Image courtesy of rickrossdeeperthanrap.com


By: Gregory Brand, Jr.
Entertainment Editor
SOTG Magazine

Deeper Than Rap
Rick Ross
Rating 5 out of 5

Amid a swirl of controversy surrounding the legitimacy of his subject matter and street credibility, Miami-based emcee, Rick Ross has slapped every single naysayer in the mouth with one of the best hip-hop albums in recent history.

"Deeper than Rap" is a lyrical tour-de-force, focused in tales of life and living both in the spotlight and outside of it. With Ross’s attention to detail, he has dropped an album of epic proportions.

With solid wordplay and varying levels of inflection, the album is never a bore and will appeal to casual hip-hop fans and diehard hip-hop heads alike.

The fact that the album is so good comes as a genuine surprise. While Ross's last album was ripe with hood sensibilities, his current reputation killer is centered around his not being as legitimate in the streets as his lyrics claim him to be.

While his response has been unusually quiet considering the reputation he had previously been building, this album is a loud response that will undoubtedly silence the haters.

Though this album is falls in line with what is expected in modern-day, money-praising hip hop, Ross used his rhyme skill and a few other tricks to jump outside the box a little.

On the John Legend featured single, "Magnificent," Ross gives an up close and personal glimpse of the good life that being ‘the big man’ provides. The production creates the perfect backdrop to the dazzling commentary and features Legend's gorgeous vocals on top. The beat is made for cruising and the opulent subject matter somehow validates something as passe as cruising around with no clear destination.

For much of the album, the connection between the lyrics and the music is one of the album’s strongest components. For many albums there is no attention paid to the overall concept but Deeper than Rap does this well.

He continues this on the trend on the Robin Thicke featured "Lay Back" as well. On this track, Robin Thicke's rich vocals paint another gorgeous canvas that Ross polishes to perfection.

Here, lush musicianship accompanies solid lyricism and the result is glorious.

This is clearly evident when the world-music theme jumps to the islands on the reggae flavored "Yacht Club." Here assisted by Magazeen on the hook, Ross outlines more of the good life but does it with a tinge of island flavor.

Ross raps with more of the same gritty and grimy street lore he is known for but the production makes this album a cut above his previous releases.

With a bevy of ear-catching beats from The Runners, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League and The Inkredibles, this album is a full-on sonic adventure in addition to being a rap fan’s dream. Ross comes across as more real than ever before despite his current run-in with the tabloids.

It's also apparent that his credibility killing run-ins have not hurt his relationship within the industry either. With guest spots from, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Robin Thicke, Nas, Foxy Brown and Trina among others, he is not struggling in the support department.

Bottom Line: "Deeper than Rap" lives up to its name and proves that controversy is not always the killer and being a lyrical gangster is the only kind that counts.

Labels: music, reviews

Image courtesy of ciaraworld.com

Gregory Brand, Jr.
Entertainment Editor
SOTG Magazine

Fantasy Ride
Ciara
Rating 3.5 out of 5

Ciara's third album, "Fantasy Ride," marks a new and richly different transformation in both style and sound for the newly crowned R&B pop diva.

From beginning to end the album uses tight production and Ciara's airy vocals to vibrate speakers and minister to partygoers everywhere.

It is apparent that Ciara has a goal in mind with the release of this album. There is a void left in mainstream music and Ciara aims to fill it.

Janet Jackson, Madonna and Britney Spears are actually losing power with lovers of dance music so this album is the opportunity for Ciara to step up to the plate.

In effect, Ciara hits it out of the park. Aiming to fill the void left by the aforementioned divas with substance instead of getting it by default, Ciara succeeds for the most part.

With smart production and intelligent songwriting, Ciara brings a fresh voice to the dancefloor and does so with flair.

This flair makes one of its most poignant appearances on the T-Pain assisted lead single, "Go Girl." This track has the young chanteuse musing about her sexual prowess to the man she wishes to put to work. On top of the bouncing track Ciara shines and blends beautifully with T-Pain’s playful and boastful rhymes.

