Shhh...Because She Will "Hunt You Down..."

Dear Holy Diva,

I know you must be pretty hot right now. (and I'm not referring to your physical appearance at the moment, nor your current possible geographic location.) Your album, E=MC² has leaked in entirety online, and has spread quicker than wildfire.

I've listened to the album thoroughly a few times, and I will honestly say that I'm pleased for the most part. The studio version of "Migrate" is just as blazing as I thought it would be, and there are a few more songs that truly captured me with their seemingly instant hit appeal. However, I do feel like the overall feel of the album is quite static, and I truly wish there were more tried and true uplifting/emotional tracks. (i.e. "Fly Like a Bird," "Mine Again") than "I Wish You Well." Not saying that songs like "Bye Bye," and "I Stay In Love" aren't emotional songs; quite the contrary, they are. I just honestly wish that these and the other emotionally-tinged songs didn't sound like a variation or remix of "Don't Forget About Us."

Even with the aforementioned disappointment, I still love the album, as it is extremely listenable from beginning to end. Here are my current favorites from E=MC²: (no particular order)

"Migrate"

"Touch My Body" (I still stick by my words, but damn it, the song is addicting at the moment)

"Cruise Control"

"I Stay In Love"

"Love Story"

"I'll Be Lovin' U Long Time"

"Thanx 4 Nothin' "

"For the Record"

"Bye Bye"

That's over half of the album. Well done Diva.

Cheers!



--Quinton

P.S. I thought about posting my usual listen only music format to accompany this composition, but I'm not even chancing it because I know that you, Miss Carey, would have my sh*t deleted in a diva snap.

Unexpected Indeed

Dear That Third Girl In Destiny's Child,



I kid! I know your name, and maybe all of mainstream America will know it someday. After releasing a couple of gospel albums that were well received in their respective genre, you and your P.I.M.P. stated that your upcoming album would be R&B oriented. Late last year, a clip of a song that was slated to be apart of the new album surfaced. "Stop This Car" sounded just as amazing as it did intriguing.

Today, you revealed the song that is set to become the first release from Unexpected due in August...

Listen: Michelle Williams- "We Break the Dawn"


© Music World Entertainment/Columbia Records

Unexpected is a fu*king understatement! I truly never saw this coming. Riding the current popular wave of Euro-inspired synthesized danceable pop was a clever choice, and I'm shocked that you could actually make it work! "We Break the Dawn" is an excellent track with it's relatable lyrics, rock-solid vocals, and catchy production. Although you have always played third wheel to P.I.M.P. and Kelly Rowland, people that have followed your previous solo efforts know the vocal talent you possess. Hopefully Unexpected will display this talent to those who are still not in the know.

Impressed and Fingers Crossed That You Will At Least Sell More Albums Than Kelly Rowland,

--Quinton

The Art of Subtlety Is Lost Upon Some People...

Dear Keyshia Cole,

I have been a fan of yours almost from day one of your debut on the music scene. I remember seeing the video for "I Changed My Mind" and found you intriguing; obviously talented. Then I saw/heard "(I Just Want It) To Be Over," and I was completely sold. The Way It Is was an impressive album debut. Your latest album, Just Like You is simply phenomenal, and shows that you have the talent to be around for years to come.

Earlier this week, I found out that "Heaven Sent" would be the fourth single release from Just Like You. The music video for the song premiered on BET Access Granted last night...

Keyshia Cole- "Heaven Sent"

The setting for the video is absolutely beautiful, but my overall impression for the video is of vast disappointment. I feel that "Heaven Sent" is a serious, deeply emotional song, and you, Miss Cole, are hopping around giddily and spastically like a junkie! With all the similarities/comparisons to the future legendary Mary J. Blige, I wish that you would have taken a cue from her (i.e. "Everything") and implemented a complete mood of serenity; while being subdued throughout the whole video. The energy that is being exhibited is just too over the top, even draggish, for an emotional ballad such as this.

Still a Fan and Hoping You Aren't On That Stuff,

--Quinton

P.S. PLEASE bring back ANY look of the "(I Just Want It) To Be Over" video. Those were GREAT looks for you!

Thirsty?

Dear Miss Ventura,

Although an estimated 319,000 U.S. consumers purchased your self-titled debut album, I didn't fall victim. "Me & U" was insanely addictive; an undeniable hit. Even though the follow up single, "Long Way 2 Go" bombed on the U.S. charts, I personally thought it was a hot song. I honestly didn't bother to listen to all the songs on your debut, especially after viewing some of your live tragedies; although I've listened to "Ditto" and liked it also.

