Tommy Gstar

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Mixtape Review: Mike WiLL Made-It "Est in 1989 (Pt 2.5)"

I have been meaning to review this since it came out back on Christmas Eve, but I haven't really had a chance, so here it is. You should be familiar with Mike WiLL by now, his production credits are starting to rack up, and he was my first Producer spotlight. He seriously has blown up, even since the last post. With Rappers and also our R&B sirens, such as Kelly and Ciara, Mike knows what sounds great on the radio and clubs (particularly the ones with poles). This Mixtape is fifty percent new stuff and fifty percent joints that we have heard previously. The monster smash, that is currently sitting in my top 25 and pulling me through right now, is “<em "mso-bidi-font-style:="" normal"="" style="position: relative; font-family: 'Folks Light'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Number One” with Kelly Rowland. From the message to the beat to the hook to the chorus..... not to mention Kelly’s soft angelic vocals, the song just screams for radio treatment and a sickening video. The other new song on the album that I am feeling is the 2Chainz featuring Juicy J and Cap 1 “Own Drugs (OD”). The mixtape also has Mike’s go to collaborators which includes Juicy J, Future, Gucci Mane, Chief Keef and he also brings on B.O.B, Jim Jones, and Lil Wayne. Now the other half of the tape includes songs that have been put out before, which includes Rihanna’s (and newly announced urban single) “Pour It Up”, Brandy’s“Do You Know What You Have?”, “Marble Floors” from French and the boys and “Show Out” from Juicy J and Big Sean. I’m really glad that I got a chance to listen to this mixtape because it did reintroduce me to Chill Will with his collaboration on “No Manners. The song instantly got me hooked with the chorus “..these _____ aint got no manners…”. If you like the MMG “Actin Up” then you for sure will be into this song. As you listen to the mixtape you get to tap into who Mike WiLL really is, with skits sprinkled throughout from his collaborators, Kelly’s is the most adorable. It’s a mixtape, its free, so you might as well go ahead and hit download, and leave a comment (new feature on the new site) with your favorite off the tape.  Be on the look out, Kelly Rowland’s “official” new single,"Kisses Down Low", from her album is about to drop and also Ciara’s "Wake Up No Make Up". 2013 already belongs to this new super producer.... expect to hear a lot more songs tagged with the "...Mike WiLL Made-It.."!!!

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[tommygstar]

Vegas Residency for Britney Spears??!

Rumors are swirling faster than the soft serve at a dairy queen that the Ms American Dream, since she was seventeen, is about to sign a deal in Vegas that could bring in $2 Million a week or close to $200 million overall. This isn’t the first time that I have ran across this tid bit of information, but if it does turn out to be true, you can bet your bottom dollar that I will be on that plane to see my girl. Although I would be front and center, singing and dancing to every song (including my fave “My Prerogative”), I still have my doubts. First and foremost, how is this lady able to handle all of these deals, but has an allowance and can’t even step out in the club and enjoy herself (unless it’s for a music video shoot). Also, Vegas… Vegas kind of spells trouble for my boo, I mean that first annulled marriage, PURE Nightclub New Years Eve fiasco, and that infamous VMA weekend back in 2007. I’m literally on the fence, partly due to her only being able to nail arm-ography and hair-ogrophy at the present time. My recommendations, at least for Vegas’s part, would be to let her release the new urban-feel album, see how her promotion goes and then see if she is “in it” to “win it”, then offer the goddess a contract.  In other album news, Britney confirmed herself, to be working on the follow up to 2011’s Femme Fatale. She is supposedly going for a more urban feel this time around and I couldn’t be more excited. I’m thinking like a one night stand, love child of In the Zone and Blackout will come to fruition. Will.I.Am is said to be executive producing the album, which I would say “NEXT” to, only because I don’t want a Black Eye Peas album ft Britney. Other writers and producers that have been thrown into the mix are Ester Dean (amazing!!), Hit Boy (Amazing!!), Danja (Gimme More 2.0??!) and possibly Elijah Black (amazing!!!). Also expect the usual- Dr. Luke, Max Martin, and Darkchild (!!!).  Now I just need confirmation from Bloodshy & Avant, The Outsyders, Pharrell (I would DIE), Oakwud, Bangladesh and Swizz Beats. Keep in mind that the Justin Timberlake break up brought us In The Zone, the Kevin Breakup brought usBlackout, and I am deeply anticipating what the Jason breakup is going to bring us!!

