Beyonce - 4 CD

4 buy CD music Samples include "Back Seat Of My Jeep" (as performed by LL Cool J), "Spoonin' Rap" (as performed by Sugar Hill Gang), and "Cutie Pie" (as performed by One Way). In the ever-expanding school of teenage artists, Monica proves to be far ahead of her classmates. Toni Braxton-like vocals impress her adult audience, while the ghetto-driven music keeps her connected to her peers. Debuting with MISS THANG, Monica seizes the ground that other R&-wanna-B singers have barely trod. MISS THANG breathed life back into the career-breaking smash single, "Don't Take It Personal." The album includes both that song and its remix, which combines the hit with Monica's interpretation of Jermaine Jackson's song of the same name. And while some seem to overdose on remakes, Monica keeps the covers to just one, the S.O.S. Band's "Tell Me If You Still Care." Although MISS THANG is colored with timeless ballads such as the Stacy Lattisaw-esque "Before You Walk Out Of My Life," songs like "Angel" show that Monica is also capable of a '90's sound. Her producers, including such prominent hit-makers as Dallas Austin, SoulShock, Tim Kelley and Bob Robinson, combine smooth grooves with brief elements of hip-hop. "Let's Straighten It Out," a duet with Usher that was originally recorded for the PANTHER soundtrack, is musically reminiscent of old-school R&B and sports a chorus from an old Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth song. Backed by Queen Latifah's Flavor Unit Management, Monica promises to keep you tuned to all 16 cuts of MISS THANG. Live Recording Recorded at D.A.R.P. Studios, Studio LaCoCo and Doppler Studios, Atlanta, Georgia; Pure Studio, Los Angeles, California. Engineers: Leslie Brathwaite (tracks 1-2, 10, 12, 15); Kevin Parker, Leslie Brathwaite (track 3); Leslie Brathwaite, Scott Little (track 4); Leslie Brathwaite, Brian Smith (track 5); Alvin Speights, Leslie Brathwaite (track 6); Alvin Speights (track 7); Brian Smith, Darin Prindle (track 8); Darin Prindle (track 9); Jay Lean, Brian Smith, SoulShock (track 11); Thom "T.K." Kidd (track 13); Michael Patterson (track 14); Ron Gresham (track 16). Personnel: Monica (vocals, background vocals); Usher (vocals, background vocals); Mr. Malik (rap vocals); Tommy Martin (guitar); Bob Robinson (keyboards); Rick Sheppard (programming); Debra Killings, Lisette Titi (background vocals). Audio Mixers: Brian Smith ; Ron Gresham; Darin Prindle; Jon Gass; Michael Patterson ; Alvin Speights. Audio Remixer: Dallas Austin. Recording information: D.A.R.P. Studios, Atlanta, GA; Studio LaCoCo, Atlanta, GA. Photographer: Daniel Hastings. Personnel: Monica (vocals), Tommy Martin (guitar), Bob Robinson (keyboards), Colin Wolfe, Ronnie Garrett (bass), Rick Sheppard (programming), Debra Killings, Lisette Titi (background vocals). Producers: Dallas Austin (tracks 1-2, 10, 15); Dallas Austin, Colin Wolfe (track 3); Tim Kelley, Bob Robinson (tracks 4-5, 8-9, 12); Colin Wolfe (track 6); Arnold Hennings (tracks 7, 14, 16); SoulShock, Karlin (track 11); Daryl Simmons (track 13).

4 songs After becoming one of the decade's biggest newcomers with his 2010 debut, hip-hop star Drake makes a fast return with this sophomore album, released a year-and-a-half after the platinum-selling Thank Me Later. Although Take Care builds off the brainy, dynamic, hip-hop template that Thank Me Later established, it also features more guest spots than its predecessor, with artists like the Weeknd, Stevie Wonder, Rick Ross and Rihanna also making cameo appearances. The real star is Drake, who balances the heavy set list with self-aware witticisms and a sharp, measured delivery. Photographers: Hyghly Alleyne; Lamar Taylor.

4 album for sale Arguably the most anticipated hip-hop album of 2011, Tha Carter IV was originally planned to be released as a double album, coupled with Wayne's rock effort Rebirth. After completing some tracks he felt were especially strong, Weezy changed his mind and decided that this Carter needed to stand on its own. Fans can judge for themselves with the pre-release singles "6 Foot 7 Foot" and "John," the latter featuring special guest Rick Ross. Included in this deluxe edition by the rapper is a DVD and CD. Recording information: CMR South Studios, Miami, FL; Mad Decent Studios, Los Feliz, CA; Record Rom Studios, Miami, FL. Photographer: Nabil .

