REVIEW: TANK-DIARY OF A MAD MAN (MIXTAPE)

4/5

Tank keeps rolling.

AMP's & 808's favourite Tank has had a great year. This time last year Tank went one better than his Grammy nominated classic 'Sex, Love & Pain' by releasing the seriously successful and sublime 'Now Or Never' featuring top tunes like 'Emergency', 'Scream', 'Sex Music' and 'Celebration' featuring Drake. Then in 2011 came great albums his fellow TGT members Ginuwine ('Elgin') and Tyrese ('Open Invitation'). To top off this off Tank has even released a brand new hit single ('Compliments') off a forthcoming album ('Saviour'). So with compliments and via Twitter Christmas has come early with the teaser, free download release of the gifted singers new mixtape; 'Diary Of A Mad Man'.

10 top, original tracks are reeled out on this tape that features Kevin McCall, Ace Hood, and Slim Thug. When it comes to fresh, new music these brand new songs show that this writing and producing fiend is still on fire like his 'Emergency' video. Side A starts with the mixtape's title track and what a way to start and get your tape decks ready? 'Underrated' really highlights just how much this man really is what the song says, while the star talent shines even brighter for the ladies on 'Stars Girl'.

Tank throws his 'Money On The Floor' with Kevin McCall, Slim Thug, and Ace Hood for a monster collaboration, reuniting Durrell Babbs and the H-town rapper Thug for the first time since TGT remixed Slim's 'Let Me Grind' and the results are just as big. Tank charges forward even more, killing his R&B competition even more with 'Dead Man Walking'. Then he brings an artillery of new artists with J-Doe on 'Take You Outta Here' and Bayley on the pleasing 'Don’t Be Mad at Me'.

The 'Compliments' singer toasts his fans once more with the refreshing 'Tip Yo Cup' which is bound to raise spirits as well as glasses of mixers. Young artist Luke James also drinks to the party starting 'I Be On One'. Tank finishes this tape with the diary entry 'Get Back' a perfect end to a record you will want to go back to the start and spin again and again. This music mad man gives us one 'diary' we'll all want to read into. Call this singer/songwriters work output crazy but this guy is the kind of Jon Hamm 'Mad Men'. Grown, sexy, and suited and booted for success. After realising it was 'Now Or Never' Tank's time is now and he really has made the most of it. He's a 'made man' now and now we can't wait for the new album. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

See Also

REVIEW: TANK-NOW OR NEVER

http://ampsand808s.blogspot.com/2010/12/review-tank-now-or-never.html

TGT (Tank, Ginuwine & Tyrese)-THE GIANT THREE

http://ampsand808s.blogspot.com/2010/12/review-tank-now-or-never.html

SONG FOR THE MOMENT (DECEMBER): COMMON SENSE-I USED TO LOVE H.E.R. (J-Emcee's Old School Remix)

"I met this girl, when I was 10 years old. And what I loved most, she had so much soul." If you know this lyric, then you know real hip-hop. You know Common Sense and this 'I Used To Love H.E.R.' song by Common the artist formerly known as Sense, the classic of all classics, serving as both an open letter of devotion and the history of hip-hop. Common's classic is one of raps most well written scribes and his story is one that is only right to be celebrated in the coming December release of his new album 'The Dreamer, The Believer'. 'I Used To Love H.E.R.' already has a pretty nice beat but what better way to pay homage to this track and genre by way of a reminiscent remix?

Well that's what J-Emcee (James Mark Currie) has done with his 'Old School Remix' of this 1994 iconic track. Sampling beats from everyone from Biz Markie to Dr. Dre (the full incredible list of samples for you hip-hop heads follows this piece) J-Emcee really paint the portrait and picture of this classic and genre like it should be. Drawing many of Common's inspirations for this record all on one track. The samples tell the story of 'h.e.r.' just like Common's rhymes do and thanks to J-Emcee's visionary style it also doesn't use any beat after 1994 (when this track was released) so therefore it's true to both the originality and inspiration of the timeless track. The vision also extends to the remix being played over the original video, where many beats fit like Kangol's on Cool J's, some adding to the sound effects of tape decks and breaks. It all seems so seamless, it all seems so meant. J-Emcee has reinvented the Remix going beyond the usual. It's clear he loves 'h.e.r.' too, and who we're talking about is hip-hop. TIM DAVID HARVEY.



