The Self Proclaimed 'Greatest Rapper Alive', "Jay Z" Recently Announced That He Is Working On A New Album, Due For Release In November.

Entitled "American Gangster", the record will be released to coincide with the release of a new movie of the same name. Although the album won't be a soundtrack CD, Jay said that he felt compelled to make the album after seeing the film, because he thought that some elements mirrored his own life.

This is the first song to leak from the album, called "Blue Magic", the track is produced by & features long-term collaborator "Pharrell Williams". The song is OK, but nothing to special, sounds like an album track to me, although not confirmed yet, it does appear that this will in fact be the first single.

Definitely one to watch for the future, keep it locked to Urban Review for any updates.

LISTEN: "Jay Z ft. Pharrell Williams - Blue Magic"

After Featuring "Ja Rule's" New Single Earlier In The Week, The Video To Accompany The Track Has Now Also Surfaced.

As mentioned in the song feature, I am liking this track, "Body" has a cool, sexy feel to it, & the video continues this vibe. While it looks pretty cheap, the vid does well to run along side the sound & feel of the song.

NOTE: 'Ja' is looking very buffed up, whether naturally or with some help is up to you to decide for yourselves?

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

"Ne-Yo's" Brand New Video For His Next Single "Can We Chill" Premiered Recently.

I am really liking this track & definitely approve of it as a single choice, it has a real good flow to it that I like. The video itself is pretty standard, Ne-Yo meets girl, they dance at a party, you know the rest.

Although I do like the song, his album leaves quite a lot to be desired, rather than being a 'poppy - R&B', single filled CD, like I was expecting, it seems to be full of filler tracks with the odd few standing out as real R&B. If you have the album, I would love to know what you think of it?

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

The Legendary "Aretha Franklin" Has Teamed Up With Current Star "Fantasia" To Produce This Smooth R&B Number For Aretha's New Album; "Jewels In The Crown: All-Star Duets With The Queen"

With production that reminded me of an early "Aaliyah" track, this song unfortunately doesn't quite bring Aretha into the 21st century, it has a real 90's feel about it. While that is not necessarily a bad thing musically, it will not get her the same exposure as say Fantasia's current single "When I See U".

All the same, this is a solid track that is an enjoyable listen, maybe it will go further than that, but I think not. Check It Out & Let Me Know What You Think?

LISTEN: "Aretha Franklin ft. Fantasia - Put You Up On Game"

Last Night Saw The Annual "MOBO Awards", Held At The 02 Arena In London.

The night went down well, far more professional than this years shambles that was the "VMAs", with top performance from the likes of; "Ne-Yo", "Kano", "Amy Winehouse" & "T-Pain" to name a few.

The show was presented by the gorgeous "Jamelia", & the embarrassing "Shaggy", who messed up constantly, but was still entertaining. The show was pretty hot, Miss Winehouse proved herself as the UK's favourite drunk, while she nearly fell up the stairs to accept her award, Jamelia was very good as a presenter & the performances where solid. Here is the full list of the night winners:

UK Female - Amy Winehouse
UK Male - Dizzee Rascal
International Act - Rihanna
Song - Ne-Yo: "Because of You"
UK Newcomer - Ndubz
Video - Kanye West: "Stronger"
Hip-Hop - Kanye West
R&B - Ne-Yo
Reggae - Sean Kingston
Gospel - G-Force
DJ - Tim Westwood
Jazz - Soweto Kinch
African - 2 Face
BeMOBO - From Boyhood to Manhood

Here Is The New Video From Former King Of R&B; "R Kelly".

As I don't like, or follow Kells, I had no knowledge of this track, I thought it would be inventive & new, as it features "Kid Rock", but it just seems a little 'meh', if you know what I mean, don't hate it, don't love it.

The only thing that amazed me about this track, was the cheapness of the video, I know Kelly has had many court battles to pay for, but damn, cheap cheap.

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

Just A Day After Featuring "Will.i.am's" Next Single; "One More Chance", His Full Album Has Been Leaked.