Realistically, this album could have been more aptly titled, "Last Night at the Club," because the album is probably the most club friendly album of the year so far.

In fact, nearly every sector of club life is represented. The dance club, the nightclub, the strip club and in some cases— the gay club, all have representations here and the resulting LP is stronger for it.

The point seems to be people dancing and if the album is played, people will indeed dance.

While dancing is paramount here, there is also an underlying concept that points to a continued evolution of the artist.

The last album was titled "Evolution" and it is apparent that she has not stopped developing.

On the Justin Timberlake assisted "Love, Sex and Magic," Ciara makes a gamble for pop prominence and the track, which glides with a slick, old-school vibe, sings with overly sweet and sassy conviction.

Other tracks on the album show Ciara playing with her range under the cover of some infectious beats.

Ciara jumps wholeheartedly into her sexuality with the stripclub-ready banger "Ciara to the Stage" and the brilliantly seductive, "Surgeon."

Despite the highs of the LP she can get a little too "club."

This is most clearly represented in the Chris Brown featured track, "Turntables." With its hard to decipher lyrics and repetitive thump, it is made for the voguers and runway walkers at the club. Snap for the kids anyone?

Featuring solid production from Danja, Polow Da Don, Tricky Stewart and The Dream, she may not be able to notice potential interruptions anyway.

Bottom Line: Filled with pulse-pounding beats and sexy innuendos, Fantasy Ride may be what dance fans have been waiting for.

Labels: music, reviews

Image courtesy of Paramount Pictures


Gregory Brand, Jr.
Entertainment Editor
SOTG Magazine

Star Trek
Rating 5 out of 5

Writer/director JJ Abrams' re-imagining of the iconic science fiction series, "Star Trek," delivers a movie that is both action-packed and worth the serious attention being given to this re-make of a classic.

In a film full of action, adventure and romance, unaffiliated viewers and serious fanboys alike will enjoy this film.

It manages to do exactly what a major summer blockbuster is supposed to do-entertain.

Featuring a well-placed cast and interesting story, "Star Trek" will undoubtedly bring in new fans and delight the older ones.

The film opens as a crew of intergalactic astronauts is attacked by an enormous spacecraft that has the ability to cause massive destruction.

The captain of the enemy ship clearly showcases a dislike for the members of Starfleet and aims to destroy them.

After a few volleys of fire back and forth, the big ship begins to win the battle and may possibly take over the universe when they finish.

Luckily this frightful attempt is stopped once the captain of the ship sacrifices himself to save everyone else. This sacrifice comes just as his son, James Tiberius Kirk is born.

The film then fast forward to different stages in the lives of the half-alien Spock (Zachary Quinto) growing up on his home world, Vulcan, and James (Chris Pine) as he is bounces between being a rough and wild young body to a rough and wild young man. Though James exhibits a lot of knowledge and skill, he is still lacking in the trademark maturity of a captain.

After a chance meeting with a beautiful young communications officer named Uhura (Zoe Saldana) and a man that knew his now famous father, James grudgingly signs up for service in the universe-wide Star Fleet Academy.

While in the academy James does well and even though he has yet to shake most of his childish immaturity, he begins to reveal that he is not only a brave fighter but a natural tactician and strategist.

From here all of the pieces of the story begin to come together. The viewer gets to meet the half human/ half Vulcan second in command, Spock, communications expert Uhura, Russian co-pilot Pavel Chekov (Anton Yelchin), ship medical doctor Bones (Karl Urban), hotshot pilot Sulu (John Cho) and eventually—ship mechanic and technician Scotty (Simon Pegg).

After all of the key players are put into place, the story uses clever elements to tie action and story together. It is also very interesting how the characters all manage to interact and connect with such a big story being told.

The visuals are every bit as good as the film itself. From the first appearance of the massive ships and external views of the planets themselves, everything looks awesome.

