Was Ciara’s “Fantasy Ride” Worth The Long Wait?

Ciara’s “Fantasy Ride” Drops May 5th! Check out what we think!

“Ciara to the Stage”: Originally titled “Explode”, the Tricky Stewart opening is a great start for this album. The slow sensual track has Ciara pouring her heart out to her lover. Ciara even gives us a little bit of her rapping on the slow number. EarStyle.NET Rating: 4/5

“Love Sex Magic”: We first have to say that Ciara should give Justin a big hug for finally getting her a hit for this album. Big ups to you for that one man and we definitely looking out for your next album! Now, on to the track. I never really was a fan of this single, but I guess it did what they needed it to do. EarStyle.NET Rating: 3/5

“High Price”: I remember when this first leaked. Personally, I think this Dream/Tricky Stewart produced track is crazy! Ludacris of course comes hard on his verse and Ciara is pretty dope on the song too. Ciara says she should be a threat, because she is the bomb! We hear you C. EarStyle.Net Rating: 4.5/5

“Turntables”: Danja has a lot going on with the production here. It’s kind of hot though. Kind of. This track even comes complete with an appearance by Chris Brown. At first fans thought that the singer would be removed from the track after the controversy around him and Rihanna. Well, he’s still on it. Don’t know how I really feel about this one. EarStyle.Net Rating: 2.5/5

“Like A Surgeon”: Easily the best song on this album. With a drum pattern similar to Twista’s “Get It Wet” and the feeling of an old Timbaland track, the song is crazy! Think Aaliyah meets Ginuwine. Ciara sings to her lover, and serenades him as she says when it comes to her loving she’s like a surgeon. After this track, you will definitely want to be her next patient. This is definitely the slow jam that will take over urban radio. The label would be crazy to not eventually release this. Lovin’ it! EarStyle.Net Rating: 5/5

“Never Ever”: This is the first/second single (Don’t know if yall remember the omitted T-Pain collabo “Go Girl”). Polow does his thing as usual with this track. Young Jeezy is featured of course, I think he comes with your Polow first single. Look at Usher’s “Love in This Club”. Unfortunately, this one did not match the success of that track. The beat still knocks. EarStyle.NET Rating: 4/5

“Lover’s Thing”: Soon as the beat drops we can tell this is a Los production and Dream is featured. Dream and Ciara sings about being caught up in “this Lover’s Thing”. Nice vibe! EarStyle.NET Rating: 4/5

“Work”: The up-tempo track is reworked from how we initially heard it months ago. There’s a nice little addition in the beginning from long time collaborator, Missy Elliott. Kind of has a vibe like “Turntables”, but less annoying. EarStyle.NET Rating: 3/5

“Pucker Up”: Ciara tells us “We can kiss her swag”. We’ve kind of been over the whole “swag” thing and Dark Child productions lately. This is definitely filler material right here. EarStyle.NET Rating: 2/5

“G Is for Girl (A to Z)”: Beyonce’s a Diva and Ciara’s a G! This track kind of reminds me of Keri Hilson’s “Turn Me On”. More filler material, but this one is kind of hot production and arrangement wise. EarStyle.NET Rating: 3/5

“Keep Dancin’ on Me”: This track originally featured The Dream, now Ciara rocks this one alone. I kind of lost focus on this track. It’s one of those songs that play in the background and you really don’t notice it. Probably could have been left off the album. EarStyle.NET Rating: 2/5

“Tell Me What Your Name Is”: Ciara wants to make you hers so tell her what your name is! Here’s one of the few tracks that did not leak six months in advance! The song is pretty cool. EarStyle.NET Rating: 3.5/5

“I Don’t Remember”: Here’s another favorite! This track tells the story of the next morning after a party. Ciara sings of still having on the same clothes from the previous night and not knowing how she ended up where she is! Ciara parties hard! This one was produced and written by Ne-Yo. The man is a beast! Now listen and clap & sing along. EarStyle.NET Rating: 5/5

Breaking New First: “Ms. Repeat”- Euro P. Gold

Club head? Well if you are you NEED to check out this crazy record right here. It’s from Up & Coming Philadelphia rapper, Euro P. Gold. The cut, “Ms. Repeat”, is definitely on repeat over here. Euro P. Gold is no stranger over here and be sure to stay posted for the latest from him! Now on to the heat…

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Breaking New First: “Chillin (Freestyle)”- NandoMcFlyy.

