Let’s face it. No matter how big Eric Benet becomes, he will forever be known as The Guy Who Cheated On Halle Berry. Although I almost don’t feel sorry for him on account of his being a complete idiot, I’ve gotta say, the guy makes pretty good records-although he only appears to release them when the moon is green. Following a 3-year absence, Benet has returned with a solid fourth album entitled Love & Life.
Welcome to the final release week of summer 2008. Oh, what a summer it was, too. There was Li’l Wayne and Coldplay and Metallica and…ahh, the memories. Lots coming out this week. Let’s get crackin’:
Nelly: “Brass Knuckles”:
Remember, like, five years ago when Nelly was the hottest shit since sliced bread? Boy, how times have changed. The “Hot in Herre” guy’s label has burned four singles trying to get something on the long-delayed “Brass Knuckles” to catch fire. Hasn’t happened, even with he and Ashanti getting it on like a D-class Jay-Z and Beyonce on their new song “Body On Me”. As would be expected, there is an extremely long list of guest artists on this album: LL Cool J, Chuck D. (!??!??!), T.I., Rick Ross and Fergie are just a few of the artists who make cameos here. Will Nelly be the next artist to appear in a “Catch a Falling Star” column?
Seriously, Chuck D? Really?!!??!
*Shit, I just realized I accidentally stole the original title of this blog…oops! My bad!!
Since we’re in the fourth quarter and new music is flying fast and furious, I figured now would be a good time to check out some of the new music bouncing across the airwaves, since there’s so much of it. I think we’re gonna go with four titles a week until January or February when the release schedule thins and there’s not as much to check out. Anyhow, this week I bring you new music from the mouth that roared, an underrated British trio, an Irish band following up a Platinum record, and…Wayne Brady. Yes, THAT Wayne Brady. Off we go…
Kanye West “Love Lockdown” (from “808’s & Heartbreak”, due December)
I wasn’t sure what to think when Kanye premiered this on the VMAs last week. I guess I wasn’t used to not only Kanye standing stock still on stage, but also there was the little fact that he was singing instead of rapping. A few listens later, I actually like the track-which I guess is a recurring theme with Mr. West because it took me a long time to appreciate the early singles off of his last two albums (‘Diamonds from Sierra Leone” and “Stronger”). It’s definitely one of those late-night, pulsing records that’s not exactly dance, but not exactly…whatever the opposite of dance is. This is one of the rare occasions where the whole autotune thing doesn’t bug me as much.