4 CD music Just as the furor over her notorious exposure at the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show died down in the spring of 2004, the iconic Janet Jackson unleashed DAMITA JO. While the soul-baring, bedroom-eyed record is unlikely to win over anyone scandalized by her Super Bowl antics, Jackson's fans--and fans of sensual, soulful pop in general--should enjoy the sultry outing, which continues the theme of sexual discovery that she began on 1993's JANET. With over two decades of dominating the charts and a lifetime as musical royalty, Jackson knows her way around a tune, and DAMITA JO is swimming in pop hooks. There are a number of down-and-dirty tracks such as "Strawberry Bounce," "Warmth," and "Moist," which slink joyfully and lustily through the night. However, Jackson truly scores when she combines the distinctly carnal with more innocent pop notions, as she does with sublime beauty on the Dramatics-esque "I Want You" and with verve on the irresistible dance-rock of "Just a Little While." Personnel: Janet Jackson (vocals, background vocals); Kanye West (vocals); Iz (guitar, electric guitar, Moog synthesizer, drums, percussion, scratches); Bobby Ross Avila (guitar, nylon-string guitar, Fender Rhodes piano, drums); Dallas Austin (guitar, keyboards); Kevin Hunter, Glen Jeffery, Johnny Gill, Tony Reyes (guitar); Miri Ben-Ari (violin); Goran Kajfes (horns); Jimmy Jam (piano, keyboards, drums, drum programming); Ervin Pope (keyboards); Rick Sheppard (midi); Lee Groves (programming); Billy Brown, Freckles (background vocals). Audio Mixers: Kevin "KD" Davis; Manny Marroquin; Spike Stent; Jon Gass. Recording information: Darp Studios, Atlanta, GA; Flyte Time Studios West @ The Village, Los Angeles, CA; Hollywood, CA; Larrabee Studios East, Los Angeles, CA; Murlyn Studios, Stockholm, Sweden; Platinum Sound studios, New York, NY; Record Plant, Hollywood, CA; Sony Studios, New York, NY. Photographers: Andrew McPherson ; Max Vadukul. Arrangers: Arnthor; Bag; Miri Ben-Ari. Personnel includes: Janet Jackson (vocals); Kanye West (rap vocals); IZ (electric guitar, Moog synthesizer, drums, percussion, vinyl scratches); Kevin Hunter, Glenn Jeffery (guitar); Goran Kajfes (horns); Bobby Ross Avila (Fender Rhodes piano, Moog synthesizer, bass, drums); Jimmy Jam, Dallas Austin (keyboards, programming); Ervin Pope (keyboards); Colin Wolfe, Keenan Holloway (bass); BAG (programming); Tony Tolbert, Tony Reyes (background vocals); Babyface. Producers include: Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Janet Jackson, Bobby Ross Avila, IZ.

4 buy CD music Initially intended to be an EP, Watch the Throne -- from rap superstars Jay-Z and Kanye West, aka the Throne -- took on a number of forms prior to its release as a full-length album. Nailed down during January 2011 sessions at Mercer Hotel in New York City, the aggressive and boast-heavy set features vocal appearances from Beyoncé, Frank Ocean, and La Roux's Elly Jackson, as well as writing and production assistance from the likes of Swizz Beatz, the Neptunes, the RZA, Om'Mas Keith, and Terius "the-Dream" Nash.

4 songs Tyrese sweeps his extracurricular involvements aside and re-commits himself to his singing career, as he addresses his fans on the back of this disc, his first since 2006's Alter Ego: ".rest assured, that my first and only love is music." This time, Tyrese also leaves the rapping to rappers; Black-Ty, the MC'ing persona used for half of Alter Ego, makes no appearances, as he, for the most part, flits between lechery and chivalry. Two of the better tracks are produced by Lil Ronnie. The sleek, low-slung constructions of "One Night" and "It's All on Me" are ideal for the singer's carefree setting, where he's in his highest form. ~ Andy Kellman Liner Note Author: Tyrese. Recording information: Astound Studios, West Los Angeles, CA; MixHaus Studios; Rese's Palace Studios; Sol 7, Los Angeles, ...