Category Archives: Music

Aug 04 2009
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Music

Trey Songz – One Love

With anticipation leading towards his new album ‘Ready’, Trey Songz released the amptly titled mixtape ‘Anticipation’, along with this material leaked One Love, I hope the fully mastered version makes it onto the album, it is ‘That’ good.

Trey Songz voice bares the sound of experience and control, remeniscent of a pre-TP-2.com R. Kelly, full of soul and feeling, Trey pours his heart out over this well constructed production, created to sound deep and emphatic, One Love follows the mould of his previous hit ‘Can’t Help But Wait’, with the infectious melody and catchy lyrics, Trey Songz really shines on the track and if this is anything to go by..he might just have a classic on his hands in the form of Ready, with the majority of his fanbase compiled of females..Songz will surely keep them satisfied with this cut until the album is released.

Fáris Rating:
9/10

Trey wasn't as good at interior decorating as he had thought

Trey wasn't as good at interior decorating as he had thought

(Click Image to visit the Official Trey Songz website)

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Aug 03 2009
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Music

50 Cent – Touch Me

I only gave this song a listen out of curiosity and to be honest, I am impressed, 50 Cent has not had the same impact since his debut Get Rich or Die Tryin’, he has been consistently succesful with his releases, however, the music lacked the same appeal, him as an artist (similar to Eminem) was not satisfying the real fans (who continue to grow tired of commercial music). His (free download) mixtape ‘War Angel’ offered audiences more of old school 50 cent, with the flow, content and feel of the record similar to his debut, he follows that with the new mixtape ‘Forever King’ (Click here to download Forever King FREE).

Touch Me:

Taken from ‘Forever King’, Touch Me samples the classic ‘Touch Me, Tease Me by Case featuring Foxy Brown & Mary J. Blige. 50 Cent’s delivery on this is what impressed me, it just sounds so ‘raw’, his flow is consistent but without being boring, this sounds like the Get Rich or Die Tryin’ 50 Cent! Keeping Foxy Brown’s verse adds to the classic feel, with Case’s bridge and Mary J. Blige on the chorus, 50 manages to pull this version off well.

For a mixtape track..this is good, 50 Cent has a point to prove and cuts like Touch Me should help him prove it.

Fáris Rating:
7/10

Heres the original:
Case – Touch Me, Tease Me ft. Foxy Brown & Mary J. Blige

I don't think Paris Hilton will be joining G-Unit

I don't think Paris Hilton will be joining G-Unit

..But I'm sure she's 'down' with 50

..But I'm sure she's 'down' with 50

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Aug 03 2009
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Music

Thy Maryan – Energize

I am excited to present this one to you, this is the official place to hear the exclusive ‘Energize’, Thy Maryan is an up and coming producer, most known for producing for G-FrSH (tracks such as Do It and Urgh).

As artists struggle to breakthrough in this country, we forget that producers too face similar difficulties, seriously a producer of Thy Maryan’s ability should be far more in demand and recognizable than he currently is, his versatility means his level of creativity has no boundaries, all his songs will not sound the same, but one thing is for sure..they will sound good.

Energize, an up-tempo number, with chart climbing potential, Thy’s arrangement of the pacey melody blends nicely with the varying beat pattern, these variations help keep the track flowing (allowing this kind of variation prevents the track from becoming repetative), as the focus remains on Thy Maryan it would not be fair to comment on the vocals, although I will bring you more on that soon. Thy Maryan for me is one those producers who understands music and understands the fine line between making what they (the producer) like and what the audiences like to hear, that understanding allows him to create something like Energize, a track that conforms to what the audience likes to hear yet stands out as unique, like a pair of Nike iDs, the shape is the same, but the colour, contrast and detail is one of a kind, That is what Thy Maryan brings to producing with Energize to add to his collection.

Without a doubt, Thy Maryan possesses the ability to be one of the most successful producers from the UK, with a sound that appeals to a global audience, expect to read more reviews as I expect to hear more hits from the FrSH producer.

Fáris Rating:
8/10

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Jul 27 2009
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Music

OneFáris Throwback Track!!

Today’s throwback track is a personal favourite, you know those songs that you just know word for word? this is one of them for me!

