Timbaland
Shock Value

2.5 out of 5 discs

The musical genius that is Timbaland has had his fair share of success with a wide range of artists.  From his earlier work with Aaliyah to Jay-Z to Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado later, Timbo has worked with some of the best around.  So it seemed to be a no-brainer to put out another solo album amid his new found resurgence on the music scene.  So Timbaland Presents Shock Value is his latest offering with a multitude of eccentric guest artists and very little hip-hop to speak of outside of his lyrics.  The lead single "Give It To Me" features Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado, two artists who have flourished since uniting with the super producer.  Both give their signature Pop sound to the song, leaving very little room for the songs to be played on traditional urban stations.  Most of the album follows the same formula of non-Hip-Hop beats with non-Hip-Hop cameos.  Artists like alternative rock band The Hives ("Throw It On Me"), the Punk-Pop crew Fall Out Boy ("One & Only"), pop icon Elton John ("2 Man Show"), electronic artist Amar ("Bombay"), pop-R&B artist Money ("Fantasy"), electronic goth/punk duo She Wants Revenge ("Time"), and others give the album a mainstream pop radio feel that longtime fans of Timbaland will be turned off to.  He even goes as far as to remix the song "Apologize" by his own Mosley Music artists OneRepublic with no verses by the rapper himself.  Timbaland does give R&B signee Keri Hilson some much deserved spotlight on songs like the 'SexyBack'-inspired "Way I Are," "Scream" featuring Nicole Scherzinger of Pussycat Dolls fame, and "Miscommunication" with labelmate Sebastian. Outside of a few hip-hop guest stars like Dr. Dre and Missy Elliott ("Bounce"), Mosley Music signee Sebastian ("Kill Yourself"), and former partner-in-crime Magoo ("Boardmeeting"), Timbaland Presents Shock Value gives a lot of shock and very little value for us Hip-Hop heads.  If this is the new direction for Timbaland and his Mosley Music Group, then good luck to him and his new venture.  He was never a strong lyricist, but Timbaland was certainly a huge Hip-Hop producer.  But with his eye on the Pop music prize, there will be little room for him to focus on Hip-Hop....for himself or other artists. 

4.5 out of 5 discs

Redman
Red Gone Wild

It's been years since we had the pleasure of hearing a solo Redman joint...especially one that’s worth listening to!  The last good album was 1998's Doc's Da Name, although the dismal album Malpractice was released in 2000.  But just listening to the intro track "Fire," it becomes clear that Red Gone Wild is the real deal.  The album has the feel of a mixtape, but without the yelling deejays or the redundancy of tracks that serve no purpose.  Even though "Bak Inda Buildin" clocks in under 3 minutes (just like "How U Like Dat" later in the album), it still delivers the energy we've been accustom to hearing from Redman and segues into the equally hyper "Put It Down" and "Gimmie One."  "Sumtn 4 Urrbody" features virtual unknowns named Blam, Runt Dog, Ready Roc, Icadon, and Saukrates showcasing their best licks and it's amazing that the track still stands at less than 4 minutes.  The Scott Storch produced "Freestyle Freestyle" is an enjoyable track with the feel of a true freestyle with its uncomplicated background and lyrical veracity. Veteran Def Squad members Erick Sermon and Keith Murray regroup for the convincing posse cut "Walk In Gutta" while R&B newcomer Melanie Rutherford (www.myspace.com/melanierutherford) gives an impassioned hook for the indelible melody of "Wutchoogonnado."  "Blow Treez" is a well-performed collabo that features partner-in-rhyme Method Man and Ready Roc. "Merry Jane" is a fun, entertaining tune that pairs Red with Snoop Dogg and Nate Dogg. "Dis Is Brick City" and "Rite Now" both showcase classic Redman while "Hold Dis Blaow" rocks an infectious beat that makes it one of many standouts on the album.  He closes with the recurring "Superman Lova" featuring Hurricane G and Melanie Rutherford (it's presented as two connected tracks with the same title) and the tenacious "Suicide" that's embodies all the intensity that Redman has been known to display from time to time.  Red Gone Wild personifies a rapper whose talent far exceeds most others in the industry today.  Redman's future as a rapper is proven with Red Gone Wild, and he'll never have to worry about losing his appeal if he keeps putting out albums like this.

Paul Wall
Get Money, Stay True

4 out of 5 discs

When you think of respected white rappers, you immediately think of Eminem and Paul Wall.  Although not as flamboyant a rapper as Slim Shady, Paul Wall has made a name for himself without huge airplay or ridiculously high promotional budgets.  He's still reppin' for the Dirty South and for Swishahouse with his latest album Get Money, Stay True. The album pretty much crept out with little attention from the industry or the Hip-Hop community as a whole, leaving Paul Wall to resort to word of mouth publicity only.  And based on the selections on this album, the conversations should be favorable.  The lead-off single "I’m Throwed" features Jermaine Dupri behind the boards as well as the hook man and comes off average at best for Paul Wall.  Snoop Dogg pops up for "Everybody Know Me" while Freeway rises from the proverbial grave with the standout album track "On The Grind." Lil Keke pairs up with Paul for the Dirty South anthem of 2007 with "Break Em Off."  Swishahouse labelmate Yung Redd holds his own on songs like "Get Your Paper" and "Call Me What U Want." Other well-chosen guest appearances include the raunchy female rapper Trina on "That Fire", R&B crooner Jon B on "Tonight", and Juelz Santana with a supremely good verse for "I'm Real, What Are You."  With only a few missteps like the closing tracks "I Ain't Hard To Find" and "Slidin' On That Oil" featuring Expensive Taste, Get Money, Stay True is a suitable follow-up for Paul Wall.  Now we can only hope that he'll get some money from the sale of this album so he can stay true in the future and not have to conform to the pressures of the industry to make a buck.

3.5 out of 5 discs

MIMS
Music Is My Savior

The title Music Is My Savior is an understatement if there ever was one.  After losing both parents at a young age, Mims is left with only his aspiration to be a rap superstar.  After releasing his debut single "This Is Why I'm Hot" on his own, he was thrown a bone by EMI/Capitol to take the first step in his journey to accomplish his dream.  Music Is My Savior is a solid first album from a virtual unknown in the music industry.  Garnering some hard-hitting tracks like the aforementioned lead single and dancehall remix with Cham and Junior Reid, the deep chords of "It's Alright," the club banger "Like This" and the excessive groove factor of "Cop It" will help keep those stereos thumping in the streets all summer.  The R&B-infused "Girlfriends Favorite MC" featuring fellow Capitol Records recording artist J Holiday is a decent offering, and the reflective lyrics on "Where I Belong" are both straightforward and thought-provoking.  Bun B of UGK fame gives a veteran verse for "They Don't Wanna Play" while Letoya Luckett laces the hook for the introspective "Without You."  There are a couple suspect cuts like "Doctor, Doctor" and "Big Black Train," but the emotional outro "Don't Cry" featuring Purple Popcorn has a hint of soft rock for the chorus. For a debut album, Music Is My Savior is a solid effort from a guy that came out of nowhere and captured the attention of rap fans everywhere.  Now Mims has to convince those same fans that he's the real deal and keep from being shown the door.

The Best Way To Get The Latest Hardcovers in African-American Fiction!  Only 9.99 Each!