What's Next?

Me likey!!! My Long Distance Boyfriend

2009-04-04T13:46:00.002-04:00

Who ever knew you had it in you Heavy D? I LOVES this song...just wanted to let you guys/gals know what's on my playlist right now

Long Distance Girlfriend

Jadakiss--Sample Here!

2009-04-04T11:36:00.001-04:00

I'm a firm believer in sampling before you buy... so enjoy!

The Last Kiss

April Album Release Schedule

2009-04-04T11:19:00.001-04:00

April 7
MIMS "Guilt"
Ciara "Fantasy Ride"
Jadakiss "The Last Kiss"

April 14
Day26 "Forever in a Day"

April 21

April 28
Urban Mystic "GRIII : Old School 2 Nu Skool"

*Jonesin blog spot

I Want To Dye My Hair Red--Jilly From Philly Style

2009-04-04T11:06:00.006-04:00

Ok I know I'm 24 and seemingly still impressionable but I want hair that looks like this... (Oh my how pop culture influences our lives )OK here's a sneak peak

Here's more...

Don't forget to check out The No 1 Women's Detective Agency Sunday night on HBO

Friday Evening Groove

2009-04-03T20:27:00.002-04:00

Friday Evening Groove

Tha New New Videos

2009-04-02T20:36:00.003-04:00

Trey Songz--Brand New I'm confused is this a Nuvo commercial?

Day 26 f/ Diddy & Young Joc Imma Put It On Here

Pitbull f/ Pharell Blanco

My Favorite Cee lo Videos

2009-04-02T20:22:00.003-04:00

Cee lo Closet Freak-- I know thas right Cee lo you better put your wife/baby momma in that video lol

Cee-Lo Green - Closet Freak (Official Music Video) - Celebrity bloopers here

Ceel lo f/ Timbaland I'll Be Around Yea this vid def makes me shake the body in the mirror...when no one is looking lol

Cee-Lo Green - I'll Be Around Featuring Timbaland (Official Music Video) - Watch the top videos of the week here

Ellen is Hilarious!!!

2009-04-02T17:14:00.002-04:00

What's Going On? Tribute to Marvin Gaye

2009-04-01T22:20:00.002-04:00

I was riding across the Beltway this morning with my Pappy (means dad for those of you that don't know) listening to the Tom Joyner Morning Show. (No I don't have a choice when I'm in someone else's car) While making that trek across the Beltway, Mr. Joyner chose as todays' Black History fact to announce the 25th Anniversary of Marvin Gaye's untimely passing. Till this day it hurts my heart knowing Gaye's father was the reason this beautiful soul is no longer here with us. (I guess he's been reincarnated as Raheem Devaughn) Regardless Gaye's music has been a reference for all R&B/Soul post 1970.

Guys I wish I could write a bit more...but um I'm tired and ready to hit the sack. I figured I at least could channel a bit of Marvin Gaye's spirit by writing this blog post.

Try this blog for more images and music.

Here are a few of my favorite Marvin Gaye tracks. Enjoy!

Marvin Gaye

Tha New New Music

2009-03-29T23:51:00.000-04:00

New New

The New New Videos

2009-03-29T23:17:00.002-04:00

Ginuwine

Jim Jones f/ Ryan Leslie Precious

Ciara - Love Sex Magic (feat. Justin Timberlake)

Charles Hamilton Loser--This kid is funny to me

Huey f/ trey Songz No makeup

Crisette Michelle - Epiphany

Letoya Luckett Not Anymore

Electrik Red So Good--Video Hoes turned singers

Drink in my cup--The bathroon stall scene is hot

Rick Ross f/ John Legend Magnificent--This is my song

Musiq So Beautiful

Knock You Down Keri Hilson f/ Kanye

Jamie Foxx Blame it

Keri Hilson: The Beautiful Songbird

2009-01-05T12:13:00.000-05:00

Her voice doesn't strike me as being powerful, but the 25 year old Atlanta native does possess star quality. Songwriter recently turned artist Keri Hilson has been writing for industry artists since 2001. Her repertoire includes singles written for Britney Spears, Toni Braxton, Chris Brown, Mary J. Blige, Ciara, Usher, Teairra Mari, the Pussycat Dolls, Danity Kane , Avant, Ruben Studdard, B5, Diddy, Chingy, LeToya, Ludacris, Rich Boy, Jennifer Lopez, Shawn Desman, Kelly Rowland, Nicole Scherzinger, Lloyd Banks, Keke Palmer, Omarion, Tiffany Evans, and Timbaland. (This sounds like the same list of artists Ne Yo has written for) Again, does anyone write their own music? Let's see, I didn't think much of this young lady until I read her Myspace bio. (mind you written in her own words)While her story is similar to most aspiring artists, she mentions one thing:

WHAT YOU SEE now took nine loonnnnng years of group changes, voice changes, situation switches, financial drought...there was so much upward and downward motion but the only thing steady was my relationship with GOD. He laid the love for music on my heart at an early age for a reason. So I always found comfort in knowing that doing music was my destiny. Never once did I question whether my dreams would see the light of reality. I don't force the hand. Things will be when they're supposed to be. And my time is coming...soon...I can feel it. SO I WRITE while I wait.

That's exactly what I like to hear. Patience is a virtue my friends (Like I have any room to advise) Again her music isn't anything out of the ordinary, but she does have a decent voice, a nice look and best of all STRONG faith. Although, I can't deny After Love (Diddy f/ Keri Hilson) was the most played song on my iTunes list totaling 378 plays. What can I say, I was feelin the song! :o)
For more check her out on Myspace http://www.myspace.com/kerihilson
I'm digging the houndstooth print on her page! It seems as if she's very articulate and quite educated. (Not that R&B artists can't be described using either of these two adjectives)
Keri Hilson

Why Did The Fugees Break Up?

2009-01-05T12:05:00.003-05:00

Another trip home to Baltimore without my laptop or iPod. (How silly of me) (Besides it's not super safe to travel on the BUS of all places with a huge laptop) When I moved out of my parents home after Junior year I left only 3 things; linen, books, and my 1995 Sharp 3-disc CD changer stereo with a dual cassette tape deck. (how archaic is that?) The CD Changer doesn't work (I don't think it ever did) therefore I'm reduced to listening to the trash transmitted across the airwaves. After channel surfing (which seemed more like static searching) I decided to take refuge in a stack of old dusty tape cassettes I found in the bottom of my closet. Alas real music! Half of the tapes are broken in half and the others had the weird shiny tape hanging out, doubled in knots. So I decided to sit down and look through the towering piles of cassettes. "Hmmm let's see what do I have?"

*Jodeci Forever My Lady... not in the mood (this could be another potential post topic)
*Mariah Carey Butterfly...definitely not in the mood (Me and MiMi have a love hate relationship)
*Xscape Hummin Comin At Cha... that's cool but I can't listen from beginning to end
*Fugees The Score... Oh yes... I completely forgot about The Fugees

So, popped it in the tape deck and now I'm back in 1996. The Score has sold over 18 million copies world wide and was the official album that helped the Fugees gain wide range, international exposure. The Fugees (short for Refugees)released 3 singles from The Score peaking under 25 on the Billboard charts.(see text below)

Killing Me Softly Fugees(feat. Lauryn Hill) Peaked at 1
Fu-Gee-La Fugees(Refugee Camp) Peaked at 13
Ready Or Not Peaked at 22

Thinking back, this album was undeniably sagacious. The Score touched on various social issues including, police brutality, poverty, sexism, immigration, and racism. (In my opinion groups with members of various backgrounds have the potential to cover a wider range of social issues) Years later I can respect and agree with the tenacious lyrics as opposed to simply admiring the music for the way it sounds. Check out lyrics from one of my FAVORITE Lauryn Hill verses. (The Score: Manifest)

You see I loved hard once, but the love wasn't returned
I found out the man I'd die for, he wasn't even concerned
And time it turned,
He tried to burn me like a perm
Though my eyes saw the deception, My heart wouldn't let me learn
From um, some, dumb woman, was I,
And everytime he'd lie, he would cry and inside I'd die.
My heart must have died a thousand deaths
Compared myself to Toni Braxton thought I'd never catch my breath Nothing left, he stole the heart beating from my chest
I tried to call the cops, that type of thief you can't arrest
Pain suppressed, will lead to cardiac arrest
Diamonds deserve diamonds, but he convinced me I was worth less
when my peoples would protest,
I told them mind their business, cause my s*** was complex
More than just the sex
I was blessed, but couldn't feel it like when I was caressed
I'd spend nights clutching my breasts overwhelmed by God's test
I was God's best contemplating death with a Gillette
But no man is ever worth the paradise MANIFEST
Try this site for lyrics

Where are they now? History has taught us, "All good things must come to an end", thus one of the many theories behind the Fugees 1997 breakup. The Score was regarded as one of the best Hip Hop albums of its time as a result spawning the successful solo careers of both Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean.
So what are they doing now?
Lauryn Hill is a 8 time Grammy award winner and 19 time Grammy award nominee. Hill's ongoing prestigious list of accomplishments include 3 World Music Awards, 3 American Music Awards, and a Soul Train Sammie Davis Jr. Entertainer of the Year Award. There's no doubt the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (which I pre-ordered from Sam Goddie 2 weeks before its' release) was received as one of the decades most highly anticipated,best selling albums. Ms. Hill's debut album had a powerful R&B impact and set relatively untouchable industry standards. (To think this was the same girl who was originally "escorted" (booed) off stage for her Amatuer night performance on the Apollo) Below are a few tracks from the Miseducation and peak positions on the Billboard charts

Lost Ones Peaked at #27
Doo Wop (That Thing) Peaked at #2
Ex-Factor Peaked at #7
Nothing Even Matters(feat. D'Angelo) Peaked at #25
Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You Peaked at #45
To Zion Peaked at #77
Everything Is Everything Peaked at #14

We heard from Ms. Hill again in 2002 with the release of MTV's Unplugged According to Wikipedia, Most of the songs featured only an acoustic guitar and her voice, somewhat raspy from rehearsal on the day before the recording. Hill used the set as an opportunity to give information on why she had been absent from the public for a period of time and what she had found while away. Critical reception was mixed, but the album received platinum status. Since then, we've seen a few miscellanous tracks here and there but nothing substantial. Where are you L Boogs?

