TRADE SECRETS
THE FOLLOWING TITLES ARE EXCELLENT AND NEED THE SUPPORT OF INDUSTRY HEADS THAT BREAK NEW MUSIC. DJ'S ADD THE JAMS TO YOUR PROGRAM & CHARTS. RETAILERS STOCK THE TITLES. PROGRAM DIRECTORS ADD THE TUNES TO ROTATION. MUSIC CONSUMERS BUY THE TITLES LISTED.
REVIEWS WRITTEN BY DJ SMITTY B & LADY BECKIE
PUBLISHED BY BOBBY E. DAVIS

 

Welcome to the New first issue of Trade Secrets it is a revamping of the old Trade Secrets below this one. The concept will provide awareness to new product serviced to the members of S.U.R.E. NYC's Foremost Record Pool. Please provide us with any feedback that you feel will assist in improving the format. Peace, B.E.D.
 


HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

 

MIKEY BONES & LOGAN THREAT  - "NEW YORK" -   BEAT 4 DA STREETZ
A highly charged up Rap tune with a strong rhythm track. Lyrics speak of the tougher side of New York streets and done quite well. Should be much appreciated by New York rap fans and there is a clean version for radio. Request it. For More Information Contact: Wes Cravan / (718)241-4650 OR cell#(718)744-5601 /  b4dastreetz@hotmail.com
 

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HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

 

KIERNAN feat. JADAKISS  -  "R U AWAKE"  - BLACK RAIN
Excellent R&B tune that's currently enjoying well deserved rotation on radio and in the clubs. Music is great. All the hooks are in their proper places. Contains a lot of energy. And with Jadakiss adding his creative rap talents completes the production. You can't possibly sleep on this!!! Has various mixes for programming versatility. A must add. For More Information Contact: 718.252.4560 /  http://www.blackrain-records.com
 

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HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

 

ANGIE STONE  - "STAY FOR A WHILE"  - J 
A soulful ballad that projects a overflowing amount of emotion and feeling. Excellent keyboard arrangement along with, fine string, percussion and bass tracks . Angies' vocals is strong as usual. Nice chill out tune to relax to at the end of the night. Will slide into  the "Quiet Storm's" rotation without missing a beat. (www.jrecords.com)
 

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HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

 

AMP FIDDLER  - "DREAMIN" - GENUINE 
This  EP is a fine example of "Neo Soul" music that's becoming more popular as times goes on. Music is delightfully rhythmic, calm yet still packs loads of energy. Vocals and percussion arrangements are tight. Each mix has its own unique sound with different tracks featured more prominently in their arrangements. Wouldn't be fair to pick one mix over another because they each have their own flair and brilliance. A creative production. For More Information Contact: mitchell_dudley@RedMusic.com/  : http://www.ampfiddler.com/
 

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HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

 

TWEET feat. MISSY ELLIOTT - "TURN DA LIGHTS OFF" - ATLANTIC
Mature R&B tune that will place Tweet back into rotation and the hearts of the public. Outstanding bass, keyboard & percussion tracks arrangement. Missy is in fine form as featured rapper with Tweet's sweet voice. (www.tweet-news.com) (www.atlantic-records.com)
 

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HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!


 

MOBB DEEP  - WIN OR LOSE  - JIVE
Once again they delivered a well produced mid tempo Rap tune that contains a creative string arrangement. The highlight of the tune is the female vocals that add the right amount of flavor and balance to the tight production. (http://www.mobbdeep.net)
 

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HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

 

TANYA STEPHENS  - IT'S A PITY  - VP 
A fine Caribbean tune that will take you back to the old days. Think Arrow, The Sparrow and Kitchner. Music production is tight. Lyrics and vocals done well. A must for Caribbean clubs, sets and formats. Ahhh! Quite refreshing! (http://www.vprecords.com)
 

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HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

 

HANDSOME BOY MODELING SCHOOL  - ATLANTIC  (EP)
Handsome Boy Modeling School was a teaming of quirky super-producers Prince Paul (best-known for his work with De la Soul and Stetsasonic) and Dan "The Automator" Nakamura (fresh off his underground success with Kool Keith's Dr. Octagon album). Taking their name from an episode of the cult Chris Elliott sitcom Get a Life (which was sampled several times on their album), Paul and Dan adopted the über-stylish alter egos of Chest Rockwell and Nathaniel Merriweather, respectively. "Rock & Roll (Could Never Hip Hop Like This)" is the  more outstanding cut. It features: Lord Finesse, QBert, Jazzy J and S.U.R.E. member Grand Wizard Theodore. The tune is a work of art that takes the listerners on a musical journey of transformation. Definitely funky. Check it out! (www.atlantic-records.com)
 

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RIDING ON THE WHEELS OF STEEL

 


I- 20 THE DEALER  - HENNESSEY & HYDRO  - CAPITOL
A  down tempo Rap tune powered by a strong synthesizer tracks arrangement. The  lyrics are very good and  will be enjoyed hard core rap fans.
 