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Fantasia's New Album Information

Ms Fantasia Barrino will be releasing her new album, The Side Effects of You, on March 13th. Her fourth project is led by the beast single "Lose to Win."  This song has been my jam for the past few weeks and continues to be on repeat. I literally live for the rock soul feel of the record and can't wait to here what else she has been cooking up in the studio. She recently shot the video and you can color me all sorts of excited to see the retro rewind video. I loved her last album, and this one will probably make me fill out a stan application for Fannie. The album is said to be produced mainly by (Chuck) Harmony who has worked with pretty much everybody; from Chrisette to Kelly Rowland to Jennifer Hudson and most recently with Keyshia Cole on Enough of No Love. Fannie also wrote most of the songs herself, so we are going to have a taste of Barrino Realness Tea in the next few months! If you follow the American Idol Alum, you know that she has been THROUGH it the past couple years, and I can't wait for her to spill her tea.

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VIDEO Premiere!!!! Ester Dean "Baby Making Love"

YAAASSSSSSSSS!!!!!! Ester Dean, the one behind every Rihanna song that you like and the one who brought you "Drop It Low" with breezy back in 2009, finally released her video for "Baby Making Love." This was my jam this summer when she released it as a treat for her fans and now the video. I am really rooting for this artist because she is not your typical cookie-cutter artist. You really should check out this 26 year olds songwriting credits, because she is going to stay paid even if the solo career doesn't take off. Her album Story Never Told is expected to drop next year and my fingers are crossed that everything works in her favor. Loving the fact that the video matches the vibe of the song. Still loving the lyrics of the song and is a great little buzz track. I follow her on twitter (@EsterDean) and she is always tweeting about her hotly anticipated project. You may of also caught up with her in recent Box Office hit Pitch Perfect where she played Cynthia-Rose. Either way, Ester ain't going anywhere anytime soon, whether its front and center, the writing credits of today's biggest hits or exploring her interest in acting!! 

[tommygstar]

MIXTAPE REVIEW COMING SOON!!!

If you haven't downloaded... you need to ASAP! Everything has banged out on first listen... too crunk to write my review.... hitting play on second listen.

All I do have to say is that Mike Will is a beast in the studio... 2013 he is going to flood the radio station.

[tommygstar]

Let Me Spill You Some Tea: Chris Brown and Rihanna at Laker's Game December 2012

This is a new post where I got to rant a little on something going on in pop culture.... you aint gotta agree... you aint even gotta read... but I gotta spill this tea!!

So R&B Vixen and Bad Boy were seen out and about the past few weeks, specifically showing up all over social ap Instagram. Well this past week they decided to take their love/publicity stunt/affair/game to the Lakers game and I don't even know where to begin, Part of me wants to root for the kids, then I mean look at breezy. What is that in his mouth? And can he really confirm what is going on with Karruche? I mean I am all for living in the moment, and maybe its "Nobodies Business" but I have to spill your tea. I will say this in a positive manner, Rihanna looks unbelievably happy and what ever is really going on, is paying off because her live performance and delivery and even VOCALS have been the best of her career as of late. I hope all parties involved are using their heads and that nobody gets hurt, emotionally, mentally or physically in the end. 

[tommygstar]

Song Premiere: Brandy "How High"

Brandy "Claus" delivered a full version of a track that had a snippet preview from back when she was cashing those VH1 reality TV checks. Its a nice track, nothing special for me, except you do kind of hear her rap-alter ego, BranNu around the two and a half minute mark. I appreciate her efforts for reaching out to her fans, the Starz, but i'm not LIVING for this track. Just a little bit of advice over some afternoon Christmas Tea, Brandy, can we maybe focus on the album TwoEleven and work on promoting a third single, properly, and delivering a video and promotional push on a timely manner. No tea, No shade... but thanks! 

SIDENOTE: Congrats to Brandy if the rumors are true that she did get engaged to boyfriend Ryan Press over the holiday. He may of FINALLY put a ring on it!!

[tommygstar]

SONG PREMIERE: Dido ft Kendrick Lamar "Let Us Move On"

Well hello Miss Nostalgia. Dido delivers us a new collaboration entitled "Let Us Move On" which is the lead single from her new album Girl Who Got Away which is to be released on March 4th 2013. The track features my choice for Hip Hop Artist of the Year, Kendrick Lamar. I like this track, but follows too closely to her formula, which may be what she needs to burst back on to the scene. The album was supposed to come out previously with a more mainstream-electronic feel, but it seems that she has gone back to the drawing board and delivering us a more Dido feel album. I like "Let Us Move On" nonetheless and can see it being attached to a dramatic chick-flick (Ala The Notebook or The Vow) where the lovers are broken apart by unforeseen dramatic purposes and then brought together in the end and fills the theater with teary-eyed moviegoers and wins a bunch of awards. Kendrick's verse definitely brings everything to this track and gives her an updated sound. Interested in seeing what she is going to (and If) next year!!

