Rick Ross- Teflon Don ****

Rick Ross has built up anticipation for his latest album in a big way. A few months ago he announced that legend P-Diddy was his manager, featured on monster hits such as Woka Floka's- O Lets Do it, and Diddy's own Angels & Hello Good Morning. He also released mixtape The Audemar Piquet Collection to rave reviews.

Now for his album- the self proclaimed Teflon Don. How ironic that despite his admission that he was previously a correctional officer, his long running feud with rival 50 Cent, Ross has managed to keep his career afloat. Ross is executive producer on this album and it shows as one of his best attributes is his ability to spot a good beat. This is reflected in tracks- Maybach music 3, Aston Martin Music, and lead single Superhigh. The fact that the album is only 11 tracks keep its short and to the point, making this in some way Ross's illmatic. But on the flip side it is not illmatic-esque as the album is flooded with features, something which I think isn't need. Guests include- Kanye West, T.I, Diddy, Styles P, Drake, Chrisette Michele, and Raphael Saadiq. There is a unique blend of street anthems- B.M.F, MC Hammer and laid back songs- Aston Martin Music. Overall the album is very good.

Along with Recover (Eminem) and Thank Me Later (Drake), this is easily one of the best albums of the year and will get 4 out of 5 stars.

Drake- So Far Gone Review ****

Thank Me Later should have been out a long time ago. So many times a new rapper comes with a huge buzz but is delayed by record labels, and other excuses we are given. The album comes at a time when quite frankly people have been saturated with Drake and may not be surprised the way we were a year ago.

In saying that- the album is really solid. The first song featuring Alicia Keys has a nice feel which eases you into the general sound of the album. Electronic, harmonious and sharp. A good feature of Drake which stands out on this album is his ability to put a good hook together- a feature which is evident on the Resistance. Over is self explanatory as it gives you the same feeling as Forever (another song which could have been saved for the album) did. Up All Night featuring Nikki Minaj is a stand out track with a good chorus and a flawless verse from the easily the best female rapper at the moment. Other tracks which are good are Show Me a Good Time, Miss Me, and Unforgettable

Songs which I don't like on the album are Light Up with Jay-Z, Cece's interlude and Fancy. Out of 5 I would give this album a 4 because it grows on me the more I hear which is always a good sign. I definitely believe the resources were there to make this album a 5, but due to songs being released early, choice of songs on the album, and making the people wait, that perfect fused album never materialised.

Dizzee Continues Chart Domination

Dizzee Rascal topped the national charts for the 2nd week running with his single 'Bonkers'. Its the East London Mc's second number 1 following the sucessful 'Dance With Me'.

Many urban artists are starting to reap the benefits of hard work with chart success. Recently Tinchy Stryder held the number one slot for a few weeks with his collaboration with N-Dubz (Number 1). Add that to top ten slots for Chipmunk, Wiley, Skepta, and DJ Ironic, it seems that urban music is beginning to receive the recognition I always felt it deserved. Although, whilst artists can break into the top ten of the charts, I am still waiting for the ultimate barrier breaker. By this I mean an artist with raw talent who makes it to the big time and provides a memorable album which sells millions. I do believe it is possible. Obviously with digital piracy it will be harder to do now, but I believe that the good thing about digital piracy (the one and only good thing) is that it separates the good music from the outstanding music. If your music is good, people will buy- hence Amy Winehouse (Back to Black), Duffy, Adele, and Coldplay who can sell big numbers. Some of these acts borrow from urban music, but I am yet to see who will breakthrough in dramatic fashion...

Urban Music Review 2008

I can’t lie to the people. I had no intentions of doing this article on my beloved music until I saw the list on 1xtra, where Dj’s and artists gave their views on who they thought were the artists of the year in 2008. Being that I’m an avid follower of music I thought it only right for me to do my own version, because their were a few artists on there that were looked over. Some people might not even have heard all the artists I mention, which is a good thing, cause now you will know about them, if you don’t already.

