Grammy Nominations ARE HERE!!!

Whatcha think SAU?

1. Record Of The Year

Rolling In The Deep

Adele

Paul Epworth, producer; Tom Elmhirst & Mark Rankin, engineers/mixers

Track from: 21

[XL Recordings/Columbia Records]

Holocene

Bon Iver

Justin Vernon, producer; Brian Joseph & Justin Vernon, engineers/mixers

Track from: Bon Iver

[Jagjaguwar]

Grenade

Bruno Mars

The Smeezingtons, producers; Ari Levine & Manny Marroquin, engineers/mixers

Track from: Doo-Wops & Hooligans

[Elektra]

The Cave

Mumford & Sons

Markus Dravs, producer; Francois Chevallier & Ruadhri Cushnan, engineers/mixers

Track from: Sigh No More

[Glassnote Records]

Firework

Katy Perry

Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen & Sandy Vee, producers; Mikkel S. Eriksen, Phil Tan, Sandy Vee & Miles Walker, engineers/mixers

[Capitol]

2. Album Of The Year

21

Adele

Jim Abbiss, Adele, Paul Epworth, Rick Rubin, Fraser T. Smith, Ryan Tedder & Dan Wilson, producers; Jim Abbiss, Philip Allen, Beatriz Artola, Ian Dowling, Tom Elmhirst, Greg Fidelman, Dan Parry, Steve Price, Mark Rankin, Andrew Scheps, Fraser T. Smith & Ryan Tedder, engineers/mixers; Tom Coyne, mastering engineer

[XL Recordings/Columbia Records]

Wasting Light

Foo Fighters

Butch Vig, producer; James Brown & Alan Moulder, engineers/mixers; Joe LaPorta & Emily Lazar, mastering engineers

[RCA Records/ Roswell Records]

Born This Way

Lady Gaga

Paul Blair, DJ Snake, Fernando Garibay, Lady Gaga, Robert John "Mutt" Lange, Jeppe Laursen, RedOne & Clinton Sparks, producers; Fernando Garibay, Bill Malina, Trevor Muzzy, RedOne, Dave Russell, Justin Shirley Smith, Horace Ward & Tom Ware, engineers/mixers; Gene Grimaldi, mastering engineer

[Streamline/Interscope/Kon Live]

Doo-Wops & Hooligans

Bruno Mars

B.o.B, Cee Lo Green & Damian Marley, featured artists; Dwayne "Supa Dups" Chin-Quee, Needlz & The Smeezingtons, producers; Ari Levine & Manny Marroquin, engineers/mixers; Stephen Marcussen, mastering engineer

[Elektra]

Loud

Rihanna

Drake, Eminem & Nicki Minaj, featured artists; Ester Dean, Mikkel S. Eriksen, Alex Da Kid, Kuk Harrell, Tor Erik Hermansen, Mel & Mus, Awesome Jones, Makeba Riddick, The Runners, Sham, Soundz, Chris "Tricky" Stewart, Sandy Vee & Willy Will, producers; Ariel Chobaz, Cary Clark, Mikkel S. Eriksen, Alex Da Kid, Josh Gudwin, Kuk Harrell, Jaycen Joshua, Manny Marroquin, Dana Nielsen, Chad "C-Note" Roper, Noah "40" Shebib, Corey Shoemaker, Jay Stevenson, Mike Strange, Phil Tan, Brian "B-Luv" Thomas, Marcos Tovar, Sandy Vee, Jeff "Supa Jeff" Villanueva, Miles Walker & Andrew Wuepper, engineers/mixers; Chris Gehringer, mastering engineer

[Def Jam]

3. Song Of The Year

All Of The Lights

Jeff Bhasker, Malik Jones, Warren Trotter & Kanye West, songwriters (Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi & Fergie)

Track from: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

[Roc-A-Fella; Publishers: Very Good Beats/Hip Hop Since 1978]

The Cave

Ted Dwane, Ben Lovett, Marcus Mumford & Country Winston, songwriters (Mumford & Sons)

Track from: Sigh No More

[Glassnote Records]

Grenade

Brody Brown, Claude Kelly, Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine, Bruno Mars & Andrew Wyatt, songwriters (Bruno Mars)

Track from: Doo-Wops & Hooligans

[Elektra; Publishers: Mars Force Music/Bughouse, Music Famamanem/Toy Plane Music/Art For Arts Sake/Late 80s Music/Westside Ind. Music/Studiobeat Music, Warner Tamerlane, Andrew Wyatt, Downtown DMP Songs]

Holocene

Justin Vernon, songwriter (Bon Iver)

Track from: Bon Iver

[Jagjaguwar; Publisher: April Base Publishing]

Rolling In The Deep

Adele Adkins & Paul Epworth, songwriters (Adele)

Track from: 21

[XL Recordings/Columbia Records; Publishers: Universal-Songs of Polygram/EMI Music Publishing]

4. Best New Artist

The Band Perry

Bon Iver

J. Cole

Nicki Minaj

Skrillex

5. Best Pop Solo Performance

Someone Like You

Adele

Track from: 21

[XL Recordings/Columbia Records]

Yoü And I

Lady Gaga

Track from: Born This Way

[Streamline/Interscope/Kon Live]

Grenade

Bruno Mars

Track from: Doo-Wops & Hooligans

[Elektra]

Firework

Katy Perry

[Capitol]

F***in’ Perfect

Pink

[Jive Records]

6. Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

Body And Soul

Tony Bennett & Amy Winehouse

Track from: Duets II

[Columbia Records]

Dearest

The Black Keys

Track from: Rave On Buddy Holly

[Fantasy]

Paradise

Coldplay

[Capitol Records]

Pumped Up Kicks

Foster The People

Track from: Torches

[Star Time Intl./Columbia]

Moves Like Jagger

Maroon 5 & Christina Aguilera

Track from: Hands All Over

[A&M/Octone Records]

7. Best Pop Instrumental Album

Wish Upon A Star

Jenny Oaks Baker

[Shadow Mountain Records]

E Kahe Malie

Daniel Ho

[Daniel Ho Creations]

The Road From Memphis

Booker T. Jones

[Anti Records]

Hello Tomorrow

Dave Koz

[Concord Records]

Setzer Goes Instru-Mental!