[tommygstar]

ALBUM REVIEW:  T.I. Trouble Man: Heavy is the Head

This is probably the last review for the fiscal year of 2012 and its going to Mister Trouble Man himself, T.I.P aka Clifford Harris. No real surprises on the album, but several good jams on his latest LP, Trouble Man: Heavy is the Head. The title fits into your typical T.I. record, and the lyrical content doesn't veer far being in the trap and being 'bout that life. The twurk-tastical lead single and Weezy assisted "Ball" was a great buzz single choice, while second single "Trap Back Jumping" sets the tone for the album. I will give TIP credit, that the second single has grown on me quite a bit and is well on its way to entering my Top 25 already for the year. Hip Hop new kid and 2013 poster boy, A$AP Rocky, lends his lyrical assault on "Wildside" which is a banger by itself and should receive the single treatment. As far as non assisted single choices and by far my favorite off the album would go to "The Way We Ride," due to the smooth chorus and laid back delivery. The track that seemed to get a lot of press is the confirmed, but not as to who, diss track "Addresses."  I'm going on listen 4 or 5 and still haven't been able to quite put my finger on to as who the track is directed to, but could be a great marketing ploy and just written very neutral so it could be directed to anyone. All in all, T.I. again brings his game in the features department including Cee-Lo, Akon, Andre 3000, The Pied Piper himself (R.Kelly) and pop queen P!nk, which jumps on potential radio monster "Guns N Roses." My only critique for Mr. Harris would be his growth as an artist. For several albums now, we know he brings features and good Trap Music. I would like to see him rap more about how the Trap Life can get you caught up, reflecting on his own situations, and being a pheonix and rising above, showing that their are successes waiting for you outside the Trap. I rather see him step out his comfort lane a little and show growth as an artist. <steps off soap box> The album is one of the better T.I. albums, just expect tracks about hustling, trapping, and stacking that ever so easy paper and expect sever good singles coming your way from mister Reality TV himself, T.I.!

[tommygstar]

(Delayed) Album Review: Jesus Piece TheGAME

Who doesn't love a great concept album, especially when it is delivered from a rapper that needed a comeback? I really can’t think of one that was put together so well, since Christina’s Back to Basics way back in the day. GAME brings tasteful sacrilegious rymes to the table in his latest project Jesus Piece. From the title, to the cover, to the theme throughout tracks 1 through 17 (if you get the Best Buy exclusive), GAME definitely steps his “game” up, which has been absent to me since his debut back in  2005. He even started the promotional push off with #SundayService, which dropped new tracks every Sunday and the tracks were not just trash throwaway tracks- they actually bump and could be featured on a second disc for a super deluxe edition (or an irritating re-release if he wants to go the Knowles-Minaj-Gaga route). Lead single, and Bone Thugs sample, “Celebration” was an excellent choice to capture the markets attention for this project. With features full of today’s “it-guys” and classic feel good beat and video, it definitely brought my attention back to The GAME, which I lost after his debut and his controversy outside “the game.” As far as second single, I can’t really pin point where I’m going to put my chips, but I am leading towards the title track featuring heavy weights Kanye and Common, or insanely catchy (and fun to say) “Ali Bomaye,” featuring Rozay and 2Chainz and sampling Florence&TheMachine. I told you guys he really brought the dinner to the table with this project. Another track that caught my ear, and quite possibly due to the feature of Big Sean, is “All that (Lady)” with the line: “….burning bread in the club, all these girls want toast...". It was seriously hard to find a 'friendly' lyric, so make sure to spotify the EXPLICIT version. Another great rap album to finish out the year and to add to your collection even if your not a fan of TheGAME.

[tommygstar]

Video PREMIERE!! 2chainz "I'm Different"

Mr. Hair Weave Killer himself premieres his latest visual off his recent Gold-Debut Based On A Tru Story (B.O.A.T.S). We already know that I am here for this Grammy Nominee and glad he made a video to this story. I'm in Kansas City for the holidays, so the nice Miami visuals are rather enticing versus the snowy wonderland I am currently in. I have included the genius single cover. 2chainz, again, doesn't dissappoint and brings it with his simple, yet unique visual campaign. Good luck at the Grammys my man, No Tea No Shade!! 

My votes for next single/Video; Dream-assisted "Extremely Blessed", the Cissy Houston sampled "Stop Me Now", or a "Crack/Dope Peddler" dual release-video.

[tommygstar]

New HILARIOUS promo for the new season of The Voice with URRRSHER and SHAKIRA!!

I might actually have to watch this now that Christina isn't on it... No Tea No Shade, but she just doesn't do anything for me anymore. And who wouldn't want to see Usher a couple times a week and the BEAUTIFUL Columbiana Shakira? Does anyone else find it weird that this competiton show has a Spring and Fall season? While XFactor and American Idol just switch off. I hope they don't over kill The Voice like they did Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?!