Wyclef, or shall we call him Mr. Producer/collaboration/hook singing extrordinaire, had a number of successful albums/collaborative efforts since the Fugees breakup. (See stats below)

We trying To Stay Alive Peaked at #14
Guantanamera(f/ Refugee All Stars) Peaked at # 23
NoNoNo Part 2(Destiny's Child f/Wyclef) Peaked at # 1
Gone Til November Peaked at #9(Who knew R Kelly sang background vocals on this track)
911(feat Mary J Blige) Peaked at # 6
Two Wrongs(f/Claudette Ortiz) Peaked at #11
(please note these are only singles peaking at 25 or under)

I respect Wyclef for his random ability to reappear with hit singles after 1-2 year hiatuses. Mr. Jean doesn't necessarily posses the greatest singing voice, but for what it's worth he's both entertaining and memorable. Wyclef has contributed to a number of charities and since became active in his support of his native country and created the foundation Yéle Haiti to provide humanitarian aid and assistance to Haïti. He describes Yéle as a non-political organization intended to empower the people of Haïti and the Haïtian diaspora to rebuild their nation(Wikipedia)In addition he's also a very note worthy producer. (see music player below for a few Wyclef post-Fugee singles)

And well Praswell, I'm not going to include because he isn't one of my favorite artists.(mainly because I'm tired of typing and there isn't much note worthy information about him on the internet) Ok that's not fair! I've included a few tracks(see media player below)
My take on things--- The Fugees offsprings happen to be two of my favorite artists. As stated before, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was pre-orderd two weeks before its release. (Yes I was extremely HYPE) Till this day I continue to use the Miseducation as a source of reference. The lyrics remedy anything from a broken heart to being able to learn how to dig deep and unmask your true inner woman. (I know, a bit mushy but who cares) Lauryn Hill can do NO wrong in my eyes. I don't care if she was strung out living on the street, she'd always have a place to stay in my home! (provided I have a place to stay by the end of the year) lol Moving on..."911" has been my mother and I (I think that's how you say it) sing-a-long song since its release in 2000. (We role play as if we are Wyclef and Mary J. Blige. Of course I'm Mary and she's Wyclef :o) So fast forward to 2008 (ok enough of the 1996 pre-adolescent-time machine-music reminiscing)I'm sitting in my room curling my hair, listening to The Score, and wishing for a Fugees reunion. Although there isn't much hope for a Fugees reunion Part 2 the legacy (The Score)left behind will be transcended throughout generations. We will always remember Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and um ... what's his name? lol Praswell

Teanie Bopper Part Duex: Teyana Taylor

2009-01-05T11:57:00.000-05:00

I'm really starting to believe Harlem USA is its own planet. I mean, have you ever been? As soon as you step off the train and breathe the air, it's almost as if you've walked onto the pages of a story book. The place is quite magical and by far one of the most historical neighborhoods New York City has to offer. (Ok enough...moving on) Our second teenie bopper for the week ,Teyana Taylor, is Star Trak Entertainment's new teen protege. The 17 year old singer/rapper skipped onto the scene in 2007 decked out in her fresh Air Force Ones, Heatherette dresses and 10 speed mountain bikes. Her debut album From A Planet Called Harlem was scheduled for release in August. Although the album didn't drop, the Jazzy Pha produced hit single Google Me has received lots of attention over the internet via Youtube. You've also probably seen her 80s themed MTV Super Sweet 16 episode. (You know you're getting old when kids have themed parties for the decade you were born)But what else is there to know about the self proclaimed teen president of the nerd squad? This excerpt from a Trace Magazine article discusses Ms. Taylor's sense of style, her working relationship with Pharrell, and even her somewhat secret crush.(provided through Concrete Loop)

TEYANA ON TEACHING BEYONCE
Beyoncé even enlisted Teyana to teach her the dance for a segment in her “Ring The Alarm” video.

“She was mad focused and really wanted to learn,” recalls Teyana.

TEYANA ON HER CRUSH
“It’s Shia Labeouf! I’ve got my eye on him. I mean, for real. He’s so cute and I looove his swagger.”

But she makes sure to note that her career is her boyfriend

“Yeah, I do have my eye on Shia, but to be honest performing is my boyfriend right now. That’s just what I really love and we’ve been together for so long.”

TEYANA ON HER LOOK
“I always stood out as far as dressing,” she says. “I like to look different and people know me for that. My look is a mix of old-school hip-hop and skater.”

TEYANA ON PHARRELL
“I sang for the Senior Vice President of A&R at Universal, and he asked me the top five people I would really want to work with and my first three were Pharrell. It was crazy to meet him. I mean I love that dude and we connected,” Teyana recalls.

Pharrell couldn’t agree more, “I heard about how talented she was, and I wanted to meet her. I was impressed she could, sing, dance and rap, so we gave her a shot.”

TEYANA ON RECEIVING FREE CLOTHES FROM ‘HEATHERETTE’
“I love their clothes. They make a dress, and it’s not like a pretty princess dress. It’s not girlie but more rock star and out there. That’s like the only dresses I’ll wear. They are just like me – they are unique and don’t care what people say. I fell in love with them, and them with me,” says Teyana.

In all honesty, I think the young teenie booper's style is more engaging then her music. Don't get me wrong, I dig a few of her songs. Let's see, if I were a stary eyed, naive 16 year old kid I would probably ditch Lil Momma and go cop From A Planet Called Harlem as soon as it droped. But since I'm past the teenage love affair stage and looking more for...umm grown up music, I'll just download a few tracks from iTunes. The fact she's Pharell's young protege and the most recent act in the Star Trak line up has her teenage fans in a craze. Having a great production squad is half the battle, and when one of your label mates is the King of hot beats its almost inevitable that you'll sell records. She can dance, she can sing, she has tremendous style, and she's interesting. After all there's nothing worse than a boring entertainer. (cough cough Deborah Cox, Maxwell, just to name a few) Check out her website for more information on tour dates, events, and featured articles.
Teyana Taylor

New Videos

2009-01-01T17:54:00.003-05:00

Camp Lo - Pop Champagne I can dig this-- Who remembers Camp Lo?

Beyoncé Knowles - Halo Beyonce is looking uber pale now-a-days :o( This song makes so much sense when you're in love

Beyoncé Knowles - Diva Ladies please don't start wearing the shingle glasses...Absolute MESS. I don't quite understand this video and as David Alan Greer put it, "The blackest most hood thing about Beyonce is Jay-Z" lol

Plies - Street Light (feat. Sean Garrett)

Yung Berg - Outerspace

Gorilla Zoe - Lost

Anthony Hamilton - A Change Is Gonna Come

Young Jeezy - Who Dat? (feat. Shawty Redd)

Charles Hamilton - Brooklyn Girls This kid is going straight to the top*** I sure can spot talent

Soulja Boy Tell' Em - Kiss Me Thru The Phone (feat. Sammie)

Juelz Santana - Jingle Bellz (Feat. Starr)

New Videos

2008-12-10T15:57:00.003-05:00

Mariah Carey - Right to Dream-- I'm over you Mariah

Ryan Leslie - How It Was Supposed To Be

Plies - Family Straight

Kardinal Offishall - NINA--Kardinal is really coming with it

Nelly - One And Only

Ludacris - Everybody Hates Chris

Scarface - Can't Get Right (Feat. Bilal)

Wale - Nike Boots

Jamie Foxx - Just Like Me (feat. T.I.)

Diddy “I Am King” Mini-Movie---What are you MIchael Jackson? Making mini movies and isssh

Janelle Monae

2008-11-25T14:48:00.003-05:00

Kind of staged and corky yet adorable and comical!

Check out more from the gap right HERE

Tha New New

2008-11-25T14:35:00.001-05:00

Tha New New

New Videos!!!!

2008-11-25T13:21:00.005-05:00

It's the real straight, no chaser! I been away, now I'm back.

Bobby Valentino Beep Beep - Nice come back Bobby V

Neyo- Mad.-Hmm I think we've had enough of the predictable videos, but still cute

Busta Rhymes - I Got Bass-Is Busta relevant?

will.i.am - She Loves Me-Quite Wierd!!!

Keri Hilson - Turnin' Me On (Feat. Lil Wayne)-Absolutely love this song. Too bad they keep pushing back the cd drop date

Solange - T.O.N.Y.-Ok You're looking cute Solange a.k.a. lil sis a.k.a. fly baby momma

Robin Thicke - The Sweetest Love That's not Paula. I'm gonna tell!

Avant - Break Ya Back (In A Good Way)--I dig! Did Avant go to jail or something? That sweater is looking a little tight over all those extra muscles :o(

Coldplay - Lost+ (Feat. Jay-Z)-Jay on his cross over ish again

Young Jeezy - Crazy World-Leave it to Jeezy to bring the truth

Rihanna - Rehab (Feat. Justin Timberlake)-Rih Rih you can stop making videos Beyonce dropped her CD

Mya - Paradise I'm sorry Mya. -I'm BORED!

This Is A Great Reenactment

2008-11-18T16:57:00.001-05:00

New Music!!!!

2008-11-13T17:18:00.004-05:00

)

Kanye West Heartless

2008-11-10T10:22:00.001-05:00

New Videos

2008-11-07T12:17:00.003-05:00

Lil Wayne f/ Bobby Valentino Mrs. Officer Yeah This is hot... Makes me want to go back on vacation

Jim Jones f/ Ron Browz & Juelz Santana Pop Champagne Ithink I could have made this video with my camera phone :o(

Ludacris f/ T-Pain One More Drink This video is hilarious. I don't know what's funnier, the fake hand or the beer goggles. Whatup Big Boi!

Jadakiss f/ Ne-Yo By My Side Hmmm whack video chicks, thas all I have to say!

Ace Hood f/ Trey Songz, Rick Ross & Juelz Santana Ride Remix / Get 'Em Up

Keyshia Cole f/ Tupac Play Ya Cards Right Ok Keyshia, ya lookin good girl

T-Pain f/ DJ Khaled Karaoke

Cadillac Records

2008-10-30T12:28:00.001-04:00

No more Beyonce for the rest of the year.... Please! In theatres 12.5.08

New Videos

2008-10-29T00:19:00.003-04:00

Usher Hush

Shontelle (Rihanna # 2)Battle Cry-- YES WE CAN!!! Obviously the video was filmed by a two man crew at Union Square and West 4th subway station lol

This one is for you babe! E-40 - Poor Man's Hydraulics

Tuesday Morning Mix

2008-10-28T11:51:00.001-04:00

Official Notorious Trailer

2008-10-26T16:40:00.002-04:00

Can't wait can't wait! Obviously I'm going to have to trek out of state to see this movie. The theatres are going to be packed in Brooklyn, guarantee

New Videos

2008-10-26T16:29:00.004-04:00

Estelle f/ Sean Paul Come Over--absolutely love this!!! Just what I imagined it to be. (Please don't sleep on Estelle)

Kardinal Offishal f/ Keri Hilson (Tide Is High) Numba One--I like the song & the video (Keri Hilson is everywhere)

Soulja Boy Turn My Swag On--OMG he can't be serious. This non sense must be stopped immediately! Straight up coonery!

Return The Favor Keri Hilson f/ Timbaland

Tuesday Morning Mix

2008-10-21T10:37:00.005-04:00

New Musiq & Mary J--If You Leave

2008-10-20T20:41:00.002-04:00

How cool, I thought they were singing to each other. BTW is that YaYa from America's Next Top Model?

