She Got That Vibe

Snubbed by JHud

2010-01-01T20:11:00.006-06:00

Hey there readers!

I thought I would share a personal experience with you all.

Well I was in Chicago on 12/30/09. Earlier that evening I was in the Water Tower Mall on Michigan Ave with a friend. The second we walk in my friend says is that Jennifer Hudson? As I turn I notice that it looks like a woman walking with someone who looks like Jennifer Hudson's sister. As the woman turns to the side, I see that it in fact is Jennifer Hudson. Now granted I am not much of a fan but I figure hey its Jennifer Hudson, she's a hometown girl its cool.

So I shuffle over to her (at my friend's protest). I say Hi, aren't you Jennifer Hudson? She replies "Yes I am" and promptly goes back to looking at jewelry in a display case. Initially when she confirms that she is who she is, I get excited and wave my friend over. She walks over and mentions that she saw J Hud's Christmas special, to which JHud replies thank you for watching I appreciate it. Then my friend quietly replies to me, Bonita Applebum she looks like she doesn't want to be bothered. To which I reply you know what you are right. We say our good byes and are on our way.

I understand that she may have been approached by people all day, but she was particularly standoffish and cold. I left her feeling salty and slightly embarrassed that I went out of my way to speak to her. That experience completely turned me off to the idea of randomly speaking to celebrities. If I in fact see another celebrity I WILL NOT do what I did today and make it a point to speak.

I mean I know I probably shouldn't have but I took that shit personally. As a celebrity you never know what type of impression you may leave on somebody for the rest of their life. I also think about the fact that I could have been one of those die-hard fans who considered her my idol, if I was that type of a fan, that total exchange would have broke my heart and hurt my feelings. It is my opinion that as a celebrity, you should expect the random encounters of people who recognize you and act accordingly, its a part of your profession, if you don't want to be bothered while shopping, hire a personal shopper. I vow that if I ever become famous I will do my absolute best, to be as courteous as possible at all times to those that show me any kind of support. I would never want to have someone who supports me or my work walk away from me feeling the way that I felt.

Now when I think of JHud I will think of that encounter and the initial admiration I had for her will now be tainted because I realize that just like most people she has the capacity to be rude. What she said wasn't particularly rude but the vibe she gave off was "Get the fuck away from me"

That said, she wont be getting any of my support. I just thought she could have been a little more warm and personable... I mean she didn't even smile.

Guess I expected too much

Merry Merry Christmas

2009-12-21T08:28:00.000-06:00

Hey there my lovely readers!! (That's if I still have some)

I know I havent posted in awhile. But I'm back just in time for the Holidays!!

Now what type of Music Blogger would I be if I didnt share some of my FAVORITE Christmas songs!

So if you would like to hear them........HERE THEY GO!!!

Vanessa Williams- WHAT CHILD IS THIS

I love this song! The smooth jazzy feel goes great with the original arrangement of the song. Vanessa Williams voice just glides over the melody it always puts me in the Christmas mood!

Donny Hathaway- THIS CHRISTMAS

Now YOU KNOW! I couldnt list Christmas songs without mentioning this CLASSIC soul song by the ILLUSTRIOUS Donny himself! There have been MANY covers from Gospel to Country but there is only one version that gets me going at Christmas and thats this one!!

Stevie Wonder- SOME DAY AT CHRISTMAS

Ah Stevie Wonder, he always makes such inspirational songs and this one is no different. Whenever I hear this song I get a little choked up. I mean don't we all want to live in the world he describes in this song?

The Jackson 5- GIVE LOVE ON CHRISTMAS DAY

R.I.P. Micheal Jackson! This was the Jackson 5 at their FINEST! Their Christmas album was a household staple when I was growing up. There have been many covers of this song, but Michael's voice is always the one that moves me : )

Mary Mary- O Come All Ye Faithful

Now I have had trouble finding the actual recording of this song, but when I saw this performance years ago I knew I loved this version. Me and my sister even came up with our own rendition at home based off this video LOL! Anyway I just love the way they sound together

The Temptations- SILENT NIGHT

The Temptations! This song was another household staple. I love their Merry Christmas to All of You harmony at the intro and the end! That part always does it for me!

Boys 2 Men feat Brian McKnight- LET IT SNOW

Had a problem finding the original video that was of good quality. But anyway this one here is a classic for me and my generation I'm sure. This will be the song we play in our households for our children. I just love this song, its so pretty and romantical! LOL

Well thats my list folks! I'm sure there is a lil bit of something in there for anyone. But we all have our favorite Christmas songs. So What's Yours?

Oh and a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my readers!

Chickens Coming Home to Roost

2009-12-07T18:32:00.001-06:00

In light of all the news surrounding Tiger Woods, I thought I would give my opinion on the situation.

Well initially I could have cared less about the situation. Then I heard about his public apology.

