Big KRIT / Joe Budden

I don't really have time for a full analysis review, bu you may want to check the new Big KRIT and the new Joe Budden Albums.

BIG KRIT, Lost Generation, That track with Lupe, the hook is better than some verses you'll hear from some great rappers. BIG KRIT has thrown his hat in the ring for major label album of the year. Def Jam is having a good qtr with KRIT and Logic. Cadillactica is solid from beginning to end.


If you a fan of Love and hip hop check that new Joe Budden album, its a big update. If you just broke up or not over some one you may want to wait, its very introspective and emo, not in a drake way, but still it'll make you think. But its beast lyrically. Check for it

@slin_k_polymath

They Don't Dance No More? Why?

Lets talk music for a second; the art, culture, expression and inspiration of it. Is it me or are young people no longer appreciative or in tune with music unless they have heard it before, and it has to be something they discovered? What happened to catching the beat and just continuing to party? Where are the real dancers? You all are severely limiting the artistry and innovation of dj’s, and forcing them to create the same party experience, the same party list, regardless of age, theme, event, etc.; then they blame it all on the dj, promoter or the artist for not making good music. Or they blame it on getting old. Age has nothing to do with it, lets just call it you’re lame and / or subconsciously bored of the same routine of music but won’t admit and you don’t want to learn anything new. And in your all knowing, youthful ignorant wisdom, you believe you know it all and can’t admit that don’t know how to listen to music or when. Yes, there is some music that you have to learn how to listen to it, and what to listen for in order to appreciate and some that fits certain setting and times. Lets also just admit that you may not know how to dance, you know how to shake, wiggle and wine, but you can’t move your feet, and if you have to dance arms length apart and look someone in the face, it’s borderline mission impossible for you.  You have mastered the art of dancing on the wall and looking at your phone. And the art of bouncing back and forth and jumping around similar to a mosh pit, I guess Goodie Mobs song and video, “They don’t dance no mo” was spot on.

One of the few positive stereotypes about Africanized people is that we all supposedly have rhythm and can dance well, or can dance to anything; and that used to seem true. But now it seems we’re severely limited on the dance floor to the same, lets say 100songs that are played with little variation at every party from middle school into your 30’s and right through the rest of your lives.  Ad apparently our stamina for dancing no longer exist, you ever heard those stories of your parents dancing all night long. At the modern party 3 songs  in a row is a push, if they dance the whole song.  And he further you go back, the harder they danced, their dances used to be a work out, and the songs were long as heck. We can’t dance because we’re out of practice? Are we just too prissy to dance and don’t want to sweat? Have we turned the party into a fashion show, and we just want to go to be seen and rip the runway, is this why we cant dance, we have no intention of doing so? Has dancing become something you watch, more so than do? Breakdancing the official dancing of hip hop has largely become spectator sport, so much to the fact most people don’t even pretend they know how to do it, you either know how to do it or not. I mean think about the number of dance shows on tv, have we turned dance into spectator competition only? Is it not something we do to have a good time anymore? Most of us are not trained, flexible, strong, athletic enough to do the splits, spins and lifts and hold of break dancing or swing; like we see on tv, understandable. But why is it we no longer even do the simple two- step and other couples dances associated soul, or R&B music?  Allow me to cross market for a minute, in my student organization workshops, I speak against college student organizations having parties. It’s not that Im against partying or dancing, its that for many student organizations that are supposed to be cultural, political or historical organizations, the type of music, dancing and dressing that would be seen at that party would be a blemish on the positive that they claim to stand for, and would not be a good look. For most students they see sexualized debauchery as fun, there is not going to be any learning or practicing of their culture, or getting in touch with their ancestors experience. What we consider a successful party in college and what it will take for people to come to that party is not R&B, jazz, stepping or footwork.

It’s a shame because we’re loosing our culture and we’re not even recreating a new one and taking it to a higher level. As, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson stated, “ the beauty and genius of African Culture, is its repetitiveness, each round always goes higher”, rather than this new simplifying and watering down. What happened to our ability to adapt and create, rather than just settle in on what we’re comfortable with? Lets get back to owning the dance floor.

Slin_K

@Slin_k_polymath on twitter

B.o.B. Leela James, Buckshot and Trey Songz

B.o.B. - No Genre 2

The No genre mixtape is exactly what I like about B.o.B., it’s a clinic in creativity and versatility, proving that he can make dope music rather it be street, party or pop and that he can’t be put into any kind of box, and that he can hold his own with anyone, by himself, with young hungry cats or top notch headliners.  It’s a free album in my opinion and one of the best releases of the year, I like every song on the project and could listen to it multiple time on repeat, it’s dope music.  I’m a huge fan of the songs Lambo ft. Kevin Gates and Jake Lambo, Chosen ft. T.I. and Spodee. I can’t say I truly dislike any of the songs, but I’ll say the lower points of the album for me are Get Right ft Mike Fresh and So What ft. Milla J, I just didn’t feel like they were the same quality, but they served a purpose in adding to the versatility of the project so no biggie.