Brian Setzer

[Surfdog Records]

8. Best Pop Vocal Album

21

Adele

[XL Recordings/Columbia Records]

The Lady Killer

Cee Lo Green

[Radiculture/Elektra]

Born This Way

Lady Gaga

[Streamline/Interscope/Kon Live]

Doo-Wops & Hooligans

Bruno Mars

[Elektra]

Loud

Rihanna

[Def Jam]

9. Best Dance Recording

Raise Your Weapon

Deadmau5 & Greta Svabo Bech

Joel Zimmerman, producer

Track from: 4x4=12

[Ultra Records]

Barbra Streisand

Duck Sauce

Duck Sauce, producers; Duck Sauce, mixers

[Downtown Records]

Sunshine

David Guetta & Avicii

Avicii, David Guetta & Giorgio Tuinfort, producers; Avicii, mixer

Track from: Nothing But The Beat

[Virgin]

Call Your Girlfriend

Robyn

Klas Åhlund & Billboard, producers; Niklas Flyckt, mixer

Track from: Body Talk Pt. 3

[Interscope Records]

Scary Monsters And Nice Sprites

Skrillex

Skrillex, producer; Skrillex, mixer

Track from: Scary Monsters And Nice Sprites

[Big Beat/Atlantic]

Save The World

Swedish House Mafia

Steve Angello, Axel Hedfors & Sebastian Ingrosso, producers; Steve Angello, Axel Hedfors & Sebastian Ingrosso, mixers

[Astralwerks]

10. Best Dance/Electronica Album

Zonoscope

Cut/Copy

[Modular Recordings]

4x4=12

Deadmau5

[Ultra Records]

Nothing But The Beat

David Guetta

[Virgin Records]

Body Talk, Pt. 3

Robyn

[Interscope Records]

Scary Monsters And Nice Sprites

Skrillex

[Big Beat/Atlantic]

11. Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album

Duets II

Tony Bennett & Various Artists

[Columbia Records]

The Gift

Susan Boyle

[Syco Music/Columbia Records]

In Concert On Broadway

Harry Connick Jr.

[Columbia Records]

Music Is Better Than Words

Seth MacFarlane

[Universal Republic]

What Matters Most - Barbra Streisand Sings The Lyrics Of Alan And Marilyn Bergman

Barbra Streisand

[Columbia Records]

12. Best Rock Performance

Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall

Coldplay

[Capitol Records/ EMI/ Parlophone]

Down By The Water

The Decemberists

Track from: The King Is Dead

[Capitol]

Walk

Foo Fighters

Track from: Wasting Light

[RCA Records/ Roswell Records]

The Cave

Mumford & Sons

Track from: Sigh No More

[Glassnote Records]

Lotus Flower

Radiohead

Track from: The King Of Limbs

[XL/ TBD Recordings]

13. Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance

On The Backs Of Angels

Dream Theater

[Roadrunner Records]

White Limo

Foo Fighters

Track from: Wasting Light

[RCA Records/ Roswell Records]

Curl Of The Burl

Mastodon

[Reprise Records]

Public Enemy No. 1

Megadeth

[Roadrunner Records]

Blood In My Eyes

Sum 41

Track from: Screaming Bloody Murder

[Island]

14. Best Rock Song

The Cave

Ted Dwane, Ben Lovett, Marcus Mumford & Country Winston, songwriters (Mumford & Sons)

Track from: Sigh No More

[Glassnote Records]

Down By The Water

Colin Meloy, songwriter (The Decemberists)

Track from: The King Is Dead

[Capitol; Publisher: Osterozhna Music]

Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall

Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion & Chris Martin, songwriters (Coldplay)

[Capitol Records/ EMI/ Parlophone; Publishers: Edition Pink Music/Hanseatic Musikverklag, Opal Music/Upala Music, Universal Music Publishing, Woulnough Music/Irving Music]

Lotus Flower

Colin Greenwood, Jonny Greenwood, Ed O'Brien, Phil Selway & Thom Yorke, songwriters (Radiohead)

Track from: The King Of Limbs

[XL/ TBD Recordings; Publisher: Ticker Tape Ltd.]

Walk

Foo Fighters, songwriters (Foo Fighters)

Track from: Wasting Light

[RCA Records/ Roswell Records; Publishers: M.J.-Twelve Music, I Love The Punk Rock Music, Living Under A Rock Music, Flying Earform Music, Ruthensmear Music]

15. Best Rock Album

Rock 'N' Roll Party Honoring Les Paul

Jeff Beck

[ATCO]

Wasting Light

Foo Fighters

[RCA Records/ Roswell Records]

Come Around Sundown

Kings Of Leon

[RCA Records]

I'm With You

Red Hot Chili Peppers

[WB]

The Whole Love

Wilco

[dBpm Records/ Anti Records]

16. Best Alternative Music Album

Bon Iver

Bon Iver

[Jagjaguwar]

Codes And Keys

Death Cab For Cutie

[Atlantic/ Barsuk]

Torches

Foster The People

[Star Time Intl./ Columbia]

Circuital

My Morning Jacket

[ATO Records]

The King Of Limbs

Radiohead

[XL/ TBD Records]

17. Best R&B Performance

Far Away

Marsha Ambrosius

Track from: Late Nights & Early Mornings

[J Records]

Pieces Of Me

Ledisi

Track from: Pieces Of Me

[Verve Forecast]

Not My Daddy

Kelly Price & Stokley

Track from: Kelly

[My Block/Sang Girl/Malaco]

Is This Love

Corinne Bailey Rae

Track from: The Love EP

[Capitol]

You Are

Charlie Wilson

Track from: Just Charlie

[Jive Records]

18. Best Traditional R&B Performance

Sometimes I Cry

Eric Benét

[Reprise]

Fool For You

Cee Lo Green & Melanie Fiona

[Radiculture/Elektra]

Radio Message

R. Kelly

Track from: Love Letter

[Jive Records]

Good Man

Raphael Saadiq

Track from: Stone Rollin'

[Columbia Records]

Surrender

Betty Wright & The Roots

Track from: Betty Wright: The Movie

[Ms B Records & S-Curve Records]

