Monday, June 2nd 2008

The Best You Never Heard: Destiny’s Child, 3LW, Jamelia & Kandi

This week’s The Best You Never Heard serves up unknown to the masses cuts by Destiny’s Child, 3LW, Jamelia and former Xscape member Kandi. Do you have any suggestions for future instalments? Drop me an email at sam@thatgrapejuice.net

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Destiny’s Child – Gots My Own

Though a very solid effort, one thing that till this day puzzles me about Destiny Child’s 2004 LP ‘Destiny Fulfilled’ is that a sizable proportion of the bonus, international only etc tracks could easily have featured on the album – most especially considering it’s overly generous track list size (11 tracks). Perhaps, one of the best of these tracks is the Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins produced ‘Gots My Own’. The song, which is very much in the vein of DC’s ‘Independent Women’ stance, is great IMO primarily because its Old Skool feel is so far removed from your typical Darkchild production, and moreover the expected Destiny’s Child sound. Also, the ladies’ unmatched harmonies/vocal arrangements work particularly well here.

Listen: Gots My Own

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3LW – Feelin’ You (ft. Jermaine Dupri)

With new member Jessica in tow, 3LW looked set to make another attempt at hitting it big in 2006, under the label guidance of Jermaine Dupri’s So So Def imprint (which at the time was an off-shoot of Sony). For one reason or the other, their ‘comeback’ album ‘Point of No Return’ was shelved (See: The Cheetah Girls); the girls did, however, release ‘Feelin’ You’ as a single (albeit an under-performing one). With top notch production courtesy of JD himself, the song managed to blend the their soft vocals with a befitting beat that still possessed that trademark JD ‘knock’. Great one for the summer.

Listen: Feelin’ U (ft. Jermaine Dupri)

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Jamelia – Beware Of The Dog

Many in the industry were initially touting UK R&B star Jamelia as our answer to Beyonce. Indeed, as well as her imaging, videos (See: ‘Superstar’) etc, the fact she was doing it so BIG over here at the same time as the Destiny’s Child front-woman, no doubt further fuelled the comparisons. However, with her last LP, 2006′s ‘Walk With Me’, the mother of 2 switched things up radically sound-wise, serving up an album full of R&B tinged Pop/Rock/Dance tracks – one of the standouts being ‘Beware Of The Dog’. With it’s hard hitting, rousing feel, the song isn’t far removed from some of the better cuts on Rihanna’s ‘Good Girl Gone Bad’ CD. Good stuff.

Listen: Beware Of The Dog

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Kandi – I Need

Some of you may remember Kandi as one quarter of 90′s R&B vocal group Xscape. Having gone on to pen smashes for the likes of TLC (‘No Scrubs’) and Destiny’s Child (‘Bills Bills Bills’), she launched an ill-fated solo career, which in all fairness to her, did spawn the moderate hit ‘Don’t Think I’m Not’. Fast forward to 2006 and with talk of a new album in the works (which has yet to materialize), she dropped ‘I Need’ as a buzz single. Detailing the stress of her day to day life (“Got my baby daddy talking to me sideways, got a stack of bills sittin’ that I ain’t paid”), there really is no other way to describe this other than R-E-A-L. Lyrically the track is as engaging as they come; the beat goes hard too.

Listen: I Need

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Your thoughts: Hit(s) or Miss(es)?

Posted By: Sam

3 Comments

Wednesday, May 28th 2008

The Best You Never Heard: Ashanti, Monica, Mis-Teeq & LL Cool J

Having been rested on the bench for a few weeks, The Best You Never Heard returns this week with little known cuts by Ashanti, Monica, UK trio Misteeq as well as LL Cool J. Do you have any suggestions for future instalments? Drop me an email at sam@thatgrapejuice.net

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Ashanti – Freedom

Despite the fact that Ashanti’s third studio album 2004′s ‘Concrete Rose’ achieved Platinum status, the record was largely dubbed a commercial failure for the once Princess of Murder INC. That said, I felt as though the LP was Ashanti’s most solid to date and served up what IMO is one of her strongest offerings in the form of ‘Freedom’. Raw, vocally lucid and a welcome change from her expected norm, the song is an awesomely constructed response to her critics.

