New Videos: Omarion & Bow Wow- Hey Baby (Jump Off), John Legend- Show Me

Omarion and Bow Wow have a new video for their song “Hey Baby (Jump Off)” which is virtually indistinguishable from their previous video. Obviously they shot it at the exact same time (which I can’t be mad at) but it really wasn’t all that interesting the first time to warrant a part 2. At any rate, I like the “Going Back to Cali” sample and the song is somewhat hot. These two together come across pretty corny, and they really should’ve stuck with their solo careers. Also, I don’t know how I feel about Skinny jeans on men…especially red ones. Can someone please tell Omarion that he looks utterly ridiculous. Now he is proclaiming himself the “King of Dance” and that is really a stretch. Overall…I’m not impressed by this at all.

John Legend has a new video for his song “Show Me” that was shot in Africa. I appreciate the artistry of the video. John is one of the few artists that actually puts thought and effort into videos that enrich the meaning and storytelling of the song. I also like how he is willing to take a back seat in his videos and let others act and bring life to his music. Beautiful song, wonderful video…kudos to John.

What do you guys think of these new videos?

Posted by Reecie

Playing Catch Up- New Music from Ne-Yo, Ciara, Lil Kim, Lupe Fiasco, Tiffany Evans, J-Kwon, Kardinal Offishall/Lil Wayne/Pusha T

Ne-Yo has a new track called “Let Me In”. Ne-Yo is without a doubt an excellent writer and manages to tell an interesting story without being all “Trapped In the Closet” soap opera-ish like R. Kelly. This is a cool track…certainly not single-worthy, but I am glad to hear new music from Ne-Yo that showcases his unique voice rather than imitating other artists. Click here to listen 

Ciara has a track with a rapper J-Hood called “Ahh”. This song is so boring and I rarely say that about a song. Click here to listen

So 15 years old is considered “grown now”? Singer Tiffany Evans seems to think so in her new song “I’m Grown” featuring Bow Wow. I can’t help but laugh at the assertion…someone needs to sit her down and let her know that she has some years to go before she can make that claim. It’s even more ironic that she has Mr. Temper Tantrum on the track lol. Click here to listen  

Remember J-Kwon? He had that one hit “Tipsy”…well he is back with a new song called “Boo Boo Holdin Me Down”. First of all, there is nothing sexy or cute about the pet name “boo boo” lol. But…the song is actually kind of cool. I like the production and the lyrics are sweet for the most part. This is the kind of song I would expect from Chingy and I think it is a good move for J-Kwon to try and make a comeback with a track like this. The only problem is that his voice/flow aren’t distinctive at all…he actually sounds practically identical to Bow Wow. Click here to listen

Here is a bonus track from Lupe Fiasco called “Blackout”. This is a very different sound from Lupe with the techno-ish production and sped up flow. Kinda hot. Click here to listen
 

Lil Kim has all the wrong answers to the questions she poses in her new song “I Need A Bitch” featuring Nate Dogg. Since I complain about rappers like Snoop showing ZERO personal growth in their lyrics over the past decade, it’s only fair that I express the same contempt for Lil Kim who is still rapping about the same ish she was talking about when she was Biggie’s side chick. This song is ignorant no matter how you slice it…wack. Click here to listen

I don’t understand why Lil Kim chose such old a$$ songs to flow over for her new mixtape…like “Rock On Wit Ya Badself” which samples Lady of Rage from like the 90s. At least she delivers her lines with intensity and energy… so I give her a B for effort. Click here to listen
 

Kardinal Offishall has a new song called “Swag” featuring Pusha T and Lil Wayne. This is kinda nice…the production is hot and everyone brings a nice swag to the track. It’s kind of surprising to hear Lil Wayne and Pusha T on the same track considering the all the sh!t they have talked about each other over the past several months, but I guess money trumps all. Click here to listen
 

What do you guys think of these new tracks? Are you excited to hear new music from Ne-Yo so soon? Shouldn’t Lil Kim step her game up lyrically? Can J-Kwon make a comeback? Are you surprised to hear Pusha T and Lil Wayne on the same track?