19. Best R&B Song

Far Away

Marsha Ambrosius, Sterling Simms & Justin Smith, songwriters (Marsha Ambrosius)

Track from: Late Nights & Early Mornings

[J Records; Publishers: Marshmellow Music/SPZ Music/Downtown DMP Songs, N.Q.C. Music/F.O.B. Music, YS Publishing, Stone Agate Music]

Fool For You

Cee Lo Green & Jack Splash, songwriters (Cee Lo Green & Melanie Fiona)

[Radiculture/Elektra; Publishers: Jacks Love Emporium/Radiculture Publishing/EMI Blackwood Music, Chrysalis Music/God Given Music]

Not My Daddy

Kelly Price, songwriter (Kelly Price & Stokley)

Track from: Kelly

[My Block/Sang Girl/Malaco; Publishers: For The Write Price/Roynet]

Pieces Of Me

Charles Harmon, Claude Kelly & Ledisi Young, songwriters (Ledisi)

Track from: Pieces Of Me

[Verve Forecast]

You Are

Dennis Bettis, Carl M. Days, Jr., Wirlie Morris, Charlie Wilson & Mahin Wilson, songwriters (Charlie Wilson)

Track from: Just Charlie

[Jive Records; Publishers: Nephew Wirlie Music, Pacific Coast Pirate Publishing, P Ty Music, Escribir Publishing, Mammas Pebbly Publishing]

20. Best R&B Album

F.A.M.E.

Chris Brown

[Jive Records]

Second Chance

El DeBarge

[Geffen]

Love Letter

R. Kelly

[Jive Records]

Pieces Of Me

Ledisi

[Verve Forecast]

Kelly

Kelly Price

[My Block/Sang Girl/Malaco]

21. Best Rap Performance

Look At Me Now

Chris Brown, Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes

Track from: F.A.M.E.

[Jive Records]

Otis

Jay-Z & Kanye West

Track from: Watch The Throne

[Roc-A-Fella Records/Def Jam]

The Show Goes On

Lupe Fiasco

Track from: Lasers

[1st & 15th/Atlantic]

Moment 4 Life

Nicki Minaj & Drake

Track from: Pink Friday

[Cash Money/Universal Motown]

Black And Yellow

Wiz Khalifa

Track from: Rolling Papers

[Rostrum/Atlantic]

22. Best Rap/Sung Collaboration

Party

Beyoncé & André 3000

Track from: 4

[Columbia Records]

I'm On One

DJ Khaled, Drake, Rick Ross & Lil Wayne

Track from: We The Best Forever

[Cash Money/Universal Motown]

I Need A Doctor

Dr. Dre, Eminem & Skylar Grey

[Aftermath]

What's My Name?

Rihanna & Drake

Track from: Loud

[Def Jam]

Motivation

Kelly Rowland & Lil Wayne

Track from: Here I am

[Universal Motown]

All Of The Lights

Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi & Fergie

Track from: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

[Def Jam]

23. Best Rap Song

All Of The Lights

Jeff Bhasker, Malik Jones, Warren Trotter & Kanye West, songwriters (Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi & Fergie)

Track from: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

[Roc-A Fella; Publishers: Very Good Beats/Hip Hop Since 1978]

Black And Yellow

Mikkel Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen & Cameron Thomaz, songwriters (Wiz Khalifa)

Track from: Rolling Papers

[Rostrum/Atlantic; Publishers: PGH Sound/WB Music/EMI Music]

I Need A Doctor

Andre Young, Marshall Mathers III, Alexander Grant & Skylar Grey, songwriters (Dr. Dre, Eminem & Skylar Grey)

[Aftermath]

Look At Me Now

Jean Baptiste, Chris Brown, Ryan Buendia, Trevor Smith, Dwayne Carter, Jr. & Wesley Pentz, songwriters (Chris Brown, Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes)

Track from: F.A.M.E.

[Jive Records; Publishers: Songs of Universal/Culture Beyond Ur Experience, I Like Turtles Music/Downtown Music, Cherry315 Publishing/The Bad Bad Guys, Meloist Music, Mack Music/Young Money Publishing/Warner-Tamerlane Publishing, T'Ziah's Music]

Otis

Shawn Carter & Kanye West, songwriters (James Brown, Jimmy Campbell, Reg Connelly, Roy Hammond, J. Roach, Kirk Robinson & Harry Woods, songwriters) (Jay-Z & Kanye West)

Track from: Watch The Throne

[Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam; Publishers: Hip Hop Since 1978, EMI Robbins, BMG Gold/Hot Buttermilk Music/BMG Platinum/First Priority/Swing Beat Songs, Universal Music, Dynatone Publishing]

The Show Goes On

Dustin William Brower, Jonathon Keith Brown, Daniel Johnson, Kane & Wasalu Muhammad Jaco, songwriters (Isaac Brock, Dann Gallucci & Eric Judy, songwriters) (Lupe Fiasco)

Track from: Lasers

[1st & 15th/Atlantic; Publishers: Hey Lu Chill, Heavy As Heaven/Universal/Artist Pub. Group West, Dustin William Brown Pub. Designee, Jonathan K. Brown Pub. Designee, Sony/ATV, Best Dressed Chicken In Town, Tschudi Music, Ugly Casanova]

24. Best Rap Album

Watch The Throne

Jay-Z & Kanye West

[Def Jam]

Tha Carter IV

Lil Wayne

[Cash Money/Young Money/Universal Republic]

Lasers

Lupe Fiasco

[1st & 15th/Atlantic]

Pink Friday

Nicki Minaj

[Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Motown]

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Kanye West

[Def Jam]

25. Best Country Solo Performance

Dirt Road Anthem

Jason Aldean

[Broken Bow Records]

I'm Gonna Love You Through It

Martina McBride

[Republic Nashville]

Honey Bee

Blake Shelton

Track from: Red River Blue

[Warner Bros. Records]

Mean

Taylor Swift

Track from: Speak Now

[Big Machine Records]

Mama's Song

Carrie Underwood

Track from: Play On

[Arista Nahville]

26. Best Country Duo/Group Performance

Don't You Wanna Stay

Jason Aldean With Kelly Clarkson

[Broken Bow Records]