Listen: Freedom

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Monica – Getaway

Though the ridiculous decision to release ‘Everytime The Beat Drops’ effectively rendered Monica’s 2006 album ‘The Makings of Me’ dead on arrival, it doesn’t take away from the fact that the LP was far from poor; the record stands as one of my more recent favourites. Album closer ‘Getaway’ sees the songstress show her vulnerable side in a ballad that reminds us of the rarity of this voice we have grown alongside with since her mid 90′s debut. Great track.

Listen: Getaway

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Mis-Teeq – Scandalous

Some of our UK readers will remember Misteeq; the trio, consistent of Sabrina, Alesha and Su Elise, for a brief moment in time dominated what is now the non-existent homegrown R&B market here in the UK. Though the ladies split in 2004, they left behind a selection of chart hits, including their most successful single ‘Scandalous’. Produced by Stargate, this banger, one of the girl’s last releases, ensured the ladies went out on a high. Random tidbit: the song was the theme to Halle Berry’s ill-fated ‘Catwoman’ movie.

Listen: Scandalous

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LL Cool J – Down The Aisle (ft. 112)

LL Cool J’s 2006 LP ‘Todd Smith’ oddly wasn’t billed as a collabo record, despite only one track featuring solely the rapper himself. Despite the album boasting joint efforts with the likes of Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Lopez and Ginuwine, it was the 112 assisted ‘Down The Aisle’ that was the standout IMO. Having left the bravado on the back-burner, the song’s concept – growing and tying the knot with that special someone – is real refreshing. Good stuff.

Listen: Down The Aisle (ft. 112)

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Your thoughts: Hit(s) or Miss(es)?

Posted By: Sam

8 Comments

Wednesday, May 7th 2008

The Best You Never Heard: Diva Edition

We’re doing things a little differently with this week’s instalment of ‘The Best You Never Heard’. Little known gems by Beyonce, Whitney, Janet and Mariah all feature in this special Diva Edition. Have any suggestions for future instalments? Drop me an email at sam@thatgrapejuice.net

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Beyonce – Back Up

The Darkchild produced ‘Back Up’ served as a bonus track on select versions Beyonce’s sophomore LP ‘B’Day’. One of the best club-destined cuts the singer has done to-date IMO, I was initially surprised why it was left off the album – after all, it was better than most of the album’s material. However considering its thumping bass-line, and ‘in your face’ lyrics, the song didn’t really fit the overall Tina Turner-esque sound of record. Still, one hell of song.

Listen: Back Up

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Whitney Houston – Love That Man

Lifted from Whitney’s 2002 effort ‘Just Whitney’, ‘Love That Man’ is one of several great tracks on the criminally underrated album. Somewhat echoing the Pop-inspired sound of some Whitney’s 80′s hits, the track’s light, easy-on-the-ear appeal is just right for the rapidly approaching summer period.

Listen: Love That Man

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Janet Jackson – RollWitChu

It would appear Janet’s 2006 ’20 Y.O’ project wasn’t just marred by poor single choices; judging by the fact ‘RollWitChu’ was reduced to a Japanese-only bonus track, it seems the choosing of album tracks was also mishandled. The Jermaine Dupri produced cut, with its lush harmonies and trademark ‘knock’, is arguably one of Janet’s most solid slower offerings in years.

Listen: RollWitChu

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Mariah Carey – Bringing On The Heartbreak

Despite achieving Platinum success, Mariah Carey’s 2002 Def Jam debut ‘Charmbracelet’ (ironically the start of her return to prominence) largely went ignored by the masses. Though released in the US (to little response), ‘Bringing On The Heartbreak’ never hit this side of the globe. Unfortunate as Mimi’s take on the Def Leppard original, is awesome. Well composed and inclusive of ‘The Voice’ we used to know and love, this is hands-down one of my favourite Mariah tracks from recent years.

Listen: Bringing On The Heartbreak

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Your thoughts: Hit(s) or Miss(es)?