I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart. I have not been true to my values and the behaviour my family deserves. I am not without faults and I am far short of perfect. I am dealing with my behaviour and personal failings behind closed doors with my family. Those feelings should be shared by us alone.
Although I am a well-known person and have made my career as a professional athlete, I have been dismayed to realise the full extent of what tabloid scrutiny really means.
For the last week, my family and I have been hounded to expose intimate details of our personal lives. The stories in particular that physical violence played any role in the car accident were utterly false and malicious. Elin [pictured below with Woods] has always done more to support our family and shown more grace than anyone could possibly expect.
But no matter how intense curiosity about public figures can be, there is an important and deep principle at stake which is the right to some simple, human measure of privacy. I realise there are some who don't share my view on that.
But for me, the virtue of privacy is one that must be protected in matters that are intimate and within one's own family. Personal sins should not require press releases and problems within a family shouldn't have to mean public confessions.
Whatever regrets I have about letting my family down have been shared with and felt by us alone. I have given this a lot of reflection and thought and I believe that there is a point at which I must stick to that principle even though it's difficult.
I will strive to be a better person and the husband and father that my family deserves. For all of those who have supported me over the years, I offer my profound apology. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1232902/Tiger-Woods-Furious-wife-Elin-phoned-mistress-Jaimee-Grubbs.html#ixzz0Z3M0XGPL

While on the surface it seems like a genuine attempt to address his fans and the media alike. I couldn't help but smell bullshit. Not to mention the fact that when TMZ intially reported that the car accident was related to a domestic dispute due to infidelty he vehemently denied the accusations. Now that the mistress has come forward, he's sorry and this situation is off limits to the press.

NEGRO (Yes NEGRO) PLEASE!

You can't make a career off of public opinion, with enough endorsement deals to keep you and your grandkids set for life, live in the public eye, and then when things get rocky start whining about how your privacy has been invaded. How about you do this?

First, if you know you are not meant to be faitful dont get married. If you do in fact, get married and are going to be unfaithful dont leave stupid ass voicemails like this.... ON YOUR MISTRESSE'S CELL PHONE!
(Although I must say I laughed hysterically when I first listened to this)

Point blank Tiger once you're a celebrity, you can't pick and choose which aspects of your life are on or off limits, it would have behooved you to put on some act right seeing as how you have so much at stake, but instead you are experiencing what many people call your Chickens Coming Home to Roost.

I have to say that this guy is clearly disturbed. Now it's being said that at least 7other women have come forward to say that they have had sexual relations with Tiger Woods since he has been married and there is even talk of a sex tape!

All that glitters isnt gold.

Tiger Woods would have liked all of us to believe that he is someone like this

- A Family Man. Passionate about being a loving, honorable and doting husband and father.

Now it comes out that he is more of this

A man who is hell bent on getting his jollies off with as many women as he pleases, at the expense of the embarrassment it will cause his family and his career.

Guess he's not as clean cut as many of us would like to think.

I hate to jump to conclusions and jump on the man without hearing both sides of the story. But if it looks like a duck...You know the rest. I have to say that I never was nor will I ever be a Tiger Woods fan. But as a man he has some serious flaws and his true character is showing, and I must say I DO NOT like what I see.

The Soul Train Music Awards

2009-11-30T22:33:00.000-06:00

Last night the Soul Train Music Awards aired on BET, and BET's new network Centric.

Overall I think it was a decent reintroduction. Here is my overall recap.

The Good

Toni Braxton and Trey Songz- Their performance was decent and the kiss was the kicker. Oddly enough I don't think it was a big shock because most people knew about it for weeks when the show was originally recorded. Toni looked fabulous and Trey was looking scrumptious as usual.

TreySongz- He looked good, sounded good, I liked the dancers, and did I say he looked good?

The Boring

K-Ci and JoJo - During the Charlie Wilson tribute, They just looked bad, I heard K-ci grunt a few times and I didnt hear a peep from JoJo

Robin Thicke- I like his music but he doesn't have much stage presence

Ryan Leslie- It seemed like he was singing too low to be heard, the music was alright but his actual vocal performance was much to be desired.

The Favorites

Chrissette Michele- The voice was flawless, facial expressions were somewhat of a distraction but you could tell she was feeling the song

Erykah Badu and Ledisi- During the Chaka Kahn tribute, Hands down they killed it, Fantasia did her signature hollering and Angie Stone decided to let Chaka sing most of her own tribute.

If you havent caught it, I'm sure it will re-air. The only awards I remember were Beyonce winning for Best Album of the year and Keri Hilson winning for Best New Artist and Best Collaboration with Ne-Yo and Kanye West for Knock You Down.

Silky Soul Music (The Highlights)

2009-11-17T08:00:00.000-06:00

Silky Soul Music, the album that is a tribute to the Legendary band Frankie Beverly and Maze, by some of soul music's artists right now.