You And Tequila

Kenny Chesney Featuring Grace Potter

[BNA Records]

Barton Hollow

The Civil Wars

Track from: Barton Hollow

[Sensibility Music LLC]

Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not

Thompson Square

Track from: Thompson Square

[Stoney Creek Records]

27. Best Country Song

Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not

Jim Collins & David Lee Murphy, songwriters (Thompson Square)

Track from: Thompson Square

[Stoney Creek Records; Publishers: Sexy Tractor Music/Hope-N-Cal Music, Old Desperados/N2D Publishing]

God Gave Me You

Dave Barnes, songwriter (Blake Shelton)

[Warner Bros.; Publisher: No Gang Music]

Just Fishin'

Casey Beathard, Monty Criswell & Ed Hill, songwriters (Trace Adkins)

[Show Dog-Universal Music; Publishers: Sony/ATV Acuff Rose Music/Six Ring Circus Songs; Sony/ATV Tree Publishing; Five Hills Music]

Mean

Taylor Swift, songwriter (Taylor Swift)

Track from: Speak Now

[Big Machine Records; Publishers: Sony/ATV Tree Publishing, Taylor Swift Music]

Threaten Me With Heaven

Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Will Owsley & Dillon O’Brian, songwriters (Vince Gill)

[MCA Nashville]

You And Tequila

Matraca Berg & Deana Carter, songwriters (Kenny Chesney Featuring Grace Potter)

[BNA Records]

28. Best Country Album

My Kinda Party

Jason Aldean

[Broken Bow Records]

Chief

Eric Church

[EMI Records Nashville]

Own The Night

Lady Antebellum

[Capitol Records Nashville]

Red River Blue

Blake Shelton

[Warner Bros. Records]

Here For A Good Time

George Strait

[MCA Nashville]

Speak Now

Taylor Swift

View full list Here

B.o.B To Release "Epic" Mixtape Today

New music from B.o.B is here!! Download or listen

Happy Thanksgiving SAU!!!

HAPPY TURKEY DAY folks! From all of us here at SAU,we want to wish you guys a very beautiful Thanksgiving. Make sure you guys eat lots and lots of turkey for us and since this is one of the busiest travel days of the year, BE SAFE. We're so thankful for all of you!

*** SAU Official Report Card*** Drake "Take Care"

"all these people really discussing my career again/ asking if I'll be going platinum in a year again/ don't I got this shit the world wanna hear again?/ don't Michael Jordan still got his hoop earring in?/ -
-Glorious Quote from Drake

Drake's new album "Take Care" is on track to be the third best meteor to strike the music industry's first week sales (Lady Gaga's "Born this way" at 1.1m, and Lil' Wayne's "Tha Carter just over a million) at 675k-725k, the question of Drake's popularity among fans is easily answered, but is the growth into one of the most sought after artists in the music industry seen here?

So, With my mental ready for 18 hard shots of the "Drake/40 sound" plastered throughout this entire album with no chaser, tagged with a bunch of "I made it"s and so on, I was pleasantly surprised at the growth zone Drake has fallen into.

Paying homage to his love for Southern Hip Hop on many songs throughout the album, notably zeroing in on the Houston "Chopped and Screwed","Draped and Dripped" or basically "Screwed" sound in creative ways. "Over my dead Body" shows the last 10 seconds sampling a mix of UGK "3 in da morning" as well as ESG Swangin' and Bangin'. (the original 94' version") Other's being "Underground Kings" & "Take A Shot For Me" which sampled a slowed version of SWV's "Anything". This definitely shows the Growth within the creative ear of Drake's camp.

Lyrically showing the need to dodge the "Sophomore jinx", along with showing that yes, Drake has talent in abundance, he hits the maturity nail on the head with songs like "HYFR", "We'll be Fine",and the Just Blaze produced, "Lord Knows" ft Rick Ross. Lyrics like:

I’m hearing all of the jokes, I know that they tryna push me/I know that showin’ emotion don’t ever mean I’m a p*ssy/Know that I don’t make music for n*ggas who don’t get p*ssy/So those are the ones I count on to diss me or overlook me/

Shows this album has plenty of highlights, and a couple lows. One of the major flaws of the album has to be the title track "Take Care" Ft Rihanna. This spacious track shows each and every flaw of both Drake and Rihanna. But the "people's eyebrow" Raises at the bold attempt to slow Juvenile's "Back That Azz up" on "Practice". This complexity has to be broken down in 3 sections:

Drake's singing here...absolutely no, Drake's rapping..Yes, The tempo, melody, and all around track...I'm sorry but No. In my opinion slowing Juvenile's 504 classic and making it into a "Waltzing, dance, black tie affair", is like opting to have your hamburger blended to drink it. Wanna make it better? Take a couple steps back and listen to Andre 3000's verse on "The Real Her".

All in all a blunt explanation is what we get from each and every song on the album, bridging the gap between June 15, 2010 and Nov,15,2011, we get caught up to Drake's version of life and its interesting.


Growth- B-

Production- C

Lyrical Ability- A-

WWA (World Wide Appeal) - B

SAU official Grade- B-

R.I.P Heavy D 1967-2011

TMZ reports Rapper Heavy D has died today at 44.

Dwight Arrington Myers was rushed to an L.A. hospital around noon today, and was pronounced dead at the hospital at 1 PM. It's reported that he died due to "respiratory issues.

Jamaican-American rapper Heavy D was front man of the 90's rap group "Heavy D & The Boyz" which featured G-Whiz (Glen Parrish), "Trouble" T. Roy (Troy Dixon), and Eddie F (born Edward Ferrell). The rapper was known for singing/rapping, his current dance moves, as well as his contributions to the intro of the television shows "In Living color", MADtv, as well as rapping on Michael Jackson's hit single "Jam" which video featured a cameo from Michael Jordan. Around 2009 Heavy D took his talents to the genre of Reggae music with releasing "No Matter What".