Audio Two – Top Billin’
Boogie Down Productions – The Bridge Is Over
Biz Markie – Make The Music With Your Mouth, Biz
MC Shan – The BridgeFunkdoobiest – Shittin’ On ‘Em
Kool G Rap & DJ Polo – Ill Street Blues
Lord Finesse – Track The Movement
Schoolly D – P.S.K.
Marley Marl – The Symphony
X Clan – Verbs Of Power
Boogie Down Productions – Stop The Violence
Eazy E – Still Talkin’ S***
De La Soul – Fanatic Of The B-Word
Dr Dre – Deep Cover
A Tribe Called Quest – Bonita Applebum
The Pharcyde – Passing Me By
Naughty By Nature – Guard Your Grill
Stetsasonic – Talkin’ All That Jazz
Pete Rock & CL Smooth – Skinz
Gang Starr – Manifest
Eric B & Rakim – Microphone Fiend
Just Ice – That Girl Is A Slut
Diamond D – Red Light, Green Light
Ed OG & Da Bulldogs – Bug-A-Boo
Apache – Gangsta Bitch
Cypress Hill – Stoned Is The Way Of The Walk
EPMD – Let The Funk Flow
Whodini - Friends
Showbiz & AG – Runaway Slave
Onyx – Slam
Das EFX – Straight Out The Sewer
Slick Rick & Doug E Fresh – La Di Da Di
Wu-Tang Clan – Shame On A N****

ALBUM SELECT OF THE WEEK: GINUWINE-THE BACHELOR

Ginuwine released his most personal and genuine album this year with 'Elgin'. So let's look at his dominating debut for our classic selection for the week. 'The Bachelor' made himself open to everyone with a CD full of hits and a new sound for the mainstream R&B world. Collaborating with superproducer Timbaland throughout, these superfriends teamed up for a supreme, concise, classic collection. The groundbreaking, beat-making 'Pony' was so revolutionary it still sounds fresh today, while his take on Prince's, 'When Doves Cry' was so well done that even the artist known for hating his covers loved it. Still from every prelude to interlude this album was sublimely seamless, whether it be from Magoo raps to peculiar English soundbites. This album was club heavy ('550 What') but also bedroom ready ('Tell Me Do You Wanna') and with deep tracks such as 'Only When Your Lonely' and 'World Is So Cold' the G man proved he could think a well as dance. 'The Bachelor' proved he was here to stay and 15 years later this game changers music is still playing. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

TAPE DECK SHUFFLE

The playlist of our favourite songs this week. 'Side A' features some latest cuts, while the classics make the 'B Side'.

SIDE A

MARY J. BLIGE & DRAKE-MR. WRONG: This just could be the duet of the year, like Rihanna and Drizzy's 'What's My Name' last year. You know what it is.

WALE Feat BIG SEAN-SLIGHT WORK: Last years best rap newcomer and this years one get to work over some cool police sirens.

TYRESE-STAY: Number one album, number one single. Number one guy.

PUSHA T-ALONE IN VEGAS: Glossy and gritty, like the video, like the city.

DRAKE-LOOK WHAT YOU'VE DONE: Sampling the late, great Static Major of Playa Drake shows love and respect with a deep hit from the heart.

SIDE B

PLAYA-CHEERS TO YOU: Speaking of Static and Playa this is a classic.

GRANDMASTER FLASH-WHITE LINES (DON'T, DON'T DO IT): This Grandmaster was a Flash in Liverpool last week with this classic and more.

QUEEN-ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST: Flash played this too and even though Freddie Mercury has been gone 20 years this song, him and more still reign supreme.

INXS-NEW SENSATION: Michael Hutchence has also been gone 14 years but his legacy is still alive. "Live baby live".

MICHAEL HUTCHENCE-LET ME SHOW YOU: The man himself. Rest in peace. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

REVIEW: MARY J. BLIGE-MY LIFE II: THE JOURNEY CONTINUES (ACT 1)

4/5

More sublime J. Blige.

