Urban Underground [Box set] [Import]

Product Description
Urban Underground is a Decadance tie-in with the highly successful Shaanti organization from Birmingham, the highest profile Asian promoters & music makers in the UK, & is the sound of the urban Asian experience. Expertly selected by the Shaanti DJs, these are the tracks that are blowing up the clubs from Nation to Shaanti to Bar Bollywood. Artful Dodger, Panjabi MC in remix & originals form, Jamieson, Swami, Ganja Kru & classics from Beenie Man, Q Project & Renegade. 30 tracks. Three slimline jewel cases in a slipcase. 2003.

Urban Underground,Various Artists,Decadence UK,Club/Dance,Dance,Dance Collections

Average customer rating: Overall very good release 3.5 stars Classic Joint! WOW! yes PLEASE Simply Amazing

5 Sparrows for 2 Cents The Procussions Manufacturer: Red Urban Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: ...As Iron Sharpens Iron The Healing Elevator Music Wrong Way An Evening With the Sound Providers ASIN: B000FG66CA Release Date: 2006-05-30

Tracks:

1. Opening Meditation
2. Shabach
3. Anybody
4. Simple Song
5. Fight Here
6. Miss January
7. The Storm
8. Rain Dance
9. I'll Fly
10. Track 10
11. Little People
12. Carousel
13. For The Camera
14. Vader March
15. Jiminy Cricket
16. American Fado
17. Mars

Customer Reviews:

Overall very good release 3.5 stars.......2007-04-17

There are things I like, as well as dislike about this album. Several of the songs are boring, and while both the mc's and the production are above average...just weren't all that great. Number one thing I couldn't help but notice..and bugged me throughout, was that one of the mc's sounds entirely too much like zach from rage. It was hard for my ears to get over that. On the good side, there aren't any outright terrible tracks, so its a worthwhile listen, and runs about an hour w/o skits.

Best track is american fado, other standout tracks are: simple song, fight here, miss jan, and jiminy cricket (first verse especially).

Classic Joint!.......2007-02-01

I am soooo fortunate to NOT listen to NY radio. It pretty much stinks. I actually am a BIG fan of XM's underground radio, that's how I found out about these brothers. I have a long commute from home to work and I need some good music in my car radio. These guys are repeat offenders, in my radio that is! From beginning to end, the music is original and the rhymes are "FRESH" (flashback to the 80's). Stay away from NY Hip Hop stations. Same boooring music.Zzzzz. PS, did not know Colorado had this type of heat! Boy, We need to start lookin' in the cracks between Cali & NY!

WOW!.......2006-11-06

This is one of the best albums I have heard in a LOOOOOOOOOOOOONG TIME! A resurgence of quality Hip Hop music is marked by the release of this album. YOUU MUST BUY! YOU won't be dissapointed.

yes PLEASE.......2006-06-16

If you like rap with a dope rhythm and amazing lyrics, this album is a must buy. No more of that trash rap constantly yappin on about booty shaking. Personally, my favorite single from this album is "Miss January" featuring Talib Kweli. It's an awesome mixture of their styles.

Simply Amazing.......2006-06-09

Honestly, the world we live in is tragic, we are blinded daily by our consumer fast-paced lifestyles. Tragedy brings sympathy, which in-turn brings reality. This album let's us see how the world really is through a musical and lyrical landscape. There is not one song that won't address the "real-world" we live in and won't tug at your heart. Mr J. is one of the hardest dopest lyricists out right now, if you don't agree listen to Carousel, there is just no debate. All 3 of these cats focus on song structure and Rythm patterns, simply amazing. And lets no overlook the production, as a producer myself, the beats are a step ahead of what is being done. THere are hardly any "loops" on this record, Stro is in a world of his own, these guys are in a world of their own. If people don't like it, it is because they are still trapped in the 90's era of hip-hop. It's 2006. you got to let go and let in the next level!!!

Average customer rating: Roky tribute Lightning never stikes anymore, but I can't make it rain. One of the better "tribute" CDs out there Great compilation, even if you've never heard the originals Great compilation, even if you've never heard the originals

Where the Pyramid Meets the Eye - Tribute to Roky Erickson Various Artists Manufacturer: Sire / London/Rhino ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music | Vinyl Records | American Punk | British Punk | Emo | Garage Punk | Hardcore | Post Hardcore | Proto Punk | Punk | Punk Revival | Punk-Pop | Riot Grrl | Ska Punk | Straight Edge General | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Rock | Compilations | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post-Punk | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Urban Folk | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Alternative Folk | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music 1990s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music 1990-1999 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: I Have Always Been Here Before: The Roky Erickson Anthology Gremlins Have Pictures Don't Slander Me More Oar: A Tribute to Alexander "Skip" Spence You're Gonna Miss Me ASIN: B000005JB5 Release Date: 1990-10-19

Tracks:

1. Reverberation (Doubt) - ZZ Top
2. If You Have Ghosts - John Wesley Harding & The Good Liars
3. I Had To Tell You - Poi Dog Pondering
4. She Lives (In A Time Of Her Own) - Judybats
5. Slip lnside This House - Primal Scream
6. You Don't Love Me Yet - Bongwater
7. I Have Always Been Here Before - Julian Cope
8. You're Gonna Miss Me - Doug Sahm & Sons
9. It's A Cold Night For Alligators - Southern Pacific
10. Fire Engine - Richard Lloyd
11. Bermuda - Vibrating Egg
12. I Walked With A Zombie - R.E.M.
13. Earthquake - Butthole Surfers
14. Don't Slander Me - Lou Ann Barton
15. Red Temple Prayer (Two Headed Dog) - Sister Double Happiness
16. Burn The Flames - Thin White Rope
17. Postures (Leave Your Body Behind) - Chris Thomas
18. Nothing In Return - T Bone Burnett
19. Reverberation (Doubt) - The Jesus & Mary Chain

Customer Reviews:

Roky tribute.......2006-03-29

I hate to admit this but this was my first exposure the width of Roky Erickson's talent. To hear these songs done by bands/musicians that I liked, was to open a whole new door of music to me. Roky deserves better than he has gotten. Hopefully people will keep finding this and going on the discover Roky and other unsung heroes of music.

Lightning never stikes anymore, but I can't make it rain........2005-05-20

This is a tribute album to Roky Erickson. Erickson was the lead singer of the 13th Floor Elevator and later performed solo. Roky was (and is) a mentally disturbed individual, who wrote very strange songs. Here, 19 artists perform 18 of his songs ("Reverberation" is covered twice). Most of the performances are good and this album will hopefully bring attention to this cult hero.

