REVIEW: TGT-THREE KINGS

4/5

The Giant Three.

This year best rapper alive Jay-Z has suited up for a tour tie with R&B/pop star Justin Timberlake while it's been announced the greatest superheroes Superman and Batman will assemble for a mega D.C. movie in the coming 365's. Still the biggest, greatest collaboration this year belongs to the R&B Avengers. Three's haven't been this big since LeBron James aligned his talents with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh for South Beach's hot Miami Heat. The new music big three of TGT is the R&B Rat Pack, suited and booted like Sinatra, Dino Martin and Sammy Davis. If you haven't heard of this great three, where have you been? R&B mega stars Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tank have gone all LSG for a group that could rival 112, Jagged Edge, Blackstreet, Guy, En Vogue, SWV and Boyz II Men as one of the greatest R&B collectives of all time.

This is just the beginning too. Movie/music star Tyrese is coming hot off the heels of his best album 'Open Invitation', run of box-office blockbuster movies (the 'Fast & Furious' and 'Transformers' series'), and enough books to fill the shelves of Barnes & Noble. With a rap/R&B/ book triple 'Black Rose' closing out his career next (I think he deserves some chill time), he still has time to collaborate on his biggest project. As does R&B legend Ginuwine who has been in this game for decades of decadent albums and still holds the standard for the freshest sounding R&B/hip-hop crossover in his 'Pony' ride with elite production partner Timbaland. Tank as well keeps rolling out album after album and hot single after hit single, (if last year and this wasn't enough, 'Shots Fired' looks to be the perfect ammunition to load up his next set) manning the production boards on everything including this. This being 'Three Kings' the album everyone's been waiting for eagerly anticipated years for between label pains and leaked tracks and formidable features.

Now by royal R&B appointment and number one in 7 countries decree the kings take their throne. They have spoken and sung and the sales have rung as the crown fits perfectly. The after hours jam 'Sex 'Aint Never Felt Better' single set it off. Until the second single 'I Need' really stepped it up. The classic Tank intro ("I hope you see my heart from here/And I hope that this will make us strong/I hope the truth is made you clear/And I hope that we can learn and move on/This time the stakes are way too high/I see what I’m about to lose/It’s time to let the old me die/Mistakes or love I gotta choose"), matched perfectly by his R&B brothers Ty and Gin shows you really do need this set. As does the classic R&B/hip-hop feeling intro (think Tank's 'Lonely') of 'Take It Wrong' that features Tyrese's successful rapping 'Alter-Ego' Black-Ty who revealed more of his magic on the 'Invisible Bully' lost tapes mix. After the album settles in, this is when the stereo evening perfect album falls into place as Tyrese and the G and T channel Snoop Dogg and his homies for 'No Fun' with Problem. The cohesively made collaboration keeps turning on the siren calling 'Next Time Around',(as Tyrese gets heartfelt and honest singing "Ooh, she's packing everything in her room/I'm going crazy like/I knew that this day will come soon but I'm feeling like/This can make a grow man cry"), because right now it sounds like the R&B players have been playing and singing together for decades.

On this truly collaborative collective, the duties and dues paid are shared equally and fairly. The fast-paced singing on 'Hurry' keeps it fun as the good times keep rolling 'till friday, where 'Weekend Love' is the perfect R&B break. Think of R. Kelly's club made 'Thank God It's Friday'. Still its the guitar chord breaks and velvet smooth verses of 'Lessons In Love' that really takes the game to school, as G harmonises "I'm what you missin in love/This treasure I got, trust me girl it's enough/Get up on me like you ain't been touched in a while". With this shot the winners are truly the giant three. Then what the kings serve up next is off their heads. 'Explode' truly knocks it out the park. These modern, fresh beats mixed with the hallmark, traditional urban soulful singing is truly a combustible mix for your tape decks. "C4 'aint got nothing"...'aint that right 'rese? Ther rhythmic reverberations continue on the initialled 'FYH' and 'OMG' for TGT's truly inspired set that is about to influence a watered down and diluted R&B industry in need of refreshment. 'Running Back' keeps it going, whilst taking it back to the good ole' days of 90's R&B, late Luther Vandross, R. Kelly or decades past purist movie/music star Jamie Foxx would be proud of his friends Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tanks's work.

This king big three, finish with a big three of their own to close out this 17 track set laced with interlude icing on the cake. The piano perfect 'Burn Out' keeps the fire blazing as Ginuwine and Tyrese go back and forth over Tank's ivory and chorus ad-libbed skill set. The soulful smooth 'Tearing It Down' is built to rip down the after hours of a club. It's the perfect midnight hour music that is deeper and better than those throwaway alcohol jams. It's the right partners only record from this triple threat of talent. 'Our House' is the perfect closer as Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tank build an R&B home as TGT. As a matter of fact these 'Three Kings' have built a castle forged with a foundation of formidable R&aB and soul music that in one album feels like a classic catalogue years in the making. Now, not only can't we wait for these rhythm and blues purists next solo sets. We hope these R&B Avengers reassemble for a sequel. It's time for Tyrese to put the retirement plans on hold because even if these huge three stars didn't have successful solo careers as a group they exist as a separate great entity in themselves. One that could have been going and should go on for years. There just has to be more coming soon from the dealt hands of these kings. Watch the throne. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

REVIEW: JOHN MAYER-PARADISE VALLEY

4/5

John's Dearest.