The B.o.B. - No Genre 2 is a free album essentially. I highly recommend it . You may want to down load that ASAP from www.datpiff.com/BoB-No-Genre-2-mixtape

 BOB NO GENRE 2

Leela James - Fall For You

Fall for You is a dose of good, soulful, traditional R&B; no hip hop features, the artist isn’t trying to rap, no dance cuts, no attempts at crossover, just pure R&B. It’s a vocal performance album, made for the stage; no gimmicks, tricks, auto tune, production that overpowers or over shadows the vocals/lyrics. The production is complimentary and will be perfect with a live band for a live performance. It won’t be confused for anything else. The production is strong, warm and upbeat. There’s various subjects that every one can relate to and something for everybody and any mood. Honestly I like all of the songs on the album, but I really dig Say What ft Anthony Hamilton, Who’s Gonna Love, Set Me Free, and Do Me Right.  I’m not a huge fan of Leela doing sensual songs, I feel she doesn’t have the voice for it and that she holds back on those types of songs so that she doesn’t become to explicit, erotic or overly sexual; sadly its what we’ve come to expect from theses types of songs, but she doesn’t even deliver by slyly/ creative talking about it either. She has a strong, aggressive, weighty, husky voice; I haven’t heard her with the intonation to pull off and make a sensual sultry song work. That being said Im not much a fan of Give It.

I give the Leela James Fall For You album, 4  1/2out of 6 stars, I think it will be one of the best R&B albums of the year, and will stand the test of time, you’ll be able to jam to it years from now

Buckshot & P-Money - Back Pack Travels  

Back Pack Travels is a throwback album from a fargone era. Its full of simple, grimy gritty, beats street and cypher beats like you heard from the late 80’s to the middle 90’s Its borderline a complaint album, full of this how we use to do it, here’s what wrong with the game, things done changed for the worst, the old school / under ground emcees will still rap circles around some of you young cat narratives Its throwback and restores the feeling, but Buckshot is past his prime and below his average on this one. The flow is still he same, the style and intensity of his delivery are still he same, but the impact is drastically different, it’s not mind blowing or even really rewind worthy. I liked Crown, which is the intro and We In Here ft. David Dallas.  I can’t really say I disliked any of the songs, but more so was unmoved by the other songs, indifferent and mostly not entertained or intrigued, it was a hard listen for me, but I gave it a respectful listen due to it being Buckshot. Even the features didn’t impress.

Because I was mostly unmoved, I suppose I’d have to Give the album a rating of 3 out of 6 stars. Just because I don’ really have a desire to listen to it again and I wouldn’t have been upset if I hadn’t heard it. I’m not sure if I would recommend it to anyone. Its not garbage, just bland.

Trey Songz - Trigga

Trey Songz album is better than expected and better than the last few pieces of crap he dropped, but It's still missing something. That something is the soul of Bryan Michael Cox. The two are made for each other. The album is missing the deeply emotional, hard to write, hard to sing ballad that makes women swoon and dudes dig deep to imitate the words. I appreciate his wishes to get laid, but he’s no longer making music that sets the mood. It’s more right on front street like a rapper, “ this is what’s up, you down or what. If not ill replace you.” Instead of the deep romantic and erotic metaphors, he’s a lot more vulgar. He’s no longer charming the pants off women and helping you do it too, no longer a gentleman, now he’s more of playa and concerned with stealing your girl and cheating on his. The majority of the album is made for the club; partying, wild scenarios, spending money, sex, drinking, lavish lifestyles and travels and the beats match that scene. The songs I’m most fond of are Cake, I know, Na NA, and Smartphones; they are each a combination of his new direction and the type of music that initially drew most people into him, its as close as you can get to his old stuff without being stagnant. I don’t have too many songs I don’t like but I feel like the subject matter is repetitive and are too much like the song Foreign. Decent album tho. I don’t hate or love it, but I’ll give it a strong 3  1/2 out of 6 stars, because there are only a few songs I’d like to hear again, and none that I have to hear or would listen to on repeat, possibly one that I’d put on a slow jam tape, and I’d only recommend the album to a true Trey Songz fanatic.

Slin-K

@slin_K_polymath on Twitter

George Tandy Jr

Ok full disclosure as a professional music and album reviewer, I usually stray away from giving my opinion and reviewing work by people I even remotely know, because I have an emotional investment in that persons success and its awkward and I find it hard to be bluntly honest if I have any negative comments.

