Ok, so I hit up Miss Info’s page a few minutes prior to see what she had cooking on her side of town and saw something intriguing. I read her commentary and thought, “Ok, Johnta is talking about Jazmine Sullivan’s Twin Towers again, nothing crazy.” But the more I read, the more I became puzzled…until I saw the actual video.

Let’s be clear, I’m all for anyone and everyone voicing their opinion on topics that bother them (an exercise you’re observing now), but when it begins to drag on for minutes upon minutes, well, it’s perceived as the highest level of hate.

Now I’m a fan of JD and his “Ocean’s Five” crew because, to be honest, these dudes are entertaining and love to have a good ol’ time. Slick commentary, continuous alcohol consumption, endless nights of festive behavior; AWESOME. Hell, JD’s YouTube series even generated an interest in his career that A LOT of people didn’t care for (Yeah I Said It).

But when these five fools thought it would be interesting to do an 8-minute video about how fugly Christina Milian’s new look is….well that sh*t is just absurd. Yeah, I’ve said some harsh things in the past around these parts, but NEVER directed it at anyone’s personal appearance, only at the craft they produce for the masses. Am I a fan on how shorty doo wop looks?? Of course not, but that’s what SHE chose to do.

Now, if we’re going to nit pick at appearances, let’s make sure the people around us are in tip-top condition. Example #1: Tameka Foster-Raymond! Aye Usher, you might wanna back up off C.Milian’s new look because last time I checked, wifey wasn’t THAT easy on the eyes. I mean, let’s be real, shorty’s more manly looking than Madea (Yep, I SAID IT). And aren’t we a TAD bit too old to be sporting the scullys with the brims???

Johnta, it seems as though shorty didn’t wanna thumb wrestle with you so in return you thought it was necessary to clown her, huh? You do know how that makes you look in front of the industry, right? Boo Hoo, Christina turned you down…GET OVER IT! Shouldn’t you be recording an album that was supposed to come out when JD still had his door key over at Island Def Jam? (SHOTS!)

And JD, I could’ve SWORN you just made a blog where you vividly explained how lame it was for people to comment on sh*t they didn’t like. Maybe I’m tripping. Nah, I’m not because your exact words were, “What type of ni*ga would take the time to come to my site, look at the blog, read what’s going on and then write a dumb ass comment?” Word, JD?? It seems to me, you and your buddies just did that to the 10th power.

Look fellas, leave the gossip ish to the gossip bloggers, PERIOD. Info was right, pull ya skirts down and handle your business in a MATURE manner because this right here, in the words of Tyrone, AIN’T IT!

Sincerely

Low “If Usher’s album is wack, we’ll know EXACTLY why” Key

P.S. Aye Johnta, I bet your ass you wouldn’t be making those Chris Brown/Rihanna jokes had that been your sister or daughter…NOW WOULD YOU???

Ocean’s 5 talk Christina Milian’s new look

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

2008 was by far one of our most troublesome 365 days experienced in a long time. The economy was side swiped, houses we’re being snatched left and right and employment…well you already know the verdict in that lane.

Since we’re about 48 hours and one second left until 2009 relieves us of this treacherous year and I thought it would be dope to compile a list of the Ten Worst Music Moments in 2008.

I might have missed one or two, but this is a list I THOUGHT of so if you disagree, hit that comments section and spill the beans on a moment that should’ve made the list. ENJOY!

10. Angel Lola
Winning Eye Candy of the Year in 2007 does NOT grant you the right to rap. Act, start a business, go back to school……DO NOT RAP. Its bad enough we don’t believe your ASSets are real but what makes you think we’re going to believe you have the ability to write a decent verse? Sorry sweetie….NEXT!
http://candykoatedsuga.blogspot.com/2008/12/angel-lola-luv-serious-about-rapping.html

9. Anything DMX Related
I don’t know what’s worse; DMX releasing a hip hop/gospel album, being arrested 556653653 times in 6 months or being detained at Scott Storch’s residence? Well, at least he didn’t shoot a sequel for Cradle to the Grave.
http://blogs.bet.com/music/soundOff/gee-what-a-coincidence/

8. Brawling @ The 2008 Ozone Awards
Seriously, did we really need to see Trae and Mike Jones duke it out backstage? That’s like watching two trophy girls duke it out to see who presents Shawty Lo the Ringtone of the Year Award; NO ONE CARES!
http://www.bet.com/Music/News/musicnews_jonestalksozone_08.13.08.htm

