Tinie Tempah – Disc-Overy (2011) – Review

Tinie Tempah – Disc-Overy (U.S. release)

In 2010, Tinie Tempah (the London based pop artist) blew up the U.K. charts with fun lyrics and infectious beats. Much like Ellie Goulding (who also features on the album) and Adele, Tinie Tempah’s massive pop success in Brittan meant that it was only a matter of time before he was ready to tackle the States. While Goulding’s U.S. re-release combined the best stuff off her U.K. release of Lights and Bright Lights EP, Tinie Tempah decided to take the best tracks off his U.K. release and added a number of new tracks, working with bigger producers like StarGate, Boi-1da and Alex da Kid for his U.S. re-release. He also added features from Wiz Khalifa, Bei Maejor and Ester Dean. The U.K. version has a much more dance club feel with production from Labrinth, iShi, Al Shux, and Diplo, while the new songs appeal more to the U.S. pop anthem crowd (which generally seem to be the biggest hits), thus it was probably a smart move (though my favorite song on the album is still Wonderman featuring Ellie Goulding, which is such a great track). The first single Till I’m Gone with Wiz Khalifa is destined to be a hit, and Khalifa delivers a great hook. Tinie Tempah is sure to have success in the States, as his music incorporates a fun pop/hip hop mentality with positive and sometimes personal lyrics. The new British pop invasion is on, and Tinie Tempah is certainly a star leading the way. 3/5

Editor’s Song Picks:

1)      Wonderman – Featuring Ellie Goulding and produced by Labrinth

2)      Till I’m Gone – Featuring Wiz Khalifa and produced by StarGate

3)      Written in the Stars – Featuring Eric Turner and produced by iSHi

Available on CD and Digital Download

Lupe Fiasco – Lasers (2011) – Review

Lupe Fiasco – Lasers

Lupe Fiasco’s third album (and long delayed) combines electro-pop beats with socially relevant and hopeful lyrics. There is definitely a commercial sound to the music, but it does not sound like everything else – which is greatly helped by Lupe Fiasco’s thoughtful and meaningful lyrics (sadly, an oddity among most commercial hip hop artists). While the music is more poppy than straight hip hop, the lyrist exhibits his fantastic flow over the array of electro infused anthems and fun songs. The album features work from many lesser known artists and producers, which gives it a fresh feel. Among the better known featured artists and producers are Trey Songz, John Legend, Alex da Kid, Kane Beatz, and Needlz. The two bonus tracks (the previously released singles) I’m Beaming and Shining Down are produced by The Neptunes and (frequent collaborator) Soundtrakk respectively, the latter featuring Matthew Santos who was also featured on Lupe’s biggest hit (Superstar). However, it is the guest appearances by Eric Turner, MDMA and Skylar Grey (Alex da Kid’s heavily promoted artist) that shine. The album’s two singles are both solid, but I personally prefer the musical accompaniment and politically charged lyrics of Words I Never Said to the more anthem sounding The Show Goes On. Overall, Lasers has a lot to like and is good for many spins, but Lupe Fiasco has the potential and certainly the lyrical skill to put out an amazing album and this is not it. 3/5

Editor’s Song Picks:

1)      Words I Never Said – Featuring Skylar Grey, produced by Alex da Kid

2)      I Don’t Wanna Care Right Now – Featuring MDMA, produced by The Audibles

3)      Break the Chain – Featuring Eric Turner and Sway, produced by iSHi

Available on CD and Digital Download