It's just another day in paradise for John Mayer. One of the best American singer/songwriters of this generation has found himself again. He's found his voice (which he could have almost lost) and love of his life in the 'California Girl' and pop queen Katy Perry. Now after his own heartbreak warfare it's all fireworks for the singer who is now chasing the Springsteen, Dylan and Young valleys of classic catalogues. This is set with his second album that feels all Crosby, Stills and Nash as this young star takes it deeper to the roots of America and acoustic guitar music. After 'Room For Squares', 'Heavier Things', the 'Inside Wants Out' E.P. and many a great live album, the music by John Mayer was introduced to the world. It was the third part of his intoduction trilogy 'Continuum' that truly propelled him to the musical mainstream and that success continued on 'Battle Studies', but the album to follow THE classic of not only his career but the last decade was always going to endure some critical scars no matter how good it was. Hearing it from everyone from fans to the musical press and Taylor Swift this man left the tweeting for the birds and went back to the true essence of songwriting with his rebirth of the 'Born & Raised' collection. Now a year later, in the same vain John keeps it rock and rolling like classic American automobile journey music whilst searching for deeper meaning and the 'Joshua Tree' of albums.

You too can hear just how close he's coming with 'Paradise Valley'. A heaven sent collection that traverses all through the beauty of a guitars chords and America's back-roads and side-stories. The album was even named after a river valley in the Yellowstone River in tranquil Southernwestern Montana. It all begins with the hand clap, foot-stomping good time opening of the second single 'Wildfire', which sets and spreads the tone for this album like out of the refridgerator butter. As Mayer cools the critics and sings "Tonight the moon's so bright/You could drive with your headlights out/'Cause a little bit of summer's what the whole year's all about", that's what it's all about right there. Just like precious Summer moments to cherish, John gives us a sublime single in 'Paper Doll' before writing another dedication in 'Dear Marie' that ends with some beautiful harmony to sing along too with the top down, feet on the dash and your pant and shirt sleeves rolled up. With eyes closed behind some sepia aviators this is the type of relaxing set that you can fly away with, making the August to Autumn mood perfect. This could very well be the easy going soundtrack of the Summer that you've been yearning for.

'Waitin' On The Day' lulls you into the same perfect feeling. While 'Call Me The Breeze' echo's clouds of the blues, John has found that 'Whiskey, Whiskey, Whiskey' sound that we can all drink to. How about another? How about a collaboration with his leading lady? 'Half Of My Heart' may have been a hit but 'Who You Love' is all heart. The pop princess Perry shows maturity beyond a teenage dream as she proves she could be a strong country singer if she wanted. As the pair dedicate and devote and laugh and joke, they remind listeners just how happy and beautiful true love can be. This is as real as it gets as the pair harmonises. "My girl's ain't the one that I saw coming/And sometimes I don't know which way to go/And I tried to run before/But I'm not running anymore" sings Mayer in all heart bared honesty, while Perry shows the mutual, beutiful affection singing "My boy ain't the one that I saw coming/And some have said his heart's too hot to hold/And it takes a little time/But you should see him when he shines/You never want to let that feeling go". What looks on the back cover of this album as a strange (to those who don't read the press) or tacked on (to those cynics) collaboration proves to be one that has the makings of the next love duet album from this country. One of the albums strongest tracks could lead to so much more. This shouldn't be a surpise.

Sure the guest-spots on this album read like something you would never see on a Bob, Bruce or Neil record but this is how much music is changing today as the genre lines are blurred like a hash tagged Robin Thicke. We can thank Kanye and co's friend Mayer for changing the game though, no matter how deep he delves into the songbook of classic easy time, Clapton like rock. After Mayer's guitar break on 'Channel Orange's 'White', grammy and urban soul crowned king Frank Ocean returns the favour on a smoking hot, 'Wildfire' reprise. Hip-Hop heads will be itching to download this smouldering interlude, but guitar purists will be inspired by Frank's instrumental genre-pushing vocals. The man with Oceans of talent gets deep and brooding over a full and beautiful, minute and a half wonder. With lines like "Out on the beach in the darkness starting bonfire/So gorgeous, a man might cry/Burning trees in the basement start a cool fire/Feel my heartbeat racing, baby you’re on fire/So gorgeous, a man might cry" and "Back in Paris you told me you were suicidal/It’s not a vacation if I lose you to the Eiffel/You’re gorgeous but you can’t fly/A hidden admirer sent me roses white as fire/We took our handfuls it was war, flower fighter", this mans pen is poison to modern day rap lyrics about basic b.s of fast cars, money and girs. It doesn't get much more beautiful than the purity of Ocean's work.

