25 reviews singles from Estelle, Lyfe Jennings, and Drake.

Estelle “Fall In Love”

Estelle’s “Fall in Love” off All of Me, her sophomore album due to release later this year, sounds similar to “American Boy” with the a similar beat. Nonetheless, it has the potential to be another hot summer jam. The upbeat nature of the song is just enough to stop you from pressing the ‘next’ button on your mp3.

Lyfe Jennings “Statistics”

“Fifteen percent of men got a complex… there’s a 50/50 chance that you’ll marry a coward,” is what singer Lyfe Jennings is proclaiming on his latest single. “Statistics” is from his upcoming album I Still Believe, to be released at the end of June. Speaking to the ladies, Lyfe is hitting hard on the issues of relationships and backing up his assertions with hardcore statistics. While some may cringe and grow uncomfortable with this track, others are taking notes.

Drake featuring Young Jeezy “Unforgettable”

Drake has leaked another track of his upcoming debut album Thank Me Later, this time with a sample from the late Aaliyah. Drake collaborates with Atlanta rapper Young Jeezy on “Unforgettable”. Both rappers want to fans to disregard the images presented by the paparazzi and remember them for their lyrics which, as they hope, are unforgettable. “And when you get to talking about the greatest, I just hope that that you think about me, you think of me, you think of me, ‘Cause I’m trying to be unforgettable.” Thank Me Later is set to release June 15 and from the tracks previously leaked, it appears the fans will be satisfied.

25 reviews singles from B.o.B, Mariah Carey, and Common.

B.o.B. ft.  Janelle Monae “The Kids”

With the world in turmoil, hatred dividing the people and violence overtaking the youth, Atlanta’s newest rapper B.o.B declares that the kids of this generation do not stand a chance in “The Kids.” The song comes from his debut album B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray. Janelle Monae graces the track with her strong vocals as she hit on the issue of the lack attention the children are receiving. While it may be something several people do not want to hear, this track speaks in volumes the steps that need to be taken to revive the youth in order for them to survive in the future.

Mariah Carey “Imperfect”

Proclaiming she is perfectly imperfect, Mariah Carey is appreciating her self-worth, flaws and all on the unreleased track “Imperfect”. The song is an anthem for all women to appreciate their own beauty and not the images of the models portrayed in the media. The track would have been a perfect for Carey’s last album Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel.

Common “Next Time”

Common collaborates with the talented Queen Latifah on his latest track “Next Time (Just Right)” off his upcoming project GO! Common Classics. The track couldn’t have been a better fit for their movie “Just Wright” which opened in theaters May 14, 2010. The track was released earlier this year and has been revived with new verses from the Chi-Town rapper and the Queen’s vocals on the re-done chorus. “Next Time” is a laid-back track that relates to the game of basketball.

–Letese Clark

25 reviews singles from Drake, Robin Thicke, and Monica.

Drake ft. The Dream “Shut it Down”

Drake is back to releasing hit after hit, but this time it is for his debut album Thank Me Later. Drake has teamed up with The Dream to create a song strictly for the ladies. With one particular female in mind, Drake actually sings and proclaims that she is shutting it down in every aspect of her life. The Dream’s verse could be stronger, as it mainly repeats the chorus. Nonetheless, this track gives off the same laid-back vibe as Drake’s “Night Off” and will be well received.

Robin Thicke ft. Estelle “Rollercosta” (video)

Robin Thicke collaborates with songstress Estelle on his third single “Rollercosta” off his latest album Sex Therapy: The Experience. Just as the title suggests, the song is about the ups and downs of love. Emphasis is placed on the rollercoaster of romance throughout the house party themed video. Thicke continues to prove that he can provide more than just a soulful sound on this track.

Monica “Mirrors”

Monica is stepping back and accepting her self-worth on the track “Mirror” off her recent album Still Standing. The mid-tempo beat adds that little something extra to the otherwise mellow track to keep the head bobbing. Monica is stating that when she looks at herself in the mirror she is no longer ashamed because she sees things clearer.

–Letese’ Clark

25 reviews singles from Rhymefest, Maino, and Jamie Foxx.

Rhymefest ft. Little Brother “How High” 

Chicago artist, Rhymefest, has released a new track “How High” after a drawn out absence on the music scene. This single features the North Carolina duo, Little Brother, and is produced by S1 and Caleb (of Soul Kontrollaz Production). Rhymefest and rapper Big Pooh and Phonte (of Little Brother) take an alternate approach to “how high”; instead of marijuana saturated lyrics, they profess the importance of overcoming obstacles and striving for excellence and positivity. The lyricism of Rhymfest and Big Pooh, smooth harmony of vocalist, Phonte, and the electric production culminate beautifully. It’s great to see lyrics of substance returning to hip-hop. Expect Rhymefest’s album El Che sometime this spring.

–Alex Freeman

Maino “Tiger Woods (Get ‘Em Tiger)”

Tiger Woods’ highly publicized affair with countless women has become the source of inspiration for Maino’s latest single, titled after the infamous cheater himself, “Tiger Woods”. The chorus proclaims, “Man I’m just a dog, I’d be faithful if I could….but I’m Tiger Woods.” Maino applies Tiger’s  incessant cheating habits to his life, describing the many woman around the world he has has relations with, all while having a woman at home. Nevertheless, listeners may feel their head bobbing as they listen to the track, even chuckling at the outrageously open talks of “side chicks” and “jump-offs”. This may be the aftermath of taking Young Money’s “Every Girl” a little too seriously.