Myers' last performance was the 2011 BET hip hop awards. It was his first live performance in over 15 years. RIP Heavy D


"Now that we found love" ft Aaron Hall (1991 #11 hot 100,#5 R&B charts, #4 on Rap charts)



"Somebody For Me" (1989 #8 on R&B charts,#1 on Rap Charts)



"Big daddy" (1997 reach #18 on the hot 100,#5 on the R&B charts, #2 on Rap charts)

***SAU Official Report Card*** Miranda Lambert "Four The Record"

Without checking her mouth at the door, Miranda Lambert has been on the minds of many with a release of "Hell On Heels" from Country girl group Pistol Annies (which debuted at #1 on the Country charts), and now the release of her fourth studio album "Four the record". Keeping with the VERY vivid lyrics Lambert is known for, this album tends to lack musical empathy in the form of strong vocals at times(Aka more push). Songs like "Safe" and "Dear Diamond" could have been taken to at least 3 different levels to give you the complete thrill of the beautifully written songs. "Mama's Broken Heart" gives you the Happy hour cocktail you need from Lambert, as previous songs make us mentally fly, here reality hits with a "2 snap demo" before "Drowning my thoughts at the expense of my liver" over a silhouette of crazy.

In actuality, this album is growth from 09's "Revolution" when it comes to analyzing the growth of a woman, as well as the want to get over previously out dated relationships. In "Over You" the perfect input of /How Dare You/ tagging along the realness of /I miss you/ is the intended brush fire that's a beautiful sight to see.

This album oozes sophistication, but tends to lack vocal strength at times, but keeping with the attitude Miranda is known for, it makes you question was vocal strength needed keeping with an attitude that shows you she can say "F it?" In my opinion, Yes, there's no better way to soften a four letter blow, than to accompany it with aggressively self-assured vocals.

Growth- B+

Production- B-

Vocal ability- C-

WWA (World Wide Appeal)- B-

SAU Official Grade- B-

WHEW!! Looks Like we woke up to a.......FRIDAY!!

So that means I can get my Dj'ing skills on right SAU?....OK maybe not :) but lets ROCK!!! PARTY PARTY SAU WE've MADE IT!!!!

Ghostface Killah Ft U-God "Cherchez LaGhost"



N.E.R.D.- "Hypnotize you" (AM I the only one that loves this song?)



Shania Twain- "I'm gonna getcha good"

*** SAU Official Report Card*** Wale "Ambition"

Like a colony of bats that flock together and fly left, Wale attempts to break from the pack and go right with his latest release "Ambition". A generous amount of chips this rapper seems to have on his shoulder this time around, noticeably dropping them off with each new song. With his previous effort "Attention Deficit" selling a mere 66,000 copies as of Jan. 2010, with a single that featured the (then) fresh face Lady Gaga titled "Chillin'", Wale scraped the old directions and decided to start a new with Rick Ross' Maybach Music Group and Warner Bros. Records.

Ambition- /amˈbiSHən/
Noun:

1. A strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work.
2. Desire and determination to achieve success.

There's absolutely no doubt Wale's been studying his craft in order to find his own way through this thing we call Hip Hop and it seems to be paying off. Adapting to his new surroundings with brighter songs including "Miami Nights" and the lemon fresh scent of "White Linen" Ft Ne-yo, throughout his lyrics, beats, and flow we can feel the spirit of an "Ah Ha" moment throughout this album.

The thing that would make this album without a doubt a sure win would be for Wale to understand looking to the future is to also know what you did right in the past,AKA story telling. Songs like "Lotus Flower Bomb" is where Wale shines, just as on "Attention Deficit" we got the clear visual of "90210" & "Diary", but here the story telling lacks which isn't a MUST but would be a wonderful accent regardless to what category the story is from.

All in all, I say check this one out, it would be a great addition to any album collection.

Growth- B-

Production- C

lyrical ability- C

WWA (World wide appeal)- S (Satisfactory)

SAU official grade- C+

*** SAU Official Report Card*** Florence + The Machine's "Ceremonials"

From the depths of the darken slumber comes the Queen of light. A weird, mild light that takes the term "light of dark" to another level. Vocals of a queen on "Shake it off" could be seen as her singing to her peers of the indie music scene just as Madonna took on "Evita" singing "Don't cry for me Argentina". It's true Florence + The Machine understands both sides.(Indie/major) A hard blow from the underside of your favorite fairytale comes Florence + The Machine's "Ceremonials"

It has to be something in the water that gave Florence the vocals to make an album so extreme yet, soft as a feather, landing on the pile of books that demolish the entire stack while fans and artists alike stand back smiling with the vague silence of inspiration.

Speaking to the revolutionary world we've never knew existed in music, "Ceremonials" shows growth and gives me the perplexed feeling on how "Off" vocals at times can be so so right. Freelance painting at its finest, this album shows what it is to have absolutely no pressure entering and exiting the booth.

Starting this album with "if Only for a night" zones you into their world with no choice, but the asking attitude of the entire album makes you feel better after hearing this music masterpiece; a 16 song "your welcome" so to speak. "Strangeness and Charm"(exclusive to the deluxe edition) shows the band at its best in my opinion. A soaring bridge, a strumming guitar added to drumming, and claps that were mixed so good everything sounds one, with Florence switching from head to chest vocals so simply says "take me now musical Gods" in one word...Excellent, in two words..fucking excellent!

Previously singing "The dog days are over" has to get a basic "True" when it comes to this album, "True" saying "Florence +The machine will without a doubt be looked at as the "Creme'De la Creme" of Alternative music from here on out, its as well as true that Ms. Florence has a voice that can't be compared to another.


Florence + The Machine- "Strangeness And Charm" Live At Glastonbury 2010)


Growth- A

Production- B

Lyrical ability- A

WWA (World Wide Appeal)- A

SAU Official Grade- A

Good Day SAU....

Nice music to get you through the day...


Florence & The Machine- "Only If For a night" (F'N Awesome, a must listen!)





Wale Ft Ne-Yo "White Linen"


Miranda Lambert- "Mama's broken heart"

***SAU Official Report Card*** Coldplay's "Mylo Xyloto"

"Mylo Xyloto", the fifth album from the British boys Coldplay, a complicated name yet so creative. So, in actuality who are Mylo & Xyloto? According to Chris Martin, the album is "based on a love story with a happy ending", in which two protagonists: Mylo and Xyloto, who are living in an oppressive, dystopian urban environment, meet one another through a gang called "The Lost Boys", and fall in love. The latest release from Coldplay turns out to be a love story, quite the contrary from its predecessor "Viva La Vida", where it was based more on war and revolutions. Since Coldplay's latest effort has been a long time in the making,does this one disappoint?