7. Soulja Boy Vs. Ice T
How in the hell can someone making so much GUAP on a show that airs on NBC give a rat’s ass about a kid who once had a chain made STRICTLY out of rubber bands? Not only that, but the OG prompted SBeezy and his goons-in-training to make a 10 minute vlog (video blog) about how old Ice-T is….*DEAD*.
http://blogs.bet.com/music/soundOff/soulja-boy-vs-ice-t/

6. Brawling @ The Dirty Awards
T.I.+ Shawty Lo + Alfamega + Disgruntled Shawty Lo employees + absurd award show title= Foolery to the 15^th degree. Lesson learned: Wait until T.I.’s incarcerated to invite Shawty Lo to an awards ceremony.
http://www.bet.com/Music/News/musicnews_tiandshawtylofight_11.25.08.htm

5. Usher’s, Here I Stand
Dear Usher, We’re extremely elated you found marital bliss. We’re even happier you now have a tribe of lil Ursher’s running around the palace, but PLEASE, spare us your happiness. Remember that thing called Confessions; I think it sold about 10 MILLION EFFIN COPIES? Well, we want that. So, cheat on Tameka, reveal your love child with Chilli and tell Chris Brown he’ll never be as good as you. Patiently Waiting, LowKey
http://blogs.bet.com/music/soundOff/usher-making-a-return-but-is-it-tooooo-late/

4. Auto Tune
I can’t fault T-Pain for sensationalizing the device; it made him enormously famous. But Ron Browz, Baby, Yung Berg, Baby, Lil Wayne, Shawty Lo, The Dream, R.Kelly, Usher, Swizz Beatz, Ludacris, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg and whoever thought it would be a good idea, WHAT HAS IT DONE FOR YOU???? (Is it bad I’m writing this entry in Auto-Tune?).
http://blogs.bet.com/music/soundOff/t-pain-retiring-auto-tune/

3. Kanye and Don C Pouncing On The Paparazzi
I’m assuming Mr. West was just having a bad day. I mean why else would he be wearing a hoody in a PUBLIC airport with his head down signaling the photographer NOT to snap his picture? What’s even more hilarious is the media pegged Don C as Kanye’s security, when clearly, the photographer was bigger than him.
http://blogs.bet.com/music/soundOff/kanye-hates-flashing-lights/

2. Yung Berg’s Physical Altercations
Aside from selling a petite 19,000 albums in seven days, the Chicago native caught the hand of god, TWICE, for aiming disrespectful banter towards Maino and Detroit rappers AND got relieved of some pricey merchandise…that’s DEFINITLEY not sexy (pause).
http://blogs.bet.com/music/soundOff/oh-young-berg/

1. Young Buck Crying To 50 Cent
Really, crying though, homey? He went from being the toughest solider in the click to needing a blanky after a shot of Hennessey. Every man should be granted an occasional occurrence of letting the tears run, but homey should’ve known better to do it over the phone. Dah well, it only cost him his career, dignity and any tough talking in the near future.
http://blogs.bet.com/music/soundOff/you-brought-it-on-yourself/

Honorable Mention
1. Busta Ryhmes’, “Arab Money”

2. T.I. going to jail again.

3. Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon getting married.

4. The Game.

5. WorldStarHipHop.

6. K-Ci and Jo Jo’s infamous concert incident.

7. DJ Khaled terminology

8. Damn it Beyonce, I was trying to keep you off this list, but you HAD to go and say THIS!

Sincerely

Low “2009, YOU BETTER NOT LET ME DOWN!” Key

Sharing the same sentiment, Jermaine Dupri, one of the masterminds behind Usher’s epic Confessions Lp, is gearing up to work with the R&B titan starting January 16. JD made the announcement during his latest “Living The Life” YouTube webisode. Dupri said while sipping on a glass of red wine, “I’m starting on Usher’s album January 16, so episodes of “Living The Life” starting on January 16 will be about Usher’s album; how it’s taking place and what’s going on with it.”

Could this possibly mean Usher’s presence will be once again felt significantly in the R&B realm? In addition to JD assisting with Usher’s return, our modern day BabyFace, Neyo, will also lending a helping hand on Usher’s sixth album. Back in November, Neyo was the first artist to publicly reveal his true feelings about Here I Stand (slide over here to read). What would really be amazing if JD added Neyo to his Dream Team of writers and producers ( Johnta Austin, Brian M. Cox) to help Usher get back on top.

Can JD, Usher and Neyo create the ultimate project??? What are your thoughts????