One of the better "tribute" CDs out there.......2003-07-02

Probably because of the GREAT material. Yes, Roky was the mad (? -- he was put in a mental institution for a while) genius behind the Thirteenth Floor Elevators. Most of the covers here are exceptional and come from a variety of folks (ZZ Top, Jesus & Mary Chain, REM, Lou Ann Barton, etc.). I was lucky enough to see Roky soon after he was released from the hospital in the mid-70s (completely weird, he and Willie Nelson showed up unannounced and jammed at a free gig outside of Austin). I'm just pleased that so many artists did such a great job for a somewhat troubled soul.

Great compilation, even if you've never heard the originals.......1999-09-06

Somebody should make this explicit: this album features covers of The 13th Floor Elevators, a psychedic band led by Roky Erickson. As you can see from the track list above, diverse musical tastes are represented. The album never fails to entertain me even though I've never actually heard any of the original songs.

Great compilation, even if you've never heard the originals.......1999-09-06

Somebody should make this explicit: this album features covers of The 13th Floor Elevators, a psychedic band led by Roky Erickson. As you can see from the track list above, diverse musical tastes are represented. The album never fails to entertain me even though I've never actually heard any of the original songs.

Average customer rating: "You're only as good as the people you surround yourself with" Pretty good Best Album of 2007 IN MY TOP 10 - DOPEST ALBUMS OF 2007 "Fill the Hole in Your Heart That is Missin'"

Port Authority Marco Polo Manufacturer: Red Urban Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Turntablists | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Trip-Hop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music Dance Hall | Reggae | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Popular Demand The Return of the Magnificent Desire Ruff Draft Carte Blanche ASIN: B000NIVOAE Release Date: 2007-05-15

Tracks:

1. Port Authority Intro
2. Get Busy ft Copywrite
3. Marquee ft O.C.
4. War ft Kardinal Offishall
5. Nostalgi ft Mast Ace
6. Wrong One ft Wordsworth
7. Low Budget Allstars ft Kev Brown, Kenn Starr, Oddisee, CY Young & Kaimbr
8. Speak Softly ft Jo Jo Pellegrino
9. Time & Place ft Ed O.G
10. The Radar ft Large Professor
11. All My Love ft Jaysaun
12. Lay It Down ft Roc Marciano (of the Un)
13. Go Around ft Buckshot
14. Hood Tales ft Kool G Rap & D.V. Alias Khryst
15. Heat f Supastition
16. Rolling ft Sadat X. Ju Ju (of the Beatnuts) & AG
17. For the Future ft Critically Acclaimed
18. Relax ft J*Davey

Customer Reviews:

"You're only as good as the people you surround yourself with".......2007-07-15

On the intro to Marco Polo's 2007 album "Port Authority," he announces "They say you're only as good as the people you surround yourself with...and that I do believe, you know what I mean?" This statement proves much more ironic than Marco knows.

Before buying this album, I was only vaguely familiar with the Toronto producer, mostly from his work with Masta Ace on A Long Hot Summer. The incredible list of guest rappers made me want this album. From a lyrical standpoint, this would be a producer's dream, having such legends as Large Professor, Masta Ace, Sadat X, O.C., Ed O.G., and A.G., as well as young underground rappers like Kardinal Offishall, Kev Brown, Ken Starr, and Wordsworth, on a debut album. As you'd expect, they don't bring their absolute bests, because these are all guest appearances, but you couldn't ask for any more from these guys. They bring clever lyricism and concepts to an album, and in that respect it brings back memories of these type of dream-team collaborations from the nineties.

Problem is, Marco doesn't make the kind of show-stealing beats that would normally warrant a producer's solo album. When a producer makes a solo album, I'm expecting the type of grabbing, show-stopping production like I've seen on Pete Rock, Jay Dee, No I.D., and DJ Jazzy Jeff's solo releases. On those producers' albums, they bring the same kind of big-name collaborators, but the spotlight never leaves the production. This is not the case on "Port Authority." Marco Polo doesn't really wow you with any beats here. There are some good beats, but not too many great ones. Too often, his beats are very repetitive, electronic, sparse, and even boring. There is also some definite filler material, on a tracklist that is a lengthy 18 tracks long, and almost every track is well over four minutes. It's too long. He gets outshined by the MCs on almost every song, and while it's expecting a lot for a young producer to stack up with legends, it's quite noticeable. The lack of creative and interesting beats is a problem.

After the intro, the album begins with the solid "Get Busy," a Copywrite collabo with a beat that sounds early Wu-Tang-esque, with winding violins and piano. I was excited to hear O.C. on "Marquee." While the beat's a little too repetitive, O.C. does a nice job like always and I like this song. A typically energetic Kardinal Offishall spits some nice verses on "War," but once again, I feel like Marco gets outshined on this track, the beat is pretty average. I like the single "Nostalgia" with the legendary Masta Ace. The beat to this song sounds just like the beat to the Masta Ace song "Soda & Soap" from A Long Hot Summer, but Ace's verses set this one apart, this song is very memorable. Wordsworth shows up for the okay "Wrong One," and the posse cut "Low Budget" is so called for its bare-bones beat, not the type you'd hope for on a producer's album, although the verses are all clever. I like Jo Jo Pellegrino's spot "Speak Softly," although it doesn't really stand out. Veteran Ed O.G. raps over a boring beat on "Time & Place," but his raps are substantial. One of my favorite rappers, Large Professor, shows up for "The Radar." His lines and concept is great, which is why I wish the beat was better, it's very average and forgettable. I had never heard of Jaysaun before "All My Love," but after hearing him here I know he is a rapper I will be looking out for in the future, because he provides the best guest appearance on the whole album. He tells an insightful and inspired story of a poor upbringing and struggles as a young biracial man. Unfortunately, I was not feeling this beat at all, the instrumentals sound uneasy and the vocal sample doesn't fit, the beat drags this song down a lot. "Lay It Down" is weak, a very repetitive and boring beat covered by monotonous verses from Rock Marciano. "Go Around" is by far the best song on the album. This has easily the best beat, a laidback, jazzy, and horn-driven number, and Buckshot's verses and great hook make this song very nice. Kool G Rap and D.V. Alias Khryst appear on the frenetic "Hood Tales," a pretty good song, and "Heat" featuring Supastition is also pretty nice. A very impressive crew of Brand Nubian's Sadat X, D.I.T.C.'s A.G., and the Beatnuts' JuJu rap on the decent "Rollin'." The beat on "For the Future" is creative, using a harp as the main instrumental. The album closes with "Relax," which is a cover of A Tribe Called Quest's classic "Electric Relaxation." As much as I love the original, truly one of my favorite songs, I have a hard time really loving this one because Marco didn't tweak the beat at all, nor did J. Davey significantly alter the lyrics. Nevertheless, it's hard to go too wrong when working on a classic of "Electric Relaxation"'s level, so it's a nice end to the album.