As Mayer gets back to work himself, he find his own Dean Martin jam in the easy listening 'You're No One 'Til Someone Lets You Down', before getting offical on the arresting 'Badge and Gun' that's really one to pull over for. The by the guitar chord book closer 'On My Way Home' comes back and ends the day perfectly but one of the best tracks on this album finds itself between Perry and Ocean. You can put 'I Will Be Found (Lost at Sea)' next to 'Victoria', 'Split Screen Sadness', 'Do You Know Me', 'Assassin', his 'I'm On Fire' boss cover, 'Waitin' On The World To Change' and every other track on the 'Continuum' album as one of his best and brightest. This song is the sound Mayer's second roll and road rock career is all about. With great lyrics across the board of this record like "Baby, I'm a runaway train/Baby, I'm a feather in a hurricane/Maybe it's a long grey game/But maybe that's a good thing", it's clear to hear the man that was once lost is now truly found. After staring down the valley of shadowy career suicide, this is now the recovered Mayer fans and critics always wanted to hear. It's all between him and the great Ben Harper now. The growth is complete and now all that's left is to write and hear better, deeper music that this shallow, diluted mainstream scene is sorely missing. Now doesn't that sound like paradise? TIM DAVID HARVEY.

TGT Feature-THE KINGS HAVE SPOKEN

The Kings Take Their Throne.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

"(TGT is the) ultimate R&B fan experience. Me, Tank and Ginuwine been talking about this forever. The reason why this makes sense is that besides all of us being R&B singers, we're all good friends. Every time I see Tank, every time I see Ginuwine, we all had good energy regardless."-Tyrese.

It doesn't get much bigger than this. LeBron James and his Miami Heat basketball boys aren't the only big three taking their throne this Summer. With a holy trinity of combined singing, dancing and production talents, Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tank give us 'Three Kings' by royal R&B decree. Like LeBron, Kobe and Jordan on the latest cover of SLAM. It's time to watch the throne this August 20th because after hitting the road and touring everywhere in America, the legends of the Summer are about to suit and tie up like Jay-Z and Timberlake on the way to the release of their debut album. This trio of legends and their '3 Kings' album is set to smarten up a genre and remind real music fans of what they've been missing when it comes to real R&B.

The kings have spoken...or more like sung. The dream these three friends and their fans had back in 2007 has been made real. Genuine talent brought to the light by their record labels last year and more importantly by the hard work and perseverance from the three themselves. It has got them to this point this year, with a tour taking America by storm and now the eagerly anticipated, long awaited album release this August. Talk about hype and buzz. This is more than business, more than record sales. Forget a label redemption. This is an R&B revolution. With supergroups like LSG, Blackstreet, Guy or Boyz II Men now the sounds of your playlists past and groups like Jagged Edge and 112 on milk cartons the genre needs this. With R&B music reaching too much for the auto tune, dance hall or younger, throwaway themes, it's time this rhythm and blues music got back to the true essence of it's soul. Thanks to the mature, grown artists of Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tank assembling like the Avengers we now have exactly that to rejoice and marvel at..

Big things come in threes. Like 'Star Wars', 'Lord Of The Rings' and 'Batman' trilogies and now these soul superheroes and godfathers of R&B are here to save the day with some out of this world talent ready to be made champion. The R&B Rat Pack of Mr. Gibson, Elgin Lumpkin and Durrell Babbs are as real as it gets. After remixing Tank's hot, hit single 'Please Don't Go' (off the incredible, inspired 'Sex, Love & Pain' album), TGT offered up an array of songs, including 'One Night Stand' (where Ginuwine had a duet with his best man Tyrese), 'Lost In Our Love' (a Tank solo) 'Cant Blame You', 'Lay Down My Life' and a fantastic feature on Slim Thug's 'Let Me Grind'. Still it wasn't till the build up of the Atlantic Records release of '3 Kings' this year that we heard the real singles. Like 'Sex Never Felt Better' and it's for the fans stage setting video and the latest, greatest 'I Need'.

This truly is what the game needs like 'Lessons In Love', 'Tearing It Down' and 'Weekend Love'. These are just some of the names of tracks off the new album that will redefine an R&B genre which is saturating but not selling. It's about to be refreshed with three individual superstars and friends who share more than just charisma and sales. The chemistry between the three extends more then the fun you can see them having on Instagram behind the scenes. Picture this on your Twitter and Facebook feeds, you can see it on stage and are about to hear it in the studio. These three where meant to do this together. All their classic albums are about to cumulate into one great piece which will have a legendary legacy in this Urban Soul and Hip-Hop genre. There might even just be a feature from Tyrese's great mentor and friend R. Kelly. Now with the R in R&B's seal of approval what more do you need?

