Review: CNN - Channel 10

It's been 12 years since CNN made their last appearence on the air, and it shows. The duo are having troubles finding their own sound. Every track of the album is different from the other. The sound differs according to the producers behind the beat, while Capone and NORE puts their rhymes on it, almost like three seas and two continents have separated them for the last couple of years rather than a prison wall.

NORE instantly takes charge of the album, while Capone just tries to keep up. But the distance is too far between them for him to catch up. We get predictable tracks and impersonal beats. Although there are a few exeptions.

The DJ Premier produced 'Grand Royal' is pure, classic New York hip hop, that will take anyone back to the 90's. Other tracks that stands out has got a clever hook, different chorus or personal lyrics. But to be fair, the album is not packed with them. With the material used we are allowed to expect straight up quality from each and every song, and espeacially 'My Hood' with Clipse, Maino, Uncle Murda and Tha Dogg Pound should be able to knock you of your seat, but I sit quite comfortably at the moment.

Best track: Channel 10

Grade: 3/5

Review: Anthony Hamilton - The Point Of It All

Anthony Hamilton might possibly be the best R n' B/Soul singer around at the moment. He is constantly featured on tracks with some of the biggest names in the business who wants to put a bit of soul into their tracks.

When you listen to an album in the genre Hamilton represents, you tend to find solely slow predictable tunes. But that is what differs him from the rest. 'The Point Of It All' is never boring.

Hamilton puts his voice on a great mix of tracks, all from slow love songs to up tempo tunes such as the collaboration with rapper David Banner. The whole number of songs on the album tells a story, almost a bit like he is talking to someone. I don't think the words are just made up and jot down on a piece of paper. There is a genuine feeling to the lyrics and real life experience is there, creating those words.

The album itself shines of quality, which is something we are allowed to expect after waiting since 2005 for another studio album from Hamilton.

Best track: Soul's on fire

Grade: 4/5

Anthony Hamilton - Soul's on fire (live)

Review: Big Kuntry King - My turn to eat

"You know who this is mayne... Big Kuntry King!"

This is the catch phrase of T.I.'s protege Big Kuntry King, who's debut album 'My turn to eat' has been out for a while.

The album starts off with an intro playing on the fact that Big Kuntry is just known as T.I.'s friend, which is true. After that you expect to get a presentation, something telling us 'This is me, this is what I do.' But you get nothing. It's just track after track saying absolutely nothing.

Many of the tracks is collaborations with all from underground artists to big names like Trey Songs. But despite this they all just come together like a blurr and I found myself with the feeling of listening to just one long track.

Big Kuntry have in the past been a featured artist on T.I.'s tunes 'Top Back' and 'I'm a king (with PSC)' with great success. But not even The King of The South himself could make the track 'That's right' to a big hit.

It can all be summed up by saying, "No Big Kuntry King, we don't know who you are".

Grade: 2/5

Best track: 'Da Baddest feat. Trey Songs'