However, if you haven't heard Mr George Tandy Jr.'s song March. Get to it. I knew the cat was special when he use to perform at poetry spots I frequented and he turned FAU out a few times when we invited hm to perform at events, and now he's taking it to new levels and growing in his craft. 
Everybody take time and check this out, remember the name . Peace!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn2aEXiisGc

Best ( and Worse) of 2013.

The number 13 is considered an unlucky number by many. It’s a number of chaos in numerology. 13 symbolizes tests and suffering, and there was no better way to explain the music business better than the above definitions. It was quite chaotic and somewhat unlucky for the listeners and consumers of the culture. It was an up and down year, with more downs than up than ups. It was definite a sellers market, full of disappointment and let down’s. Many of the standout and superlatives of this year would have been average offerings in any other year. But hey, music business is cyclical.

The Marquee names dropped albums that aren’t even in contention for best of the year. Lil Wayne was extra quiet and had next to no impact this year. Drake dropped an album that was average at its very best. Jay-Z whirlwind in, arresting everyone’s attention during the NBA Finals, hyping us up with Samsung commercials of studio sessions Rick Rubin, Swizz Beats, Timbaland and Pharrell all in one room, which arrested our imagination and made our mouths water as we imagined what this surprise album would sound like. The bar was set extremely high and so were expectations.  The story around the album will be the most memorable part of it however, with the album being first available to Samsung customers, it presented innovative new ways of doing business, marketing and promotion. It rewrote the rules. The music it self didn’t stand up to that hype. It was majority Timbaland production and not what we were expecting when it all boiled down. As quick as came in, it slowly fizzled out like a Powerpoint transition to the next slide.

Kanye dropped without a doubt this years most controversial album, some called it classic (we’re still questioning these peoples credentials, and hearing), most called it wack, confusing, etc. It’s definitely a transition album because he will be judged from this moment on in his career by this album. His career is now before Yeezus ( BY) and after Yeezus (AY).

Eminem returned to prominence, dropping this years most lyrically entertaining offering, but even it was a little disappointing. It was lyrically entertaining, but the production was not as expected. It didn’t jam, have any Dr. Dre production, or the creativity of the sound of the original Marshall Mathers LP. But it did recapture the feel of the first, the songs just felt like songs that wouldn't have made the cut on the first album. It’s lyrically as crazy, witty, shocking, playful, and comical as ever.  Skills and techniques were all in place too. But it’s a listen for an engaged listener, its not a lazy listen album, but the lack of production dampered the feel good mood.

It was that type of year across the board however, if music was a stock lyrics were definitely up. Production, song making, and total project values were down or stagnant this year, as the year went by with not one classic or even near classic. Every project was only relative to this year,(good for this year, bad this year), nothing timeless.

The year truly belonged to the artist on the rise and the expectant stars of tomorrow. As J. Cole, Wale, KRIT, Jaren Benton and Hopsin had the some of the years best servings, as they ushered in the potential changing of the guard.

Trap Music continued making noise, but noticeably less attention was paid to it as fans seem to be transitioning to something else. What that something else is, is still undetermined as of yet. But Yo Gotti, Starlito & Don Trip, and French Montana all dropped better project than expected and held it down for the trap. But 2 Chainz was a lot quieter than expected.

Kendrick Lamar had the moments of the year, as he almost broke the internet with his Control verse. He had people discussing it on radio, blogs, and social media and everyone was comparing the responses. None which were better than the first response by Joell Ortiz. However Mickey Factz, Joe Budden and Grafh had stellar responses too. Kendrick had us all under his control and tethered to the internet for at least a week, anticipating and waiting for responses, or interviews. Then as that was dying down, he did it again as he completely saved and made the BET Hip hop awards with his cypher verse.  But not to be completely out done, Kanye had us running to the internet to see video footage and tweets as he battled Brandy’s brother, spazzed out on Jimmy Kimmel, and then spazzed out on Sway Calloway, and his numerous other rants and statements in 2013.

And blame it on the internet, or this generations lack of attention span, and artist constant need to be relevant, but more so than ever it was a year of multiple projects. A number of established and upcoming artist had multiple mixtapes, multiple full length albums or combinations of both ( Jeezy, Talib Kweli, Kevin Gates, Mac Miller, Jean Grae, Starlito, K-Rino, Pusha T, Action Bronson, Alchemist, Chance the Rapper, Freddie Gibbs etc. ).  It almost seems as if the days of dropping one project are gone. You now seem to need one at the top of the year and another near the end or middle of the year to stay on people radar. 

Surprise / unannounced albums were a big thing also. No marketing or short notice marketing is the new thing apparently.

We waited on Andre 3000 to release an album, and for Dr. Dre to release Detox, neither happened. But Cochella announced an Outkast reunion as its headliner, so lets hope it inspires and puts Dre back in a creative space and it results in the solo album, or an Outkast album or both. But we wont be greedy.

