“2009
FIRST QUARTER
CHART TOPPER WRAP-UP”
Article By
Dominique Cannon
J. Holiday, Round 2
Radio Hits: “It’s Yours”
The first quarter of 2009 introduced lots of new
music. Although much of it had been highly anticipated since 2008, did the
new releases live up to their pre-release hype or leave the public wondering
what happened?
Holiday ’s second effort picks up exactly where
his debut left off. You can get lost in one of the many subtle odes of love
wanted and love lost. Or delve deep with joints covering topics most
wouldn’t dare touch. Holiday ’s still a new voice that can get better with
time.
Capone-N-Noreaga, Channel
10
Radio Hits: “Rotate” f/Ron Brows, Busta
Rhymes
It has been years since the duo has recorded an
album together, and the lyrical chemistry is still there. There are plenty
of high points, but the lows seem to stick out as well. Hey, it’s been a
while!
Bobby
V., The Rebirth
Radio Hits: “Beep” f/Yung Joc
Bobby V. may be a new man this time around;
perhaps more romantic and sensual than showcased in previous albums. But the
lusty side of this reborn man has not strayed too far behind. Bobby may have
been reincarnated into a man who mats a wife and a few mistresses.
Gorilla Zoe, Don’t Feed
the Animals
Radio Hits: “Lost”
The sophomore album from an artist carries a
curse and they can only pray it’s not a complete failure. Gorilla Zoe’s
second disc a little better than his first. However, it turns back to the
usual talk to hood hustling, hanging in the trap and sex. You know, the norm
for any hustler turned rapper. Maybe the third time will be the charm.
The
Dream, Love vs. Money
Radio Hits: “Rockin’ That Thang”; “Walking on
the Moon” f/ Kanye West; “My Love” f/Mariah
Carey
The self-proclaimed Radio Killa has come back
with another round of feel good music. While not the most genius in his word
delivery, Dream’s audacity to show off his creative mind makes this disc one
of the best of 2009.
Gorilla Zoe, Don’t Feed
the Animals
Radio Hits: “Lost”
The sophomore album from an artist carries a
curse and they can only pray it’s not a complete failure. Gorilla Zoe’s
second disc a little better than his first. However, it turns back to the
usual talk to hood hustling, hanging in the trap and sex. You know, the norm
for any hustler turned rapper. Maybe the third time will be the charm.
Jim Jones, Pray IV Reign
Radio Hits: “Pop Champagne ” f/ Ron Brows &
Juelz Santana; “Na Na Nana Na Na”
Jones’ first major-label debut flows like a
journal entry. The listener can delve into his day of flossin’, hustlin’,
partyin’, comedic outbursts, and enemy watching.
Ryan Leslie, Ryan Leslie
Radio Hits: “Diamond
Girl”; “Addiction”; “How It Was Supposed To Be”
Ever since “Diamond Girl” hit the airwaves,
Leslie has captivated many ears with his music, and plenty of eyes with his
classic style. And he’s just as intriguing on his debut effort. A mix of
club hits and romantic odes makes for the perfect nightcap and the perfect
disc to keep in your car.
At
the time of this writing, three albums I’ve been waiting for have yet to hit
shelves. Being the co-signer that I tend to be, I’m about to make some
serious predictions. Follow along:
Keri Hilson’s
In A Perfect World… will be a debut album to rival some of the top
female entertainers already making noise. If you don’t believe me just
listen to the radio for the singles “Turnin’ Me On f/Lil’
Wayne ” and “Energy”. Or hit up her
MySpace page and see if you don’t bounce to “Get Ya Money Up”. And if that’s
not enough search for some of Hilson’s underground banga’s like “Happy
Juice f/ Static Major” and “Shake It Like a Dog f/
R. Kelly”.
Busta Rhymes’ Back On My BS
will be the album that reminds the public that Rhymes is indeed one of the
best that ever did it and is still doing it. Yeah, he teased us with that
club record “Arab Money”; had the whole world shaking their fists
like mad men. But then Mr. Bussa Buss hit us with “Conglomerate f/Young
Jeezy & Jadakiss”. This is the Busta I’ve
come to love and I know his latest disc will bring hits for the rest of the
year, if not longer.
And my final prediction is
Jadakiss’ The Last Kiss. So far “By My Side” f/
NeYo has built a smoldering fire, and “Can’t Stop Me” was the
joint that set off the alarm. It’s been a while since Kiss’ last album drop
but this one is well worth the wait. I expect nothing but a collection of
tracks that stay true to what makes one of the most underrated rappers
revered as one of the greatest lyricists to ever bless a mic.
Until next review…peace!
Dominique
Free-lance Writer, XR The Magazine
Larry
Skinner
