Thursday, October 29, 2009

Billboard Information on DAVID BISBAL and ROYCE DA 5'9"

INFORMATION on CHART PLACINGS for ALBUM DEBUT(S) and RESPECTIVE SINGLE(S) for
October 20th, 2009

DAVID BISBAL-- "Sin Mirar Atras"
#119--Billboard 200
#1--Latin Albums
#1--Latin Pop Albums

Current SINGLE(S) from "Sin Mirar Atras"
"Esclavo De Sus Besos"
#1--Latin Songs
#1--Latin Pop Songs
#23--Heatseekers Songs
#2--Tropical Songs

ROYCE DA 5'9" --"Street Hop"
#110--Billboard 200
#29--R&B/Hip-Hop Albums
#2--Heatseekers Albums
#13--Independent Albums
#11--Rap Albums

Current SINGLE(S) from "Street Hop"
"New Money"
N/A


INFORMATION on PREVIOUS WEEK'S ALBUM PLACINGS on the BILLBOARD 200

MARIO-- "D.N.A."
DROPPED from #9 to #40

GRUPO MANIA-- "Se Pego La Mania"
Has not appeared on the Billboard 200

Alright...so DAVID BISBAL is Number One on four different Latin charts. On the Billboard 200, he debuts at #119...keep in mind that he isn't from America...he's from Spain. So for BISBAL to break onto the 200 is a feat on its own. What's ROYCE's excuse? I thought the album was good...but apparently not good enough to have a high debut on the charts.

MARIO remains in the Top 40 (didn't I say that second single wasn't going to help him much?) GRUPO MANIA stays at #3 on the Tropical Albums chart, but drops to #48 on the Latin Albums chart.

CHECK HERE NEXT WEEK on THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5th, 2009 to find out how BRIAN McKNIGHT and EDNITA NAZARIO do on the charts!

(ALL INFORMATION on this page has been retrieved on Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 from ALL FACTS made AVAILABLE on BILLBOARD.COM...the lack of information on an ARTIST's release doesn't necessarily mean they are not on the charts. Full BILLBOARD INFORMATION can be accessed at billboard.biz)

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED.
Written by Felix-Lee "Campbells" Andrades, III

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

BABYBOI SEZ (Volume 1.1)

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DIDDY (April 2010) Since the release of his hit album Press Play back in ’06, Diddy has been a busy man. Launching new fragrances (Unforgiven, I am King), new acts (Day26, Donnie Klang), and most recently moving Bad Boy to its new home at Interscope Records. Diddy’s next endeavor is his brand new album titled Last Train to Paris. With the help of singer/songwriter Kaleena and former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard, Diddy has formed the group Dirty Money, which includes himself, to tell the story of ‘Last Train’. Said story involves Diddy touring from London to Paris when he finds the woman of his dreams, only to lose her and (hopefully) find her again. The album itself is hard to describe sonically, with a combination of hip-hop, electronica, and funk with beats courtesy of producers like The Dream, Swizz Beatz, and T-Pain. On this album Diddy will rap, as well as sing (ala Kanye West’s 808s and Heartbreak) via an Auto-Tune assist. A Diddy album wouldn’t be complete without a list of guests and ‘Last Train’ will have no shortage of them. Diddy has already included Notorious B.I.G. on first single ‘Angels’ and is interested in having Leona Lewis provide vocals on another track. Although neither artist’s labels are confirming that collaboration. Other unconfirmed, yet rumored, collabos include Jay-Z and Lil Wayne. Look for Last Train to Paris to usher in a new sound for Diddy and take hip-hop to a whole other level when it drops next year.

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KELLY ROWLAND (Spring 2010) Work has just begun on Kelly’s new solo album (her third). Since her last project, ‘07’s Ms. Kelly, the former Destiny’s Child member has acquired a new manager (goodbye Matthew Knowles!) and is in the process of signing with a new label. Kelly’s still untitled new album will be heavily influenced by the success of her single with David Guetta from this summer. That track (When Love Takes Over) was a smashing success, having gone to number 1 in eight different countries and bringing Kelly’s voice into the U.S. club scene. David Guetta has already agreed to produce several new songs for Kelly’s album as well as Danja (Keri Hilson, Britney Spears) who has worked successfully with Kelly in the past. Just like Diddy, expect Kelly’s new album to feature a new sound for the singer, where she sheds the R&B vibe of her last album for a more dance/pop/club-banga style. Keeping busy before the album’s release, Kelly can currently be seen the in the video for the 50 Cent/Ne-Yo collabo, Baby By Me.

