Album Review: Ciara: Jackie

Ciara, Jackie Cover Art

Ciara is back with her new LP, titled "Jackie". Named after her mother, the album symbolizes the idea that now as a mother herself, Ciara is able to see things through the ideas of her mother. 

As a fan of Ciara and her music, I have to say that I’m pretty impressed with Jackie, as I believe most will be. Obviously, Ciara has been around for more than a decade now, having released her debut “Goodies” in 2004. She has grown progressively throughout the years, and this time around, she’s got an album that showcases that growth. 

Producers throughout Jackie include Rehab, Polow da Don, Dr. Luke, and Harmony Samuels, who has provided the musical backdrop for such artists as Fantasia, Ariana Grande, Keyshia Cole, and Jennifer Hudson just to name a few. 

The album starts of with the somewhat-shocking, yet pleasing ‘Jackie (B.M.F.) (Still wrapping my mind around Ciara saying she’s a back motherfucker). All jokes aside, it’s really a solid track, and the beat (provided by Harmony Samuels) pulls you in from the start, as the production does throughout the entire LP. She goes on, saying “can’t even hate cause you know this shit hot, yea I’m that bitch, like it or not, better get ready cause I’m not gone’ stop”… There’s a whole new level of confidence that I believe people will really like seeing and hearing. 

Missy Elliott and Pitbull appear on “That’s How I’m Feelin’”. There’s been a bit of back and forth about whether this would be the follow-up single to “I Bet”, but it’s looking as though it may be “Dance Like We’re Making Love”, which is produced by Dr. Luke, who has also produced for many of the biggest acts in the industry. Honestly, I feel like that’s probably a good move. “Dance Like We’re Making Love” just has this smooth groove about it that you can’t help but dance to. 

Ciara asserts her independence and strength on the Polow da Don - produced ‘Fly”. “I Got You” is a touching tune that is clearly inspired by motherhood. 

Overall, fans will be pleased with “Jackie”. Ciara has always appeared confident in her step, yet, there’s a newfound level of confidence, freedom, and independence that exudes throughout this LP. 

Charges to Be Filed in Case of Freddie Gray Death....

Freddie Gray

In a shocking announcement heard loud around the world, prosecutors have confirmed that charges will be filed in the case of Freddie Gray, who was injured while being arrested by Baltimore Police, and later died as a result of his injuries.  

In all, six officers on the Baltimore Police force will be charged as a result of Gray's death. Gray suffered a "severe and critical neck injury" after being handcuffed and shackled, and unrestrained in a police van. Charges range from second-degree assault and involuntary manslaughter to second-degree depraved heart murder, which in essences classifies Gray's murder as unintentional. Warrants have been issued for the arrest of each officer, and each is expected to be arraigned as the day proceeds. 

Baltimore Mom and Son Land on ABC's The View...

Just days after catching her 16-year old son throwing rocks at Police Officers in Baltimore, Maryland, Toya Graham has appeared on ABC's The View with her son. 

Graham has been praised by many for literally yanking her son away from recent protests in Baltimore that erupted in the wake of funeral services for Freddie Gray. Gray died after suffering a severe spinal cord injury while in Baltimore Police custody. 

While on the view, Graham stated that her motherly instincts told her that her son, Michael Singleton, would be present at the protests. When co-host Rosie Perez asked Graham what was going through her mind, she had this to say: "I think because of the fact I had been watching everything on the news and when you're right there with the police, and you're actually seeing these rocks and stones thrown at the police, I was like Oh my God, and to turn around and to see my son right there with a rock, I was like in a rage because at the end of the day this gentleman still lost his life. Throwing rocks at the police is not going to bring him back. That's not our justice."

Michael stated he had gone to fight for those friends he had  known to be beaten and killed. Guest co-host Raven-Symoné jokingly asked Singleton how it felt to get his ass whipped on television. He now says that he knows he is loved. "Now, I feel like my mother do care about me, and I shouldn't have been there."