I have always been a fan of the "Black Eyed Peas" & am excite to hear a solo album from Will, who is evidently the brains behind the outfit. I am hoping that the album tracks will be more exciting than the current single choices, maybe he will be let loose creatively.

Only one way to find out what the album is like, grab it from the link below. Remember To Grab The Official, Retail Release If You Enjoy The Album!

1. "Over" 4:01
2. "Heartbreaker" 5:28
3. "I Got It From My Mama" 4:02
4. "She's A Star" 3:48
5. "Get Your Money" 5:28
6. "The Donque Song" (featuring Snoop Dogg) 4:30
7. "Impatient" 4:17
8. "One More Chance" 4:24
9. "Invisible" 3:57
10. "Fantastic" 3:26
11. "Fly Girl" 4:46
12. "Dynamic Interlude" 1:20
13. "Ain't It Pretty" 4:36
14. "Make It Funky" 4:00
15. "S.O.S. (Mother Nature)" 4:18

"Will.i.am - Songs About Girls"


Excited About Will's Album,
Let Me Know?

Here Is The Album Leak Of "Keyshia Cole's" New Album; "Just Like You".

This has been highly anticipated by a lot of people, her first album was so hot, full of brilliant single tracks & powerful ballads, it showed Keyshia as a real 'playa' in the R&B world. Since her return to the music scene she has already had success with the "Missy Elliott" produced "Let It Go", he second single "Shoulda Let You Go" promises to be even bigger.

I haven't had a chance to listen to the album yet as I have only just grabbed it, but I am expecting big things, expect a full review soon. As always, if you like the album Go & Grab The Retail Version.

01. Let It Go (feat. Missy Elliott & Lil' Kim)
02. Didn't I Tell You (feat. Too $hort)
03. Fallin' Out
04. Give Me More
05. I Remember
06. Shoulda Let You Go (Introducing Amina)
07. Heaven Sent
08. Same Thing (Interlude)
09. Got To Get My Heart Back
10. Was It Worth It?
11. Just Like You
12. Losing You (feat. Anthony Hamilton)
13. Last Night (feat. Diddy)
14. Work It Out
15. Let It Go (Remix) (feat. Missy Elliott, Young Dro, & T.I.)


"Keyshia Cole - Just Like You"


Grabbed The Album Yet,
Let Me Know What You Think?

Source - EVLuvsU

Here Is An Album I Can't Quite Make My Mind Up About, So I Thought I'd Post It & See What You Guys Think?

I like "T-Pain's" recording voice, through his auto-tuner, but can't make my mind up whether that is good enough to actually like the album. He is in such hot demand to write & appear on tracks by serious artists, like "Kanye West", so that must give him some points. But still when he sings with computer aids, it makes him no better than "J-Lo", a fellow 'autotune artist'.

I don't even think he needs the tuner, as his live performances are really solid.

Take a listen to his album & let me know what you think, Remember To Grab The Retail Version If You Like It. If you would like to write a review of this album, it will help me out at a busy time & I will happily post it & give you full credits, just drop me an email: mark@urbanreview.co.uk

Short Of "Will's" Album Release On September The 25th, Here Is A Newly Leaked Track.

"One More Chance" is an up-tempo track with some fast paced, energetic beats, it feels like a "BEP" album track, I am really feeling it & hope it reflects what will be present on "Songs About Girls".

Will is so talented as a producer, still I think his best work lies in producing for other artists, his solo material is solid, but he never really kills it like he does when he works with another input. Check Out The Track & See If You Agree?

LISTEN: "Will.i.am - One More Chance"

Here Is The Brand New Video From New Kid On The Block "Sean Kingston".

"Me Love" will be the second single to be released from his self-titled album, I am not loving the track, although I do love the album, I think he needs to release something a bit more 'respectable'. His album is full of solid, modern 'Hip-Pop' tracks, good production & that addictive 'listen again' factor that makes for a very good debut.