With strong performances from most of the cast the film reads as believeable and real. Pine, Qunito, Urban, Saldana and Pegg are all very good in the respective roles as Kirk, Spock, Bones, Uhura and Scotty.

Bottom Line: Star Trek is why people go to the movies, it is entertaining and fun but also successfully updates a classic.

Labels: music, reviews

Photo courtesy of Ryanleslie.com

By: Gregory Brand, Jr.
Entertainment Editor
SOTG Magazine

Ryan Leslie
Rating 4.5 out of 5

Singer/producer Ryan Leslie has dropped one of this year's smartest and most entertaining albums and most music fans don't even know his name-yet.

Leslie's self-titled album is an eclectic mix of smooth balladry and clever tongue and cheek flirtation that is enough to fill dancefloors and blare out of almost every car's speakers.

An affilitate of Diddy's Bad Boy camp, Ryan Leslie features much of the trademark crisp production and modern songwriting that is associated with the famous label. Leslie himself takes it a step further by making music that sounds very spur-of-the-moment and honest under his own Next Selection imprint.

The works comes off as fun and it is the honesty that makes them appealing.

Having garnered attention for the breakout radio singles, "Diamond Girl"and the Fabolous and Cassie featured, "Addicted," Leslie is already catching the ears and attention of many clubgoers. A deeper look into the album shows that he has a little more to offer as well.

In only 12 tracks, Leslie is able to cover a bevy of topics dealing with living, loving, ladies and getting a little action.

His sound is original, mixing in elements of old school soul and contemporary R&B but the work also ties in elements of hip-hop and pop sensibilities.

The wordplay on the quirky and honest track "You're Fly" and the driving charmer, "Quicksand" are clear examples of Leslie's bubbling talent because they are representative of his stylish delivery and atypical artistic angle.

The album reaches farther than the typical modern R&B record by doing some things that nobody does anymore-take chances. While the album sticks to the genre format, there is also plenty of experimentation on the album as well. This willingness to take a little risk, shine brightly on the clever track "Gibberish."

"Gibberish" gives Leslie an opportunity to show his clever vicoder-laced vocals and musicianship without uttering more than a few real words the entire song.

Though Ryan Leslie comes in with what seems like a short playlist, much is accomplished in the slim 12 tracks.

Bottom Line: Had the artist given a little more to listeners we could have a solid innovative classic on our hands instead of a short EP style glimpse into the mind of an actual artist.

Gregory Brand, Jr.

Labels: music, reviews

Keri Hilson press photo

By: Gregory Brand, Jr.
Entertainment Editor
SOTG Magazine

Keri Hilson
In A Perfect World
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Talented songwriter and emerging "it girl" Keri Hilson aims to make a name for her own beautiful voice in her richly entertaining debut, "In A Perfect World."

After months of delays and push-backs, the album finally makes it to the purchasing public and delivers with a spirited collection of dancefloor gems and cleverly weaved wordplay.

Ms. Hilson is first and foremost is a songwriter and her wordplay is the dominating force throughout the work. As a member of the songwriting and music production collective know only as the Clutch, Hilson has penned hit singles for the likes of Ciara, Timbaland and Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls. She holds tight to the writing skills that have been a major earner for her by blessing her own debut with catchy hooks and introspective lyrics.

Clever wordplay is one of the first things a listener is likely to pick up with this collection of tracks. On the current chart topper, "Turnin Me On," Hilson delivers a list of do's and don'ts to fellas that have the gall to approach her. Power is added to the track by the ubiquitous emcee Lil Wayne giving "Ms Keri" the types of lines she wants to hear from her ideal man.

Mixed in with the solid lyricism is the use of interesting song concepts with emotional ties. On the lead single, "Energy," Hilson does well with a song dedicated to a lover that is taking more than they are giving. This is also the case on the smooth groove of "Alienated" where she addresses her loneliness after the disappearance of a lover.