As for those criticizing Graham for being too rough with her son, she has no qualms about what she did. "I respond to that just by what it was. I'm a single mom taking care of children and when you tell your child to do something and you see they're in self destruct and knowing exactly why he was there and it was for no good, it just brought anger to me. Without the cameras being seen and trying to live on a daily basis and take care of your children and make sure they have somewhere to eat and a roof over their heads, you don't worry about what people are saying because at the end of the day, he's my child. 

For continued updates and coverage of what's going on in Baltimore Maryland and the case of Freddie Gray, remain tuned into Urban Grandstand Digital!

Yelawolf's 'Love Story' Debuts at #3 on Billboard 200....

SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 29, 2015  -- Love Story -- The second full-length major-label album from Yelawolf, enters the Billboard Top 200 album chart today at No. 3 and also debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard R&b/Hip-hop albums chart. Released April 21st by Slumerican/Shady Records/Interscope, Love Story earns the Alabama-born rapper his highest album chart position and best-selling album to date, with over 58,000 units sold in its first week. Yelawolf's previous album, 2011's Radioactive, debuted at No. 27 on the same chart. 

Love Story has also earned Yelawolf a host of positive reviews, including from Rolling Stone, which praised his "stronger embrace of his Southern roots" and "slow-burn ballads," and The Boston Globe, who note that "if you scratch his songs' surfaces, you hear a smart, sensitive outsider searching for some solace. Many of the 18 tracks have an undeniable emotional pull." Genius called Love Story "the album of the year so far" and "one very original project with great genre mixing, amazing lyricism, and outstanding production."

Love Story was recorded largely at Nashville'sBlackbird Studio with executive producer Eminem and various other producers including Malay and Yelawolf's longtime collaborator WLPWR. Watch the videos for both "American You" HERE and "Till It's Gone," which has racked up more than 11 million views on YouTube, HERE.

Yelawolf will hit the road on May 1st for The Love Story tour, which kicks off at The Fillmore in Detroit, MI, and continues through June 27th at Knoxville, TN's The International. Dates are scheduled for Rock On The Range (Columbus, OH, May 15th) and The Soundset Festival (Minneapolis, MN, May 24th). All dates can be found at http://www.yelawolf.com/tour.

Atlanta Rapper Young Dro Preps New Album, 'Da Reality Show', and Releases New Video for single, 'We In Da City'...

Rapper, Young Dro

New York- (April 27th, 2015) Hustle Gang's street general Young Dro just dropped the visual for the first single "We In Da City."  Set in his hometown of Atlanta, GA, "We In Da City" is already a local smash hit. Shot by Risk Takerz Video, Dro takes a ride around the city to show exactly what ATL looks from a trapstar's point of view. The single can be heard here and is available on iTunes.  His new album, Da Reality Show, is slated for a late summer release. 

Young Dro, We In Da City

Watch Video for "We Da City" here

Dro says, "My life is a reality show, with the ups and the downs. This record 'We In Da City' is my reality coming up in my city. My new album will be filled with twists and turns!"

Young Dro’s debut album, Best Thang Smokin’, debuted at #1 on the U.S. R&B and U.S. Rap Charts, and #3 on the Billboard 200. The hit single off of the album was the 2x platinum “Shoulder Lean,” featuring label mate T.I.  Dro followed with his sophomore effort High Tymes which featured the hit single you "FDB."  In addition to releasing these official albums, Dro has released numerous mixtapes and has kept a loyal fanbase with his featured appearances.

The Game Releases New Single, 'RYDA', Featuring Dej Loaf...

The Game, RYDA  

(April 23, 2015 -- New York, NY) – Hip hop superstar The Game pays homage to Tupac with his new single "Ryda," featuring Detroit MC Dej Loaf.  The track was produced by Pops & Mikhail and has Game rapping over Tupac's "Ambitionz Az a Ridah."  Listen to the single here and purchase here.

Bringing back the West Coast sound, The Game has the support of Dr. Dre for his new album The Documentary 2 (eOne Music/ Blood Money Ent./Fifth Amendment Ent.), which will be released this summer, ten years after releasing his groundbreaking multi-platinum debut album The Documentary.  The highly anticipated album is fueled by features from heavyweights like Kanye West, Meek Mill, Trey Songz, Lil Wayne, Drake, and Keyshia Cole, and will soar to the top of the charts this summer.