The video is pretty cool, more of the same really, reminds me of the "Beautiful Girls" vid a little, this obviously adds familiarity to Sean's look & feel, which will get people to associate the two tracks. I like Sean, he is something different, rather than going for the 'Gansta' look, which he could easily pull off, he is somewhat less 'offensive', which is a rare thing in urban music.

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

Although "Uh Ohhh" Hasn't Seen A Big Success, It Seems "Ja Rule" Is Already Prepping The Next Release From His New Album "The Mirror".

"Body" features fellow "Murder Inc" Artist; "Ashley Joi", who adds some nice, light vocals to a track that is already pretty mellow by 'Rule's' standards. It's nothing too special, a good radio track, if it ever makes it that far.

I am quite a fan of Ja, I'm not really sure why? Still, I don't think this is going to set the charts on fire, he needs something with a bit more of a wow factor. I wouldn't be surprised if The Mirror never gets released to be honest.

LISTEN: "Ja Rule ft. Ashley Joi - Body"

Here Is The New Video For "Mario's" New Single "Crying Out For Me".

I'm feeling the track, it's the usual "Ne-Yo" sounding, 'Pop-R&B', but he has the formula down to a fine art. Every track he makes is very addictive, great 'radio music'.

The video leaves quite a lot to desire, nothing much going on there really, sexy women, fast cars, pretty standard. On a side note, does anyone else hate the face Mario pulls when he hits a note? Annoys the hell out of me lol.

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

It Appears That "Ashanti's" "Switch" Is Now Officially Scrapped, Here Is The Replacement Single Due To Head Her New Album; "The Declaration".

"Hey Baby" reflects Ashanti's recent work with "Diddy" & "Mario Winan's", while it sounds far slicker & a better, fuller production than her past effort, I still feel it won't be enough to get her back on the ladder.

I am really feeling the track, but it's just not quite 'there', she needs just a little more, maybe it will be a grower, but I don't think it is enough to give her a huge chart smash. Plus, I liked Switch!

LISTEN: "Ashanti - Hey Baby (After The Club)"

Here Is The Brand New Single From Former "X-Factor" Winner; "Leona Lewis".

"Bleeding Love" is a 100% smash hit, it's catchy flow & hook are complimented well by some solid 'Pop' production & on-point vocals from Leona. I have been backing Ms Lewis since the start, my reputation may have gone down a lot but; This Will Be A Number #1.

Leona has a pitch perfect voice, she can certainly rival "Celine Dion" (this track sounds surprisingly like her) & even "Whitney". I hope that her work with "Ne-Yo" will produce something a little more 'respectable' than this pop medley, but it is a grower & I do quite like it.

LISTEN: "Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love"

It What Seems To Be A 'Sore-Loser' Sort Of Move, Rapper "50 Cent" Has cancelled His Entire European Performance & Promotion Tour.

Fiddy was due to perform at the UK's "MOBO Awards" on Wednesday night, but now he has called off his entire European appearances because of quote; "Unforeseen Circumstances".

Obviously, this has nothing to do with the fact that "Kanye" beat his ass in the album charts this week. Will He Quit Music, No! Should He?, Let Me Know What You Guys Think?

Source - Chris-Pix

Here Is A Hot Remix For "Will.i.am's" Current Single "I Got It From My Mama".

Just at the right time, I was getting real bored of the track, but "Bus-a-Bus" adds a real cool verse, gives the song a bit of a refresh. I hoping Will's album will be a bit more inventive than this.

LISTEN: "Will.i.am ft. Busta Rhymes - I Got It From My Mama" (Remix)

Here Is The New Video For "Gwen Stafani's" Hot New Single.

"Now That You Got It" is business as usual for Ms Stefani, the same recipe that has brought her huge success as solo artist is continued, a very catchy hook her signature 'happy sound' are so addictive.

Although she has confirmed that she will return to the studio to record another "No Doubt" album, Gwen has proven herself to be a women of multi talents, I just wish she was a little more inventive, like "Wind It Up", that was different in a cool way.

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