Beyoncé? Rhianna? Sure they're incredible but the queen of R&B and urban soul Mary J. Blige still wears the crown. She's even watching her throne by boldly releasing an album in the same week as the unstoppable Rhianna. Mary, Mary has been here for years since she asked 'What's The 411' through when she sang about 'No More Drama' to recently showing that crossing over to the dance floors and charts was 'Just Fine'. Mary J has obliged with more hits and classics that anyone can count that's why with 'My Life II... The Journey Continues (Act 1)' the singer can release a sequel to a classic album in two parts.

It wouldn't be a November fall without some Mary. The buzz for the sequel to her 1994album ('My Life') was hyped with two smash singles. '25/8' is so well worked and good it could be played 24/7, while 'Mr. Wrong' with M.C. of the moment Drake could just be the late rap/R&B duet of the year just like his Rhianna record last year ('What's My Name'). It's a monster collaboration like 'Feel Inside' with hip-hop heavyweight Nas. The New York rapper is as legendary as Mary and is on too form like Drake. What results is another hit for Miss J.

Speaking of legends friend and collaborator Busta Rhymes takes it to the next level with a real, rugged raw track right after Mary takes it to yet another level duetting with her brilliant alter ego rap self (Brook-Lyn) on the cool, atmospheric 'Midnight Drive'. Long-time producing partner Darkchild samples a classic while Mary beautifully covers 'Aint Nobody' with a refreshing taste of an otherwise overdone and redone hit record. 'Don't Mind' and 'No Condition' show this solo singer going it alone with perfect poise and decedent dignity. These are the album tracks that make this disc.

Every rappers favourite feature rapper right now, Rick Ross gives 'Why' an unquestionable appeal from the streets to the charts. Still the duet of this album is 'Love a Woman', featuring Beyoncé (originally meant for B's '4') as these two independent women come together to show just how much they really mean. The heaven sent 'Empty Prayers' gives more answers to Mary's unquestionable range before this sequel comes to an end with the terrific tandem of 'Need Someone' and 'The Living Proof'.

'Irreversible' and 'Miss Me with That' gives the extended album more deluxe qualities while the Diddy and Lil' Wayne assisted smash 'Someone to Love Me (Naked)' is a real, revealing bonus. As Mary gives us more of her 'life' the sequel lives up to the original and then some. After some great recent releases Mary goes back to the beyond with an album as big a her greats like '411', 'No More Drama', 'Love & Life' and 'The Breakthrough'. As Mary's incredible life goes on thank God that the journey continues. We can't wait for 'Act II'. Now how long is the intermission? TIM DAVID HARVEY.

REVIEW: PUSHA T-FEAR OF GOD II: LET US PRAY

3/5

More spirited rap from one that should be feared.

Pusha T has come a long way in this rap game. From 'Grindin' hits out with super producer Pharrell, The Neptunes and his double act group the Clipse to 'Re-Upping' with his crew. Even without his twin Pusha T still has clips worth of lyrical ammunition and plenty of one-liner malice (on the track 'Blow' Pusha explains his brother Malice "found the Lord"). This time last year this rap pusher was signed by Kanye West's 'G.O.O.D. Music' imprint along with Mos Def and others and what resulted was some great album features ('Runaway', 'So Appalled') and some gracious free 'G.O.O.D. Friday' gift downloads ('Looking For Trouble', 'Christian Dior Denim Flow' and 'Christmas In Harlem').

Kanye brought out the best of Pusha, or at least showed the whole world just how good he is. West and T rhymed so much and well together that they could be the ones 'watching the throne' and releasing a collabo album together. Still now Pusha is pushing a sequel EP ('Fear of God II: Let Us Pray') to his independent album as his first release on Kanye's label. A release of hardcore hip-hop heaven that should put the fear in the rap competition, leaving them on their knees.

What better way to start off an album but with a Diddy assisted big record. 'Changing of the Guards' boasts a game changing sound and artist. While the amazing collaboration with Young Jeezy and Yeezy, Kanye West gives us everything rap fans have prayed for in 'Amen'. The Neptunes produced single 'Trouble on My Mind' featuring Tyler, the Creator is a great blend of new artist/underground artist coming up big, while this song also serves as a great reunion between Pusha and Pharrell.

