JENNIFER HUDSON "I Remember Me" CD Review - The Boston Herald, 3/25/11

“American Idol” finalist Jennifer Hudson has achieved post-“Idol” success as both actress and pop star, overcoming unimaginable tragedy after the murder of her mother, brother and nephew in 2008. But her sophomore album nearly screams that the r&b soul singer is struggling to nail her musical niche...continued.

KE$HA "I Am The Dance Commander + I Command You To Dance" CD review - The Boston Herald, 3/25/11

Welcome to your new cardio soundtrack. It’s hard to resist Ke$ha’s directive on this collection of remixed tracks from “Animal” and “Animal + Cannibal” along with the previously unreleased track “(Expletive) Him He’s a DJ.”

America’s resident sleaze pop princess takes her most popular songs and teams up with DJs who weave in new textures and layers of sound...continued.

CHRIS BROWN "F.A.M.E." CD Review - The Boston Herald, 3/25/2011

Chris Brown may need assistance with extracurricular damage control — or better yet, damage prevention — but his musical talent and adaptable style seldom falter.

His fourth album (which could stand for “Fans Are My Everything” or “Forgiving All My Enemies,” depending on your preference) is a hard-to-categorize collection that finds the 21-year-old equally comfortable collaborating with teen pop idol Justin Bieber and gutter rap icon Lil Wayne...continued.

WIZ KHALIFA "Rolling Papers" CD Review - The Boston Herald 3/25/11

Wildly popular upstart Wiz Khalifa is the latest rapper with a buzz-and-bravado front that heavily outweighs his actual skills.

His third album and major label debut is a tedious foray into the lifestyles of the rich and famous — something done far better by either Drake or Kanye West — full of unimaginative rhymes about champagne, weed and womanizing...continued.

Solo project won’t disrupt Travie McCoy’s Gym Class - Boston Herald

March 20, 2011

Gym Class Heroes frontman Travis “Travie” McCoy is hesitant to use the term “going solo.”

He prefers to call his debut solo album, last July’s “Lazarus” — unofficially the “fourth or fifth” album he’s put out on his own — a side project, while the band remains his primary focus...continued.

Gucci Mane & Waka Prep Ferrari Boys Album | XXLMAG.COM

Southern hip-hop fans can rejoice: Atlanta rap stars Gucci Mane and Waka Flocka Flame are set to release a joint album this spring...continued.

Lil Wayne back badder, better

The Boston Herald - March 17, 2011

Do self-proclaimed greatest rappers alive get rusty? Not so much.

Superstar rapper and recent Rikers Island inmate Lil Wayne kicked off his “I’m Still Music” tour in Providence last night, stepping onstage for the first time since serving eight months for felony gun charges.

“I swear to God, I was in a place a few months ago I couldn’t even imagine this (expletive),” Wayne croaked at the sold-out Dunkin’ Donuts Center. “But now that I’m here, it’s better than I could have ever imagined.”

Wayne has never been one to coast through a set, but he seemed supremely focused on this occasion. Sunglasses on and hat to the back, he spent the night unloading rapid-fire lyrics like a competitor in a rap-off, sometimes turning his back to the crowd and seeming to rap in his own world. A shirtless rendition of “6 Foot 7 Foot” to close the show near midnight left Wayne — and the concertgoers — breathless...continued.

Lil Wayne and Charlie Sheen are soul mates

The Boston Herald - March 16, 2011

Charlie Sheen’s antics have plastered him across network TV and made him the subject of water cooler and social networking chitchat everywhere. But something about the overnight Twitter star (follow him at @CharlieSheen) and one-time “Two and a Half Men” actor seems eerily reminiscent of — yes — rap star Lil Wayne.

The two resident outrageous personalities have a knack for incredibly entertaining sound bites and bizarre lifestyle choices that simultaneously amuse and engender feelings of concern for their welfare.

Sheen may not sport dreadlocks and teardrop tattoos on his cheek — yet — but a careful analysis of the two celebs suggests they may be long lost brothers from another mother...continued.

Fans show Janet Jackson: Miss You Much

The Boston Herald - March 16, 2011

Just call it a reunion of sorts: Class of Rhythm Nation 1814.

Janet Jackson’s show at the sold-out Wang Theatre last night didn’t really feel like a run-of-the-mill concert.

It was more like reconnecting with the best friend you haven’t seen in years, or sipping a glass of wine and slipping on a pair of pajamas — sexy pajamas, of course — after a stressful day. Except with a lot of lights, wardrobe changes, backup dancers and an eight- piece band going full-force.

Jackson’s 105-minute set as part of her “Number Ones: Up Close and Personal Tour” was a raucous affair that had grown men shrieking and singing like they were teen girls at a Justin Bieber concert, with a staggering lineup of hits such as “Miss You Much” and “Nasty” that likely served as the coming-of-age soundtrack for most in attendance...continued.

XXL Magazine article

My article about RBC Records was published on page 30 of the Freshmen issue of XXL, April 2011: