Rap-Up.com || Album Preview: Jennifer Lopez

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Jennifer Lopez sticks to her hitmaking formula on her seventh studio album Love? While it’s not due until April, Rap-Up.com was one of the first media outlets to hear nine tracks from the superstar’s dance floor-ready project, four months prior to its release. J.Lo’s first album since becoming a mother features contributions from heavy hitters including Danja, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, The Neptunes (“Fresh Out the Oven”), Stargate (“Story of My Life”), Tricky Stewart and The-Dream (“Louboutins”), and Wynter Gordon.

The follow-up to 2007’s Brave is scheduled for release around the same time as Lopez’s romantic comedy The Back-Up Plan, in theaters April 16. As the title implies, the album is a love roller coaster, taking you through the ups and downs of a relationship. Some of the tracks we previewed were not final mixes and may change between now and release, and more songs will be added. Check out our exclusive track-by-track breakdown.

1. “Everybody’s Girl”
Produced by Mike Caren, Written by Wynter Gordon

It’s hard having a private life when you’re one of the most famous entertainers in the world. J.Lo questions whether her man is capable of loving her under the intense glare of the spotlight. “Can you love somebody when they’re everybody’s girl?” she asks over the slick uptempo production, while the hook repeats: “Can you love, can you love, can you love a girl?” One of the standout tracks, this could easily be a single.

2. “What Is Love”
Produced by D’Mile, Written by Wynter Gordon

A version of this song leaked online earlier this year. The latest version has been mixed and hits harder with added drums. There is a “What Is Love (Part 2)” produced by Jean Baptiste that may or may not make the album.

3. “Starting Over”
Produced by Danja, Written by Wynter Gordon

Jenny from the Block describes the hardships of getting back in the game after a breakup. “I’m afraid of starting over,” she sings over Danja’s fast-paced, galloping beat, while admitting she’s “still in love” with the man she left. “It’s like my whole existence he holds in his hands.”

4. “This Cannot Be Love”
Produced by Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins

The beginning sounds like the chords from another Darkchild joint, Brandy and Monica’s duet “The Boy Is Mine.” It quickly picks up the pace with an electro-pop beat and speedy hook (“This cannot be love, this can’t be love, this can’t be love,” she repeats). J.Lo wonders whether true love exists. “How could something that felt so right turn so wrong? … I need to know right now,” she demands. The production gets more aggressive towards the end.

5. “One Love”
Produced by D’Mile, Written by A-Plus

“Took a shot with a bad boy from the block,” she croons on the leaked track. It won’t take long for listeners to make the connection to Sean “Diddy” Combs. “Mr. Wrong, he plays his part,” she says of her former music mogul boyfriend. But J.Lo is on to the next one, in search for that one true love of a lifetime. She counts her famous lovers by the numbers, #3 being Ben Affleck (“Came and swept me off my feet/ Went nowhere, but kept the ring/ Once again I’m lonely”) and her current husband Marc Anthony (“#4, you sang to me, but I’m not sure … Made me want to try once more and I couldn’t say no.”)

6. “Keeper”
Produced by Danja, Written by Britney Bereal and Luke Boyd

After much searching, J.Lo finally finds Mr. Right. The beat is somewhat reminiscent of T.I.’s “Hell of a Life,” which Danja also produced. “You give me so much love, you keep it locked down,” she sings on the bouncy hook. “It doesn’t matter what they tell me … That boy’s a keeper.” One of our favorites. Danja contributed another track called “Love and War” that was not played.

7. “Beautiful”
Produced by Mike Caren, Written by Chris Sernel

A guitar-driven ballad that sounds like it was made for a movie. In fact, it may be used during the end credits for The Back-Up Plan. “Some days I feel beautiful, just not today,” she sings on the Ryan Tedder-esque production.

“Louboutins,” the first single helmed by Tricky Stewart and The-Dream, as well as the Pitbull-assisted, Neptunes-produced buzz record “Fresh Out the Oven” will also be on the album.

–D.L.

Posted in Album Previews, Jennifer Lopez | Permalink |

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54 Comments

GeeMan
December 21st, 2009 at 4:55 am
Glad to see she is back to her winning formula but I am not sure if the general public is checking for a JLo record at this point in time. I know I am not.
Lola
December 21st, 2009 at 5:36 am
OH YES !! THANK U !! I CAN’T WAIT

DANJA STARGATE DARKCHILD TRICKY LOVE IT
Vinicius
December 21st, 2009 at 5:57 am
OH MY GOD!

perfect! *-*
Marilyn
December 21st, 2009 at 6:10 am
About time! I have been waiting for a come back for a while now! Love Louboutins, Lady’s empowerment song, Hot! She needs to get back in the game! Miss her hotness! Thanks!
Sean
December 21st, 2009 at 6:31 am
you know what? i hate her ! But i think , this album gonna be good , because i love louboutins , and the review is really good.
Rap*
December 21st, 2009 at 7:09 am
Sounds good but i hope she has some collabos.