New Music-Hot R&B

2008-10-20T12:21:00.005-04:00

LL Cool J-Mr President f/ Wyclef Jean

2008-10-19T14:43:00.002-04:00

Hmmmm LL Cool J is officially wack and lacks swag. But I like the message.

My Fav Destiny's Child/Beyonce Videos

2008-10-16T12:39:00.013-04:00

I decided to subscribe to the Beyonce Channel on youtube (ugggh I'm such a dork)
It took some time, but yesterday I finally realized how flyyyyyy of a woman Beyonce has become. Yes she is everywhere, Yes she is a horrible actress, Yes I'm tired of seeing her on the front cover of EVERY magazine, Yes I'm tired of hearing Get Me Bodied at clubs, weddings, baby showers and Bah Mitzfahs. But Mrs. Beyonce Knlowes-Carter is ONE hard working woman. So I decided to take a journey throughout the years.

Here are the links to some of my favorite Destiny's Child videos. Take a look!

Bills, Bills, Bills
Get On The Bus
Say My Name
Bootylicious
Nasty Girl

My all time favorite was a difficult decision between 2 Destiny's Child singles off the platinum selling album Destiny Fulfilled. Drum roll please......

1st Runner up is Soldier How cute is Solange and her big pregnant belly? And who doesn't like Weezy & T.I. on a track?

AND THE WINNER IS (I'm too hype about this) Lose My Breath
I love the choreography in this video. I mean who didn't think the whole dance off concept was HOT???

And this video right here is just for kicks. (I don't ever remember Sesame Street being this fly when I was watching)

Now moving on to the DIVA extrodinaire--Mrs. Beyonce Knowles. Here are a few of my favorite Beyonce picks. Take a look!

Crazy In Love
Me, Myself, and I
Get Me Bodied (Even my mother loves this video)
Irreplaceable (I love when she takes his chain & jacket, Classic!)
Upgrade U
If I Were A Boy

Here we go again. My all time favorite was a difficult decision between 2 Beyonce singles. One off the multi-platinum selling album Dangerously In Love and the other from the Pink Panther Soundtrack. Regardless she looks beautiful in both. Drum roll please......

1st Runner up is Check Up On It Minus the ghetto-like patting of the horrible looking braids, this video is flawless. The entirely pink video set/wardrobe and very sexy dance routine are both on point (Although her back up dancers usually out shine her :o(

AND THE WINNER IS (Again too hype) Baby Boy I love this video. It reminds me of a hot summer sexscapade in the tropics. (No I've never had one of those) I love going on vacation and this video seems to take me there. It mixes glamour, grit & grime with fantasy, lust and desire. Let's not forget the perfect wardrobe picks and near flawless dance routine.

Now there are other extensive lists that categorize Beyonce songs as if they were senior superlatives for example:

Best Fashion Show Song -Rock Star/Dangerously In Love
Best Drag Queen Anthem -Get Me Bodied/B-Day
Best Inspirational Women's Anthem -Independent Women(I know its not a B album)/Survior
Best Love Song (and by love I mean making it )-Yes/Dangerously In Love

Chris Brown f/ Keri Hilson --Superhuman NEW VIDEO

2008-10-16T12:32:00.004-04:00

I don't really like the song and the video is uber corny (ya know with the whole car explosion and everything) but I like those two together in a duet.

Aww Rih Rih, are you going to be replaced by Keri Hilson? Hmm I actually think they look kinda cute together. Ok maybe its because she looks fairly similar to Rihanna(enough of my 2 cents)

Check out the video

Anthony Hamilton f/ David Banner--Cool New Video

2008-10-16T07:17:00.001-04:00

Swagger/Lyric Jacking-Beyonce Style

2008-10-15T11:03:00.006-04:00

As much as I love to hate Beyonce I usually give her the benefit of the doubt. But even this is a ultimate low B! How do you swagger/lyric jack a 21 year old girl?
Wasn't this same issue addressed in Dream Girls when Jamie Foxx's character jacked Effie for those songs? Tisk Tisk Tisk Matthew Knowles and crew. Shaking my head!

More music from BC Jean (Why do I want to call her Bille Jean?)

I actually like the gruffiness in BC Jean's voice. I tried searching for other music from this sweetie pie, but I couldn't find much. Check out BC Jean online right here (Note the piano keys on her page are creative at first but become quite annoying after 5 minutes)

MIA's "Boyz" gets new verses from Hov and Wale

2008-10-15T10:42:00.005-04:00

Copied from Imeem--
The power of the Pineapple Express trailer continues to astound as Jay-Z has recorded a brand new verse over M.I.A.'s "Boyz". Not to mention we put Maya on the cover in September of 2004. Hello, World! Obviously, we're kidding. We know these things take time, and we're genuinely excited to hear her voice all over the place. According to the Elitaste blog post where we found Wale's version, Interscope will be re-releasing her album from last year, Kala, with "Boyz" as the single.

Check it out--These 2 joints from The Fader

The full story on the origins of this song comes to us via The Elitaste

"So back in June of 2007 Wale met with Jay while he was still at Def Jam. On the way out of the meeting, MIA’s “Boyz” video came on TV and Jay jokingly said to Wale, “Man I should test you with that beat” as they were walking onto the elevator. Wale had been touring Europe with Ronson for about 2 months at this point and had hung out with MIA so he was already savvy. He went and recorded to it the next day. Interscope asked Wale to do a remix and I guess Jay-Z and Akon did ones too. Well now that Jay’s is out we thought, hey, let’s put this out with the verse Wale recorded 3 weeks ago and a brand new verse he recorded today. "
And here's the aforementioned video

I honestly like the Wale version better!

Back In The Day C-O-Double M-O-To Tha N

2008-10-15T10:28:00.002-04:00

Boy has he come a long way! lol I love to see artists progress over the years
Check it out Common Sense UnAmerican Caravan 1991 Demo

Commons original demo tape

Universal Mind Control in stores 11.11.08

Lil Wayne Cameos @ The Roots Performance In Miami

2008-10-15T10:17:00.003-04:00

I found this post on Imeem and I thought it was kind of fun--- That's what I love about concerts in major cities, you never know who is going to show up! Click for the Direct link

So... The Roots brought out Weezy at the Fillmore in Miami. They did "A Millie." It was hilarious, bizarre and shocking, all at the same time.

Not to mention the crowd went absolutely apeshit.

I mean, I know most of the seperations of hip-hop artists (underground, mainstream, etc) are fan made. But still. Like, if Jay-Z comes out at a Roots show, it's "OH SHIT!!!", but it's not shocking, since The Roots and Jay-Z have a working history. Same can be said for most of the artists The Roots have brought out over the years.

But I guess I always (naively) assumed someone of Lil Wayne's stature (he has the best selling album of any genre in the last several years) to not have any idea who The Roots are. So seeing him come out, rock it, give props to ?uesto and then hug Black Thought... it was just weird.

And quite awesome, I might add.

Luckily, Weezy spared us the guitar playing.

New Video --Q Tip Move

2008-10-15T00:12:00.001-04:00

This is a long way from Breathe & Stop and Vibrant Thing. I'm not sure if I'm quite feeling this track!

Tuesday Morning Mix

2008-10-14T10:05:00.006-04:00

I thought it would be kinda cool to give people a taste of what keeps me sane during my 45 minute commute on NYC MTA. I've tried almost everything to block out the masses. (masses= crying babies, the singing subway peddlers, the annoying cat calls as well as the random kisses from undesirable men) I've found my iPod to be the most suitable distraction for the chaotic morning commute. So every Tuesday I'm going to upload songs that help me tune out the New York City mess that goes on around me!

Tuesday Morning Mix

T Pain f/ Ludacris-Chopped & Screwed--New Video

2008-10-13T17:07:00.001-04:00

New Video from the Mad Hatter a.k.a. T Pain.

Single Ladies-- New Beyonce

2008-10-13T17:02:00.002-04:00

I'm not thrilled!

Girl Power--Beyonce If I Were A Boy--New Video

2008-10-11T13:13:00.000-04:00

Beyonce - If I were A Boy (New)
Uploaded by Le-Tour-2Lor

This song is reminiscent of Ciara's Like A Boy & Madonna's What It Feels Like For A Girl.

These are all great songs!

Make The World Go Round --New Nas

2008-10-11T13:11:00.002-04:00

This makes me want to take a vacation!

My 100th post Mike Jones Cuddy Buddy

2008-10-09T07:36:00.005-04:00

This is one of my favorite songs out right now. I wonder why they didn't put Weezy on the video. Could it be that we have gone into Weezy overkill for 2008? Hmm possibly!
Who knew Mike Jones was getting busy in the gym shedding those pounds during his rap hiatus? I don't know if I like the weight loss look.

Oh yea this is my 100th post. I feel like such a accomplished journalist. lol I've found blogging to be very therapeutic. (Mainly because I'm too worn out to think about my problems once I've finished writing a 600 word blog post)I hope you guys enjoy the information I post to the site as well as find the topics informative. Most of all I hope the posts quench your thirst for good music. We all know the industry has gone through its ups and downs but US faithful music lovers will stick around and ride this thang out.

That's what expanding your music horizon is all about. Taking the good, the bad, the ugly and embracing it all. Because us genuine music lovers reconize the melodies of music as our heartbeat.

John Legend, Raphael Saadiq Team For Tour

2008-10-08T11:04:00.001-04:00

John Legend, Raphael Saadiq Team For Tour

October 07, 2008 , 3:40 PM ET Copied directly from Billboard.com

Hillary Crosley, N.Y.
John Legend will begin a short fall tour Nov. 19 in Minneapolis in support of his upcoming album, "Evolver," due Oct. 28. Columbia labelmate Raphael Saadiq will support on the trek, which wraps Dec. 13 in Durham, N.C.

The singer's current single, "Green Light" featuring Andre 3000, is No. 32 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart this week. "Evolver" also features appearances from Kanye West, Estelle and Brandy.

"This album doesn't sound like me," Legend tells Billboard. "The tempo is faster than I've done before. It will be different for people, because 'Evolver' has a bit more instrumentation than I've used before. But it's not like you won't recognize the artist-it's still me."

Here are John Legend's tour dates:

Nov. 19: Minneapolis (Northrop Auditorium)
Nov. 20: Chicago (Chicago Theatre)
Nov. 24: E. Lansing, Mich. (Wharton Center For Performing Arts)
Nov. 26: Detroit (Masonic Temple Theatre)
Nov. 28: Toronto (Roy Thompson Hall)
Nov. 29, Dec. 1: Montclair, N.J. (Wellmont Theatre)
Dec. 2: Boston (Orpheum Theatre)
Dec. 5: Philadelphia (Tower Theater)
Dec. 8: Baltimore (Lyric Theatre)
Dec. 9: Washington, D.C. (Constitution Hall)
Dec. 10: Greenville, S.C. (Peace Center)
Dec. 12: Charlotte, N.C. (Ovens Auditorium)
Dec. 13: Durham, N.C. (Durham Performing Arts Center)

Sidebar--Pro-NUN-cee-Ay-Shun of Designers--Check It Out!

