Billboard Information for SADE, JAHEIM, and MASSIVE ATTACK

INFORMATION on CHART PLACINGS for ALBUM DEBUT(S) and RESPECTIVE SINGLE(S) for
February 9th, 2010

SADE-- "Soldier of Love" (ALBUMS SOLD--502,000)
#1--Billboard 200
#1-- R&B/Hip-Hop Albums
#1--Digital Albums
#1--Canadian Albums

Current SINGLE(S)/Other Charted Songs from "Soldier of Love"
"Soldier of Love"
#52--Hot 100
#10--R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
#3--Jazz Songs
#63--Radio Songs
#54--Digital Songs

JAHEIM-- "Another Round" (ALBUMS SOLD--112,000)
#3--Billboard 200
#2--R&B/Hip-Hop Albums
#14--Canadian Albums

Current SINGLE(S)/Other Charted Songs from "Another Round"
"Ain't Leavin' Without You"
#93--Hot 100
#13--R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
#65--Radio Songs

MASSIVE ATTACK-- "Heligoland" (ALBUMS SOLD--N/A)
#46--Billboard 200
#4--Dance/Electronic Albums
#11--Digital Albums

Current SINGLE(S)/Other Charted Songs from "Heligoland"
N/A

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

LIL' WAYNE-- "Rebirth"
DROPPED from #2 to #4

I gotta give it up to SADE for being the first artist that I've reviewed this year to hit #1 on every chart! Soldier of Love is the band's first #1 since 1985's Promise album. JAHEIM had an awesome debut also...coming at #3. MASSIVE ATTACK...although they didn't hit the Top Forty here in the States...they are in the Top Ten on virtually every European music chart (#1 in France) with their newest album Heligoland. Congratulations to everyone...they are more than deserving of their accomplishments.

Not to mention LIL' WAYNE who drops TWO spots down the Billboard 200 with his album Rebirth. Can't wait to see what happens when Tha Carter IV comes out...if it ever does!

CHECK HERE NEXT WEEK on THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25th, 2010 to find out how SADE, JAHEIM, and MASSIVE ATTACK do on the RISE and FALL portion of this blog!

(ALL INFORMATION on this page has been retrieved on Thursday, February 18th, 2010 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

Billboard Information on LIL' WAYNE

INFORMATION on CHART PLACINGS for ALBUM DEBUT(S) and RESPECTIVE SINGLE(S) for
February 2nd, 2010

LIL' WAYNE-- "Rebirth"
#2--Billboard 200
#1-- R&B/Hip-Hop Albums
#1--Digital Albums
#1--Rap Albums
#5--Canadian Albums

Current SINGLE(S)/Other Charted Songs from "Rebirth"
"Drop the World" featuring Eminem
#56--Hot 100
#25--Digital Songs
#55--Canadian Hot 100

"Knockout" featuring Nicki Minaj
#44--Hot 100
#20--Digital Songs

"American Star" featuring Shanell
#91--Hot 100
#57--Digital Songs


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

NONE!

Good job LIL' WAYNE for having a top-selling album...if it wasn't for Lady Antebellum, he would've definitely had the Number One Spot...but at least he gained that position on three other charts...that's overall pretty impressive.

CHECK HERE NEXT WEEK on THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18th, 2010 to find out how SADE, JAHEIM, and MASSIVE ATTACK does on the charts!

(ALL INFORMATION on this page has been retrieved on Thursday, February 11th, 2010 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

SADE-- "Soldier Of Love" (Rating 5/5)

I had recently asked myself, "Whatever happened to SADE? She hasn't had any new music in a minute!" Several weeks later, I hear the title track lead single for this absolutely phenomenal album which proves one thing...SADE has a rare talent of keeping the signature sound they're known for...while at the same time, combining a modern twist that makes for a fulfilling comeback after a decade of being on hiatus. SADE Adu admitted to never being the type of artist who just put forth music for whatever reason. She and her bandmates waited until she had the urge to write...and the result is an album filled with ten songs that are thought-provoking, exhilarating, and beautiful all at once.

She may not consider herself a "brand", but over the years, SADE has become a household name for most people...including myself. I grew up listening to all her music...the one song that immediately stuck out to me when I was younger was No Ordinary Love. Almost twenty years later, Soldier of Love gets released...a song that contains an incredible meaning behind it...whose powerful melody is intensified by the beat of the marching drums that carry a synonymous effect with the lyrics themselves. Listening to the rest of the album, classic SADE is evident on tracks like The Moon and the Sky. But what surprised me are songs like Morning Bird and In Another Time...both tracks captivated my heart like no other song has done in awhile. Not to mention The Safest Place...which really should be a soundtrack to all the lovers this Valentine's Day weekend...

