1. The Roots - Don't Feel Right
The Roots' new album Game Theory, is sure to spin heads with its dark, solemn tone. Maimouna Yousef, who delivers the soulful crooning on "Don't Feel Right," was once an American Idol contestant. Unfortunately, she was deemed 'too ethnic' for Idol.
2. Gnarls Barkley - Crazy
Listen (windows media)
Blonde wigs. Movie-inspired costumes. Bowler hats. It's the psychedelic duo we've come to know as Gnarls Barkley. The band revived the otherwise lackluster MTV Movie Awards with a Star Wars impression, and an excellent performance of their #1 hit "Crazy."
3. Lupe Fiasco - Kick Push
Watch the video (windows media).
Several months after Lupe Fiasco's skateboard smash "Kick Push" became a street favorite, it has finally debuted on Billboard Hot 100 at #79. In case you're still sore about Lupe's album being postponed till late summer, the Chi-town lyricist may have found a soother for you. Fans now have a chance to win Lupe's highly anticipated debut Food & Liquor as well as his entire collection of mixtapes and a YRB gift card by signing up on his website.
4. Fort Minor - Where'd You Go
Listen | Watch the video (windows media).
As is the case with most successful artists, Mike Shinoda has now embarked on a mission to launch another artist Holly Brook. Brook, who also collaborates with Mike on "Where'd You Go," recently dropped her own debut album, Like Blood Like Honey.
5. OutKast - The Mighty O
It's nice to hear Andre 3000 rap again. However, Andre recently disclosed to King magazine that he hasn't ditched his famous crooning habits completely.
6. Gnarls Barkley - Smiley Faces
Expected to drop on July 17th, 2006, "Smiley Faces" is an excellent upliftment-themed song. Gnarls Barkley reportedly deleted their first smash "Crazy" in order to focus on the release of their second single. Hopefully, it's not a shot in the foot.
7. Busta Rhymes - I Love My Chick
Busta Rhymes' new album divulges a much more mature edge of the East Coast warhorse. It's moments of vulnerability like this that distinguish The Big Bang from his most recent records.
8. T.I. - What You Know
T.I. is off to a great start this year, having crafted the highest-selling album so far. According to several concert reviews, Tip (as his friends call him) has also proved that he's an exceptional performer, having rocked the crowd at House of Blues and New York's Hot 97 Summer Jam relentlessly.
9. Tha Dogg Pound - Cali Iz Active
One of the most anticipated albums of this month comes from Snoop Dogg and his Dogg Pound cohorts. Speaking of Snoop, the west coast loyalist fondly refers to himself as the "quarterback" of the group, responsible for "gluing the team together." True indeed.
10. DJ Khaled ft Paul Wall, Lil Wayne, Fat Joe, Rick Ross & Pitbull - Holla at Me
Watch the video (windows media).This star-stuffed banger is one of the better songs on DJ Khaled's introductory compilation Listennn. Akon, Chamillionaire, Clipse, and Trina all appear on the Terror Squad compilation. But no Remy Ma?