Game released Blood Moon: Year of the Wolf  through eOne Music/ Blood Money Ent./Fifth Amendment Ent. in 2014, and the album debuted at #1 on the R&B / Hip Hop Chart, #2 on the Independent Chart, and #7 on the Billboard 200 chart upon its release.

Demetria McKinney Preps New Album, 'Officially Yours', for June Release, New Single Available NOW...

New Single, 'Trade It All'; Demetria McKinney

(April 21, 2015- New York, NY) -- Bravo TV’s Real Housewives of Atlanta cast member Demetria McKinney releases a new single "Trade It All," today. Listen here and purchase here. "Trade It All" is the first single from her forthcoming album Officially Yours, which will be released on June 16, 2015. 

 
McKinney’s hugely successful debut single “100” featuring Da Brat soared to #4 on the iTunes R&B Chart after she performed the song on the show. McKinney also was recently added to R Kelly's Black Panties tour and to this summer’s Funkfest tour.
 
McKinney is widely known for her role as Janine Payne on the hit TBS sitcom Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, which has taped over 254 episodes and received five NAACP Image Awards for Best Sitcom. She can currently be seen in a recurring roles on shows such as Lifetime’s Devious Maids, TV One’s The Rickey Smiley Show and USA's Necessary Roughness.

Funkfest Dates:

April 18 - Orlando, FL

May 2 - Birmingham, AL

May 8,9 - Jacksonville, FL

May 15, 16 - Atlanta, GA

June 6 - Mobile, AL

June 20 - Columbia, SC

For more information on Denetria McKinney, visit www.demetriaMcKinney.com

CLEVELAND BROWNS REVEAL NEW UNIFORMS

The Cleveland Browns revealed their new and revamped look by displaying nine different color combinations with nine different current Browns, which consists of notable players such as hometown heroes Donte Whitner and newly acquired wideout Brian Hartline.  The players ranged in size going from the 5'8" Taylor Gabriel to the 6'7" Joe Thomas.  With a fan base that hasn't had much to cheer for in years, the Cleveland Browns organization hope to change the perception around the NFL as being one of the league's most down trodden organizations with a fresh new image and outlook in hopes that in some capacity it also aids in a positive direction going forward.  Here's a closer look at them

It's a Legendary Weekend for SHEEN Magazine...

Legendary Weekend, Sheen Magazine

It's a celebration that will go down in history! This weekend, SHEEN MAGAZINE is presenting "Legendary Weekend", a celebration that will commemorate two monumental events:  the SHEEN MAGAZINE anniversary, and the GOLDEN birthday of Publisher, Kimberly M. Chapman. 

Actor Mykel Shannon, and gorgeous Actress Jasmine Burke will be hosting the extravaganza, and many guests will be featured throughout the night. Those features include Porsha Williams and Claudia Jordan of The Real Housewives of Atlanta and The Rickey Smiley Show, Marlo Hampton, Tony Terry, D. Woods, Karlie Harvey, Andrea Kelly, and many more. 

The celebration will span the entire weekend, beginning Friday, April 17 with an exclusive celebrity bash hosted by none other that Claudia Jordan of The Real Housewives and The Rickey Smiley Show. That will all be followed Saturday by The Legendary Black Tie Gala and Awards Ceremony, which will be preceded by an intimate "Inspire Me Moment" featuring special guest presenters and more. 

Kimberly M. Chapman, Founder of Sheen Magazine

The weekend is very much about Publisher Kimberly M. Chapman. As Founder of Chapman Foundation, Co-Founder of Nairobi Professional Products, and Publisher of Sheen Magazine, Chapman has set the bar for outstanding journalism, and set true precedent in an industry that has struggled in terms of presenting quality material when many publications are closing their doors, due inevitably to a decrease in subscribers and magazine-buyers, Sheen has remained prominent in the community, reaching more by the years to come. Chapman has made power-moves in the Beauty, Entertainment, and Publishing industries that have made the accomplishments of those behind her come a lot easier. Much of this weekend and it's festivities are about celebrating Chapman and her many accomplishments, as well as her Golden birthday

It will all be a night that will be long-remembered. 

