let Me Know What You Think?

Sorry About The Lack Of Posts Of Late, Not A Huge Amount Going On To Be Honest.

Just thought I would post up a cool remix of "Alicia Keys'" chart topping hit "No One", this features a new verse from current king of Hip-Hop "Kanye West". Nothing to spectacular here, but it is pretty cool none the less.

Speaking of Kanye, after the demise of his Mother last weekend, he proceeded to perform in Paris, but it may have been a little too early for him. Ye proved to be a little shaky, then near the end of the performance he prepared to preform "Hey Mama", at which point he broke down under the spotlight, in floods of tears. He was forced to leave the stage, but returned 15 minutes later with the aptly named "Stronger". Much Love To Kanye!

LISTEN: "Alicia Keys ft. Kanye West - No One" (Remix)

Here Is A Group You Don't Often See Posted On My Site, "Maroon 5" have hooked up with the 'Queen Of Hip-Hop Soul' "Mary J Blige".

"Wake Up Call" is a track that has already been released some time ago, so it is a little strange that now they would decide to make a remixed version. Still, with production from the UK's "Mark Ronson" & the fact that the original vocals have been re-recorded, shows a degree of 'effort' has been put into the song.

The only issue with the track is that Mary completely kills it, she out shines the original vocals completely, so much that they feel unnecessary. However, I am a fan of the song & it shows that Mary is not afraid to step out of the box & still be an incredible talent.

LISTEN: "Maroon 5 ft. Mary J Blige - Wake Up Call (Mark Ronson Remix)"

Here Is The New Video From The Gorgeous "Alicia Keys", Which Premiered A Couple Of Days Ago On "TRL".

I am proud to say that I liked this track from first listen & now I love it, the beautiful "Like You'll Never See Me Again" now has a great video, which shows us a bit of Alicia's acting skills. It is a well performed, somewhat 'Cliche' video with a cameo role from raper "Common".

I am really feeling this track & the album, it could be a rival for the critically acclaimed "Songs In A Minor".

Check Out The Video Below & Let Me Know What You Think Of It?

Source - StreetCred

As You Probably Already Know 'King Of The South' "T.I" Is Currently Living Under House Arrest After Police Troubles Involving Firearms.

While he maintains his innocence, it doesn't look too good for him, T.I, real name Clifford Harris, could face up to a decade in jail. Although the likeliness of this happening is pretty slim, IMO I think he will receive a shortened sentence at most.

Now, T.I has made the following video statement, to thank his fans for their support & to protest his innocence. This is a very smart move from the rapper, he might not be able to leave his home, but he has shown he can still hold some sort of control over the situation.

Check Out The Video & See What You Think?



While I like T.I's music, his style & his charisma, I personally think it is a shame that someone who commands so much respect from young people, should be involved with Guns, especially in the current climate of violence. Still, I don't claim to know the ins & outs so I can't fully comment on it.

The Mother & Inspiration Of Hip-Hop's Favorite Son "Kanye West" Has Sadly & Unexpectedly Died After 'Complications' From Cosmetic Surgery.

Donda West was responsible for raising Mr West alone from the age of 3, Kanye has always been extremely close to his mother & her influence was accredited to helping make him such a success. His love & respect for his 'Mama' was documented in his 2005 heartwarming track "Hey Mama".

Apart from supporting Kanye in his career, Donda was also a well respected academic, who was head of English at Chicago State University, before leaving the position to concentrate her efforts in helping Kanye. She served as Kanye's Manager, as well as writing & releasing her own book entitled "Raising Kanye".

Friend & mentor "Jay Z" ask for a moment of silence at a performance on Saturday night, saying; "We Got You Kanye, Stay Strong". Ye is due to start touring the UK in 10 days time, this may obviously be delayed or canceled as a result of such sad news. At the time of her death Kanye was in the UK, reportedly shooting the video for his next single; "Flashing Lights".

The West family made a short statement saying they; "Respectfully ask for privacy during this time of grief".

I have great respect for Kanye & I think that he is strong enough to take anything life throws at him, still, this is going to be a massive loss for him & I send all the love in the world to him & his family. I hope that the press can now leave them alone & let them deal with this as they need to.

For those who need a little reminding of Kanye's love for his 'Mama', listen to his tribute track below.

LISTEN: "Kanye West - Hey Mama"

Just Short Of It's November 12th Release Date, "Leona Lewis'" Debut Album Has Leaked.

"Spirit" has so far received a poor reception from critics & music reviewers, but so far I have been quite impressed, so I think it may be people hating on the whole "X-Factor" thing. Still I will give it a listen & give my opinion in a review.

For now, check out Leona's Spirit below & let me know your thoughts. As always, grab a retail copy of the album if you like it!

1. Bleeding Love
2. Whatever It Takes
3. Homeless
4. Better In Time
5. Yesterday
6. Take A Bow
7. I Will Be
8. Angel
9. Here I Am
10. I'm You
11. The Best You Never Had
12. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
13. Footprints In The Sand
14. A Moment Like This - UK Bonus Track

"Leona Lewis - Spirit"


Grabbed The Album, Got Any Thoughts,
Let Me Know?

Here Is The Video For The Next Single From New R&B Star "J. Holiday".

"Suffocate" is a nice slow-jam, but that is as far as it goes, if this guy hadn't have sung "Bed", no one would seriously be playing this track. While he has all the ingredients to be an R&B superstar, I'm not so sure he will have the longevity of "Ne-Yo" or "Usher".

I truly think that J. Holiday will suffer what I like to call the "Umbrella" effect, just like "Rihanna" with her smash hit, it will be hard to promote the album, when all anyone cares about is that song! Why would people want to buy the album, when they have already had the best bit?

Check Out The Video Below & Give Me Your Opinion?