No word has been mentioned about a tour...but if SADE is willing to put on another spectacle like she did during the 2001 Lovers Live tour, I definitely can't miss it. It's been several weeks since a good album was released and SADE rightfully deserves all the recognition and credit she can get. Some people call Soldier of Love "monolithic" ...and they couldn't be any more on point.

Songs that I Absolutely Enjoyed From the Album:
• Soldier of Love
• Babyfather
• Be That Easy
• Bring Me Home
• Skin

From SADE's new album "Soldier of Love", here's "The Moon and the Sky..."



From the same album, here's "In Another Time..."



SADE
Soldier of Love
From the Soldier of Love album
Directed by Sophie Muller
(5.00)




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

JAHEIM-- "Another Round" (Rating 3/5)

JAHEIM has always been someone that I have looked up to. Before J. Holiday and Trey Songz came out, JAHEIM took us by storm with singles like Could It Be, Just In Case, Anything, Fabulous, and Never. He is now set to release his fifth studio album entitled Another Round...but unfortunately, this is an album that does not catch my attention like I thought it would.

The problem here is lies with the production being all over the place...an contemporary R&B album that has several different instruments and effects blending together to make absolutely no sense. JAHEIM, whose voice is smoldering and carries a lot of baritone, gets lost in the music immediately. And that's a shame because compared to others, his voice is a gift that needs to be heard. After hearing the weak production, I focused intently on the lyrics only to find myself hearing the same thing we hear in every other song...all the talk of being at the club and such really needs to be abolished from the music industry...because like Jay-Z and Drake say...most people are "Off That" already! The songs that actually talk about love are alright...like Impossible, Closer, and Till It Happens To You...but they still don't carry that much emotion for me.

JAHEIM is very talented...the people he chose as producers and writers, not so much. For an artist who has been in the industry for awhile, you would think there'd be a lot more work going into his album...I guess he needs someone like me who sees his true potential. Another Round is simply average...something that has already done been around so many times before...

Songs that I Enjoyed from the Album:
• Ain't Leavin' Without You (Album Version)
• Whoa
• Her
• II Pink Lines
• Otha Half

From JAHEIM's new album "Another Round", here's the song "Findin' My Way Back..."



From the same album, here's "Closer..."



JAHEIM featuring Jadakiss
Ain't Leavin' Without You (Remix)
From the Another Round album
Directed by Va$hite
(3.30)

Jaheim - New Music - More Music Videos

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

MASSIVE ATTACK-- "Heligoland" (Rating 5/5)

(This week's "FEATURED ARTIST")

When I came across MASSIVE ATTACK a couple years ago, I didn't know what to expect. I had heard of the trip-hop group when they appeared on Madonna's remake of the Marvin Gaye track I Want You back in 1995. A decade later, I was inspired to purchase their 1998 album Mezzanine after hearing the song Inertia Creeps in a clip from the movie Taking Lives. Upon hearing that album, I immediately became a fan.

MASSIVE ATTACK was originally a trio that comprised of DJs Grantley "Daddy G" Marshall, Andrew "Mush" Vowles, and MC Robert "3D" Del Naja. The group has seen members exit and return over the years, which is why their music has evolved so dramatically since their debut back in the late 80s-early 90s. Now only "Daddy G" and "3D" remain and they manage to bring us some of their best work to date after seven long years of having fans wait patiently. Heligoland may not sound as sinister as some of their earlier work but it still is a remarkable album. They incorporate several collaborators including Martina Topley-Bird, Hope Sandoval, and Damon Albarn of Gorillaz. The opening track Pray for Rain starts off one way only to an end in a different sound and vibe. Flat of the Blade featuring Guy Garvey, Paradise Circus featuring Hope Sandoval, and Saturday Come Slow featuring Damon Albarn are all very mystifying and deep. But it's Atlas Air featuring vocals from 3D himself that really sends me going...very sexy...and definitely my favorite track from the entire album...

...well...there's also Psyche featuring Martina Topley-Bird...but there are two versions. The version I enjoyed isn't going to be available until Summer 2010 when MASSIVE ATTACK releases a "post-Heligoland EP" containing alternate versions of the songs found on the album, as well as extra songs that didn't make the final cut. The DELUXE VERSION of Heligoland contains five remixes and an unreleased track called United Snakes. To be quite honest with you...the remixes don't do anything for me...they're boring and sound very close to the original so I didn't really see the point.