SilkySoulMusic by Musiq Soulchild- Musiq opens up the album with this jazzy tune. His own tribute to Frankie Beverly and Maze. There was a man I knew, who was smooth as smooth can be, His music, His smile and his sweet, sweet melody.

We Are One by Raheem Devaughn- Frankie and Beverly's socially consciense song about how we are connected covered by D.C's own Raheem Devaughn. Genius!

Can't Get Over You by Joe- The perfect song for Joe's silky and smooth voice. His rendition is spot on, check out the vid.

Before I Let Go by Mary J. Blige- You can't mention Frankie Beverly and Maze without mentioning this song and Mary does the fellas proud.

Happy Feelings by Ledisi- Soul singer Ledisi's strong and beautiful voice cover of this original is definetly gonna give you Happy Feelings

Never Let You Down by Kevon Edmonds- BabyFace Edmond's baby brother and former member of the group Milestone, uses his signature tenor voice to sing yet another smooth remake by the legendary band.

If you havent already, definetly check out this album. This is for all those who appreciate REAL singers, Soul Music or die-hard fans of Frankie Beverly and Maze.
Enjoy!

Album Review (Transition)

2009-11-16T08:06:00.000-06:00

31 year old Ryan Leslie has released his 2nd album titled, Transition.

The mind and music behind Cassie's debut single Me&U. Ryan has written and produced a number of artists throughout his career such as Danity Kane and Britney Spears.

For this album he wrote, arranged, produced and engineered the entire project.

Rumor has it that this entire album was inspired by a lady whom Leslie met during a rehearsal for his showcase at New York's S.O.B.'s. They went on to have a relationship during the summer of 2009, which the album tells the story of.

Now to the Highlights!

Never Gonna Break Up - A jazzy 70's inspired beat is the backup for this catchy song. Ryan speaks of losing the one he loves but vows to find the right one next time around. "I just want a girl that looks good with no makeup and when I find her I promise we're Never Gonna Break Up"

You're Not My Girl- Ryan's first single off of the album. A quick dance number where Ryan tries to convince a girl to go along with all the routines of a girlfriend and yet never allow herself to be claimed as such. "You can call my phone, you can swing over my place, on your nights alone you can come over my place, if he treats you wrong let me give it you my way, Just remember that You're Not My Girl

Guardian Angel- (My personal favorite) a sweet mid tempo song. Ryan has found his guardian angel in the woman he loves. "This isnt make believe, You found your way to me, and now, You deserve angel wings of that I'm certain"

Rescue U -(A track from the Deluxe Edition of the album)Smooth, jazzy, chill type music. Ryan croons over the track that he's coming through to rescue his woman and let her forget about her troubles. "Slowly unlock your heart, show me the way, to make it right, Baby I'm coming, said I'm coming through to Rescue U"

Promise Not 2 Call-(Another track from the Deluxe Edition) Catchy smooth midtempo track where Ryan decides to call it quits and makes a promise not to call as long as she doesnt call. "I promise not to call you if you dont call me baby it's alright, I promise I wont, I think its better if we dont, I wont call you no more if you dont call me no more, Lets make that promise and maybe we can move on girl"

Album Review (Attention Deficit)

2009-11-12T09:00:00.000-06:00

For all those that think Hip-Hop is dead, take a listen to Wale's AttentionDeficit and be delivered. Think a mixture of Kanye West, The Roots and Talib Kweli. Much like these artists, the D.C. native has an identity all his own. Tackling such subjects as color complexes in the Black community, low self esteem, and reviving Hip-Hop. Wale teeters the line between being a bragadocious rapper and a Hip-Hop Dr. Phil

Now on to the Highlights!

Mama Told Me- Leading the song with; "Sorry Hip Hop it took me so long to get on but so long that I'm on it, It's On!" Sampling Summer Madness by Kool and the Gang with a smooth jazzy flow, Wale raps about being in the game, the highs and the lows. "Mama Told Me it'd be days like but I aint never ever think it'd be a day like this"

Diary feat Marsha Ambrosius (of Floetry) - A track that sounds a lot like a lullaby Wale speaks to a lady who has his heart but guards her own, because of pain she's experienced in the past. "Queen you deserve the title, but she rejects what I give, while she nurse the wounds by them."

Beautiful Bliss feat J.Cole and Melanie Fiona- Trumpet sounds in the background while the honey sweet voice of Melanie Fiona riffs over the track topped off by a beast of a verse from Fayetville's own J.Cole. Wale's Beautiful Bliss...seeing his time come in the Hip-Hop game. "Babe you know it gets know better than this, its like sunshine on a rainy day its like a high could you take me away, take me away, away, It's a Beautiful Bliss"

Shades feat Chrisette Michele - "From a light skinned girl, to a dark skinned brother, Shade doesnt matter, heart makes the Lover" Wale speaks of his own battle with his complexion, how it shaped his relationships with women and himself. While Chrisette Michele holds down the hook.

