House, R&B, Soul & Rap > Rap House, R&B, Soul & Rap > 0-9

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

Advantages: Great vocals, Superb
Disadvantages: None

...it shows all their names. Nathan Morris, Michael McCary, Shawn Stockman and Wanya Morris. **Nathan, Michael, Shawn, Wanya 1.) Beautiful Women This is a great uptempo track to open the album with, From the opening chords you know it is going to be a great track to dance to and the vocals are on top form as they move through the song efforlessly. This track is about the beautiful women of the world and is such a catchy song. 2.) Step On Up This ...
...with his expressive voice but Nathan and Wanya Morris also perform lead duties on the song too. 6.) I Finally Know This is one of the best tracks on the album and the first real ballad on the album. This has such a relaxed feel to it that you should just sit back and close your eyes and listen to the beauty of this track. This track is about discovering how deep your feelings are for someone when they have been there all the time. I'm sure many ... Read review