Good singer vs Crap singer

This post is my personal opinion and doesn't necessarily reflect the opinion of all the writers on this blog.
An article about Keri Hilson on Clutch Magazine (online) had me thinking about musical taste and how the industry works. The article was very funny, blunt but I found it a little bit harsh. Basically it was saying that Keri Hilson doesn't have what it takes to succeed and has no stage presence, an average voice etc as you know already Neverxmind.blogspot are big supporters of Miss Hilson.

I'm not going to focus on her in this post, but the article had me looking at the bigger picture. In the past I use to cuss the state of the music industry and what it has to offer, as in reality it does seem as though anyone can get a record deal these days aslong as they look cute. It's undeniable that appearance does count for something in the industry whether you can sing or not, I think we have all become accustomed to this though, not saying it's right or wrong, but seriously how many ugly singers can you count? Not many, and you know I didn't even bother to mention the rappers because there are a few "not so cute ones".. mentioning no names. (cough Rick Ross cough)

So realistically speaking if we got rid of the "inadequate" singers then they'd play nothing at the club, it's not like u can go crazy and shake your ass to "Ex-Factor" by Lauryn Hill, eventhough it's an amazing song. So basically we need the "crappy" singers as much as they need us lol. Aslong as the beat is banging you don't need to pay much attention to Cassie's screeching or T-Pain's computerized voice.

sidenote: I actually do like the artists mentioned above.

I've come to realise and appreciate the balance of artists in the industry, because certain songs are more suitable for certain occasions. So I guess what I'm trying to say is that there's no more complaining coming from me because the situation for music isn't all so bad, although it could be better..

Feel free to share your thoughts on this.

Suspect?

What is going on with this song by Chris Brown, titled "Nasty Girl". This song is killing me lol because of the name, I thought he was gonna be chatting about a nasty girl but instead he flips the switch- he IS the nasty girl lmao. I really don't get it.

He probably wrote it for someone else, but he sings it with so much conviction. There's no need to convince, you can tell he's really into this song: "if you play it right and do the things I like, brother you can get this nasty girl", "I Know just what he waaaant, he want me to give it up".

Na I'm just messing though, nothing suspect about this.. it just caught me off guard because it wasn't what I was expecting LOL. Still love ya Chris Breezy!

New music: Common

Common - The Eye (9-11-08) from Derek Spiller on Vimeo.

Sorry for the quality of the sound, but I'm more than excited about Common's new album. This song is much more smoother than the other tracks "Universal Mind Control" and "Announcement". Others have suggested that this is produced by the Neptunes but I'm not quite sure, if it's true then that means their productions are getting back on track, because some of their recent stuff has been lacking in my opinion, except the N.E.R.D album ofcourse!
Well I hope the rest of the album has a simialar vibe to this, although on the UK HMV site, "The Eye" is not lised as one of the tracks on the album!

Anyways, in the UK "Invinsible Summer" is set for release next month on the 27th. Can't wait!

Cop That Disc!!

Ne-yo returns with his third album 'Year Of The Gentleman' the follow up to last years Grammy winning 'Because of You'. Ne-yo has been quoted as saying his goal with this album is to evoke memories of a time when guys looked and acted like gentlemen. Well this album certainly lives up to its title. Neyo is all about female-empowerment ,he is responible for Beyonce's irreplaceable,and the theme continues here with songs like 'Miss Independent'his current single. The album is mid-tempo heavy which seems to work for him although there are some up-tempo cuts like stand-out track 'Nobody' the Michael Jackson influence on this one is undeniable. What really impresses here is his songwriting talent he really knows how to tell a story. Overall this is a very solid effort one of those albums that you can listen to from start to finish definitely worth copping! 8/10

New Vids

Check out the video for Leona Lewis' new single 'forgive me'this ones very different to her other videos and it suits the upbeat track very well. The track and video proves Leona's versatility as an artist, she's not just about the big ballads. Its good to see her dancing as well. Two thumbs up!!

