IS YOUR MUSIC VERSED APPROVED?!

A look at newly released albums that got approved or denied!

Drake: Take Care

Release Date: 11/15/2011

Record Label: Universal Republic Records

Genre: Rap

Back with is sophomore album, the Canadian actor turned rapper/singer brings a more mature setting to this new project. Gathering help from some of hip-hop and r&b’s finest; The Weeknd, Stevie Wonder, Rick Ross, and Rihanna, to name a few but its Drake that proves he’s the true star. “Shot For Me” ft’s the artist and one his man abilities to tell stories, stemming from a time in his past and the regret of a women he once loved and the ones who’ve done him wrong. “Look What You’ve Done” displays the sick rapping skills with a bit of a poetic flow, while the rapper is reminiscing his past and loving “jays in ’06”.  We also couldn’t forget the critically penned “Marvin’s Room” which left many remix’s by other artists but nevertheless, it started and became a summer phenomenon. It’s clear, this man has talent, so with that said, this album has been given a VERSED approved pass.

Lil Mo: P.S. I Love Me

Release Date: 11/08/2011

Record Label: Bronx Bridge Entertainment

Genre:R&B

Now that this tiny yet talented sweet voiced singer has recently came out of hiding, Lil Mo can show fans what was the wait about. Fans last heard from her three years ago with “Pain and Paper” and since then she’s remarried and welcomed her third child. With her new project titled “P.S. I Love Me”, fans and listeners everywhere can clearly there is LOVE written all over this album. As she speaks about love taking over her inner self in “This Love” or describing the unexplainable feeling of how one may lose themselves being in love in “I Love Me” ft Tweet, this much anticipated is amazingly doing well on the charts. Fans should appreciate this project as we all love us some Lil Mo! This album gets a VERSED approved stamp.

Betty Wright & The Roots: The Movie

Release Date: 11/15/2011

Record Label: S-Curve Records

Genre:R&B

Its Ms. Betty Wright yall!!! After taking a 10 year hiatus from the studio booth, this phenomenal woman is back and brought a group of young men (The Roots) with her to bless fans who’ve been missing them some Betty Wright. The opening track “Old Song” with its catchy beat takes it back to the good ol’ days of old records, 8-tracks, and like the lyrics say “what you gonna listen to…Old Songs, lean back and listen to some ‘Stevie’”; Stevie Wonder that is! “Grapes on a Vine” ft Lil Wayne and its hard rock-and-roll feel gives that strong head nod and Weezy’s young money touch. I presume this will be a hit amongst all the bangers on this album. While this pioneering/song-writer of a woman has been away for a quite awhile, she surely makes up for it with this album. This album with its old and soulful approach has been certified VERSED approved!

Etta James: The Dreamer

Release Date: 11/08/2011

Record Label: Verve Forcast

Genre: Blues

Filled with old-timers and hits for days, this musical memoir is going to be the last for this soul and blue’s expertise. Thats right fans, Ms. Etta James, the woman responsible for top hits such as “At Last” and “I’d Rather Go Blind” is retiring from the music scene due to serious medical issues she must focus on. Its been with a great pleasure to have an opportunity to have a final piece f her last work. Fans both from the old and new generation who are familiar with hits growing up can appreciate these re-makes as she adds a bit of familiar twist into it. The popular “Misty Blue” (Bob Montgomery) and “In The Evening” (Ray Charles” truly captures that unforgettable voice that fans will all miss. Here’s to Ms. Etta James, for allowing fans to experience classics that will forever be etched in our musical spirits. VERSED approved is where this album is at!

Maysa: Motions of Love

Release Date: 11/08/2011

Record Label: Shanachie

Genre: R&B

Maysa’s fourth album and first since 2008’s “Metamorphosis”  leans more heavily toward adult contemporary R&B than the smooth jazz fans are used to. Gone are the soft flutes and and silky guitars, but yet a more tasteful sound of dancehall grooves and great R&B. Fans can rock out to “Flower Girl” ft Dwele, “Sweet Dreams” and the very soulful and delicate sounding “I Try” which seems to be popular on the playlists.  Stunning work from this jazz vocalist, this album truly captures that peaceful sound we all get from a quiet sunday morning jazz. Fans watch as this album gets a VERSED stamp of approval!