the chal banz blog

Have a seat at her table. Producer(s): Solange Knowles-Ferguson Writer(s): Solange Knowles-Ferguson Guest appearances: Master P, Mathew Knowles, Tina Knowles-Lawson, Kelly Rowland, Tweet, BJ The Chicago Kid, Kelela, Sampha, Lil' Wayne, Q-Tip, etc. Highlights: "Rise", "Weary", "Junie", "Don't Touch My Hair", "Cranes In The Sky" Release Date: September 30(digital retailers), November 2016(physical release(CD), December 2016(vinyl release) I was so happy when I learned that Solange was releasing her new album. I felt like it had been forever since her last project and it has. Her last project, the EP, "True" was released 4 years ago believe it or not.  I was even more surprised when I saw that Columbia Records was putting the album out. Solange was signed to Columbia when she released her first album and she revealed years down the road, that she asked to be released. Her second album was released thro...

| Sunshine Anderson burst on the scene in 2001 with her debut album, "Your Woman". The album featured the hit single, "Heard It All Before". "Lunch Or Dinner" was released as the second single but it didn't have the same impact as "Heard". The album was largely produced by Mike City; an underrated producer in his own right. The album features a duet with a then unknown Anthony Hamilton who appears on one of my favorite songs; "Last Night". Some of my other favorites from this album include; "Crazy Love", "Letting Down My Guard", "Saved The Day", and "Where Have You Been". ---------------- Now playing: Gwen Stefani - Gwen Stefani - Luxurious via FoxyTunes

| Can you believe its been five years since Missy Elliot last released an album? Well "The Cookbook" was Missy Elliot's last album released in the summer of 2005. The album featured the first single, "Lose Control" featuring Fatman Scoop & Ciara. The single was everything a first single should be. It was also everything we'd come to expect in a first single from someone like Missy. The track was catchy, exuberant, and fun to dance to. The singles that would follow, "Teary Eyed" and "We Run This" weren't as successful. "The Cookbook" was certified gold. Missy Elliot may have not released an album in five years but she has kept relatively busy producing songs #1 hits for Keyshia Cole, Monica, and Jazmine Sullivan. ---------------- Now playing: Lil Kim - Black Friday (Nicki Minaj Diss) [Audio] Hot Or Not via FoxyTunes

| After the success of his album, "Street Love", Lloyd and co. wasted no time pumping out the third album, "Lessons In Love". The album featured the first official single, "Girl's Around The World" finds Lloyd re-teaming with Lil' Wayne. The second single, "Year Of The Lover" which included a remix with Plies didn't fare well. Some of my favorite songs include "Sex Education", "Treat U Good" and "Lose Your Love". ---------------- Now playing: Mya & Sisqo - It's All About Me via FoxyTunes

| I know what you all are thinking. I want a Destiny's Child reunion so bad that I have spotlighted two of their albums back to back. Well that is not the case. I was able to find some albums that I never spotlighted. I have done so many in such a short time, I honestly feel like I was starting to hit a brick. I don't think anyone had no idea how successful this album would prove to be. Destiny's Child certainly outdid themselves on this album due to not only the good music but the scandals; the album was certified like 8x platinum. The album featured the first single, "Bills Bills Bills". The song and the group were criticized for their man dissing ways and it only continued on "Bug A Boo". "Jumpin Jumpin" was the album's third single and by the time the fourth single; "Say My Name" was released, the accompanying video featured two new members; Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin. Despite all the inner turmoil within the group...

| Destiny's Child burst onto the scene with their self-titled 1997 debut which featured the hit single; "No No No Part 2" featuring Wyclef. The album's second single was another two parter, "With Me Part 2". I don't remember the story with the "Part 2" of the songs being the lead singles instead of the "Part 1". I think the "Part 1" just didn't work out so...but Part 1 of "No No No" is slower and is equally good as "Part 2" if not better. I remember buying the debut album but after so many years, I forget what happens to certain albums that I owned. I have though kept a nice number of them. Now we all know Destiny's Child as the powerhouse group that has outsold TLC according to reports. There is always talk about a reunion and there was talk most recently when former members started appearing in pictures together. As always the ladies denied the rumors. Everyone is pretty much concentrating on ...