MASSIVE ATTACK may go over the heads of many...but I am very impressed with their latest effort. I highly recommend this album for anyone that is looking for something out of the norm and exciting...that is, if you can handle the level of sexuality and darkness that is a symbol of who this group really is...

Songs that I Truly Enjoyed From the Album:
• Pray For Rain (Vocals by Tunde Adebimpe)
• Babel (Vocals by Martina Topley-Bird)
• Splitting the Atom (Vocals by Grantley Marshall, Horace Andy, and Robert Del Naja)
• Girl I Love You (Vocals by Horace Andy)
• Flat of the Blade (Vocals by Guy Garvey)
• Rush Minute (Vocals by Robert Del Naja)

From MASSIVE ATTACK's new album "Heligoland", here's "Psyche (Flash Treatment)" featuring Martina Topley-Bird (Remixed by Christoffer Berg)



From the same album, here's "Atlas Air" featuring Robert "3D" Del Naja...



BONUS TRACKS
(iTunes Store)
• Paradise Circus (Gui Boratto Remix)
• Fatalism (Ryuichi Sakamoto and Yukihiro Takahashi Remix) (Vocals by Guy Garvey)
• Girl I Love You (She Is Danger Remix)
• Paradise Circus (Breakage's Tight Rope Remix)
• United Snakes
• Pray For Rain (Tim Goldsworthy Remix)

REVIEWS TO BE POSTED IN TWO WEEKS on FEBRUARY 23rd, 2010...
CHAYANNE-- "No Hay Imposibles"

We are warming up slowly but steadily to all the releases coming up this year...but what's real interesting are the ones coming from people that I haven't heard from in a long while. CHAYANNE is one of them...what's up with his new album? Check here in TWO WEEKS for the answer to that question and more on FEBRUARY 23rd, 2010...!

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

BABYBOI SEZ (Volume 2.2)

AKON (Spring 2010) 2009 was a busy year for Akon. Aside from being asked to record the official song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which is set to be held in South Africa this June, he also began work on his next album. The album slated for release this spring and titled ‘Stadium Music’, is Akon’s fourth CD. While the majority of the tracks that appear on this new album will be self-produced (like many of Akon’s past hits), popular French DJ/producer David Guetta will also be contributing as well. Their recent collaboration from Guetta’s ‘One Love’ album (the dance track ‘Sexy Bitch’), lead to massive radio play and became a huge international success; an accomplishment which Akon is looking to repeat with his album. One track which Akon and Guetta have worked on together is called ‘Nosy Neighbor’ and appears to be the likely first official single. Expect the album to be filled with a bunch of crowd pleasing, stadium-type anthems, as the name implies. No confirmation yet on guest collaborators, but don’t be surprised to see the most famous names associated with Akon’s two record labels, T-Pain (from Konvict Muzik ) and Lady Gaga (from Kon Live). Last year saw Akon collaborate with numerous artists on several hit songs including Whitney Houston, Pitbull, Madonna, and Flo Rida. Music’s busiest man seems intent on keeping up the good work. Expect ‘Stadium Music’ to be one of summer’s biggest albums when it drops later this year.



KERI HILSON (May 2010) It took three years for Keri Hilson’s debut album ‘In A Perfect World…’ to appear on store shelves. The wait for its follow up (thankfully) will be far less long. According to reps at Interscope Records, Hilson is positioning to have her new album ready for the start of summer. A single could be available as early as next month. Those wondering who will be creating beats for Keri’s new release will be pleased to know that both Timbaland and Polow Da Don are on board. As is Timbaland protégé Danja, who produced previous Keri hits, “Knock You Down, “Tell Him the Truth”, and “Quicksand” amongst others. In a recent interview when asked whom she’d like to collaborate with on her sophomore album, Keri insisted that Kanye West was a must. With his guest verse on “Knock You Down” becoming a fan favorite, Keri is now interested in having Kanye produce some songs for her. The other artists whom Keri mentioned for a potential collabo are fellow label-mate Jared Evan (more on him later) and singer/songwriter Ryan Leslie. New talent involved behind the scenes on the album, include will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas, as well as Drake, and emerging songwriter/producer/go-to-guy Jeff Bhasker (Jay-Z, Kid Cudi). Keri already has a plan for how she’d like the album to sound, with the new music building off past hits and creating an artistic evolution. Without a doubt Miss Keri’s second album will become a must-have for 2010 as she continues to ‘Turn Us On’.