Posted By: Sam

23 Comments

Monday, April 28th 2008

The Best You Never Heard: JoJo, Teedra Moses, Tamia & Michael Jackson

This week’s edition of ‘The Best You Never Heard’ serves up songs by teen star JoJo, Teedra Moses, Tamia and the King of Pop Michael Jackson. Drop me your suggestions for future installments at sam@thatgrapejuice.net

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JoJo – The Way You Do Me

JoJo’s 2006 effort ‘The High Road’ saw the teen star embrace a more Urban-inspired sound; one of the standout examples of this was the Swizz Beats (yes, Swizz Beats) produced ‘The Way You Do Me’. Now, depending on how you wish to interpret the song’s lyrical content, it can be considered somewhat risque – especially taking into account her age. Saying that, there’s no denying this one’s a banger

Listen: The Way You Do Me

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Teedra Moses – You Better Tell Her

Songstress Teedra Moses has been steadily building up an army of loyal followers since the release of her critically acclaimed LP ‘Complex Simplicity’ back in 2006. Indeed the former stylist-to-the-stars served up one of that year’s most solid efforts IMO. Filled with great cut after great cut, ‘You Better Tell Her’ stands as one of my personal favourites.

Listen: You Better Tell Her

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Tamia – Too Grown For That

Lifted from Tamia’s most recent album ‘Between Friends’, the Darkchild produced ‘Too Grown For That’ makes this week’s edition for a number of reasons. Aside from the fact that it’s one of the album’s most solid tracks, the uptempo, club-ready production is a welcome departure from her traditional (mid-tempo/ballad) forte. A true testament to Tamia’s versatility as an artist.

Listen: Too Grown For That

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Michael Jackson – We’ve Had Enough

Taken from Michael’s 2004 greatest hits set ‘ The Ultimate Collection’, the previously unreleased ‘We’ve Had Enough’ shows that the King of Pop is still at the top of his game. This rousing track is very much in the vein of Michael’s worldwide hit ‘Earth Song’. Laced with enough ‘Michaelisms’ to echo the ‘glory days’, this one is a winner.

Listen: We’ve Had Enough

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Your thoughts: Hit(s) or Miss(es)?

Posted By: Sam

5 Comments

Monday, April 21st 2008

The Best You Never Heard: Nivea, Luke & Q, Fya & Kiley Dean

This week’s edition of ‘The Best You Never Heard’ serves up songs by Nivea, Luke & Q, Fya and Kiley Dean. You can drop me your suggestions for future installments at sam@thatgrapejuice.net

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Nivea – Okay (Red-Cup Remix)

It’s not often that a song’s remix is better than the original, however this was very much so the case with Nivea’s ‘Okay’. Featured on her 2005 effort ‘Complicated’ (along with the released version), the track boasts entirely new lyrics, production as well a feature by then-husband The Dream. The ‘Crunk Craze’ that swept the industry a few years ago makes it all the more understandable why the original was released instead of this standout cut.

Listen: Okay (Red-Cup Remix)

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Luke & Q – My Turn

Some of you may remember R&B duo Luke & Q from their brief appearance in Destiny’s Child ‘Soldier’ video. Described by Beyonce herself as being ‘the total package’, the group generated a moderate buzz back in 2006 with their debut single ‘My Turn’. Indeed the pair’s unique combined vocals make for an engaging listening experience; Q’s smooth tenor complements Luke’s husky delivery surprisingly well. Though things seem to have gone quiet with the guys, there’s no denying the gem that is this track.

Listen: My Turn

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Fya – Must Be Love

Somewhat echoing the sentiments expressed by Estelle recently, UK trio Fya serve as prominent example of how the majority of urban acts here aren’t supported by the industry. The girls burst onto the scene in 2003 with their own brand of Dancehall-flavoured R&B, spearheaded by, this, their awesome debut single ‘Must Be Love’. Despite releasing a solid follow-up also, the girls were dropped by Def Jam UK soon after; a shame considering their potential was endless.

Listen: Must Be Love

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Kiley Dean – Kiss Me Like That

Set for stardom back in 2003 as a protegee of Timbaland, Kiley Dean found herself at the receiving end of label drama – eventually severing ties with the hit-maker’s short lived Beat Club imprint. Having recorded two shelved albums for the label, the Timbaland produced ‘Kiss Me Like That’ stands as a personal favorite. Dean recently signed with Matthew Knowles and Music World, with an album slated to drop this year.

Listen: Kiss Me Like That

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Your thoughts: Hit(s) or Miss(es)?

