Damn... Dawn!

Well... I didn't know my girl had it in her.  She got explicit and just cussed us all out but made it sound good!  LOL!  That girl right there on this song right here made me feel some kinda way at 3:35 PM on a Friday.  MAN... I can't even say anything else.  Just hit play!

That Bellinger Boy is doing it...

Endorsed by R&B/Pop giant, Usher, Eric Bellinger is hitting our ears with his newest mixtape installment.  And he definitely wants you to hear what his chops.  I’m sure working alongside Chris Brown, Jennifer Hudson, Tank and Ne-Yo has help this young guy develop his talent.  If you’re digging Usher’s new “Gone Missin”, Breezy’s “Fine China”, J. Hud and Ne-Yo’s “Think Like a Man” – you know his sound.  This mixtape is combination of smooth sounds, familiar subject area, and the pulse of what is going on right now.  Born II Sing Vol. III highlights the real skill of Bellinger. You may need to visit Vol. 1 and 2 if you aren’t hip to him.   Stream this one right here and download!

New Music for your ears... 4/5/2013

I'm back y'all with some music updates...

Say Chris Brown does this.  I have to give him props for his interview that he did on the Today Show and for really doing some GOOD music with this video. Hit PLAY to watch "Fine China".



If you know anything about the late 90's, you know it was the era of the "Quiet Storm".  You know the sound when you hear it: slow grinding music that make you "feel some kinda way". WELL - Shanell, YMCMB artist, has decided to cover one of the HITS that blazed that era, Adina Howard's "T-Shirt and Panties".  What do you think?



I'm becoming a fan of Jarell Perry.  He puts out great work and I'm digging this new joint "Smoke + Mirrors" ... Check it out and I'm sure you will love it too.

NEW MUSIC!!! The Drought is OVER!

I had to drop this off.  This project is dynamite and you definitely want to go to this jump and download the entire project!  But just in case your, skeptical on Jarell Perry - here's an opportunity to stream it.


Maleek – yeah, I like this track. It has that easy going feel. And it only gives us a snippet of this young new thundercat in music, but it’s enough to make you think twice about finding more music by him. Hit play to see what I mean.




Shoutout to my bro!  Last week my bro RL from the group Next hit us off with a video of the single he put out and I'm proud of how hard he's working.  If you think he's been chillin' since "Butta Love", check his resume y'all.  Congratulations man, and we look forward to hearing more from you.



Y'all know I'm a fan of Dawn Richard!  She continues to be her, and she's winning in her own lane.  Give her major distribution and publicity - I truly believe that she's different and talented enough to take over.  Check out this one!



Go and download this at Travis Garland's website.  I'm not going to get into how great this project is or how phenomenal Travis is.  Just hit play and it'll speak for itself.  BY FAR... one of my favorite mixtapes of the year!

Everybody LOVE/HATE? Bey...

Although not a fan, I have a tremendous respect for Beyonce and her public relations team.  This blog entry is inspired by her latest track “Bow Down/Been On”.

Let’s talk about what the track is, first.  The song is ego-driven, southern fried dance joint.  It is atypical of the stereotypical (and often true) hood fantasy: make it out, talk about your success and throw it in your hater’s face.

Let’s talk about who Beyonce is… Beyonce is the premier pop female artist of the last 5 years.  She has managed to crank out hits that keep the radio waves, award shows, SuperBowls and yes – even inaugurations (YES.. plural!) abuzz with her presence.  As an artist, Beyonce is a creation of everything that is powerful, friendly, talented, feminine - and most importantly COMMODIFIABLE. She not only looks good, but she sings well.  Now whether or not you believe her talent as a writer or executive producer for anything, you can’t knock the way that she has allowed her persona to be bought, sold and traded internationally without people really knowing who Beyonce Gisele Knowles-Carter really is.  The only thing we know about her other than that she is a daughter, sister, mother and wife is what she chooses to share (and even she does that in style and for an HBO special, you too can see it! LOL).  She carefully releases pieces of herself because she doesn’t want you to confuse her PERSONA with her PERSON.  As a result, she is one of the most respected artists to date because her business is not daily morning news or blog reel exclusive.

Now – where the incongruence comes in: based on her history as a person, people are polarized by the track.  Either they love Bey for doing something different (which is in part false.  This is the southern extension of “Diva”. It’s just the hoodrat remix) all while saying she got it like that, even saying “bitch” a couple times.  Or they hate it because they feel like Bey can change music, be a greater voice and use her influence for something that is better than this.

