We knew it was coming. Prince released enough albums to fill up a whole trunk while he was alive. Fans are still mourning his loss even now. Today, his estate quietly released a new compilations album entitled 4ever. The album is basically a 2 disc greatest hits collection. However, it does include some lesser known tracks, including “Peach”, “Gotta Stop (Messin’ About)” and “Glam Slam”. “Moonbeam Levels” is the sole new track on the project. The song was originally recorded during the 1999 album sessions, but was ultimately scrapped.

The song includes somber lyrics about him not wanting to die. “Moonbeam Levels” is reflective and a bit somber. Something about it sounds like it could almost fit right in to the current sound of today though. Then again, Prince was never one to follow musical trends. He created them. There’s a deep underlying sense of sadness here though, despite the song being recorded over 30 years ago.

Many of the die hard Prince fans are biting their nails for the Purple Rain repacking next year. That was the album that defined the pop status of his career. His influence and legacy is like no other. This year, he even took home the American Music Award for Best Soundtrack in 2016. Yes, 2016. That is over 20 years after the original release of the album. The Purple Rain repackaged set will supposedly include a complete disc of never before released material. There’s no question that the man who redefined the color purple and more importantly music as we know it, will live on 4ever.

4ever is available online and at select brick and mortar stores where music is sold. Hits like “Pink Cashmere”, “Hot Thing” and “Adore” are omitted. Nonetheless, his catalog is a force to be reckoned with. Will you be buying the new Prince album?

I couldn’t track down the original song, but here is a cover of it from a duo called Synthetic Chocolate. I’d say they pulled off Prince’s sound well. However, you’ll have to get the album to hear the real thing.

Sean Paul dominated the rap and pop music charts nearly 15 years ago. Talk about dating yourself. His sound was inescapable; then he just disappeared. The music industry is 10 times more fickle now than back then. Everyone from Drake to Rihanna and Justin Bieber (Lord help us) is experimenting with the dancehall sound. However, Sean Paul hasn’t been a part of this new movement. He’s sour that he hasn’t received the credit he deserves for ushering in this style. He truly did help dancehall music become more mainstream. Sean Paul isn’t waiting for applause. Now, he’s using his music to stake his claim.

Sean Paul quietly released two new singles over the weekend. “No Lie” featuring Dua Lipa, is an instant club hit. The song has urban radio appeal with a crossover appeal. This one is classic Sean Paul like he never left. Then there’s “Tek Weh Yuh Heart” (just think “take away your heart” lol), featuring Tory Lanez. Although the song isn’t as fast paced as “No Lie”, it’s just as addictive. This track is slightly more sensual than Sean Paul in his hey day. However, he pulls it off extremely well.

The self proclaimed dancehall king had fans stuck like glue, made us get busy on the dancefloor and raised our temperatures. The new music suggests he’s ready to do it all over again. Hopefully he’ll deliver a new album soon and revive his star power.

What are your thoughts on “No Lie” and “Tek Weh Yuh Heart”?

The surviving members of  A Tribe Called Quest (rappers Q-Tip and Jarobi White and producer Ali Shaheed Muhammad) blazed the SNL stage this Saturday. The group performed the politically charged anthem “We The People” and the poignant “The Space Program”. We Got It From Here….Thank You 4 Your Service was released on Veterans Day  (November 11th). The title is fitting of a group that stands tall as one of rap’s premier pioneers. The pain of lost member Phife Dawg is definitely felt here. However, the rapping duo trudges on well in spite of their heartache.

We Got It From Here is split into two different volumes. There was recent chatter of a new ATCQ album right after Phife Dawg passed. However, no one knew just how close the finished product was. Songs like the slinky, groove oasis “Solid Wall Of Sound” bleed classic ATCQ. Jack White, Elton John, Kendrick Lamar, Busta Rhymes and Andre 3000 all lend their incredible talents to the album as well. Nonetheless, every moment of We Got It From Here, sounds carefully calculated, without feeling contrived. In fact, Andre 3000’s lengthy appearance on “Kids” just makes us yearn for an OutKast reunion even more. Despite the lack of any sure shot pop offerings here, that has never been ATCQ’s lane. They went pop without trying. They are still loved by the masses, without lying but speaking truth. The oft put, bluesy “Melatonin” is perhaps one of the best examples of this.