Prescription - "Here go your prescription" Wale offering his own brand of Hip-Hop medicine, over a breezy flute driven background. Thank you Wale, I feel better already.

Attention Deficit is in stores now and available on Itunes.

If you dont have it, get it!

Who Dat Wednesday (Melanie Fiona)

2009-10-28T18:08:00.000-05:00

Melanie Fiona a Canadian born singer is fast approaching It Girl status. Born Melanie Hallim to Guyanese parents in Toronto, Melanie had an early love for music. Counting the Ronettes, Whitney Houston, and Sam Cook as early influences you can hear the appreciaton for early soul in her music.

Her current album The Bridge is available now in stores and on ITunes. Her first single Give It To Me Right has a sample from Time of the Season by The Zombies. Her current single It Kills Me, has a video that is in heavy rotation on MTV Jams, MTV, MTV2 and is on the countdown on BET's 106@Park. It also has a cameo apperance from CSI Miami's Adam Rodriguez.

Check it Out

Also a live performance of Give It To Me Right

Melanie Fiona's Website

She is currently on Tour here is her schedule check her out if you can!
10/29/2009
Benedict College - Listening Session
Columbia, SC
1600 Harden Street 29204 .

11/4/2009
Georgia State University - Listening Session
Atlanta, GA
P.O. Box 3965 30302 .

11/4/2009
Clark Atlanta University - Listening Session
Atlanta, GA
223 James P. Brawley Drive 30314 .

11/4/2009
Spelman College - Listening Session
Atlanta, GA
350 Spelman Lane 30314 .

11/6/2009
Nokia Theatre - Melanie Fiona Opens for Ryan Leslie
New York, NY
1515 Broadway 10036 .

11/9/2009
BET 106 and Park
New York, NY
6:00 PM .

11/16/2009
Showbox SoDo
Seattle, WA
98101

11/17/2009
Crystal Ballroom
Portland, OR .

11/18/2009
Fox Theatre
Oakland, CA
1807 Telegraph Avenue 94612

11/20/2009
The Wiltern
Los Angeles, CA

11/21/2009
House of Blues
Las Vegas, NV
89119

Tell It Like It T.I.S. Tuesdays (Still Standing)

2009-10-27T20:48:00.001-05:00

Well for today's topic I will be talking about the Season Premiere of singer Monica's new show Still Standing.

The show which aired on BET tonight is a look into Monica's personal life as well as a behind the scenes look at the formation of her 5th studio album.

The show is a continuation of a special series that Monica did called the Single that was aired on Atlanta's Peachtree network.

I have to say that I am a very big fan of Monica's. I had her first album Miss Thang and was in love with her ever since. From her interviews she seems to be very real, down to earth and just a down home southern girl.

She is the mother of two young children Rodney the III, 4 and Romello 1. She is also currently engaged to Rodney "Rocko" Hill Jr.

Overall I think that the season premiere was good, I thought it just briefly touched on the work she is doing on her new album and her family life but it kept you long enough to see what the next episode will give the viewers. She was very candid about the suicide of her ex. Of which she witnessed, and made a song about called that was featured on her After the Storm album called I Wrote This Song.

She was also involved with No Limit rapper (and cousin of Master P) C-Murder who is now incarcerated for murder.

Monica has been through alot and has withstood the industry and personal tragedy so I am interested to see just how much this show will reveal about her everyday life.

I am rooting for her 5th album, she has said many times that she felt that the Makings Of Me and the marketing behind it were not true to her as an artist, so she is even more adamant to do it right this time.

Favorite Scene- "When her fiancee Rocko gave her encouragement about her strength as a singer and told her he was her #1 Fan. Very touching moment

So for those that havent seen the show it airs from now on every Tuesday night 9:00 Central and 10:00 Eastern.

Here is the title track from her new album as well as the opening song for the show

Still Standing (full version) - Monica

Also I Wrote This Song

I Wrote This Song - Monica

Freaky Friday&Sexy Saturday (Joe)

2009-10-24T12:13:00.001-05:00

So in my inability to write a post for Freaky Friday I have decided to post Freaky Friday and Sexy Saturday together.

Today's artist is Joe Thomas.

Joe has been known for his sexy and sultry music. So in honor of Freaky Friday I will post one of his slow jam baby making songs from one of my favorite albums
My Name is Joe

One Life Stand - JOE

Joe Thomas was early influenced by gospel music being the son of two preachers. Later he got his break while being discovered in a gospel record store while giving guitar lessons in the back. He signed with Polygram Mercury records in 1993 releasing his first album Everything. Due to it's lackluster sales the album was released from his contract.

His first break out hit was All the Things (Your Man Wont Do)and was featured on the soundtrack for the Wayans Brother's movie Dont Be a Menace While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood.