–Alex Freeman

Jamie Foxx ft. Justin Timberlake “Winner”

R&B artist and comedian Jamie Foxx teams up with multi-talented Justin Timberlake on his latest track “Winner” off his upcoming fourth studio album. “I know they want me to fall, but ain’t nothing bigger than this” is what the two are implying as they profess throughout the song that they are winners despite their haters. It has not been released yet if this or “Speak French” ft. Gucci Mane will be the first single to introduce Foxx’s upcoming album.

–Letese Clark

25 reviews singles from Sammie, Lupe Fiasco, and Drake.

Sammie “Put It On Ya Tab”

“Put It On Ya Tab” is the 4th track from Sammie’s new EP, It’s Time and features R&B crooner Trey Songz. The song highlights Sammie’s nightlife experience, in which he buys ‘bad’ females unlimited drinks. Though the storyline is not the most complex, the song has a catchy beat and would be well received at any dance club. The song, much like a portion of the new EP, is more mature than some of his previous work and serves a reflection of his transition into the grown and sexy stage.

–Amber Ravenell

Lupe Fiasco “I’m Beaming”

The social activist and lyrically inclined Lupe Fiasco is back with his second single “I’m Beaming” off his upcoming album L.A.S.A.R.S. Fiasco produces another track to stimulate minds in addition to letting his doubters know that he is now beaming. When he states “And baby girl, what does it matter where your purse from? Your hair done, your nails did, your ass fat, but you’re dumb,” Fiasco is pressing the importance of education. The track being leaked made the rapper upset but he recently posted the link on his website www.lupefiasco.com. This track is only a sample of what the fans can expect of his upcoming album.

–Letese’ Clark

Drake “Zone”

Drake’s new single, “Zone” appeared on the Trending Topics mixtape by Evil Empire and is produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E League. On the track, Drake flaunts the lifestyle of a successful, money-making artist . The song features a mix of a jazz horns and piano creating a sound reminiscent to smooth elevator music. In the first verse Drake raps, “I got a revolutionary flow, in every scenario,” and continues in the chorus with “I’m up too high somebody come get me down down, down down.” Drake continues to convey his status as becoming one of the best rappers in the game.

–Amber Ravenell

Robin Thicke features vixen Nicki Minaj for a different sound on his second single, “Shakin’ It for Daddy.”

Thicke steps away from his trademark soulful sound approaching his second single “Shakin’ It for Daddy” with more a hip hop, club appropriate vibe. The song off his third studio album, Sex Therapy: The Experience features Young Money vixen Nicki Minaj. The catchy chorus “she is shakin’ it for daddy, she is shakin’ it me” and quick tempo leaves listeners with no choice but to start bouncing as soon as the beat drops. In the words of Minaj, the potential party hit may have you wanting “more, more, more.”

–Letese Clark

Nas remixes “Help Somebody,” off of Maxwell’s fourth studio album, BLACKsummers’night.

The ever-conscious Nas remixes “Help Somebody,” off of soulful R&B crooner Maxwell’s fourth studio album, BLACKsummers’night. The track mixes guitar riffs, powerful lyrics and Maxwell’s signature falsetto. Nas challenges listeners to address issues of immigration, global poverty and unemployment over a busy horn section, rapping; “I pray to god that new plan unfolds/ I gotta say it and it goes /I started in the projects now look what I accomplished/ to say nobody helped me, is nonsense.” With the prevailing lyrics and captivating band sound, its no surprise that Maxwell’s BLACKsummers’night has garnered six Grammy noms.

–Letese Clark

25 Magazine reviews Chris Brown’s video for “Crawl.”

Crawling back up the charts is Chris Brown with his second single “Crawl” of his forthcoming album, Graffiti. The video features Cassie as his love interest whom he is trying to restore love with.  The cold breaths, sounds of thumping hearts, and Brown’s signature dancing were extra elements that boosted the creative edge of the video.  As he watches her from a distance, walks through a crowd of people and into her limousine, some question if the video as well as the song is offering another apology to songstress Rihanna.

-Letese` Clark

25 reviews Mario’s “Thinkin’ About You”

Mario introduces “Thinkin’ About You”, the second single off his fourth studio album, D.N.A. It has a percussive, yet smooth vibe that will be sure make it a club hit. Intrigued by one particular female, Mario just cannot seem pull his thoughts away from her and makes it clear that he wants her to stay with him. Though not lyrically complex, “Thinkin’ About You” is still a solid song that will draw listeners to experience the rest of his new album.

–Letese` Clark

Ryan Leslie introduces the first single “You’re Not My Girl” off his forthcoming sophomore album, Transition, with a vibe that gets fellas nodding heads both to the beat and in agreement, instantly bringing about a two-step. “You could call my phone, you could swing over my way…just remember that you’re not my girl.” A montage of several musical creations such as Lloyd’s “All Around the World” and Jamie Fox’s “Digital Girl,” the video paints a colorful canvas with vibrant lights and lasers. The group of women flocking around him confirms that he is not interested in a sole lady.

–Letese’ Clark

Watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJkpxxs-BhM