The album is backed mainly by production from frequent collaborators Timbaland, his protegee Danja and Polow Da Don and their sonic soundscapes do nothing but add additional power to the already solid effort. Hilson's sweet vocals and songwriting could have easily dominated the album alone but the beats make it a classic-level debut.

Having cut her teeth in the industry as a writer before making an attempt to take the spotlight for herself, Hilson has made a lot of friends in the music industry and those connections support her through out the LP. With tracks laced by the aforementioned Timbaland and Polow Da Don and features from R-Kelly, NeYo, Lil Wayne and Kanye West, it is clear that Hilson means business.

The album's only weakness shows itself with the songs that don't necessarily fit in with the cohesively eclectic sounds.

This is apparent on the Akon assisted moan-fest "Change Me." While the song isn't horrible, it fails to match the futuristic scoring that carries the album.

Overall, the album is amazing and is almost totally flawless. Hilson is a colossal talent and "In A Perfect World" shows her skills well.

Bottom Line: Keri Hilson is the truth and the album is definitely one that should be placed in everyone's personal collection.

Gregory Brand, Jr.

Labels: music, reviews

Image courtest of Sodahead.com

Thirst Quenchers
Gregory Brand, Jr.
SOTG Magazine

While Nashville is known as Music City all over the world, there is definitely more to the city than meets the eyes or ears here. In addition to being a beautiful place for music fans, there is also a thriving social culture.

One of the key components to adult social culture is consuming a little "social libation." This culture also includes hitting a few spots that will allow for networking, socializing (or GOcializing as we like to call it) or even having a good meal.

In the GO Out, GO Play section of the Summer Stimulus issue there are 5 tasty beverages and places to get them.


The Pomo Mojito

For fine beverage consumers with a taste for bold flavors, try this Rumba showstopper. Featuring the typical mojito components: rum, mint and a little lime, this drink adds a little pomegranate to the equation and cuts the syrup for a little raw (and unprocessed) sugar. Its sweet but still hits with straight alcohol.

Where to GO:Rumba Rum Bar and Satay West End Ave across from Walgreens


The Mai Tai

Yeah, it's fruity. But this is the summertime and light drinks are a part of the season. Though everyone makes their own version of this bar staple, one of the greatest versions has to come from trendy Nashville lounge, Viragos. With a sweet collection of juices and liquors, this drink does much in a cutesy package. Aside from a great flavor and effect, Viragos also give the least girly, presentation.

Where to GO:Viragos On 18th one block West of Music Row


Cabana Martinis

While the Martini is another staple of every bar in the world, Cabana does it as only they can. Featuring a menu that gives a small laundry list of different martinis to choose from, every palette can be pleased in this popular nightspot. Nearly every flavor imaginable is on the table and they will even experiment per the request of the drinker.

Where to GO:Cabana Behind Just off 21st Ave behind Pancake Pantry


The Jumbo Margarita

Sure, the Margarita is something that is made by every bar on earth but this one is a definite classic. Available in both the traditional lime capacity and in a sweet strawberry, this tequila enriched concoction scores for its size. For a mere $5, what seems like a bowl of Margarita is served and the flavor is solid. The experience gives sweet with the right amount of pucker and is available in both traditional and frozen varieties.

Where to GO:Las Palmas (any Nashville area location)


The Cherry Bomb

While Jackson's on 21st is famous for an extensive beverage catalog, one of the coolest drinks on the menu is one of the simplest. Though the Cherry Bomb was originally a ready candidate for the inexperienced drinker, it is also a nice choice for more experienced drinkers as well. While it consists mainly of cherry vodka and red bull, the execution is sweet, simple and potent.

Where to GO:Jackson's on 21st Ave across from Pancake Pantry

Labels: features

Image courtesy of ScreenGems

By: Gregory Brand, Jr.
Entertainment Editor
SOTG Magazine

Obsessed
Rating: 3 out of 5

Breathing life into the old school, suspense subgenre of the female stalker, "Obsessed" proves to be satisfying despite also being very predictable.

The film feature loads of modern star power and as a result the film ends up coming off as somewhat real and extremely relatable.