Sincerely

Low “Neyo, JD and Usher???? Hmm, that’ll be interesting” Key

In the case of me having to actually pick between the two; I probably would pick Neyo…only because his first album was during my last relationship and it basically told the entire story of how it played out. Just had to let you guys know lol…

The only difference, statistically, between the two is Neyo’s album count is already at three, so experience already ways heavy on the side of the Arkansas native (yes, Neyo is originally from Arkansas). In the past 2 years, both Neyo and The Dream have massacred writing pads with their unique penmanship showing no mercy for each other or the competition.

Neyo’s infectious material has channeled more so the opposite sex’s perspective more than the male’s, at times. Beyonce’s, “Irreplaceable” became a massive female anthem signaling every dishonest man to the left. And let’s not forget his breakout hit, “Let Me Love You” crooned by Mario back in 2004.

But on the other side of town The Dream, who began his writing tenure in 2003 after penning “Everything” for B2K, has also kept dance floors packed and radio airwaves filled via Rihanna (“Umbrella”), J. Holiday (“Bed”), Mariah Carey (“Touch My Body”), Mary J. Blige (“Just Fine”) and more recently, Beyonce (“Single Ladies”).

 Both are capable of writing hits for themselves and others, but it’s something distinctively unique about the both of them. Neyo’s material is more relationship driven; the heartaches and pains deriving from that particular situation. While The Dream, who can also channel the relationship commentary, has a bit more fun laminating the raunchy side of things (See Usher’s, “Trading Places”, lol). But hey, those are just my observations.

Time for the debate: Who Is A Better Songwriter; Neyo or The Dream?????? Having a hard time deciding? No worries, I’ve listed a throng of joints both artists have written in the last 3 years. ENJOY!

Songs written by Neyo

Mario- Let Me Love You (Turning Point, 2004)

Rihanna- Unfaithful (A Girl Like Me, 2005)

Neyo- So Sick, Stay, When You’re Mad (In My Own Words, 2006)

Beyonce- Irreplaceable (B’Day, 2006)

Rihanna- Hate That I Love You (Good Girl Gone Bad, 2007)

Neyo- Because of You, Can We Chill, Addicting, Go On Girl (Because of You, 2007)

Mary J. Blige- Work In Progress (Growing Pains, 2007)

Leona Lewis- I’m You (Spirit, 2007)

Usher- His Mistakes  (Here I Stand, 2008)

Rihanna- Take A Bow (Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded, 2008)

Neyo- Fade Into The Background (Year of the Gentlemen, 2008)

Jennifer Hudson- Spotlight (Jennifer Hudson, 2008)

Ciara- Supernatrual (Fantasy Ride, 2008)

Janet Jackson- This Can’t Be Good (Discipline, 2008)

Songs written by The Dream

Britney Spears- Me Against The Music (In The Zone, 2003)

Chris Brown ft. Lil Wayne- Gimmie What You Got (Exclusive, 2007)

Ciara ft. Ludacris- High Price (Fantasy Ride, 2008)

J. Holiday- Bed (Back Of My Lac, 2007)

Janet Jackson- Greatest X (Discipline, 2008)

Karina Pasian- 16 @ War (First Love, 2008)

Raheem DeVaughn- Customer (Love Behind The Melody, 2008)

Mariah Carey- Touch My Body (The Emancipation Of Mimi, 2008)

Mary J. Blige- Just Fine (Growing Pains, 2008)

Beyonce- Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) (I Am……Sasha Fierce, 2008)

Nivea ft. Lil Jon- Okay (Complicated, 2005)

Rihanna ft. Jay-Z- Umbrella (Good Girl Gone Bad, 2007)

Usher- Trading Places (Here I Stand, 2008)

The Dream- Living A Lie, Nikki, Playin In Her Air, Falsetto (LoveHate, 2007)

Come on….make the decision; Neyo or The Dream??????? 

Sincerely

Low “I’m Soooooo Sickkkk of love songs” Key 

What would the world be without the screeching effects of Teddy’s vocal trickery echoing through every speaker known to mankind? Many have pondered it, but could/would Teddy lay the device to rest? Would it be tragic for him to retire the vocoder and the rest of his followers, which include Yung Berg, Birdman, Snoop Dog, 50 Cent, Ciara, Jim Jones (he recorded a song in Auto-Tune but canned it), Usher, Chris Brown, R.Kelly, The Dream, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, LowKey (I’m writing this article in Auto-Tune) allowed to still use it? I caught up with Pain yesterday before he hit 106 & Park and asked the Tallahassee Titan if he ever thought about laying the Auto-Tune to rest….

