Before They Blow-POP! Bertell

You may have heard about Bertell. He is the newest artist exclusively signed to Capitol Records via Bryan Michael Cox’s label BlackBaby Entertainment and Bertell’s own Upscape Music group. A Houston Native, Bertell had to leave his hometown to try his hand at a basketball scholarship opportunity in New Jersey, before leaving school his last year to try his hand in the Music Industry once again. After collaborating with Dem Franchize Boyz for a local hit, Shorty What That Do, he caught the attention of R&B Music Producer B. Cox. Together, they began to work together to hone Bertell’s sound.  Bertell would soon record a hit in the buzz single She Bad featuring Houston Royalty, Bun B. His next single, Beat it Up would become his first real Single and major label push. After I peeped the  video last week and checking out his Myspace I was starting to really feel the song. Now before you say anything, yes, I hear the references. Beat it Up has some Dream-inspired moments and the lyrics do remind me of the music Trey Songz is doing nowadays with his sing-songy rappper meets sanga style. Bertell decides to push the censors by talking about different sexual positions, including the “Suicide position” that got bleeped from the song.

The main reason I mentioned Bertell as one to watch is that his production company, Upscale Music Group (specifically T.A And Kwasi) has produced a hit with Beat it Up! It was the 3rd most-added song to Urban Radio according to Bertell’s Myspace page. That is an important feat for an Industry that is becoming harder and harder for new Artists to break into.

Also, Bertell has a uniquely smooth voice that he showcases on Beat it Up. If he can get past the imitations of other artists and the fly-by-night success of a first hit record, Bertell may have something of value to offer the R&B scene. Still, from what it sounds like, Bertell will be following in the footsteps of Trey Songz and he may have some trouble gaining real fans this way.

Nonetheless, check out Bertell’s video, then listen to the remix to Beat It Up featuring a fast-talking Twista (who is perfect for the song). What do you guys think of Bertell? Do you think he sounds like other artists or is he currently in his own lane?

Bertrell feat. Twista – Beat it Up Remix

Melt in Your Ears:Mya Feat. Bun B – Show Me Something Video

Mya has released a new video! It is for a single she did with Bun B titled Show me Somethin’. I am a bit biased on this one because I love me some Mya! I’ve been a fan of hers since the Movin’ On days so I always like to support her work. Sadly, she is one of the 90s stars who have suffered the most since the time of Beyonce (circa 2001 and on) where all  90s R&B acts struggled to stay relevant. Mya possibly suffered the most because she has never owned the solid pipes that the Brandies and Monicas of the music world could fall back on. She was more like a modern day Ciara – moves well but with weak pipes. Still, I think as an artist, Mya has a lot more depth to her and is quite talented. I also do not mind her small voice at all. She still makes great music. Best of Me was a classic, but Moodring was a Bust. This song I do like, it has a nice feel to it and the beat is really nice. I’m sure it was meant for a rapper but Mya does it great justice. bun B delivers a solid 16 and the video ain’t half bad either. It appears Mya has found a new home in Houston b/c she is showing up on a lot of tracks with some Houston rappers nowadays. But it is a welcome look for her. Look out for Mya’s new Mixtape, Beauty & the Streets that will be released Sept 29 featuring artists like Slim Thug, Chamillionaire and Nikki Minaj. Sounds hot!

In other Mya news, she will be appearing on Dancing with the Stars for the new season. So hopefully this will bring a welcome boost to her career. Mya’s video for Show Me Somethin’ : Do we like it?

Sweet Tooth: Ginuwine – Trouble

Ginuwine has released the video for his second single Trouble. This song feature Bun B on the album track, but they decided to skip out on Bun for the video treatment – not sure why…although we aren’t really missing much, I guess. I hear Ginuwine has made one of the better R&B albums of 2009 with A Man’s Thoughts. We will be giving A Man’s Thoughts the ChokLit treatment very soon so watch out for that. In this video Ginuwine is trying to thwart the efforts of a sexy vixen played by none other than ‘Cocktail’ from For the Love of Ray J ie. Ray J’s ex. Her real name is Joanna Hernandez. She is looking great in the video and I am loving her sexy black dress with the shoulder pads (**Side note: remember those tings? I used to cut those little shyts out of my clothes all the time!)

Ginuwine looks great in this video and he’s still got some moves on him too! I like this song – it has a relaxed sexy club vibe to it. I also must commend Ginuwine for maintaining his grown man tip this time around.  He’s not trying to compete with these young cats; he’s simply doing the grown man thing and is doing it very well! Ginuwine has always delivered solid albums and this one is no exception.  Check out the video below.

Ginuwine feat. Bun B – Trouble (full version with Bun B)

ChokLit Fresh: Bun B + Jodeci = 1 HOT ChokLit Track!

I recently only came up onto this song as of January or so this year, but it was actually released last Summer, so that tells your how far removed I’ve been from my Hip Hop as of late…

Bun B is one of my favourite rappers ever. I’ve always been a fan of Southern Rap, and he is one of the few who can actually spit with a really nice flow and really Reps well for the South. Plus, he’s got a lot of heart. Last year, Bun released his second solo album, II Trill on Rap-A-Lot Records. This was the second single from the album, which I have not heard yet, but this song rides so hard, I may have to find this album and make a purchase! In this video, Bun B is reminiscing the good years he shared coming up in the South, along with his partner in crime, the Departed Pimp C. Joining him in his homage to the South are fellow representatives, David Banner (Mississippi),  Rick Ross (Miami, Dade County) and 8ball & MJG (Memphis). Note the extremely menancing beat in this song, along with the heartfelt chorus that is sampled by Jodeci’s song, Cry For You(You’re Everything). Mr. Lee produced this joint and it goes Hard. It peaked at #59 on the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop songs chart. Check it out!

More….

Melt in your Ears: Case feat. Bun B – I Can’t

Case feat. Bun B – I Can’t Remix

So…we haven’t heard much from Case in a minute! He’s mostly known for his hit, “Touch me, Tease me” with Foxy Brown back in ’96. He also sang, “Missin You”, a fav song back in the day..

But Case is back, releasing The Rose Experience next month(tentatively). But check out this track of his I found floating around, featuring Bun B. The production ain’t as slick and doesn’t reallygrab you, but Case’s voice is nice on this…and Bun B’s in the song, ya’ll. Lol

How ya’ll like it??

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