"Port Authority" impressed me in a way I didn't expect. Buying this, I was hoping for a producer's showcase, but this is definitely more of a rapper's show than the producer's. The star-studded guest list of legendary rappers makes for some good fun, but Marco's beats don't always. Marco is a solid producer, and I think he will continue to have a career as a low-profile beatmaker making music with talented lyricists. To join the company of the best producers in the biz, he will have to show more than he shows on "Port Authority." I recommend this album only to the more intense hip hop fans, because they will no doubt love hearing verses from O.C., Large Professor, Ed O.G., Masta Ace, and the other veteran rappers that grace Marco's beats, and the younger underground cats also do a nice job on the mic. But if you're looking a producer's showcase that features a similar guestlist, I'd steer you towards DJ Jazzy Jeff's recent release, The Return of the Magnificent, a really great and complete album with a similar concept.

Pretty good.......2007-07-07

overall this is an OK album
the beats are sicks but there are several skippable songs

Best Album of 2007.......2007-07-03

You remember when you got that "feel"? You know the one where you were FLOORED when you heard an album. This is the album of 2007 that has given me that feeling. I was sold when I heard the Nostalgia / War 12" single; I knew this album was going to be dope. It didn't let me down. While the Masta Ace "Nostalgia" cut stands out as the feel good joint of the year, don't sleep on Large Professor's "The Radar", Supastition's "Heat", Kardinal Offishall's "War", Buckshot's "Go Around", and the sleeper pick, Jaysaun's "All My Love".

If you have lost faith in hip hop or are just looking for a slamming album, grab this one. It will make you remember why you liked the music in the first place.

IN MY TOP 10 - DOPEST ALBUMS OF 2007.......2007-07-01

MARCO POLO COMES CORRECT ON HIS DEBUT LP "PORT AUTHORITY". EACH ONE OF THE BEATS ON THIS ALBUM HITS HARD AND GETS RIGHT TO THE POINT. "NOSTALGIA" WITH MASTA ACE IS ABSOLUTELY TIMELESS, CLASSIC BEAT, AND SPEAK SOFTLY NOW, HAS A GREAT SAMPLE TO RIDE OUT TOO. OVERALL ITS JUST A FLAT OUT GREAT REAL HIPHOP ALBUM THAT U CAN PLAY ALL THE WAY THROUGH AND FEET LIKE U GOT 100 PERCENT OF YOUR MONEY'S WORTH AT THE END.

GREAT JOB MARCO!

"Fill the Hole in Your Heart That is Missin'".......2007-06-21

I just want to clarify a couple things. I give this album a 4.5 because I don't like handing out fives like everyone else on this site. Also, it takes a lot for me to review an album, this is only my 2nd (check the resume), but when I heard this tape, I went nuts.

I first heard of MP back on Boot Camp's "The Last Stand", the track "He Gave His Life" was straight up banging. When I saw that MP was putting out a joint I check it out, when I saw that Masta Ace, OC, Kool G, & Kardinal (too name a few) were up on it, I almost cracked the case to get to the disc.

Lets remember MP is just a producer so we have to analyze this cd from a beat perspective. In the source they say a rapper has to do something new to get five mics. Well MP finds a great blend of soul with cuts. Don't get me wrong DJ Premier is one of the best to ever do it, but he just cuts, 9th is also one of my favorites, but he just brings straight soul. MP brings both, for that reason you gotta peep this cat. "Yeah I said it", I mentioned this new producer in the same sentence as 9th and Premier, that is what I think of him (or at least with the same potential). The real heads who understand my language are in their car already on the way to their local record shop.

The MCs on this album kill! OC and Masta Ace are two of the most underrated in the game, but my favorite is "All My Love" ft. Jayshaun. His first verse is one of the best I have heard in the last 5 years and believe the kid when I say I have listen to a lot of albums. So at this point I give you a quotable, but instead I am going to leave you hanging. Go cop this, the cat is a carnivore!

Average customer rating: Should Bring Down The House Song name French melody Great movie Jungle Love

Bringing Down the House Various Artists Manufacturer: Hollywood Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Bringing Down The House (Full Screen Edition) Epiphany: The Best of Chaka Khan, Vol. 1 Mirror Mirror Monster-in-Law My Big Fat Greek Wedding ASIN: B00008J2KL Release Date: 2003-03-04

Tracks:

1. Let Go (Hit The Dance Floor) Eve and Jadakiss
2. Whatcha Gonna Do Foxy Brown
3. Better Than The Rest Queen Latifah
4. Wheres The Love Floetry
5. Aint Nobody Kelly Price
6. Move Somethin Mr. Cheeks
7. Let Me See You Dance Iceberg
8. Way of Live Lil Wayne featuring Big Tymers and TQ
9. Do Your Thing Queen Latifah featuring Mario Winans
10. Gutta The Unit
11. Rock Star N.E.R.D.
12. Next To You Calvin Richardson
13. Im Gonna Love You Just A Little More Babe Barry White

Amazon.com

Lonely white yuppie lawyer meets woman on internet. Woman is street-smart soul-sister ex-con who teaches white boy a thing or two about Respect and Love. Much hilarity ensues. (Well, two out of three ain't bad.) But just as the odd couple vehicle for Queen Latifah and Steve Martin can't even seem to get its cartoonish formula down straight, the film's hip-hop laden song-score (co-produced by Latifah) offers up a few bright moments from some contemporary hip-hop royalty (Foxy Brown's sassy "Whatcha Gonna Do," Latifah's soulful "Better Than the Rest," the pop-R&B of Kelly Price's "Ain't Nobody"). N.E.R.D.'s hypnotic "Rock Star" and Mr. Cheeks slinky "Move Somethin'" inject some much-needed edge into proceedings that too often push tasty street beats off the plate for heaping rations of warmed over McHip-Hop. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Should Bring Down The House.......2006-02-04