Papoose declared war on Kanye, Big Sean, and Kendrick, dissing them whenever he could and to anyone willing to listen. He also declared war on the industry, especially New York radio for not suppoting NY artist and playing too much down south music. Trinidad James beefed with all of NY by piling on to the discussion about NY radio not supporting its artist and the South running nation wide media. Meek Mills continuously beefed and got served by Cassidy.

The musical heat was found mainly in the mixtapes, independents and underground, proving year after year that if you searched for it good music was available to be found.

That’s a quick a summary, before we get to the list let me give a shout out to my cafeteria crew, anybody I ever debate music with, rather that be random person in the airport, various people at a conferences, or my main contributor, collaborator, and debate partner, my boy Doc J.

I know I didn’t do a lot of reviews in 2013, Ill try to do better in 2014, so you don’t get just the list at the end.

Well Lets start the debate right now. The Album of the Year, for 2013

 Talib Kweli - Gravitas. 

My Opinion, My Perspective. I stand by the list, prepare for the debate. I welcome it. Check into some of the music you didn’t hear, enjoy the list.

Overall Best Albums

1.   Talib Kweli - Gravitas

2.   Jon Connor - Unconcious State

3.   J Cole – Born Sinner

4.   Skyzoo & Antman Wonder - An Ode to Reasonable Doubt

5.   Jerron Benton – My Grandmas Basement

6.   Robert Glasper - Black Radio 2

7.   B.o.B - Underground Luxury

8.   Janelle Monae - The Electric Lady

9.   Cocaine 80’s - Flower of Life

10.  Ryan Leslie - Black Mozart

Top 20 Mainstream Hiphop Albums

1.            J Cole – Born Sinner

2.            B.o.B - Underground Luxury

3.            Eminem - Marshall Mathers LP 2

4.            Ryan Leslie - Black Mozart

5.            Wale – Gifted

6.            Yo Gotti - I am

7.            Big Sean – Hall of Fame

8.            French Montana – Excuse My French

9.            Bun-B - Trill OG Epilogue

10.                 Jay-Z – Magna Carta Holy Grail

11.                 Tinie Tempah - Demonstration

12.                 DJ Kay Slay - Grown Man Hip Hop pt.2

13.                 Pusha T - My Name is my Name

14.                 Pitbull - Global Warming

15.                 A$AP Rocky - Long Live A$AP

16.                 2 Chainz - B.O.A.T.S. II ….. Me Time

17.                 Webbie - Savage Life 4

18.                 Dj Khaled - Suffering from Success

19.                 MMG - Self Made 3

20.                 Nelly - M.O.

Top 40 Indie / Underground Albums

1.            Talib Kweli - Gravitas

2.            Jon Connor - Unconcious State

3.            Skyzoo & Antman Wonder - An Ode to Reasonable Doubt

4.            Jerron Benton – My Grandmas Basement

5.            CES Cru - Constant Energy Struggles

6.            R.A. Rugged Man – Legends Never Die

7.            Stevie Stone – 2 Birds 1 Stone

8.            Tony Touch – Piecemaker 3

9.            Hopsin - Knock Madness

10.                 Ransom & Statik Skeltah - The Proposal

11.                 Black Milk - No Poison No Paradise

12.                 Big Pooh - Fat Boy Fresh 3, Happy Birthday Thomas

13.                 Ill Bill - Howie Made Me Do It 3

14.                 ! Mayday! - Believers

15.                 Shawn Chrystopher - The Love Story LP

16.                 Demigodz - Killmatic

17.                 Snow Goons - Black Snow 2

18.                 K- Rino – The Maven

19.                 Sean Price & M-Phazes - Land of The Crooks

20.                 Termanology - G.O.Y.A

21.                 Jean Grae – Dust Ruffle

22.                 Stevie Crooks - Born on Olympus

23.                 Ugly Heroes -  Ugly Heroes

24.                 Troy Ave - New York City the Album

25.                 Erk Tha Jerk - Long Nights, Short Days

26.                 Ca$his - The County Hound 2

27.                 Styles P - Float

28.                 Tech N9ne – Something ELse

29.                 Killer Mike & El-P – Run The Jewels

30.                 Starlito - Cold Turkey

31.                 Madchild - Lawn Mower Man

32.                 Joe Budden – No Love lost

33.                 Jean Grae - Gotham Down

34.                 The Alchemist - The Cutting Room Floor 3

35.                 Chinx Drugz - Ill Take It from Here

36.                 K-Rino - Plantation Rebellion

37.                 Action Bronson – SAAB Story

38.                 Stat Quo & Bobby Creekwater - FUPM Is the Future

39.                 PMD & Sean Strange - Welcome to the Goondox

40.                 Durag Dynasty – 360 Waves

Best Male R&B / Alternative (Top 20)