Rapper and Actor Ludacris Teams with Supermodel Chrissy Teigen to Host the 2015 Billboard Awards May 17....

SANTA MONICA, CA – ABC and dick clark productions have announced that the “2015 Billboard Music Awards” is set to return to ABC and will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on SUNDAY, MAY 17 at 8pm ET. The show will showcase this year’s hottest musical acts and biggest music stars.  TV host and supermodel Chrissy Teigen will host with hip-hop superstar and actor Ludacris, who returns to host for the second consecutive year and whose eighth studio album, “Ludaversal,” will be released tomorrow.

“If my extensive collection of all 53 ‘Now That’s What I Call Music’ compilations is any indication, I am both qualified and honored to join Ludacris in hosting this amazing show that spotlights the best music and artists of the year,” said Teigen.
 
“I had so much fun hosting the Billboard Music Awards last year and I can’t wait to be back!” said Ludacris.
 
The “2015 Billboard Music Awards” finalists were announced Tuesday, April 7 on “Good Morning America” by Ludacris and Pete Wentz. The two revealed a portion of the “2015 Billboard Music Awards” finalist categories.

#HotAudio: Janelle Monae and Jidenna: Yoga

Janelle Monae has been doing her thing in music and entertainment for quite some time now, and we're happy to post her latest single, Yoga, with @Jidenna. Check the video out below! The song comes from her new upcoming EP #Eephus, which is due in May for release. 

Kenny Lattimore's 'ANATOMY OF A LOVE SONG' in Stores NOW

(New York, NY – April 15, 2015) -- Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Kenny Lattimore has released his new album, Anatomy of a Love Song,  on Sincere Soul Records/eOne Music.  The album can be purchased here.

 
Lattimore’s first single, “Love Me Back” is currently #16 at Urban AC radio and growing.  Listen to the track here.  

In addition, Lattimore is confirmed for The Drop, a special event at The Grammy Museum in Los Angeles on April 20.  Tickets can be purchased here.

Lattimore’s music reflects the best of all worlds as it combines the timeless sounds of traditional R&B with a unique contemporary flair to create a universal sound that transcends boundaries and appeals to audiences of all ages, races and genres. His body of work, which includes hits such as “Never Too Busy” and the Grammy nominated “For You,” has garnered two Gold-selling albums, the NAACP Image Award for Best New Artist, and nominations for Soul Train Awards and Stellar Awards.

 
In addition to Kanye West sampling Lattimore’s “Lately” in his song “I’m In It,” from his #1 album Yeezus, a diverse array of artists including Musiq Soulchild, Rachelle Ferrell, Ray J, Nancy Wilson, Heather B, Michael Lington and Brian Culbertson, have sought out his talents for their own projects. He performed the duet “Love Will Find A Way” with Heather Headley for Disney’s The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride. He and singer Chante Moore recorded the Marvin Gaye/Tammi Terrell duet “You’re All I Need To Get By,” which was selected as the theme song for the BET show The Family Crews.
  
“Love Me Back” can be purchased here.

Black Male Summit 2015...

What an awesome event today in #Akron Ohio! The #BlackMaleSummit, which extends throughout today and tomorrow, features keynote speakers #JalenRose, Dr #MichaelEricDyson, Dr #MarcLamontHill - someone who I've definitely looked up to as a journalist, and #MauriceClarett among others. Definitely a powerful weekend of events geared at increasing the retention and graduation rates for African-American males in higher education. Definitely worth checking out this weekend if you're in the area!

#UGDExclusive with Calvin Richardson

We had the pleasure of completing an exclusive interview with singer & songwriter Calvin Richardson today, and that will begin running at #UrbanGrandstandDigital Friday, April 10!  

Calvin gives us the rundown on his new album, his new deal with Eric Benet's recording label, and so much more.  