'What Dreams are Made Of' is the solo track this new solo artist has been waiting for. With no guest appearances he shows he's one of the best lyricists with a crowning outcome. Then the collaborations re-up with Juicy J, Meek Mill & French Montana adding some 'Body Work' to this album. The new artist French Montana translates on to 'Everything that Glitters' as well adding some gold to the track. 'So Obvious' and 'Feeling Myself' keep the mid-section of the album tight with even tighter rhymes.

Things get louder and prouder with the 50 Cent featured 'Raid' with Pharrell. 'My God' sends this album even higher before crew member Ab-Liva and Maybach Man Rick Ross keep it lyrically rocking on 'I Still Wanna'. Pusha saves one of his best for last with the bright lyrics of 'Alone In Vegas'. A track that's a mix of grit and flash like the songs video in sin city. All in all going solo was a gamble for Pusha but he's showed it's paid off to a tee. Thank the rap God's for this one. Amen. TIM DAVID HARVEY .

BOOK REVIEW: TYRESE GIBSON-HOW TO GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY

4.5/5

Tyrese show's us the way.

This writer has put down the pen of late and picked up three inspiring books from three influential individuals in the urban music industry. The first was rapper/actor Common's spiritual journey 'One Day It'll All Make Sense', the second was business and music mogul Steve Stoute's cultural exchange 'The Tanning Of America', and now the latest is R&B and movie star Tyrese Gibson's 'How To Get Out Of Your Own Way'.

This isn't an autobiography, this isn't a self-help book...it's something in-between. Making for a powerful, motivating piece of prose Tyrese's success story is one of struggle, survival and self-strategy. Part religious and part spiritual, with God and self together it all blends into the perfect recipe of success and self-fulfilment.

This book really should garner your self worth's attention after a humbling, tragic foreword this book begins with Tyrese detailing his humbling beginnings in Watts California. Talking about how he had to ignore the financial and instantly gratifying temptations of the world of drug dealers in the 'hood. This millionaire actor and singer used to find it incredibly hard to string a couple of quarters together to get the bus to school and get his education.

We all remember his infamous Coca Cola commercial at age 16 and Ty' inspires us with how this 30 second spot resulted into a 15 year and counting career. His journey really is incredible he used to not be allowed on the bus, but following an advert where he sang on one about a soft drink he now never has to take the bus again. If your that doesn't serve as encouragement and inspiration then what will?

If this fact sends shivers down your spine then this book is for you from the spine to the acknowledgments. From Tyrese breaking down the relationship between men and women and that of positivity and success he really lets you into his mind and guides you down the right mental path without sounding too preachy or like he's trying to be the next Dr. Phil. Tyrese keeps it real with his talk and genuine accounts of his life's experience. He doesn't act all high or might or talk down to us, he acts like our friend sitting next to us through these pages. He tells us it's fine to be labelled 'weird' if we are just different (citing Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and himself) but that if we are feeling down we shouldn't label ourselves 'depressed', as the shoe will fit. It all makes perfect sense. It's not cheesy or corny, it's devoted and meant.

Tyrese shares the complacent life changing advice he received from mentor and megastar Will Smith and along with the Fresh Prince's five people theory puts it into words for our own benefit and reflection. To conclude this great, game-changing read the movie star-who this year starred in two top franchise sequels ('Fast Five' and 'Transformers: Dark Of The Moon')-talks about his break into acting (with John Singleton's 'Baby Boy') and how no matter how successful or happy we should all strive to always better ourselves.

Millions of Tyrese's social networking Twitter followers will know how much this man's character inspires on a daily basis. It's this constant motivation and feeling of self-worth that has just this week given this multi-platinum, Grammy winner a new number one album. Counting and sharing his blessings Tyrese offers us an 'Open Invitation' to his way of life and thinking and it's a real positive step forward. Like the man himself says "don't leave this on the bookshelf". This is a real page-turner with depth that reads more into life. So open up and don't let anything stand in its way. It's really out there. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

See Also.

REVIEW: TYRESE-OPEN INVITATION

http://ampsand808s.blogspot.com/2011/10/review-tyrese-open-invitation.html

TGT (TANK, GINUWINE & TYRESE)-THE GIANT THREE

http://ampsand808s.blogspot.com/2011/11/tgt-tank-ginuwine-tyrese-giant-three.html