Rap-Up….does it all sound poppy or, does it have some urban-elements to it as well?
Loubouitns
December 21st, 2009 at 7:39 am
Louboutins are available on ITUNES !!!! PLS buy!!!! Great review!!!!
Muse
December 21st, 2009 at 7:50 am
I BUY LOUBOUTINS TODAY !!! thanks for the review.
Dave
December 21st, 2009 at 9:46 am
CAN’T FUCKIN WAIT!!
Katy Perry Clears Up Robert Pattinson Rumors | Dish My Dirt
December 21st, 2009 at 10:00 am
[...] written preview of nine tracks from Jennifer Lopez’s new album, [...]
Eric
December 21st, 2009 at 10:27 am
Glad to see at least 3 songs written by Wynter Gorden, she’s an amazing songwriter!

I’m looking forward to this album!!
Gualtiero
December 21st, 2009 at 11:31 am
OMG…great review! i can’t wait 4 this album to come out! it’s gonna be GREAT! LOVE ALL THE SONGS HEARD SO FAR! Let’s support jennifer guys!!
Mila
December 21st, 2009 at 11:36 am
Sound Hot !!! I can’t wait.
Carlos
December 21st, 2009 at 11:52 am
my baby girl do ya thing i been starvin for sum new jlo material
Mikey D.
December 21st, 2009 at 12:30 pm
She look hella good in that picture, thickness.
africa
December 21st, 2009 at 12:35 pm
it sounds good, sounds promising…just can´t wait!
Dizzle
December 21st, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Am throwing on my louboutins, Am throwing on my louboutins!! hehe love her!! <3
Miley
December 21st, 2009 at 4:51 pm
GET IT MS WYNTER!!! Wooooo, 2010 is gonna be our year :D I means your’s lol
AshantiFan
December 21st, 2009 at 5:24 pm
@GeeMan, I think The Declaration by Ashanti is a great album to pruchase instead of “J No No” new flop. Ashanti is an accomplished relevant singer who has changed the face of pop culture. Ashanti has proven time and time again why the music industry, and therefore the entertainment world, needs her singing and acting abilities.
AshantiFan
December 21st, 2009 at 5:25 pm
@Vinicius,I think The Declaration by Ashanti is a great album to pruchase instead of “J No No” new flop. Ashanti is an accomplished relevant singer who has changed the face of pop culture. Ashanti has proven time and time again why the music industry, and therefore the entertainment world, needs her singing and acting abilities.
AshantiFan
December 21st, 2009 at 5:25 pm
@Muse, I think The Declaration by Ashanti is a great album to pruchase instead of “J No No” new flop. Ashanti is an accomplished relevant singer who has changed the face of pop culture. Ashanti has proven time and time again why the music industry, and therefore the entertainment world, needs her singing and acting abilities.
AshantiFan
December 21st, 2009 at 5:26 pm
I think The Declaration by Ashanti is a great album to pruchase instead of “J No No” new flop. Ashanti is an accomplished relevant singer who has changed the face of pop culture. Ashanti has proven time and time again why the music industry, and therefore the entertainment world, needs her singing and acting abilities.
AshantiFan
December 21st, 2009 at 5:26 pm
@Mikey D., I think The Declaration by Ashanti is a great album to pruchase instead of “J No No” new flop. Ashanti is an accomplished relevant singer who has changed the face of pop culture. Ashanti has proven time and time again why the music industry, and therefore the entertainment world, needs her singing and acting abilities.
J
December 21st, 2009 at 5:29 pm
YES! I can’t wait to hear and get this album! Sounds like its gonna be a great album… hopefully back to what she does best… uptempos!

Help support J.Lo “Louboutins” is now on itunes!
Muse
December 21st, 2009 at 7:59 pm
@ashantifan

i think u have a problem , ashanti had just a poor career of singer ; she’s over , and she has been without ja rule nelly and irv gotti .

Jennifer is an actress principaly and she sell more cd than ashanti ! JUST LMAO
Jojo
December 21st, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Hummm can’t wait !!

Let’s give a CHANCE to Jay to the lo
FICO
December 21st, 2009 at 11:18 pm
Yesss i cant wait for LOVE? ti hit stores! Im a HUGGGGEEE Jlo fan andcant wait for new music! Brave was really underrated! Hopefulle people will actually give this album a chance! All the leaked tracks are solid hits….nd GO SUPPORT JLO-LOUBOUTINS ON ITUNES NOW!!!!—

AND @ASHANTIFAN STFU!!!! Ashanti is soo over!!!She had her chance nd let her carrer slide away cuz she was in a relationship! She aint got that HUNGER that JLO was born with… if she even tries to make a comeback her own publisit will slap her!
music lova!
December 21st, 2009 at 11:24 pm
yes jennylolo came in full cirlce on this one bring it! jen bring it!
Amelie
December 22nd, 2009 at 4:22 am
i don’t like jennifer music , but maybe i buy my #1 album of j-lo , because louboutins is amazing . also i love danja production.
Louie
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:12 am
This album seems like its gonna be BIG! 2010 is gonna be JLo year!
Billy
December 22nd, 2009 at 4:12 pm
@GeeMan, please stop with the Ashanti spam. There’s a reason why “The Declaration” completely flopped and caused her to be dropped from her label. Next!