Every man can relate to having a happy home and a sexy co-worker and every woman can agree to either being or knowing the hot girl at the office.

The twist comes once the hottie begins to show that she is a little (or a lot) crazy.

The film opens with Derek (Idris Elba) moving into a new home with his wife, Sharon (Beyonce Knowles), and their son, Kyle.

The opening scene allows the viewer to see that the two are happily married and still very much in love. The viewer also quickly learns that Derek is a very successful businessman and Sharon is a homemaker that used to be Derek's assistant.

For a while everything is seemingly perfect in Derek's life until he meets a smart and beautiful temp, named Lisa (Ali Larter).

At first Lisa appears to be the perfect temp. She is fast, efficient and even funny. This soon becomes a distant memory after she uses alcohol as a weapon on Derek at the annual Christmas party.

In a scene that mixes sexy intrigue with over-the-top execution. Lisa reveals, under the cover of being a little tipsy, he plans and desires for the handsome and successful Derek.

Following the party she begins to force herself into his life and under the cover of civility, Derek keeps tolerating her until his rejection forces her over the edge.

The film that follows takes an interesting look at the issues that lead to office obsession along with an extreme look at the ramifications. While Lisa's antics are outrageous, there is a sting of truth lurking within the film.

Viewers will question (often out loud) is Derek is making the right decisions regarding the villain here, considering how innocently the debauchery begins.

Acting in the film has an interesting range. Elba is brilliant while Knowles and Larter have highs and lows. Despite several performance levels, the overall chemistry between the characters is nice.

This film is also and interesting conversation piece as well. The realistic and ridiculous discourse between the married couple is sure to catch attention. As will the employment of office politics like gay and older assistants to curb the possibility of interoffice affairs.

Once the film reaches the climax, viewers will not only know what's coming but will be waiting in anticipation. The result will gain a couple of enthusiastic yells and claps but nothing takes it to the level needed to make this a true classic.

In short, it pulls too many punches (literally!).

Bottom Line: Obsessed does a good job of reintroducing a thrilling genre even if it never jumps past average in storytelling.

Labels: movies, reviews

Image courtesy of Paramount Pictures

By: Gregory Brand, Jr.
Entertainment Editor
SOTG Magazine

The Soloist
Rating: 3 out of 5

Though "The Soloist" at first reads as the typical music biopic of a down-on-his-luck musician, it is so much more. While the work is an adaptation of a worked penned by the real-life Steve Lopez, the origin is from a very different place than the typical desk of a biographer.

Working as a reporter and columnist for years, Lopez simply ran into a man on the street and found not only a source or inspiration for a story but a friend and subject for a whole book.

The film focuses its attention on the life and activities of noted columnist Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.) and homeless classically trained musician, Nathanial Ayers (Jamie Foxx) and the relationship they form after Lopez writes about Ayers.

While walking down the street, Lopez is captured by the sound of a violin playing a riff of Beethoven with only two stings.

Upon him gaining a closer look at the man playing the beautiful music he learns that there is something more going on. The man playing is blind, African American, in his 50s and somewhat mentally disturbed.

The disturbance Ayers suffers from is schizophrenia and while it holds him in a semi-coherent state, it does not prevent the talent inherent him from coming out.

Instantly, Lopez is interested in Ayers and writes his first of many columns about the blind man with an enormous talent.

When he first finds Ayers, Lopez attempts to ask straightforward reporter-like questions to no avail. It takes a little more effort and dialogue to tunnel down to the truth.

In his interest he learns much about his subject and as a result changes the life of his friend and teaches the a world that is too quick to judge those less fortunate a lesson that may never forget.

Lopez uncovers that Ayers was once a Julliard trained Cellist but his unstable mental state prevented his functioning in that environment. He also later discovers that Ayers has a sister (played by Lisa Gay Hamilton) who has been searching for him.

The film that follows shows the viewer, with comical and unnerving events, the story of man at first seeking a story but later finding an unconventional friend.