It is my belief that the fans/stans of Bey that love it are just that: fans.  They are going to consume all that is Beyonce.  For those who are sucked in by the fame machine, they are just buying into the commodified image that is offered.  They are acting as perfect consumers – some more ignorant than others.  I can’t knock the ignorant ones because they are genuinely products of their environment.  They are given and accept what they are told to think.  And if you are fan, you choose to enjoy what she does because of your connection to her: not only is that a right, but it’s a conscious and informed decision. Those who vehemently disagree with this track usually throw in commentary of real musicianship, associations with the Obamas, and tainting her image as a performer.  

As a self-proclaimed music connoisseur, I have to look at this from a historical, social and musical aspect.  In fact, that’s what my master’s trained me for.  Geographically, Beyonce is from Houston.  And as a resident of the state of Texas – this music is high quality regional music.  You walk down the street in Oak Cliff (Dallas), South Dallas, 4^th Ward (Houston), and other relatively urban communities in Texas [with the appropriate tour guides] – you will find music JUST LIKE it.  Historically, this song did not fit within the realm of music that she has most recently been doing.  THAT – indicates that either she’s breaking a trend OR this was fun.  And I choose the latter.  WHY?! Bey’s camp is smart.  This was released for free online via blogs and her website.  Based on her previous behavior, she’s using this track to generate a buzz about something else.  BRILLIANT MARKETING.  Beyonce’s more strategic contributions to issues of social matter (in response to her relationships to the Obamas) are carried out philanthropically through corporations and charities.  She rarely addresses issues within her music because that’s not her niche as an artist. She has to do things that are widely commodifiable in order to maintain her position.  YES, she has a great deal of respect for the Obamas and they think highly of her too.  But lest we forget – Wayne, yes Lil’ Wayne whom the president says he has in his iPod (which is an endorsement, no matter how you look at it) a few months ago was publically vilified and crucified (and rightfully so) for his Emmitt Till line on the “Karate Chop” remix.  So we have to put things in perspective: Wayne made a error in judgment, Bey was a hoodrat for less than five minutes.    She said no more than what other artists have said before.  In fact, for a moment - I applauded her for being brazen and bold enough to put it out.  She could've chosen to keep it. 

For the musically astute – this was not a traditional music form.  This is a product based on artistic expression.  The “degredation” of music that some music elites constantly bark over existed LONG before Bey got on the scene.  With increases in technology that made producing music at the tip of someone’s fingers (enter stage right “Fruity Loops” and Soulja Boy), how we consume and experience music has FOREVER changed.  Expecting someone to change music everytime they open their mouth is an insurmountable task.   Asking Bey to be more cerebral and musically meticulous with every music release is the equivalent of asking rappers to spell check and use correct grammar/sentence structure to bring a greater form of consciousness to the art form.  What makes artistic expressions through forms of music such a universal experience is that it is meant to meet people wherever they are.   It doesn’t have to be cerebral: it’s okay to just wanna move without the intention of being prolific.

Either you accept/like the song or not.  But critiquing her and making her an American Culture/Musicology/Sociology assignment is POINTLESS.  Why?  Beyonce owns a realm she created.  And she makes one HELL of a living doing so.  She may not be among the greats in history that changed music, but she definitely is an Honorable Mention in changing how people experience music.  Like her or not – the girl is an entertainer.  R&B newcomer and writer extraordinaire, Tiyon Christian (better known as TC) said it best last week on twitter when he talked about Bey always winning because she never responds to the negativity like people want her to, and for that – she always wins.  TC… bro you are spot on.   And Bey… keep WINNING – even though I won’t be listening to that song again.  LOL!

NEW MUSIC!!

Candice Nelson… whoa!  I stumbled upon this track and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised.  I had no idea that she could sing.  She’s a writer that has a composer’s credit list that is QUITE impressive, including songs for Mary J. Blige, Beyonce, Mindless Behavior, Jennifer Hudson, Brittney Spears and Jennifer Lopez.  Just to name a few.  Her latest installment is her formal introduction as a solo artist.  This song has an innocent sweetness to it, and could be a nice hit for her.  Hit play, and I promise that “Fallin” will have you hooked.




Anyone who knows me and knows me well knows I enjoy Stacy Barthe.  From the previous mixtapes to the Pandora station named after her, I love her work.  Well folks, she’s released another mixtape!  Stacy is giving us some more feel good music, and this mixtape is a great Spring joint.  It’s fresh and easy-going.  Definitely one of those that you can ride to all day long – just because it puts you in a great space!

