Watch: Mariah Carey “Bye Bye” + Wedding Update

Mariah Carey’s new video for “Bye Bye” is out. Although the video was all over the place, I like some of the personal touches of the video. I get that the basic premise of the song is that she wishes her loved one was there to see the success she has become, so in that regard the scenes of the adoring fans and celebrity duties make sense…but it just felt a little impersonal. I think the video was the most touching when it showed pictures of people she knew that passed, like her father and Luther Vandross. The parts with Nick Cannon seemed a little random, but at least we got the chance to see that they make a cute couple.

What do you guys think of the video? Did Nick Cannon do a good job directing it?

Edit: I didn’t feel compelled to make a new post, but for those who are interested, Mariah Carey (Or should I say Mariah Cannon? lol) and Nick Cannon will be gracing the cover of People Magazine with their wedding pic and talking about their relationship and wedding.

Here is a taste of what they told People:

“We really do feel we are soulmates,” Carey tells PEOPLE, following their sunset ceremony at the pop star’s Bahamian estate. “I never felt a love like this was in the cards for me.”

Cannon adds: “She is beautiful on the outside and 10 times as beautiful on the inside.”

Well I guess that settles it…they are married. It looks like Mariah was a beautiful bride.
Congrats to the happy couple.

Posted by Reecie

Listen: Maroon 5 “If I Never See Your Face Again” featuring Rihanna

Maroon 5 and Rihanna have a new song called “If I Never See Your Face Again”. I’m kinda digging this…Adam Levine and Rihanna both bring the bad ass attitude to the track and make a really interesting combo. I gotta give Rihanna credit for being able to do a Pop/Rock song without sounding contrived or forced. As I’ve said before, seeing her in concert gave me a new-found respect for her talent and I believe that this sound is better suited for her voice. They are shooting a video for this song so expect to see that soon. Click here to listen

What do you guys think of the track? Do Adam & Rihanna make a good combo?

Posted by Reecie

Watch: Chris Brown “Forever”, Lloyd “How We Do It In The A” feat. Ludacris, Lil Mama “Life”

Chris Brown has a new video for his song “Forever”. I guess someone in Chris Brown’s camp figured that the Pop route sells more records so he is upping the Pop ante in his music. This song isn’t my cup of tea, but the video is pretty good. He has great choreography as usual and the video is visually interesting.

Lloyd has a new video for his song “How We Do It” featuring Ludacris.I don’t know whether to call this video low budget or creative…I’m going to have to think about that one. Whatever the case, it’s an upbeat video for an upbeat song. This song sounds pretty teeny bopperish so I’m interested to see if this will be a hit in the clubs. I’m sure this song will be a hit with Lloyd’s fans though.   

Lil Mama has a new vid for her song “L.I.F.E.”. Lil Mama gets serious  and personal for this track, I’m just not sure if this is autobiographical or not (my guess is no). She raps in the first person, but in part of the video she is pregnant that threw me off. Perhaps I need to pay more attention to the song, but it’s too damn early in the morning and I really don’t feel like it. At any rate…I gotta give Lil Mama kudos for making this kind of video and song that has a pretty powerful message. She showed some pretty good acting chops and this kind of shows that she is more talented than a song like “Lip Gloss” would have you believe.

What do you guys think of these three videos? Are you looking forward to the Chris Brown re-release, Lloyd album, and/or Lil Mama’s new album?

Posted by Reecie

Watch: Ne-Yo “Closer”

Ne-Yo has a new video for his song “Closer”. Even though the video takes place in a typical plain sound stage, he actually managed to make it more visually interesting with the different “special” (which is probably a strong word) effects. Ne-Yo said he is planning on veering away from his strictly R&B sound by going a bit more pop and dance than usual. Right now the pop/dance music is dominating music charts so it’s a risk that might pay off. I can’t really call it if this song will be a big hit though. It came out a few weeks ago and I haven’t heard it on the radio once. I think the song’s success is really going to depend on how much the MTV crowd digs it, because I would be surprised if this goes over big with the 106 & Park crowd. 

What do you guys think of the video? Is the song a hit or miss?