While the film's trailer makes it seem like a sappy music version of the Cuba Gooding Jr. nightmare, Radio, this film shows how life isn’t always black and white.

By taking the viewer on a ride through a story surrounding loss and struggle, the ultimate finish is both satisfying but also laced in reality.

The reality is reflected in the performances put on screen as well. Foxx and Downey do amazing jobs as the leads here. Foxx is interesting and believable as the somewhat crazy virtuoso and Downey is also sharp and interesting as the writer that inspired the film.

The film's only weakness is in the way the film tells this story. In a word the movie is LONG.

Though the film has an enormous story too tell, the length of the film makes the subject matter a chore to take in all at once.

Bottom Line: "The Soloist" is an interesting movie experience despite the condition of being a tad too long.

Labels: movies, reviews

Image courtesy of asherroth.com

By: Gregory Brand, Jr.
Entertainment Editor
SOTG Magazine

Asleep in the Bread Aisle
Asher Roth
Raiting: 4.5 out of 5

Filled with witty wordplay and an uncanny sense of humor, Asher Roth's mainstream debut album, "Asleep in the Bread Aisle," scores by touching base with recent history.

The album features tons of cleverly delivered verses and whimsical wordplay atop a varied collection of beats that run the gamut of emotion and life.

Asher Roth became a sort of underground legend and semi-modern backpacker's dream when he began dropping mixtape gems and leaking tracks over the Internet. The attention grew into a following once the noise he was making on leaked tracks caught the ear of some major players.

In effect, Roth has made the transition from being in the background to the forefront of his genre, based on his connections with the streets, the mixtape game and his lyricism.

While his story reads as the typical rags to riches ride to the top, his story is deepened by the fact that Asher Roth is a white emcee.

Coincidentally, Roth's flow and delivery will immediately draw comparison with his only other white predecessor and soon-to-be contemporary: Eminem.

Realistically, the two would sound almost identical except the fact that they rap about two totally different things. While Eminem is decidedly more angry and street (trailers are parked on streets right?), Roth is more carefree and divides a lot of his time spitting on his concerns with being young and having fun.

Roth's style has even invited the company of a few power players. With help from, Jazze Pha, Beanie Sigel, Rock City, Chester French, Cee Lo Green and others, it is apparent that this album is not pulling punches.

The aforementioned playfulness is show on the comical, "I Love College" and on the smooth retro vibe of "La Di Da." On I Love College, Roth shares a cleverly delivered PSA on why he enjoyed college so much and La Di Da shows the emcee telling a story about life's struggles under the cover of a bouncy old-school beat.

Though Roth is not a gangster in the conventional sense of the word, his skills elevate him higher than the average. On the New Kingdom and Busta Rhymes featured "Lion's Roar," Roth shines with a slightly sped-up flow and hangs with a hip-hop legend.

Production value on this album is competent and suits the original source material. The lyricism is varied but solid and the music supports it well. While there is no definitive track that blows the mind musically, each track is complete and well put together.

The album's only weak point is the fact that that a majority of the album is monotone. There is no clear-cut party starter nor is there a song geared in the opposite direction. While there are some somber tracks, there is not a whole lot of really expressive emotion.

The realest example of displayed emotion is the moody track, "His Dream," where Roth pours himself into a story of what drives the artist to make it.

To some fans the lack of polarized emotional concepts may not even be an issue considering some folks don’t need their artists to be all the way honest.

This is not an album for the diehard street hip-hop fan. It's decidedly more tame in subject matter, if not in language, and is meant to serve as a medium of artistic expression of a different type.

For the average middle-class kid in America, the rigors of streetlife are not as relatable as they used to be and this album may be one of the new avenues toward a further evolving hip-hop.

Much like Gym Class Heroes did just a few years ago, Roth shows that real hip-hop dexterity can indeed live outside the hood and still be viable.

"Asleep in the Bread Aisle" can be seen as a sort of gateway drug for those looking to get addicted to modern hip-hop music.