 
 

Kevin McCall, one of hip-hop/R&B’s favorite writer/producers has released a mixtape.  And you know his work if you grooved to Chris Brown in the past 2 years.  He has been the hitman behind Brown’s mixtape and album hits – and if I must say so myself – his work is just as stellar, independently.  If you don’t believe me, check out Definition for yourself.

http://www.datpiff.com/Kevin-McCall-Definition-mixtape.452133.html

Brittany Barber is a lovely little talent.  She is relatively new to the music scene, but she is definitely an undeniable talent.  Bursting on to the scene with her latest offering, Love Letters, she delivers a mighty punch, and I definitely enjoyed listening to this project!

 

The Grammy's 2013 Recap!

2013 Grammy Recap!

First, let me say that it makes me happy that you all enjoy this from year to year.  I’ve been doing this since 2009, and you all have positively responded to it, and I look forward to providing my commentary. 

This year, even though I’m going to “GO IN” on the award show itself, I would like to point out a few things about the Grammy’s in general, to help you guys understand where I’m coming from.  The Grammy Award Show is a production of the Recording Academy.  People win Grammy’s not based on their chart positions, popularity, or sales.  The Recording Academy that picks these winners are an elite group of touted writers and producers with resumes deemed worthy.  Of course, there are some guidelines, but ultimately – it is up to those who are already apart of the Recording Academy to create space for those who want to become members.  For those of you think that an artist should have won in a category, get your writing and production credits up – because it’s about power… not about JUST talent.  Being that said… here we go…

I have to nod to the acoustic vibe that The Grammy’s was going for.  It exposes those who aren’t real singers. Point blank period.  BUT… taking that into account, you must realize that you want to present the best.  And I am not sure if they accomplished that last night. 

Performances

Justin Timberlake was good. And was perhaps the best performance of the night! I love the contrast in “Suit and Tie” already, but the performance just made it that much more visually believable.  And anytime you bring Hov up to perform with you, it’s going to be phenomenal.  It almost seems as though JT never took a break.  In addition to the performance, you have to appreciate the live instruments too.  He channeled the big band feel, and managed to pull it off with the whole black/white vibe too. 

So, the tribute that Elton John was performing with Mumford and Sons was a total distraction.  I promise he reminded me of Bobby Jones on the piano.  LOL! That suit was shimmering wasn’t it?! He is a legend so you can’t talk too much about him… but we can COME for Mother Mavis Staples… LOL!  I mean… other than the fact it sounded like she had been gargling with rocks and glass, I couldn’t write about the Grammy’s and NOT mention how she did.

Kelly Clarkson has been doing her GOOD singing lately.  First, the inauguration – and now the Grammy’s … Well kinda. I will say that she’s redeeming herself in these live joints. I think she should think about a live album.  Granted, she had some moments of “Kelly, you’re just about to lose your footing with all this emotional belting”… but she still stayed in KEY and managed to pull it together as a cohesive and enjoyable performance.  Not the night’s best, but certainly not its worst.

Maybe it was the hair… but Rihanna was… ehhh… I don’t know how I feel about it.  I mean, we know she’s limited vocally.  And I applaud the fact that she stayed in her lane (no pun intended – “Stay”)  Can’t help but think that she was thinking about Chris when she was singing.  And I liked Mikky Ekko singing it with her.  Ri-Ri got one of those voices that you need to break the monotony up a bit. And he was a healthy distraction.  The performance was kinda boring though.  

Now… the most aesthetic performance has to go to Taylor Swift.  She had a lot going on with her performance.  And I think that she did a decent job – and she definitely channeled Alice in Wonderland.  I don’t know if I like Taylor as an artist – it seems like she’s hyped (lest we forget what poor Kanye did to her years ago… LOL!)

Now Miguel… he was doing his thang!  Y’all have to peep the fact that he was really trying some things out vocally and TOTALLY nailed the beginning part of his performance.  And then Wiz in the performance too? Wiz is perhaps the most beloved rap artist out right now … this expectant father (of about 22 months now…) is forever “that dude” because he’s wifing and impregnating a former-stripper that was scorned by popular culture’s most scandalous rapper/personality. *shrug* 

Maroon 5 is a great group, one of my favorite artists is a member (PJ Morton).  Adam was giving us a great performance UNTIL he was interrupted by the yelling/scream of Alicia Keys and that HORRID song.  I love her as a writer but I wish she would hang up her vocal folds on the next clothes rack and just STOP singing – especially that daggum “Girl On Fire” song.  UGH!!!! I knew it was going to be pitchy as SOON as she opened her mouth. Now because the energy was already in the room – I will give her a bit of a pass.  Especially since she had Adam Levine was covering her MULTITUDE of wrong.  