Later he released All That I Am and it eventually went platinum. Scoring hits such as Dont Wanna Be a Player (which was later revamped on Big Pun's still not a player remix) and The Love Scene.

In 2000 he released My Name is Joe, his most successful album to date ( and my personal favorite) spawning such hits as I Wanna Know, Treat Her Like A Lady and Stutter.

In 2001 and 2003 he released Better Days and And..Then respectively.

In 2007 Joe released Aint Nothin Like Me, which featured Baby Where You At and was his last album on Jive Records.

In 2008, Joe found a new home with Kedar Entertainment/Universal and released JoeThomas/New Man

This year he released Signature, (an album of all ballads) independantly in Japan and the U.S.

Here are a few of my favorite songs from some of his various albums ( All Slow Jams of course)

From My Name is Joe

so beautiful - Joe

From All That I Am

The Love Scene - Joe

From Signature

FRIENDS DONT LET FRIENDS... - Joe

From And...Then

More & More - Joe

Who Dat Wednesday (Jazzy)

2009-10-21T20:47:00.000-05:00

Hey Hey Hey!

Its Who Dat Wednesday!

Today's featured artist is Jazzy!

Hailing from Southern California, this young lady got her start writing for other artists as one half of a group called The Write Chix.

She released her first album Oh Jazzy indepentendently November 2006

Her popularity is steadily growing with her songs being played on Sirius radio as being featured on websites such as Indiemusic.com

She is currently shopping her album around looking for a record label.

Her voice is soft and feathery soprano. Her music is a mixture of R&B and pop and the production she uses definetly coincides well with her voice. She never oversings or lets the production over power her voice.

Be on the look out for this girl!

From Oh Jazzy

Make Up - Jazzy

Already Know - Jazzy

New Releases (scheduled to be on her next album)

A.W.O.L. - Jazzy

Control me - Jazzy

Jazzy's Myspace Page

Concert Footage!!! (106&Park Tour)

2009-10-20T17:13:00.000-05:00

Interrupting today's Tell It Like It T.I.S. Tuesdays to share some Concert Footage.

I was fortunate enough to see Mario, Day 26 and Trey Songz in concert. So I'm here to share some videos!

Day 26

Mario

Trey Songz

The tour isnt over yet! Here is the schedule for the rest of the 106&Park Tour as well as Trey Songz's College Tour if they havent been to your city yet, try and get tickets...You wont be sorry!

Oct20 Detroit, MI, Saint Andrews Hall
Oct21 Indianapolis, IN, Egyptian Room at Murat Center
Oct22 Fayetteville, NC, Fayetteville University
Oct24 Dover, DE, Delaware State University
Oct25 Belton, TX, TBD
Oct28 Norfolk, VA, Norfolk State University
Oct30 Orangeburg, SC, South Carolina St University
Oct31 Greensboro, NC, A & T University
Nov6 Osaka Japan, Osaka Club Quattro
Nov7 Yokohama Japan, Yokohama Bay Hall
Nov8 Okinawa Japan, Okinawa U.S. Marine Base Camp
Nov10 Tokyo Japan, Tokyo Ebisu Liquid Room
Nov11 Washington, DC, TBD
Nov12 Boston, MA, TBD
Nov2 1San Bernadino, CA, ASU Fox Theater

Sexy Saturday ( Keri Hilson)

2009-10-17T21:29:00.000-05:00

Hey Hey Hey its Sexy Saturday!

And today its dedicated to Miss Kerri (Baby)Hilson.

Keri originally of Decatur, Georgia started out in the music industry as a songwriter with the songwriting group The Cluth, penning songs for everyone from Britney Spears to Ludacris.

She eventually joined forces with Timbaland and was signed to his label Mosley Music Group. Since then she was featured on Timbaland's The Way I Are.

Earlier this year she released her first studio album,In A Perfect World. She has realeased the singles, Energy, Turnin Me On, Knock You Down and Slow Dance.

Which gained her the BET Award for Best New Artist.

Her "sexy" looks have landed her as a principle girl in Usher's Love in this Club video and as a woman featured in Neyo's video for Miss Independant.

Currently she has two singles released, Slow Dance and Number One with R.Kelly both of which she co-wrote.

Miss Keri is as sexy as she is talented. So be on the look out for her, and her sexy music.

Here's the video for this week's Freaky Friday feature, Make Love.

Freaky Friday (Make Love)

2009-10-16T17:17:00.001-05:00

This Freaky Friday's edition is the song Make Love by the lovely Miss Keri Hilson.

So this song is smooth a little mid tempo but Keri's voice is light and feathery. What better song to make love to then Make Love? So gone get your Freak On *wink*

Make Love - Keri Hilson

Who Dat Wednesday (Teedra Moses)

2009-10-14T16:39:00.000-05:00

It's Who Dat Wednesday!!!