Take three. Take Tyrese Gibson for example. The man who has been championing and tweeting about this big three project the most has a rule of three himself. He's not only a multi-platinum singer/songwriter but also a movie star who has acted in two major franchises and it's many sequels over the last few years and a critically acclaimed author who already has two New York Times bestsellers in his shelf loading library. Did we mention he raps too? His 'Alter-Ego' Black-Ty even has a feature on the opening track 'Take It Wrong' off his new album with Ginuwine and Tank. the 'Transformers' star has most recently been seen bringing action and laughs to the $741.1 million blockbuster success of 'Fast & Furious 6' and he is about to film the seventh instalment of the formidable franchise that wont run out of road with megastars Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, The Rock, Michelle Rodriguez, Ludacris, Jason Statham and more in Tokyo, the Middle-East and all over the world this September.

It just keeps getting better and better for this guy. The guy that started out singing about Coca Cola on buses so he'd never have to take a bus again and the guy that remodelled himself into a crossover talent with Tommy Hillfiger. You best believe they'll be calling again. The guy that rewrote his career with his inspirational 'How To Get Out Of Your Own Way' book and his magnificent 'Manology' collaboration with Run DMC legend Rev Run is about to put pen to paper once again. His next brilliant book 'Black Rose' will turn a page and be packaged with the double 'Black Rose' album-to go along with a 7 part documentary ('A Black Rose That Grew From Concrete')-which will also be his first double rap/R&B album since Black-Ty's debut on the amazing number 2 rap chart topping album 'Alter-Ego'. An album that is said to be his most personal album to date. The album will also be his last....wait...what?!

Yep that's right the hardest working man in entertainment who deserves a break has said his next album coming next year will be his final R&B bow. Although we all may cry 'say it aint so' and hope for a Jay-Z or Jordan like return we must respect this man's wishes and be thankful for the music he has released (like his 50 track free 'Invisible Bully' tape). From his self-titled platinum debut in 1998 and the gold high-charged '2000 Watts' which took this 'Baby Boy' to maturity. A maturity that saw the gold standard of 'I Wanna Go There' and it's huge 'How You Gonna Act Like That' and 'U Don't Give A Damn About Me' singles and the incredibly, inspired release of his latest and greatest 'Open Invitation' album on his Voltron Records influential imprint. An impression that left us with the big club-mover 'Too Easy' (with fellow '2 Fast, 2 Furious' marquee star and franchise petrol head Ludacris) and his new 'Sweet Lady' in the huge single 'Stay'. A 'Soul Train' song of the year award winning number that was number one for 11 weeks on the Billboard Urban charts and rebirthed his return to R&B, a return that fans will hope to see again and again soon.

"TGT is in the building....we're about to shut it down".-Ginuwine.

Tyrese's highest charted album sold 76,000 copies in it's first week and with fresh, great tracks like 'Nothing On You', 'Best Of Me', 'Angel', 'Takeover', 'I Miss That Girl' and more it has now moved 360,00 units and counting. The Grammy nominated star isn't the only big-seller in this group of big hitters. The G in TGT, has been going as way back as far as he and 'The Best Man I Can Be' co-star Tyrese have been friends. The man named after Lakers legend Elgin Baylor is a great in his own right with a talent level that is genuine. Ginuwine is the first-mega star of this trio to really break. From the Timbaland production, Aaliyah, Missy Elliott and Static Major, Superfriends days to the maturing in the game. This guy brought dancing to the urban soul game after Michael Jackson but before Usher, Ne-Yo, Chris Brown and them. One of the only guys to cover a Prince song ('When Doves Cry') and have The Artist's acclaim (according to G, Prince approached him in a club, complimented him and then disappeared in a veil of smoke as only the Purple King can), and someone late legend Luther Vandross called "one of the good ones", Ginuwine is the truth.

The double platinum 'The Bachelor' truly changed the game as Timbaland and G ushered in a new musical sound and style for the constantly envelope pushing genre of urban music with the mega hit of 'Pony' that's classic success has rode for decades now (it made an appearance in Channing Tatum's big movie 'Magic Mike', has been rocked out by Far and recently covered by Rihanna...does she know what the songs about?). The beautiful 'Tell Me Do U Wanna' and the following '100% Ginuwine' album kept things 100 and 2 million selling, before 'The Life' featured more mainstream success. Things got real mature and grown on 'The Senior' which really planted a seed on G's return in 2003. Just call it his 'Open Invitation' back in. In the linear thank you notes Ginuwine even told Tyrese that "the game owes" him...and now it's safe to say it has...and G too as they continue to further their success.