| Shanice returned back to the music scene in 2006 with "Every Woman Dreams" and the title track was the lead single. "Take Care Of U" was released as the album's second single. This was Shanice's first album released through an independent label. The album did well by independent standards. There was heavy Internet campaign for this album by way of Shanice's personal website and MySpace. Years ago Shanice cover Minnie Riperton's classic; "Loving You" and she covers again it on this album and I think I like this cover version on this album better. Another personal highlight of mine is the song; "Forever Like A Rose" which makes me think of a song Shanice could of easily recorded in the 90s. Nowadays Shanice is currently working on a new album which will likely be released in 2011. ---------------- Now playing: Nicki Minaj - romans revenge feat eminem via FoxyTunes

| By the time 112 released their fifth album in early 2005, 112 was no longer innocent and their songs(and singles) were overtly sexual. Case in point; first single; "U Already Know" was pretty explicit as well as the remix which featured Foxy Brown. For the album's second single; "What If"; the group returned to their more softer and subtle side. Though it wasn't released officially, the song; "If It Hit" featuring Ciara & T.I. got a little airplay. Other than that the album didn't have much of a shelf life; basically it came and went. It's a decent album in my opinion and I think maybe a little underrated. I can't say its the best because I truly don't know all of 112's albums. I can only say I've been a casual fan over the years mainly taking a liking to their singles moreover their albums. ---------------- Now playing: Nicki Minaj - right thru me via FoxyTunes

| Vivian Green released her second album simply titled "Vivian" in 2005. The album contained the hit single, "Gotta Go Gotta Leave". Though "Gotta" was a hit, nothing else from the album really hit except "I Like It(But I Don't Need It)" which went to #1 on the Dance charts. It seems like with artists like Vivian Green; all they get is one single and then the label pretty much drops the ball. This doesn't mean that this album is in no way good at all because it is. Its just one of the many overlooked R&B albums that are released each year. There are a lot of good songs here and you should definitely check this album out. Some of my favorite songs are "Cursed"(which appears as a hidden track), "Wish We Could Go Back", "Damn", "Frustrated", "I Like It(But I Don't Need It)", and "Sweet Memory". Five years later Vivian returned to music again on a new label; E1 and with the ...

| 702 released their third and final album, "Star" in 2003. The album's first single was the title track which featured The Clipse. The song was produced by The Neptunes as was the second single the unforgettable, "I Still Love You". Unfortunately the song didn't take off like it should of and the album pretty much went downhill from there. There are a lot of great songs on here and the album is actually a hidden gem in my opinion. Some of my favorite songs include: "I Still Love You", "Reality", "Feelings", "Trouble", "Stringing Me Along", "Places" and many more.

| Jennifer Lopez released her "Rebirth" album in 2005. The album featured the hit single, "Get Right" which was produced by Rich Harrison(who worked with Ameriie). A remix of the song featured Fabolous which also got the video treatment. The album's second single, "Hold You Down" featured Fat Joe but barely made a dent on the charts. As for "Rebirth" the album it quietly went gold and eventually faded from the charts. There are a few hidden gems on the album such as one of my personal favorites; "Whatever You Wanna Do" and "Ryde Or Die"(which was also recorded by Brandy). Jennifer Lopez's' music career has cooled down considerably over the years though she has released albums here and there since this release. The diva recently signed to Island Def Jam Records and is also the new judge of the FOX TV show, "American Idol". Look for American Idol this January and as for the album there is no solid release ...

| Erykah Baud released her "Live" album in November of 1997. It was released a mere nine months after her debut album, "Baduizm". The album contained the single "Tyrone" which later became a popular catchphrase. "Live" featured many songs from "Baduizm" as well as some new songs including "Tyrone" and my personal favorite, "Ye Yo". There are also covers of Mary Jane Girls' "All Night Long" and Roy Ayers "Searching". Many were surprised when Erykah Badu followed up her debut album with a live album. This wouldn't be the first or last time Erykah would surprise us. After her "Mama's Gun" album, she released the EP, "Worldwide Underground" which the singer expressed wasn't the proper follow up. That proper follow up would eventually arrive in the form of "New Amerkyah: New World Order". ---------------- Now playing: Bobby Valentino - Slow Down via FoxyTu...

| Nivea released her second album on the Jive label, "Complicated" in 2005. The album's first and only single, "Okay" was a hit and produced by Lil' Jon. A then unknown The-Dream produced the majority of Nivea's album alongside herself. At one point The-Dream and Nivea were married which at this point is common knowledge. The album has a lot of good songs that could of been potential singles had Jive not dropped the ball. The second single was supposed to be "Parking Lot" produced by Jermaine Dupri but it never came to friction. There is also the excellent title track produced and written by The-Dream and Nivea. R. Kelly shows up and produces the track, "Gangsta Girl" which is typical R. Kelly; and that's not necessarily a bad thing. Some of my favorite songs are the title track, "I Can't Mess With You", "Quickie", "Indian Dance", and many more. In recent years Nivea has continued expanding her f...