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24K feat. ELEPHANT MAN  - CHICKEN MOVE OUT  - MADD
This young lady is going to be the next supa star to come out of the Big Apple. Her rap displays skills that will knock other female rappers out of rotation. The dancehall tune contains lots of musical energy driven by hot percussions, tight bass line and special effects. In addition, the "super hot " Elephant Man is the featured guest artist and he takes the tune to the next level of excitement. This is a hit! (www.maddrecords.com)

 

Outkast hast received an award for the most Downloads of their music for Hey Yeah and others, and that is legal downloads of their music.
 

TRADE SECRETS
RECORD REVIEWS BY
DJ SMITTY B & LADY BECKIE
 



MIKEY BONES & LOGAN THREAT - NEW YORK  - BEAT 4 DA STREET
A highly charged rap tune whose musical arrangement has some nice change ups & pauses. Lyrics speak of the tougher side of New York streets and done quite well. Should be much appreciated by New York rap fans and a clean version for radio. Request it.

THE PRIDE FT. OXS - THE PRIDE - PREDATORY
A simple life revealing rap tune whose music is mid paced with a bit of energy. Rap lyrics are good & done quite well. Should do well in certain rap venues. Has a clean version for radio.

THALISHA  - DANCE FLOOR - TYECARES
A smooth yet energetic rap whose overall musical arrangement cashes in on the "punjab" sound. This is a popular way to go. It's worked quite well for Jay Z. very good vocals to non repetitive lyrics. Bass and synthesizer tracks outstanding. "TV" mix is best. A must for radio and clubs. Request it.

LADY SAW  - I'VE GOT YOUR MAN  - VP 
Lady Saw keeps pumpin' out her reggae hits as was previously reviewed. Everything is "tight". What are you waiting for??? Buy it. Play it. Wine your waist to it. But it must be requested. The only one drawback;  it's a "Tease".... Too short ! Enjoy.

YUNG WUN  - WALK IT  TALK IT  - J 
This rap tune is in line with current rap styles. Music has a dirty south flava. Bass tracks are hot. Rap performance & David Banner are" tops". Has a short albeit clean version. A must have for their fans and will turn on new fans as well. Request it .Play it.

LL COOL J  - HUSH  - DEF JAM 
Cool James has returned to his original rap roots. Music has a smooth mid tempo lure to get you onto the floor. Rap & lyrics are classic LL. A tight production. Already receiving a generous radio rotation. Sit back. Listen. Groove to it. Quite cool isn't it?..... Just HUSH!!!!

STREET BOSS  - "SUPERSTAR" B/W "WANT ME"  - STEEL CITY  -
SUPERSTAR -  Is a  nice mid tempo rap tune with a sophisticated musical arrangement. Bass & synthesizer tracks are hot. Rap and lyrics done well. WANT ME - The "B" side takes the tempo down a notch. Music is very good with a simpler beat arrangement. nice back up vocals. Two overall fine productions.

METHOD MAN  - THE PREQUEL  - DEF JAM
The Show being the "A" side is a hot rap tune. Music contains east going bass & drum tracks. Method Man's lyrics & rap are in top form. THE PREQUEL  - This "B" side is a livelier rap tune. Music and rap are more energetic. Nice bass tracks. Even the lyrics reflect the tone of the rap. A must for rap & Method Man fans. A must for clubs and radio.

SLY BOOGY  - IF YOU GOT CREW  - J 
A smooth mid tempo rap tune. Music will lure you to the floor. With bits of "Mamacita" heard in the arrangement and  Jagged Edges'  creative touch brings this production together. Rap and vocals outstanding. A MUST!!! Request it . Play it.

JA RULE  - WONDERFUL  - DEF JAM 
A delightful mid tempo rap tune with that  famous Ja Rule voice. Music has  very hot bass tracks & vocal arrangements provided by the  talented R. Kelly and Miss Ashanti's sultriness. Simply wonderful!!! A must for clubs and radio. You know what you need to do!!!!

VARIOUS ARTISTS  - BOOTY THROWBACK CLASSICS  - LL' JOE
A revival of classic "booty" music. Hasn't lost it's pep or it's step. Great to hear again. Although the most recognized is "Doo Doo Brown" by Luke this double LP set provides an education for the "new jacks" just learning music. A must have  for club & mobile jocks with mature audiences and women who are not easily offended by what these classics say and represent. They are just sexually charged cuts with nothing but fun in mind. All cuts are great. Thanks for the memories.