Read.ied, Read.i.est, READY

I Received an early invitation to download and review the highly anticipated third release from Trey Songz entitled, Ready ...While this will be my 2nd full-length piece on Mr. Songz, y'all know I couldn't not weigh in on this one. Ha. Check it out. New Music and ish...

READY OR NOT...HE'S HERE

To be ready is to be "duly equipped, completed, adjusted, or arranged, as for an occasion or purpose". To anticipate, highs and lows, good and bad, and accommodate accordingly.

I find it appropriate that the third commercial release from Atlantic Records recording artist Trey Songz is titled as such. The lows of his musical journey have been stunningly apparent, most notably at the beginning of his career. Yet, he has continued to grow. Simple, yet complex, Ready is undoubtedly the most comprehensive work Songz has released to date.

Songz and and long-time producer Troy Taylor are joined by a straight flush of studio giants including: Johnta Austin; Stargate (also known as the dynamic duo: Erik Hermansen and Mikkel S. Eriksen); Bryan Michael-Cox; Sean Garrett (if you don't know him, first let me say, shame on you, 2nd; you'll recognize him from Mario's current hit: "Break Up"); Eric Hudson; and Fisha & Pryce. With these contributions Songz has woven a versatile mix of rock-laced ballads, hip-hop bangers, and borderline bubble gum pop without sacrificing the original R&B sound that has distinguished Trey Songz from others in his genre.

My favorite tracks on the Ready LP include:

#7: "Say Aaah" featuring Fabolous - While this song could easily be seen as the typical bottle-poppin, groupie-love, hip-hop record; there is no doubt that the combination of a catchy hook, danceable beat and slightly original concept (how many people have made songs about literally pouring liquor down a woman's throat?), make it a definite club banger. I wouldn't be surprised if it was the next single.

#9: "Ready To Make Love" - #9 is just a interlude track but, it is absolutely beautiful. Piano, acoustic guitar, string accompaniment and the distinct sound of a marching drum combine with Songz's classic falsetto and impeccable background to produce a ballad straight out of a dream. Wish this was a full-length song. The minute-21 version is on repeat.

#13: "Black Roses" - Incredible rock and roll inspired track with heavy bass drum, crash cymbals, and electric keyboard. Producer out of Michigan (Big 10, let's go!) Bei Maejor deserves major props for this beat. The song definitely includes very introspective lyrics that not only show Songz's vocal ability but, showcases his ability to wear his heart on his sleeve. Good stuff.

#14: "Love Lost" - Another Songbook production written by Songz, Taylor and Edrick Miles. sounds eerily similar to "Human Nature" by Michael Jackson. Another beautiful track that combines well-arranged vocals and an unusual beat. Songz really reaches into the tops of his range around the 3:00 mark.

Honorable Mentions:

#6: "Does He Do It" - Written and produced by Sean Garrett and Eric Hudson. Notice Garrett's signature "ayyy!" in the background. LOL. Songz's tenor makes the song more than a filler record.

#12: "Successful" featuring Drake - While this is only an amended version (minus Weezy), I am feelin the re-mastered version and the new verse from Songz. I especially noted the content of the lyrics. See one part of the verse:

"...If I'm the only one and don't nobody else believe it//Then keep it a secret and watch me achieve it//Cuz I know what I want..."

The man can write and I'm glad he spoke on the haters. Sandra Rose should swallow that with her mean self.

#11 and #16: "Be Where You Are" and "Holla If You Need Me" - These tracks remind me more of Trey's original sound and will be instant hits with his core fan base.

#17: "Your Side of The Bed" - Check out the re-mastered version of this track from the Anticipation mixtape. Trey pulls a Prince move with the MAJOR high note around the 3:40 mark.

While the music flows nicely on Ready, I was slightly disappointed that the version distributed via online download and in-stores only includes one track from Songz's early summer mixtape mega-hit, Anticipation (for more on Anticipation read: 'The Heir Apparent'). But, according to Troy Taylor and the good folks at itunes three songs from Anticipation and two videos ("Brand New" and "I Need A Girl") appear on the deluxe download of Ready. Shine Shine baby.

Ultimately, all of the release date snafus and leaks of this album have been well worth the wait. Ready is not only a compilation of great songs but, also allows us to witness the resurgence of R&B in our generation. It's about time. On behalf of those who love R&B as much as I do: we been ready. Thanks for the music.



Ready (Sept. 1st, 2009)
1. Panty Droppa-Intro
2. Neighbors Know My Name
3. I Invented Sex (feat. Drake)
4. I Need A Girl
5. One Love
6. Does He Do It
7. Say Aah
8. LOL:-) (feat. Gucci Mane and Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em)
9. Ready To Make Luv
10. Jupiter Love
11. Be Where You Are
12. Successful (feat. Drake)
13. Black Roses
14. Love Lost
15. Hollalude
16. Holla If You Need Me
17. Yo Side Of The Bed

"It's my desire to be the best at what I do. I actually love my job. I love making music, and I love proving to people that I'm worthy of being mentioned with the best, with the elite. It's always been a goal of mine just to make sure, within myself, I stay persistent, and to never let myself down. With that being said, I go hard. That's the only way for me to go." - Trey Songz

Album: Ready by Trey Songz (Atlantic)

Favorite Tracks: "Black Roses", "Say Aaah" feat. Fabolous, "Neighbors Know My Name" (shouts to the boy John "SK" McGee for the production credit), and "Love Lost".

