New Mixtape: Tyga - Black Thoughts

I know I am hella late this one, but I have to blog about Tyga's latest mixtape, "Black Thoughts". Once again Tyga proves that he definitely deserves a shoutout when mentioning the great new rappers on the up and up. I love the fact that this dude utilizes the concept of a mixtape to release quality work. Some tracks are new, others sample popular music of the past year. Follow the link below for the track list and download. You won't be disappointed.

Click the pic to download.

Official Video: Lupe Fiasco - Solar Midnight

Lupe released a video to "Solar Midnight" an iTunes bonus to the Twilight: New Moon soundtrack. Click the link, and enjoy.

New Music: Sade - Soldier of Love

"Soldier of Love" is the much anticipated upcoming sixth studio album from British soul and R&B band Sade. It is their first new material since the 2000 multi-platinum Lovers Rock. The album is slated for release on February 8, 2010. The first single "Soldier of Love" premiered on December 8 at 7am EST on band's official website. Follow the jump to listen to the lead single as well as view the alternative album cover.

Official Video: Melanie Fiona - Monday Morning

Melanie Fiona's debut album, "The Bridge" currently sits at number 11 on Billboad's R&B/Hip-Hop albums and number 90 on the Billboard 200 charts. Check the official video for "Monday Morning" below.

Album Review: Robin Thicke's Sex Therapy

This Tuesday, December 15, Robin Thicke will release his greatest album to date, arguably the best R&B / soul album of the past decade. DO NOT take the previous sentence lightly! Robin Thicke is back with his somewhat anticipated new release, "Sex Therapy". The only reason I say "somewhat anticipated" is because I have seen limited promo for the album. I can, however, say that the lead single of the same name as the album has been getting steady airplay on the radio. Whoever told Thicke to step away from the piano and make a concept album about sex deserves a gold medal. Do note that there are two versions of the album; "Sex Therapy: The Sessions", and the deluxe edition, where five additional tracks are mixed in rather than tagged at the end, "Sex Therapy: The Experience".
The album starts off with club bangers such as "Sex therapy", "It's in the Morning", and "Shakin' it for Daddy". Trust, you have never heard Robin Thicke like this before. With production from Polow Da Don, Teddy Riley, and Rich Skillz, Thicke utilizes the first half of the album to establish his self as a force to be reckoned with. He definitely makes an effort to get you dancing, and he succeeds [at least with me]. The album incorporates sultry voice-overs from wife Paula Patton [hes the doctor, shes the nurse], and she even gets her own fairly lengthy interlude, "Start With A Kiss" that precedes the second half of the album where Thicke somewhat pays homage to the early Sergio Mendes sound. After listening to this half, I must say, I see Robin Thicke in a whole new light [he even has his first parental advisory warning lol]. The man might be a pimp! Thicke closes the album with "Diamonds" featuring The Game. This song is used to compare women to diamonds. After naming various prominent women such as Beyonce, Keyshia Cole, Rihanna, Queen LaTifa, Michelle Obama, and Paula Patton, its clear that Thicke has a serious case of jungle fever. "Sex Therapy" includes features from Jay Z, Snoop Dogg, Nicki Minaj, Kid Cudi, Estelle, Jazmine Sullivan, and The Game.
Overall, I would give "Sex Therapy" four and a half stars out of five. After years of playing the role of underdog, Robin Thicke is definitely on the road to legendary status. I predict years later people will remember Thicke as one of the greats. Check the video for the lead single below.

Official Video: Vampire Weekend - Cousins

"Contra" is the second album by American indie rock band Vampire Weekend. The release of the album is, according to the band's website, planned to be January 11, 2010 in the UK, and January 12 in the U.S. "Horchata" was released as a free mp3 download on October 5, 2009 on the band's website. The first single is "Cousins", and will be accompanied by a 10", and a music video which is posted after the jump.

