Lists’ like these are always difficult to construct. On one hand, you’re attempting to remember every song that was forced down your throat and actually considered “hot”. But then, on the other hand, I’m trying to keep in mind that just because I liked that song, doesn’t mean the entire universe had to fall in line with my opinion.

Either or, these songs held a significant amount of weight in 2008. Whether it was the impromptu love for the hook, the infectious beat or the illegitimate lyrics that made not 1/3 bit of sense, but you just HAD to recite them, these songs will be known as 2008’s Top Tunes. Oh, and if I’m missing any, don’t be shy…go head and add them in the comments section. ENJOY

10. T-Pain ft. Lil Wayne- Can’t Believe It

This track not only forged a BFF alliance between the two, but it EASILY took over radio DIRECTLY after its release. Soon after, the dread headed twins conceived “Got Money” and their highly anticipated joint Lp, He Raps, He Sings. I can’t believe it….no seriously…I CAN’T!

9. T.I.- Whatever You Like (Produced By Jim Jonsin)

“Whatever You Like” did some extraordinary damage on the Billboard charts thanks to a little help from “Lollipop” producer, Jim Jonsin. And thanks to T.I., every tender roni I encounter thinks she can have whatever she likes. Sorry ladies, keep that sentiment to yourself.

8. MIA- Paper Planes (Produced By M.I.A., Diplo and Stitch)

Though 2007 marked it’s official crash landing on earth and February 12 marked its official US iTunes release, “Paper Planes” didn’t gain official commercial and U.S. acceptance until it’s appearance in the movie trailer for “Pineapple Express” back in June. Shortly after, pretty much EVERY rapper and their sidekicks tried their hand at remixing the catchy tune. Oh, did I mention it snatched a Grammy nod for Record of the Year?

7. Alicia Keys- Superwoman (Produced By Alicia Keys)

A song dedicated to EVERY strong female in the world? Hell yeah it’s on here as well the list of nominees for the 51st Annual Grammy Awards (Best Female R&B Vocal Performance). I bet you Barack hears this song every time he glances at Michelle…

6. Neyo- Miss Independent (Produced By Stargate)

Neyo gained so many brownie points from the females because of the songs context and he ALSO gained an EXTREME amount of cool points from the fellas because of the bulky amount of eye candy trotting through the visual. It also didn’t hurt that he invited Jamie Foxx and Fabolous along for the remix. Only sad thing about this is every female with a debit card thinks she can claim independence….it’s ok to ask for help babygirl, we got you.

5. T.I. ft. Kanye West, Jay-Z & Lil Wayne- Swagger Like Us (Produced By Kanye West)

Only reason why this isn’t further down on the list is because A.) It was a late bloomer and B.) It wasn’t officially pegged as a single from T.I.’s project but played through every club, radio and ipod speaker on God’s green earth. Sidebar: Since “Swagger” is a word I sincerely hate right now, A HUGE thank you is in order for Kanye West and MIA.

4. Usher ft. Young Jeezy- Love In This Club (Produced By Polow Da Don)

First time I heard this lil ditty, I was hooked. I even thought Usher was heading in the direction of Confessions, but of course, I was let down to 8th degree. Regardless, Jeezy came correct, Polow did his thing, and Keri Hilson will FOREVER be my mistress of choice…sorry future Mrs. LowKey!

3. Beyonce- Single Ladies (Produced By Tricky Stewart)

It’s an amazing sight to witness when you’re standing by the bar, the first 12 seconds of this record comes on and you see EVERY female (Bartenders, waitresses, female janitors and female security guards included) go APE sh*t, gyrating in every way possible known to mankind. True story, I once saw a married woman secretly take off her wedding ring for 3:13 JUST to call herself a single lady and then put it back on as if the song never existed. DAMN YOU, BEYONCE

2 . Young Jeezy ft. Kanye West- Put On (Produced By Drumma Boy)

Everyone…and I mean EVERYONE (yup, even her) thought they were from Atlanta when Jeezy unleashed this massive hit to the public. It gave you the sense of urgency to rep WHEREVER you were from (yup, even her again) whenever this song tickled your ear drum. This was also the first time we heard Kanye exercise his right on T-Pain’s golden apparatus. I PUTTTTTTTT ONNNNNNNNNNN!

1. Lil Wayne- A Milli (Produced By Bangladesh)

1. Lil Wayne- Lollipop (Produced By Jim Jonsin)

Really…..do I NEED to explain myself on either of these?????

Sincerely

Low “At least ONE of these songs gets some kind of burn in my day to day operations” Key

By now I’m sure a majority of you heard about the comments Robin Thicke made against Vibe Magazine in regards to who they place on the cover of their publication.  A Billboard reporter asked Thicke of his difficulties of breaking down color barriers in the music industry and the blue eyed bandit responded, “When I did a recent interview with Vibe magazine I asked, “Why can’t I get the cover? This is a magazine I love. If there’s one magazine that I’d want to be on the cover of, it’s Vibe.” Their response was they don’t have white artists on the cover; that the only white artist they’ve had on the cover was Eminem. I guess if that’s what it is, it is what it is. And I respect that because I live in a house with a black woman.I won’t use the word “racism.” I will say it’s a tough — but rewarding — fight.” 

