Long Live Freestyle: RAKIM (GWEN STEFANI), NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK, TAMIA, and ROCKELL

"DEDICATED"  (Ft. Gwen Stefani)          RAKIM

2009 saw the triumphant return of Rakim after a ten year hiatus back to the rap world.   Eric B and Rakim dominated MTV's Yo MTV Raps and he's ranked as #4 on the list of the Greatest MC's of all-time.    Rakim's raps had intelligence and social conscience.   He continues this pattern with the new CD "Seventh Seal" hoping to spread a message of spirituality and hope while still keeping the beats hot.    Gwen Stefani takes this track to a new level, great combination!

"2 IN THE MORNING"            N.K.O.T.B.

One of the pioneering boy bands of their time, New Kids On The Block, made a comeback CD in 2008 that featured everyone from Lady Gaga, Ne-Yo, and The Pussycat Dolls.  The lyrics were more adult, sexual, and definitely appealed to their diehard fans who were now in the 30's.   Donnie, Jordan, Joey, Jon, and Danny all came back for the reunion CD which debuted at #2 on the CD charts.   "2 In The Morning" fittingly has a late night vibe, contemporary, and likely surprised you to know it was by the reunited New Kids On The Block.

"CARELESS WHISPER"                   TAMIA

George Michael, Brian McKnight, Seether, and even Rufus Wainwright have all tackled the 80's heartbreak gem, "Careless Whisper".    Tamia, originally discovered by Quincy Jones, adds a new feminine dimension to this classic.  The jazzy arrangement mixed with Tamia's smooth R&B voice makes the dramatic chorus soar and changes the meaning of the song hearing it sung by a woman.  On a side note, Tamia has has a long successful marriage to NBA star, Grant Hill and is set to release a new CD this spring produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jenkins.   

"IN A DREAM"          ROCKELL

Long Live Freestyle!   Rachel Mercalado, a/k/a Rockell, released some classic dance tracks of the freestyle era.   "Can't We Try" with Collage brought everyone to the dancefloor energizing the lyrics of Dan Seal's sensitive 70's ballad.    "In A Dream" was Rockell's biggest hit and reached #1 all over the world in the 90's.   You may also want to check out her version of Garth Brooks masterpiece "The Dance" complete with freestyle beats but maintaining the integrity of the inspiring message.