Bottom Line: "Asleep in the Bread Aisle" is a solid mainstream debut for an artist that has spend the last few years making noise in the background.

Labels: music, reviews

Image courtesy of BadBoy Ent.

By: Jaida McKee
Entertainment Writer
SOTG Magazine

Forever in A Day
DAY 26
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Bad boys Will, Mike, Rob, Brian and Que, better known as DAY26, are back again with their sophomore album "Forever In A Day."

The Making the Band stars were given a month to record an album as the follow-up to their 2008 debut album, which claimed the number one spot on the Billboard 200 a week after its release.

The group's self-titled debut album was filled with top-notch songwriting as well as production by heavyweights Mario Winans, Bryan-Michael Cox and their boss Sean "Diddy" Combs.

Perhaps it is safe to say the boys are well on their way to another platinum plaque, with superb vocals and song production on their latest release.

It has been said that the sophomore album is the most difficult to record due to the fear of the "sophomore slump," but that is not something these men have to worry about.

The hard work and effort put into the album bring their fans another great album and is definitely a must-have for everyone's R&B collection.

"Forever In a Day" features huge acts such as T-Pain and Jermaine Dupri and excellent songwriting by all five members.

The intro track is the boastful, playful track "Just Getting Started." The beat is not too slow or fast and a touch of the vocoder is thrown into the mix to give the track something much different from the first album.

Labelmate Yung Joc joins them on the album's first single and dance track "Imma Put It On Her," which also features added vocals from Diddy.

The album transitions from one party song to another with the T-Pain-featured "Shawty Wat's Up."

Along with T-Pain's unique vocals and production style, the guys croon about popping bottles in hopes of winning a female's attention in the club.

After the club tracks, the boys slow it down with the mellow track "Think of Me," which describes falling in love and reassuring the woman that she can call on them whenever she feels the need.

A rocky relationship between a man and woman is addressed on the midtempo "Bipolar," which describes the woman as indecisive while neither have a clue where the relationship is headed.

The boys strike gold with the catchy summer jam, "Your Heels" as they compliment a woman on her looks and the way she carries herself, telling her she has a "diva swag" by comparing her to a model.

"Truth Is A Lie" discusses the lies and deceit a woman feeds her significant other, giving him false hopes and dreams.

Although the guys were given a month to work on the album, it is evident they used the same formula as they did with their 2008 debut, which earned them the number one spot on Billboard charts.

The group is definitely destined for success covering a number of topics and featuring two major producers along with songwriting from all five members of the group, DAY26 is definitely destined for greatness.

Labels: music, reviews

Image courtesy of 20th Century Fox

By: Gregory Brand, Jr.
Entertainment Editor
SOTG Magazine

X-Men Orgins: Wolverine
Rating: 3 out of 5

On the cusp of several hugely successful films within the Marvel superhero franchises, "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" explodes on the big screen with lots of action but not much else.

The story of Wolverine is now legendary for readers of the comics and the character himself has garnered a heavy fan base in film due in large part to Hugh Jackman's portrayal in the previous three films.

This film gives viewers and fans of the film franchise an opportunity to final know what readers already know: Wolverine is awesome.

Unfortunately, the film attempts to do more than it should have.

By being a little too concerned with including as much as possible, they overload the film and lose the essence of what should have been a total fun yet interesting action flick.

The film opens with a young Wolverine, still being called Jimmy by his family, living his life, sickly and frail. The film then shows him in a close relationship with a animalistic looking boy named Victor and while many comic fans will scoff at this piece of movie-based fiction, it works in the film.

This situation presents the film's hero as a child sick and in need of a lot of care. After an eruption of emotion following a tragic event, the boy's powers manifest and he is revealed to have bone claws that release between his knuckles and a healing factor that heals all wounds and illnesses in mere moments.

In effect, a boy that was sickly and defenseless in early childhood would never again be sick or weak.

Next, the film's prologue shows Wolverine and his brother Victor AKA Sabretooth, fighting in a number of wars, cutting a bloody path through history.