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THE-DREAM (Spring 2010) Having gone from relative unknown to superstar over the last three years, The Dream promises that new album ‘Love King’ will be his last. While still eager to write and produce music for other artists, The Dream will end his solo career with this album. Speculation about Dream’s ‘early retirement’ seems to stem from the fact that he was just promoted by Def Jam brass to become the label’s new executive vice-president. Def Jam is no stranger to promoting uber-talent to high ranks. In 2004, the label appointed then artist Jay-Z to become president. Jay’s reign at Def Jam was highly successful for both him and the label; and saw the rise of careers for new artists Kanye West, Rihanna, and Ne-Yo, who all went on to become platinum selling idols. Since Jay’s departure in ’08, LA Reid has taken over control of the company and was responsible for The Dream’s recent promotion. Love King is being kept under tight wraps by the label, but the disc is said to feature T-Pain, Christina Milian (Dream’s new wife and mother to his expected child), and Brandy, as well as production by longtime partner Tricky Stewart.

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KEYSHIA COLE (March 2010) After having successfully navigated the realm of reality television (which lead to a successful spin-off show for her mom and sis aka Frankie & Neffe on BET), Keyshia is back at work on new music. Cole’s new album is said to be complete by February. Thus far, she has recorded tracks with hit-makers Polow da Don, Kanye West, Missy Elliott, and Kerry Brothers, (better known as Krucial Keys and famous for his award winning work with Alicia Keys). Keyshia Cole’s R&B sound is expected to be in fine form on her fourth album, rumored to be called ‘Keyshia’. Also expected from Keyshia is her big screen debut. Cole is currently deep in development on an autobiographical film depicting her rough upbringing in Oakland, CA in the ‘90s. Before that though, fans can see Miss Cole make her premiere opposite Janet Jackson in next spring’s Tyler Perry sequel “Why Did I Get Married Too?” Looks like 2010 will be a huge year for Keyshia and her fans. Here’s hoping she can make the same successful jump from stage to screen that Beyoncé and Jennifer Hudson have.

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FRANKIE J (Spring 2010) Since parting ways with label Columbia Records in 2008, Frankie J has been hard at work on his next album. Recently he inked a deal with indie label Upstairs Records, who not only granted Frankie full creative control over all aspects of his new disc, but also issued him his own imprint titled Soul Sick. Frankie’s new album is filled with the Latin-tinged R&B and pop that made him a star in the first place. Producers Avila Brothers, Manny Guevara, DJ Felli Fel, and even Grammy winner R. Kelly, have all provided tracks. Expect a slick sound and more mature lyrics which reflect Frankie’s artistic growth. Collaborators on the album, said to be titled Timeless, include Pitbull, Paula DeAnda, and longtime friend Baby Bash. Fans of Frankie J can help him pick his new single in a poll he’s conducting on his Myspace page. Currently club-banga ‘Dizzy’ looks to be in the lead. If chosen, expect a video treatment at the top of the year before the album is released in the spring.

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CHRISTINA AGUILERA (Summer 2010) It’s been almost four years since Aguilera last released a studio album and in the pop world, that’s an eternity. Artists of less talent should be worried, but not Christina, who has never rushed a project onto the streets until she was completely satisfied. With her soaring vocals still shining brightly, this new album will take Christina into new territory musically. She’s worked with a bevy of producers including, Linda Perry, DJ Premier, Danja and Tricky Stewart. Some interesting collaborators include Goldfrapp (a British electronic music group), Ladytron (an electronic pop band), and bubbling under the radar singers/rappers, Santigold and M.I.A. The new album is said to be a blend of pop and R&B with a heavy dance element. Aguilera is famous for switching up her style and sound ala Madonna with each album, and this new offering will be no different. Also look for Christina to make her theatrical film and musical debut opposite Cher in “Burlesque” due Thanksgiving 2010.

