Singing duo Nina Sky has been on a musical hiatus for almost a decade after their debut self titled album hit shelves in 2003, but today they released their highly anticipated sophomore album Nicole&Natalie. Delivering 8 new tracks, the twins collab with a series of producers from Salaam Remi, Brenmar, and Slimmy Neutron to deliver the change in sound and appeal. Mixing dance, R&B, and pop-friendly tracks, Sky has evolved over the years, more apparent as they open with their opening single "Starting Today", but still keep that charm that made their single "Move Ya Body" so addictive.
Although their isnt a large variety with only 8 songs to choose from, the standout out tracks are the previously released singles ("Heartbeat" and "Daydream"), as well as the dance heavy, trance beat of "Everytime". Though these tracks are strong, the album as a whole still seems a little rushed. This isn't an 8 year masterpiece but more of an EP/mixtape to sample their new sound and direction. Definitely worth a listen, considering that it's free.
"heartbeat"
"Daydreaming"
"Starting Today"
The Miami emcee Rick Ross consistently seems to be dominating the summers for the past few years with features, singles, and new albums. On his fifth studio album God Forgives, I Don't, Ross collabs with some of the top hit-making producers in the game like Pharrell, Dj Khaled, Rico Love, Cool and Dre, and J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, among others to create one of summer's strongest Hip-Hop albums.
For the past seven months, Ross and MMG members have been taking over mainstream radio stations with hit after hit and Ross continues this same trend on God Forgives, I Don't. Although it may be difficult to venture out on your own and keep the same buzz, Ross delivers. From features from Dr. Dre and Jay-Z on the Jake One produced, monumental track "3 Kings", J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League produced lengthy, dope versed "Pink Matter" featuring the creative Andre 3000, sex-infused smooth track "Touch N You" ft Usher, to the arguably best track on the album "Diced Pineapples" ft the poetic Wale and soft chorus from YMCMB crooner Drake.
Although Ross keeps the features epic, he still has some of his fellow MMG signees on a couple tracks and holds strong on solo tracks. He still holds down the streets with the raw The Beat Bully produced "So Sophisticated" ft Meek Mill, details a heart turn cold on the "Ice Cold" track ft the "Ice Box" and new signee Omarion. Even the signature "Maybach Music IV" ft Ne-yo has its own laid-back style that sets itself apart from previous chapters (including the L.A. Reid words of wisdom on being the boss).
The 17-track album is filled with some of the most epic collaborations and productions whose quality matches the hype. Although some of the content of luxurious cars, expensive trips, and smooth talkin' rhymes still are a recurring theme, the more innovative and tracks stand-out the most. Where redundant content of selling drugs, thug-life, and expensive taste tend to fall short, the instrumentals are strong enough to keep your attention. This has been one of the strongest summers for Hip-Hop music and, even though God Forgives isn't another phenom like 2010's Teflon Don, it still is a dope listen.
"3 Kings"
"Maybach Music IV"
"Sixteen"
"Diced Pineapples"
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