Queen Latifah really puts 110% into her film "Bringing Down The House"; not only is she the film's star and producer, but is also the executive producer on the soundtrack, and contributes two of her own tracks to it. All the song, except for "Better Than The Rest", were featured in the film; thus fans of the film should know what to expect. That said, this is a very solid collection of comtemparary hip-hop/R&B and traditional soul sounds; you'd be surprised how well everything meshes. Unfortunetly, only three were official singles (all prior to the film/album's release). Two so-so hip-hop tunes, and one legendary, soul masterpiece:
- Lil Wayne feat. Big Tymers & TQ "Way Of Life" C-. The Cash Money label has always been had as genius, but I feel that the discography is far too inconsistent. This tune really lacks all the style and edge of singles like Lil Wayne's "Block Is Hot" and Big Tymers' "#1 Stunna"; and comes off as standard and tiresome. Not a high point in the Cash Money archive.
- N.E.R.D. "Rock Star" C+. N.E.R.D. a.k.a. The Neptunes have always been better producers than rappers. This minor hit clearly shows talent, yet it lacks the focus to raise it higher than what it is. Many parts, including the chorus are totally mesmerizing, but it all gets lost elsewhere. It doesn't suceed but it's fun hearing it try.
- Barry White "I'm Gonna Love You Just A Little More Babe" A+. Do I even need to say anything? This is one of, if not THE, greatest love song in the history of music. The late, great Barry White always had a sly, seductive edge which changed the face of soul music. Every single beat and word is captivating. This classic has inspired so many other tracks over the years that it will never be forgotten. A perfect note to end an already solid album on.
It is a shame that those were the only singles; becuse there are many other excellent tracks here. Queen Latifah delivers two home runs with the crooning, soul of "Better Than The Rest", and the Mario Winans produced power-rap "Do Your Thing". Other notable hip-hop tracks include Eve & Jadakiss' infectiuos, party tune "Let Go (Hit The Dance Floor)" and the smooth, suductive vibe on Mr. Cheeks' "Move Somethin'" (he really is a VERY underrated artist). It's very refreshing to here some good, (somwwhat) clean, joyful hip-hop for a change. Soul/R&B has a tradtional representation with Kelly Price's classy "Ain't Nobody", and contemporary, courtesy of Floetry with the sweet, warm "Where's The Love". Both terrific soulful sounds; no matter what style.
The other singles may not be as stand-out, but they all fill in nicley and keep the album moving at a cinsistent pace and tone.
Bottom Line: ***. The soundtrack doesn't break the mold, yet it shows how to pull off a terrific urban-music soundtrack. It isn't too long; thus never feeling dragged out, and it has fun party vibe going throughout the whole disc. It is a joy to hear; pure and simple. In an age where many sondtracks lumber through ill fitting mediocre song, all dragged out to boredem; here is a nice cool breeze of a disc.

Song name.......2005-01-29

I found out the name of the song. It's from a French movie and it's called "Un homme et une femme", or in English "Man and woman". It's a beautiful melody, so if anyone was wondering what the name of the song Martin puts on before his date with Queen Latifah, it's "Un homme et une femme".

French melody.......2004-12-31

Can anyone tell me the name of the melody, which Martin put on before his date with Queen Latifah? It's a French song, yet I don't remember its name.

Happy New Year!

Great movie.......2004-08-09

Can someone please tell me the name of the song when Charlene is teaching him how to dance,when they go out for dinner, is it "hope this night can last forever?" I need to buy this song asap! Thanks!!!!

Jungle Love.......2004-01-19

DrKO... It's Jungle Love. Think the band's name was/is Time.

Average customer rating: sonic masterpiece. They Got Me Again Creative...Podnuh! Avant-garde music. A Little 2 Much Hype

The Hollywood Recordings Sa-Ra Creative Partners Manufacturer: Babygrande Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Ruff Draft Popular Demand The Return of the Magnificent The Second Time Around Olesi: Fragments of an Earth ASIN: B000NI3FLK Release Date: 2007-04-24

Tracks:

1. Seagulls (Intro)
2. Hey Love
3. Glorious
4. So Special
5. And If
6. Rosebuds
7. Feel The Bass
8. Not On Our Level
9. White! (On The Floor)
10. Bitch
11. Do Me Gurl - TY
12. Ladies Sing
13. Sweet Sour You
14. Tracy
15. Fly Away
16. Lean On Me
17. Fish Fillet
18. Thrilla
19. Hollywood

Customer Reviews:

sonic masterpiece........2007-05-27

This album is amazing. It recalls to me a time when producers like Timbaland and The Neptunes first started getting recognition for their work. When their beats were a mix of pop-creativity and artistic flair. Such is "The Hollywood Recordings." Having been a Sa-Ra partners fan for a little over a year now, I can attest that they do not fail to innovate or excite. THe production is A+, feeling both pop and hip hop (Hieroglyphics and Jedi Mind Tricks comes to mind). This CD will be in rotation at all of my parties for a while now!

They Got Me Again.......2007-05-10

First, let me say that my review of this "album" is not coming from a hater's viewpoint. I am an open-minded individual, and I pride myself on being fair. That being said, let me tell you why you must not buy this album.

We live in an age where hype reigns supreme. Whether it's the latest boxing match being labeled "the fight that'll save boxing," or a new musical act called innovative, and "creative." The latter applies to the new CD from "musical act" Sa-Ra. Now, I said before that I'm not a hater, and I can't stand haters myself. But if there's one thing I can't stand more than a hater, it would have to be a liar. I'm referring to the liars who lent their names to the packaging of this CD (Kanye West), claiming that it was worthy of purchase. I'm referring to the so-called hip-hop websites that co-sign on this BS, manipulating consumers into thinking something good is on this CD. Well, I'm justified in calling them liars, because there is nothing good on this CD. They know we the people are fans of Talib Kweli, Erykah Badu, and Georgia Ann Muldrow, so they feature them as guests on this CD. We end up thinking, "If Kweli and Badu are on it, it must be worthy." But NO!! It is not so. The first clue that it won't be worthy of your hard-earned cash is the inclusion of a track featuring Capone 'N Noreaga. You see it, but your brain says, "But Kweli and Badu are on it! It couldn't be that bad, right?" But brothers and sisters, it IS that bad. And it gets worse. These Sa-Ra clowns go as far as including Kurupt on their project (Will he ever grow up? How long can you "gang-bang"?). Not to mention the numerous no-names who make appearances. I apologize for ranting, but I'm sick of this! I'm sick of people taking advantage of those of us who love artists who "think outside of the box." They convince us that what they have to offer is different and new, and all we get is $14 worth of BS. That's what this CD is too-- BS. They should have named it "The BS Recordings".