Posted By Reecie

Dumb and Dumber: Yung Joc Brings Loaded Gun to Airport, Trey Songz Attacks Audience Member

Ok so I am a few days late with this one but oh well. First up on the “Stupid Is As Stupid Does” team is Yung Joc. He effed up twice in totally inexplicable ways. First, he decided it was a good idea to bring a loaded gun to the airport and was of course arrested. WHY rappers still believe that they can get away with bringing weapons to the airport is beyond me. Is trying to convey a thug image really worth catching a case? Then, he decided to skip out on his court hearing and a warrant was issued for his arrest (he showed up several hours later). Here is a little more on the story:

“Joc, whose real name is Jasiel Robinson, was arrested Sunday at a Cleveland Hopkins International Airport security checkpoint. Police said they found a semiautomatic handgun and ammunition in his carry-on bag.

Robinson, 27, told police he didn’t know the gun was there. He said in the statement that the incident is unfortunate.

“I have the utmost respect for the laws of this country and would never deliberately commit an act that would jeopardize my freedom, my family, or my career,” he said.

Robinson, who faces a felony charge of carrying a concealed weapon, didn’t enter a plea at a Wednesday arraignment. He was freed on $50,000 bond and was due back in court Jan. 25. The charge carries a possible sentence of up to 18 months.”

**Sigh*** I don’t know what is more retarded, knowingly bringing a gun to an airport or being so f&%king stupid you don’t even notice a semiautomatic handgun and ammunition in your carry-on! I don’t know what kind of bag he had, but I just don’t see how it is possible to not notice such a thing. Note to Yung Joc: Boo you won’t sell anymore records. It didn’t work for Shyne, Lil Kim, Foxy Brown, and it for damn sure won’t work for you.

Moving right along…Trey Songz decided to get buck with an audience member who was throwing ice at him at a recent concert by jumping into the crowd and attacking the guy. Now…I’m not saying people should let someone throw things at them, BUT…there is nothing cute or cool about attacking someone with the help of your bodyguard and causing all types of ruckus. Perhaps it’s that LA paranoia in me, but I know it only takes one dumb ass to start  fight before all hell breaks loose. If anyone else in the crowd decided to act a damn fool like he did, things could’ve turned out pretty bad and guess who would’ve had a fat lawsuit he couldn’t afford on his hands. So note to Trey Songz: Sit your short skinny a$$ down somewhere.

What do you guys think of these stories? Is Yung Joc really oblivious enough to not notice a gun in his bag? Is Trey Songz trying too hard to be a bad ass?

Posted by Reecie

Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down: Ciara’s Diana Ross Tribute for the Kennedy Center Honors

For some odd reason Ciara was chosen to honor Diana Ross for the Kennedy Center Honors concert. We all know Ciara can barely hold a note live and her performances typically consist of gyrating dances and yelling “come on”…so how did she get picked for such a HUGE show? Maybe it is some sort of passive aggressive diss to Ms. Ross. At any rate, I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt when I clicked on the video to watch her performance and even though it was better than I expected, I still gotta give her two thumbs down. She sounded shaky on average and there were too many spots where she just didn’t even bother singing. On the plus side she looked great and it was pretty entertaining to watch Diana Ross fake smile her way through the performance. lol

Does Ciara get a thumbs up or thumbs down for her performance? Was she the right person to honor Ms. Ross or was everyone else busy that night?

Posted by Reecie

New Videos: Ciara, Ne-Yo, Unofficial US Placers, & Just Wrong: Prodigy Giving Gun Lessons

Ciara has a new video for her song “That’s Right” featuring Lil John. She vamps it up quite a bit for this one, and as usual works it out on the choreography tip. This song/video reminds me why I called her album an aerobics cd.

Ne-Yo  has a video for his punk ass song “Go On Girl”. Irreplaceable was a fantastic ladies anthem, but trying to flip it for the fellas just sounds really…pathetic lol. Ok maybe that is harsh, but at any rate…the video has nothing to do with the song whatsoever. I’m sure the fellas will enjoy a video with a plethora of half naked females, but at least in the past Ne-Yo tried a little bit harder to make the video enhance the message of the song. I’m sure Ne-Yo fans will just be happy that he came out with another single…I can’t figure out why he hasn’t released the hottest song on the album Crazy yet, but oh well.