Be sure to check that out here at #UrbanGrandstandDigital! 

www.ugdigital.com

Celebrity Birthdays: April 9, 2015

Good morning world! Join us in extending birthday wishes to the following celebrities: 

Jazmine Sullivan: Soul Siren! Legend in the making! Both definitely apply for Jazmine Sullivan. She hit us with her debut back in 2008, and rose to the top of the charts with hits like Need U Bad, Bust Your Windows, and Lions & Tigers & Bears! She followed with her sophomore effort in 2010, and just recently released her third LP, Reality Show. #HappyBirthday Jazmine! 

Keshia Knight Pulliam: The world knows Keshia forever as little Rudy Huxtable, but she has grown up, and become an exemplary role model. Recently a part of Donald Trump's Celebrity Apprentice, Keshia is quite the business woman. A graduate of Spelman College and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, she launched Kamp Kizzy in 2011 as a way to give back to youth. She has continued to act in numerous roles, including a recurring role on Tyler Perry's House of Payne, and roles in the movies Beauty Shop and Madea Goes to Jail! #HappyBirthday Keshia!

Arlen Escarpeta: Born in Belize, Arlen Escarpeta is known most for his roles in Friday the 13th, Final Destination 5, and most recently he played the role of Bobby Brown on the Lifetime Biopic Whitney! #HappyBirthday Arlen!

Sunny Anderson: Sunny Anderson has been hosting for the Food Network for 7+ years, and prior to that, was a radio personality for six year in Texas and Louisiana. #HappyBirthday Sunny! 

Alton Glass-Directed "CRU" to Premiere on @BET tonight....

Did you miss last year's screening of GCUFF's opening film, CRU? Well, you'll now have a chance to catch it from the comfort of your own home. CRU will be premiering on BET Networks tonight at 8pm. 

Directed by filmmaker Alton Glass, CRU centers around four high school best friends whose lives are dramatically changed the night of a near-fatal accident. Once reunited 18 years later, past and present secrets are revealed that ultimately change the course of their lives as they know them. The film was presented at last year's Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival, and was part of a 20-city invitational screening tour. 

Alton Glass is also known for the films The Confidant starting Boris Kodjoe, Richard Roundtree, and Kenya Moore, and The Candy Shop starring Omar Gooding. 

ABOUT THE GREATER CLEVELAND URBAN FILM FESTIVAL

The Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival was established with the artistic vision to provide a platform for talented independent filmmakers, screenwriters, and actors from the African Diaspora to present and expose their work to the diverse audience in Greater Cleveland. As a film festival, the GCUFF identifies emerging talents and established artists who are contributing to the cinematic legacy of African Americans.

The Week in Review...

Yet another productive week not only for the entertainment world, but Urban Grandstand Digital as well. 

New Mag Issue: The time has finally arrived for us to release our newest issue of Urban Grandstand Digital! Standing as a double issue, there are a variety of added features this month! Featured artists include our cover artist @JoyVilla, #RahDigga, #Michel'le​ of R&B Divas LA, #NuLifeFitness, #JayEllis of BET's The Game, comedians Michael Colyar & Luenell, Kristinia DeBarge, Sara Stokes, and so much more! 

This past week saw the release of albums from Action Bronson and Big Pooh! Both albums were pretty anticipated in the hip-hop world. Bronson dropped Mr Wonderful, while Big Pooh released Words Paint Pictures. Both albums have done respectively well in terms of sales thus far. 

The week brought along many celebrity birthdays. Those celebrating birthdays this past week included #ChakaKhan, #MikeWill, #KyrieIrving, #MosesMalone, #VanessaMorgan, #ChrisBosh, #Nivea, #Maseo of #DeLaSoul, #StarJones, #BigSean, #Juvenile, #ArethaFranklin, #LazAlonso, #SherylSwoopes, #LarkVoorhies, #TeddyPendergrass, #ElliaEnglish, #JaySean, #ErnestThomas, #DianaRoss, #MarcusAllen, #VonAllen, #MariahCarey, #CraigWayans, the late #SarahVaughan, #Ledisi, #JKwon, #BerniceKing, #ByronScott, and #Salt of #SaltNPepa!