1.             Robert Glasper - Black Radio 2

2.            Raheem Devaugn -  A place called Loveland

3.              John Legend – Love in the Future

4.              TGT- 3 Kings

5.               Salaam Remi - One : in the Chamber

6.              Aloe Blacc - Lift Your Spirit

7.               Best Man Holiday Soundtrack

8.        Earth, Wind &Fire - Now, Then & Forever

9.        Donell Jones – Forever

10.        Glenn Lewis - Moment of Truth

11.        Sam London - The Introduction

12.        Joe –Double Back : Evolution of R&B

13.        Lyfe Jennings  - Lucid

14.        Mayer Hawthorne – Where Does This Door Go

15.        Charlie Wilson – Love, Charlie

16.        Jaheim – Appreciation Day

17.        Avant - Face The Music

18.        Sean Kingston - Back 2 Life

19.        Mack Wilds - New York : A love Story

20.        K-Ci & JoJo - My Brothers Keeper

Top 20 Female R&B / Alternative  Album

1.             Janelle Monae - The Electric Lady

2.       Arian Grande – Yours Truly

3.             Amel Larrieux - Ice Cream Everyday

4.             India Arie – Songversation

5.            Chante Moore -  Moore is More

6.             Dessa - Parts of SPeech

7.            Syleena Johnson & Musiq Soul Child - 9ine

8.            Beyonce - Beyonce

9.            Fantasia – Side Effects of You

10.        Melinda Doolittle - You’re the Reason

11.        Sevyn Streeter - Call me crazy but….

12.        K. Michelle – Rebellious Soul

13.        Chrisette Michelle – Better

14.        Allie - Strange Creature

15.        Jessie J - Alive

16.        Tamar Braxton - Love and War

17.        Lorde - Pure Heroine

18.        Skylar Grey - Don’t Look Down

19.        Jhene Aiko - Sail Out

20.        Ntjam Rosie - At the Back of Beyond

Top 40 Mix tapes

1.            Big KRIT – K.R.I.T

2.            Add - 2 & Khrysis - Between Heaven & Hell

3.            Flatbush Zombies - Better Off Dead

4.            Oddisee - Tangible Dream

5.            Starlito & Don Trip - Step Brothers 2

6.            J Cole – Truly Yours 1&2

7.            The Game - O.K.E

8.            Termanology – Hood Politics 7

9.            Serial Killers - Serial Killers vol.1

10.                 Emilio Rojas – No shame, No Regrets

11.                 The Underachievers - Indigoism

12.                 Redman - Redman Remixxes

13.                 Asher Roth – The Greenhouse Effect vol. 2

14.                 Camron -  Ghetto Heaven

15.                 Stevie Crooks - Cashmere Killer

16.                 Fabolous - The Soul Tape 3

17.                 Starlito - Funerals and Court Dates

18.                 R-Mean - Far From Heaven

19.                 The Underachievers - Lords of Flatbush

20.                 Papoose - Hoodie Season

21.                 Smoke Dza – Ringside

22.                 Lloyd Banks - FNO

23.                 Kevin Gates - Stranger Than Fiction

24.                 Dusty McFly - B & B 2

25.                 Fat Joe - The Darkside 3

26.                 Vado – Slime Flu 4

27.                 Lola Monroe - Lipstick & Pistol

28.                 Stichiz - Stichzophrenics Music

29.                 King Chip - 44108

30.                 Dee - 1 - Psalms of David 2

31.                 Lecrae - Church Clothes 2

32.                 Logic - Young Sinatra : Welcome to Forever

33.                 Rapsody – She Got Game

34.                 Nipsey Hussle - Crenshaw

35.                 Yo Gotti - Nov 19th The Mixtape

36.                 Action Bronson - Blue Chips 2

37.                 Machine Gun Kelly  - Black Flag

38.                 Pusha T – Wrath of Caine

39.                 Troy Ave - White Christmas 2

40.                 Chance The Rapper – Acid Rap

41.                 Kevin Gates - The Luca Brasi Story (notable mention)

Top 20 EP’s

1.            Cocaine 80’s “The Flower Of Life EP”  

2.            Chris Webby - Homegrown

3.            Sean Price & M-Phazes “Land Of the Crooks EP”

4.            Madlib & Freddie Gibbs “Deeper EP”

5.            Alchemist - SSUR EP

6.            The Lox - The Trinity (EP)

7.            ” Kid Ink “Almost Home EP”