Bottom line-- don't support this BS.

Creative...Podnuh!.......2007-05-07

Sa-Ra has had a slight buzz for some time due to their other projects working with cats like Ice T and Bilal and Dr. Dre. The first official release from the group is an eye opener. From the opening key of "Hey Love" its easy to tell that this is not an album that fits easily with the status quo. Creative on every song, like it or not. Give your mind and ears a break and listen to something that will actually challenge the senses. You'll feel better in the morning!
Stand Out tracks:
Hey Love
Do me gurl
So special
And if
Fish Fillet feat. Pharoahe Monche
Thrilla feat. J Dilla (RIP)

Avant-garde music........2007-04-29

Sa-Ra is a giant step in the right direction. The more you listen, the better it gets; a sign of layered, nuanced music.

A Little 2 Much Hype.......2007-04-29

Honestly after waiting about two years to hear an album from these guys i kinda expected more. The production is tight but nothing extraordinary and the songs just don't hit the spot for me. Their eclectic marketing combined with them being co-signed by some of my favorite artists (Erykah Badu,Kanye West,J-Dilla etc.)definitely contributed to my expectations. If you like stuff like this listen to Spacek's two releases Curvatia and Vintage Hi-tek. Spacek is the true progenitor of this new wave electronica. Not hatin just expected a little more.

Average customer rating: Note to Al Sharpton and News media: Good Rap Music still exist Check it out... It was fate Panacea draws a beautiful masterpiece with "Ink is My Drink" ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE....AMAZING...CAN SOMEONE SAY GRAMMIES?!?!?!?!?!

Ink Is My Drink Panacea Manufacturer: Red Urban Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: School Was My Hustle The Healing Popular Demand Connected Foot in the Door ASIN: B000I5X838 Release Date: 2006-10-03

Tracks:

1. Trip of the Century
2. Invisible Seas
3. Place On Earth
4. Steel Kites
5. Coulda Woulda Shoulda
6. Reel Me In
7. PULSE
8. Work Of Art
9. These Words
10. Ecosphere
11. Burning Bush
12. Starlite

Customer Reviews:

Note to Al Sharpton and News media: Good Rap Music still exist.......2007-06-06

This is something of a continuation of the direction Hip-Hop was heading before the influx of music we hear today on Urban radio today. When you first listen to these guys, names like Tribe Called Quest and Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth come to mind. But no, this is different. More laid back than even De La Soul. This music, it's more than a fantasy, it's a different world. A true soundtrack to life, if you will.

I couldn't name just one song off of here that caught my attention. And to be honest, when I first picked the CD up, I didn't know what to expect. The whole CD is truly unique. It caught me off guard due to the fact that you just don't hear good rap music like this anymore, and that's the sad truth of it all. After a year of owning this disc, I make sure it's at my reach at all times because you'll never know when somebody else catches on to Panacea's sound.

The next time you hear from the media about how bad Rap is for todays youth, make sure to mention these guys, and other groups like them that have been pushed to the background. There is such a thing as 'good rap music' and the world really needs to hear about it.

Check it out..........2007-05-21

Think about all the times you read a review of some new hip-hop album where the writer gave it five stars and said, "This is the REAL hip-hop!" and "All TRUE heads will dig on this," usually sandwiched between some image-induced self-commentary on why they don't like crunk and why this particular stylistic preference is somehow in keeping with the one true spirit of hip-hop.

Then, pulled under by these pseudo-religious pronouncements, you buy the album. After all, you're a true head, too. The album turns out to be just another average, decent-but-not-great early-'90s throwback.

Not so here. Panacea dropped a really good album. The production style is not entirely unfamiliar ---influenced by classic breaks, frosted with strings, guitars. There is a slightly melancholic pull to some of the loops, but without being overly emotional or sappy. As mentioned elsewhere, there are occasional sped-up soul samples. Think somewhere in between Primo and Dilla: more adventurous than the first, but not as loose as the latter.

Lyrically, it's on point. You got your standard round of subects--- girls, war, etc., but it's really not that derivative...just good. He works best when he's going fast, but not at the sacrifice of thoughtfulness (he's not bad when it slows down, either, don't misunderstand). There's good singing on some of the choruses, appropriately moving when it needs to be.

Again, this is one of the albums that is as good as all the high ratings it receives. It's unlikely you'll be disappointed should you decide to give it a chance (and a serious listen).

It was fate.......2007-01-08

I was looking for something. I didn't specifically know, however. I wanted some hip-hop. I wanted something that I never heard of before. I wanted to buy a random album that I was never told about, and find greatness.

Suprisingly, this is exactly what happended. I found Ink is My Drink, and was impressed. Unforunatly, I was looking for christmas presents, so the album went to my brother. He, of course, burnt it for me. This album is great. Finding it was fate.

Panacea draws a beautiful masterpiece with "Ink is My Drink".......2006-11-15

In the late 1990s, independent hip-hop record label Rawkus Records received extensive exposure and flourished within the rap scene, bringing to the limelight several then-underground artists such as Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Common and Pharoahe Monch. Socially conscious hip-hop gained momentum, fueled by Rawkus-backed compilations such as The Lyricist Lounge, which also had a worldwide tour and inspired the MTV sketch show The Lyricist Lounge Show.

Founders Brian Brater and Jarret Myerin were forced to close shop in January 2004, after creative differences between the label and Geffen Records, which had sought a more mainstream target approach after acquiring Rawkus from MCA Records in 2002. After inking a new circulation deal this year with RED Distribution, an independent branch of Sony BMG Music and the leading "indie" distributor in the United States, Rawkus is on track to resurrect the underground hip-hop movement.

It is fitting, then, that the label is home to the debut album Ink is My Drink from Panacea, a duo consisting of producer K-Murdoch and emcee Raw Poetic. The group, originally from Washington, D.C., follows the successful formula created by The Roots, utilizing a live band to produce a smooth, fluid debut LP that massages ears with socially conscious, intuitive grooves.

