Ultra Naté returns beautifully with this excellent 2-Disc companion piece to 2007's outstanding, Grime, Silk & Thunder.

As the title suggests – specifically the "G.S.T. Reloaded" subtitle – 'Alchemy contains choice remixes of material taken from the aforementioned 'Grime. Some – like "Give it All You Got featuring Chris Willis (Bimbo Jones Mix)" and "Automatic (Tikaro, J. Louis and Ferran Remix 1.0)" – are concurrently available on digital singles, whereas others – "Love's the Only Drug (Morgan Page Mix)"; "Star (It's Showtime) (Funky Junction and SplashFunk Extended Mix)" and "Falling (Mark & Shark Mix)" – are newly available. In addition to the newer ones just mentioned, fresh remixes of "Lethal Shot", "Twisted" and "Scandal are included (remixed by Josh Peace, Lost Daze's Frank DeMaria and Anthony Saputo and Zoned Out for Peace Bisquit, respectively). And Ultra's brilliant electro-house collaboration with StoneBridge – "Freak On" – is present in its full club-length form. It is with the second disc, dubbed "The Sugar Sessions", that Ultra truly entices us with something altogether unique – inviting listeners to fully experience another aspect of her multi-talented person – that of DJ. Named for her weekly "Sugar" house music party engagements at Baltimore's Club 1722, "'Sugar Sessions" boasts a DJ mix by Ultra herself. And Naté's mixing is flawless!

Alchemy: G.S.T. Reloaded is a must-have for diehard Ultra Naté fans and dance music enthusiasts alike.

Turn it, Ms. Ultra!

Categories: Ultra Naté; Ultra Nate; house music; dance music

MSNBC is reporting that Sen. Barack Obama has requested that Oscar-winning singer/actress, Jennifer Hudson, perform at the 2008 Democratic National Convention on Thursday night. Hudson will sing the National Anthem – "The Star-Spangled Banner" – that closing night of the convention when the presumptive Presidential nominee formally accepts the Democratic Party's nomination. Hudson, whose debut album is set to be released Sept. 30, takes her place alongside numerous innovative musicians and performers gracing the convention's stage – John Legend, Sheryl Crow and Dave Matthews to name a few.

Categories: Barack Obama; Jennifer Hudson; Sheryl Crow; Dave Matthews; Democratic National Convention