Dream big

The-Dream: Love vs. Money

Rating: B+

???Love. Sex. Money. The-Dream.

???The-Dream, also known as the "Radio Killa" is back again. This time, he delivers his sophomore album, Love vs. Money.

The break out R&B artist has played a prominent role in the hip-hop scene for quite some time, but is far from a household name as most of his work is done behind the scenes.

His songwriting skills have been showcased in smash hits like Rhianna's Umbrella and Mariah Carey's Touch My Body. It was only right that The-Dream took the time out to follow his own dream.

???"Shawty is a 10" was the catapult for his debut album Love Hate. On Love vs. Money, that very same "shawty" is still around, but this time she's "Rockin' That Sh*t," as The-Dream so suavely depicts it.

This take on "shawty" showcases his soft falsetto style of singing, with a tailor-made hip-hop beat primed for the club.

Whether you're admiring a hottie from afar or dancing with your significant other, this song exudes sensuality and stirs up the urge to dance.

???Love vs. Money lives true to its namesake. Of the 14 tracks on the album, all have at least one reference to love, money or sex. It is an ongoing battle to The-Dream as to which subject deserves the most of his attention. Songs like "My Love," featuring Carey, give the edge to love in the battle of his musical muses. The-Dream even asks what "they" know about his love.

???"Now who's right there every time you cry/ Gonna sleep and wake up on your side/ Endless love I'll always provide/ They hatin' on us and you should no why/ But who's been lovin' you lately/ Who's willing to go half on the baby," sings The-Dream.

???"Love vs. Money" seems to be the most personal offering on the album. So personal in fact that he felt the need to make a part two, which is also on the album. Over the course of this sequel-spinning tale, The-Dream apologizes to the woman who wanted him to choose between his love for her and his love for his money, exemplifying his pain and making the listener angry that his significant other would even give him such an ultimatum.

???Love vs. Money is a classic R&B album with a modern twist. There are songs for the club, songs for making love, songs for the broken hearted and songs that tell a story. This is a wonderful follow up to Love Hate, which was underrated and overlooked. Hopefully this time around The-Dream will get the recognition he deserves for his musicianship, as well as his songwriting skills.