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED.
Written by CJA "Babyboi"

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

BRIAN McKNIGHT-- "Evolution of a Man" (Rating 3/5)

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"No Different..."
There comes a time in every music artist's career where they have to make a decision. Whether it's someone working on a sophomore album or someone working on their twentieth studio effort, careful consideration has to be given as to what direction wants to be taken next. In the case of artists who have been around for a long time, it can become difficult. Some may have the formula down perfectly, leaving them with an outstanding album that nobody knew was coming. Others fail slightly at re-inventing themselves by releasing something that's similar or exactly like everything else in their repertoire.

When it comes to BRIAN McKNIGHT, he shows us that his music is no different from anything else we've heard from him. For someone who has released so many albums already, I found myself surprised to know that he was releasing "Evolution of a Man", especially since I hadn't heard anything about it. Either I have to pay more attention...but I truly believe it has to do with the fact that McKNIGHT's recent releases haven't been anything groundbreaking. It was easy to get wrapped up in the 90s during the phenomenon that were the singles "Anytime" and "Back At One"...but in the same token, it was easy to get fed up of hearing the song overplayed countless times in different formats. I was never truly able to become a fan of McKNIGHT because there was never any consistent variety in his music. And to be quite honest, I thought he might've taken a leave of absence indefinitely in order to truly focus on what he should be doing in music.

Another reason why McKNIGHT might've slipped off the radar for most is because "Evolution of a Man" was pushed back a couple of times. After having had an original release date of September 29th, the album's tracklist experienced several facelifts before being finalizing on the one that is available. When it comes to what this album reflects...it's unoriginality. I'm not saying that's a bad thing...it's just that after so long, I expected major growth...and that's not present in this album.

McKNIGHT has always had a knack for creating love songs and smooth R&B joints...that is his signature (which is fine)...and you'll find a lot of that on this album. Songs like "Justalittlebit", "Neversaygoodbye", and "Another You" really captivate that classic sound we've all come to love about McKNIGHT. Is it enough to make me say "WOW!"? Not really. I will pay major tribute to the two highlights on this album ("I Betchaneva" and "Next 2 U"). These songs are a true departure for McKNIGHT. These cuts are sexy, fresh, inviting...and altogether, completely pleasurable. In my opinion, either one of these songs could be released to radio and they'll go on to have better airplay than the current lead single "Whati'vebeenwaiting4", which is currently sitting at #33 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart after two months of being out there.

Overall, this album is just average. With a title like "Evolution...", I expected something grand...a change unlike any other. Instead, McKNIGHT keeps it true to form...and I'm not sure that's gonna be enough to elevate him to the height he used to be at.

Songs that I Somewhat Enjoyed From the Album:
• Just a Little Bit
• What I've Been Waiting For
• Never Say Goodbye
• I Miss U
• Always Be My Baby
• Baby It's U
• While
• Another You

From BRIAN McKNIGHT's new album "Evolution of a Man", here's "Ibetchaneva..." (Song is 4:21, not 6:28)









From the same album, here's "Next 2 U..." (Song is 4:32, not 7:56)









BRIAN McKNIGHT
"Anytime"
From the 1997 album "Anytime"
Directed by Darren Grant
(4.03)




COPYRIGHT PROTECTED.
Written by Felix-Lee "Campbells" Andrades, III

EDNITA NAZARIO-- "Soy" (Rating 5/5)

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"Legend..."
The best part of this review is that the truth will always be told no matter what. I didn't personally know about EDNITA NAZARIO until I heard her collaborations with Reggaeton artists Hector "El Father" ("Si Supieras") and Wisin y Yandel ("¿Como Quieres Que Te Olvide?"). In the end, I felt foolish after I found out that she is a living legend. NAZARIO has over twenty albums under her belt spanning a career of over thirty years. She has become Puerto Rico's highest selling "balladeer". NAZARIO also holds an amazing thirteen TOP TEN albums on both the Latin Albums and Latin Pop Albums charts combined.