JARED EVAN (Summer 2010) The list of successful white rappers is quite short, yet the list for failed white rappers is seemingly endless. Looking to even things out a bit is up-and-coming artist Jared Evan. Born and raised in New York, Jared is a multi-hyphen talent. He’s a rapper/singer as well as a songwriter and producer. Influenced by old school hip-hop sounds (Tribe Called Quest, Wu-Tang Clan) and classic rock (The Beatles, Led Zeppelin), Jared has found a way to successfully merge the two to create his unique musical style. After opening for Lupe Fiasco in 2008, Jared began work on his mixtape which lead to a bidding war between numerous labels looking to sign him. Jared Evan’s incomparable sound found a home at Zone 4/Interscope (Polow Da Don’s label). Recently, Jared completed work on the song “Frozen” for the Lebron James documentary soundtrack "Music Inspired by More Than a Game". That song, which he wrote and produced, caught the attention of many in the industry, including Timbaland, who is currently working with Jared on his debut album. With the guidance of Polow and Jimmy Iovine, Jared is preparing a stellar debut set for release this summer. While the mainstream media seems to be focusing all their attention on Drake (another up-and-coming rapper/singer), it is Jared who is silently preparing a musical strike unlike anything pop radio has ever heard.



J. COLE (Summer 2010) Being the first artist signed to Jay-Z's new label Roc Nation comes with a ton of pressure. Yet newcomer J. Cole seems ready for the spotlight and more than up to the task. After releasing a debut mixtape (The Come Up) back in 2007, Cole caught the attention of industry heavyweight Jay-Z. Jay-Z then went and featured the raw talent on the eagerly awaited Blueprint 3 album on a track titled ‘A Star Is Born’. Currently, J. Cole is prepping to tour with Hova, Young Jeezy, and Trey Songz in an effort to build buzz for his release. Work has begun on his major label debut and while Jay-Z, J. Cole, and Roc Nation are mum on details, it is confirmed that super producer No I.D. has created several beats for this album. With Jay-Z’s knack for establishing new artists (Rihanna and Ne-Yo to name just two), J. Cole is in good hands and can look forward to a thriving career. Looking to usher in the new decade with hits and success, both Cole and Hov can expect to repeat past glory while establishing the new Roc Nation as a viable label with excellent credentials and considerable prospects. When J. Cole’s debut becomes Roc Nation’s first official album this summer, the music industry will be paying close attention and expectations will be quite high, yet J. Cole’s immense talent is more than up to the task. Rumored to be titled ‘The Blow Up’, hip-hop fans have something special to look forward to when this highly anticipated album is finally released.



COLBY O'DONIS (Spring 2010) After having taken the pop music scene by storm with his debut single ‘What You Got’ in 2008, Colby O is ready to release his sophomore album this spring. The promotional single ‘I Wanna Touch You’ was leaked to radio in late summer ’09 with a video that appeared in the fall. The song was popular in many major markets and was subsequently picked up and added to rotation at some of the country’s biggest radio stations, even though the album itself was far from complete. A large portion of this new album will be written by Colby himself, with various assists. Frequent Lady Gaga collaborator RedOne will also be producing tracks on Colby’s album (he already produced the aforementioned promo single). Other producers confirmed to appear on this project include Akon and hit-maker Darkchild. Colby will also be once again aiming for crossover appeal, as several tracks will be recorded in Spanish as well. The bar is set high for Colby with this new album. While his last effort yielded several successful singles, the album itself failed to go GOLD despite a heavy marketing push. Colby is looking to define his style while pushing the musical envelope even further with his new music. The first official single has yet to be chosen, but ‘Talkin 'Bout Us’, ‘Never Fall In Love Again’, and ‘Ooh Ahh’ are all currently under consideration by Colby’s label. The choice for the new song is extremely important as it needs to become an instant hit in order to overcome the crowded male pop category, which will also see new releases from Jason Derulo and Donnie Klang during this time. Colby’s new single is expected sometime next month.