Today is dedicated to one of my favorite artists...Teedra Moses.

I was first introduced to Teedra back in 2004, when she released her first studio album, Complex Simplicity

Straight banger all the way through. A few of her singles off that album were Be Your Girl and You'll Never Find (A Better Woman) feat Jadakiss

Here's the video for Be Your Girl

While the album didn't do so well on the charts. This woman's talent is undeniable.

Ms. Moses career started as a wardrobe stylist for musical artists such as Will Smithand R. Kelly.

Later she decided to pursue her music career, and dropped Complex Simplicity.

After that highly underrated album, She took a route that has in the past has proved to be a very viable move for Hip-Hop artists. she released two mixtapes Live at the Jungle and last year...Lionhearted. Which have also been very strong projects and gained her even more fans in the process.

Throughout her music career she has proved to be a very accomplished writer, pennings songs for Christina Milian, Mary J. Blige, Nivea and Teairra Marie.

This year she is set to release her second studio album The Young Lioness.

Here are a few of my fav's from her studio album Complex Simplicity as well as her mixtapes.

Be sure to check her out, this girl's time is long overdue!

From Complex Simplicity (studio and acoustic)

Youll Never Find (Acoustic) - Teedra Moses

Teedra Moses - No More Tears - Teedra Moses

From Live From the Jungle

Closer - Teedra Moses

From Lionhearted

Teedra Moses - So KooL (2oo8) - Teedra Moses

From The Young Lioness

To Hell With It - Teedra Moses

Tell It Like it T.I.S. Tuesday (Chris Rock)

2009-10-13T17:55:00.000-05:00

Hey!

It's Tuesday so its time to Tell it like it T.I.S. about Chris Rock and the movie Good Hair.

Now I havent seen it yet, and I probably won't see it until it comes out on DVD. There are a few reasons for this.

As interesting as this movie may be , I think the main purpose of this movie is to educate non-black people about the the relationship black women have with their hair.

Simply put, I know all about black women and hair, because I am one. My sisters do hair, I hardly think I am going to find out too much that I dont already know.

Not only that but I have heard of some reactions that caucasian people have had towards the movie and I think that the message may be lost on some people.

I believe from seeing interviews from Chris Rock that he was trying to push the message that any hair that is healthy and that makes a woman feels good, is good hair.

But I think some people may be viewing it as a another way to marginalize black women and pity us for the hair that we are born with, or try to over philosphize why we have so many different styles for our hair.

I just feel like this movie may get a negative backlash, just because its solely focusing on black women and the things we do to our hair. In my opinion black women get sterotyped enough and this documentary may just add fuel to the fire.

Along with my feelings of apprehension is the fact that Chris Rock is a comedian. So some issues may be taken lightly simply because he may frame them that way. On top of that he is a black man, doing a movie about black women's hair, something I hardly think he is an expert about. Though I will give him credit for getting so many different black women's perspectives.

Nevertheless, the movie is in select theaters now and will be open to all theatres on October 23rd.

Here's the trailer.

People who have seen it can let me know what you think!

Sexy Saturday (Trey Songz)

2009-10-10T21:09:00.000-05:00

In all my saturday laziness, I almost forgot to post my Sexy Saturday entry.

In light of posting his song as a Freaky Friday edition I figured it is only right to have the man Trey Songz as the focus of this week's Sexy Saturday!

Gosh where to begin.....

Well there's a start!

Within this past year the man has just transformed into someone who ooozes sex appeal. From the cutting of the braids, to the gaining of the 15 pounds of muscle mass to the very sexually charged music, this man lives and breathes sex!

See what I mean?

But his looks alone is not what makes him sexy in my opinion. It's his ambition. Trey Songz originally Tremaine Neverson, started in this business at the tender age of 19. Originally from Petersburg, Virginia he teamed up with record producer Troy Taylor and the rest they say is history.

His first album Gotta Make It, was a modest success with it peaking at Number 20 on the Billboard 200 charts , later his sophmore effort, Trey Day was better recieved peaking at number 11 on the Billboard 200 charts. But his best work to date is his new album READY.

With songs like Neighbors Know My Name, Love Lost, I Invented Sex and Black Roses. Trey Songz is definetly carving a place out for himself as the new king of R&B.

This year he has made many very intelligent marketing moves. From releasing a very solid mixtape Anticipation(you can listen to it from beginning to end) for free to his fans, to starting a blog, posting himself live on ustream, to his twitter account SongzYuuup and headlining his own tour. Mr. Songz is Ready to show the world that he is in this game to stay!

Along with his most recent album is he also apart of a group called Ocean's 7 which also includes, Jermaine Dupri, Johnta Austin, Nelly, B. Cox, Tyrone Davis and Usher.
The group has released a mixtape titled 3000 and 9 Shit.

Here's a video of their first single... So So Much Swagg

He also has a production company called Songbook Entertainment which was formed with Troy Taylor.