Vashtie made an unofficial video for the CRS (Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, Pharell) song “Us Placers”. It’s funny how the mini-Lupe has way more personality than the real one. This was a cute little concept and I’m sure the kids had fun playing dress up. I’m just throwing this video in for good measure. Click here to watch 

Now this is some ignorant sh!t…soon to be locked up for several years Prodigy filmed himself teaching his 7 years old son how to use a shotgun. Is this supposed to cute or funny? I need for folks to wake up and stop raising criminals and raise some scholars and productive members of society. There is no excuse for this kind of behavior…just a got damn shame! Click here to watch this foolishness

What do you guys think of this video? Hasn’t Ciara stepped out even further with her sex sells image? Do people still think Lil John screaming over the track is the hotness? Am I the only one that thinks “Go On Girl” is hella corny? Wasn’t the unofficial US Placers video kinda cute? What is wrong with people introducing their kids to guns and violence at such a young age (or any age for that matter)?

Posted by Reecie

PS- In case you haven’t noticed…I’ve been on Vacay since last Wednesday and having a wonderful time. I am going to get back to posting though so make sure you resume checking the site daily for the hottest music, videos, commentary, etc. around!

Happy Holidays from Honorable Media!

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Chanuakah, Seasons Greetings, etc.
Even though it’s hard to get in the Christmas spirit when it’s 70 degress in California, I am still excited and grateful for this time off. I’ve been extremely busy spending alot of time with family, transitioning to a new job, preparing some (possible) changes to HM, and watching A Christmas Story on repeat. I know Reecie is having an awesome time with her family, I hope we have more youtube videos from them!!

I didn’t get much for Christmas (I didn’t ask for anything…), but I think Santa my sister got my an iPhone

What did you guys/ladies do for Christmas? Did you get any presents? How’s the weather treating you?

Explosive Child Molestation Charges from Former B2K Member Raz-B

On Christmas Eve of all days, shocking footage hit the net of Raz-B and his brother Ricky Romance making claims that Chris Stokes (manager of Omarion and Marques Houston) molested them as well as other members in the group. He also makes molestation charges against Marques Houston. I will let the videos speak for themselves.

 Part 1- Raz-B speaks to Marques Houston’s Family

Part 2- Ricky Romance confronts Chris Stokes on the phone

Allhiphop.com has a letter from Ricky Romance on the matter, here is an excerpt:

” I know everyone has heard the stories about Chris being a pedophile. That’s true as well. Somebody needs to call the DA that’s on Michael Jackson’s back because he could get a conviction on this case. Okay, I’ll take my time with this one. Remember, Quindon? Everyone may be wondering where he is. Well he lives in Texas now and he is a born-again Christian. When he joined his church, he stood up to testify. He told his entire congregation that while his was a young boy being managed by Chris Stokes, Chris used to molest him. He spoke of a “secret group” of them (Marques Houston included) that used to jack each other off and perform oral sex on each other but no penetration. I know yall are reading this like “this person is trippin” but I have no reason to lie. I have seen this drama unfold for years. I was never told this story. I watched it play out from the time IMX was Immature (before LDB came along) until this very second. CHris had even been to court before behind a similar situation. Do your research if you want to know about that one. All this sudden success stuff you see going on with TUG and Chris Stokes are ALL THANKS TO JARELL, DREUX, MARIO and OMARI. Chris has been in the industry and nobody has wanted to mess with him but the industry already wanted B2K before Chris pulled a shady and stole them. So in order to get to B2K, they had to deal with Chris. There is over 10 years of history I could give you about that camp but there is not enough time in the world.

I just wanted to say all this because B2K, all four members, are another set of victims at the hand of a sick man, Chris Stokes. The other three got smart (I am so proud of them) and Omari is being brainwashed. He’s a good kid but that’s what he is when it’s all said and done…a kid. Omari doesn’t have a voice of reason in his corner. The person who should be his voice of reason is also brainwashed. Good luck Omari. To all the B2K fans, I know yall are hurt. This is the way I felt when Jodeci broke up. But everything is going to come out. Just continue to support the boys and pray for them, especially Omari, he needs it.”