2008-10-08T10:49:00.011-04:00

Check this out! Another stolen post from Around The Way Girls Blog. Wait I think they jacked it from Ferrari Murakami :o)

Sidebar--Speed Paint From Salena Barnes Hip Hop Reached Germany

2008-10-08T10:43:00.004-04:00

Check out these two videos from German artist Salena Barnes
See more of her work on Myspace

Stolen from Around The Way Girls blog. Find them under my list of blogs on the right side panel

New Video--Jazmine Sullivan Bust Your Windows

2008-10-08T07:53:00.002-04:00

Me likey!

Ladies, please note she did not actually bust the windows or cause any damage. You can actually make a point without making a fool of yourself. Food for thought!

"Now watch me yulllllle!" lol

Bust Your Windows Trey Songz vs. Jazmine Sullivan

2008-10-07T15:01:00.004-04:00

Hot new remake! Real cute Trey real cute!
BUST MY WINDOW (TS) -

New Music From Mario!

2008-10-07T14:28:00.004-04:00

I'm really feeling the song Inside Of You. Please note he is describing being on the inside of someones' heart. Get ya mind right!

New Video--Common --Universal Mind Control

2008-10-07T13:39:00.002-04:00

Yea I'm definitely feeling this. It has the old school Run DMC tempo/cadence to it. Check it out. Common's new album is set to be released 11.11.08

New Video--Love Lockdown

2008-10-07T13:29:00.005-04:00

What is this Coming to America, Michael Jackson Do You Remember The Time non sense? Has Kanye gone off the deep end? lol Just playing. The song, given the elements in the video, actually makes a lot of sense.

A few questions--
I wonder why he decided to premiere the video on The Ellen Show?
Is this song a dedication to his recent break up with Alexis?
Where is Kanye's inspiration coming from for the new album?

Usher Courts The Ladies With November Tour

2008-10-06T16:47:00.002-04:00

Usher Courts The Ladies With November Tour

October 06, 2008 , 12:50 PM ET Copied directly from Billboard.com

Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.
Usher is hoping to get up close and personal with his female fans on a 14-date November club tour, which is being billed as "One Night Stand: Ladies Only."

A Jive spokesperson clarifies that although ladies may be the focus, men are welcome at the gigs, which begin Nov. 2 in Atlantic City, N.J., and run through Nov. 25 in Dallas.

Usher is touring in support of his latest album, "Here I Stand," the ninth best U.S. seller of the year at 1.029 million copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan. A video for new single "Trading Places" is set to premiere this week.

Here are Usher's "One Night Stand: Ladies Only" tour dates:

Nov. 2: Atlantic City, N.J. (Borgata)
Nov. 3: New York (Hammerstein Ballroom)
Nov. 4: Washington, D.C. (Warner Theatre)
Nov. 5: Philadelphia (Electric Factory)
Nov. 7: Mashantucket, Conn. (MGM Grand)
Nov. 8: Toronto (Kool Haus)
Nov. 10: Atlanta (Tabernacle)
Nov. 12: Detroit (Fillmore)
Nov. 13: Chicago (House of Blues)
Nov. 18: San Francisco (Warfield Theatre)
Nov. 19-20: Los Angeles (Club Nokia LA Live)
Nov. 21: Las Vegas (the Pearl)
Nov. 24: Houston (House of Blues)
Nov. 25: Dallas (House of Blues)

Music Marketing & Brand Promotion

2008-10-05T14:59:00.003-04:00

I thought it would be a great idea to post on the integration of music marketing & brand promotion. The most recent example that comes to mind is the 2008 Chevy Mary J. Blige commercial. This happens to be a perfect example of the infusion of pop culture and brand promotion. Just a little something to think about.

Obama on Hip Hop- Check It Out!

2008-10-03T15:34:00.001-04:00

From MTV:

Yes, hip-hop loves Barack Obama. From Weezy to Jeezy, Jay to 'Ye, some of rap's biggest names have saluted him in their lyrics, and he's inspired mixtapes, bootleg T-shirts and onstage shout-outs.

But what does the senator think of hip-hop?

Sure, he went all Jay and brushed dirt off his shoulder at an April campaign stop and referenced Lil Wayne during a speech in July. But he was also quick to admonish Ludacris for a particularly fiery freestyle aimed at George W. Bush and then-rival Hillary Clinton. And while stars like Oprah Winfrey, Usher and John Legend have turned up next to Obama at campaign stops, the hip-hop nation has been virtually absent from the senator's stage.

So how does Obama feel about the genre that has rallied around him?

"I enjoy it, but these days I don't have the time to listen to it all the time," he told MTV News. He said that he still finds time to shuffle through MCs like Jay-Z and Kanye on his iPod, but he thinks the genre's impact extends far beyond a few hot tracks.

"I'm a little older than hip-hop culture," he said. "I was there at the beginning, but I was already getting older. ... What I've appreciated, watching this hip-hop generation, is to see how entrepreneurial they've been. In the past, musicians oftentimes were commodities. They were just shuffled around. Obviously, they did well, but they didn't have the vision to say, 'I'm going to build a business. I'm going to build my own studio. I'm going to create my own production operations.' I think they're a lot more sophisticated than in the past, and that is a wonderful thing."

He went on to tell MTV News that he's still seeing growth in the genre and that he's optimistic about what's ahead for hip-hop.

"What I'm starting to see is them stretching out more and thinking about social responsibility and how they can impact the culture in a positive way," he said. "And I hope that continues."
And where does he weigh in on hip-hop's hottest issue -- the greatest of all time?
"Oh no, I'm not going to get caught up in all that," he laughed.

Sidebar--Perfect For My Mood Today

2008-10-03T15:10:00.002-04:00

Don't worry I'll have some substantial material on the site in the next few days! lol

Online Hip-Hop Awards--Kinda Cool Right?

2008-10-03T15:04:00.003-04:00

Online Hip Hop Awards For all you Hip Hop headz. Try this site and cast your vote!

Usher-- Trading Places

2008-10-03T15:01:00.001-04:00

Lil Wayne Already Recording 'Tha Carter IV'

2008-10-03T14:49:00.003-04:00

Lil Wayne Already Recording 'Tha Carter IV'

October 03, 2008 , 10:20 AM ET copied directly from Billboard.com

Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.
His latest album, "Tha Carter III," has only been out since May, but Lil Wayne is already recording its follow-up. According to his blog on ESPN.com, the rapper is in the studio working on "Tha Carter IV" as well as a new mixtape.

The latter, "Dedication 3," will fall under DJ Drama's "Gangsta Grillz" series and "you can expect [it] real soon," Wayne says.

In a nod to his well-recognized prolific output, Wayne says immediately after "Dedication 3" comes out, he'll re-release it "with 20 extra songs for free on my Web site."

"Tha Carter III" is far and away the best-selling album of 2008, having shifted 2.5 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Lil Wayne is also collaborating with T-Pain for a highly anticipated duet album, "T-Wayne," which is slated for 2009.

"We've got three or four songs we've finished," T-Pain tells Billboard. "They don't really have titles. We're just doing music and however it comes out, it comes out."

The singer says the tracks won't sound like his current Wayne-featuring single, "Can't Believe It," but will have the collective flair shown on tracks like "Got Money."

Wayne will take a break from recording later this month to play the Voodoo Music Experience on Oct. 25 in his New Orleans hometown, and will also drop by Power 105.1's Powerhouse concert three days later in East Rutherford, N.J.

Sidebar--I Swear There's A Song For Every Emotion

2008-09-29T13:23:00.004-04:00

It's been one of those days! The older and more mature I become it seems easier to put things into perspective. Regardless of the situation (dead end career, financial stress, baby mama/daddy drama) we have to learn to live our lives. Most issues we stress over aren't worth the agony or attention. I'm sure you've heard the never ending list of cliches, for example "Tomorrow is never promised" or "Live life to the fullest". These sayings don't quite capture the reality of just how short life is. Well let me help to put things into perspective. The reality is, everyday we are one day closer to dying. But, the beauty lies in knowing we still have time. No matter how short or long that span of time may be, its imperative that you're efficient with your life's' stop watch. Ask yourself these questions. 1)What projects, goals, or tasks would you attempt to pursue today if you knew tomorrow would be your last day on earth? 2)If failure weren't an option, think of the list of things you would try? 3)What's stopping you from achieving those goals? 4)Who are the people that mean the most to you? 5)Are they aware of their importance?

Recently, I've been forced to answer some of these questions and incorporate these same answers into both long term and short term goals. I've known 5 people in their early 20s who have passed in the last 2 months. While very unfortunate, death seems to force us to recognize our own mortality at any age. But we must not become discouraged. We are not promised another second, minute, hour or day on this earth. Therefore it's your responsibility to make today different from yesterday. Seek that encouragement and inspiration from wherever or whomever it may be. And as T.I. says, just Live Your Life. Nothings' promised to us in this world. Anything we need and/or want we have to acquire on our own. (Of course through the guidance and direction of God) So why not dispose of all the unnecessary garbage, stop hording the baggage and just live your life! Don't worry about what people think, stop bothering yourself with the thought of failure, shed the additional anguish and worry, and just be free!

Here are a few songs that accurately depict my spectrum of emotions on 9/29/2008. It's easy to be the counselor, but hard to be counseled. Take my word for it :o)
Songs for Every Mood

Let me know which songs fit your mood!

Jazmine Sullivan --Top Debut

2008-09-29T12:30:00.001-04:00

Sullivan Earns Top Debut
After becoming the first female artist in four years to reach No. 1 with a debut single, Jazmine Sullivan posts the second-best debut by a woman this year as "Bust Your Windows" bows at No. 29 (up 525 plays). Mariah Carey's No. 23 entry with "Touch My Body" stands as the best by a female in 2008. Sullivan's first single "Need U Bad," which spent two weeks at the top, dips 3-5.

Kanye...Love Don't Live Here Anymore!!!!!

