Would hip-hop sully Sade's image?

This month music fans were treated with new music from the sultry sound of the husky-yet-suave vocals of British-Nigerian singer Sade.
The "Smooth Operator" star is back after a decade hiatus that has seen the music industry almost tank. But unlike any other time before her, Sade is entering a music business pock-marked with hip-hop stars that sound like singers and singers that sound like rappers.
The question of features from hot rappers is a real one.
Word is that Drake even pushed his new music back so that he could make a plea to have Sade sing on it. Of course, Lil Wayne can't be far behind him, nor can Gucci Mane. But what would happen if Sade let the rappers gangbang the track?
Would it be magic or a mistake?
In essence, would hip-hop sully or dirty the image and soulfurl sound of the regal Sade?

The Demise of the Soul Album

It is on pleasant autumn days such as this that I wantonly miss the good old days of music: Soul albums.
To be more specific, the texture and warm feel of a vinyl record that produces soulful sounds. I miss linear notes. I miss the cover art, big and bold colors that were as much a part of the music as the sonic impressions coming out of the speaker.
Now we have cold, electronic, digital files.
They sound clear and all, but they don't have the "warmth" of a fuzzy needle. It's like seeing an awesome picture of the moon in full resolution (CD), and actually being on top of a mountain gazing into the night sky (record).
There's simply some sensory perpection missing.
Man, I miss the soul album.

Ipod Ghetto Blaster

Just when you thought the 1980s were dead and gone, Apple has turned the supreme old-school beat box on its head with the Ipod beat box cradle. The box holds a powerful Ipod and blasts digital goodness throughout the bou.le.vard.
Get it - for the low low -$188 @ Amazon

Honestly, Do You Want the Old Maxwell Back?

I struggled with my feelings for weeks now; trying my darndest to come up with an excuse, a valid reason why I should keep "BLACKsummer's night" in the CD player.
I finally took it out last week.
In the end though it was simply about the music. Truth be told -- and I love Maxwell -- the CD just aint all that hittin'.
Truthfully, the reason why it's done so well in sales is because, well, we need Maxwell. Music needed him.
His music is what is it not so much because of what it is, but for what it isn't.
Radio today is brain dead. Creativity -- along with record sales -- has been sapped of all its vital juices (autotune).
Honestly, I like the old Maxwell better, the one with all the hair. It's like he had Samson Syndrome or something. Once he cut his mane and started to rock the fade, it seems his music lost something.
Now, don't get me wrong, "Pretty Wings" is a sensual jam, and all. But any cut -- any cut -- on "Urban Hang Suite" would dead "Pretty Wings."
I can't be the only one out there. Truthfully, is Maxwell's new CD all that?