This year has been a good one for UK urban music in particularly. And here a the acts which I think are 2008 all-stars.

UK Acts

Estelle

It’s safe to say that the UK urban scene has a new modern queen in Estelle. After coming into the music game years ago, and reaching her global status now, it testifies that hard work pays off, because this did not happen overnight. Her album Shine has received mass recognition and the year was capped off with the ultimate plaudit possible- a Grammy nomination. Her hit single ‘American Boy’ is a classic, and she has given herself an excellent platform to do more things in the game both her and in the states.

Dizzee Rascal

With all the critical acclaim and success that has surrounded Dizzee throughout his career, it wasn’t until this year that he scored his 1st UK no 1 hit single with ‘Dance with Me’. It was his first release as an independent song, and it stayed no1 for four weeks. He also performed at many big shows including Glastonbury.

Wiley

After many years pioneering UK music underground, Wiley had his breakthrough, mainstream hit with ‘Wearing My Rolex’. The song peaked at number 2, and opened a nationwide audience to the musical talent of Wiley. A veteran in the music game, he has never been short of hit records, but it was good to see one which made mainstream radio, and this has now allowed him to have a new audience which he can reach with working along side acts such as Mark Ronson.

N-Duz

This North London team have snowballed into the mainstream arena because they first made strong waves on the underground. Since I knew about Channel U, I have never seen a group, song, or individual requested as much as this group, so it was only right that they received their MOBO award last year. Since then they have gone on to sign with Polydor records, and have released their album entitled ‘Uncle B’. They continue to dominate the airwaves and the tv screens and there is no doubt that will continue in ’09.

Chipmunk

You have to be a talented mc to get the MOBO award for best newcomer and Chipmunk fits that mould. First brought to my attention by my younger brother, this witty and quickfire mc has put in large amounts of work and quality music to be recognised as a heavyweight at such a young age. What makes this mc a force to be reckoned with is his mature personality that is needed with all the attention coming his way.

Giggs

This year a new mc rose to the spot light from south London named Giggs. After hearing about this artist nearly two years ago and dismissing him, his mixtape soon found its way into heavy rotation on ipods, car stereos, and the whole lot. His street buzz is enormous, and his accolade as BET UK hip-hop award winner. It still baffles me as to how he is not on MTV, Channel U, although I have heard that not all people support his movement. But one thing that cannot be denied is how much the people are feeling his music. His album came out this year and was in all stores, with some pre-copied versions selling out. The only thing next is to conquer the mainstream.

Alexandra Burke

The X Factor winner has had the perfect start to her music career, landing the Christmas no.1 which every X Factor winner is destined to do. Now she has a long career ahead of here and in ’09 we will see what direction her music will go, and herself as an artist. But she still did London proud.

Alexandra Burke, Best Seller of The Year

At the start of the year, I had no idea who Alexandra Burke was. But after her amazing ascendance during the X factor talent show, she has firmly positioned herself as a force to be reckoned with in the UK music scene. Her single Hallelujah was this years Christmas number one, and the single has landed a second week at the top of the charts, moving over 800 thousand units in two weeks, making it one of the top selling singles this year.

After her successful rise to fame, we all await till the much-anticipated album.

Estelle Nominated for A Grammy

Estelle wrapped up a sucessful year by being nominated for a a prestigious grammy award. The london starlet has already enjoyed sucess in the UK, storming the charts with the catchy 'American Boy', and has become an ever present figure stateside in the urban music scene. Now she has listed herself on the global scene with the opportunity to win an award for best album. Other notable nominees from the Uk include Leona Lewis, MIA, Coldplay and the Ting Tings

Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey

If you didnt know already, Nick Cannon (Wild N Out) and Mariah Carey were married recently. The pair met eachother on the set of Mariah's new single 'Bye Bye' and were said to have hit it off straight away. Mariah who is 38 is 11 years older than Cannon who is 27.

The pair have been quiet about their marriage, but this picture has popped up quashing speculation about whether their hook up was a rumour.