Here’s a freestyle track from PG County’s own NandoMcflyy. Nando raps over fellow DMV artist Wale’s first single “Chillin” which is produced by production duo Cool & Dre. Be one of the first to experience NandoMcFlyy. and while you are at it go to the Interview section to check out EarStyle.NET’s exclusive question & answer session with Nando.

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Takin’ It Back: Slick Rick- Children’s Story

Slick Rick- “Children’s Story”

So I really decided to take yall back today! After listening to Montell Jordan’s “This Is How We Do It” and the Go-Go track “Ayo”, I just knew I had to go back to the track that was sampled’s video. No matter when you were born you have to have seen this crazy video and I am sure you heard the song at least once in your life in some form! Sit back and relax and enjoy the dopeness of the track and the fresh video!

What’s Going On With Slick Now?: After he was arrested for being a British citizen (Did you know he was born in London?) after a cruise performance in 2002, Slick Rick has volunteered his time to mentoring and speaking to youth about violence. Isn’t that nice?

Takin’ It Back: Aaliyah- If Your Girl Only Knew

Aaliyah- “If Your Girl Only Knew”

Today we gonna take it back with the talented, beautiful, late Aaliyah. We miss you girl! I chose this record right here, because Lucky Libra demanded an Aaliyah track. I ain’t mad at her, but if I was going to post an Aaliyah track it had to be this one. It has to be one of the most underrated Aaliyah tracks, but it is one of my favorites. This is Timbaland at his best! The track hits hard and Aaliyah looks great in this video.

R.I.P. Baby Girl! You will never be forgotten.

What’s Going On?: According to rumors, there is an Aaliyah flick in the works with Canadian R&B artist Keshia Chante. There really has not been any official press, but if the movie is indeed in works it will definitely be a must see!

Is Day26’s “Forever In A Day” Album Hot? Find Out What We Think!

Day26 is back with their new album, “Forever In A Day”. The album drops next week, but check out our review now!

“Just Getting Started”: The group proclaims, “Welcome to The Greatest Show on Earth”, well one thing is for sure “Making the Band” isn’t the greatest show on Earth so hopefully this album is. We did enjoy the last album so let’s see if we can say the same about this album. As the hook says, “We just getting started started”…the album is just getting started, but is the group? Seems like they might not even make it to another. This track is pure filler at its finest. Opening with filler, not good. Come on Day26! EarStyle.NET Rating: 2/5

“Imma Put It On Her ft. Diddy & Yung Joc”: It’s Bad Boy! Day26 is joined by boss man Diddy & label mate Yung Joc on their official first single. Just one question, why isn’t this getting any play? It’s catchy and the production is pretty tight! Oh, but Diddy could have been left off of this. EarStyle.NET Rating: 3.5/5

“Shawty Wats Up ft. T-Pain”: Sounds like your typical T-Pain production. Of course it comes complete with Auto Tune. The group asks shawty what’s up and what’s it gonna be, while bragging about popping bottles and setting your average club scene. Ehhh….okay. EarStyle.NET Rating: 2.5/5

“Think Of Me”: Soon as the beat dropped I thought of Bobby V and I just knew this was a Tim & Bob production. Nice & laid back, what I kind of expect from the group. The group tells their ladies to think of them, because they are the only that can satisfy them. Not bad. EarStyle.NET Rating: 4/5

“Stadium Music”: Everyone is coming with a little rock edge these days. Day26 follows the trend on this hot track produced by B. Cox. “My love is like Stadium Music/Put your whole body through it”, all yall concert goers know that feeling. Must be something serious! EarStyle.NET Rating: 5/5

“Bi-Polar”: A lot is going on with this track, but at the same time it’s not too bad. Vocals are cool, but don’t really have too much to say about this one so let’s just give it a grade. EarStyle.NET Rating: 3/5

“Perfectly Blind”: Cool breezy feel to the track. I’m really feeling this one right here. It drags on a bit, but it’s tolerable. Earstyle.NET Rating: 4/5

“So Good”: This track is giving me vibes from the first album. Definitely a good thing! It’s not too much going on, and the production is very subtle and the showcase is on the vocals. I really like this one. EarStyle.NET Rating: 4.5/5

“Girlfriend”: “I Need a Girl…Girlfriend”. You hear that ladies? Day26 and your boy need a girlfriend, so hit us up! LOL, but the track is cool. It’s not really overwhelming or underwhelming…I really like the chorus. That’s about it. EarStyle.NET Rating: 3/5