A success Ginuwine carried on and out in his decade of great maturity. With the bold 'Back II The Basics', the brilliant 'A Man's Thoughts' (where Ty was seen acting in G's 'Last Chance' video) and the beautifully timed valentines release of the signature 'Elgin' (TGT released their first, lead single this February 14th), R&B haven't sounded this great or mature thanks to the 'I Love You More' and 'I'm In Love' dedicated singer. That was until his fellow T's came back. One being the legend Tank and his artillery of mega hits. The man who has wrote and produced hits for the likes of Monica, Donell Jones and another actor/singer in megastar and Django himself Jamie Foxx, as well as his fellow group members (expect him to man the boards marvellously on this 'Kings' set). The man built like a machine and with an army of hits, made his debut in 2001 with his 'Force Of Nature' album and a fresh, soulful remix of Ja Rule's 'Race Against Time' for the rap stars 'Fast & Furious' movie soundtrack (Tank technically actually appeared in the Fast franchise before his TGT brother).

"TGT is a lifestyle...it's about bringing that real thing back. You know real men, real singing, real love. Anything associated with The Temptations, The O'Jay's, Marvin Gaye, Teddy Pendergrass".-Tank.

The gold albums continued with 'One Man', but things became much bigger and better once Tank blasted his way onto the music radar joining the Grammy family. 'Sex, Love & Pain' truly was a classic and a game changer (we'd still love the sequel) with creative classics like 'Wedding Song' and the original 'I Love Them Girls'. The absolutely amazing 'Now Or Never' followed with collaborations with everyone from Drake to Chris Brown (the first of many). Before people had time to recover from the radio buzz of this fall album came another to begin the Summer of last year. 'This Is How I Feel' in this writers opinion many be the stars best. The chart-topping continued with an album that came fresh off the heels of not only another but the great 'Diary Of A Mad Man' mixtape which continues this songwriters entries of studio ready hits. The hard-working man stepped it up with Chris Brown on the incredible album opener 'Lonely' and gave us hit after hit, even paying 'Compliments' and a new, great artist on his label Kris Stephens mind (a great new artist for Tank, like Knight was for Ginuwine and Lyndriette is becoming for Tyrese). Even now with all these releases and a new TGT record coming Tank has given us his biggest and best, cult hit with 'Shots Fired' (again with Chris Brown). As we await yet another great album it looks like thanks to another shot, this Tank and his iron and steel-hard hits are bulletproof.

Still even with all he, G and Tyrese has coming in the music, movie and writing world the three are putting everything on hold as they give their all to this TGT project from the studio to the stage with no hiatus. You saw them on track at the Soul Train Awards with their classic cover of The Commodores 'Zoom' and now these guys are truly flying away. The billboards are about to be Tyrese's next box-office, Ginuwine is going to re-influence the game like he did in the 90's and Tank is going to cap off the greatest three years of his career with his biggest three yet. The royal appointment is set and heads will role. It's this three kings game of thrones now. This TGT is more than a big three...its 'the giant three'. The R&B Avengers of Iron Man, the Hawk and the Wolverine are about to swipe and shoot at the competition that needs to bolt up with their iron will. 17 tracks (or "missiles") are about to be launched. When it come to R&B this once, twice, three times a group are as real as it gets (for reference just check Tyrese's lament on his early struggles ('Taking Forever'), Ginuwine's deep, emotional dedication to his late parents ('Two Reasons I Cry') and Tank's honest and humble 'Better Than Me'). No further proof is needed the three crowns fit. We don't know quite yet just what the great legacy of TGT and their '3 Kings' album will be...but from what we've seen and heard, it looks to be legendary. Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tank...let's hear it for them. And the winners are....

"You know it's a passion project and I don't really know if anybody see's how big this will really can be the way I do. Ginuwine and Tank can see it but I don't even think they see what I see as far as how big this can go"-Tyrese.

TGT-SEX AINT NEVER FELT BETTER

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uWzlzTaGyU

TGT T.V.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJRVXddAdcI

TYRESE-STAY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51mR-z80X_o

GINUWINE-LAST CHANCE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0XwX_1KdEA

TANK-SHOTS FIRED

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpG--q5u6ns

REVIEW-JAY-Z: MAGNA CARTA HOLY GRAIL

3.5/5

Independence Jay.

"You’d take the clothes off my back/And I’d let you/You’d steal the food right out my mouth/And I’d watch you eat it/I still don’t know why, why I love you so much, ohh/You curse my name, in spite to put me to shame/Have my laundry in the streets, dirty or clean/Give it up for fame/But I still don't know why, why I love it so much/And baby, it's amazing I'm in this maze with you/I just can't crack your code/One day you screaming you love me loud/The next day you're so cold/One day you here, one day you there, one day you care/You're so unfair sipping from your cup/Till it runneth over, Holy Grail". And so begins the incredible, inspired, Justin Timberlake rewind worthy, highlight reel intro to the new 4th July, already a million plus change sold, Jay-Z, 'Magna Carta Holy Grail' album. It also marks the R&B and rap pack leading men's second and third collaboration of the year as the pair are about to 'Suit & Tie' up and introduce themselves to London, England this weekend like perfect gentleman for the 'Legends Of The Summer' wireless festival in Olympic Park. Joined by legends like Nas, A Tribe Called Quest, will.i.am and current superstars like Frank Ocean, Kendrick Lamar, Big Sean and more it's set to be one hell of a heaven sent weekend for fans to end quite a week for the king of New York and the worlds finest in hip-hop who is showing his vision is 20/20 like J.T. too.