Posted by Reecie

Watch: Rihanna- Take A Bow

Rihanna has a new video for her song “Take A Bow”. I think the song is pretty lackluster, but I like that she actually tried to do a video with an actual plot. Unfortunately, it’s hard to show much emotion and energy for a song that is so…flat. I’m sure her fans will be happy just to hear new music from her and see a new video…but I can’t imagine this winning over new people or compelling anyone to go out and buy her re-release. Click here to watch.

What do you guys think of the video? Isn’t think kind of an odd choice to as the lead single off her album re-release?

Posted by Reecie

Introducing Girlicious

I think we’ve already established that I am a reality tv semi-junkie…so I make no apologies about being a fan of the show “Pussycat Dolls Presents: Girlicious”. As a matter of fact…a lot of folks I know like the show (so there! lol). Anyway…last night was the finale and the group was assembled. I’m so excited with the final group members since two of the people I’ve been rooting for all season made the group. In case you haven’t seen the finle yet (and tivo’d it) I will continue the rest of the post after the break…

Music from New Artists: Wynter Gordon & Sheena Grier

So a few HM readers have requested that I post up some music from a new artist by the name of Wynter Gordon.  Normally I don’t post music from new new artists, because it’s not as easy to be brutally honest about people new to the scene (I do have a heart after all) and it just takes too much time to try and look for music from up and coming artists rather than already established artists. BUT…since it’s a slow music day, I decided to get off my rear and post up her new song “Surveillance”.  This song is cool, but I can’t say that I’m blown away by it. It’s not distinctive from the dance tracks that everyone else is putting out like Danity Kane or Rihanna (especially when you factor in the eh-eh-eh). However, a good video would probably go far in helping her stand out from the pack and bringing the song to life. Click here to listen

While I’m on the subject of giving new artists some shine, here is a track from an artist out of Philly (Vote Barack Obama today if you’re in PA by the way lol), Sheena Grier, called “Good Times”. She has a more adult sound with a throwback vibe. It’s a feel good track…the kind you put on if you’re hosting a dinner party. Click here to listen

What do you guys think of these new artists? Do they have a chance at making a splash on the music scene?

Posted by Reecie

Thumbs Up or Down: Madonna “Beat Goes On” featuring Kanye West and Pharrell

Madonna has a new track called “Beat Goes On” featuring Kanye West and Pharrell. I’ve always like Madonna for her ability to reinvent herself and stay current regardless of what musical sound was the hottest. Now she seems to be trying to link up more with Hip Hop artists(in her own very Pop-ish way). I’m kind of digging this song…I think Pharrell is hot on the track and of course I love Kanye. I think this song allows Madonna to shine much more than “4 Minutes” which was just another take on the same Timbaland/Timberlake song. I give this a thumbs up…you gotta give Madonna props, she is legendary. Click here to listen

Thumbs up or thumbs down?

Posted by Reecie

Listen: Bonus Track from “Exclusive”- Chris Brown “Forever”

Chris Brown is re-releasing his album “Exclusive” with video and bonus tracks. Here is a bonus track called “Forever”. Although I probably wouldn’t buy a Chris Brown album, I actually like him and his music is cool…but, this song is not hot. I’m not feeling the production at all…it’s just not the right sound for him. Oh well. Click here to listen

Sidebar: In Chris Brown gossip news Jordin Sparks (who he shot a video with for “No Air”) confirmed the obvious that he and Rihanna are dating.

What do you guys think of this track?

Posted by Reecie

Battle of the Tracks: Karina Pasian vs. Cassie Singing “Official Girl”

Karina Pasian has a demo song “Official Girl” that has already been done but unreleased by Cassie. I never thought the day would come where I would ever say that Cassie sang a song better than someone else. Perhaps Karina has a stronger voice (even though she had some shaky spots)…but Cassie has a better tone for the song and she delivers it better. Although I will say that it might be a bit unfair to compare a demo to a finished product…but nonetheless I gotta give Cassie the nod.

Click here to listen to Cassie- Official Girl (Link Updated)

Click here to listen to Karina Pasian- Official Girl

Who sang it better?

Posted by Reecie