“Babymaker”: Look at the title and I guess you can pretty much guess what this one is about. If you still don’t get it Day26 can help you out, “This is a babymaker”. This one is pretty dope. EarStyle.NET Rating: 3.5/5

“Then There’s You”: Nice track. Enough said. EarStyle.NET Rating: 4/5

“Need That ft. Jermaine Dupri”: Oh a club track! Taking us to Baltimore (and Philly!) with this one! I literally had a smile on my face when the song came on. This one will be in heavy rotation by default! I definitely did not see this coming. On the flip side, this track is a little cheesy and it really does not offer much, but who cares? I don’t. EarStyle.NET Rating: 4/5

“Reminds Me Of You”: This kind of has an old school feel to the harmonies and all. I can see this one coming on while you are cruising on a sunny day with a little wind. Yeah, this one is smooth. EarStyle.NET Rating: 4/5

“Your Heels”: Jazze Pha? Where you been and why aren’t you helping out Ciara? Back to Day26, this is filler material. EarStyle.NET Rating: 3/5

“Truth Is A Lie”: Sounds familiar. EarStyle.NET Rating: 4/5

So here’s the final verdict: From the tracks that previously leaked and that did not make the album, I definitely feel like some of the other tracks should have made the final tracklisting. The album isn’t bad at all, it just doesn’t have the standouts like the first one did. There’s definitely improvement, but nothing is my new “Come With Me”, “I’m The Reason”, or “If It Wasn’t For You”. Hopefully, they do some numbers with this one so Que can calm down a bit!

EarStyle.NET Rating: 3/5

Clinton Sparks & Chester French: Jacques Jams Vol. 1: Endurance

Chester French consists of two members, Maxwell Drummey and D.A. Wallach. They met as college students at the prestigious Harvard University.The band is named after sculptor Daniel Chester French, who designed the statue at the Lincoln Memorial, the John Harvard statue, as well as the Minuteman statue at the Lexington/Concord battlegrounds in Massachusetts. Chester French’s long-awaited mixtape “Jacques Jams” finally leaked! Check it out here. I haven’t even listened, but judging from the appearances it looks like the mixtaped is stacked with dopeness. Can’t wait to listen to this…so yeah yall check it out and I am going to do the same thing and come back with my verdict. Let it rock!

Download: Chester French- “Jacques Jams”

Spankin’ New Video: Electrik Red ft. Lil’ Wayne- “So Good (Remix)”

Here’s a Spankin’ New Video from Dream’s Sexy group Electrik Red. The group is looking sexy as ever in their remix video for their song “So Good”. The remix comes complete with Lil’ Wayne, who the gorup is currently opening up for on tour. The group’s debut album, “How To Be A Lady, Vol. 1″ drops in May. With fun attitudes like TLC, sexiness like Destiny’s Child, and unique voices like Kelis, Electrik Red is definitely standing out amongst new girl groups. What yall think?

Takin’ It Back: Fabolous ft. Tamia- So Into U

Fabolous ft. Tamia- “So Into U”

Ok so we aren’t takin’ yall too far back with this one right here. However, Mrs. Trak Girl B.K.A. Shakari was bumping this track so she decided that it should be the Old School Joint of the day. Personally, I was tired of this record when it was blazin’ the airwaves all over. I don’t really know if it was a bad thing though, because the song is good. It just was a lil’ played out and even to this day I tend to skip it, but check out Fabolous and the beautiful talented Tamia in this clip for “So Into U”.

Where are they Now?: Fabolous is about to drop his album “Loso’s Way”, which is following in the footsteps of Hov’s “American Gangster” by following the 1993 film “Carlito’s Way”. From the tracks that leaked and just because it’s coming from Loso-know that it’s gonna be hot! As far as Tamia, we really don’t know what’s up with her, but if you know anything let us know! Until tomorrow….

Takin’ It Back: Blackstreet- No Diggity

Blackstreet – “No Diggity”

The 90s. Ahhh…a breath of fresh air. I will always miss the feeling of music from the nineties. So many memories, but this first Old School Joint comes from R&B Boy Band Blackstreet. I had to take yall back to “No Diggity”! The weather is warming up and it’s nothing like an old jam taking you back to some good old times.Teddy Riley definitely laced this track with a groovin’ beat. Yall know Blackstreet had yall two-steppin with this one!

Where Are They Now?: Apparently the group is planning on releasing their fifth studio album this year. Be on the look out!