MTV x Nooka Berlin & Moscow Watches

Nooka teamed up with MTV to produce a line of timepieces as part of the Streetmuse line of products. The new MTV products utilize the styles of two Nooka timepieces – Zub ZenH 20 and Zot Leather – and are inspired by the cities of Berlin and Moscow.
More looks at the MTV x Nooka Berlin & Moscow Watches after the jump.

Click the pic[s] for a larger view.

Converse (PRODUCT)RED Leather Jacket Chuck Taylor

Converse continues its (PRODUCT)RED campaign with the unveiling of its Leather Jacket Chuck Taylor All Star, making an official debut on December 1st via The (RED) Store locations in New York, San Francisco and London. Made up of a patchwork of motorcycle jacket inspired red leather, the shoe comes complete with a quilted lining, heavy-duty zips and snaps and a leather rand with clean embossed detailing. The shoe is available in a high-top, red leather version and launches globally at temporary locations of The (RED) Store in New York City, San Francisco and London on World AIDS Day, December 1st, as well as Converse.com and select retailers globally. The kicks will retail for $200 USD and will be available in unisex sizing.

Ten percent of the net wholesale price of the shoe will go to The Global Fund help eliminate AIDS in Africa, giving consumers an opportunity to become agents of change. The overall goal is to raise overall awareness of the issue and generate money to support Global Fund financed AIDS grants in Africa, the region hardest hit with this pandemic. To date, (RED) partners, including Converse, have generated more than $135 million for the Global Fund and this money has supported programs that have reached more than four million people affected by HIV in Africa. More pics after the jump.

Click the pic[s] for a larger view.

Official Video: Janet Jackson - Make Me

The official music video for "Make Me" by Janet Jackson, from her second greatest hits compilation Number Ones (internationally released as The Best) in stores in the US now!

New Music: Rihanna feat. Justin Timberlake - Hole In My Head

Thankfully this song did not make the album. It is, however, a good reference to how much Timbaland has influenced Justin Timberlake's production style. I will say that I was pleasantly surprised when I heard Rihanna's upcoming album "Rated R". Although she only has three co-writing credits, her choice of producers were on point. Follow the jump to hear the music.

Official Video: Toni Braxton - So Yesterday (feat. Trey Songz)

Toni Braxton's sixth studio album "Pulse" is scheduled to be released on February 2, 2010, in the United States, marking her first album released on the Atlantic Records label. Click the link to check the video.

Official Video: Timbaland - Morning After Dark (Feat . SoShy)

"Timbaland Presents Shock Value II" (often referred to as just "Shock Value II") is the third solo studio album, from American record producer Timbaland serving as the second volume of the platinum-selling Shock Value which topped several charts and received 16 platinum certificates worldwide.
Initially slated for a 2008 release the project was pushed into 2009 and tentatively confirmed for November 23, 2009 through Blackground Records, however, it has been pushed back once more to December 7, 2009 in the UK and December 8 in the US. Follow the jump to see the video.

Nike Sportswear Air Royal Mid Metro Pack

The Nike Sportswear Air Royal mid makes its return once again this month with an all new version. Last month saw a work boot themed release, this month things take a more sophisticated route. The shoe version seen here combines a patent leather upper with a suede bumper. The Swoosh is subtle thanks to a perforated treatment. Available now at Kix-Files.

Click the pic[s] for a larger view.

Official Video: Lady Gaga - Bad Romance

Doesn't matter how crazy this chick is, Lady Gaga is taking the world by storm. Kudos to whoever suggested the Alexander McQueen costume. Must have been hella difficult to get seeing as how it was only on the runway weeks ago. Pop the top for the video.

Official Video: Omarion - I Get It In ft Gucci Mane

This is what happens when an artist gets too much hands on authority prematurely. This also what happens when an artist has no real friends to tell them when their shit stinks. The song has grown on me, but the video is WHACK! Ladies and gents, below is Omarion's return to music [as a solo artist]. Its also his directorial debut [and probably his debut as a choreographer lol]. I really thought this guy could do no worse after making an album with Lil Bow Wow. I was wrong. Peep the video for yourself.