Jay-Z really has delivered on his big NBA Finals halftime superbowl like album announcement and really has shown everyone-including his co-throne holder, rap brother and friendly rival Kanye West and his stripped down, out of nowhere market of his latest great 'Yeezus'-how to do this son. For the first time since his 'Watch The Throne' duet album with West (we can't wait for the sequel) and the conclusion of his brilliant 'Blueprint' trilogy an amazing four years ago,'Brooklyn's Finest' is back rhyming with B.I.G., channelling European art and fashion and quoting everyone from Nirvana to R.E.M., but all in the name of positivity and prosperity. The boy is back with one of his more different but decedant albums yet. Bold and brilliant the 'Holy Grail' begins with the new urban soul one, two punch giving the fans what they want.

After that the rap star who fashioned the soundtrack for Baz Lurhman and Leo DiCaprio's new style of 'The Great Gatsby' shows he's worth more than a '100$ Bill'. 'A Billi' like his Lil' Wayne remix is a better way of describing how far ahead of the game and 'Tha Carter', Sean Carter really is, as raps Michael Jordan doesn't look to be retiring again anytime soon. Just check the final verse of 'Picasso Baby' as our star takes a different stroke like Gary Coleman to end the beat changing, Hov Ad-lib'd track. "They try to slander your man/On CNN and Fox/My Mirandas don't stand a chance, with cops/Even my old fans like old man just stop/I could if I would but I can't/I'm hot, and you blow/I'm still the man to watch, Hublot/On my left hand or not" the exitement hyped by the Samsung, Timbaland, Rick Rubin commercial is truly felt as Jay-Z's ever growing style doesn't sell out with this mainstream smash.

Over tight Timbaland production there's more lyrics for hip-hop heads to decode for years like his brilliant rap-Dylan esque book of rhymes. 'Tom Ford' adds to the suited and booted prestige and style and 'FuckWithMeYouKnowIGotIt' with the bragging Rick Ross adds to the brilliant boasts. Still, it's Frank Ocean's laid down chorus on his track 'Oceans' that has the wave changing makings of a pure classic. The man who blessed the beginning and end of 'Watch The Throne' (from the classics 'No Church In The Wild' to 'Made It In America') bookmarks another gift to Jay-Z's competition cursing collection. 'F.U.T.W' is another B.I.G. track for 'M.C.H.G', but Jay-Z's new fan-favorite classic may just be found 'Somewhere In America'. Over horns and Dre like piano, the man who already puts his art above Twitter and the internet pokes fun at everything from Instagram to Miley Cyrus, it's all in good fun however. Picture this, a modern day rapper going against all the modern day trends and still increasing his following. His former 'Best Of Both Worlds' partner R. Kelly may be the Pied Piper, but raps king of Rome has everyone's ears. The rap universe is his. Are you not entertained?

From playing Sinatra, to paying homage to Martin Luther and "feeling like" Ali this man is king. Keeping his throne watched and guarded like his basketball star signee LeBron James with the fitted 'Crown'. Hotter than Miami, with South Beach talents, Jay-Z is raps champion. The belt belongs to him. 'Heaven' is his new religion and he shows he can go toe-to-toe with anyone on his verse on 'Versus', just like his short but sweet, 'Beach Is Better', sand in the eye cut. Things get single-worthy and even better on the 'Bonnie & Clyde' sequel with his B, Beyonce. Mr. and Mrs. Carter strike gold with 'Part II (On The Run)' the chemsitry between man and wife is still set on their creative collaborations. They've never sounded better together on record. No wonder the queen of R&B is posting baby pictures of Blue Ivy's father on twitter to celebrate the million mark. The platinum good times are rolling for this couple. "My past aint pretty/my lady is" raps Jay as B sings "Who wants that perfect love story anyway, anyway?/Cliché, cliché, cliché, cliché/Who wants that hero love that saves the day, anyway?/Cliché, cliché, cliché, cliché/What about the bad guy goes good, yeah". It's all so good now.

The party continues on the strange but sweet 'BBC', as the 'Billionaire Boys Club' of Nas, Justin Timberlake and of course hook and production man of the moment (once again like 2001) Pharrell get down on a track that will go down a legendary treat this weekend in England's capital in the feel-good Summer weather, with this scorching hot, positive soundscape. This 'aint the British Broadcasting Corperation it's Roc Nation in full effect on the airwaves. 'Jay-Z Blue' colours more classics (it's Jay-Z's favorite remember) as Sean Carter and the Notorious B.I.G., Christopher Wallace rap together beyond the grave for an inspired, alive track from Jay-Z's rap mentor and his continuing tributes to the man that will always be the bowler hat wearing King Of N.Y. Mixing classic, Notorious lyrics and tributing his fallen friend and the birth of his daughter it's all love and heart for this albums deepest dedication.