FANTASIA (March 2010) After having tackled Broadway with ‘The Color Purple’ and film with ‘Life Is Not A Fairytale’, Fantasia Barrino is ready to return to her musical roots. ‘Tasia’s yet untitled third album is due this spring, and plans are for it to showcase the raw, passionate vocals of this former American Idol winner, while still keeping the great storytelling lyrics she’s become known for. Producers and songwriters involved in the project include: Rico Love, Carlos "Los Da Mystro" McKinney, Tricky Stewart, Novel, Jim Jonsin, Claude Kelly, and Midi Mafia--who produced one of her biggest hits--"When I See U". Close friend and longtime collaborator Missy Elliott will be present as well. John Legend also appears on this album, as does Raphael Saadiq, who encouraged Fantasia to record the ‘old fashioned way’ with a live orchestra in the studio. According to her label, the tracks featured range from throwback R&B to a contemporary sound. A reimagining of Dorothy Moore's 1976 R&B/pop hit "Misty Blue", looks like a sure bet to make the final track list. As are, "Can't Be Without You," and the Lauryn Hill-influenced "Trust Him". Also expect a collaboration with Cee-Lo, rumored to be called "The Thrill Is Gone". Much like others have done recently, Fantasia is currently filming a reality show which is chronicling the creation of this new album. That show, “Fantasia for Real” just began airing on VH1 last month, and depicts Fantasia’s struggle to regain control of both her career and personal life. Looking to make a successful comeback on the music scene, Fantasia seems to have all the proper ingredients in place, let’s just hope the public embraces her again as they did several years back. ‘Tasia’s hot new single, ‘Move On Me’ produced by KP and Malay (John Legend, Beyoncé) is being sent to U.S. radio this month.

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED.
Written by CJA "Babyboi"

LIL' WAYNE-- "Rebirth" (Rating 3/5)

(This week's "FEATURED ARTIST")

I don't know what a genius is...but if it's LIL' WAYNE, I'll accept it for what it is. (Or maybe it's the producers behind this album that I should be giving that label to?) An album that gained the reputation of being delayed SEVERAL times over is finally here. Rebirth can have you confused right from the very beginning...but those who are fans of Rock music will feel right at home automatically. Sounds that can be found on albums from Seether, Fall Out Boy, Kid Rock, and others are present...thanks to producers like Travis Barker, Kevin Rudolf, Cool & Dre, and others. But the question that remains unanswered...is LIL' WAYNE simply doing whatever he wants because he has nothing else better to do?

An artist who can branch out into different genres of music will have to deal with either two outcomes...a success or a failure. In this case, I am pleasantly surprised by LIL' WAYNE's ability to take a Rock album and put his own signature spin on it. He went through the process of learning to play the guitar...and on this album, he is featured playing the instrument on several songs. The only problem I have (as always) is the overuse of Auto-tune that severely distorts his vocals making it beyond difficult to understand what he's saying. That's not always the case though...on the song Runnin', LIL WAYNE's singing ability is bearable...making this song an easy favorite for me. And yes, he does keep it real to his roots by sticking to his lyrical flow on several songs, including Drop the World featuring Eminem. The one thing I do wish to have seen is more collaborations with ACTUAL Rock artists. There is one performer by the name of Shanell...and while she has a beautiful voice, some songs like Runnin' would've penetrated my soul more if someone like P!NK or CHRIS DAUGHTRY took charge of some of the vocals.

In the end, I will probably be the only one who gave LIL' WAYNE a decent review...since everyone else seems to be hating on his work. Like I said, this is an album that will not grow accustomed to most people. I enjoyed it...it is what it is. If you're looking for the LIL' WAYNE that brought you the former phenomenon that was the hits Lollipop and A Milli ...you are gonna have to wait for Tha Carter IV. Still no release date set...but it is claimed that this album will see the light of day at some point this year...and LIL' WAYNE has already recorded twenty songs for the album itself.

Songs that I Truly Enjoyed from the Album:
• American Star featuring Shanell
• Prom Queen featuring Shanell
• Da Da Da
• I'll Die For You
• On Fire

From LIL' WAYNE's new album "Rebirth", here's "Runnin'" featuring Shanell...



From the same album, here's "Paradice..."




LIL' WAYNE
"On Fire"
From the "Rebirth" album
Directed by Chris Robinson
(4.46)





REVIEW COMING UP TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9th, 2010...
SADE-- "Soldier of Love"
JAHEIM-- "Another Round"
MASSIVE ATTACK-- "Heligoland"

SADE...who has not had new music in a decade...returns with an extraordinary new single entitled Soldier of Love...which is the title track of the new album. Will the band show us that after so many years they are still a force to be reckoned with? Same thing with MASSIVE ATTACK...after seven years, the UK duo return with Heligoland...but is it gonna be as much of a icon as their 1998 album Mezzanine? On the R&B front, we have veteran JAHIEM making "Another Round" with his brand new project...but is his music beginning to sound the same...? Check back here next week for the answers to these questions and a whole lot more on TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9th, 2010!

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