2008-09-27T23:50:00.007-04:00

I normally support ALL things Kanye, but this song is unacceptable. After listening for a little over a minute I realized he was going to use the annoying voice box for the entire song. I understand there's a need for originality, but don't you think the anime and muppet videos were enough? We get it, you're trying something new! But uniqueness these days is more than resorting to the voice box. (please take note Lil Wayne and friends) At one point I thought I was going to hear screams on the track. The bass and melody are comparable to the score played to build suspense in horror flicks. I know its time for Kanye to change up his "SWAG" (OMG I can't believe I used that God Awful word) by reinventing himself, but I don't think we were ready for this one. (let's face it not everyone can pull off the Andre 3stacks crossover) Nor do I think we (mostly me) will support his music if this is the direction its headed. Is this even classified as Hip-Hop? Word to the wise...If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Love Lockdown

T.I. A Few New Tracks From Paper Trail

2008-09-27T23:13:00.003-04:00

T.I. - Paper Trail

New Avant When It Hurts

2008-09-27T22:53:00.004-04:00

This video makes me laugh. Are women really this crazy and desperate? If so let me keep my man CLOSE!

Notorious-The Movie Jan 2009

2008-09-23T16:56:00.003-04:00

STARS OF THE ‘NOTORIOUS’ MOVIE ANNOUNCED (Information provided via Concrete Loop)

After a nationwide search, it looks like Jamal Woolard (also known by his rap name Gravy) has landed the lead in the biopic Notorious, based on the life of rapper Christopher ‘Notorious B.I.G.’ Wallace, who was gunned down in 1997.

The movie also stars Angela Bassett, who will play Biggie’s mom, Voletta Wallace; Anthony Mackie as Tupac Shakur; and Derek Luke as Sean “Diddy” Combs. George Tillman Jr. will direct the film, which begins shooting March 24 in New York City.

Make sure you peep the other side-by-side photos of the stars of the movie after the cut…

VOLETTA WALLACE PLAYED BY ANGELA BASSETT

DIDDY PLAYED BY DEREK LUKE

TUPAC PLAYED BY ANTHONY MACKIE

I'm hype this was filmed up the street from my house.. Yall might just see me walking by being nosey lol Sike

Kanye Gone Muppet Baby?

2008-09-23T16:47:00.002-04:00

Copied directly from Billboard.comSeptember 23, 2008 , 11:00 AM ET

Kimberly Nordyke and Chad Williams, The Hollywood Reporter

Comedy Central has teamed with Kanye West for a project described as hip-hop meets the Muppets. A half-hour pilot has been shot for the project, tentatively titled "Alligator Boots."

It's from Jackhole Prods., the production company founded by Jimmy Kimmel, Daniel Kellison and Adam Carolla that also was behind Comedy Central's puppet-centric "Crank Yankers."

The project, which is under consideration for 2009, would feature music produced and performed by West and fellow rapper Rhymefest, both of whom are serving as executive producers on the pilot alongside Kellison.

West also hosts the pilot; the idea is to have a different celebrity guest host for every episode, similar to the setup on the original "Muppet Show."

West's new album, "808s & Heartbreak," is due Dec. 16 via Def Jam. First single "Love Lockdown" is at iTunes now.

Sidebar--I guess Champion was such a great video Comedy Central saw potential for more muppet action from Kanye lol (I hope this isn't borderline Crank Yankers)

Brand New Nina Sky--Curtain Call

2008-09-22T12:34:00.007-04:00

My favorite Rican twins are back! I absolutely love this song, although I think it should have been released at the beginning of the summer. Sorry guys, I couldn't find the official version of the song with Rick Ross but hey this Brooklyn kid does the track justice.

Take a listen!!

Nina Sky

My Video Pick Of The Week

2008-09-21T16:53:00.003-04:00

Rising Up--The Roots f/ Chrisette Michele & Wale

2008-09-19T21:25:00.002-04:00

The Roots feat. Chrisette Michele & Wale - "Rising Up" from Three/21 Films on Vimeo.

That's funny I feel this way about Hot 97. Radio keep playing the same songs all day long!

My New Picks

2008-09-19T21:16:00.002-04:00

New Tracks via iTunes radio... although I heard I might need to get up on the Zune player. Hmm let's see about that!

New Tracks

Billboard Hot 100 50th Year Anniversary

2008-09-16T15:18:00.003-04:00

This is one of the most useful resources for any music blog. Go online to the Billboard website for lists on the All Time Top Artists, All Time Top Latin Songs, Hot 100 Songs Of The Year 1958-2007. This is definitely some interesting stuff people, so go check it out!

Concert Must See

2008-09-15T23:30:00.008-04:00

Two of my favorite artists are performing at SOB's the last week in September. I think I might go to both since VH1 slighted me on the Sadiq tix way back in August. (I'm still a little salty about that) Teedra Moses's The Young Lioness was set to drop sometime this year, but until then we shall enjoy her in concert.

Raphael Saadiq

Sidebar--The Soloist Staring Jamie Foxx

2008-09-15T23:27:00.001-04:00

Another fall must see!

Teenie Bopper Part Deux: Teyana Taylor

2008-09-10T17:12:00.002-04:00

TEYANA ON TEACHING BEYONCE
Beyoncé even enlisted Teyana to teach her the dance for a segment in her “Ring The Alarm” video.

“She was mad focused and really wanted to learn,” recalls Teyana.

TEYANA ON HER CRUSH
“It’s Shia Labeouf! I’ve got my eye on him. I mean, for real. He’s so cute and I looove his swagger.”

But she makes sure to note that her career is her boyfriend

“Yeah, I do have my eye on Shia, but to be honest performing is my boyfriend right now. That’s just what I really love and we’ve been together for so long.”

TEYANA ON HER LOOK
“I always stood out as far as dressing,” she says. “I like to look different and people know me for that. My look is a mix of old-school hip-hop and skater.”

TEYANA ON PHARRELL
“I sang for the Senior Vice President of A&R at Universal, and he asked me the top five people I would really want to work with and my first three were Pharrell. It was crazy to meet him. I mean I love that dude and we connected,” Teyana recalls.

Pharrell couldn’t agree more, “I heard about how talented she was, and I wanted to meet her. I was impressed she could, sing, dance and rap, so we gave her a shot.”

TEYANA ON RECEIVING FREE CLOTHES FROM ‘HEATHERETTE’
“I love their clothes. They make a dress, and it’s not like a pretty princess dress. It’s not girlie but more rock star and out there. That’s like the only dresses I’ll wear. They are just like me – they are unique and don’t care what people say. I fell in love with them, and them with me,” says Teyana.

iTunes Radio

2008-09-10T13:07:00.005-04:00

Almost everyone I know has an iPod. If you don't you should crawl back into your cave,sit down, and think about getting one.

A friend of mine came to visit a few weeks ago and introduced me to the Radio feature on Itunes. Believe me, this is a perfect alternative to advertisement filled radio stations. The streams are categorized by genre and include over 25 stations per genre. The greatest part of it all is... NO COMMERCIALS!!!! Don't worry, they are up to date on all the NEW NEW music and actually have old school stations if you're tired of todays pop culture.

*Just as an FYI, this is perfect for:
Alt to Yahoo radio (which plays the same 6 songs over and over)
Non stop commercial free music to play during cookouts, get-togethers, or Saturday morning cleaning
Previewing songs before they air on main stream radio

Teenie Bopper Blackout: Chasing The Legacy

2008-09-09T16:27:00.011-04:00

25 years after Run DMC appeared on the front cover of Word Up Magazine, Joseph Simmons and Team Blackout will follow in their footsteps. The Queens/Long Island based group consisting of JoJo Simmons and his childhood friends Zach and Reggie have been rhyming together since the 7th grade. The trio officially decided to unite in 2003 after the 2-day power outage (blackout)affecting most states in the Northeastern US territory. Their first single Billion Dollar Boyfriend off their debut album Light's Out was released August 19, 2008. The entire album was produced by upcoming production duo Chris n Teeb, Grammy award winning producer Rockwilder and Ron Browz. Team Blackout became a recognizable group after being featured on the MTV reality series Run's House.

NOW for my 2 cents--
These youngins are doing BIG things. As mentioned above, the entire album was produced by up and comping producers not to mention the video for Billion Dollar Boyfriend was filmed by up and coming video producer Joe Cap, a recent graduate of Hofstra University. My advice, if you have a dream and a little bit of change in your pocket...GO FOR IT! These young gentlemen sure did. On the other hand, if your not a fan of the artificial-studio-instrumental sound DO NOT listen to the Imeem player below THIS IS NOT THE GROUP FOR YOU! lol After listening to a few tracks, I'm under the assumption one of the members sings the chorus & bridges and the other two rap. This is a perfect combination given the direction of the industry. Now-a-days you can't find a Hip-hop song without a featured artist singing on the hook. Sure they rap about girls, money, cars, chains, and all of the things us regular people don't have. Honestly, what else is there to write about at 18-20 years old? Would we really expect Rev Run's son Jojo to spit lines inciting the struggles of growing up impoverished....NO! And I'm almost willing to bet my next paycheck his fellow group members aren't strangers to middle class living (which is quite apparent in the single Why Wouldn't I) :o) I know privileged kids when I see em. Some of the songs bare an uncanny resemblance to Pretty Ricky singles which could prove to be a issue for the trio. In my opinion, Team Blackouts 3 members versus Pretty Ricky's 4 may help with marketability.

It may be extremely difficult to top Run DMC's legacy but Team Blackout has the essentials to give them a run (no pun intended) for their money. If we are going to compare lets look at a few Run DMC songs to make the Billboard charts.

Run DMC (please note only the singles peaking at #30 or below are included)
It's Like That Peaked at #15
Hard Times Peaked at #11
Rock Box Peaked at #22
30 Days Peaked at #16
King Of Rock Peaked at #14
You Talk Too Much Peaked at #19
Can You Rock It Like This Peaked at #19
My Addidas Peaked at #5
Walk This Way (f/ Steven Tyler) Peaked at #8
You Be Illin' Peaked at #12
It's Tricky Peaked at #21
Run's Hous Peaked at 10
Mary, Mary Peaked at 29
What's It All About Peaked at #24
Down With The King Peaked at #9

I see Rappers weren't that big on callabos back in the day. We are all aware the industry has changed. Hip Hop has evolved from lyrically conscious raw material to beats and swag. I mean what can I say? Soulja Boy made this a reality. So let's break down the elements they have working both for and against them.

Team Blackout
In house R&B singer
Cable network (MTV) platform
Russell Simmons's money :-D
No street credibility
Mostly studio produced/enhanced instrumentals
Young chicks will dig them
We all love the Simmons family

Run DMC
In house DJ better known as Jam Master Jay
None of Russell Simmons's money (he wasn't bankin back then)
Street credibility
Young chicks dug them

I'm certain I'm more excited about the group being a product of the Simmons family as opposed to them being new school Hip Hop pioneers. Well, what hasn't this family done? Angela & Vanessa have the Pastry Shoe line, JoJo & friends have recently formed a rap group, now all we need is Diggy and Russy to organize some type of variety show/circus act. Watching those two is comparable to a Barnum & Bailey experience. Might I add they are quite entertaining and adorable. In the end, Team Blackout gets a 3 star rating. One for each member of the group!