Having produced for r&b talents along the likes of Raheem DeVaughn, W. Ellington Felton, and Bilal Salaam, K-Murdoch layers Ink is My Drink with funk horns, orchestral strings, and eclectic guitars that create a continuous soundtrack for Raw Poetic to step up to his lyrical podium, weaving short-stories about life, love and hip-hop culture.

Indeed, Ink is My Drink more fittingly is described as a soundtrack, rather than simply as an album, as K-Murdoch's soundscapes recreate the underground D.C. vibe, while Raw Poetic's allegories drive home his points without the side effect of overly hammering the listener.

While Panacea has been described as following in the steps of A Tribe Called Quest or De La Soul, the distinct chemistry between K-Murdoch's production and Raw Poetic's urban libretto more resembles a duo such as GangStarr or the perhaps the successful combo of producer Pete Rock and emcee CL Smooth.

Such chemistry allows for Ink is My Drink to strap listeners in for a rhythmic journey similar to 2004's Connected, the soulful collaboration between producer Nicolay and rapper Phonte, a duo collectively known as "The Foreign Exchange".

A mini-excursion in itself, the opening track, "Trip of the Century" shifts through a various loop of sounds all within three minutes. Launching with a 1970s inspired soul groove, the track quickly bursts into a rapid percussion loop highlighted by loud horns before settling back into a funk-inspired outro.

Relationship struggles are tackled on "Coulda Woulda Shoulda", while doubters and naysayers are handled on "Reel Me In". Raw Poetic preaches morality lessons on "Steel Kites" when he lectures, "Before you pick up guns.../ Pick another product to sell / Pick up your people like fam when they not doing well / Like mothers at funerals when they going through hell."

On the infectious, saxophone-laced "Pulse", he introspects about the thumping heart of the streets. "But love makes a march like a month when it starts / And you march to the rhythm of the heart / To the pulse, to the beat to the street / To the movie as a child / And find that you even got a style that is wild / Flourishing through nourishment / following your purpose is the pulse so these ideas I never circumvent."

In the mold shaped by the introductory track, "Starlite", the final track, returns to the dreamy, mystical mood of the intro track, with a spacey, above-the-clouds melody echoed by a subway train clicking down a railway. K-Murdoch launches an upbeat drum break that Raw Poetic leaps on, ripping the track with a rapid-fire performance that brings the album to a conclusion that serves to leave even the most devoted backpacker fan jaded with bliss.

While the elegant, magnetic beats provide consistency, at times K-Murdoch's transitions often have a stiff segue between tracks. Though he impressively handles his content and thematic range, Raw Poetic often fails to switch up his cadence and verbal patterns, leading at times to a stagnant delivery of keen lyrics.

At slightly over 47 minutes, the album's brevity is a slight detractor, yet also a welcome change of pace from the formulaic filler approach of two or three skits, radio/club single, for-the-ladies cut, and requisite "for all the dead homies" track. Nevertheless, Ink is My Drink stands as a significant player in Rawkus' resurrection of the indie rap pastures.

It is only fitting then that the group's name defined is a supposed cure to disease or solution to dilemmas. Ink is My Drink stands as an exemplary prototype to return socially conscious and culturally refreshed music to the forefront of the hip-hop scene.

ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE....AMAZING...CAN SOMEONE SAY GRAMMIES?!?!?!?!?!.......2006-10-07

THIS CD IS A MASTERPIECE!!! I was forgetting for a moment there what pure, genuine, authentic songs were nowadays. The music world was becoming the movie world: trite and indifferent. But Panacea's INK IS MY DRINK adds a new light to a darkened situation. Never has a CD captivated and invigorated my interest so much that I listened to it at least three times in three hours in such a long time; the last time I heard such good music was when Marvin Gaye's album "What's Goin' On" was a hit. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY GREAT MUSIC!!! With sure to be hits like PULSE, INVISIBLE SEAS, STEEL KITES, AND BASICALLY ALL OTHER SONGS ON THE CD, EVERYONE should have a cd this wonderful. The catchy excellent beats are complimented by extraordinary and super original rhymes by Raw Poetic and K-Murdock. This is the beginning of a new era in music and has reminded me why music exists in the first place - it is an art, a way of expression, and a way of life. If Panacea were my lifeline, I would live forever because this CD is absolutely amazing. GET IT ALREADY!!!! I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE GRAMMYS!!!! GO PANACEAAAAAAA...I am forever touched by such outstanding music. GOOD GRIEF THIS IS GOOD!!!!!!!!!!

Average customer rating: semi sucked NEO-SOUL AT IT S BEST !!! Hidden Hits on The Radio Finally www.iM4radio.com AN INSTANT CLASSIC BOOTY!!!!!! not good @ all!!!

Hidden Hits, Vol. 1 Various Artists Manufacturer: Hidden Beach ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music House | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Gangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Soul Lounge, Vol. 1: The Vibe Compilation Soul Satisfaction: A Collection of Nu-Soul Gems Nu Soul Sessions Neo-Soul United, Vol. 2 Hidden Beach Recordings Presents: Unwrapped, Vol. 3 ASIN: B00009MGQY Release Date: 2003-07-01

Tracks:

1. Free - Myron
2. Wonderful - Trek Life
3. Goin Fishin - Tori Amanaze
4. Wallflower - Critically Acclaimed & Kev Brown
5. Oh No - Jamal
6. He Don't - United Soul
7. Better - Kipper Jones
8. Wonderful Interlude - Trek Life
9. Running Away - Trek Life
10. Playa - Jamal
11. Ain't No Time - Carmen
12. Life - Aquila
13. Young World - Cy Young & Kev Brown
14. I Ain't The One - Quinn
15. C'est Durs - 7Destinee
16. I Choose You - J.R.
17. Wonderful Outro - Trek Life
18. I Can't Get You Outta My Mind - Rosie Gaines
19. Wonderful And Special - J.R.

Customer Reviews:

semi sucked.......2006-07-10

gone fishin is the only good cut on the entire cd, there are some others that are "un-skip-able" but otherwise its a mindless background compilation of off brand bama no names. consistant fake neo-soul electric beat throughout the cd can be annoying if you have been there before. i would have been mad if i paid more than $10 for it. it serves its purpose as a stuck in traffic soundtrack, however, i find myself listening to "gone fishin" over and over again.

NEO-SOUL AT IT S BEST !!!.......2005-05-18

Hidden Beach has done it again!!! This is one of best undiscovered neo-soul albums out there. It's the kind of album you put and everyone says: "Who is that?" Several undiscovered artists are ont his album.Every song and artist like Mike Phillips will keep you in that neo-soul music. If you're a lover of neo-soul, this album is a must have.