This post is about JLo! I’m really feeling “Fresh Out the Oven,” but I’m skeptical that “Louboutins” can make a big splash on the charts.
Catie
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:18 pm
I’m really looking forward to this album. Jennifer always does it for me when it comes to music.
dan
December 23rd, 2009 at 12:22 am
@AshantiFan, go fuck yourself!
i like “the declaration”, but the entertainment world does not need Ashanti’s singing nor her acting…thats why she flopped hard!

and ashanti changed nothing, really, she changed nothing in pop culture…otherwise people would remember her name, wouldn’t they?
dan
December 23rd, 2009 at 12:24 am
@FICO, so true! brave and rebirth were both underrated, cause they were very solid cds…
get right is still my song
Eden Lords
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:24 am
This Album Seems to Have Strong Vibe..im Gonna Buy..& the review is just amazing
MODJO
December 23rd, 2009 at 3:35 am
just cant fuckin waittttttttttttttttttttt love jlo u r the original pop diva .. missin u
JOJO
December 23rd, 2009 at 10:59 am
ehhh, don’t care!
An0thrDream
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:34 am
Cant wait! Sounds interesting
Amelie
December 23rd, 2009 at 4:28 pm
@JOJO, who care about u lmao , jlo is influenced by Janet(like your avatar) ! u should love her …
nikki
December 24th, 2009 at 12:34 am
ITS JUST 100 ON ITUNES..
Amelie
December 24th, 2009 at 3:45 am
@nikki, WHAT DID YOU EXPECT ?? RADIO don’t play louboutins . and no video clip , no i tunes banner , no tweet about the release of the single . AMANDA GHOST is a shit , this is not j-lo fault.
THE SAME THING OF SHAKIRA SHE WOLF !!
GO JEN , DROPPED AMANDA PLEASE
BEYONCE+RIHANNA=HOT
December 24th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
SHE HAS GREAT PRODUCERS AND WRITERS BUT I HOPE SHE CAN DELIEVER I’M IT’S ALL ABOUT BEY I DIDN’T MEAN THAT
MediaGuru
December 27th, 2009 at 12:10 am
I just want MOST of the album to be uptempo!!!!!
nemo
December 30th, 2009 at 3:45 am
the be successful these days, it’s all about marketing, promotion and single choice. people need to be aware of her new music.

her album has winning concept but the promotion is not good enough. “Louboutins” is radio-ready song, but it doesn’t have that “Lady Gaga” appeal. she need a better song to release.
nemo
December 30th, 2009 at 3:49 am
@AshantiFan,
yes it was a great album but the sound and the finish product of the album is aged and the single choices are weak. plus nobody like pure r&b music anymore , another problem in the industry right now
Cuqui
January 3rd, 2010 at 11:22 am
Jennifer Lopez what more is there to say? Oh yes I can’t wait to buy the cd.Looking forward to it.You can tell I am a fan.All the best to you darling and your family this New Year 2010 and may it be a powerful one full of many wonderful and beautiful surprises.!I came across this site because I read somewhere that You had an article on Jennifer Lopez cd.I like the site.Allthe best in the New Year to all! With Love and warm Hugs(Baby it’s cold out side.)From N.Y.C.Ms.Cuqui(R.V.)God Bless!
francis
January 16th, 2010 at 7:21 pm
WOW!!!! So Excited for April 2010!!!
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breezy
February 11th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
cant wait for the cd to come out im a big fan exspecially being puerto rican and from the bronx.when the album comes out i would buy 5 to support like i do for all my fav celebs
D.Andrews
March 1st, 2010 at 12:02 am
I’m dying to hear the whole album! Love jennifer lopez! Who is ashani? Wtf?
marisol
March 15th, 2010 at 5:25 pm
i cant wait to apirl too come, i really want too buy jlo new cd of love ? and cant wait too watch her new movies of the The Back-Up Plan cant wait too. and let support her makeing her number one sells for this cd and her new movies too
let help jlo :)go jlo we all love ya god bless you
Elida
June 19th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
I can’t wait for the album, I have heard some to the new joints and I think it will be one of her best yet. Her voice is more refined and I know it has not yet been released because she wants to polish it before is our. Oh by the way Marc’s new CD awesome!!! My girl will do great this time I know it. It has a great vive, good luck Jlo,your deserve it.
Elida
June 19th, 2010 at 6:50 pm
One love, Everybdies girl and many more. She does not get the credit she deserves. She may not one of the best singers out there but we all have to agree she can hang with the best. Good luck Jlo and I will be one of the first and many who will buy it when it comes out. Please release it already. I can’t wait for her tour and ready for Marc’s
Suliia
August 26th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
I’ve been waiting her song.In china,many poeple love her!I’ll hope to buy the new CD of “love?”!