After so many years of being in the industry, NAZARIO comes back with a new album simply titled "Soy". Every song on this album has a story to tell...and all contain NAZARIO's seductive vocals. From the lead single "Sin Querer" to the final track "La Fuerza de un 'Te Quiero'", "Soy" takes the listener on a Rock voyage through NAZARIO's mind, often times leaving them speechless. Without a doubt, you can hear the profound emotions in her lyrics...and it almost makes you wanna get in a car and just drive, maintaining your memories at the forefront of your own mind, steering you anywhere. One of the highlights for me on this album is the song "Soy Como Soy". I've always appreciated songs that tell it like it is...and this one is no different. This song is the definition and theme for NAZARIO's album and it speaks loud and clear...

She is who she is...an absolute icon to Puerto Rico and beyond. "Soy" took me on an expedition of life's most defining moments...from love to finding the strength to leave...and realizing that one doesn't have to change for anyone. I may not have thorough knowledge when it comes to her...but I have heard enough to make me want to delve back into NAZARIO's career to experience more from this icon. Definitely a must-have album.

Songs that I Really Enjoyed From the Album:
• Me Voy
• Sin Querer
• Confesados
• Intoxicandome
• Yo Quiero Mas
• Mi Libertad
• Se Que Voy a Reir
• La Fuerza de un Te Quiero"

(Several days after review was posted, Youtube pulled all material related to this album due to a copyright claim by SBMG Norte.)

REVIEWS COMING UP Tuesday, NOVEMBER 3rd, 2009:
GLEE: The Music, Volume One
AMERIE-- "In Love & War"
RYAN LESLIE-- "Transition"

By now, we've all heard about "Glee" in some way, shape, or form...but what is really going on with these talented individuals that got everyone in a frenzy? After so many times her album ended up being pushed back, AMERIE is FINALLY releasing her new effort...will she suffer in sales or recognition for being out of the limelight for so long? And who does RYAN LESLIE think he is releasing two albums in less than a year? CHECK HERE NEXT WEEK for the answers to these questions and more TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3rd, 2009.

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED.
Written by Felix-Lee "Campbells" Andrades, III

Set ALBUM REVIEWS in NOVEMBER

REVIEWS SET for the MONTH of NOVEMBER

November 3rd:
Glee Soundtrack, Volume One
Amerie--In Love & War
Ryan Leslie--Transition

November 10th:
Britney Spears--The Singles Collection (STANDARD VERSION)
FAN BOX SET out NOVEMBER 23rd
REVIEW OUT NOVEMBER 5th and 6th
Melanie Fiona--The Bridge
Alejandro Sanz--Paraiso Express
Jencarlos--Buscame
Victor Manuelle--Yo Mismo

November 17th:
Janet Jackson--Number Ones
REVIEW OUT NOVEMBER 12th and 13th
Norah Jones--The Fall
Kris Allen's self-titled debut album
John Mayer--Battle Studies
Leona Lewis--ECHO
Boyz II Men--Love
OneRepublic--Waking Up
Justin Beiber--My World
Pretty Ricky self-titled 4th studio album

November 23rd (Monday):
Adam Lambert--For Your Entertainment
Lady Gaga--The Fame Monster
Shakira--She Wolf
50 Cent--Before I Self Destruct
Rihanna--Rated R
Timbaland--Shock Value 2
Angie Stone--Unexpected

*NOTE--This list was compiled on Sunday, October 25th, 2009...and it is tentative. At the time of the review, mention will be made to any album that has been pushed back, delayed, etc. Every date displayed represents a Tuesday in the month when the albums will be released (unless otherwise noted).

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED.
Written by Felix-Lee "Campbells" Andrades, III

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Billboard Infomation on MARIO and GRUPO MANIA

INFORMATION on CHART PLACINGS for ALBUM DEBUT(S) and RESPECTIVE SINGLE(S) for
October 13th, 2009

MARIO-- "D.N.A."
#9--Billboard 200
#2--R&B/Hip-Hop Albums
#15--Digital Albums

Current SINGLE(S) from "D.N.A."
"Break Up" featuring Gucci Mane and Sean Garrett
#18--Hot 100
#5--R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
#12--Radio Songs
#24--Digital Songs

"Thinkin' About You"
#49--R&B/Hip-Hop Songs

GRUPO MANIA-- "Se Pego La Mania"
#30--Latin Albums
#3--Tropical Albums

Current SINGLE(S) from "Se Pego La Mania"
"Carita Linda" featuring Olga Tañon
N/A


INFORMATION on PREVIOUS WEEK'S ALBUM PLACINGS on the BILLBOARD 200

MICHAEL BUBLÉ-- "Crazy Love"
STAYS in #1 Spot!