Bruno Mars – what can you say bad about him?  Sure he looks weird and has adult ADHD, but the man brings energy which is 75% of a performance.  I like the 80’s-pseudo choreographed band and how they get everyone involved with him.  Then you add Sting… who is like a legend…  and check the cameos in that performance.  EVERYONE knew the song and looked like they were feeling it!  That shift to the Jamaican feel … I ain’t gon lie – I started beefin’ it up. It was a SMOOTH transition.  Shoutout to the arranger! Now when Ri-Ri came out there with Ziggy – I was like “okay”… but then I peeped the fit on Rihanna.  I instantly thought… this could be another Nipplegate.  You could definitely see her tattoo, and the way she kept lifting those arms… every man watching television was hoping to catch a glimpse!  The cameraman is a FOOL for the shots of Chris Brown during that segment too.  

Now – Frank Ocean… hmmmm…

Social media attacked the hell out of Frank for this.  I loved the visuals that were going on.  Now my only question is how do you sing out of key when YOU’RE PLAYING THE SONG??  But it goes to show us that Frank, in all his undoubted and unmatched creativity in his writing, isn’t really a singer.  He’s a great mind, and he does well in his lane.  But his live performances have been lacking for a while now.  Now I understand his song choice, my only issue is that you cannot force-feed someone into accepting you.  The general consensus is that people accept Frank’s music.  And I think the acceptance of his music is because there is a genuine respect for his ability.  It didn’t make me feel awkward, I just kept thinking, “Frank, you have to know your audience.”  He was trying to make a statement on a platform for his lifestyle.  I understand that.  I just don’t think that the Grammy stage was equipped to provide him with what he was attempting to do.  The Grammy’s – as a show – lack validity in terms of political, social and economic power.  It is designed to entertain! It highlights the achievement of artist in terms of people who have “pull” in the industry.  That’s all I’m saying.  And then you whistle… you lost EVERYONE and walk off stage… people clapped because it was the appropriate thing to do.  

LL Cool J.  I’ll take time to pause there.  For the most part he did okay… until he tried to perform.  I was over it.  Bro, take your walker and live in the fact that you are a cultural icon with a fairly lucrative acting career.  You are a part of a class that changed music for future generations.  No need to expose your feelings of inadequacy or irrelevance in music – we get it!  Will Smith ain’t going out trying to be on Billboard’s Top 100, so you shouldn’t either.   Now a highlight of his performance was certainly Travis Barker on the set.  He wrecked that joint.  I don’t know if he’s been going to late-night sheds, but he was dynamic.  I mean Travis always been cold but now last night… he was the truth!

All in all – I have no qualms with the winners.  Generally, the individuals who won this year deserved their wins – not because of their performances but because of the influence their work produced.  There were some tough categories there, granted.  But it was what it was.  This award show gets a C.

MORE MUSIC... couldn't resist!

Say Austin Brown is THAT guy!  He has a nice sound, and he's doing some creative material.  He's just released this nice mixtape that I wanted to share with you all entitled Highway 85 Mixtape.  Don't miss this mixtape.

Austin Brown - Highway 85 Mixtape

 

 

 

I'm a fan of Ester Dean.  She just makes good music.  In addition to her being an extremely talented singer and producer in the game (and a MAJOR game changer), she just seems as though she is enjoying the music she makes.  That aspect makes her shine - and this video of a song that I'm really enjoying from her right now, shows you EXACTLY what I mean.  This raspy-alto gives a nice retro feel - circa the late 80's/early 90's with "Baby Making Love. 

 

 



New Music 1/11/2013

Happy New Year!  I have some new music for you!

Okay... you gotta check out my friend and one of the HOTTEST songwriter's in the R&B music realm right now, Tiyon Christian better known as "TC".  Love this guys work ethic and the integrity in which he does his work.  He's DOPE... and right now, if you are a singer or producer, you want to get with this guy because his skill is unmatched in the industry.  Check him out on twitter at: @SongwriterTC and DOWNLOAD his mixtape that he released right before the New Year (sorry guys, I've been a little busy!) entitled Harmonic Fatality.  You really wanna have this in your collection.

TC - Harmonic Fatality: The Covers Vol. 1

I found this song last week, and I like it.  Maybe it's because Jarell Perry is talking about my favorite kinda liquor... LOL!  But this song makes you groove.  It has a pop/R&B feel that verges on the side of Frank Ocean, but it's definitely not copycat material - it's original and I dig it.  I think you will too!



