We’ve had a pretty good run in 2008. As I look back on all
the songs that I chose to elaborate on inside “Sunday Selection” some were
“bricks” and some were “bread”. As the Auto-Tune continues to haunt us, I’m
hoping and praying it finds an untimely death in ‘09, but for some reason I
don’t think it will. This year some artists made it their best friend, while
others chose to remain original. All in all, let’s look back on what was
“brick” and what was “bread” in ‘08.
BREAD:
N.E.R.D – “Everyone
Nose”
Even though this song didn’t
gain complete mainstream notoriety, everyone nose…it was a banger. The remix was hot too and definitely shouted out all the girls standing in the line for the bathroom. You know who you are! Great comeback for N.E.R.D.Everyone Nose – N.E.R.D
Jazmine Sullivan –
“Need U Bad”
There’s something special
about Jazmine Sullivan. Although she’s only beginning to get her feet wet, in
time we’ll see what else she has to offer beyond her hits this year “Need U
Bad” and “Bust Your Windows”.Need U Bad – Jazmine Sullivan
Usher f/Beyoncé, Lil Wayne
– “Love In This Club (Remix)”
Usher came back on top with
the original for this joint and the remix only reminded you again that Usher’s
still got it.
New Kids on The Block
ft/Ne Yo – “Single”
Ok, ok! For all of these guys
to be knocking at 40, their comeback was totally unexpected and crazy! They all
still looked and sounded good, and you whether you want to admit it or not,
this song was bread.
Jennifer Hudson –
“Spotlight”
It’s crazy how Jennifer
Hudson gained so much fame before actually releasing her first album. Sometimes
you can’t control your destiny and while “Spotlight” was a hit we really didn’t
get to see J Hud enjoy the wave that an artist has when they have a big first
single. When you think of “Spotlight” you’ll always remember the tragedy that
followed it. But overall it made its mark in ‘08.Spotlight – Jennifer Hudson
Beyoncé – “Single
Ladies (Put a Ring On It)” / “If I Were a Boy”
Both of these songs were
expected to be big hits, and right now as we speak they are still climbing the
charts. Beyoncé has returned, but will “I AM….Sasha Fierce” do as well as
Beyoncé’s first and second albums? Guess we have to stay tuned.
Brandy – “Right Here
(Departed)”
Welcome back Brandy! We
missed you. You probably won’t go platinum, but we’re glad to see you again.Right Here (Departed) – Brandy
Ciara f/T Pain – “Go
Girl”
Ci Ci typically come thru
with a few good hits. This is one of them. Hopefully we’ll get an album out of
her in 09’.
Nina Sky f/Rick Ross
– “Curtain Call”
Natalie and Nicole have one
of the mellowest sounds I’ve heard in years. This joint was a banger and even
if it didn’t climb the charts, it was still “bread” in ‘08.Curtain Call – Nina Sky featuring Rick Ross
Estelle F/Sean Paul –
“Come Over”
From day one, Estelle caught
your attention. “American Boy” was a feel good joint, while “Come Over” comes
behind it with the same momentum. Don’t sleep. Estelle got that good good.
Ashanti – “The Way
That I Love You”
She’s the chick so many love
to hate, but Ashanti is guaranteed to give us at least two good singles every
times she emerges and this was one of them. The Way That I Love You – Ashanti
Keri Hilson f/ Lil Wayne
– “Turning Me On”
Sometimes a hit songwriter’s
attempt to be successful as an artist doesn’t always equally measure up. I’ll
admit I was skeptical of Ms. Keri to start. Her first single “Energy” was
decent, but didn’t pack a punch. But when I heard “Turning Me On” I thought, ok
I think she’s got something here. The song is a straight banger! Set to drop in
‘09 too, I think Keri is going to be around for a long time to come.
BRICK:
R Kelly – “Skin”
Three words. Wiggedy, Wiggedy
Wack. This song was a waste of budget.
Pretty Ricky –
“Knockin’ Boots ‘08”
One word. Why?
TGT – “Sex”
Nice Try. Tank, Ginuwine and
Tyrese. Stick to your solo careers. It might have seemed like a good idea in
the beginning, but it’s merely an after thought now.
Monica f/ Ludacris –
“Still Standing”
This song wasn’t bad per se,
but it wasn’t bread for Monica. I’m hoping ‘09 will mark her return. R&B is
missing you girl.Still Standing – Monica ft Ludacris
Day26 – “Got Me
Going”
Um…in five years no one will
remember these guys.
Mariah Carey – “Bye
Bye (remix)”
Mimi got side tracked when
she said “I Do” to a fella 9 years her junior. Her album had way more potential
than it will be remembered for. Def Jam dropped the ball on this one and so did
she. But I still love you Mi Mi!! Hands down your still one of the greatest.
Ray J – “Snake in
The Grass”
Ray J…WTF were you thinking?
Jamie Foxx f/Lil Wayne
– “Number One”
The creation of this song was
another waste of good talent in the same room. Jamie Foxx is the man, but this
joint has no potential of ever reaching “number one”.Number One – Jamie Foxx ft Lil Wayne
The-Dream f/ Lil Jon
– “Let Me See That Bootay”
The-Dream can do better than
this.
Keri Hilson f/R. Kelly
– “Shake it Like a Dawg”
Again, gotta use those three
words. Wiggedy, Wiggedy Wack! This song should forever just be a leaked track
on the Internet that never ends up as released material.Shake It Like a Dawg – Keri Hilson ft R. Kelly
We had some good ones and
some bad ones in 2008. I can’t wait to see what 2009 has to offer!