Hidden Hits on The Radio Finally www.iM4radio.com.......2003-12-08

This cd his packed with raw uncut talent. You can rock this one from beginning to end. Track #19 is my favorite, but you can hear all of them on www.iM4radio.com all day every day...you can even call and request songs. Enjoy!

AN INSTANT CLASSIC.......2003-10-10

HIDDEN BEACH HAS REALLY DONE IT THIS TIME. THIS ALBUM IS GREAT

BOOTY!!!!!! not good @ all!!!.......2003-09-25

This is not a good cd. this is 3rd rate talent fo real! HB does good stuff but this one really bites!! there are a few good acts, but the hip hop one here is really not good. like they are a bunch of Common and Mos Def rip offs!!!!!

This cd is the let down of the summer

Average customer rating: Great underground beats SupaDoopaDef I like it underground... nice!

Kidnapper Van: Beats to Rock While Bike Stealin' Foreign Legion Manufacturer: Insiduous Urban ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Playtight ASIN: B00004XSQE Release Date: 2000-09-19

Tracks:

1. Everyones Sleeping
2. People Round Town
3. Nowhere to Hide
4. Underground
5. Meanwhile
6. Full Time B-Boy
7. Let Me Tell You Something
8. Secret Agent
9. Reference Check
10. Overnight Success
11. You'll Never Be Number One
12. Thats Bond
13. Chain Reation
14. Never Be the Same

Customer Reviews:

Great underground beats.......2002-12-24

These guys will eventually surpass all "underground" titles. The lyrics are extremely tight and the beats are unique and stimulating. You really have to listen to the words to get this band. Definately pick up The Funky Precedent vol.2 to hear the best song by Foreign Legion, and while your at it pick up The Funky Precedent vol. 1 which is the best hip hop compilation out. Keep listening to this cd as the more you hear it the more it sinks in and hits you.

SupaDoopaDef.......2002-11-06

Out of nowhere I heard about this group. I heard a few tracks off the net and decided to buy it. I was blown away. These cats have more rhymes than Paccoso's got paint!! I saw that everyone else who reviewed this album gave it 5 stars also, so I thought it would be safe to buy it. I recommend this album to anyone who loves hip hop, because this album is 100% HIP HOP. Their flows and contents of their lyrics are different than anybody elses. These cats are underground, but they definetely need to get recognized by more people so that they can get the props that they deserve. I leave you with this: get the album, you will NOT be disappointed!!

I like it.......2001-06-14

This album is great. It never gets old. I have had it for a few months and still listen to it constantly. The production is great and the lyrics flow nicely with the beats. The lyrical delivery is outstanding, very natural sounding. My favorite tracks are 2, 6, 11, but the whole album is tight. This is in my top five favorite albums of last year. It's a very promising first LP. I highly recommend picking this up at your local record store.

underground..........2001-06-04

hi man.I gotta tell you something: this is a damn good cd! Put this cd into your player and let this one play, and when the cd ends, just push the play button and continue to listen it over and over again cuz every songs are great. Moreover, there is something original on this cd, at the end of each songs, there is another beat during 20 saconds that makes you think: Oh s#*t, such a good dj. The two mc's flows (even the white one) are rythming with the beat made by dj design. There's a real kinda entity in this music and this is why this cd's thight. peace

nice!.......2000-12-02

This cd has been in my car for a week straight. The more I listen to it the more it grows on me. Track #2 & #6 are so tight. Solid underground hip-hop!

Average customer rating: A nice "Sweet Soul" rare oldies compilation.

Underground Oldies, Vol. 3 Various Artists Manufacturer: Itp Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Compilations | R&B | Styles | Music General | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Oldies | Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | R&B | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Underground Oldies, Vol. 2 Underground Oldies, Vol. 1 Underground Oldies, Vol. 8: Rare & Hard to Find Underground Oldies, Vol. 4 Underground Oldies, Vol. 7: Rare & Hard to Find ASIN: B00000DUPN Release Date: 1998-10-06

Tracks:

1. I'll Always Love You - Variations Of Love
2. That's When I'll Stop Loving You - Linda Jones
3. I Want Love - Brenton Wood
4. Baby Baby Please - Timothy Wilson
5. Your Time Is Gonna Come - Walter Webb 7 Highlighters
6. He Knows My Key Is Always In The Mailbox - Vivan Copeland
7. Why Should We Stop Now - Natural Four
8. One Life To Live - Manhattans
9. We're Friends By Day - Lovers By Night/Whatnauts
10. Hey Mr. Lonesome - Carltons
11. You Never Loved Me At All - Barbara Manson
12. Have You Seen My Heartaches Latley? - 11th Commandment
13. Great Day - Whispers
14. Victim Of Circumstance - Mike & Censations
15. He's An Aries Man - Starbright
16. Farewell - Ethics

Customer Reviews:

A nice "Sweet Soul" rare oldies compilation........2003-09-14

It's definitely wonderful to have these 16 obscure soul ballads on CD and you will definitely savor and enjoy the sweet sounds of The Ethics, Starbright, The 11th Commandment, The Whispers and The Whatnauts. My only complaint is that the songs by Linda Jones, Mike and The Censations, The Natural Four and Timothy Wilson sound terrible (as they were transferred from poor-quality vinyl sources)- that aside, this is just as enjoyable as this series' first two volumes.

Average customer rating: Motown goodness It's P, P, and also P Needs 2 go platinum What pleasure sounds like... Perfectly Powerful Production

Triple P Platinum Pied Pipers Manufacturer: Ubiquity ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Space Shift Connected I Do What I Do Soundtrack for Sunrise City Lights, Vol. 1.5 ASIN: B00081R7NE Release Date: 2005-05-10

Tracks:

1. Shotgun Intro (feat. Jay Dee)
2. Your Day is Done (feat. Georgia)
3. Deep Inside (feat. SA-RA Creative Partners)
4. Stay With Me (feat. Tiombe Lockhart)
5. Fever (feat. Zeno)
6. No Worries (feat. Steve Spacek)
7. After the Worries
8. Act Like You Know (feat. Jay Dee)
9. Now or Never (feat. Tiombe Lockhart)
10. The Pee's (feat. MC Lacks)
11. They Don't
12. Lights Out (feat. MC Lacks and Georgia)
13. One Minute More (feat. Georgia)
14. Detroit Winter (feat. MC Invincible)
15. I Got You (feat. Tiombe Lockhart)
16. 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover (feat. Rojier)