Although it may have been 18 years since their last studio album, A Tribe Called Quest has returned like they never left. The music on their latest release is militant without being offensive. Their lyrics are particularly serious, without being too preachy. Phife Dawg, who actually named the album, would be extremely proud. “Black Spasmodic” is arguably his best moment on the album. Here, he shares lyrical space with Q-Tip. Q-Tip raps about how Phife would have wanted the group to continue their rich legacy. Sadly, this will be the group’s last studio album. A Tribe Called Quest, we thank you for your many years of service to Hip Hop. More importantly, we thank you for always staying true to your artistry.

Common has always been a socially conscious rapper. He spoke about justice and politics at a time when it wasn’t popular to do so. So, many people may think his 11^th studio album, Black America Again, is militant. In fact, this album is less aggressive than its predecessor, the underrated classic, Nobody’s Smiling.  However, the inspiration that brought him to this point is new and fresh. His activism is as cleverly appropriate as ever. He’s more than the “nice guy” that has dated his share of celebrity beauties (Erykah Badu, Serena Williams and Taraji P. Henson). He’s more than just socially aware. He’s thought provoking and brilliantly in tune with his surroundings.

“Home” appears early on in the tracklist for Black America Again. This track captures the essence of his early days, with a thumping drum line that won’t let him. Bilal also contributes his vocals to the track (and several other songs on the album). In fact, Common has quite a few guest stars to help him relay his message. Everyone from Stevie Wonder to Marsha Ambrosius join in for the audible activism. He keeps the momentum going on the title track, “Black America Again” with the aforementioned Stevie Wonder. He runs down several of the recent events that have been sensationalized (and in his words, downplayed) by the media.

“Love Star” is one of the few songs that takes a break from his conscious message to let love in. This slow jam is sure to be a fan favorite and radio hit. “Red Wine” takes it a step further with its seductive, trance inducing vibe. As expected, he collaborates with John Legend again for another award worth recording called “Rain”. The song has an instant vintage vibe that feels triumphant. As if that wasn’t enough, “Letter To The Free”, sums up the essence of the entire album. Plus, the song was written for Ava Duvernay’s film 13^th.

Black America Again is less about anger and more about peace. The lyrics recount events and plead for a resolution. New fans who will hear Common for the first time on Black America Again, welcome to the party. For those that have always been a fan of his music, this is another great addition to his eclectic catalog.

The baddest female in music with a pen has returned. Dispute it if you must. Love her or hate her, there’s no denying Alicia Keys’ uncanny ability for writing a great song. She immediately captured the hearts of millions with her debut single, “Fallin”. She hasn’t looked back since, only reaching greater heights. Diary of Alicia Keys is my favorite body of work from her. Her latest album, Here, may give it a run for its money though.

Alicia Keys opens the nearly 45 minute Here with a rousing poem entitled “The Beginning”. However, “The Gospel” really kicks off the album with an impressive rap sung flow. This is new territory that suits her well. The production is gritty too, which makes it even more authentic. She takes a more spiritual approach to this album. This is evident on the edgy declaration “Pawn It All”, the soul stirring “Illusion of Bliss” and the acoustic, thought provoking “Holy War”.

Make up isn’t all she shed for the sake of Here. She’s noticeably more socially conscious (check out “Kill Your Mama”). Also, she seems less concerned with crafting chart topping hits. Ironically, I think fans will resonate and purchase/stream this album by the droves. Her signature raspy growls take a back seat to a Hip Hop influenced urgency. Here is void of any features, except on the upbeat, autobiographical tale, “Blended Family”.

There aren’t any radio friendly moments here. However, the self-esteem boosting “Girl Can’t Be Herself” and the Motown soul reminiscent “Work On It” are the most likely candidates. However, Alicia Keys’ aim is clearly not bubblegum pop. She has carefully crafted an experience of an album, by following her own rules. My only complaint is the omission of the stellar singles “Hallelujah” and “In Common”. She’s here and relevant like never before.