8.            MED, Blu, Madlib, & Mayer Hawthrone “The Buzz EP”

9.            Twista - Back to the Basics EP

10.                 Sammy Adams - Homecoming

11.                  Chance The Rapper “Good Enough/Back To School” (      double EP)

12.                 Curren$y & Smoke DZA “The Stage EP 

13.                 Sevyn Streeter “Call Me Crazy, But…EP” 

14.                 Jhene Aiko “Sail Out EP”

15.                 Willie the Kid & Alchemist - Masterpiece Theatre Ep

16.                 Smif n Wessun - Born and Raised

17.                 August Alsina “Downtown: Life Under The Gun [Deluxe    EP]”

18.                 Alexandra Burke - #NewRules

19.                 Allie “Strange Creature (EP Suite)”

20.                 Problem - Understand Me Ep

Top 15 Most Dissapointing Cd’s

1.            Kanye – Yeezus

2.            Jay - Z - Magna Carta

3.            Magna Carta – Holy Grail

4.            R.Kelly - Black Panties

5.            Lil Wayne -  I am not a Human Being II

6.            Kid  Cudi – Indicud

7.            Mac Miller – Watching Movies with the sound off

8.            A$AP Ferg – Trap Lord

9.            Earl Sweatshirt - Doris

10.                 Goodie Mob - Age Against the Machine

11.                 Crooked I - Apex Predator

12.                 LL Cool J - Authentic

13.                 Pusha T - My Name is my Name

14.                 Big Sean - Hall Of Fame

15.                 Drake - Nothing was the Same

Top 5 Rookies of the year

1 – Ariana Grande

2 – Kid Ink

3 – French Montana

4 – Chance The Rapper

5 – ASAP Ferg

Top Producers

1 – Mill Will Made It

2 – DJ Mustard

3 – Timbaland

4 – Pharrell Williams

5 – Alchemist

MAINSTREAM’S ON-DECK/NEXT UP IN 2014 (Sweet 16):

1 – Jhene Aiko

2 – Sevyn Streeter

3 – August Alsina

4 – Schoolboy Q

5 – Rico Love

6 – Troy Ave

7 – Bridget Kelly

8 – Ty Dolla $ign

9 – Action Bronson

10 – Logic

11 –Starlito

12 – Joey Bada$$

13 – Sage The Gemini

14 – Dee-1

15 – Dom Kennedy

16 – Isiah Rashad

Plaques : Singles and Albums

FIRST-WEEK URBAN CD SALES RANKING (TOP 40):

1 – Justin Timberlake “The 20/20 Experience” (968,000+ sold 1^st week)

2 – Eminem “Marshall Mathers LP 2” (792,500+ sold 1^st week)

3 – Drake “Nothing Was The Same” (658,000+ sold 1^st week)

4 – Beyonce “Beyonce” (617,300+ sold 1^st week)

5 – Jay Z “Magna Carta, Holy Grail” (528,500+ sold 1^st week)

6 - Justin Timberlake “The 20/20 Experience 2 of 2” (349,800+ sold 1^st week)

7 – Kanye West “Yeezus” (326,900+ sold 1^st week)

8 – J. Cole “Born Sinner” (296,700+ sold 1^st week)

9 – Miley Cyrus “Bangerz” (270,400+ sold 1^st week)

10 – Lil Wayne “I Am Not A Human Being II” (217,000+ sold 1^st week)

11 – Robin Thicke “Blurred Lines” (176,600+ sold 1^st week)

12 – A$AP Rocky “Long.Live.A$AP” (138,500+ sold 1^st week)

13 – Ariana Grande “Yours Truly” (137,600+ sold 1^st week)

14 – Kid Cudi “Indicud” (135,600+ sold 1^st week)

15 – R. Kelly “Black Panties” (133,500+ sold 1^st week)

16 – Lorde “Pure Heroine” (128,900+ sold 1^st week)

17 – Tamar Braxton “Love And War” (114,300+ sold 1^st week)

18 – Mac Miller “Watching Movies With The Sound Off” (101,600+ sold 1^st week)

19 – Childish Gambino “Because The Internet” (96,000+ sold 1^st week)

20 – Tyler The Creator “Wolf” (89,000+ sold 1^st week)

21 – Pusha T “My Name Is My Name” (74,000+ sold 1^st week)

22 – Big Sean “Hall Of Fame” (72,000+ sold 1^st week)

23 – K. Michelle “Rebellious Soul” (71,900+ sold 1^st week)

24 – Juicy J “Stay Trippy” (64,000+ sold 1^st week)

25 – 2 Chainz “B.O.A.T.S. II #MeTime” (63,700+ sold 1s week)

26 – Tech N9ne “Something Else” (58,000+ sold 1^st week)

27 – Ciara “Ciara” (58,000+ sold 1^st week)

28 – Jaheim “Appreciation Day” (57,800+ sold 1^st week)

29 – French Montana “Excuse My French” (56,000+ sold 1^st week)

30 – MMG “MMG Presents: Self Made Vol. 3” (49,800+ sold 1^st week)

31 – Earl Sweatshirt “Doris” (49,000+ sold 1^st week)

