From Pen and Paper to the Mic

Songwriter turned singer, Keri Hilson, is by no means a stranger to the music scene. In fact, she is the lyrical mastermind behind some of the biggest hits for artists such as Britney Spears, Chris Brown, and Usher, to name a few.

While many consider her to be Ne-Yo’s female counterpart, Keri sets herself apart from the typical singer/songwriter in many ways, one being that she is a female who unashamedly stands out in an area dominated by men. (Let’s face it; female songwriters are often not taken as seriously as their male counterparts.) Another reason being that since entering the music scene in 2001, Keri has lent her impeccably smooth powerhouse vocals to numerous tracks. She was first featured on rapper Xzibit’s single, “Hey Now (Mean Muggin’)” and most recently on Nas’ (speaking of lyrical genius) single, “Hero”, from his newly released album, Untitled.

As a songwriter, she writes with a special blend of passion and intelligence which unsurprisingly yields songs that not only tickle your ears, but also wrap themselves around your heart while entrenching themselves in your veins—they simply take control of your body.

With her debut solo album, In A Perfect World, which will be released in the fall of 2008, Keri is sure to solidify her position as a music maven. Finally in her own spotlight, she will be able to showcase not only her lyrical prowess, but also her redoubtable vocal ability. The album's first single is entitled "Energy", is already a favorite of mine and suggests that her album will be packed with deep R&B tracks, and of course a few booty-shaking club hits.

Keri Hilson on why she chose to title her debut album In a Perfect World…
It’s my way of saying nothing in the world is perfect and no person in it is, either. None of us is exempt from certain hardships and heartbreaks. It was really important for me to write songs that women can relate to from real situations. I didn’t want to do an album that painted myself as perfect because no matter how things look, no one is.
"Energy"

Thriving Ivory--A Band Worth Listening To...

While in Bestbuy the other day, I literally stumbled across a CD (it was on the floor) and like a divine intervention was immediately taken in by the artistic album cover and unique band name found on the bands self-titled album, “Thriving Ivory”. Since I took the album home I have not stopped listening to it.

Originally featured as a VH1 You Oughta Know- Artist on the Rise, Thriving Ivory is undoubtedly going to break more than just musical records, but also preconceived notions about alternative music as they effortlessly transcend typical genre constraints.

While they may classify their sound as a mixture of rock, pop, and alternative, their music is simply different, period—in a great way! While each song is refreshingly different, they are unified by intelligent lyrics, unrepressed vocals and impeccable guitar-enchanted instrumentals—this band simply delivers and the album is packed full with great tracks.

I have to say it is truly a relief to hear a band that is so organic and uncomplicated. Three of my favorite songs are “Hey Lady”, “Twilight”, and the debut single, “Angels on the Moon”.
Be sure to visit their Myspace page (www.myspace.com/thrivingivory) to hear some of their music, and check out their tour dates. You can also buy their album at Bestbuy, Bestbuy.com, or Rhapsody.

Jhud's time to shine!!

The much anticipated debut album by Jennifer Hudson will finally be out September 30th! The album features the debut single, “Spotlight” penned and produced by none other than the lyrical hit maker, Ne-yo (and Stargate).
But before I go into what I love about Jhud and “Spotlight”, I think it is necessary to address the highly criticized album cover—more specifically Jhud’s slimmer image.

My biggest problem is not that the picture has obviously been airbrushed and photoshopped, but the negative response it has yielded. I think it is ridiculous that people think that the album cover suggests that she has betrayed her fans and her status as a role model for big girls. Artists, models, actors, etc... ALWAYS get their photos touched up, some much more than others, but the simple fact of the matter is—it ALWAYS happens! She is beautiful, period, and her voice is not only incredible, but is finally being showcased through her debut self titled album.

So I’ll be one of the few bloggers to stand up for her and those who believe in her by saying that Jennifer Hudson has always embraced her curves and full figure and still does. That said; let us focus on the soon to be released debut album and the success of her single, “Spotlight.”

“Spotlight” is a classy r&b/pop anthem about freeing oneself from the stifling chains of possessive love and stepping into the spotlight. Although her powerhouse vocals are reined in a bit for this single, the lyrics, track, and overall delivery are of course impeccable; showcasing her amazing versatility. The video is also great. It isn’t too flashy or boring—it’s enriched by JHuds beauty, style, elegance, and sense of humor.

If “Spotlight” is just a preview of what her album has to offer then I think the Academy Award winning artist will surely be adding Grammy winner to her repertoire. The album is rumored to have singles featuring Akon, R. Kelly, John Legend, Jack Splash, Christopher “Tricky” Stewart, Robin Thicke, Timbaland, T-Pain, The Underdogs and Diane Warren.