The 'La Familia' closing connection and spare change of 'Nickels & Dimes' raps it all up perfectly as Jay-Z makes some 'new rules' whilst sampling festival co-headliner Q-Tip's ATCQ and releasing a viynl edition of these classic new tracks on his new rock best friend Jack White's (who contributed the brilliant and best 'Love Is Blindess' to Gatsby) Third Man imprint. This is the new takeover as it's clear to hear that Jay-Z is owning everything. He's told you before he's a business man, and now with great company in common he's making it all about the sense not the dollar. As he closes on 'Nickels and Dimes', "You die rich or you die disgraced, so just let me grow/Watch me cook, throw no looks/Like Magic in his prime when Kareem sky hooked, yeah/Y'all not worthy, sometimes I feel like/Y'all don't deserve me, my flow unearthly/The greatest form of giving is anonymous to anonymous/So here y'all go, I promise this". Say no more, London and the world are calling. It's going to be one hell of a weekend. The independence day beginning week of Jay-Z has been a seven days like no other. This is his time. He is the one. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

SONG FOR THE MOMENT-ROBIN THICKE: BLURRED LINES Featuring T.I. & PHARRELL

The Thicke Of It.

#thicke #blurredlines #1. It's no secret, this is the song of the moment. 'The Evolution Of Robin Thicke' is complete. The man who has been a star in America for many years and great albums (see 'The Evolution', 'Something Else', 'Sex Therapy' and 'Love After War') has truly hit home and the hash-tag trending feeds (it's subliminally, shamelessly but stylishly there in the video) with his 'Blurred Lines'. No need to read between the lines, this is the guilty pleasure of the year. The uncut video has been gaining as many requests as complaints, proving that controversy as well as sex sells. Still beyond the sexy and hilarious video (approved by Thicke's actress wife Paula Patton) there is a song that could still capture the charts with all it's catchiness without a visual. Producer Pharrell (who has been giving everything from Daft Punk to 'Despicable Me' again hits) is back like it was 2001 with his awesome ad-libs on every other song on the radio. While T.I. looks to take his throne as the 'King Of The South' once again with this feature and his latest run of hits (check back in the future for a hit with the one and only P!nk). Still amongst all the cool suits, dancing and ladies this is Thicke's moment. The man who once was wrongly denied a 'Vibe' cover because was white (yeah...really), proves he's right there with Timberlake and everyone else in R&B. His voice and style is just that smoother and better. He's one of the reigning soul men and best of modern mainstream times. If you didn't see it from his previous classics, you'll see it now without the blur. Hear this Vibe...he's here to stay, covered like a Rolling Stone. This may be a guilty pleasure but you know you like it. Let the fun times roll. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

LIVE REVIEW: THE KILLERS @ MANCHESTER ARENA (18/02/13)

4/5

Redemption Ready.

Little background, I'm sitting in this Manchester Arena for the first time since the epic, beautiful night of witnessing the wonders of Bon Iver in November with my closest. The same month where I was supposed to see the group I'm seeing tonight in the midst of enjoying their latest album-which was arguably 2012 and their best-at it's peak at the most exciting time of the fall right before Christmas. But lost voices, disgruntled fans and rescheduling lead me to wait until mid-February to see the band I love, Brandon Flowers and The Killers touring their Springsteen epic/Heartland Vegas music touring their 'Battle Born' album.

A little more background. I'm sitting here with one of my greatest friends. A guy I've shared a lot with especially when it comes to traveling and touring the classic cities of the United States Of America. We even drove through the desert to the State of Nevada seeing where these boys came from. Aptly listening to 'Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas' off Brandon Flowers incredible solo set 'Flamingo' as neon replaced sand and we arrived in the sin city of casino, make or break dreams. So this definitely was the gig for us and the soundtrack of our nostalgia as we traded American stories in between some 'Hard Rock' food and showing more than a passing respect for the sensational support act.

Then as soon as the 'Battle Born' AC/DC-esque thunderbolt lit up to the opening riffs of 'Mr Brightside' it all came back together to a chorus of crazy cheers. We where right back on that road to Vegas from two years back, like the huge screen print of the bands latest highway strewn album cover on stage. All the time and memories came flooding back, as all the time and disappointment of the double-header gig cancellation of November ebbed away. This was well worth the wait.

From 'Sam's Town' to Manchester, England all the hits where rolled through with a 'Hot Fuss' of epic Springsteen, stadium style anthems ignited like Gaslight. It was Brandon Flowers who was boss however, donned in all black, leather and smart shirt and pants he owned the stage with assured confidence but humbled charisma that suited him down to the ground. "You came back" he marveled as everything from 'Human' to 'Smile Like You Mean It', 'Somebody Told Me' and 'Spaceman' where rolled out to bright, effervescent stage sets, fireworks, choruses of confetti and fire explosions that could even warm the foreheads of those up in the nosebleeds.

