House, R&B, Soul & Rap > F House, R&B, Soul & Rap > House

Advantages: Vast range of influences and genres on one album
Disadvantages: Quality goes slightly down hill towards the end

...in my room on a Sunday afternoon listening to Radio 1’s mix hour that they used to have around lunch time. I wasn’t really paying attention too closely and was just relaxing but then there came a tune that instantly grabbed me. It was something totally new to me – the mellow trance sounds backing the cool voice of Maxi Jazz; and oh the main melody when it came in was something else entirely. It took me a while to find out what I ...
...my first Faithless album – Sunday 8PM. I had read up on this album and it seemed to win huge thumbs up from many people – so upon purchasing the CD in a sale from HMV, I was expecting quite a lot… This album however, was not their first release, and in 1998 (the time of it’s release), Faithless had already enjoyed over 3 years of success. The core of Faithless formed in approximately 1993 – this being the child musical ... Read review

Advantages: Good
Disadvantages: None

Shystie aka Chanelle Calica grew up in Hackney and is the queen in the urban music sceen in the UK. If you have not heard her music you may recognise her from "Dub plate drama" or the recent film "Adulthood" playing the character Lisa. The album "Diamond in the dirt" has a mixed variety of music. For some reason being a female and an MC doesn't seem to mix in the eyes of a male. But Shystie proves that females are just as good if not better when ...
...in the girls corner with "womens world" shows the integrity and intelligence of this woman and at the same time is able to bring comedy into the equation. "One wish" has got to be one of her darker songs but shows the pain of growing up in Hackney first hand. www.myspace.com/shystie ... Read review

Advantages: Great variety
Disadvantages: Not everyones cup of tea

This has got to be the best album from Dizzee Rascal. He has his own original style and unique lyrics which can't be compared to any other MC in the UK. Dizzee Rascal grew up in east London and started to get into the music scene by doing his own pirate radio show and Being a DJ in the clubs. The now 21 year old now owns his own recored label "Dirtee Stank Recordings" represented by a logo which he describes as "a lump of shit". His first single ...
...one of the most memorable songs from the album. Heavy old school base and a great music video to go with it. What makes this album so appealing? The fact that he is honest about his life living in London and he isn't afraid to cause controversy. An example song would be "Hold ya mouth" where he discuses his opinion on the police, the queen etc. with true emotion. As well as good club music, this album shows his darker side also. Although it appears ... Read review

Advantages: Great music and lyrics, vocals
Disadvantages: Nothing

...of the funkiest tracks on Here I Stand. 4.) Trading Places This opens with a pounding drum beat and then a piano comes in. I love the way the drum beat moves along throught the song and this is a great track about giving something back to your partner and doing things for them that they have done for you. More songs should be like this. 5.) Moving Mountains This was the first song I heard from the album before it was released as this was one ...
...on this album. 18) Here I Stand This is a lovely ballad that has an old style feel. Usher sounds amazing in this superb ballad. This is about Usher's life as he sees it at the moment of recording the album and what he feels about his wife and son. A gorgeous track in every way. 19.) Will Work for love This is a superb end to Here I Stand. This track tells the tale of a heartbroken Man trying to find love. One of the most unique tracks Usher has ... Read review

Advantages: Deep lyrics
Disadvantages: Not much variation. Not suited for many

The Dead Presidents are an underground Hip Hop group from Florida. They are very alternative for their gene as they explore themes many would not dare go into. They give an 'in-your-face' approach to educating people on politics, racism and religion, despite the fact the duo are atheists. What they are also known as, dead prez, is written without capital letters for a reason although I cannot remember exactly, I think it was something along the lines ...
...special, so why should special characters be used for their name. dead prez are said to be "somewhere between N.W.A and P.E. (Public Enemy)". So if you think of this combination, you will have the hardcore elements of the West Coast gangsta rap group, but their message will be more political, and is able to be heard by public that are more likely to take action as a result of it. dead prez are nothing like any other Hip Hop group, they are a group ... Read review