Your latest release, "Is It You" from the Step Up 2 Soundtrack is another winner in my opinion, and proves that you may have the legs to outrun the one hit wonder league. Today, I came across a song that has been stated to be a potential first single from your upcoming second album...

Listen: Cassie- "Thirsty"


© NextSelection/Bad Boy Records

From first listen, I liked it. "Thirsty" is certainly catchy/appealing with its production, and its staccato vocal delivery throughout the majority of the song. While I'm tempted to say that "Thirsty," while solid, may lack the punch to make it the ideal first single; I remember that you are the artist behind "Me & U." The reality is that you will likely NEVER trump that song, so releasing "Thirsty" as the first single is somewhat irrelevant when you really think about it.

Hoping That If You Haven't Improved Your Live Vocals That You'll At Least Have the Decency to Hire a Stunt Voice This Go Around,

--Quinton

Really...

Dear Donnie Klang,

I will admit that I wasn't really a fan of yours during Making the Band 4, Season 1. I was actually dumbfounded when you were granted a solo record deal from Mr. Bitchassness himself. I felt like if any solo deals were going to be given out, that there were far more deserving contestants.

Fast forward to Season 2 of Making the Band 4, I actually began to like and respect you as an artist. You exhibited a strong work ethic, and there was a noticeable improvement in your vocals. The deal breaker truly was when I heard your studio sessions of three seemingly hot songs; "I Don't Care," "Dr. Love," and "Rolling Stone."

Yesterday, the first single from your upcoming album was released...

Listen: Donnie Klang ft. Diddy- "Take You there"


© Bad Boy/Atlantic Records

Donnie, Donnie, Donnie. My first impression of "Take You There;" a bootleg "Sexy Back." I decide to give it a few more spins to get a true assessment. While the production captivated me a bit more, the overall impression of the song didn't waiver. While I can envision where the song was trying to go, it just doesn't work completely for me. I can't ignore the fact that it's blatantly Timberlake-ish and quite frankly, you can't execute it like he does. While your track was indeed "Bitchassmatized," I reckon it could've been worse. (Because he has been worse)

I can see the potential in you as an artist, but this first single is not showing it. "Take You There" certainly isn't showing any originality that you may posses.

Suggesting You Move IMMEDIATELY to Single Number Two,

--Quinton

Ya'll Were Robbed!

Dear Kaba Modern,

Thanks for entering America's Best Dance Crew. Your crew, along with the JabbaWockeeZ, made me realize that Asians are some of the best dancers (if not the best) in the world. It's a shame that you were robbed out of a finale spot.

(My favorite KM performances)

G- Slide





Thriller




Status Quo certainly doesn't deserve to be among the final 2 crews. I just can't believe that their one great performance gave them the momentum to go all the way to the finals. I also can't believe that at the last elimination, SQ were the top vote getters! Conspiracy? More than likely. After all, it is Randy Jackson who is running the show. With all his years on American Idol, I think he tried his hand at some Simon Fuller fuckery. You can take solace that your fellow Asian contemporaries (JabbaWockeeZ) will absolutely murder SQ in the finale...





Thank you KM for your creativity, ridiculous precision, and inventive choreography.

--Quinton

P.S. Yuri, keep killing them girl. You're so pretty! I'm sure LOTS of guys would want to love you long time!

I Watch MTV, I Don't Need to Google You Chick...

Dear Miss Swagger,

I've seen you all up on MTV with your Super Sweet 16 episode, and knew that you had the potential to be successful as an artist. You have a refreshing style, seemingly eclectic personality, plus, everyone knows that given the right environment, a cocky hood-rat can go pretty far in the music biz. Although it took a few listens, I'm truly feeling "Google Me" nowadays.

I finally watched the music video for "Google Me" all the way through today...

Teyana Taylor- "Google Me"


Even though the video's vibe is definitely hood rich, (borderline ghetto fabulous) I enjoyed it. I see the sense of creativity, and your swagger is out of this world. For all the publicity your dancing has gotten you though, you know you could've had stronger choreography. Overall though, I dig it.

Wishing for the Next Lauryn Hill But Don't Think I've Found It In You,

--Quinton