“I did think about it. There was a couple people trying to get me to do it, but I figured I’m the originator of this generation pretty much. Teddy Riley can’t do it better than Roger Troutman, I can’t do it better than Teddy Riley and I’m going to make sure nobody can do it better than me, so there’s no use of retiring it.”

There you have it, T-Pizzle will forever embed his vocals in Auto-Tune tricker. But let me ask you guys, if T-Pain were to retire the vocoder, would be he as popular as he is now?????

SOOOOOOOOUNNNNNNNND OFFFFF!!

Sincerely

Low “Seriously, I wrote this whole blog in Auto-Tune” Key 

“Off Your Chest”, produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, sounded a bit edgy at first, and I even thought it was going to be a record talking ish about other R&B singers, but it’s far from that.

Meanwhile, over in Jamie’s studio, the mood on his track, “Rainman” takes you down about 60 notches from what Usher had already established. Foxx is obviously missing his significant other, and does a pretty good job conveying how heartbroken he really is. Yes, I feel you Jamie…..it rains endlessly when shorty doo wop isn’t around, *sings the chorus of “Rainman” on top of desk after turning on the office sprinkler system for dramatic effect*.

I’m assuming this track will be on Jamie’s new album, “Man’s Intuition” which hits stores December 16.

Usher- Off Your Chest |Prod. By Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis|

Jamie Foxx- Rainman

Wellllll, Like em, Love em or Leave em?????

Sincerely

Low “Everyday it raaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaains” Key

Usher already making a return???? Yes He Is…….

I’m assuming Mr. Raymond has officially received the memo that Here I Stand just wasn’t the Usher we were all used to. Not to say HIS was a flop(creatively it wasn’t, number wise it might have been), but Confessions made HIS look like an under produced mixtape, to say the least.

Not only that, but it seems like with this new tour he’s embarking on, he’s attemtpting to regain the ambiance that made every female fall in love with him in the first place. It’s not that we find his marriage life boring, but if we wanted to hear about marital bliss…..matter fact, yes we do, we find it insanely boring (sorry, dude).

With a new project hitting retail at the top of ‘09, Usher might be able to reclaim that top R&B slot since it’s pretty vacant right now. And to top it off, he’s snatching R&B’s other top gunner, Neyo, to “potentially” construct the new set. “Neyo is actually potentially gonna be a part of this project,” he revealed. “On the last one we didn’t work together until the very end — hopefully we are gonna try and get together early”, Usher revealed to MTV.com

Neyo, who was probably the only one too keep it funky about how much HIS tanked, had this to say about the married singer and his new project, “Well, I was one of the first people to tell Usher, personally, that I didn’t think he was focused on the album … on Here I Stand,” Ne-Yo explained. “I don’t think his focus was in the right place. And I’m a dude, and that’s my personal opinion and I’m entitled to it, and he respected that I kept it real with him about that. I think that this time around … It’s not so much that I think Here I Stand was a bad record, it just wasn’t the Usher that we remembered. I mean, that joint [Confessions] right there went 10-15 million worldwide, so it was going to be difficult to come back from that anyway. So I just think he’s gotta get back to what he knows, which is to get out there and make ‘em dance — entertain them at the end of the day. 

Is it toooo late for Usher to regain that “SEXY TIME” momentum or is R&B so boring, the consumer has no choice??? Who knows, but what I can proivde you with is a new Usher track rumored to be produced by T-Pain and his interview with Angie Martinez on Hot 97 where he addresses the provocative “Trading Places” clip, his wife’s reactions and his rapidly growing family.

Usher- At The Time |Produced By T-Pain|

Usher chops it up with Angie Martinez on HOT 97

Sincerely

Low “Let em have it this time around, Usher” Key

I was wondering when Ursher (yes I know it’s Usher) was going to voice or sing about his support for Obama. Singing from the perspective of a complaining U.S. citizen provided, Ursh is basically silencing the negative chit chatter pertaining to this year’s election, which provides an interesting spin for the record. There’s pretty much nothing else to critique about this track, so I’ll keep this nice and sweet. ENJOY!

Usher ft. Barack Obama- Hush 

Like it, Love it, Or Leave it???

Sincerely

Low “November 4th….November 4th…..NOVEMBER 4TH” Key

Could this be one of the dopest R&B collabo’s??? Will it tank if done the wrong way??? Are they leaving anyone out??? Will they ALL us the Auto-Tuner???? I need your thoughts and theories…………NOW, PLEASE!

Sincerely

Low “What if the R&B version was mixed with the sequel….WOW!” Key

P.S. I’m on the phone right now putting together the Swagger Like Us: Blogger Edition