Chris Stokes responded to these allegations with this statement:

The accusations that Demario “Raz B” Thorton and Ricardo Thorton have made are vehemently false and hold no merit.  I have recently stopped financially supporting both individuals along with assisting them with their criminal and legal matters which leads me to believe they are resentful and looking to benefit financially from this.  My family is my first priority and the reason why I have been so supportive of them.  In bringing these false claims, they have not only slandered me, they have also put me in a position to ensure that the truth is known and I will take all legal routes to protect myself, my family and my four children. It’s also quite ironic that these statements were made only 2 weeks after they were denied admittance by a venue for an event I hosted in Beverly Hills.”

Wow…this a pretty crazy and unexpected story developing. I really don’t know how to call this one. Making up molestation charges, which is already a very taboo subject, seems like an incredibly extreme thing to do in response to being denied financial assistance and entrance into a party…so I’m less inclined to believe that it what is happening here. Honestly, when it comes to Show biz nothing surprises me, and I can’t put anything past anybody…so I’m just going to remain on the fence. However, if these allegations are in fact true then Chris definitely belongs in prison. It’s very suspect to air him out through You Tube, but I will give him credit for speaking on such a painful (if true) topic…even though it could’ve been done in a more legitimate way. We’ll see how this story develops over the next few weeks, but there is plenty of mud being thrown each direction. Ray-J has even gotten into the mix with a song calling out Chris Stokes and Marques Houston (Click here to listen).  I guess everyone is trying to make some money off this. At any rate…it’s a terrible situation that we may never know the entire truth about.

What do you guys think of these allegations? Is Raz-B’s timing a little suspect or is it just important that he spoke up? Is he making this up for attention or could there be some truth to what he is saying? Did their families accept what was going on because the boys were making so much money? Does this make you look at B2K, Marques Houston, and Omarion any differently?

P.S.- Let’s keep the discourse at a reasonably intelligent level.

Posted by Reecie

New Music: Sterling Simms, Two Pistols - She Got It (ft. T-Pain), Slim Thug and TGT - Let It Grind

Sterling Simms - Stuck in Traffic (ft. Cassidy) (listen)

You may recognize the name from his guest appearance from Jay-Z’s Kingdom Come from the song “Minority Report.” Well, Def Jam has leaked a 3rd “buzz” single for Sterling Simms after his first two songs - “Nasty Girl” and “Jump Off” - failed to generate any attention. (Okay, I can’t confirm or deny if Def Jam leaked this song - I just have a theory that Def Jam “leaks” a song and if it gets hot, they released the album within the next 2 months. If the song isn’t hot, then they make more “singles” or drop the artist. Examples: Megan Rochelle, Ne-Yo, Sterling Simms, The Dream, etc.)

As for the song, the production is hot - even though it sounds like its a bonus track from J. Holiday. The lyrics are corny because they are TOO literal and obvious - he wants to get home to his girl but he can’t because he is stuck in traffic. Do I really want to hear Cassidy talking about how he is stuck in traffic? No - not really, I deal with traffic everyday on the 405…the last thing I need is a singer and a rapper confirming it. I think Sterling has potential - but he doesnt stand out from the rest of the current R&B male singers…

Two Pistols - She Got It (ft. T-Pain) (listen)

Two Pistols is an “up-and-coming” rapper from Florida with his first major single featuring T-Pain (similar to Plies and Flo Rida). Reasons why I am posting this song: 1. It features T-Pain 2. Produced by Justice League 3. The beat is hot!

The song is completely unoriginal. It sounds like a Young Jeezy song without the adlibs. Don’t get me wrong - the beat is hot - its just been done before…over and over and over again. But it seems like T-Pain brings automatic radio play and 106 and Park recognition, no matter how bad or unoriginal the song.

Slim Thug - Let It Grind (ft. TGT - Tyrese, Ginuwine, and Tank) (listen) Produced by Polow Da Don

I am not excited about 3 B-list singers making a B-list group, but I hope they are just as successful as LSG (Levert, Sweat, Gill). As for the song, Slim Thug is complaining rapping about how “hard it is for a playa to be balling” cuz he is trying to pay the bills, pay the rent, and still buy his girl some clothes. As for TGT, they are singing about how “shawty, needs to back up” because he’s grinding to get her the finer things. Damn, these women should ungrateful…

Please post your review of these songs. Do you think Sterling Simms will get any love with this single? What do you think of another Florida rapper with T-Pain on the hook? Is the 2 Pistols song hot? What do you think of the TGT and Slim Thug collab?

