PLUS CD REVIEWS
These days hotshot rappers with egos the size of Mount Everest are everywhere but it seems 19-year-old American rapper-producer SOULJA BOY has a winning formula: catchy lyrics and killer dancing tailor-made for the YouTube generation.
Although he has been criticised for writing songs for the so-called ringtone market the Chicago resident is having the last laugh because he’s making money and dominating charts.
“When they [critics] hear something like a Soulja Boy they’re scared and they’re like, ‘What is this? This is so different!’ They’re automatically on the defence, they attack.”
Soulja Boy - born DeAndre Ramone Way - released his first independent album, aptly titled Unsigned & Still Major: Da Album before da Album, in 2007. It was an internet sensation and landed him a record deal two months later. The single Crank That (Soulja Boy) reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100. The song also earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song.
His first big label album, Souljaboytellem.com, was released in October 2007 and he struck gold again with his second album, iSouljaBoyTellem, which features his hit single Kiss Me Thru the Phone. And he obviously knows how popular he is: “I’m the next generation of hip-hop.”
IN A PERFECT WORLD by Keri Hilson
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Edna Isaacs
Even though this is her debut album Keri Hilson is an established artist - before taking to the mike she wrote tracks for artists such as Ciara and Britney Spears. Her album has produced radio hits Energy and Knock You Down with Kanye West and Ne-Yo. A highlight is the catchy Turnin’ Me On with Lil Wayne. This woman can sing and dance and writes her own material - talk about being a triple threat. Definitely one to watch.
NOW 51 by Various artists
Rating: 5/5
Reviewer: Jared Orlin
If you’re looking for a comprehensive collection of the best pop, rock, R&B and hip-hop hits from the past few months, look no further. All 20 tracks are mega-hits you’ll want to listen to over and over again. Lady GaGa’s Poker Face, Killer’s Human, Kings of Leon’s Sex on Fire and Hilary Duff’s Reach Out stand out.
AGAINST ALL ODDS by aKing
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Yvonne Beyers
The boys from Bellville are suburban poets. Lead singer Laudo Liebenberg and guitarist Hunter Kennedy’s stirring lyrics are powerful, like a punch in the gut, and will take your breath away but the band’s soulful soft rock melodies will ease the ache. Best tracks are The Heart of a Fool, You and I, Against All Odds and Know Your Bones.