32 – Yo Gotti “I Am” (48,000+ sold 1^st week)

33 – Janelle Monae “The Electric Lady” (47,000+ sold 1^st week)

34 – Ace Hood “Trials & Tribulations” (37,000+ sold 1^st week)

35 – B.o.B. “Underground Luxury” (35,100+ sold 1^st week)

36 – Jhene Aiko “Sail Out EP” (34,000+ sold 1^st week)

37 – Linkin Park “Recharged” (33,000+ sold 1^st week)

38 – A$AP Ferg “Trap Lord” (32,000+ sold 1^st week)

39 – Joe Budden “No Love Lost” (31,000+ sold 1^st week)

40 – Will.I.Am “#willpower” (29,000+ sold 1^st week)

TOP URBAN SELLERS:

[CERTIFIED ALBUMS THAT PLAQUED]

 Daft Punk “Random Access Memory” (3x PLATINUM)

Justin Timberlake “20/20 Experience” (2x PLATINUM)

Jay Z “Magna Carta, Holy Grail” (2x PLATINUM)

Eminem “The Marshall Mathers LP 2” (1.5x PLATINUM)

Beyonce “Beyonce” (1x PLATINUM)

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis “The Heist” (1x PLATINUM)

Drake “Nothing Was The Same” (1x PLATINUM)

Kendrick Lamar “Good Kid, m.A.A.d. City” (1x PLATINUM)

Rihanna “Unapologetic” (1x PLATINUM)

Justin Timberlake “20/20 Experience Pt. 2” (1x PLATINUM)

Kanye West “YEEZUS” (GOLD)

J. Cole “Born Sinner” (GOLD)

Robin Thicke “Blurred Lines” (GOLD)

Katy Perry “PRISM” (GOLD)

Miley Cyrus “Bangerz” (GOLD)

Lil Wayne “I Am Not A Human Being II” (GOLD)

Lorde “Pure Heroine” (GOLD)

TI “Trouble Man: Heavy Is The Head” (GOLD)

[CERTIFIED SINGLES THAT PLAQUED]

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis “Thrift Shop” (7x PLATINUM)

Robin Thicke/TI/Pharrell “Blurred Lines” (6.5x PLATINUM)

Imagine Dragons “Radioactive” (5.5x PLATINUM)

Florida Georgia Line/Nelly “Cruise” (4.5x PLATINUM)

Katy Perry “Roar” (4x PLATINUM)

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis “Can’t Hold Us” (4x PLATINUM)

Bruno Mars “When I Was Your Man” (4x PLATINUM)

Rhianna/Mikky Ekko “Stay” (3.5x PLATINUM)

Avicii/Aloe Blacc “Wake Me Up” (3.5x PLATINUM)

Daft Punk/Pharrell Williams “Get Lucky” (3x PLATINUM)

Justin Timberlake “Mirrors” (3x PLATINUM)

Lorde “Royals” (3x PLATINUM)

Miley Cyrus “We Can’t Stop” (2.5x PLATINUM)

Miley Cyrus “Wrecking Ball” (2.5x PLATINUM)

Justin Timberlake/ Jay Z “Suit & Tie” (2.5x PLATINUM)

Jay Z/Justin Timberlake “Holy Grail” (2.5x PLATINUM)

Will.I.am/Britney Spears “Scream & Shout” (2x PLATINUM)

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis “Same Love” (2x PLATINUM)

Ariana Grande/Mac Miller “The Way” (2x PLATINUM)

Drake “Started From The Bottom” (2x PLATINUM)

Bruno Mars “Treasure” (2x PLATINUM)

Eminem/Rihanna “The Monster” (2x PLATINUM)

Lil Wayne/Drake/Future  “Bitches Love Me” (2x PLATINUM)

Bruno Mars “Locked Out Of Heaven” (2x PLATINUM)

Pitbull/Christina Aguilera “Feel This Moment” (2x PLATINUM)

Lil Wayne/Drake “She Will” (2x PLATINUM)

Pitbull/Ke$ha “Timber” (1.5x PLATINUM)

Mariah Carey/Miguel “#Beautiful” (1.5x PLATINUM)

Lana Del Rey “Summertime Sadness” (1x PLATINUM)

J. Cole/Miguel  “Power Trip” (1x PLATINUM)

Drake “Hold On, We’re Going Home” (1x PLATINUM)

Pitbull/TJR “Don’t Stop The Party” (1x PLATINUM)

Jason Derulo – “The Otherside” (1x PLATINUM)

Eminem “Berzerk” (1x PLATINUM)

Sage The Gemini/iAmSu! “Gas Pedal” (1x PLATINUM)

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis/Schoolboy Q “White Walls” (1x PLATINUM)

Lil Wayne/2 Chainz “Rich As Fuck” (1x PLATINUM)