| Case released his self-titled debut on Def Jam in 1996. The album featured the hit single, "Touch Me Tease Me" featuring Foxy Brown & Mary J. Blige. The song also features "More To Love" which was co-written by former girlfriend Mary J. Blige. The album features a strong Hip-Hop soul vibe which makes a lot of sense since he is signed to Def Jam. This album recalls early Mary J. Blige or Faith Evans. I remember when I owned the cassette of this and my father and sister were visiting in town. I end up leaving the cassette in his car and they went back to Wisconsin. I don't recall ever getting it back and by that time I probably didn't care. The album is very good though and its worth checking out. Some of my favorite songs are "Don't Be Afraid", "I Gotcha", "More To Love", and "Touch Me Tease Me". ---------------- Now playing: Rick James & Smokey Robinson - Ebony Eyes via FoxyTunes

| When Whitney Houston released "My Love Is Your Love", it was her first full length album in over eight years. Of course she released several hit soundtracks but they were being ignored since those were centered around movies. The album was said to be completed in a few weeks time but you couldn't tell by listening to the album. It is very hip and pairs Whitney with producers such as Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott, and Babyface. The album's first single, "When You Believe" was a duet with Mariah Carey which also appeared on Mariah's "#1's" album and "The Prince Of Egypt" soundtrack. The second single was "It's Not Right But Its Okay" followed by "Heartbreak Hotel" featuring Faith Evans & Kelly Price. Next came the title track and lastly "I Learned From The Best" which was produced by Diane Warren. Some of my favorites are "If I Told You That", "Oh Yes", and ...

| Mariah Carey's "Charmbracelet" was released in 2003. It was her debut under the Island Def Jam label. The album didn't have any major hit singles but the album still went platinum. Prior to this release Mariah released the ill-fated, "Glitter" album so the response to "Charmbracelet" was met with some skepticism but it is a good album. I would say its a little underrated. I think one of the annoying factors for some is that she's not really belting any songs here; she's cooing more, she's softer, and more subtle. The album's first single was "Through The Rain" followed by "Oh Boy(I Need You)" featuring Cam'ron, and "Bringing On The Heartbreak". There are some hidden gems on the album such as "Lullaby", "Clown", "Subtle Invitation" and my absolute favorite, "Irresistible". ---------------- Now playing: Prince - Scandalous via FoxyTunes

| As one would expect there was a lot of anticipation for Beyonce's second album, "B'Day" released in 2006. The album featured the first single, "Deja Vu" featuring Jay-Z. The racy video was offending to some but I never quite got the fuss about it. I thought the video was cool. I liked Beyonce's dancing in it. For the second single, "Ring The Alarm" was released and many felt the lyrics were autobiographical and a swipe at Jay-Z and Rihanna. There were rumors about an affair. The third single, "Irreplaceable" produced by Ne-Yo was actually the album's saving grace as the first two singles came and went rather fast. "Irreplaceable" was very catch and instantly shot to #1. "Upgrade U" was released as the fourth single and each song from the 10 track album got the video treatment which was later released on DVD. "B'Day" is a cool album but I favor her debut album, "Dangerously In Love" ...

| Deborah Cox released her self-titled debut album in 1995. It featured the first single, "Sentimental". Three other singles were released including; "Who Do U Love", "Where Do We Go From Here", and "The Sound Of My Tears". The album features production from Dallas Austin, Babyface, Daryl Simmons, and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. I remember when my mother had this album and every weekend; this album was what she would play. There are some really good songs on here including my favorites; "I'm Your Natural Woman", "Just Be Good To Me", "Where Do We Go From Here", etc. ---------------- Now playing: Terry Ellis - What Did I Do 2 You via FoxyTunes

| Janet Jackson released her fifth album, "janet." in May of 1993 which is also the month of her birthday. "janet." was a pivotal point in Janet's music career for a number of reasons. First, she was simply wanting to be called Janet and secondly it was the first of many sexual themed albums. The response to this album upon its release was rather shocking to some people. There's a pleasant amount of sex discussed here but also songs that carry a message; which became Janet's stock in trade for the time. The album's first single, "That's The Way Love Goes" went to #1. I remember the summer it came out and hearing it quite a bit on radio. My mother absolutely loved the song and still does to this day. I didn't really appreciate the song for what it was until many years later though. There were multiple singles from this album including the Oscar nominated, "Again"(which also was derived from Janet's 1993 movie; "Po...

| Lil' Kim released her fourth album, "The Naked Truth" in 2005. The album was released prior to her year stint in jail for perjury. Shortly before the album's release; Lil' Kim's BET reality; "Countdown To Lockdown" was released to coincide with the album's release. As for the album's title, "The Naked Truth", Kim uses this album to address her adversaries namely Junior Mafia, Foxy Brown, 50 Cent, and Shyne. With that said she definitely holds nothing back and many of her jabs and lyrics are quite aggressive. That's not to say that every song is aggressive as there are some light and funny moments. One of my favorite songs is the Snoop Dogg collaboration; "Kronik" which is smooth, funky, and catchy. It's certainly not a surprise to see Snoop Dogg listed on a song titled, "Kronik". The sexually frustrated Lil' Kim rears its head here because a Lil' Kim album isn't complete without some talk o...