"Don't wanna see another generation drop,I'd rather be a comma than a full stop"

No, but if Coldplay's career were a sentence "Mylo Xyloto" would be that oh so significant comma that gives you no choice but to marvel at the progress they have made, along with the creative art beyond the horizon.

To have the abrupt thought that the sound of Coldplay's previous album "Viva la Vida or Death and all his friends",which to date has sold 2.8 million copies in the U.S. and was the best selling album of 08' would keep their sound stagnant...Think again.

In my opinion this album is a "soup kitchen" that has the ability to feed every music lovers soul. "Top Chef" Chris Martin took the initiative to turn up the heat in the "Worldly kitchen of music" with his growth, and pitch perfect control everywhere you turn here. The objective to mix new wave, some form of Congolese(See every teardrop is a waterfall), and Alternative is fabulous. Although the fight to make "Mylo Xyloto" flow, came in the form of "mini interludes" throughout this package, (that of which could be seen as "easy" being that Viva had the same plot) the Pain,love and heartache of this album couldn't be seen as anything but believable.

"My arms turn wings/All those clumsy things/Send me up to the wonderful world/And then I'm up with the birds/"

The ability to take us on a journey to another land with each coming of a new Coldplay album is a wonderful asset this band possess. Songs like "Paradise",where the blast of bass during the chorus opens your eyes like the first sight of of sun, the way the toe tapping beat builds during "Every teardrop is a waterfall" and rises to the occasion when the flaming guitar hits,gives you the visual of West African "Congo" dancing. "Major Minor" gives you the rock/country feeling of humble "Barnyard" beginnings, with rock star ambitions, but knowing the thought of eyes on you at all time turns out to be the major minus. This album gives you Mental stimulation if nothing else.

Growth-B

Production- B

Lyrical Ability- A-

WWA (World Wide Appeal)- A+

SAU official Grade- B

R.I.P. Steve Jobs

Rest In Peace Mr. Steve Jobs (Feb 24,1955 - Oct 5,2011)

Our heart goes out to the Jobs family from SAU, the world lost a true genius,one of the earth's greatest minds. Thank you Mr. Jobs, God Bless you.

(Article written Aug 24th 2011)

On August 24, 2011, Jobs announced his resignation as Apple's CEO and subsequently recommended Tim Cook to be his successor. As per his resignation letter request, Jobs was elected chairman of Apple's board of directors.

Regardless to if you love him, or you hate him, Jobs without a doubt revolutionized music. As a technician at Atari in the early 70's, Jobs hopeful beginnings had nothing to do with music but with much drive, and a fearless heart, in 2001 from the "digital hub" Category out popped the "iPod". The product which was developed in less than one year and unveiled on October 23, 2001, gave us a Mac-compatible product with a 5 GB hard drive that put "1,000 songs in your pocket."
Many imagined this product to be much more complicated than the bulky CD player you and I toted about around this time, but whispers of a non-skipping product caught our attention and ultimately our hearts.

"The Core" of Apple decided not to stop there but to give us a a partner to our new found friend the i-Pod..Introducing i-Tunes... in 2003 Jobs introduced a media player computer program, used for playing and organizing digital music and video files on desktop computers compatible with then i-Pod and i-Pod touch. A computer program that would soon give all music executives no choice but to adapt their business plans one page at a time, taking the free ideas of Napster & Limewire to a more upscale "pay only" plato. With digital dollar signs coming into play, not only would Steve jobs have something even more revolutionary than the i-Pod with i-Tunes, but much controversy hanging from the Apple tree ready for picking.

But Jobs showed no sign of slowing with in 2004 releasing the now best friend to many producers in the music industry..."Garage Band". Unveiled by Steve Jobs with assistance by John Mayer during the keynote speech at the Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco on January 6, 2004. GarageBand is a streamlined digital audio workstation (DAW) and music sequencer, which can record and play back multiple tracks of audio. Built-in audio filters allow the user to enhance the audio track for recording guitar instruments, etc. The tuning system can also effectively imitate the dreadful auto-tune effect when tuned to the maximum.

Just a "regular" studio this could be seen as to the person "just purchasing a Mac Book" or just "playing around" with Garageband, but in actuality along with receiving your Macbook you get the luxury of playing around with a $800,000- $1,000,000 studio for just the price of the laptop.

One of the most valuable companies along with (who most consider) thee greatest business men of our lifetime, took the time to recognize music in many forms. So SAU give a standing ovation to the man who revolutionized the way we buy, hear, and make music.

Whoa Whoa...Are We Partying?....

Oh you better believe it SAU Its time to let the hair down and get ready for the night's festivities! Straighten up those faces folks ITS FRIDAY!!!

Jason Derulo- "Breathing" (Nice Jason! :)


The number one song on iTunes (SAU BUH BUH BUH!!)



Red Hot chili Peppers- "Police Station"

***SAU Official Report Card*** Tony Bennett Duets II"

As the ocean current came closer, a sudden gust of wind lightly grazed the sand. Wrapping her mind around the beautiful objects being washed ashore, an old favorite rang loud from her ipod, "Don't get around much anymore". Kicking up sand with a sly smile, she remembered how this classic jazz standard made famous by Duke Ellington in the 1940's made her feel free in her 1 bedroom apartment years ago. With the current version of that song done by Tony Bennett & Michael Buble' from Bennett's latest album "Duets II", a feeling of hope came along. As Buble' gets into his zone enunciating each and every word of this popular standard,along with the flavor Bennett adds, "How can this moment get any better?" She thought...

"Red Wine!". Stopping at a small cafe' she saw before her moment on the ocean, the lingering sunset set the mood for her even more. Red wine, sunset, Tony Bennett & Josh Groban, "This is all I ask" she thought. Josh Groban has to be one of the top 10 singers alive right now & to hear his soothing, yet oh so operatic vocals on this song featured on Frank Sinatra's 1965 album "September of my years" (An album on a beautifully aging man)"this has to be the end of my night she thought". As she sat there gazing at the curtain of sunset now being blanketed by the twinkle of stars, one line of this song stuck out in her mind, "Stars in the sky, make my wish come true before the night has flown".

