'JHUD' explores the girl behind the music! (IMED 1359.001 Post #9)

Jennifer Hudson, 'American Idol' alumni, Grammy and Academy Award-winning actress and recording artist, just released her third studio album, 'JHUD.' Jennifer says that she decided to record this album because she wants her fans to get to know the girl outside of the persona known as Jennifer Hudson. In a recent interview with radio show, the Breakfast Club, Jennifer talked about the tremendous amount of pressure she felt after winning an Academy Award for her first film, as well as a Grammy for her first album. This week, I've decided to do a review of some of my favorite tracks from her new album.

1. 'Dangerous' - The first track on the album, this one definitely sets the tone. In this song, Jennifer talks about how her love interest's edge makes her feel dangerous. She's doing things "for the thrill" because he makes her feel that alive when they're together. The reason I love this track is not only because Jennifer sounds amazing (per usual), but every girl wants a guy with a little edge to him.

2. 'It's Your World' (feat. R.Kelly) - This song talks about how Jennifer would go to the ends of the earth to make sure that her partner is happy. Because he's so great to her, she uses this song to declare that 'it's [his] world,' and therefore, she'll do what she can to make sure that he feels that way.

3. 'Walk It Out' (feat. Timbaland) - This sassy anthem, which served as the first single from the album, celebrates the 'chase.' The song talks about someone who is pursuing Jennifer, and would do anything to get her attention. Jennifer constantly states that she's interested, but that she's also a "good girl" and that they have to have to take it slow. The track was produced by and features Timbaland.

4. 'Just That Type Of Girl' - Of all the songs, I think this is the one that most directly mirrors the theme of the album. In this melodic, catchy record, J.Hud lets a guy know that if he wants to get with her, he has to give her the space to be who she is and accept it. It has an extremely sassy undertone that I love.

Overall, I would describe this album as universal across the board. It's appropriate listening for adults and kids alike, and it has an R&B sound with a fun Pop flare. The album is available on iTunes.

#ThrowbackThursday: Queen Bey's "Dangerously in Love" = Nostalgia! (IMED 1359.001 Post #8)

In honor of the fact that I'm writing this post on a Thursday, I've decided to review my favorite tracks from an old school album. This week, I've decided to give you a review of Beyoncé Knowles' debut, 'Dangerously in Love.' The album was released in 2003, debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200, a feat Beyoncé has managed to match with every album release thereafter. The album even went on to produce 5 #1 singles ('Crazy in Love,' 'Naughty Girl,' 'Baby Boy,' 'Me, Myself, & I,' and 'Dangerously in Love'). I can remember being ten years old and listening to this album for the first time - it was one of the first I'd ever purchased with my own money. That being said, I hope that most of you feel the nostalgia as I review some of my favorite tracks this week.

1. 'Crazy in Love' - The leading single from the project, Beyoncé talks about being so 'crazy in love' that you would do anything for your significant other - maybe even some things you wouldn't do normally. You're neglecting your friends, taking extra care of your appearance, and even ignoring the opinions of others. The song features Beyoncé’s husband, Jay-Z (rightfully so).

2. 'Me, Myself, & I' - This song talks about being your own best friend, and finding strength after a breakup. This record explores the struggle of being alone after someone you've trusted has betrayed or hurt you. Beyoncé sympathizes, and lets the ladies know they're not alone in this women's empowerment anthem.

3. 'Yes' - In this song, Beyoncé depicts her struggles with a partner that is moving too fast for her taste. It tells the story of a man who wants too much from her, too soon. The lyrics say: "I said 'yes' to your number, and 'yes' to you dating me, 'yes, we can be together' but you got to wait for me - the first time I said 'no' it's like I never said 'yes.'

4. ‘Signs’ – In this song, Beyoncé uses zodiac signs to describe her man’s attributes. She says that he’s “sexy like Scorpio,” “bossy [like a] Leo,” and eventually says that “he’s so unpredictable, that he reminds [her] of every sign.” I think this song, written by popular rapper Missy Elliot, is so innovative and ahead of its time. I, myself, am really into zodiac signs, so this is the perfect song for me.

eight count. (IMED 1359.001 Post #7)

Last summer, I had the pleasure of working with my close friend, Jai Anthony. We've known each other since 2008, and interestingly enough, we met through YouTube. After squeezing the writing and recording process into 4 days, we decided to release and 8-track EP that was not only a testament to our great chemistry as artists, but as friends. The number has been really significant throughout the extent of our friendship, so I'm glad we were able to produce this 'musical baby' rightfully deemed 'eight count.' This week (for old time's sake), I've decided to go through my favorite tracks on this labor of love.

1. '26' - This song uses the 26 letters of the alphabet to describe all the great things about your significant other. Although this EP is sonically dark, we decided that we needed something to lighten it up a bit. An interesting thing (that Jai and I didn't notice until finishing the recording process) is that 2+6=8.

2. 'Amnesia' - This song explores the feelings one may have after a tumultuous relationship ends. Because the situation wasn't as pleasant as it should've been, you wish you'd develop a case of amnesia to forget it altogether.

3. 'Taxi To Mars' - This song talks about feeling comfortable enough to go to the next level in your relationship (whatever that may be). Because you love this person so much, taking that next step - whether it's being vulnerable, or just spending quality time together - makes you feel like you're out of this world.

4. 'Time Machine' - This song also explores the feelings of one who realizes what they've lost. It talks about wanting to go back and correct your mistakes. This song talks about how you wish you had a time machine, so that you can fix everything. You know what they say: you don't miss the water 'til the well runs dry.


The EP is still available on DatPiff.com 

'Luke James' (the man and the album) is a masterpiece! (IMED 1359.001 Post #6)

Back in 2006, I remember being astounded by the R&B duo that was Luke & Q. Their debut single, "My Turn" was an authentic R&B song that exhibited excellent vocal ability. Not to mention, they were from my hometown New Orleans, Louisiana. Despite my obsession with them, their career never took off like it should have. Now, eight years later, Luke James has resurfaced as a solo artist and I must say - the wait was well worth it. In an interview with the Breakfast Club, James gave details on how his career as a songwriter took off shortly after the disbandment of Luke & Q. Because I was such a fan of his work, I decided to give his debut album a listen (or twenty). Once again, I'm here to review my favorite tracks for the album.


1. "Trouble" - This song talks about falling in love with someone for all the wrong reasons, and regretting it. You worry about a person's physical appearance, rather than making an emotional, or mental connection. If you've ever been through this, you know it's not a great combination and ultimately, your relationship turns sour.

2. "Glass House" - This song talks about both people in the relationship making mistakes, so there's no reason to be fighting one another. Don't 'throw rocks in a glass house,' and expect it not to break. In this song, he's pleading for his woman to go back to the way she used to be because neither of them are perfect.

3. "Exit Wounds" - This is a typical angry, after-the-breakup song only with a slight twist. This song compares a person leaving to getting shot. Only when the love of your life leaves, it may feel like the 'exit wound' will never close. It may feel like the hurt may never subside, and this is a direct audio depiction of that. It also happens to be my favorite on the entire album.

4. "I Want You" - Luke James' leading single, this song is as simple as expressing your interest in someone. This record, in my opinion, is fearless and sensual with a touch of aggression.

Luke James' album is available on iTunes right now.