Wale/Tiara Thomas “Bad” (GOLD)

Ace Hood/Future/Rick Ross “Bugatti” (GOLD)

A$AP Rocky/Skillex “Wild For The Night” (GOLD)

Young Jeezy/2 Chainz “R-I-P” (GOLD)

Kendrick Lamar/Drake “Poetic Justice” (GOLD)

DJ Khaled/Drake/Rick Ross/Lil Wayne “No New Friends” (GOLD)

DJ Khaled/Chris Brown/Rick Ross/Nicki Minaj/Lil Wayne “Take It To The Head” (GOLD)

J. Cole/TLC “Crooked Smile” (GOLD)

Chris Brown “Fine China” (GOLD)

Trinidad James “All Gold Everything” (GOLD)

Ciara “Body Party” (GOLD)

2 Chainz “I’m Different” (GOLD)

2 Chainz/Wiz Khalifa “We Own It [Fast & Furious]” (GOLD)

Rocko/Future/Rick Ross “U.O.E.N.O.” (GOLD)

Iggy Azalea “Work” (GOLD)

Kendrick Lamar “Don’t Kill My Vibe” (GOLD)

Eminem “Rap God” (GOLD)

Rich Homie Quan “Type Of Way” (GOLD)

Sage The Gemini “Like A Red Nose” (GOLD)

Jay Z “Tom Ford” (GOLD)

Big Sean/Lil Wayne/Jhene Aiko “Beware” (GOLD)

YG/Young Jeezy/Rich Homie Quan “My Hitta” (GOLD)

Kid Ink/Chris Brown “Show Me” (GOLD)

Top 15 most anticipated R&B next year       

1.            Adele - untitled

2.            TLC - untitled

3.            Mariah Carey - The Art of Letting Go

4.            Ne-Yo - untitled

5.            Usher - untitled

6.            Babyface & Toni Braxton – Love, Marriage, & Divorce

7.            Ashanti – BraveHeart

8.            Prince – *untitled solo album

9.            Ariana Grande – *untitled solo album

10.                 Rhianna – *untitled solo album

11.                 Rico Love – Turn The Lights On

12.                 Sevyn Streeter – *untitled solo album

13.                 Syleena Johnson – Chapter 6: Couples Therapy

14.                 Jhene Aiko - *untitled solo album Lana Del Rey –     Ultraviolence

Top 40 Most Anticipated Hip-hop

1.            Andre 3000 – *untitled solo album

2.            Big KRIT – Cadillactica

3.            Nas – *untitled solo album

4.            The Roots – …And Then You Shoot Your Cousin

5.            Method Man & Redman – Blackout 3

6.            Redman – Muddy Waters 2

7.            Action Bronson - *untitled solo album

8.            Jadakiss – Top 5 Dead Or Alive

9.            Lupe Fiasco – Tetsuo & Youth

10.                 Schoolboy Q – Oxymoron

11.                 Stat Quo – ATLA [All This Life Allows]

12.                 Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) & Mannie Fresh – OMFGOD

13.                 Rhymefest – Violence Is Sexy

14.                 Method Man – Crystal Meth

15.                 Kid Ink – My Own Lane

16.                 Ice Cube – Everything’s Corrupt

17.                 Freddie Gibbs & Madlib – Cocaine Pinata

18.                 Busta Rhymes – E.L.E.2

19.                 50 Cent – Street King Immortal

20.                 AZ – Doe Or Die 2

21.                 Alchemist & Evidence – Step Brothers: Lord Steppington

22.                 Common – *untitled solo album

23.                 Cassidy – Mr. Hip-Hop

24.                 Joey BadA$$ - B4.da.$$

25.                 Ludacris – Ludaversal

26.                 Warren G – Regulat… G-Funk Era Pt. 2

27.                 Yelawolf – Love Story

28.                 Yelawolf & Big KRIT – Country Cousins

29.                 Sean Price – Niggletius

30.                 Pharoahe Monch – P.T.S.D. [Post Traumatic Stress Disorder]

31.                 Obie Trice – The Hangover

32.                 Kendrick Lamar & J. Cole - *untitled duet album

33.                 Killer Mike & El-P – Run The Jewels 2

34.                 Dilated People – Director’s of Photography

35.                 Iggy Azalea – The New Classic

36.                 Joe Budden – All Love Lost

37.                 Jay Z & Kanye West – Watch The Throne 2

38.                 Kanye West – *untitled solo album

39.                 Rick Ross – Mastermind

40.                 Wu-Tang Clan – A Better Tomorrow

Top Albums Probably Wont Release

Dr Dre - Detox

Outkast - Untitled

D’Angelo - untitled

Kendrick Lamar & J Cole - Untutled

Big KRIT & Yelawolf - Country Cousins

50 Cent – Street King Immortal