Check This Out: Songz and Drake released the highly anticipated video for the single "Successful". Click HERE to view. No "Breast" you ever had here! Haha. Sorry... :)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD READY ON ITUNES

Make No Mistake When I Check My Fresh...Shoe Game.

...Heel Love.

I think its safe to say I am a certified shopaholic. I get some perverse type of pleasure from finding crazy deals or interesting/different items that nobody else would think to wear. Mini-fashionista, I suppose. In the same breath I am also extremely cheap with my dough. If I cannot come up with some logical reason (no matter how far-reaching) for me to shell out $130 for a pair or jeans or $$$ (this shall remain priceless) for a silk chemise blouse, I will not purchase. This rule of mine does not however apply to shoes. Not. At. All.

While I don't mind dropping some cash for a pair of Louboutin's or a fresh pair of Supra's, I can't resist a good bargain. This is why I have fallen back in love with Steve. Steve Madden.

The Steve Madden shoe brand has recently expanded to create Steven by Steve Madden and Steve Madden Luxe, sold online and primarily at the large retail store, DSW. These shoes are show-stoppin to a T at the fraction of the price. My birthday shoes were of the Luxe variety and I must say, my fresh was on a 10. Check out the shoes I've picked below. Lemme know if you drool. :)

Steve Madden "Blazzer" also available in Black and White...The purple are my favorite. Priced at $149.95 US.

Steve Madden "Cheryl" also available in Blue (Fire!!), Black and Wine (pictured). Tell me these aren't amazing for $59.97 US!

Last but not least...

Steven by Steve Madden...introducing..."Salsera"...priced at $169.95 US, I do believe she is gorgeous... :)

Please click on the links below to purchase or view more shoes in this collection:

SM Luxe - DSW

Steve Madden and Steven by Steve Madden

Ladies. Enjoy. Fellas, go get someone a gift. :)

Johnta = My Favorite Ocean

Commandments of LOVE.

It's not the newest VH1 reality show...let's hope. :) Four-time Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Johnta Austin (best known for his hit "Turn It Up") released his version of Biggie's epic "10 Crack Commandments" aptly titled, "10 Love Commandments".

The original beat remains the same (thank GOD) but, Johnta switches it up with his sing-song vocals and simple, yet, intricate background vocals around the 1:25 mark, and there are of course, the lyrics. Johnta pretty much breaks down his manual on the do's and don'ts of relationship etiquette:

"...Number 5//Surprise//You should never lie//Cuz what's done in the dark always comes to the light//A real human being only stands by the truth//So no matter what the problem that's exactly what you do..."

"...Number 8//This one is short and sweet//If God ain't in the mix then your headed for defeat..."

"...Number 9//Shoulda been number 1 to me//Fellas if you ain't sure don't you give her no ring//Marriage is a journey that you can't take lightly//And because she got your kids that don't mean make her your Wifey"

I am in LOVE with this song. Aside from actually remixing this hit and not making it lame (sorry, J. Holiday), Johnta Austin has come up with a clever spin on a classic while schooling us in a way that is positively entertaining. I especially agree with numbers 2, 3, 5, 6 (hehehe), 7 (YES LAWD), 8 (praise him)...heck, all of em. In fact, I've added a one: Number 11//Better listen to Johnta//if you don't the one you love'll be the one that got away...ayy! :) Lame. I know. :)

If you haven't already heard his album Ocean Drive definitely listen. My favorite track: "The One Who Got Away."

Seriously a must download.

Listen to Johnta Austin's "10 Love Commandments"

Listen to the original "10 Crack Commandments" by The Notorious B.I.G.

Breezy's Back...Well, Kind of.

"Changed Man"

New...Kind Of.

A new song entitled "Changed Man" by Chris Brown was leaked last Thursday but, Jive reps are indicating that the new song isn't new at all. While the track is actually also the background to Dawn Richards' record "Falls Away", its undetermined if this was recently recorded by CB or if it is in fact, old music pre-Rihanna madness. None the less, it's new to us. :)

The song, produced by Bad Boy/EMI producer, Battle Roy, combines a nice mid-tempo beat, guitar riffs and intricately placed piano chords with well written lyrics. Of course, Breezy's ever present runs mix well with the background vocals but, I'm not loving this song. Its slightly cookie cutter and introduces nothing new or different to his sound. If Jive is telling the truth and this is not the first single, I would be irrevocably relieved.

Ultimately, whether this is new or not is not a question that needs to be addressed. If you haven't heard the song it will soon become clear to you why there is a slight hype surrounding its lyrical content and that takes away from the good music this young man can and will produce in the future.

Looking forward to the forthcoming Graffiti LP.

Click here to listen to "Changed Man"

The Heir Apparent.