From reading Flowers mind to joining him in chanting "I've got soul, but I'm not a soldier", you really got a taste of just how many hits one of the worlds best, but still somewhat underrated bands really have. Flowers and his boys couldn't be stopped, only taking a break to alert security that someone was in trouble...just like the nice, well raised rocker he is. The desert boys even paid tribute to Manchester's own Oasis and featured New Order on the mother of all tributes, besides this band got their name from one of the Manchunian bands videos, which they truly showed.

It was when this band banged out their latest work, where they really brought out the big guns. Flowers has admitted he's troubled by finding time on the set for all of his latest. He wants to tour the whole album in its entirety and we wish he would. Still, greats like 'Be Still', 'Here With Me', 'Deadlines And Commitments', 'Carry Me Home', 'Prize Fighter' and 'Heart Of A Girl' where missing on the milk bottle. Even so, everything was made up with the ravishing riffs of 'Runaways', the added "daaarlings" of 'The Way It Was' and the nuclear explosions of the tested 'Miss Atomic Bomb'. After this band ended their epic encore with the title track of their latest and greatest album and raised the bar with an army of hits it was clear to see and hear that these boys really are 'Battle Born'. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

SOUNDTRACK REVIEW: DJANGO UNCHAINED

5/5

The 'D' Is Loud.

As singer/songwriter/comedian and actor Jamie Foxx rides through the Wild West with the wonderful Christophe Waltz to save his leading lady Kerry Washington from the classic craziness of Leonardo DiCaprio and Samuel L. Jackson, Quentin Tarantino really has crafted another classic with his genre whipping 'Django Unchained'. The only thing left to make this all complete is a soundtrack...and boy do we have one here that's truly off the chain.

With incredible interludes of Q.T.'S famous and favorite dialogue (even with some deleted scenes that didn't make the movies final cut, but avoid this albums cutting room floor) and some Spaghetti Western tasty genre joints this really is one of the top scoring, 'Music From The Motion Picture' releases in recent times. You'd have to go back to last years 'Lawless' to find an audio sign of the times more apt or fitting. This is Tarantino's best score since 'Pulp Fiction' and just like the film this OST follows Quentin's greatest with it's own claim for first place.

OK, the talented leading man/singer Jamie Foxx doesn't sing...that may have been a little too 'Wild, Wild West' (coincidentally Will Smith was originaly up for the leading role, before Foxx got it), but he does have his own theme and 'Django' really is one of the best. Harking back to the good, ole days of Western films like Tarantino's traditional opening credits. He even has his own epic, Clint Eastwood style stand down, draw moment in this movie which is punctuated perfectly by 'La Corsa (2nd Version)' by Luis Bacalov. A song that just like in the movie follows modern day soul legend Anthony Hamilton and Elayna Boynton's beautiful cry for 'Freedom'. It doesn't get much more epic than this with the two greatest pieces of music for one of the films greatest and moving moments.

Ennion Morricone's 'The Braying Mule' really rides us through the Wild West and straight to the saloon of past times. Whilst 'Lo Chiamavano King (His Name Is King)' by Bacalov is just movie music at it's moment making best. Jim Croce gives us a nice settled, montage break with 'I've Got A Name', writing beautifully and sounding like a young Elton John. That is before hip-hop comes into play for this modern day reworking of a classic...its only right. Rick Ross (with some co-writes from our movies co-star Foxx) gets deep and dark on the criminally good '100 Black Coffins'. Still it's the 'Unchained' melody and incredible, inspired blend of late legends Tupac Shakur and James Brown that gives this film it's perfect wild shootout music.

'I Giorni Dell'lra (Days Of Anger'), 'Nicaragua', 'Sister Sarah's Theme' and 'Ancora Qui' provide beautifully diverse, and wonderfully sitting background music to score the tempo of this film. Still soul star John Legend's 'Who Did That To You' really steps things up a notch in the movie and on the score. Mr. Stephens furthers his 'legend' with his best individual song in years vowing revenge on the fool that hurt Django's woman. "You better call the police/Call the coroner/Call up your priest/Have him warn ya" Legend warns as Foxx emerges from the smoke of dynamite for an explosive moment, made emphatic by this heated and hot track.

This really is the perfect music for Foxx's 'Django's' rise and redemption. Brother Dege gets real Western and upbeat with the poignant and yet proud 'Too Old To Die Young', while 'Un Monumento' and 'Titoli (Trinity)' are the perfect closers. As an added bonus what Tarantino, hip-hop inspired soundtrack would be the same without a RZA track? As the Wu-Tang, rapping and producing turned acting and directing (Q.T. recently debuted and co-singed the RZA's first martial arts flick)  legend closes the credits with a real rundown. Thus ends a classic film and it's perfect soundtrack. One that scores big on more than just being epic and great music. One score that really makes it's motion picture that bends the history that much more believable. Just like this movies modern take on a classic genre, this soundtrack has moments that you can't distinguish from the past and now and thus here lies a classic for today. TIM DAVID HARVEY.