Album Description

Just back from a bangin' 10-city European tour the Platinum Pied Pipers release their debut album "Triple P" before stepping right back out on USA and Canadian dates. From humble beginnings as guests on a Rewind! compilation two years ago to releasing the soundtrack to the summer of 2005 the Platinum Pied Pipers have made many new friends with their on-stage antics and essential new twist on modern hip hop and soul. The dynamic PPP duo is made up of Waajeed, a collaborator with Jay Dee and Dwele and a founding member of Slum Village, and Saadiq a music student of Motown-er Barrett Strong. Their unique sound is both a polished and catchy but also edgy and raw blend of Detroit hip-hop and soul. Guests include Jay Dee, Spacek and SA-RA Creative Partners to the heavily featured home-grown talents of Tiombe Lockhart, Georgia and Invincible.

Customer Reviews:

Motown goodness.......2007-03-27

I've been hearing PPP and Waajeed-related tracks for the last couple years, and I finally remembered to order this disc. It's a solid album end-to-end, and refreshing to hear a variety of vocalists. Invincible is great on "Detroit Winter" and so is Tiombe Lockhart on her tracks. This is a great bridge between the hip-hop sounds of Jaydee, Slum Village etc. and the more out-there electronic soul compositions of Moodymann (Kenny Dixon Jr.), Theo Parrish, and the Mahogani Music label. This will be in my car for a long time. Would love to catch these guys live if they ever make it to Miami.

I give it 4/5 only because I'm not a fan of Jaydee on the microphone. Otherwise it's a masterpiece.

It's P, P, and also P.......2005-10-17

I had never even heard of the Platinum Pied Pipers until a month or so ago, when I was looking at another website and it discussed the duo as an artist on the rise. I was surprised to find that my local library had this album, Triple P, but I picked it up and I must say that I'm having a hard time putting it down.

For those that don't know, Platinum Pied Pipers (Waajeed and Saadiq) are the producers that drive this album. The guest stars on here probably won't ring a bell to most, but that's quite all right because the songs are pretty damn good. My favorite song would have to be "Deep Inside" (with Sa-Ra Creative Partners), which sounds like it rides a video game-inspired beat (specifically, Sonic the Hedgehog 1). And "The Pee's" is creative, where every bar begins with a word that starts with the letter "P" (people may say that seems corny, but hey, y'all weren't complaining when Tupac did it).

Another good song is a song that appears to be a favorite among other listeners as well, "Detroit Winter". The songs features a femcee by the name of Invincible, and I agree with the people that compared her to Jean Grae (it's too bad Rawkus Records isn't around any more; she would've fit right in). But singers also impress, like Rogier on the remake of Paul Simon's "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" and Zeno on "Fever".

Some people didn't like it when Jay Dee got on the mic for "Act Like You Know", but the only problem I have with that song is the chorus. "Lights Out" is also pretty okay (well, the third verse, anyway), but those aspects don't get in the way of the rest of the album. It would be nice if this album from Platinum Pied Pipers was indeed platinum, so pick it up and help it get there.

Anthony Rupert

Needs 2 go platinum.......2005-10-12

You know in the vastness of space that is the music realm usually you don't find much, but I got to say, triple P are stars being born. Pick it up, refreshing, funky, and most importantly far from the generic, the generic mainstream, the generic underground, triple p ... is how do you say, creative. Me likes. And me thinks you will as well.

What pleasure sounds like..........2005-09-27

Very good album. Tight production and well seletcted vocals. An excellent balance of hip-hop & soul.

My favorites:

Stay with Me (Feat. Tiombe Lockhart)
Now or Never (feat. Tiombe Lockhart)
One Minute More (feat. Georgia)

Perfectly Powerful Production.......2005-08-31

Yowza! I didn't know what to expect from this since I had nothing to go on but the pub given by ?uestlove of The Roots. Yet and still, since The Roots are my favorite group of all time, I had to pick it up. Not disappointed in the least.

One thing to notice about this CD is that almost everyone that is singing or rapping is virtually unknown. Doesn't matter though, cause every song captures your attention. Wajeed and his crew have carefully mixed the elements of hip-hop and R&B into a masterful array of mood intense magic.

Standouts:
'Lights Out' feat. Ta'Raach & Georgia is a nice punch to the dome, and really leaves you wanting to hear more. 'Detroit Winter' is a refreshing rap from female MC Invincible. '50 Ways to Leave Your Lover' is a great remake by Rogier, and probably my favorite song on the album. Also check out 'The Pees' with Ta'Raach.

Beats:
Everything is slamming. Once again I was impressed by the production immediately, and although it is a different sort of work than you have heard before, don't think you won't like it. Give it a bite and it will definitely reel you in.

Lasting appeal:
Hard not to like it. Most cats will look at the cover and say "Hmmm, haven't seen them on MTV, they must suck." Couldn't be further from the truth. Some people need to take off their blinders and run free with the rest of the herd instead of being taken by the mainstream cowboys. Get hip, because this is what you will be seeing in the upcoming years. I'm telling you now, these cats are on it.
~Ward Prefect

"Either bundle up or burn rubber, cause if you can't handle the winter, you don't deserve summer." -Invincible on 'Detroit Winter'

Album Review:

1. Us Against the World [Import]
2. Vol. 2-Laurie Records Story [Import]
3. Weekend
4. Why Go? [CD-single] [Import]
5. Ya Mama/Song for Shelter [CD-single] [Enhanced] [Explicit Lyrics] [Import]
6. AM Gold
7. Barbara Bui Cafe, Vol. 1 [Import]
8. Basskraft: A Tribute to Kraftwerk
9. Best of Masterboy
10. Botchit Breaks, Vol. 2: Urban Funk Philosophies

Album Review

album review

Album Review

Chill Brazil [Import]

Millennium Opera Gala: Roy Thomson Hall

Henze: An Eine Aolsharfe; Le Miracle de la Rose

Music CD: You Will Know

Ladder 49 [Soundtrack]

Live on Earth: Vienna Cleveland Cincinatti [Import]

Let It Be

Has

Inseparaveis [Import]

Hahn/Vierne: Piano Quintets

Flawless Swing [Enhanced]

Epoca de Oro

Hustlin-N-Hell

Big God

Fire Wire