[tommygstar]

BLOG Premiere:: Fantasia "Lose to Win"

YAAAASSSSS!!!!! Miss'Tasia better sang for her life!! I am loving the old school vibe and Tina Turner-esque track that is said to be from her new album out early next year. Now, I don't want to read into anything, but I believe, that, this song has a little truth and meaning then just some lyrics over a retro beat. All I do know, is that she dusted off that old Tina-Fro Wig out the coat closet, but on some pearls and brought her A-game to this single. I really hope this track does well and she pushes it. Ms. Barrino, I'm checking for you!

[tommygstar]

PRODUCER SPOTLIGHT: Mike Will Made It aka Michael Williams

So one night I was walking down the streets of Houston, pheneing for a hit. Wait—Hold up, not THAT type of hit! I’m talking about a hit for my eardrums. I am going straight to the latest additions to my playlist, all with the key catch phrase “Mike WiLL Made IT” somewhere in the first 15 seconds of the song. If you have been into any of Future’s tunes or the latest from Juicy J; if you purchased R&B songstress Brandy or R&B bad girl Rihanna’s latest projects; if you jammed out to the to something that goes a little like “....Lamborghini Mercy…” then you have definitely heard of this up and coming super producer. This 23 year old, Atlanta native knows what it takes to make you dance, and it just ain’t only about the bandz, but the hard-hitting, infectious beats under some catchy lyrics from today's top artists. He has that stripper-club anthem down to a tee, honey.

My prediction is that he is going to be the go-to producer for 2013. He is about to finish out the end of 2012 with mix-tape “Est in 1989 2.5,” dropping it on Christmas Eve. His latest hits that I can’t get enough are “Marble Floors,” from French Montana, Rick Ross, Weezy and 2Chainz; which keeps me tweeting “…who wants to tip-toe across my marble floors..” Jucy J’s “Show Out” which features  Young Jeezy and personal favorite Big Sean and is a follow up to summer anthem “Bands.” Also on repeat is the Kelly Rowland assisted remix to Future’s “Neva End.” Basically this kid is behind the scenes everywhere and I don’t see him going anywhere soon. Make sure to get his mixtape and keep your ear out there in case you need a “hit”, just listen for "Mike Will Made It."

[tommygstar]

Performance Spotlight: Solange Knowles "Losing You - Jimmy Fallon"

My favorite Knowles member has finally started promoting her (new) single, "Losing You." It may be a little too late, but at least she is promoting it (side eye to Brandy). This is from her EP True that was released a couple weeks ago. If you haven't gotten it, and are digging this performance, then you should definitely check it out. (I have reviewed the EP when it came out). The fact that she was able to really reinvent her image and sound, from the last project, is astonishing (side eye to you Christina). I am really appreciating what she is bringing to the table this time around. I love the look and feel and also her cute little dance moves that she performed last night. I am a little scared still with all the news of the eldest Knowles right around the corner, I hope Solange hasn't missed her window. That being said, I hope she continues to promote this single and EP a little more, because when she does, she slays left and right!!

[tommygstar]

Performance Spotlight: Rihanna "Stay/We Found Love- XFactor UK"

I'll start by praising Rihanna, her live performances have been on point this year. From the VMA opening to the performance of "Stay" on both SNL and XFactor across the pond. I know she must be in a happy place with her boo-thang, so all I got to say is please don't mess it up. She has to be on a "high on life" vibe with these amazing performances to her first number one album. I also have to give kudos to her vocal coach (whomever you are) and to her choreographer (who has been the amazing Hi-Hat lately).  Also the reworked version of global smash "We Found Love" at the end was impressive. I must say that she is REALLY feeling Unapologetic's second single "Stay" because you can feel the emotion in her delivery and vocals. She pretty much has me sold on catching her on the Diamonds World Tour (featuring A$AP Rocky) this Spring.

[tommygstar]

Live Performance Spotlight: Ciara "Got me Good- JKL"

Ciara served up another stellar performance of latest single from One Woman Army this week on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. I say this week, but it was actually recorded when she performed Sorry a couple months back. When I say that this fish can dance, I mean she dances that ASS off!!! And dare I say she was singing live?! I can't quite say yes, my brain won't let me. I pretty much caught my life at the last 20 seconds of the performance and have already tried to master these dance moves. Only problem is, even if I do master Ms. Harris's moves, the club needs to start adding her in rotation. As I scratch my chin and think, "Now what if there was a sickening remix??!!"

Claps to CC, definitely here for this single, video, performance and album! Now just release the damn thing and make sure you put that song "Overdose" that I heard a snippet to on it as well. Thanks - G*