Recently he also performed at the Hip Hop Honors with Warren G, and he has two new videos being released for his Ready singles; Say Aah and I Invented Sex.

Here are a few of my favorite tracks from his Ready album and Anticipation mixtape.

From Anticipation

Scratchin Me Up (Bonus Version) - Trey Songz

Make It Rain - Trey Songz

Does She Know - Trey Songz

From Ready

Neighbors Know My Name (Album Version) - Trey Songz

Love Lost (Album Version) - Trey Songz

One Love (Album Version) - Trey Songz

So Trey Songz this Sexy Saturday is for you....

Freaky Friday (SuperDuperJupiterLove)

2009-10-09T17:03:00.000-05:00

Its Freaky Friday!

This is the day where I feature a song that I think is perfect baby making music. You know the kind of song you can put on repeat and get your freak on too.

Today's choice is Jupiter Love by the very sexy Trey Songz.

It's soft, it's definetly sexy, with a romantic undertone. His voice is like buttah. Take a listen...lyrics below!

Jupiter Love (Album Version) - Trey Songz

You lookin too gooood.
What you standin over there by yourself for..
Wont you come over here...

Unh..
I think its time we take a trip, tell me where.
Tell me where u wanna gooooO aah(u wan go)
I got an idea

(what you think about this....just follow me baby..take you where you need to be)

Gurl you know that you the sshhh, 'way u walkin wit dem heels on
Talkin to me dirty
yo body I wanna feel on(feel on) feel on(feel on)
Once I get to you I promise we gon go re-real long(real long) real long (real long) real long
Gurl I do you rite
Don't you know that you the sshhh, got me turnin off my cell phone
Nothins more important than gettin our fairytale on(tale on)
Ya hair long(hair long)
I just wanna pull it
Baby wait a minute
Don't be timid
Don't be shy you so fly
I just wanna take you on a ride

Hook 2X
I think its time we a trip to the bed
Girl yo body's talkin and im lovin what she said
Don't you be afraid to
Let me elevate you
Welcome you to suuuper.. duuuper..Jupiter Looove

Girl you know dat you the ssshh
Aint nobody gotta tell ya
Natural body fragrance is such a sweet aroma
Oooooh hooow I loooove
being inside your loooove
You lookin too goooood
For me not jump all over you
So goooood
That's exactly what I wanna do
Let me hold ya heart, show me where to start
Its amazin how you shine in the dark

Hook 2X
I think its time we take a trip to the bed(can we go there)
Girl yo body's talkin and I'm lovin what she said
Don't you be afraid to
Let me elevate you
(I wanna)Welcome you to suuuper(wEeew)..duuuper..Jupiter Looove

Oooohnow that we are here
The stars are all aligned
Its unbelievable
Sooooo incredible
Give me your looooooooooooooooooove
Ho ho ho ho ho ho hooo
Yooo looove
Weeelcome to suuper duuper Jupiter Looove

Hook 3X
I think its time we take a trip ro the bed
Girl yo body's talkin and im lovin what she said
Don't you be afraid to
Let me elevate you
Welcome you to suuuper..duuuper..Jupiter Looove

Who Dat Wednesday! (Amanda Diva)

2009-10-07T10:34:00.000-05:00

Well this is the segment of the week where I will feature a new musical artist who I think everyone should keep an eye out for.

Today's artist is Amanda Diva!

She's not exactly new, she has been doing her thing for a minute. The actress/ poet/ singer/lyricist/painter/television host had an early start as a kid actress on the 94-95 Nickelodeon show My Brother and Me. After that show was canceled. Diva, fell off the radar a bit, pursuing her education. However in 2002 she debuted on Def Poetry Jam performing an original poem called "Hot Shit" (A personal favorite of mine)

After that she did everything from hosting a show on MTV2 to DJing the Hip-Hop Nation radio show on Sirius all while recieving her degree in African American studies from Columbia University.

In 07 she toured as the other half of Floetry replacing Natalie Stewart. That same year she released her debut LP entitled Life Experience. Here's a single from that album...

Windows Over Harlem

Here is her latest video off of her latest project Spandex, Rhymes and Soul.

Neon!

Oh and lest not I forget, She also has a television show on YouTube titled DivaSpeak...a little bit of political commentary, hip-hop, comedy...Check it out!

She also has a blog that she updates to keep people informed about all the moves she's making.... AmandaDiva's Blog

So now when someone mentions who Amanda Diva is...you should be all caught up! Keep an eye out for this lady...she's doing BIG THINGS!

Tell It Like It T.I.S. Tuesday!

2009-10-06T20:51:00.000-05:00

Today is Tell it like it T.I.S. Tuesdays folks!

This is the day where I state my opinion about someone or something that some people might not find favorable. I give it to you real and raw about how I feel about the chosen topic good or bad. So lets get it crackin shall we?