Catching wind of these comments, VIBE’s EIC (Editor-In-Chief), Danyel Smith, released a statemen defending the publications choice of why and who makes the cover of Vibe Magazine. Said Smith of Mr. Thicke’s views, “We have a great deal of respect for Robin Thicke and his music, and we remain flattered by his desire to be on a VIBE cover.  A VIBE cover is a huge milestone in any artist’s career — recent cover stars include Young Jeezy, Mariah Carey, 50 Cent, Usher, Senator Barack Obama, Eminem, Lil Wayne, and Robert De Niro, to say nothing of our 15-year history. We wish Thicke the best, and we’re glad he discusses his thoughts on race and R&B in the new October 2008 issue of VIBE.”

As always, I turn to you (my faithful SoundOff readers) to throw me an opinion or two. Personally, I really don’t think this is a race issue, more so a sales issue. I love Robin Thicke to the death, but how many covers could he actually sell? To be honest, I think the “They don’t have white artists on the cover” comment was just another way of saying, “Sorry Robby, your not there yet”. But hey, that’s just me…..”Magic” is STILL my ish!

Sincerely

Low “It’s my B-Day, time to have some fun….IM OUT” Key 

About a month and a half ago Jackpot and I attended an intimate listening session for Robin Thicke’s third solo album, Something Else. While the album wasn’t played in its entirety, from what we heard….SHEEESH! The album, in which I did a detailed but brief review of, showcased Robin as one of the most prominent artists in the R&B realm today.

Clearly this man has talent. And though some of you may not be too familiar with the blue eyed bandit (his father, Alan Thicke, played the father on the sitcom Growing Pains), his last album, The Evolution of Robin Thicke, and a bevy of guest appearances before and after, have kept him relevant in the world of music.

Today, B.E.T. You Haven’t Heard This brings you the first official helping from Robin’s new album, Something Else, which is slated to hit stores July 1st via Interscope Records.

Robin Thicke- Magic

Like it, Love it or Leave It???? SPEAK UPPPPPP!!!!

Sincerely

Low “Who’s got that MAGIC for LowKey?” Key 

Since our first attempt at Sneak Peek received a lot of great feedback, I thought, ‘why not try it again.’ Back for another round, Sound Off’s Sneak Peek is bringing you inside the studio for an exclusive preview of Robin Thicke’s new album, Something Else. 

Though we arrived at the studio 30 min. after the original start time, we still managed to snag a couple pics and hear some interesting and intriguing material from the project. Accompanied by dim lights, 4 bottles of wine, and a plethora of candles, I could have sworn I was about to start recording my own R&B album.

Below you can check out a brief description of some of the songs we heard and also a couple of flicks of the session. ENJOY!!

SideStep- An uptempo number driven by a tantalizing bass line, Thicke’s feel good plea of receiving love from his significant other will not only put you and yours on the dance floor, but will also provide you with an old school type of confidence your parents were once accustomed to!

Magic- Accompanied with a barrage of horns and an assortment of congas, “Magic” propels the image of what seems like an inside look at the perfect relationship he and his wife, Paula Patton, have!

Dream World- Painting the perfect atmosphere of what HIS world would consist of, the mellow and melodic tune will initiate the thought process of your very own “Dream World!” Whether it’s an interracial couple walking down the dirt roads of Mississippi, or informing Van Gough he’s missed, Robin covers all corners.

Sweetest Love- Describing a type of love that couldn’t get any sweeter, Thicke’s approach to this subject could easily be pegged as a female favorite. I, for one, will have this song on repeat when in the presence of my significant other.

Mr. Loverman- Any female who’s listened to at least one song from Robin’s catalog probably wonders how the R&B vet fairs as a lover. But since he’s married, you’ll have to do one of two things: listen to this song or just ask his wife Paula Patton. And since a majority of you are equipped with common sense, I’m sure you’ll be listening to the song.

Robin Thicke controlling the boards during the listening session at Legacy Studios.

Robin Thicke and Danyel Smith’s (EIC of Vibe Magazine) assistant, Shirea Caroll, squeeze in a quick flick!

Andre Harrell, Robin Thicke and Robin’s manager at the listening session.

Sincerely Yours,

Low “I can’t wait for this dude’s album” Key  

P.S. Danyel Smith running up on me and Jackpot outside of Legacy Studios was PRICELESS lol! “Who are you guys??? I don’t know ya’ll.”

As I’ve discussed in a previous blog, Blue-Eyed Soul wasn’t born yesterday. Robin Thicke, Amy Whinehouse and Justin Timberlake are just the latest singers to join a movement who began in the 60s and reached a peak in the 80s with singers like Michael McDonald, Daryl Hall (Hall & Oates) and Rick Astley just to name a few. 

As always, folks disagreed on which singers have earned the “black” or “soulful” tags.  While some credit Phil Collins for being soul, the aforementioned artists had us thinking they were brothers before we finally saw their videos. So, what exactly about a singer makes him sound “black?” Is it all vocals, or does it also have to do with production? Sound Off!

–Jackpot