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 Magazine finds the hottest new releases to put on your radar.

ALBUMS

Beanie Sigel and Freeway | ROC Boys (Siccness Records) 2.23.10
This collaborative album by Sigel and Freeway features artists such as DMX, Young Chris and State Property.

DJ Babu | The Beat Tape Volume 2 (Nature Sounds Records) 2.23.10
The Beat Tape Volume 2 is the second instrumental album in the Beat Tape series by DJ Babu.

DJ Khaled | Victory! (We the Best) 2.23.10
DJ Khaled’s fourth studio album feature artists such as Busta Rhymes, T-Pain, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Usher, Drake, John Legend, Nas, Jim Jones, Birdman and includes producers Kanye West, The Inkredibles, The Runners and DJ Nasty.

General Steele Presents Smif N Wessum | AmeriKKKa’s Nightmare Part 2: Children of War (Bucktown USA ENT) 2.23.10
Smif N Wessum’s second album in the AmeriKKKa’s Nightmare series celebrates black history by discussing the issues involving African Americans today. The album features artists Nicole Michelle, Dead Prez, Flood Diesel, Louie Skaggs, Hasaan Salaam, Akir, Hicoup and Madison Rocks.

Madlib (As the Last Electro-Acoustic Space Jazz and Percussion Ensemble) | Miles Away (Stones Throw Records) 2.23.10
Miles Away is the latest album from Madlib’s jazz fusion group the Last Electro Acoustic Space Jazz and Percussion Ensemble.

Planet Asia and Gold Chain Military | Chain of Command (RBC Records) 2.23.10
This rap group brings superb lyricism to independent hip hop with their album Chain of Command.

Rob Swift | The Architect (Ipecac Records) 2.23.10
Swift’s new album is a mixture of hip hop and classical music.

FILM

Cop Out | Starring Tracey Morgan, Bruce Willis, Adam Brody, Kevin Pollack, Guillermo Diaz (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Release Date: February 26, 2010
Director: Kevin Smith
Genre: Action/Adventure and Comedy
Two NYPD partners find themselves up against a merciless gangster when they trail a stolen, rare baseball card.

The Crazies | Starring Timothy Olyphant, Radha Mitchell, Danielle Panabaker, Joe Anderson, Joe Reegan (Overture Films)
Release Date: February 26, 2010
Director: Breck Eisner
Genre: Suspense/Horror, Thriller and Remake
A peaceful American town is terrorized when a dangerous toxin turns the people into vicious killers.

The Art of the Steal (IFC Films)
Release Date: February 26, 2010
Director: Don Argott
Genre: Documentary
Albert C Barnes created an enormous collection of priceless works of art, and after his death his students fight to keep the art in his home and out of the hands of money hungry corporations.

BOOKS

Big Girl by Danielle Steel (Random House Publishing)
Release Date: February 23, 2010
Danielle is blond and chubby and doesn’t fit in with her family. She moves away to New York to get away from her family’s criticism and takes a dream job while trying to come to terms with who she is.

Fantasy in Death by J.D. Robb (Penguin Group)
Release Date: February 23, 2010
In this latest release in the Lt. Eve Dallas series, Dallas investigates the murder of a computer game maker, whose death looks too much like one of his fantasy games.

25 Magazine lists the week’s hottest new releases to put on your radar.

ALBUMS: 

R.Kelly| Untitled (Jive Records) 12.01.09

R.Kelly ‘s 10^th studio album includes production by Darhyl “DJ” Camper, Lil Ronnie, Chris “Deep” Henderson, LOS Da Mystro, Jazze Pha, Infinity, Soulshock , Karlin, Willy Will, Jack Splash, GAZ, Eric Dawkins, Antonio Dixon, Berris Bolton, DeWayne Swan, Roy ‘Royalty’ Hamilton, Raphael Hamilton and R.Kelly. The Album features Keri Hilson, Rock City, OJ Da Jucieman, Tyrese, The-Dream, and Robin Thicke.   

Juvenile | Cocky and Confident (Atlantic Records) 12.01.09

After a three year hiatus, southern rapper Juvenile releases a new album that includes productions by Lu Balz, FATBOI, DJ Infamous and Juvenile. It features Featuring Shawty Lo, Dorrough, Kango Slim, B.G., Cape, B.G., Jay Da Menace, Rawsmoov, Mr. Meanor, Youngin, Q Corvette, Rico Love, Bobby Valentino and Pleasure P. 

 25 lists the week’s hottest new releases to put on your radar.

ALBUMS: 

Kid Sister | Ultraviolet (Downtown/Universal Republic) 11.17.09

Kid Sister’s debut ablum includes production by Steve Angello, Sebastian Ingrosso,Yuksek, Count, Sinden, Rusko, XXXChange, Brian Kennedy, DJ Gant-Man, and A-Trak. It features artists Estelle, Kanye West, Cee- Lo and DJ Gant-Man.  

Rakim | The Seventh Seal (Ra/G&E Trust/SMC Recordings/MB Recordings) 11.17.09

Rakim’s third solo studio album includes production by DJ Slyce, Needlz, Y-Not, Nottz, Samuel Christian, J.Wells, Lorenz, Jake One, Ty Fyffe, and Nick Wiz. It features artists Manio, Tracey Horton, I.Q., Samuel Christian, and Destiny Griffin.   

FILMS: 

The Twilight Saga: New Moon | Starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Greene, Michael Sheen, Dakota Fanning, and Nikki Reed (Summit Entertainment, LLC)

Release Date: November 20, 2009

Director: Chris Weitz

Genre: Action/Adventure, Thriller, Romance, Sequel, Adaptation

Bella Swan delves deeper into the mysteries of the supernatural world she yearns to become part of, only to find herself in greater peril than ever before. 

The Blind Slide | Starring Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron, Lily Collins, and Ray McKinnon (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Release Date: November 20, 2009

Director: John Lee Hancock

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Adaptation, Biopic and Sports

The remarkable true story of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American teenager from a broken home, taken in by  the Tuohys realizes his potential as a student and football player with help from his new-found family, tutors and coaches.  

Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans | Starring Nicolas Cage, Eva Mendes, Val Kilmer, Xzibit and Fairuza Balk (First Look Pictures)

Release Date: November 20, 2009

Director: Werner Herzog

Genre: Drama and Crime/Gangster

Nicolas Cage plays a rogue detective who is as devoted to his job as he is at scoring drugs — while playing fast and loose with the law. He wields his badge as often as he wields his gun in order to get his way. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina he becomes a high-functioning addict who is a deeply intuitive, fearless detective reigning over the beautiful ruins of New Orleans with authority and abandon.