Team Blackout

New Beyonce Album Arriving In November

2008-09-09T15:41:00.003-04:00

New Beyonce Album Arriving In November
September 09, 2008 , 10:45 AM Copied directly from Billboard.com
Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.

Beyonce Knowles's third solo album will be released Nov. 18 via Music World Music/Columbia, and will be preceded Oct. 7 by the radio release of the singles "If I Were a Boy" and "Single Ladies."Beyonce co-wrote or co-produced all the material, which the label says comprises "her most personal, reflective and revelatory collection to-date."

Justin Timberlake will also appear on the as-yet-untitled project, but additional details about his contributions have not been released.The artists teamed up to cover the Marvin Gaye/Tammi Terrell classic "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing" last Friday at the Fashion Rocks event at New York's Radio City Music Hall.Producer Jim Jonsin, the man behind Lil Wayne's "Lollipop," has also logged studio time with Beyonce on the track "Beautiful Nightmare," which leaked online earlier this year. It is unknown if the song will make the final track list.

The new album is the follow-up to 2006's "B-Day," which has sold 3.2 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Knowles is also gearing up for two upcoming film projects. She stars as blues legend Etta James in "Cadillac Records," a release date for which has yet to be announced, and as the wife of a stalking target in "Obsessed," due Feb. 27.

What's Next?

2008-09-08T16:02:00.009-04:00

Stay tuned for highlights on your favorite artists

Ice Cube: NWA to Hollywood
Teen Blackout
LL Cool J
Thesis Statement

Shontelle
Jockin Jay-Z

Celeb Sighting: Chrisette Michele on NYU's Campus

2008-09-08T14:20:00.012-04:00

I was out to lunch at Karen's organic food shop, when I bumped into Chrisette Michele. I was actually sitting having lunch with my coworker (hey Flora)and we both noticed the diva-like beauty with the long honey brown hair and fierce white blazer. (I've been watching too much America's Next Top Model and as a result have been reduced to using the word FIERCE) I have extremely keen visual sensors when it comes to celebrity sightings. One day, me and a friend spotted Rihanna from 3 miles away while shopping in Soho :) Anyway, Flora had no idea who Chrisette was nor was she familiar with any of her music. So, of course I had to break it down and give her the 411. And it goes a little something like this:

Chrisette Michele Payne (born December 8, 1982), known professionally as Chrisette Michele, is a Grammy-nominated American R&B singer on the Def Jam Recordings record label. (Wikipedia) Payne has been nominated for BET, Image, Grammy, and Vibe Music Awards since her debut album I Am. The budding R&B songstress has had 8 Billboard hits, both as a featured and solo artist as well as guest star apperances on the CW's Girlfriends.

lol Of course I didn't know all of this information when I was explaining things to Flora, but hey it captivates the moment and provides great visual imagery and detail for blogging purposes. As a tribute to my celeb sighting of the day, here are a few Crisette Michelle songs iLike. I still prefer J. Sullivan over C. Michele. Enjoy some of her music below!

Crisette Michelle

New Kanye Album Due By Year's End?

2008-09-08T10:19:00.002-04:00

September 05, 2008 , 12:00 AM ET Copied directly from Billboard.com

Hillary Crosley, N.Y.
In addition to crafting tracks for Jay-Z's upcoming album, "Blueprint III," Kanye West is plotting the release of his own as-yet-untitled Def Jam album, according to his management.

West initially named his fourth album "Good Ass Job" several years ago, to follow the thread of "College Dropout," "Late Registration" and "Graduation," however, an official title has yet to be confirmed.

Still, the disc may well hit shelves in the fourth quarter and management says West is seriously contemplating that timeline. Most recently, the MC has been performing a new track called "Love Lockdown," which is rumored to be his first single and to be hitting iTunes in a matter of days.

There's speculation West will perform the song Sunday (Sept. 7) on the MTV Video Music Awards, to which he was added today.

"Graduation," released in September 2007, has sold 2.2 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Def Jam was unavailable for comment at deadline.

Ryan Leslie: Addiction

2008-09-07T22:50:00.000-04:00

Sidebar: Obama Sneaks

2008-09-06T15:27:00.000-04:00

Yesterday artist Jimm Lasser opened his exhibition in New York, with Obama being the theme of the exhibition. The Obama Force One is one of the most interesting pieces exhibited. The Air Force 1 got a make-over by the artist with graphics engraved into the outer sole. From: www.highsnobiety.com
After a week full of hypocrasy at the RNC I thought this was a nice little refresher. Kinda hot right? This is crazy creative. Think of all the things that can be done if you take the time out to get in touch with your inner creativity. YES WE CAN!!! Obama Biden '08

New Video Brandy: Right Here

2008-09-06T15:07:00.001-04:00

Funny Rapping: It's All About The Lyrics

2008-09-04T14:25:00.002-04:00

The best thing about funny rapping is of course.... THE LYRICS. Usually the beats are catchy and the videos are relatively satirical. Over the past couple of days I tried to come up with a few funny style rappers or a couple of songs that have made me chuckle. Let's see--

Ludacris Christopher Bridges(born September 11, 1977 in Champaign,Illinois),better known by his stage name Ludacris, is a three-time Grammy Award-winning American rapper and actor. Along with his manager,Chaka Zulu, Ludacris is the co-founder of Disturbing tha Peace, an imprint distributed by Def Jam Recordings. He is also the rapper with the most Top 40, Top 25,& Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 Hits of all time. Ludacris is tied with Nelly for the title of the hip-hop solo artist with the second most Billboard Hot 100 number-one hits. (Wikipedia.com)

Afroman Born Joseph Foreman,(born July 28, 1974 in Palmdale, California) better known by his stage name Afroman, is a rapper and guitarist. Afroman may be the first artist to achieve a worldwide hit with the assistance of the Internet. Citing his influences as Too Short, Big Daddy Kane, and 2 Live Crew, he began his rap career in the eighth grade when he started making homemade tapes of his own songs and passing them out to his classmates.His best-known song is the 2001 novelty song "Because I Got High", which gained popularity through Napster, local radio play, a feature on Howard Stern's radio show, and the "stoner" movie Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. (Wikipedia.com)

Alfred Matthew "Weird Al" Yankovic (pronounced /ˈjæŋkəvɪk/; born October 23, 1959) is a Grammy Award winning American singer, musician, actor, satirist, parodist, songwriter, music producer, accordionist, and television producer. Yankovic is known in particular for his humorous songs that make light of popular culture and that often parody specific songs by contemporary musical acts. Yankovic received his first accordion lesson a day before his seventh birthday, and since his first-aired song parody in 1979 has sold more than 12 million albums (more than any comedy act in history),recorded more than 150 parody and original songs, and has performed more than 1,000 live shows. His works have earned him three Grammy Awards among nine nominations, four gold records, and six platinum records in the United States. Yankovic's first top ten Billboard album and single were both released in 2006, nearly three decades into his career. (Wikipedia.com)

D4L went from obscurity to one of the most talked about groups in rap with their hit single "Laffy Taffy", in the Fall of 2005. A southern-fried tribute to the feminine form, the song dominated the airwaves in the group's hometown of Atlanta, Georgia before going on to become a national crossover hit.Formed in 2003, D4L (Down 4 Life) is made up of rappers Fa-bo, Mook-B, Stoney and Shawty Lo--all representing different housing projects in Atlanta. Shawty Lo, D4L's leader, put up his own money to launch the group, recruiting three hungry young entertainers looking to break into the music business. Two years later, D4L is another Dirty South success story.D4L's debut album, D4L: Down For Life was released jointly by Dee Money and Asylum Records in 2005. (MTV.com)

DeAndre Cortez Way (born July 28, 1990), better known by his stage name Soulja Boy Tell 'Em, or simply Soulja Boy, is an American entertainer, dancer, and record producer. In September 2007, his single "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The single was initially self-published on the Internet, and it became a number-one hit in the United States for seven non-consecutive weeks starting in September 2007. Born DeAndre Cortez Way in Chicago, Illinois on July 28, 1990, Way moved from Chicago to Atlanta, Georgia at age seven, where he became interested in rap music.At age 14, he moved to Batesville, Mississippi with his father, who provided a recording studio for Way to explore his musical ambitions. (Wikipedia.com)

Founded in 1997, the group "Hotstylz" broke the barriers and expanded they're ignorance to the world. The group consist of 3 individual songwriters that decided to take the world by storm... one victim at a time. The members, Krazee, Meatball, and Raydio G, often refer to themselves as "entertainers" and not "rappers". Their Summer 2008 debut should prove just that. Versatility mixed with clever rhythms.... Hotstylz! (Myspace.com)

Melissa Arnette "Missy" Elliott (born on July 1, 1971), is a five-time Grammy Award-winning American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. With record sales of 7.6 million domestically she is the only female rapper to have six albums certified platinum by the RIAA, including one double platinum (Under Construction).
Elliott is known for a series of hits and diverse music videos including "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)", "Hot Boyz", "Get Ur Freak On", "One Minute Man", "Work It", "Gossip Folks", "Pass That Dutch", "Lose Control" and "Ching-a-Ling." In addition, Elliott has worked extensively as a songwriter and producer for other artists, both alone and with her producer and childhood friend Timbaland. Elliott's songwriting and production credits include work for a number of other female artists. (Wikipedia.com)

Jonathan Mortimer Smith (born January 27, 1971), better known by his stage name Lil Jon, is an American producer, promoter, and rapper. He is best known as a pioneer of the sub-genre of hip hop known as "crunk".
Lil Jon was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia and graduated from Douglass High School in 1989. He worked for So So Def between 1993 and 2000.Lil Jon’s songs have a strong relation to Miami Bass, in that it shares the avid use of the Roland TR-808 kick, high dance tempos, and explicit lyrical content, usually dealing with sexual themes and expressing the language of the Miami streets. He also samples various Disco sounds in his songs, especially in "What U Goin' Do". His productions show a preference for, as said by Philip Sherburne, "Sharp, spiky rhythms programmed on primitive drum machines and bass synthesizers." (Wikipedia.com)

Sporty Thievz was a hip-hop group, originally a trio, comprised of King Kirk (a.k.a. Thieven Stealberg), Big Dubez (a.k.a. Safecracker) and Marlon Brando (a.k.a. Robin Hood).They are notable for their parody of TLC's hit "No Scrubs" and for their song "Hit It Up" on the soundtrack to The Best Man, and also satirically providing a male counterpoint to the female-oriented R'n'B music popularised in the late 1990s and early 2000s, something that was not done by any other group at the time. They are best known for their rebuttal to TLC's hit "No Scrubs," entitled "No Pigeons", which attempted to tell things from the male perspective.