Up until now she never realized she was alone, until a stuttering gaze across the table gave back the eerie silence she despised, "My life on a Friday night" "Typical" she thought.

"Hello" he said, as the cafe' now filled with lovers of the night coincidentally play "the way you look tonight", a cover from "Duets II" by Tony Bennett and Faith Hill, "Cheesy" she thought as she heard his thick creole voice. "Hi" she said.

"All alone tonight?" he asked. She realized he never left, as she became completely enthralled in Faith Hills glazed over vocals, She imagined herself dancing the night away with her Prince charming, only to awake to..This

It was only by this second chance she realized the honesty in eyes, the beauty in his face.."DAYUM he's fine" she thought, "another red wine?" he asked "yes please" She obliged.

As the night grew old and the conversation from politics, to her favorite music came and went with ease, "Body and Soul" featuring the prolific Amy Winehouse, & "Blue Velvet" Ft k.d. Lang christened the night, that was until the spunky "The lady is a tramp" ft the creative Lady gaga hit. She broke, took her soul out of the equation, and came to reality, Being that music is her first love, she took it in, saw a couple of problems with this one, but remembering Lady Gaga's background in Theater "that saved her...definitely helped her out on this one" She thought.

As the night came to an end she realized this guy completely took her heart. "Can I see you again?" he asked, Sly as ever, she took a napkin with a smudge of pink lipstick and the faint smell of red wine she used to wipe her mouth, wrote her number, and with the swirl of the ocean she was gone.

He watched the swirling of her purse as she walked away whistling "It had to be you" Ft Carrie Underwood. "Excuse me!" he motioned to the waiter, "here's 20 bucks thanks for playing the album man" "Anytime" the waiter said. "This one's for my baby, and this one's for the road".


SAU this one is a classic album, no grade just go get this one!

Coming Soon: B.o.B "Strange Clouds" Ft Lil Wayne

Looks like B.o.B is gearing up for another go round'. His new single "Strange Clouds" Ft Lil Wayne will be premiering October 3rd! Check out the "Trailer" Below...

***Official SAU Report Card*** Lady Antebellum "Own The Night"

The "Tennessee Titans", Charles Kelley, Dave Haywood,& Hillary Scott aka Lady Antebellum, have released their third effort titled "Own The Night". With a slight slip in sales (although projected to hit # 1 next week) with sales around 275k-300k compared to their MONSTER previous album "Need You Now" hitting 481k in the first week, what separates "Need You Now" from "Own The Night"? In my opinion the lack of prolific melodies. It's one thing to have beautiful, compelling, lyrics of reasonable real life relationship problems that the average couple deal with, but adding to that cup of beautiful lyrics you need a splash of melodic diversity each and every time.

At times listening to "Own The Night" sounds like one big song, but with the actual flow of the album, it could be reminiscent of that beautiful country "story telling" staple that keeps the listeners ears.

"Lady A", the trio that's a power ballad's "casa", stay on the straight and narrow with songs like "Just A Kiss", and the title track "Own The Night", but an actual push in Hillary's vocals are not seen here. Dreamy thoughts through lovers eyes completely let us know the trio will work this album until it reaches higher status regarding sales, also that this is a pretty solid album, but to give "Lady A" a swift push to a world of vocal/melodic fertilizer is what's needed here.


Growth- C-

Production- C

Lyrical Ability- B+

WWA (World Wide Appeal)- C

SAU Official Grade- C-

New Music: Coldplay "Paradise"

Deep organ keys,accompanied by the beautiful humming of violins, dropping into a synth heavy beat, greets us into the walkway of Coldplay's new single "Paradise" from their highly anticipated fifth album "Mylo Xyloto" due October 24th.

The song, which I view as a "spirited painting", is one that has many repetitive (almost limerick in aabb form) lyrics, this being because in my opinion the object of "Paradise" is seen differently through everyone's eyes, but to actually see "Paradise" in another person's eyes is difficult to convey to the lyrical mental, hence the repetitive lyrics: "When she was just a girl/ She expected the world/ but it flew away from her reach/,along with the many references to "She" to get the point across. Simple, but oh so brilliant! This wonderful one shows that the long wait for Coldplay's new album didn't seem that long after all.



In other Coldplay news, the band is expected to perform at the iHeart music festival in Las Vegas Sept 23rd & 24th. Other acts include Lady Gaga, Jay-Z, Steven Tyler,Carrie Underwood,Jane's Addiction, John Mayer Nicki Minaj, and many more.

***Official SAU Report Card*** Red Hot Chili Peppers "I'm With You"

"this is a new band. Same name, but it's a new band."- Chad Smith (Drummer for RHCP)

That same name is what made many people pick up the latest release of Red Hot Chili Peppers' new album "I'm With you". 5 years, 5 years without the experimental Rock, mixed with Funk Rock, a dash of disco, and that special irie feeling which now takes us back to the loading space the Peppers call home. With the addition of guitarist Josh klinghoffer it brings the Red hot Chili Peppers back to a feeling they haven't had since the early 80's...Vulnerability.

Without a doubt that's how we start out this album. "Monarchy of Roses" takes the thought of "The Queen" being your one and only in comparison to the highest form of a flower, The Rose. Knowing the Rose is the most special flower among the others they do contain thorns, hence the line "Mary wants to build it up/ but Sherry wants to tear it all back down/" A genius way to compare "your Queen" or women in general to roses, as well as a creative way to start an album out.

Keeping with the signature sound RHCP are known for, songs like "Ethiopia" & "Factory Of Faith" Which has snares seemingly to keep our ears on the "look out" for each and every sound that make up these devious songs Mr. Rick Rubin eagerly punched us in the face with, The general feeling of this album has to be one of "If it ain't broke,don't fix it.

Compelling lyrics and a campfire tune that sticks to your brain as a bandage on the gash of music is what you get on "Brendan's Death Song". Spoken word yelled on roof top of a jazz bar make up "Even you Brutus?" as Kiedis progresses his inner thoughts as only spoken word with a twist of "pissed off-ness" can.

