TRADE SECRETS
RECORD REVIEWS BY
KEVIN SMITH AKA DJ SMITTY B

as of 4/25/04

SASHA - DAT SEXY BODY  ( EN ESPANOL) - VP
This was a "Bookshelf " track that I was in love with from the moment I'd first heard it. It tore up clubs & radio alike. So to hear it in spanish was a pleasant surprise, and should help it gain a new audience base. Wish it had been released a little sooner.

T.I. - LET'S GET AWAY - ATLANTIC
A very smooth and well done rap. It has samples or better yet excerpts from Aretha Franklin's  "Day Dreaming" (And I'm Thinking of You). This will definitely see club and radio.  I'M JUST DOING MY JOB - Also has potential to score with crowds. It utilizes samples from Bloodstones "I'm Just Doing My Job".

MORGAN HERITAGE - U'VE GOT ME - VP
This song from the VP record label also has a latin flava. Reminiscent of R. Kelly's "Fiesta", with a touch of reggae. D.J.'s, latin and reggae fans should enjoy this track.

JADAKISS - TIME'S  UP - INTERSCOPE
  This track is featuring  Nate Dogg. Mr Jadakiss is back with a strong hardcore rap & beat. His collaboration  with Nate Dogg is crisp & clean as ever and won't disappoint their fans.

TEEDRA MOSES -  BE YOUR GIRL - TVT
A solid well produced slow song that should fit in at the end of the night "cool down" period. Vocals are nice, I hope it gets some airplay on "The Quiet Storm".
 

4/16/04

MARIO WINANS -  I DON'T WANT TO KNOW - BAD BOY
Smooth hip hop music combined with Diddy's rap and Enya's melodies. A real chart buster. If you don't have it. Buy it.

KANYE WEST-  ALL FALL DOWN - ROC A FELLA
This groove is "HOT". Kanyes' done it again. Smooth music, a tight rap and the soulful vocals of Miss Syleena Johnson. Although Ms Johnson's voice shows some of the similarities of Lauryn Hill, her tones are becoming more distinctive all the time. Look out for these two. They're burning up the charts. And having clean & acapella versions are a plus.

CASSIDY-  SPLIT PERSONALITY (LP) - J
With the hit "Hotel" as the forerunner, Cassidys' LP shows a lot of creativity and imagination. In collaboration with some of today's top hip hop artists and music taken from rap classics, this Lp will move up the charts rapidly. My choice for the next single to be released since "Get No Better" is "Husslin". It has something for all,hip hop ,R & B and ballads. Play it. Request it.

CHAM -  VITAMINS - ATLANTIC
Already a hot club and radio reggae tune, the music is a combo of the classic reggae element. A thumpin' bass, steel drums etc. It's a must for all DJ's. Enjoying a heavy radio rotation. And having an instrumental & acappella versions make it more versatile.

PITBULL-  CULO - TVT
Music is already receiving lots of popularity. Rap is a fresh take on it. A must have for club & mobile jocks. This version is difficult for radio's cuurent "clean up radio" programming with it's lyrics and lack of a clean version.   THAT'S NASTY-  A tight rap with music similar to current hits. And this has a clean version that is more appropiate for radio.

ERICK SERMON - FEEL IT - UNIVERSAL
Music mirroring the baseline of Erick's previous hit "Just Like Music" set the tone here. In collaboration with the super hot Sean Paul for background vocals.Expect this to do quite well. Request it .Program it.Play it.

WESTSIDE CONNECTION - SO MANY RAPPERS IN LOVE - CAPITOL
Nice mid tempo rap produced by Ice Cube. Music has ballad type qualities & blended with the rap makes for a chart rising tune.   PIMP THE SYSTEM-  A mid tempo Gangsta rap tune with it's music tracks taken from several "Blaxploitation" movies & based on "Superfly" rhythms.
 

4/1/04

ASSIDY- "GET NO BETTER" - J
A great follow up to his smash hit "Hotel". Smooth yet bouncy music with a tight rap and lyrics. On my playist and destined to be on club and mobile jocks lists too. Will definitely "tear up" radio.

JOE BUDDEN - "BODY HOT" - DEF JAM
Borrowed tracks from "CHIC", "EWF" & "KRAFTWERK" drive this tune. A very creative use of "Trans Europe Express" drum beat & "Good Times" double hand claps take it to its climax. A great use of the classics. Expect to hear this in clubs and radio. This record will be "hot" well into summer.

RUBEN STUDDARD - "WHAT IF" - J
An instant success and great follow up to the previously released hit "Sorry 2004". His voice is a breath of fresh air on the R'n'B / ballad scene. Music is simple yet very soulful with lyrics people can relate to. An instant add to my playlist & will be on radio rotation.

NAT -  "GO HARD" - UPPER MILLION
A nice R'n'B / rap tune. Music is simple yet bouncing. Rap is very good.  ROUND & ROUND- Using  Jay Z's "Hard Knock Life's" gimmick of having a children's chorus is the hook here. And it works well. This just might lead it to it's desired commercial success.

TARRALYN - "BABY U KNOW" - CASABLANCA
A nice R'n'B dance tune with sweet vocals. Smooth mid tempo music. And this lady can sing! Destined to be a star. They're done their homework. Program it. Play it. And request it on radio.
                                                                                        
LLOYD - "SOUTHSIDE" - THE INC
A smooth ballad with Ashanti lending her sultry vocals to the mix. Music starts with a little "Ohio Players" flava. This pairing of these two very talented artists compliment each other extremely well & boost the entire project. A must add to the playlists.