I've been writing this review for months. Literally. I knew it would be difficult to create a creative review of more than likely, the summer's hottest mixtape and I wanted to make sure that my first review on this blog of an artists work was done right. Research, preparation, and an understanding of the project and the history leading up to its creation are essential to any piece one writes about another person's art. That being said, this has begun to resemble more of a story and less of a blog post...vibe with me on this one.

"I'm a man. I don't have anything to hide..." -Trey Songz

I recently had the opportunity to see Trey Songz live in Dallas at the House of Blues VIP Lounge hosted by 97.9 The Beat. The interview portion allowed him to dive into questions asked by fans, one such question focused on his latest full length release which happens to be FREE and easily downloaded on his blog www.seefurtherthaniam.com

The latest mixtape from the Prince of VA entitled "Anticipation" contains 13 songs (listed below) and came just weeks after releasing "Genesis", a collection of early vocals and demo tracks recorded prior to his inking a deal with Atlantic.

In the opening song "Famous" its hard to hear the dream-like beat and the infectious hook and not create a music video in your head complete with wind blown hair, Bentley convertibles and flashing lights. Songz's "Showerlude" is reminiscent of something straight off of R. Kelly's TP-2.com LP (2000) with the repetitive background vocals, candy-shop melody and the sound of an actual shower (insert furious blushing), Trey Songz invites us into the private confines of his bathroom excursions. Dirty boy.

The true meat of this mixtape comes with tracks 3, 4, 5, and 6 respectively. In "Scratchin Me Up", Songz tells of his experiences with a scratcher...lol. The creativity on this song only goes to show more of the lyrical genius we've heard on his remixed versions of other artist's hits:

"...Rockin to the rhythm and the rhythm of the beat is your body on my body//Clap, clap, clap when I'm back, back, back//Smack, smack, smack when I act like that//She be actin right back//Pullin on the sheets, the pillows//The dresser//The covers//The mattress//The passion makin love//Girl, your scratchin me up..." -"Scratchin Me Up" by Trey Songz, Anticipation

Songz goes a few steps further with tracks 4 ("Does She Know") and 6 ("You Belong To Me"). In "Does She Know" Songz professes his perpetual longing for a woman who is not accessible and in "You Belong To Me" also known as the baby-maker, Songz shows his tremendous vocal range, and a slight MJ-ish sound around the 3:01 mark. Producers John "SK" McGee and Troy Taylor should give themselves two claps and a bravo for these joints. Heavy drums, snare, intense vocals and the distinct sound of harp strings make these songs necessary additions on every playlist.

In "Infidelity" and similarly in "Your Side of the Bed" we see a bit less of Trey Songz the playboy and more of the man who loved and recognizes his loss. Its a poignant and intimate look at a someone who cheats and faces the reality that his actions have placed him in. Ultimately, Trey Songz utilizes the production on these records to help you understand his thoughts and actually believe him. Trey's longtime producer Troy Taylor utilized legendary guitarist Patrick Hayes for "Your Side of the Bed", this invokes a certain Prince/Purple Rain/circa 1984 feel and makes me literally want to give the man a hug.

The rest of the songs are, in my personal opinion, CD quality material for any of Songz's next commercial releases and he gave them to you for free. Make sure you tell him thank you.

Finally, Songz re-introduces us to the now 22-year old Sammie of "I Like It" (1999) and "Crazy Things I Do" (2000) fame in "She Ain't My Girl", and provides listeners with a live version of his hit "Successful" with the Toronto/Houston (H-town stand up) phenom known as Drake.

Ultimately, this project is one that not many artists could put together and give away. The material is fresh, edgy, honest and most importantly: quality. I applaud Troy Taylor, E. Miles, John "SK" McGee, T. Scales, Johnta Austin, Eric Hudson, Patrick Hayes, Young Yonny and of course, Tremaine Neverson for the incredible production and lyrical content found in each track of this release. Side note: John "SK" McGee is only 21-years old. If his 5 production credits on this release are any indication of the future, I would look for him to make very significant waves.

In conclusion, fans should be excited. Songz releases his 3rd commercial CD entitled READY on September 1st and I have a feeling it will be another blog topic. Songz is at the forefront of a R&B revival and with the disappearance of the King of R&B himself, R.Kelly, Songz appears to be next in line for the crown. Step your game up Kells.

Trey Songz: Anticipation

Must Listen To: "Scratchin Me Up"; "Does She Know"; "Infidelity"; and "You Belong To Me".

Do Some Research: Check out Songz' remixed version of "Misunderstood". You'll respect the man's hustle. Believe that.

Your girl C. and the man Trey Songz and the 97.9 VIP Lounge at HOB. Nice guy.

Anticipation Song Listing:

01. Famous
02. Showerlude
03. Scratchin Me Up
04. Does She Know
05. Indefintely
06. You Belong To Me
07. More Than That
08. On Top
09. It Would Be
10. Make It Rain
11. Yo Side Of The Bed
12. She Ain’t My Gurl (Feat. Sammie)
13. Successful (Live) (Feat. Drake)

Download "Anticipation" Here