Like last week, this week is a pretty thin one for new urban releases, which is quite the surprise considering that releasing a new joint is a good way to capitalize on all those last minute Christmas purchases. Nonetheless, we’ve got a new one from Mary J. Blige, who drops her more contemporary hip-hop/soul album Stronger with Each Tear, while Lil Wayne rounds up his Young Money crew to release their debut album We Are Young Money. And the actual young’n of the group, Hurricane Chris, drops his sophomore album Unleashed, capping the week of new releases. Hit the jump to get a closer look at each new album.
Mary J. Blige - Stronger with Each Tear (Matriarch/Geffen)
The Queen of hip-hop/soul releases her ninth album this week, updating her sound and look for this dancefloor-ready album. Though she’s been gunning for a hit in the weeks leading up to the release, Blige hadn’t yet found one that’s struck a chord with a mainstream audience – and the album plays like it will have the same effect. Stronger with Each Tear sounds like Mary’s bid to appeal to a younger audience, and if the guest appearance from Drake on the single “The One” doesn’t make that obvious, then it’s time to lower those expectations.
Young Money - We Are Young Money (Young Money Entertainment)
Lil Wayne leads his half-rising stars, half-nobodies group of emcees with pretty dismal results. We Are Young Money is bloated and sounds cheap, with rinky-dink beats that play background to a tiring string of verses from people that we want to hear (Drake, Nicki Minaj) and those that we don’t (Tyga, Gudda Gudda, Mack Maine and the rest). This is somewhat better than Weezy’s leaked solo album Rebirth, but when it’s not that much better, you know there’s a problem on your hands.
Hurricane Chris - Unleashed (Polo Grounds Music/J Records/Go Live Entertainment)
This 20-year-old Louisiana rapper managed to earn a hit with his breakout single “A Bay Bay,” and though he’s taken over two years to follow up on his debut album 51/50 Ratchet, Unleashed is finally here. Featuring production from Don Vito, The Inkredibles, Drum Majors and a handful of others, Unleashed sees Chris getting some guest help from Cherish, Beenie Man, Mario, Plies, Bobby Valentino and more, and though we’re sure he’s nice on the mic, we’re happy he’s getting some help here.