Today’s topic is P.Diddy aka Puff Daddy aka Puffy aka Sean Combs aka I cant keep a reputable group or artist on my label to save my life.

He is currently featured on the cover of Ebony Magazine’s November 2009 issue.

Here are a few highlights from the article:

About his new sound
“It sounds like a sexual mix of world music, hip-hop, Chicago house, British pop and underground techno with a heavy dose of West African bass and Sade-esque vocal treatment.”

About him as a business man
“He’s probably not the most liked person,” says Heavy D,… But I think his greatness is in marketing and business…Ask him if he thinks he’s the best rapper and the answer will be ‘hell, no’ [But] he knows how to make something big……

and then send it crashing and burning into music oblivion- that’s my quote by the way

He also has two reality shows on MTV one is called Making his band, where he is following the same premise for all the other Making the Band shows except this time he is looking for musicians and back up singers to go on the road with him for his new album Last Train to Paris.

The other is Starmaker, Diddy’s own little version of American Idol, except this time all the contestants suck and would have been better off competing for #1 Karaoke Bar singer where they receive a complimentary drink on the house as opposed to competing to win a recording contract with Bad Boy Records.

I will just say first that it is clear what Diddy is doing with these shows, their always seems to be a new one right when he is releasing a new album or starting some new project.
For that, I am not mad at him. But what I am a bit perturbed about with his whole marketing strategies is that something ALWAYS suffers and usually it’s his artists.

There have been countless artists who have been signed to his label such as:
Faith Evans, 112, the Lox, Mase, shyne, Loon, Shyne, Dream, da band, Danity kane,

What do all these artists have in common?

They suffered once diddy decided he wanted to be an artist and not work to cultivate and develop the REAL ones he had on his label.

This fact has been stated by these artists themselves.

Shameful, seeing as that’s how he started- being an A&R rep for uptown records.

While there are many things to be respected about his business acumen., As a man I think this guy is a straight Jackass!

He is so focused on his own ego, and furtherin his own agenda that he neglects the artists on his label and ultimately the music suffers.

Case in point; Faith Evans…her album Faithfully (which I believe is her best one to date) was the last one that she recorded with bad boy records.

I feel that this album was extremely underrepresented, it could have been so much more successful.

Sadly it wasn’t.

Faith Evans has stated in her autobiography Keep the Faith, that she worked her ass off on that
album and was sorely disappointed that it wasn’t given the attention it deserved.

Realizing that Diddy was not going to ever put as much effort into her projects as he did into his own, she left to pursue other avenues.

Later she delivered First Lady on Capitol Records. Another very good album but as I stated not even close to the genius that is Faithfully.

Oh by the way has anyone heard of Janelle monae?

You havent?

Well maybe that’s because she’s a REAL artist on Bad Boy Records. (find a new label Janelle, PLEASE!)

All of that to the side, lets not forget to mention the way that he talks to people. You have seen it enough if you have watched even ONE of his reality shows. This guy will talk to a grown ass man like he is lower than dirt!

For some of the smallest infractions.

I am all about being a leader and getting things done but there is a way that you can speak to people and still get what you want out of them. This man has no tact or decorum when he goes in on people. You couldn’t pay me to endure the verbal abuse this man spouts from his mouth.

At this time he is apart of a group called Diddy Dirty Money which also includes Dawn from the now defunct pop singing group Danity Kane and songwriter Kalenna Harper.

Hmm, could this be the reason Danity Kane split up? Was this his plan all along?

The world may never know.

Their first single is Angels. I personally think it’s just OK. Not at all indicative of that exaggerated explanation that was given by Ebony magazine about his “new” sound.

Sounds like a bit of echo and autotune, nothing special

Take a listen below if you haven’t heard it. Let me know what you think

One word for Day 26….. RUN!

My Name Is Bonita Applebum and I'd like to say!

2009-10-06T10:34:00.001-05:00

What up people!

Allow me to introduce myself

My name is Bonita Applebum.

Yes my name was inspired by the A Tribe Called Quest song.

Moving right along...

I am here because I love music. All kinds. I also Love Vibe Magazine. I would like to say that I am a pop-culture critic, but who isnt? We all critique what we see everyday. Pop culture is simply whats popular, its right in our faces, so of course we are going to have an opinion about it.

I will be using this blog as that very medium. You will not only see critiques of Vibe Magazine or of music, but also fashion, celebrity news and any other random musings that I have.

However music is the foundation for this blog. Music is my life. So you will be hard pressed to come here and not see me writing about it at any given time. Besides, when you think about it, music encompasses almost everything we are familiar with.

This is about my opinions and I dont write to change yours. I write to express mine.

Point. Blank. Period.

I encourage discourse, as long as its respectful and really nothing should be taken personal here, I say what I say but its not law or written in stone.

So welcome and stay tuned!