Urban Music 2000 - New Music Releases - Week of December 9, 2008

John Legend - Evolver

The album Evolver features superstars Kanye West, Andre 3000 and Estelle. The album's first single 'Green Light' impacted Urban & Rhythm formats August 19th, 2008.

#Audio CD (December 2, 2008)
#Original Release Date: November 25, 2008
#Number of Discs: 1
#Label: Universal

Common
Universal Mind Control

1. Universal Mind Control (UMC)
2. Punch Drunk Love
3. Make My Day
4. Sex 4 Suga
5. Announcement
6. Gladiator
7. Changes
8. Inhale
9. What A World
10. Everywhere

Explicit Version. Grammy Award winning artist Common returns with his unique brand of cutting edge Hip Hop on his 8th album Universal Mind Control. The 2008 album on the G.O.O.D. Music /Geffen label is executive produced by multi-platinum producers The Neptunes & Kanye West and features the Neptunes on the bulk of the production. The lead single, 'Universal Mind Control' is a club hit and a radio add for Urban & Rhythmic Crossover. Common has been an actor on the big screen for the last two years in critically acclaimned films, Wanted, American Gangster & Smoking Aces, plus a co-starring role in the 2009 blockbuster Terminator 4.

The game of R&B has seen its fair share of players over the past decade. Many have been drafted, but few have possessed that special talent needed to stay relevant in today's ever-changing marketplace. Avant entered the arena of R&B in 2000 with his debut album My Thoughts, which featured the hit single "Separated". Not only would his first single claim the #1 position on the Billboard R&B Chart, but with the success of other classic ballads on the album such as "My First Love" feat. Keke Wyatt, My Thoughts would go onto sell over 1 million copies. Unrelenting in his desire to continue to make hit records, the singer/songwriter would go on to deliver three more unprecedented albums, including his most recent album to date, Director, which featured one of the biggest R&B ballads of 2006, "4 Minutes."
With four albums under his belt the Avant brand has been established, and his loyal fans eagerly await yet another soulful addition to the collection from the R&B crooner. For his new self-titled album, Avant has called on the talents of some of today's hottest producers, including: Trackmasters (LL Cool J), Antonio Dixon & Eric Dawkins a.k.a Anonymous Entertainment (Fantasia) and The Architects (Missy Elliott). With his distinguishable sultry vocals, accompanied by an all-star production team, fans will definitely be pleased when they sit back, relax, reflect and listen to AVANT.

1. Sensuality
2. Perfect Gentleman
3. Involve Yourself
4. When It Hurts
5. Out of Character
6. Material Things
7. French Pedicure
8. Attention
9. Break Ya Back
10. Y.O.U.
11. Sailing

#Audio CD (December 9, 2008)
#Original Release Date: December 9, 2008 #Number of Discs: 1
#Label: Capitol

EPMD
We Mean Business

Brandy releases her 2008 debut album on Epic Records, entitled Human which is her most personal album to date. Per Brandy, 'I have grown so much since my last album. Being able to express myself and my journey through my music is a feeling I can't describe.' Reunited with executive producer Rodney 'Darkchild' Jerkins, who first collaborated with Brandy on her 1998 multi platinum selling album Never Say Never. Human shows a side of Brandy no one has ever seen before. Having sold more than 25 million albums worldwide, Brandy has been one of the top selling female recording artists in Pop music history. Brandy has more than 100 awards worldwide.

1. Intro
2. The Definition
3. Warm It Up
4. Right Here
5. Piano
6. Long Distance Interlude
7. Long Distance
8. Camouflage
9. Torn Down
10. Human
11. Shattered Heart
12. True
13. A Capella (Something's Missing)
14. 1st & Love
15. Fall

# Audio CD (December 9, 2008)
# Original Release Date: December 9, 2008
# Number of Discs: 1
# Label: Sony

1. Putten Work In
2. What You Talkin'
3. Roc-Da-Spot
4. Blow
5. Run It
6. Yo
7. Listen Up
8. Bac Stabbers
9. Never Defeat Em
10. Jane
11. Left 4 Dead
12. They Tell Me
13. Actin' Up

# Audio CD (December 9, 2008)
# Original Release Date: October 28, 2008
# Number of Discs: 1
# Label: Ep Records

They are rap's first great duo, one that excelled as rappers and producers. They are among the most-sampled rap acts of all time, their tunes having been mined by Jay-Z, DMX, 2Pac and Tha Alkaholiks, among many others. They introduced funk-styled production to rap, paving the way for Dr. Dre's The Chronic. And even though their own rap skill was immense, they are also the best talent scouts in rap history, introducing the likes of Redman, Das EFX and Keith Murray. Then they broke up and reunited to rave reviews. The group is EPMD, undisputed legends in the rap game.