This week also saw the anniversary of the release of #LifeAfterDeath from #TheNotoriousBIG, as well as the anniversary of the death of hip-hop legend #EazyE! 

Top Stories...

The following were our top stories and features for the week!

* @Garyowencomedy back at #ClevelandImprov Starting Tonight

* ALBUM REVIEW: @Ludacris: #Ludaversal

* New Release Tuesday: Big Pooh: Words Paint Pictures

* Urban Grandstand Digital Offering LIVE STREAM of 2015 Stellar Awards Pre-Show Festivities

* New Release Tuesday: Action Bronson

The 2015 Stellar Awards.... 

We were blessed with the amazing opportunity of streaming the preshow and red carpet event for the 2015 Stellar Awards, which taped LIVE in Las Vegas this past weekend!

youre still able to go back into the site and replay each event on our home page. This will be up for a limited time for your viewing pleasure! 

#UrbanMusicNews:@KatDeluna Releases Scorching New Single, "BUM BUM", feat @treysongz

 (March 30, 2015 - New York, NY) -- Singer, songwriter and dancer Kat DeLuna releases her fiery new single, "Bum Bum" featuring Trey Songz today. Listen to "Bum Bum" here and purchase here.  DeLuna is prepping a new full-length album that will be released later this year.  Details to follow.

About her new singl, DeLuna says, "I'm so excited for the world to hear my amazing new song 'Bum Bum' with the incredible Trey Songz. This song is evidence that music transcends generations, and for that I wasnt to specially thank Sister Nancy for originating such an incredible song that left its musical imprint culturally for years to come.  I hope 'Bum Bum' becomes your summer anthem!"

DeLuna is a classically trained singer, in addition to being a songwriter and energizing performer. Her debut album, 2007's Nine Lives featured the pop/dance latin-flavored, Gold-certified single “Whine Up,” featuring Jamaican reggae star Elephant Man, and catapulted Kat to international stardom.

DeLuna nabbed the Los Premios MTV Latinoamérica 2007 - MTVtr3s’s “Best New Artist Award,” and scored a Billboard Latin Music Award for “Best Club Play Track of the Year” (for “Whine Up”). She also received “The Best Urban Artist” and “The Best New Artist” Awards at the TMF Awards in 2008. DeLuna also won The Casandra Award for “New International Artist,” as well as her 2009 prestigious ALMA Award Nomination for “Female Rising Star.“ 

ALBUM REVIEW: @Wale ... The Album About Nothing...

Wale: The Album About Nothing

Wale is back with yet another new album, The Album About Nothing! For those wondering, that's not sarcasm at all. I'm quite excited about this release. Aside from following Wale for the past few years, what immediately brought me in on this album was the lead single, The Matrimony. Featuring Usher, that song, simply put, is the truth! "If there's a question of my heart, you got it, it don't belong to anyone but you, if there's a question of my love, you got it, baby don't worry I got plans for you, baby I been making plans, baby I been making plans got you"... He got apply that to the obvious, which would be his girl, but it could easily apply to his career! He could be easily be saying to you, the fan, that he's got plans for you! Usher was definitely the perfect choice to drive that point across. Great lyrics! Great melody! Great production! That's all we want, right? Well...yes! In a perfect world, that's what we'd always get with artists, but that's neither here nor there. 

Looking at his growth over the years, Wale has done just what any artist should do, for me anyway. Obviously, he wants to entertain and satisfy his core audience, but his job is also to bring in those who are skeptics, and those who are new to what he's got to offer. No, I'm surely not a newcomer to his music, the genre, or anything surrounding it, but I know I'm not the only skeptic when it comes to today's music (time and time, I show my age (smile)). There's a lot that we tend to tolerate in music today, and the love & passion just isn't there for many artists, no matter how hard you search for it. Execs are in search of that next hit, so there's not a lot of ro for experimentation and artists with a voice. Wale has managed to skate by the nonsense and progressively get better and better. Sure, he's got those tracks that are meant to serve the streets, but he definitely has a gift like no other. I'll tell you when I knew it for certain. In 2013, he had the single LoveHate Thing with Sam Dew! He and Sam Dew literally murdered that track.