But the widespread of genres making up this album doesn't stop there, "Did I Let You Know" A mash up of that irie feeling stated above with features from a tickled trumpet, roaring guitar, and tip toeing vocals are attention worthy.

"Happiness Loves Company"- Cheerful indeed, this songs has all the makings of the 1967 Hit song "Happy Together" by the Turtles. Drunken Lyrics like "Half blinded I'm reminded how to find the stairs/Nickel and Dime I Think its time to play some musical chairs/",further show this band understands the idea of expansion.

Regardless to if you think your uncle who's been bragging about the Red Hot Chili Peppers since the early 80's is cool or not, this album shows he just might have an idea what he's been talking about all this time, and to take a brief listen would do your ear buds some justice.


Growth- B-

Production- A+

Lyrical Ability- A-

WWA (World Wide Appeal) B+

SAU Official Grade A-

***Official SAU Report Card*** Lil Wayne " Tha Carter IV"

And now he's here.."Tha Carter IV" which has seen many set backs from jail time, to just plain ol' release date problems hit i-Tunes at 12am 8-29-11. With a "Brand new Attitude", Wayne tries his best attempt at growth but appears stagnant in some forms, showing that his past effort "Tha Carter III" still remains the musical highlight of his career thus far.

Going into an album that you expect to be a complete upgrade from the last edition of "Tha Carter", we actually get a mediocre "rap album" at best. Noticeably different from this album compared to earlier presentations has to be the wordplay. Checking out Wayne's background, you can see in a great abundance that the "Lil One" had a full dictionary at his disposal, but using lines like "I'm a sight seer/Now let me see it" as he did on the song " So Special" Ft John Legend as well as "You don't need a buss pass/you need a bust yo' ass" on "Blunt Blowin" shows the regression in every way.

Taking songs like "John", which is basically a 2011 rendition of Rick Ross' 2010 song "I'm Not A Star" from his "Teflon Don" Album with an extra beat behind it is very lazy and well...a cheap way to get a hood classic that already was.

High points on the album include "Interlude" Ft Andre 3000 and the cryptic underrated artist Tech N9ne who blasts on the scene of the song with a wisp of wind, that you can't understand was there...until he's gone. As well as the beat of "Abortion" slashing off the transitionally fucked first :18 secs of the song, where it takes 50 rewinds, a translator from China, and a cup of coffee including 10 "Sweet N' Lows" to ponder on as you rewind.

This album as a whole lacks "Songs" and thunderous beats to where it lays an easy platform for the rapper to go completely bonkers on. "How To Love" which is a wonderful song has no platform to stand on within this album which makes me wonder should it have gone to someone else? There's no doubt Wayne has fans that will completely support this edition of "Tha Carter" which is a wonderful thing to stand on, but the fact of the matter is once again, this album "Tha Carter IV" is just a mediocre "Rap Album" at best.

Growth- D-

Production- C

Lyrical Ability- C

WWA (World Wide Appeal)- S (Satisfactory)

SAU official Grade- D+

Nicki Minaj's Stock Rises...

Sunday night at the Staple Center turned out to be the closing night for Taylor’s four-night sold-out run at Staples Center. Within that night Taylor performed all of her hits,but along with that gave her audience of around 52,000 fans a special treat with bringing out Nicki Minaj in turn performing "Super bass".

MTV Video Music Award Performances

Lady Gaga As Joe Calderone "You And I"

Get More: 2011 VMA, Music, Lady Gaga

Jay-Z & Kanye West "Otis"

2011 VMA - Music - JAY Z and Kanye West

Chris Brown "Yeah 3x", "Beautiful People"

2011 VMA - Music - Chris Brown

Beyonce' "Love On Top"

2011 VMA - Music - Beyoncé

Adele "Someone Like You"

2011 VMA - Music - Adele

Bruno Mars "Valerie" (Amy Winehouse Tribute)

2011 VMA - Music - Bruno Mars

Steve Jobs Resigns As Apple's CEO

On August 24, 2011, Jobs announced his resignation as Apple's CEO and subsequently recommended Tim Cook to be his successor. As per his resignation letter request, Jobs was elected chairman of Apple's board of directors.

Regardless to if you love him, or you hate him, Jobs without a doubt revolutionized music. As a technician at Atari in the early 70's, Jobs hopeful beginnings had nothing to do with music but with much drive, and a fearless heart, in 2001 from the "digital hub" Category out popped the "iPod". The product which was developed in less than one year and unveiled on October 23, 2001, gave us a Mac-compatible product with a 5 GB hard drive that put "1,000 songs in your pocket."
Many imagined this product to be much more complicated than the bulky CD player you and I toted about around this time, but whispers of a non-skipping product caught our attention and ultimately our hearts.

"The Core" of Apple decided not to stop there but to give us a a partner to our new found friend the i-Pod..Introducing i-Tunes... in 2003 Jobs introduced a media player computer program, used for playing and organizing digital music and video files on desktop computers compatible with then i-Pod and i-Pod touch. A computer program that would soon give all music executives no choice but to adapt their business plans one page at a time, taking the free ideas of Napster & Limewire to a more upscale "pay only" plato. With digital dollar signs coming into play, not only would Steve jobs have something even more revolutionary than the i-Pod with i-Tunes, but much controversy hanging from the Apple tree ready for picking.

But Jobs showed no sign of slowing with in 2004 releasing the now best friend to many producers in the music industry..."Garage Band". Unveiled by Steve Jobs with assistance by John Mayer during the keynote speech at the Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco on January 6, 2004. GarageBand is a streamlined digital audio workstation (DAW) and music sequencer, which can record and play back multiple tracks of audio. Built-in audio filters allow the user to enhance the audio track for recording guitar instruments, etc. The tuning system can also effectively imitate the dreadful auto-tune effect when tuned to the maximum.

Just a "regular" studio this could be seen as to the person "just purchasing a Mac Book" or just "playing around" with Garageband, but in actuality along with receiving your Macbook you get the luxury of playing around with a $800,000- $1,000,000 studio for just the price of the laptop.

One of the most valuable companies along with (who most consider) thee greatest business men of our lifetime, took the time to recognize music in many forms. So SAU give a standing ovation to the man who revolutionized the way we buy, hear, and make music.