Posted By: Sam

4 Comments

Monday, April 7th 2008

The Best You Never Heard: Toni, Keri Hilson, Estelle & N2U

This week’s edition of ‘The Best You Never Heard’ serves up tracks from the likes of Toni Braxton, Keri Hilson, Estelle and R&B quartet N2U. You can drop me your suggestions for future installments at sam@thatgrapejuice.net

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Toni Braxton – Midnite

R&B songstress Toni Braxton delivered, what I feel to be, her most cohesive effort for a long while yet in the form of 2005′s ‘Libra’. Though the album only achieved mild success, tracks such as the smooth mid-tempo ‘Midnite’ highlight the LP’s more deserving (of success) nature. A great mix of ‘vintage Toni’ and more contemporary production, ‘Midnite’ definitely shows Braxton can more than hang with the current crop of female artists out at the moment.

Listen: Midnite

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Keri Hilson – Hands & Feet

As Timbaland protegee Keri Hilson continues to prep her debut ‘In A Perfect World’, we shine the spotlight on ‘Hands & Feet’ – a not-so-tact cut she had featured on the soundtrack to Usher’s 2005 movie ‘In The Mix’. From the Southern, club-ready production – courtesy of Danja – to Keri’s swagger with her delivery, this one is a winner. Despite having floated around for a few years, I hope it gets a placement on her album.

Listen: Hands & Feet

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Estelle – Free

While Estelle is perhaps most known for her recent chart topping effort ‘American Boy’ (both here at home and Stateside), the Londoner has been on her grind for several years now. Released back in 2004, when the multi-talented star was signed with Virgin, ‘Free’ stands as a great track, with an even better message. Random tidbits: Listening to this after so long kinda makes me see where the early Lauryn Hill comparisons came from; real Lauryn-like / LOL at “Put the weave down, do something with yourself”.

Listen: Free

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N2U – Baby Mama Love

Jermaine Dupri’s ill-fated stint as the Head of Urban at Virgin Records didn’t prove to be all bad; R&B crooners N2U were one of the first (and only) signee’s to the label under JD’s headship. ‘Baby Mama love’, taken from their 2005 debut ‘Issues’, is an awesome track on a number of fronts. With its engaging and unconventional subject-matter, as well as their stellar vocal delivery, the song stood as one of my personal favorites from that year.

Listen: Baby Mama Love

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Your thoughts: Hit(s) or Miss(es)?

Posted By: Sam

5 Comments

Monday, March 31st 2008

The Best You Never Heard: Fantasia, FDM, Mashonda & Tweet

This week’s edition of ‘The Best You Never Heard’ serves up tracks from the likes of Fantasia, FDM, Mashonda and the Southern Hummingbird Tweet. You can drop me your suggestions for future installments at sam@thatgrapejuice.net

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Fantasia – Two Weeks Notice

Though the success story from Fantasia’s underrated self-titled sophomore effort was undeniably ‘When I See You’, the album definitely boasted several equally as solid tracks. One of the standouts IMO is ‘Two Weeks Notice’. With its clever word-play, as well as Fantasia’s stellar vocal delivery, this stands as one of my favourite R&B songs from the last few years.

Listen: Two Weeks Notice

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FDM – Playground

Some of our UK visitors may be aware of homegrown R&B trio FDM (formerly known as Fundmental’03). Having burst onto the scene back in 2005, the guys served up what I feel to be their best release yet in the form of ‘Playground’. Arguably ahead of its time (or market aka UK), the track didn’t really garner the attention it deserved. Still, the uptempo cut goes hard, even today. {FYI: FDM have relocated to the US having signed a joint-venture deal with Geffen/Interscope late 07. Their debut album should be hitting stores before the year is out.}

Listen: Playground

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Mashonda – Blackout (ft. Nas)

Most noted for her 2005 smash ‘Back of the Club’, as well as being the wife of hit-maker Swizz beats, R&B singer Mashonda served up the club-banger ‘Blackout’ as the second release from her admittedly terrible debut ‘January Joy’. Unsurprisingly produced by Swizz, Mashonda’s swagger compliments the gritty, street sounding beat really well. Nas’ verse adds to what is an already great track.

Listen: Blackout (ft. Nas)

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Tweet – Taxi

Lifted from Tweet’s sophomore LP ‘It’s Me Again’, ‘Taxi’ serves as a reminder of the Southern Hummingbird’s oft under-appreciated appeal. In an industry filled with gimmicks and microwaveable hits, the soulful ‘Taxi’ highlights that there is still good music and genuine talent out there.

Listen: Taxi

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Your thoughts: Hit(s) or Miss(es)?