Thursday, July 31, 2008

Be In the Know With "What's Next?"

Upcoming Blogs

Nas, Hero or Impostor? Is he the Neo-civil rights advocate?

*What's a paper without a Thesis? Up and coming artist breaks down barriers

*Life & Times of Dwayne Michael Carter Jr.

*Summer Time is Reggae Time

What Brazil is Missing: A closer look at the Brazilian Girls

Sidebar Post-Effective Blogging


Definition
A frequent, chronological publication of personal thoughts and Web links.
Information
A blog is often a mixture of what is happening in a person's life and what is happening on the Web, a kind of hybrid diary/guide site, although there are as many unique types of blogs as there are people.
People maintained blogs long before the term was coined, but the trend gained momentum with the introduction of automated published systems, most notably Blogger at blogger.com. Thousands of people use services such as Blogger to simplify and accelerate the publishing process.
Blogs are alternatively called web logs or weblogs. However, "blog" seems less likely to cause confusion, as "web log" can also mean a server's log files.
Source: marketingterms.com
In retrospect I decided to write a post on effective blogging after a brief conversation with a few collegues on how to provide readers with a more satisfying blogging experience.Thus far here are some of the suggestions I've received.

Essential elements for creating both visually and intellectually stimulating blogs:
*Engaging text- is usually achievable with striking headlines and a concise opinion/argument to follow. Also pay close attention to proper grammar and punctuation(I'm very bad with this),as well as factoids and incorrect sources.
*Relevant video and pictures- allow the reader other options of retrieving information as well as a overall interactive experience
*Visual Asthetic- is one of the most important factors in creating a succesfull blog. The positioning of the articles, pictures, videos etc. on a page can direct the readers attention to specific points.
*Rich Media and Advertising is a recent concept in the world of digital media.(of course I know this because of my job) While these two concepts can sometimes distract readers they also can do you (the blogger) a service by validating your blog. Afterall, why would someone pay money for an ad if they didnt think your blog reached a particular audience? Note-blog ads usually put a little extra cash in your pocket
*Relative sites/blog links are great ways to form working relationships with other bloggers as well as provide readers with additional reference.
I'm relatively new to the world of blogging. Please provide suggestions by either sending a email or leaving a comment. It's important for me to know how to make this a thoroughly comprehensive site.

Californication (On my way to LA)


I'm off to the land of palmtrees and OG's. While in the LA LA land, I'm certain I'll come across new music as well as some great up and coming artists. In light of my cross country voyage, here is a little old school Red Hot Chili Peppers. Stay tuned for some additional information on one of my all time favorite rock bands. We all fall victim to a little Californication

Psychic spies from China
Try to steal your mind's elation
Little girls from Sweden
Dream of silver screen quotations
And if you want these kind of dreams
It's Californication

It's the edge of the world
And all of western civilization
The sun may rise in the East
At least it settles in the final location
It's understood that Hollywood
sells Californication

Pay your surgeon very well
To break the spell of aging
Celebrity skin is this your chin
Or is that war your waging

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Fools Gold? No Santogold


She's fresh, she's wild, she's sporadic, she's trendy and she's willing to try it all! In a nutshell, that's Santogold. Songwriter, producer, and singer Santogold, born Santi White is no newbie in the music industry. The Philadelphia native stepped onto the scene in 2003 as lead singer for the Philadelphia-based punk rock/ska band Stiffed.

According to Wikipedia, (such a reliable source, I know) in 2005 Coldplay announced Santogold would be the opening act for most of the stops on their North American tour. Go figure, a black chick opening for Coldplay. I LOVE it! She's taking it to the next level y'all. Santo's unique blend of hip hop, reggae, pop, and punk rock has appealed to artists such as Pharell of N.E.R.D, Björk and Spank Rock.

As far as music influences, here's what White had to say about being typecast as a black artist.
White caused controversy when pointing out that people were labeling her music as hip hop and R&B because she is black, saying that that was racist. "Everyone is just so shocked that I don't like R&B. Are you shocked that Good Charlotte isn't into R&B? Why does R&B keep coming into my interviews? It's pissing me off. I didn't grow up as a big fan of R&B and, like, what is the big shocker? It's stupid."

The music industry has tried to put a choke hold on artists by simply equating race and genre. This young lady clearly breaks the mold! Just check out her remake of 1980s LL Cool J hit I Need Love. Who remakes a 20 year old James Todd love ballad? I mean come on :o) (It's kinda dope though)
My boyfriend always tells me Hip Hop is headed in this direction. Well baby, I think you're right! And if it is, we have a lot of creative genius ahead.


Try her here--> http://www.myspace.com/santogold
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/17316664/artist_to_watch_santogold

More Santogold below!
Santogold


****UPDATE**** Santogold nominated for a 2008 MTV music award

Monday, July 28, 2008

I Kissed a Girl & I Liked It

What would you do if you found out your girlfriend was smooching with another chick? Well 23 year old Katy Perry knows first hand what its like to kiss a girl and actually like it. Hey boys, how's that for shoving it in your face? lol Perry's debut single off of the 2008 released album One of the Boys has girls and guys switching roles everywhere.
This Santa Barbara, CA native burst into the pop scene in 2007 with single Ur so Gay and impressed critics and fans everywhere.

