Regular Columnists

Artist: Vinny Blessed
Album: "Music Train"
CD Review: Genre: Reggaeton
Sounds Like: Jay Z
Technical Grade: 10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 10
Commercial Value: 10
Overall Talent Level: 10
Songwriting Skills: 10
Performance Skill: 10
Best Songs: Fuego, Hey You, Cuerpo, Never Quit, La Loca, Shorty
Weakness: None
CD Review: Vinny Blessed, a rapper and native of the Bronx, now living in Brooklyn, sent me a project describing his style as: "Spanglish/Hip-Hop, combined with catchy hooks and sharp lyrics." That wasn't the part that I took note of, it was the proclamation made after it that made me raise a suspicious eyebrow: "It will have the clubs around the nation jumping and the radio audiences wanting more..." I love confidence, even cockiness - when it's backed up. Did he back it up? Without a doubt. Track after track he brings the heat like a deranged arsonist; torching competitors from East to West with pumping beats and tight rhymes that will make Jay Z reconsider his retirement.

When the engine and the title song of the "Music Train" gets cranked up, it comes roaring out of the station. First stop: "Fuego," the quintessential Reggaeton party track that will inspire you to dance even if you are confined to a wheelchair or only have one leg. As the train picks up speed you will find more tracks ahead for the die hard Reggaeton music lovers with "Diablita," "La Loca," and "Cuerpo."

Lots of ground is covered before it goes into unchartered territory, passing the likes of Sean Paul and Pitbull in the process. When it finally slows down, it's intentional; it's to pick up the hardcore Hip Hop fans who have been waiting patiently (and skeptically) to board. Their patience pays off. Once inside The Music train, they are treated to one of the best Rap performances and lyrical showcases that I have heard in the last two years on the bass kicking track, "Hey Yo."

When the Music Train resumes top speed on "Callejeros," you suddenly realize that you have simultaneously embarked upon a high powered music journey into both the Reggaeton and Hip Hop genres, and it's a journey that you don't want to end...but it will, because unlike most Rap projects, Vinny Blessed, The Music Train's conductor, planned minimal stops on route to his destination: the top of the charts.

With only 14 tracks on this project, he bucks the industry trend observed by most rappers who place an average of 20 songs on their CDs. With closing radio-ready tracks like "Shorty" and his theme song and record label anthem, "Never Quit," he ends his route just as strong as his competitors begin theirs, making the Music Train the perfect vehicle to transport him to success.

Advice: With talent and product like yours, what can I tell you? Make sure your team is ready to handle the business that your success will generate.

http://www.neverquitentertainment.com/