The Collegian

Issue date: 10/1/04 Section: No Limits

John Mayer sings to parents, urging them to take care of their daughters in his song "Daughter." [Click to enlarge]

Ashlee Simpson, Jessica Simpson´s younger sister for those of you living under a rock, sings of living under her sisters shadow in her single "Shadow." [Click to enlarge]

First, a hip-hop track to spark off this unforgettable record called "Hold You Down," by the Alchemist (featuring Prodigy, Nina Sky, and Illa Gee.) Alchemist flows by staying by one's side no matter what one faces, with Illa Gee, rap by Prodigy of Mobb Deep, and the chorus by Nicole and Natalie, who form Nina Sky. Alchemist has produced beats for artists such as Infamous Mobb. He is more underground than mainstream, but his beats and rhyme will attract attention.

Changing the style with an alternative track, comes "Daughter," by John Mayer. With Mayer's instinctive, mellow voice and his guitar skills, he sings of and to parents (especially fathers) to take care of their daughters so that their past will not haunt and negatively affect their future.

The third track alters the mood and genre to alternative/metal, with "Lyin' From You," by Linkin Park. Linkin Park gives unforgettable, deep lyrics with your ear always discerning guitarist Brad Delson's talent. "Lyin' From You," is about one pretending to be something that someone else wanted or expected him to be.

Next you will notice the beat of producer and artist Kanye West. He accompanies his protégé, John Legend, on Legend's song "Used to Love You." The track is about falling out of love and realizing that the significant other desired is not true love. Legend has played the keys and has sung on tracks by Alicia Keys, Kanye West, and Dilated Peoples (such as their track "This Way.") According to the October issue of VIBE, Legend began playing the piano at the age of four. He has played with the incredible soulful singer Lauryn Hill as well.

Track five is "Shadow," by pop/rock artist Ashlee Simpson. She sings of living beneath the shadow of someone (of sister Jessica Simpson?).

The next song takes us back to the hip-hop genre with the track "Karma" by G-Unit member Lloyd Banks. His deep, raspy flow has an R&B feel with which Banks catches the ladies' attention, as one of his older tracks "Smile," had.

Song seven on this mix, "One, Two Step," is a hit from Ciara, "Crunk Princess," heard and known by her first single, "Goodies," (featuring Petey Pablo.) "One, Two Step," features a beat produced by Jazzy Pha. This song is a club/R&B track, with the help of the one known for club hits, Missy Elliot. Don't forget Ciara's album, "Goodies," which dropped Sept. 28.

Switching genre, yet again, is a song with a blend of hip-hop and rock, is "Storm (Remix)," by Lenny Kravitz (featuring Jay-Z). Kravitz sings of a strong love he wished he had never walked away from. And of course, Jay-Z's rap is clean.

"If you're Latino right now..." is the last, and ninth track. It is by N.O.R.E., featuring Tego Calderon and Nina Sky.

It's a reggeton track representing all Latinos and/or all who love the reggeton (Latin/hip-hop) beat.

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