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Published on October 16, 2007

Who's who: William James Adams Jr, aka will.i.am, is an American hip-hop musician and founding member and frontman of Black Eyed Peas. He has helped steer the Peas on its course to becoming one of the most popular groups on the globe. The band has sold 18 million albums worldwide and won three Grammy awards. The act has two breakout albums - "Elephunk", "Monkey Business" - to their credit.

Who's doing what: "Songs About Girls" is the first solo album by will.i.am, who has established himself as one of music's top producers. He has collaborated on tracks with Justin Timberlake, John Legend, Kelis, Nas, the Game, Sergio Mendes, Carlos Santana, the Pussycat Dolls, Busta Rhymes, and of course fellow Black Eyed Pea, Fergie. "I Got It From My Mama", the first single, is No 1 at Top 40 radio.

Mr Badboy says: "Songs About Girls" is a semi-autobiographical concept album about girls that covers a seven-year period of the singer's own relationships - both good and bad. Opening tracks "Over" and "Heartbreaker" throb with disco beats while "Impatient" and "She's A Star" talk about his dream woman. "I Got It From My Mama", the first single, and "Get Your Money" are the most commercial songs, with great beats but rather corny lyrics. "Fantastic" samples the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back". "Ain't It Pretty" is a striking love song and a personal favourite with this reviewer.

On the Net: "I Got It From My Mama"

Way Up!

Wayman Tisdale (Rendezvous)

Who's who: Wayman Lawrence Tisdale is a professional basketball player turned jazz bass guitarist and a band member of the Oklahoma Tourism Board. He quit the NBA 10 years ago to focus on his music career. His first two albums "Power Forward" and "In The Zone" were well received and 2001's "Face to Face" was a chart-topping success. After being drafted to Rendezvous Records by the label's founder Dave Koz, Tisdale released "Hang Time".

Who's doing what: On "Way Up!" Tisdale presents his best work to date, building on his mixed repertoire of original music and cover tunes. He works with celebrated singers and musicians including vocalist Eric Benet, percussionist Lenny Castro, keyboardist George Duke, guitarist Tony Maiden, woodwind multi-instrumentalist Dave Koz, saxophonist Kirk Whalum, and keyboardists Bob James and Jeff Lorber.

Mr Badboy says: Tisdale may not be able to read music but he certainly knows his way around his bass fret board. There's plenty of funk on "Way Up!" with great covers of Kool and the Gang's "Get Down on It" and Sly and the Family Stone's "If You Want Me to Stay". George Duke duets on "Tell It Like It Is", a pleasing melody that will satisfy any jazz fan, and Eric Benet brings his signature crooning to "Sweet Dreams". Tisdale showcases his talent on "My Son (song for Bubba)", a number dedicated to his son, with help from saxophonist Dave Koz.

On the Net: "Get Down on It"

sound bytes by mr badboy

www.nationmultimedia.com/special/soundbytes

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