Artist Spotlight: ILL Methodz

ILL Methodz is an MC from Birmingham, United Kingdom (that’s right..) in the process of making a mark in this industry.
His craft illustrates his true loyalty and respect for music, particularly the Hip Hop genre. This isn’t just a hobby to him but a passion. He is not one to be compared to those guys hangin out on the corner making music as a means to an end.. as in money, he actually enjoys what he does and selflessly enlightens others with his lyrics. ILL Methods has the potential to entertain, educate and potentially put the focus back on to music as being an art rather than a phase which is often suggested by a few rappers in Birmingham trying to break into the scence.

"A Tragedy"- listen
The first time I listened to this I got caught up the rhythm and the lyrics that I found myself closing my eyes so I could pay attention to each word. His style is reminiscent of Lupe Fiasco with his story telling skills (obviously he's different.. but yeh!). You follow the story with your ears but the words paint a picture in your mind, believe me, the end made me shudder.

"I’m so Real"- listen
LOL side note- I actually remember him bopping his head to this beat in class. It annoyed me.. but anyways..
You’ll take fancy to this track if you enjoy playful lyrics that fits suitably with a playful beat. On this track he talks about his frustration with people who abuse music, referring to them as "seasonal berries" and he is basically trying to find his own way. It’s full of punchlines but I loves it.
“I’ll sacrifice you wack cats like lambs at Ramadan, jibba jabba and bomb your jaw more than Taliban” “part-time rappers need to find a new path, you’ve miscalculated blud, do the right math”. Enough said. This song will have u creasing up with laughter.

"My Love"- listen
I’m a sucker for nostalgic samples and he knows that too lol. You can hear the raw emotion in his voice. I don’t want to give it away but listen carefully, because initially the music and the lyrics deceive you.

Gonna keep it brief now,but a lot of people have said their favourite is “Jezebel”, he talks about a past relationship. It has a catchy hook and the line that basically sums it up is "I loved the sex but I couldn't hack the head fuck". I think alot of people can relate to this track, so give it a listen

These are my interpretations of his tracks, so if you would like to find out more about his music, then why not visit his myspace and tell him Chantelle sent you, show him some love from neverxmind.blogspot.

Music News: Kanye West

Peep the cover for Kanye's new single entitled 'Love Lockdown' he recently performed this at the VMA's and i wasn't impressed. Lovexhate will probably call me a hater but its my opinion lol. Kanye's 4th album will be called 808's and Heartbreak' and will be released in december on the 16th to be exact. Remember we told you!


Listen to 'Love Lockdown' here

Artist Spotlight: Neon Hitch

Hopefully I'll be doing a few of these, so look out for another one!
Let me introduce you to Neon Hitch. You may not have heard of her but that's alright! And yep, that is her actual name and she's led just as much interesting life, she was born into a gypsy family and participated in circus performances, but more importantly lets focus on her music, she's an artist hailing from London (UK stand uppp lol!). I'm not even going to categorise her music because it crosses many genres, I'm not quite sure if she's even signed, but looks like things are destined to happen. She might be put into the spotlight soon enough since she's friend's with Amy Winehouse..
Some may compare her to the likes of M.I.A, Lily Allen etc but don't let that overshadow her own uniqueness.

The song below is titled "My Book"


That's the only song I could find on Youtube but my favourites are called "Breathe You" and "On The Move", which you can find on her myspace. If she interets your ears, why not visit her myspace, and show her love from neverxmind.blogspot.

Solange- Would've Been The One

Karma has previously done a post on Solange's album but it's just that good that I thought I'd give it another mention. I especially like the track "Would've Been The One". The lyrics are playful and the beat follows suite. Solange finds herself in a situation of love that involves more than just her and the man, "I find you plus me divided from him" lol I love that line! Had to give you a little sample. Basically not only is it a love triangle but she's one of nine. Gosh.. I hate players!

Well anyways heres the track, listen to the lyrics..

She does sound a little screechy on this track but I think it goes well with what shes saying reflecting her frustration, I like her tone on this.
Definitley not an album to overlook.

New Music: Nelly

A new track said to be on Nelly's forthcoming album Brass Knuckles has leaked. 'Lies' features his St.Lunatics crew as well as Keri Hilson but I'm not convinced its actually her it sounds nothing like Keri.
The track isn't up to much IMO its all over the place, Nelly needs to do better than this if he wants to be taken seriously.

What do you think?

Listen to 'Lies'