I was pretty much sold, but when I watched LiVE as he performed it at the Soul Train Awards with Stokely from #MintCondition, it sealed the deal. That performance alone made my trip all the way to #Vegas worth it. I saw the passion that he carried behind his product. Not many have the charisma to entertain the masses. Not many are ready for the world, but he is. Seems like yesterday we were talking about Festivus and how he was breaking ground with that. 

Wale certainly maintains his freshness and relevance with The Album About Nothing. On "The Intro About Nothing", he says flat out, his "hunger is like a f**king model at a buffet"! He and J. Cole go in about everything from LHHATL to our culture overall on "The Pessimist"! He raps ..."Who am I to change perception, if a n***a kill a n***a he's another statistic, if the skin a little different they gon' say it was self defense, n***a feel in' hopeless". His flows definitely make you think, which has always been the idea behind hip-hop and it's purpose, or at least that's what it should have been. From "The Middle Finger" and "The Girls on Drugs" to "The God Smile" and "The Success", the entire album will resonate with the audience. Other album guests include SZA on "The Need to Know" and Jeremih on "The Body". 

In line with the progression that any artist should make, I feel like "The Album About Nothing" will easily stand as Wale's best work to date. He's done the job of expanding and broadening his content along the way, and he's giving people something of value to listen to. The world is clearly listening, especially when he's got narration from Jerry Seinfeld. I don't care what anyone says, THAT is HUGE for Wale! That is HUGE for hip-hop! With this album, hip-hop is now being recognized for all the right reasons! 

 

ALBUM REVIEW: @Jodecimusic ... The Past, The Present, The Future...

So the question on everyone’s mind is whether Jodeci was able to do it? Were they able to put together a solid LP after having been away for 20 years? The industry has changed drastically since they last released an album. Their last release was 1995’s “The Show, The After Party, The Hotel”. Their time away has made way for so many others to step in and command their territory, so to speak. It’s always been said that the longer you’re away, the easier for people to forget about you, but reality is no one has forgotten Jodeci. They made that much an impact with their catalog that fans literally have been wait; not so patiently, for a return. 

So here we are, 20 years later, with The Past, The Present, The Future. Truth is, they really do have a lot to prove. You can’t help but reiterate the fact of how long it has been. Their fanbase is that much older. Regardless of how they’ve been waiting for a new album, buying power today does not equal that of 20 years ago. Yes, people are still buying and downloading, but not in their demographic. They have a major task at hand in transitioning their newly re-established brand into album sales. Realistically, that may take some time. For the most part, The Past, The Present, The Future is a solid album. Some tracks sound quite polished and perfected [“Every Moment”, “Too Hot”, “Nobody Wins"], while others sound rushed and incomplete [“Checkin For You”]. One would imagine that once everyone was back on the same page and ready to put music together, they likely jumped in head first, and perhaps rushed through the process. Timbaland provides the backdrop for “Those Things” and “Incredible”, which in itself is great because of the history he has with the fellas. The hook to “Incredible, if you listen closely, plays just a bit on S.O.S. Band’s “Tell Me If You Still Care”, without directly sampling the tune. 

How The Past, The Present, The Future fares to you will depend greatly upon what your expectations were to begin with. I, for one, would have liked to see them reinvent themselves. It also would have been nice if some of the tracks dived into the things they’ve struggled with over the last two decades. Honestly, it’s more like they were trying to pick up where they left off. The content is similar, and for the most part, they’re not necessarily doing anything new. That; unfortunately, may work against them. But one thing still remains: they guys are still legends, and it’s good to see them back. All things being said, the album is still worth a listen. They are proving to the masses that despite what happens, and regardless of what struggles you endure, you can still make it through and live your dreams. Hopefully, this is the start of something that will continue to rebuild.