Babyface – There She Goes featuring Pharrell Williams

Featuring a pre-N*E*R*D Pharrell Williams, There She Goes is taken from the Babyface’s album Face2Face (Released 2001), this track represented the album as it was a more experimental effort from the soul singer, The Neptunes contributed with another track ‘Stressed Out‘ providing the album with it’s overall direction.

It is a rare sound from Babyface which is why it had such an impact, however, some embraced and others were not sure what to say, it was so unexpected, Pharrell at the time was not the Superstar he is today and so it was a brave move, but in the name of music they pulled it off well. Compiled of multiple synths layered onto the signature Neptunes’ beat, the beat really holds the tempo as the assorted sounds help add some variation and really brings the track out. Babyface who had not approached such a track before, really croons over the edgy synth with ease, his voice helps balance Pharrell’s raw falsetto which as a whole helps give the track plenty depth.

There She Goes still sounds as good as it did 8 years ago, as Pharrell (and Chad Hugo) continued to re-define the sound of hip-hop, Babyface reached out to them, the link up with such a highly regarded Grammy winning artist allowed The Neptunes to dominate R&B with their breakthrough sound.

Fáris Rating:
9/10

Babyface - Face2Face album cover artwork

Babyface - Face2Face album cover artwork

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Jul 26 2009
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Music

Ghetts – Don’t Phone Me (Remix) ft. Lil’ Narsty & Fumin’

This one is a definite smash for the Grime fans!

You have most likely heard the original, Ghetts – Don’t Phone Me ft. Griminal:

The track featuring the comical intro by comedian on the rise Jazzie, tore down raves (literally), as Ghetts (an established artist) introduced a broader audience to the beast of an emcee ‘Griminal’, the track was on heavy rotation on Channel AKA and was one of the most asked for tracks during their request shows. Similar to the original, this remix brings Griminal’s younger brother Lil’ Narsty alongside one of East London’s finest (Newham to be exact) Fumin’.

Don’t Phone Me (Remix) ft. Lil’ Narsty & Fumin’:

One of the best things about the original is the fact that you had one of the best in the genre in the form of Ghetts alongside one of the new breeds destined for future success, this has been kept in the remix with Griminal’s younger brother Lil’ Narsty steps up with Fumin’ (famously heard on the mainstream breakthrough anthem that is Pow), emceeing since his teens, now at 23, Fumin’ is still considered too young to be considered a veteran but established and experienced he is. Both artists deliver quality, Lil’ Narsty shows glimpses of the potential that has everyone believing in him abilities and success in the near future. I’m a fan of Fumin’ so it was great to hear and see him at his best, sounding hungrier than ever, Fumin’ and Lil’ Narsty both do themselves and their reputations justice with this collaboration.

Fáris Rating:
7/10

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Jul 26 2009
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Music

Mario – Break Up ft. Gucci Mane & Sean Garrett

After gaining major recognition worldwide with his single ‘Let Me Love You’ (Written by a then unknown Ne-Yo), Mario never really managed to maintain his status, issues with the release of his last album did not help. None the less, his talent is unquestionable as he returns putting those problems (including his mother’s drug addiction) behind with his new offering ‘Break Up’.

Produced by Bangladesh (Lil’ Wayne – A Millie and Beyonce – Diva), this R&B cut possesses that old school R&B feel that has been missing whilst sounding brand new, featuring Sean Garret aka The Pen (having written for Usher – Yeah, Chris Brown – Run It and Beyonce – Upgrade U to name a few) and rising underground rapper Gucci Mane (who helps balance the R&B levels with his raw, street style), Break Up will most definitely help push the trio to newer heights, especially Sean Garret who due to a lack of promotion saw the poor sales of his debut effort Turbo 919 (Which is a good album so make sure you check that out).

Mario’s return displays a more mature artist attempting to create good music rather than his next hit, with dedication like this it will not be long before he gets another smash, with Break Up rising in the charts, who knows..he may find it sooner than he thinks.