This post has no value what-so-ever. I wish I could tell you something substantial like, satirical rapping stems from the roots of Africa and made its way into main stream two decades ago. lol No I can't, I don't have anything worth quoting in this post. I know it's not informative and yes I'm aware Wikipedia isn't a reliable source. But hey you can do pointless stuff like this when you have your own blog. In light of the weekend approaching I thought this would be a relatively light-weight post. If you have any other suggestions, please write a comment and I'll try my best to include those artists as well. Why be so serious when you can listen to funny rap and lighten the mood?

This video cracks me up!!!!

Let's see if we can spot some "Lookin Boyz" lol just for fun
*Just letchya soooouuuuul gllloooowww!! Curl lookin’ boy---Saw one of these on the train today
*I look like I eat tuna casserole all day lookin’ boy---One of these heatin up lunch in the cafeteria right now
*Wearin’ green Joggin suit lookin’ boy---Knew one of these lookin boys in college
Ok enough :o)

Funny Music

Ace hood f/ Trey Songz

2008-09-04T13:26:00.000-04:00

Is it just me or is this song Bust It Baby Part 3? By the way much better with the hair cut Trey!

Why Did The Fugees Break Up?

2008-09-04T11:36:00.002-04:00

Another trip home to Baltimore without my laptop or iPod. (How silly of me) (Besides it's not super safe to travel on the BUS of all places with a huge laptop) When I moved out of my parents house after Junior year I left only 3 things; linen, books, and my 1995 Sharp 3-disc CD changer stereo with a dual cassette tape deck. (how archaic is that?) The CD Changer doesn't work (I don't think it ever did) therefore I'm reduced to listening to the trash transmitted across the airwaves. After channel surfing (which seemed more like static searching) I decided to take refuge in a stack of old dusty tape cassettes I found in the bottom of my closet. Alas real music! Half of the tapes are broken in half and the others had the weird shiny tape hanging out, doubled in knots. So I decided to sit down and look through the towering piles of cassettes. "Hmmm let's see what do I have?"

*Jodeci Forever My Lady... not in the mood (this could be another potential post topic)
*Mariah Carey Butterfly...definitely not in the mood (Me and MiMi have a love hate relationship)
*Xscape Hummin Comin At Cha... that's cool but I can't listen from beginning to end
*Fugees The Score... Oh hell yea... I completely forgot about The Fugees

Killing Me Softly Fugees(feat. Lauryn Hill) Peaked at 1
Fu-Gee-La Fugees(Refugee Camp) Peaked at 13
Ready Or Not Peaked at 22

You see I loved hard once, but the love wasn't returned
I found out the man I'd die for, he wasn't even concerned
And time it turned,
He tried to burn me like a perm
Though my eyes saw the deception, My heart wouldn't let me learn
From um, some, dumb woman, was I,
And everytime he'd lie, he would cry and inside I'd die.
My heart must have died a thousand deaths
Compared myself to Toni Braxton thought I'd never catch my breath Nothing left, he stole the heart beating from my chest
I tried to call the cops, that type of thief you can't arrest
Pain suppressed, will lead to cardiac arrest
Diamonds deserve diamonds, but he convinced me I was worth less
when my peoples would protest,
I told them mind their business, cause my s*** was complex
More than just the sex
I was blessed, but couldn't feel it like when I was caressed
I'd spend nights clutching my breasts overwhelmed by God's test
I was God's best contemplating death with a Gillette
But no man is ever worth the paradise MANIFEST
Try this site for lyrics

Where are they now? History has taught us, "All good things must come to an end", thus one of the many theories behind the Fugees 1997 breakup. The Score was regarded as one of the best Hip Hop albums of its time as a result spawning the successful solo careers of both Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean.
Fugees
So what are they doing now?
Lauryn Hill is a 8 time Grammy award winner and 19 time Grammy award nominee. Hill's ongoing prestigious list of accomplishments include 3 World Music Awards, 3 American Music Awards, and a Soul Train Sammie Davis Jr. Entertainer of the Year Award. There's no doubt the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (which I pre-ordered from Sam Goddie 2 weeks before its' release) was received as one of the decades most highly anticipated,best selling albums. Ms. Hill's debut album had a powerful R&B impact and set relatively untouchable industry standards. (To think this was the same girl who was originally "escorted" (booed) off stage for her Amatuer night performance on the Apollo) Below are a few tracks from the Miseducation and peak positions on the Billboard charts

Lost Ones Peaked at #27
Doo Wop (That Thing) Peaked at #2
Ex-Factor Peaked at #7
Nothing Even Matters(feat. D'Angelo) Peaked at #25
Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You Peaked at #45
To Zion Peaked at #77
Everything Is Everything Peaked at #14

We heard from Ms. Hill again in 2002 with the release of MTV's Unplugged According to Wikipedia, Most of the songs featured only an acoustic guitar and her voice, somewhat raspy from rehearsal on the day before the recording. Hill used the set as an opportunity to give information on why she had been absent from the public for a period of time and what she had found while away. Critical reception was mixed, but the album received platinum status. Since then, we've seen a few miscellanous tracks here and there but nothing substantial. Where are you L Boogs?
Lauryn Hill

Wyclef, or shall we call him Mr. Producer/collaboration/hook singing extrordinaire, had a number of successful albums/collaborative efforts since the Fugees breakup. (See stats below)

We trying To Stay Alive Peaked at #14
Guantanamera(f/ Refugee All Stars) Peaked at # 23
NoNoNo Part 2(Destiny's Child f/Wyclef) Peaked at # 1
Gone Til November Peaked at #9(Who knew R Kelly sang background vocals on this track)
911(feat Mary J Blige) Peaked at # 6
Two Wrongs(f/Claudette Ortiz) Peaked at #11
(please note these are only singles peaking at 25 or under)

I respect Wyclef for his random ability to reappear with hit singles after 1-2 year hiatuses. Mr. Jean doesn't necessarily posses the greatest singing voice, but for what it's worth he's both entertaining and memorable. Wyclef has contributed to a number of charities and since became active in his support of his native country and created the foundation Yéle Haiti to provide humanitarian aid and assistance to Haïti. He describes Yéle as a non-political organization intended to empower the people of Haïti and the Haïtian diaspora to rebuild their nation(Wikipedia)In addition he's also a very note worthy producer. (see music player below for a few Wyclef post-Fugee singles)
Wyclef
And well Praswell, I'm not going to include because he isn't one of my favorite artists.(mainly because I'm tired of typing and there isn't much note worthy information about him on the internet) Ok that's not fair! I've included a few tracks(see media player below) Pras
My take on things--- The Fugees offsprings happen to be two of my favorite artists. As stated before, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was pre-orderd two weeks before its release. (Yes I was extremely HYPE) Till this day I continue to use the Miseducation as a source of reference. The lyrics remedy anything from a broken heart to being able to learn how to dig deep and unmask your true inner woman. (I know, a bit mushy but who cares) Lauryn Hill can do NO wrong in my eyes. I don't care if she was strung out living on the street, she'd always have a place to stay in my home! (provided I have a place to stay by the end of the year) lol Moving on..."911" has been my mother and I (I think that's how you say it) sing-a-long song since its release in 2000. (We role play as if we are Wyclef and Mary J. Blige. Of course I'm Mary and she's Wyclef :o) So fast forward to 2008 (ok enough of the 1996 pre-adolescent-time machine-music reminiscing)I'm sitting in my room curling my hair, listening to The Score, and wishing for a Fugees reunion. Although there isn't much hope for a Fugees reunion Part 2 the legacy (The Score)left behind will be transcended throughout generations. We will always remember Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and um ... what's his name? lol Praswell

Stevie Wonder To Receive Gershwin Prize

2008-09-04T11:34:00.001-04:00

September 03, 2008 - RB Hip-Hop

By Gail Mitchell, L.A. Copied Directly from Billboard.com

Legendary singer/songwriter Stevie Wonder has been chosen as the second recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. The award presentation will take place in the Library's Great Hall on Feb. 23, 2009. A concert celebrating the award is being planned for the following evening.

In addition to the prize, Wonder has accepted the Library's offer of a musical commission. With that acceptance, Wonder enters a circle of noted composers-including Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein and Paquito D'Rivera-who have received Library commissions.

"It's an immense privilege to join such a remarkable roster of musicians and composers," said Wonder in a statement. "I am touched to receive this honor and look forward to creating music for the celebration."

A winner of 25 Grammy Awards, Wonder was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 and the Songwriters' Hall of Fame in 2002. In 2005 the Library of Congress placed Wonder's 1976 double album, "Songs in the Key of Life," in the National Recording Registry, which recognizes recordings that are "culturally, historically or aesthetically important and/or inform or reflect life in the United States."

The first Gershwin Prize-established in tribute to the legacy of composer siblings George and Ira Gershwin-was awarded in May 2007 to singer/songwriter Paul Simon. This year's Prize advisory committee was comprised of Simon, singer/pianist Michael Feinstein, "Saturday Night Live" creator and producer Lorne Michaels, music producer Phil Ramone and New Orleans singer/songwriter/producer Allen Toussaint.

Stevie Wonder

New Tracks (Well Some Old & Some New) Just Listen

2008-09-03T22:53:00.000-04:00

Check out these new tracks! Well the Isley brothers remake with Snoop, Andre 3K, and 2Pac isn't quite new. I just like the way it sounds and decided to throw it in the mix. I'll be updating from time to time, so stay tuned.

*Check out Freak Though - T.I.

Random

The Secret Life Of Bees

2008-09-03T22:42:00.000-04:00

I saw this trailer as a preview to the Ice Cube movie "The Long Shots". I got the idea for the post from http://jonesin-eb-style.blogspot.com/. (Which is another awesome blog you should check out) I just ordered the book from Barnes & Noble!

TPain Can't Believe It

2008-09-03T22:25:00.000-04:00

This video slightly confuses me!

September Album Release Schedule

2008-09-03T22:19:00.000-04:00

Information via http://jonesin-eb-style.blogspot.com/

Sept. 2
Nina Simone "To Be Free: The Nina Simone Story"
Razah "Razah"
Terrence Howard "Shine Through It"
Eric Benet "Love & Life"

Sept. 9
Kardinal Offishall "Not 4 Sale"
Missy Elliott "Block Party"
DJ Khaled "We Global"
LL Cool J "Exit 13"

Sept. 16
Jazmine Sullivan "Fearless"
Nelly Brass "Knuckles"
Ne-Yo "Year of the Gentleman"

Sept. 23
JOE Thomas "New Man"
Keri Hilson "In A Perfect World..."
Pretty Ricky "'80s Babies"
Raphael Saadiq "The Way I See It"

Sept. 30
Common "Invincible Summer"
Jennifer Hudson "Jennifer Hudson"
Maino "If Tomorrow Comes"
Robin Thicke "Something Else"
T-Pain "Thr33 Ringz"
Michelle Williams "Unexpected"
T.I. "Paper Trail"

As a October Update, Look out for:
October 21
Ludacris "Theater of the Mind"

Official NY Giants Season Kickoff Concert

2008-09-03T15:31:00.000-04:00

Summers almost over but you can still catch a few more outdoor concerts!