BACKSTREET BOYS-- "This Is Us"
DROPPED from #9 to #64

DJ TIËSTO-- "Kaleidoscope"
DROPPED from #59 to #100

FAT JOE-- "Jealous Ones Still Envy 2 (J.O.S.E. 2)"
DROPPED from #73 to #177

VICO C-- "Babilla"
Has not appeared on the Billboard 200

MARIO has earned his FIRST Top Ten album debut since his self-titled album released in 2002. My concern is that his new single won't help push this album farther. "Thinkin' About You" has yet to break onto the Hot 100 and that could potentially bring harm to his sales. Maybe a release of "Get Out" featuring Ludacris could've helped amplify the anticipation of this amazingly crafted effort.
I wonder if GRUPO MANIA could've had the Number One Tropical Album if it wasn't for Aventura and Hector Acosta...they came in at Number Three and secured a Top Thirty release on the Latin Albums chart.

MICHAEL BUBLÉ has the best sales this week as he stays at the top of the charts, yet again. BACKSTREET BOYS, DJ TIËSTO, and FAT JOE all fell drastically down the charts...VICO C didn't make it onto the Billboard 200, but he remains in the Top Twenty on the Latin Albums chart.

CHECK HERE NEXT WEEK to see how well DAVID BISBAL and ROYCE DA 5'9" do on the charts...!

(ALL INFORMATION on this page has been retrieved on Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 from ALL FACTS made AVAILABLE on BILLBOARD.COM...the lack of information on an ARTIST's release doesn't necessarily mean they are not on the charts. Full BILLBOARD INFORMATION can be accessed at billboard.biz)

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED.
Written by Felix-Lee "Campbells" Andrades, III

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

WELCOME to the OFFICIAL BabyboiCampbells REVIEW

This review is the result of TWO individuals who have become highly-informed on many aspects of the music industry. Collectively known as "Babyboi" and "Campbells", they collaborate frequently in order to create one of the best music reviews readily available to anyone who wants an honest and direct opinion on music without the cynicism or naivety of most critics out there.

This blog is designed to give you the best information on music being released from your favorite artists. Every TUESDAY (unless otherwise noted), B.C. will post several blogs (depending on how large they become) that contain pictures, listening samples, and in-depth criticism on the artist and the work they've created. The review will have THREE different labels for music artists...the first being "The Featured Artist". This person is someone who has completely transformed their sound and/or image...someone who has broken down barriers in a genre by having an impressive arrangement and/or eclecticism to their album. "The Failure" is (obviously) someone whose music should've never been allowed to see the light of day...

The final label is the "Artist of Caliber". This is usually give to someone who has enough material to release a "Greatest Hits" compilation. B.C. has done in-depth reviews for people like REBA McENTIRE and MADONNA...and they look forward to future opportunities to create these entirely informative reviews. Typically, the review will contain music videos and/or music, as well as details on every song on the album.

On WEDNESDAY, Babyboi will have his own segment giving you insider look on artists and what they've been up to. This is the best portion of the review because you'll be able to learn about the artists who have been under the radar for a while. It'll give you info on their upcoming projects and anything else they've been working on.

On THURSDAYS, you can find BILLBOARD INFORMATION blogs that contain info on a particular album release and where it debuted on the charts, as well as where singles from said albums are placing. (For BOTH the current week and previous week.)

AND...since B.C. are always some of the first people to find out about upcoming albums and single releases...make sure you check here periodically...ESPECIALLY on the last TUESDAY of EVERY MONTH as they will give you the complete comprehensive list of albums being reviewed in the following month!

Here's hoping you enjoy it...comments are always welcome.

REVIEWS COMING UP on WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21st, 2009:
DAVID BISBAL-- "Sin Mirar Atras"
ROYCE DA 5'9"-- "Street Hop"

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED.
Written by Felix-Lee "Campbells" Andrades, III