This union appears to be both happy and fruitful until Wolverine inexplicably loses his stomach for the violent efforts of his military employer and even more violent older brother.

When he defects from the mercenary lifestyle, he settles into a cozy life with his lover, a touch-based mind reader named Kayla Silverfox. The domestic happiness is short-lived however. Soon the people he left behind come looking for him with horrific results.

From here the film gives an even more movie-altered rendition of a classic and much storied history. While elements of the character's history are kept and referenced in the story, it fails to make the connections where it counts.

In the aim of putting lots of comic book favorites in the film, the storyline ends up being more fragmented than solid and as a result the film has tons of action but not a lot of substance.

The CGI is also below standard in the film as well. Several of the examples of the powers are poorly rendered and as a result the viewer will not full believe what is being shown.

The acting in the film is about where it should be for a summer blockbuster but some people are worth a look. Jackman as Wolverine is still a good fit and his brother/nemesis Sabertooth (Liev Schrieber) is as well. Wil.I.Am is also an interesting fit as the Department H mutant warrior, John Wraith.

Honestly, it is very cool to see the antics of several famous superheroes and villains in action on screen but the film should have done more than given them live-action form. The story should have matched the on-screen magic.

While the movie is not at all horrible, it could have done a better job explaining why this character is interesting in the first place. Sure he has powers and loves to fight but he is also human and the film never explores that part deep enough.

Bottom Line: Fans and action junkies alike may like what they see but it is not as legendary as the title suggests.

Labels: movies

Image courtesy of Universal Pictures

By: Gregory Brand, Jr.
Entertainment Editor
SOTG Magazine

Fighting
Rating: 2.5 out of 5

The Rogue Pictures release of the brawler flick, "Fighting," makes attempts at mixing action and emotion, yet the resulting film just barely reaches average.

Featuring a mixed cast of known talent and relative newcomers, the films has been able to generate a considerable amount of buzz surrounding its potential to be a real knockout.

From the first glance, the film has all of the makings of a dirty, brawling classic.

Imagine tons of physically fit, modern-day gladiators duking it out in slugfests to earn their living while entertaining the rich and bored.

The film could be considered an advertisement for underground MMA (mixed-martial arts) extravaganzas with women in mind.

While the film shows promise in the trailers, the resulting feature bounces along clumsily between awesome fight sequences. Indeed the fights themselves are the stars in this film despite all of the star power lurking within the cast.

The film opens with Shawn McArthur (Channing Tatum) bootlegging on a crowded New York street. While on the street, he is robbed and hustled by a team that will soon become his allies and eventually his friends. Before becoming his friends, he has to beat the crap out of them.

While he is selling his bootlegged materials, he is robbed but succeeds in slamming a few of the would-be thugs and impresses their handler Harvey Boarden (an annoying Terrance Howard).

At a lightning fast pace, Shawn is fighting in one of the illegal fights and the man who had him robbed in the first place becomes his friend and promoter.

The film that follows is entertaining but drags a lot.

Fighting's strong suit are the fights themselves. While there are not as many as the title suggests, they are all well choreographed and exciting to watch.

While the fights themselves look awesome, the overall camera work is deadpan average. No visual risk is taken and as a result lots of the shots are uninteresting and boring.

The film's additional weaknesses include but are not limited to, the fantasy attached to Shawn winning all of the fights and the film’s overall crapy dialogue.

While Tatum appears athletic in the film, his character battles a real boxer, martial artist, gigantic grappler and a professional MMA fighter, and while Shawn has a background in college wrestling, he manages to pummel ALL of his foes. Although he could simply be beastly in the ring, this is highly improbable.

Some of the performances also fall flat as well. While Tatum does well as the films main attraction, Howard is more annoying than captivating.

Overall the film has the look and action but not much else.

Bottom Line: "Fighting" gives moviegoers an appealing look inside the underground fighting world but fails to make them feel it.

Labels: movies