Come see R&B heart throb Usher (not my personal choice of a heart throb), Brit pop sensation Natasha Bedingfeld, and country star Keith Urban free in concert tomorrow at Columbus Park. The acts will start on time at 3pm.

Few Wrap up tid bits
When: 3pm, September 4
Where: Columbus Circle, enter at 58th Street and Seventh Avenue
How much: Free, no tickets required
What to Know: Backpacks and other large bags will not be permitted. All guests are subject to search

*Catch the R, W Uptown to 57th Street

For more infor click here

Throwback Song Of The Week--Where I Want To Be

2008-09-02T14:48:00.000-04:00

Somebody has their cars doors open blasting this song late as hell :o( I guess that's what happens when you live in the hood. None-the-less I used to love this song.

For your listening pleasure
Where I Wanna Be - Donell Jones

Ok so now I'm being nosey. Whoever this is chillin outside on my block ... seems to be playing more interesting music then I'm listening to right now. Their playlist includes
Jagged Edge He Can't Love You
Case Happily Ever After
Donnell Jones Where I Wanna Be
Carl Thomas Summer Rain
These are some major throw backs. I forgot about half of these songs :o)
Throw Backs

Often Imitated Never Duplicated

2008-08-27T22:33:00.002-04:00

August 25 marked the 7 year anniversary of Aaliyah Dana Haughton's untimely death. The Brooklyn born singer/dancer/actress will be remembered for her quick rise to fame in the mid 90s. To date Aaliyah has sold around 32 million albums worldwide as well as charted six hit singles. (see chart below)(of course I'll cross reference this with my Billboard Chart book tomorrow when I get to work) It's sad, I've looked at Aaliyah's bio on various websites and noticed how short it is in comparison to other artists. It only makes me wonder what we could have expected from the graceful songbird. In real Michaelangelo/Picasso fashion she was nominated/won most of her awards & accolades after her traggic death. Below are just a few.

American Music Awards
1999, Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist ; Nominated
2002, Favorite Female R&B Artist; Winner
2002, Favorite R&B/Soul Album: Aaliyah; Winner
2003, Favorite Female R&B Artist; Winner
MOBO Awards
2002, Best Video: "More Than a Woman"; Winner
2002, Best Dance Video: "More Than a Woman"; Winner
2002, Best International Act; Winner
Image Awards
2002, Outstanding Female Artist; Winner
2003, Best female video: "Miss You"; Winner
World Music Awards
1997, World's Best Selling Female R&B Artist; Winner
1998, World's Best Selling R&B Artist; Winner
1998, World's Best Selling Single: Are You that Somebody; Nominated
1998, Entertainer Of The Year; Winner
2000, World's Best Selling R&B Artist; Nominated
2000, Female Entertainer Of The Year; Winner
2002 World's Best Selling Female R&B Artist; Nominated
2002 World's Best Selling Female Pop Artist; Nominated

But life must go on... Since her passing we've had a bunch of poorly put together imitations. I believe when Aaliyah passed she took with her the sincerity, depth, and originality the R&B sector once offered its fans. There was something about this young lady that screamed trendsetter. I remember me and my old college roomie used to watch the Aaliyah I Care 4 You DVD every Friday morning. (we should have been at our 8:40 but ahh oh well it was Friday) Thats the type of impact she had on our generation. We have to ask ourselves, will the pop icons we idolize have a lasting impression? If not, why are they our idols? Rest in Peace Aaliyah (melodies of an angel)

Sidebar-Every time I hear I Miss You I revert back into a budding, coming-of-age 17 year old college freshman living in Franklin House. Ah the memories (nothing significant it just sucks that I'm getting old) Take a trip with me down memory lane. (See music player below)
Aaliyah

One of my favorite Aaliyah videos, More Than A Woman. (Uggh I can't believe I used to try dancing along with her while watching the DVD) I think I may have burned a hole along this track in the I Care 4 You DVD. Whatever I'm still cool :o)

**I have to apologize for the extremely late Aaliyah posting. In the world of blogging one day is a eternity :o)

Before I Was Born They Was Talking ’Bout The Game

2008-08-26T17:19:00.000-04:00

Name: Jayceon Terrell Taylor
Birthplace: Compton, California
Birth date: November 29, 1979
Occupation: "Change of Heart" contestant-turned gangster-turned rapper

I started this post a while ago but thought today would be the appropriate day to actually publish. This is more or less an opinion piece (of course with supporting data) on The Game's career. (I'll include a album review a little later!) For a relative new comer with only 4 years (give or take) in The Game (no pun intended) he's released a number of singles that have been chart topping, trend setting, rap reviving, party jumping, gang banging, game day prepping, hits. (need I go on) Sidebar-I just want to take it back to 2004 hit single How We Do . I would have jumped up out of my sleep if someone road down my street blasting this song at 3am. Whether you believe the hardcore gangsta gimmick, this guy sells himself and his music. As we all know the industry has indefinitely changed. We are a generation of temps and by temps I mean temporary fans. (We favor one artist today and have another favorite tomorrow) Therefore I can't blame artists for going along with the gimmick(marketing) that allows them career longevity. I know he was a former Change of Heart contestant. But don't hard core rappers/gang bangers have changes of heart as well? (hehehe) Ok enough of the sarcasm. Below I've listed just a few career accolades

*BET Awards
2005, Best New Artist N
2005, Best Collaboration ("Hate It or Love It") w/ 50 Cent N
*Grammy Awards
2006, Best Rap Song ("Hate It or Love It") with 50 Cent N
2006, BestRapPer.By Duo/Group("Hate It or Love It") w/ 50Cent N
*MTV Video Music Awards
2005, Best Rap Video ("Hate It or Love It") w/ 50 Cent N
*Ozone Awards
2008, Best West Coast Rap Artist W
2007, Best West Coast Rap Album ("Doctor's Advocate")W

N=Nominated
W=Won

I'm sure it helps that I work for NBM, so I know exactly where to look for this information. See list of The Game albums below (note L.A.X. album release date was pushed back to 8.26.08)

Here's a screen shot from Billboard.com of some of The Game's music (Song, Chart, Peak position)
Of course I had to insert my opinion somewhere in this post, so I'll start right here. In the end we need to allow The Game to do his thing. He's definitely one of the best rappers in 2008 (no denying that), and he tells the story of an entire population that otherwise does not have a voice. If anything we should respect rappers for having the courage to speak on behalf of the people, no matter how gruesome or gory the details. I remember hearing my pastor equate rap music and CNN, saying Rap music is the CNN of the hood. It's true. I know this genre catches a lot of flack for the degradation of women, the idolizing of material items, violence, profanity, hatred (in some cases) and the list goes on. But deep down there is a message. And if you're patient and willing to hear our story (which most people aren't accustomed to doing), it's well worth the wait.
I'll leave you with a few lyrics from Game's Pain

Everybody’s first bootleg was Boyz ‘n the Hood
Whoever thought gangsta rap would make noise in the hood
When the cars ride by with the boomin’ system
Two door Mustang and the roof was missing

*** L.A.X in stores now

***New Gym Class Heroes f/ The Dream

2008-08-26T14:26:00.000-04:00

Yea Travie and the crew are back!

Kanye West- Good Morning

2008-08-26T09:40:00.000-04:00

I love anime (Japanese animation) and especially Murakami! How cute is this bear?

What's Next?

Me likey!!! My Long Distance Boyfriend

Jadakiss--Sample Here!

April Album Release Schedule

I Want To Dye My Hair Red--Jilly From Philly Style

Friday Evening Groove

Tha New New Videos

My Favorite Cee lo Videos

Ellen is Hilarious!!!

What's Going On? Tribute to Marvin Gaye

Tha New New Music

The New New Videos

Keri Hilson: The Beautiful Songbird

Why Did The Fugees Break Up?

Teanie Bopper Part Duex: Teyana Taylor

New Videos

New Videos

Janelle Monae

Tha New New

New Videos!!!!

This Is A Great Reenactment

New Music!!!!

Kanye West Heartless

New Videos

Cadillac Records

New Videos

Tuesday Morning Mix

Official Notorious Trailer

New Videos

Tuesday Morning Mix

New Musiq & Mary J--If You Leave

New Music-Hot R&B

LL Cool J-Mr President f/ Wyclef Jean

My Fav Destiny's Child/Beyonce Videos

Chris Brown f/ Keri Hilson --Superhuman NEW VIDEO

Anthony Hamilton f/ David Banner--Cool New Video

Swagger/Lyric Jacking-Beyonce Style

MIA's "Boyz" gets new verses from Hov and Wale

Back In The Day C-O-Double M-O-To Tha N

Lil Wayne Cameos @ The Roots Performance In Miami

New Video --Q Tip Move

Tuesday Morning Mix

T Pain f/ Ludacris-Chopped & Screwed--New Video

Single Ladies-- New Beyonce

Girl Power--Beyonce If I Were A Boy--New Video

Make The World Go Round --New Nas

**My 100th post **Mike Jones Cuddy Buddy

John Legend, Raphael Saadiq Team For Tour

Sidebar--Pro-NUN-cee-Ay-Shun of Designers--Check It Out!

Sidebar--Speed Paint From Salena Barnes Hip Hop Reached Germany

New Video--Jazmine Sullivan Bust Your Windows

Bust Your Windows Trey Songz vs. Jazmine Sullivan

New Music From Mario!

New Video--Common --Universal Mind Control

New Video--Love Lockdown

Usher Courts The Ladies With November Tour

Music Marketing & Brand Promotion

Obama on Hip Hop- Check It Out!

Sidebar--Perfect For My Mood Today

Online Hip-Hop Awards--Kinda Cool Right?

Usher-- Trading Places

Lil Wayne Already Recording 'Tha Carter IV'

Sidebar--I Swear There's A Song For Every Emotion

Jazmine Sullivan --Top Debut

Kanye...Love Don't Live Here Anymore!!!!!

T.I. A Few New Tracks From Paper Trail

***New Avant*** When It Hurts

Notorious-The Movie Jan 2009

Kanye Gone Muppet Baby?

**Brand New** Nina Sky--Curtain Call

My Video Pick Of The Week

Rising Up--The Roots f/ Chrisette Michele & Wale

My New Picks

Top Video Hairstyles That Should Never Be Duplicated

Billboard Hot 100 50th Year Anniversary

Concert Must See

Sidebar--The Soloist Staring Jamie Foxx

Teenie Bopper Part Deux: Teyana Taylor

iTunes Radio

Teenie Bopper Blackout: Chasing The Legacy

My 100th post Mike Jones Cuddy Buddy

New Avant When It Hurts

Brand New Nina Sky--Curtain Call