Here are some lyrics from single Waking Up in Vegas
Don't be a baby
Remember what you told me
Shut up and put your money where your mouth is
That's what you get for waking up in Vegas
Get up and shake the glitter off your clothes, now
That's what you get for waking up in Vegas

It sounds like this chick has had a few drunken nights.
Personal anecdote--I heard the song I Kissed a Girl while in the grocery store one day. By the time I reached the checkout counter I was singing the song loud enough for everyone to formulate an opinion of my sexual preference. (We all know how much I love my Mr. Right (cutie pah-tootie)) I didn't even notice I was paying any attention to the song. I guess that's what's so fun about this song! Music is here for us to have fun with. It shouldn't have any limits,any boundaries, or any consequences. It should just be here for us to enjoy.
This trendy track has both boys & girls everywhere saying "I kissed a girl and I liked it."
I guess Katy Perry truly is One of the Boys
For more info check out her site--> http://www.katyperry.com/
Check out the video.... A little weird for my taste
BUT THE SONG IS HOT

Did You SAY FREE? Thanks Erika

Ok so a friend/co-worker put me onto this website where you can get free (Yes I said free) Obama buttons. Now if you're as devoted to this man as I am you'll scurry along to the link below and sign up.
https://political.moveon.org/obamabuttons/?id=-9682199-OcoIomx
YES WE CAN!!!!

Crackberry Promotions Coming to a City Near You


FOR ALL YOU HIP HOP HEADZ!!!
A friend of mine in the CHi-town emailed me this link. I think its' already passed through NY for the month , but maybe you can still catch it.

Ok I see you Crackberry doing the interactive marketing!
http://www.the-luxeclub.com/blackberry/

* Anyone and I mean anyone who can leave a comment telling me the name of the group and song playing on this page (http://www.the-luxeclub.com/blackberry/) will win a little prize. I'm not really into Techno but I can see me dancing to this track after my second Long Island.
**If you pass through, PLEASE leave a comment and tell me how it was.

Rock the Bells


Who's mad? I'm mad! Why? I'll be missing the Rock the Bells concert here in New York this Sunday August 3rd.

This years line up includes headliners A Tribe Called Quest, NAS, Mos Def, and The Parcyde and performances by such acts as De La Soul, Rakim and Methodman & Redman

For tickets visit stubhub http://www.stubhub.com/tickets/ That's pretty much one of the only places you'll be able to find tix.

Touring Schedule Aug-Sept 2008

-Rock the Bells Bicentennial Park Miami, FL August 2, 2008 Saturday 11:00 am

-Rock The Bells Nikon at Jones Beach Theater Wantagh, NY August 3, 2008 Sunday 12:00 pm

-Rock The Bells San Manuel Amphitheatre San Bernardino, CA August 9, 2008 Saturday 11:00 am

-Rock the Bells Shoreline Amphitheatre Mountain View, CA August 16, 2008 Saturday 11:00 am

-Rock the Bells Fiddlers Green Amphitheatre Englewood, CO August 23, 2008 Saturday 12:00 pm

-Rock the Bells The Gorge George, WA September 6, 2008 Saturday 1:00 pm

My crazy ass would have been right in the front singing every last song. Ah too bad I'll be out in Los Angeles instead. Stay tuned.....

Na I'm Shwayze


I first heard this group on one of my many LA visits. @ home coolin with the boo when this kinda corkie yet interesting Chevy commercial came on the tube. From that day on I nagged my boyfriend (which I do VERY VERY well)to find out the name of the group, lyrics and song title. Low and behold the single titled Buzzin already reached the top 100 downloaded songs on iTunes. Guess I'm a little late!

Check out lyrics from the relatively new single Corona & Lime
Girls in New York look like giraffes. Long neck, long legs, tiny tits and ass.
Girls from L.A rock oversized shades.And chill all day cause they already payed.
Girls in Miami. Street bikinis. Bump techno by Dj Tiesto.
Girls from Detroit Like electro. And dance all night till they break they neck, yo.

I know I know... who does the city shot outs anymore? lol But this music definitely appeals to my alternative/rocker side.

I would post one of the videos but thanks to the Universal Music Group (losers) the link for embedding video from Youtube "has been disabled upon request"
Instead you can check it out for yourself http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY1rbOM7vbg

http://www.shwayze.com/

Album drops 8.19.08

::Music Lovers Anonymous:
Teedra Moses - The Young Lioness

::Music Lovers Anonymous: <center>Teedra Moses - The Young Lioness</center>

I'm BACK with a link to another great page. It's actually the page where I found tracks from The Young Lioness. My Summer 2008 track--Closer. Check it out!

Highly Anticipated Ridiculously Under-RATED!


I had the pleasure this weekend of sitting in my Brooklyn apartment ALONE, but still in great company. How so? Well I came across a few leaked songs from the delightful R&B songstress Teedra Moses. Her upcoming album The Young Lioness is set for release some time later this year.
I've been a fan of this young lady since her debut single "Just Wanna Be You Girl" off the 2004 album Complex Simplicity.
Part of the reason why her music resonates is because it's REAL music. NOT BUBBLEGUM POP! Teedra's tunes speak to your soul and all of the real issues we experience as adults. Ladies have you ever experienced heartbreak? Fellas have you ever wondered what us women think about? Well take a listen.
Moses's music is melodic and quite breath taking. (Of course in my opinion)
Thinking back, if I were to put together a sound track of my senior year in college Take Me would be Track 14 out of 15. :-)
In a world full of Beyonces, Rihannas,and Ashantis its nice to hear something a tad bit different. Please, indulge yourself in a world full of serenity, realism, heart-felt, beautiful music.

Ladies and Gentlemen if you don't already know of her, I present to you Teedra Moses.
Follow the link for more on this artist http://www.teedramoses.com/

Teedra