Posted by thehonorable

More Music from Thriller 25: Billie Jean Remix by Kanye West, PYT by will.i.am, and Beat It by Fergie

Michael Jackson - Billie Jean (Kanye West Remix)

Michael Jackson - Beat It (ft. Fergie)

Michael Jackson - P.Y.T (ft. will.i.am)

DCMA request to remove links. 

Vpell pointed out in the last post that MJ’s Tribute is an “artist interpretation of standards is a fantastic way to pay homage.” Excuse my hate.

Listening to MJ’s new music from that perspective, this Kanye West remix is hot. Kanye stayed close to the original, but added some crazy drums and modified some minor details of the song.

Fergie adds her own spin to “Beat It.” I can’t front - she did a good job with her aggressive approach and high energy singing. Fergie’s spin sounds like it’d be great for a Grammy tribute.

will.i.am’s P.Y.T is sounds very retro. Similar to his remix to Girl Is Mine, I like the production and I like the song, but something it’s just not 100% about it. Despite my initial hate, the only track that was horrible was Akon’s “Wanna Be Startin Something,” I am excited about the project and can’t wait until it’s release.

More Info on Thriller 25 (source: Wikipedia):

Jackson collaborated with several modern pop artists in Thriller 25, including will.i.am and Kanye West. will.i.am is producing the newly recorded content for the album, with Jackson serving as Executive Producer. Thriller 25 was officially announced on November 30, 2007 in a press release from Epic Records, and an advertisement was put on Jackson’s website.

The press release also mentioned further events in celebration of Thriller’s anniversary. This will last throughout 2008 (when Jackson’s new album is released) and begins with the release of Jackson`s first single in nearly five years, on January 14, 2008. The single will be a remix of ‘The Girl Is Mine’ featuring will.i.am. while Paul McCartneys vocals have been removed. There will be “a multi-faceted global marketing campaign” featuring high-profile poster, radio, online adverts as well as 30 second Television adverts that will begin on February 11, 2008.

What do you think of Kanye’s Remix? Did you like Fergie’s tribute? Did you like how will.i.am slowed down PYT? Which track is your favorite remix and why?

Posted by thehonorable

New Music: Michael Jackson - Girl Is Mine will.i.am remix, Akon - Wanna Be Starting Something, Madonna - 4 Minutes to Save the World (ft. Timbaland and JT)

 

DCMA request to remove links.

Michael Jackson - Girl is Mine (2008 will.i.am Remix)  /Akon - Wanna Be Starting Something 

Rather than RIAA threatening to sue consumers for copying their own purchased CDs, the RIAA should sue any producer, label, or artist that attempts to re-records or remix classic songs. It’s cool to have re-mastered version of a classic or if the artist release demo tracks/director’s cut on a special edition, but when an album - such as Thriller - is already perfect, why do we need to remix it? why do we need a 2008 version? I understand the concept of re-introducing the greatest selling album of all time to our generation, but why water down the original classic? I am a full supporter of sampling tracks for hip-hop, but I am against remaking songs (ie - Ne-Yo’s “Sexual Healing”).

As for the songs, the production on “Girl is Mine” is actually hot, but it’s just not fitting…it may be a little too hard for the song’s concept and will.i.am’s contribution sounds like a bad Black Eye Peas song. Akon’s “Wanna Be Starting Something” is snoozer…

 

Madonna - Four Minutes to Save the World (ft. Timbaland and Justin Timberlake) (Live - Low Quality Version) (listen)

Word is that Timbaland and JT performed this song during the “Jingle Ball” concert in Philly on December 16th as an exclusive “sneak”. As of tonight, this is the best quality version…it’s hard for me to write a review for it with its poor quality, but it sounds kinda hot, in a FutureSex-LoveSounds way…

Madonna’s new album is her “introduction” to the R&B/hip-pop world with rumored production by Timbaland (five tracks), the Neptunes (five tracks), Swizz Beats, and Mika.

Posted by thehonorable

Post your review on these songs. What do you think about artists remaking classic songs? Do you like Akon’s version and will.i.am’s remix? What do you think about Madonna introducing herself to “introducing herself to hip-hop/R&B”?