Fáris Rating:
8/10

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Jul 26 2009
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Music

Zee Kay – In Denial

As you know, I’m always listening out for good music, I come across an artist by the name of Zee Kay, he looked familiar, then I remember that I met him at the video shoot for Sef – Need A Hero ft. Swiss. The talented yet humble singer, had officially made his debut with the single ‘My Moment’:

In all fairness this was not a bad track, with the right promotion I think it could have gone further, but as an introduction to the artist, it was a good effort. That was released last Year in August. Fast forward to 2009 and Zee Kay returns with the follow-up, titled ‘In Denial’:

Different from My Moment, In Denial sees Zee Kay lace a more edgy, up-tempo club track with his soft R&B sound, similar to the early classics from Artful Dodger In Denial sounds good. The concept helps it stand out, with Zee Kay showing his songwriting abilities, he wrote the track Baby for Ginuwine:

Zee Kay is another addition to the rising singers the UK has to offer alongside artists such as Loick Essien and Bluey Robinson.

Click image to visit the Official Zee Kay website

Click image to visit the Official Zee Kay website

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Jul 20 2009
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Music

Skills C – Rippin’ Thru Tha Page

With a new wave of artists flowing through into the scene, it was not going to be long until we see someone with barrier-breaking potential, so I’m pleased to present: Skills C

this talented emcee is only 17 years old, so you can only wonder how far his potential can take him. It has become rare to find an artist (especially at this age) that actually lives what he raps, with many emcees fabricating their life to a beat or do not possess the lyrical ability to illustrate what they live.

Using the beat from ‘Amerie – Why Don’t We Fall In Love’, Skills C rides the wave of the melody, staying parrallel to the beat, there are small errors but they will dissapear with with experience, plus those errors are over-shadowed by the glipses of greatness as the Hayes representative confidently delivers his witty rhymes.

As a whole the track itself Rippin’ Thru Tha Page is a good cut, the level of expectation should always be low with mixtape trackseither way you can’t help but to be amazed by the talent of Skills C

Jul 16 2009
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Music

G-FrSH – URGH

This is pretty much the UK equivalent to Clipse – Grindin’ in terms of the beat and concept, The way Clipse fit to a Neptunes beat (With Pharrell knowing how to bring the best out of them), likewise Thy Maryan creates the perfect platform for G-FrSH to preach from.

‘URGH’ can only be described with words like ‘dope’, ‘gully’, ‘grimey’, ‘heavy’ and so on. It is a crazy piece of production from who else but Thy Maryan (Wretch 32 – Superhero), This beat is so good that its difficult to describe it, the feeling and vibe it gives off, it’s a ‘dark’ beat, but possesses moments of light which constrast well, the beat tells a story itself with G-FrSH adding more colour and flair to the composition.

At the moment G-FrSH (who has always been a favourite of mine) is my artist of the moment, the lyrics, style and flow combined produce smart and entertaining rhymes, “When They See Me They Applaud Me, Cos’ I’m About My Paper Like Trees..So Real N****s Root For Me“.

G-FrSH is not just your regular rapper, he is a business man, a mastermind behind the successful FrSH enterprise, with his own company and clothing line, a talented artist and above all an inspiration for many.

Fáris Rating:
8/10 (almost a 9, the beat is THAT good)

“URGH”

Click logo to visit official site

Click logo to visit official site

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Jul 16 2009
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Music

OneFáris Throwback Track!!

Today’s Throwback Track is from 2003, yes 6 years ago!! ..and the track is Marques Houston ft. Clubbin ft. Joe Budden & R. Kelly (Produced By R. Kelly)

Marques Houston’s first single as a solo artist, not many people knew that it also featured R. Kelly (Credited as Pied Piper ..only God knows why?!) along side Joe Budden. Clubbin’ was written and Produced By R. Kelly as well, it was part of a new wave of hits from R. Kelly as Kellz locked himself in the studio during his allegations and trials.

“You know we be…Up in the club
Where we do things like…Throw our hands up
All kinds of drinks are…Off in the cups
All of my thugs, Honies show me love
DJ playing the cuts”

Marques Houston could not have had a better first single, this was on heavy rotation at radio stations, on tv and in the clubs around the world, Joe Buddens feature is classic Buddens, clever, catchy and comical. Combined with R. Kelly’s sheer production greatness (including his hollering ad-lib in the back) this song sounds just as good now as it is did 6 years ago.

Fáris Rating:
9/10

“Great song, not sure about this suit though”:

MH didn't think investing in a stylist was neccesary

MH didn't think investing in a stylist was neccesary

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