Now we know that 2012 was the year for COMEBACKS... and I promise 2013 is geared up to be an even stronger follow-up to that theme.  With people like Maxwell giving us 40-second snippets online, D'Angelo in the studio, and Justin Timberlake talking about collaborations with King Hov and Queen Bey, this year could be some SERIOUS HEAT!  Well, popular R&B singer Avant, is following up his duet with KeKe Wyatt ("You and I"), with this track that I can truthfully say that I definitely enjoy.  Avant has followed up HARD with this "Best Friend" and I have to say that I identify.  LOL!  Check it out and you'll understand!

New Music - JoJo (12/20/12)

I like her.  I'm just saying ... JoJo does it for me. She's an incredible talent with a lot going for her.  In addition to being a great artists, she just has real depth as a person.  She just seems like the type of person you want to get to know.  She has just released a mixtape, and today is her birthday too (SHOUTOUT to JoJo!) ... Agape is a nice mixtape Christmas present to the people.   Download it here!

Stream it here:

New Music (12/19/2012)

So Fantasia is making music, and she's coming back with a nice vibe.  I know that one of my friends will definitely appreciate it since he's such a fan.  Fantasia's "Lose to Win", is SPOT on with this.  This track seems to mirror her life a bit too.  If you like it... you can also purchase it on iTunes on January 8th too.



Industry lady, India Shawn moves like a stealth.  She's got industry credibility.  Google her, and you'll find that out.  She has just released her EP called, Origin.  And it's nice people.... download it here.

Origin - India Shawn

 

 



New Music 12/12/12

Y'all know Dawn Richard is my girl!  Here's her new song... I hope you guys enjoy it. Press the 'play' button to hear "Fireflies".



That Luke James has released an EP that you want to have!  In anticipation for the album, James gives us a nice project.  I can't wait to see the reviews for this EP entitled Whispers In the Dark.  Download it here!

New Music 12/3

Marsha Ambrosius has teamed up with super-producer Diplo to produce this smash, "Cold War".  And if you are not hip to Diplo, he's the guy behind Usher's "Climax".  Yes... I like this team right here.  Marsha does some real musical things with her voice and the word play is amazing.  I definitely am feeling this joint.  HIT PLAY!


New artist, Dez, got a nice lil' mixtape out people!  Check it out.  You can download this track-by-track on Soundcloud.  I have already downloaded a FEW of em and decided, why not download the entire project.  Great look for him!  I hope he gets the publicity that he is wanting because this looks like a solid, well-rounded artist.  Here's the link to Dez's project entitled, "Real Talk"

And for the record, Omarion is showing us he's not done yet.  He's giving it another try with solo artistry.  This is NOT a bad project at all.  Check out his new mixtape/EP.  I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Powered by DatPiff.com

NEW MUSIC 11/27

Solange is putting together quite a nice little musical catalogue with the music that she is releasing.  I personally am a fan of her work, and her ability to have a niche for herself outside of her sister, Beyonce.  Love her work, and she's a pretty nice DJ too! Google her, if you don't know!




Say... Omarion may be making a nice little move here.  This song is definitely different than the songs that currently run heavy airplay in most media outlets.  I put it on here because it is different... and I kinda like it.  The collaboration with Problem and Tank is nice look too. 



Raheem DeVaughn got this NICE track here.  I will admit, he's a little heavy on auto-tune in this track, but it's something that is definitely one for the slow jam fans.  Raheem is perhaps one of the most consistent "neo-soul" artists out.  His fans really love him, and he continues to put out of music that people enjoy, while staying true to his particular strengths within the genre. 

New Music 10/26/2012

So one of my favorite writers in the game is releasing new music.  This is her latest offering and single on her project due out soon, P.S. I Love You EP.  Stacy Barthe presents "Flawless Beautiful Creatures"

.. and just so you know... Every time Stacy Barthe puts something out, I will most likely post it on this blog.  This song, "To Be Loved" is definitely what I like about music.  The ability to take you to a moment/feeling that is truly unexplicable.  Watch out for her... she will be on your Pandora, IHeartRadio, local radio stations, etc. in her own voice.  She's definitely allowed enough people to sing her material.




So we all know that K. Michelle has inked a new record deal with Warner Brothers.  I am happy for her because I think she really has a voice.  She is supposed to be starting work on a new mixtape to build some publicity for the upcoming album... and these are some of the joints she got goin... NOT TO MENTION -- she addresses rumors about JR Smith in part of this little preview (a cover of "Don't Judge Me" by Chris Brown) .  Yeah... quite interesting if I do say so myself.


As previewed on the show, R&B Divas, Avant and KeKe Wyatt have teamed up again for a retro-feeling slow groove entitled, "You & I".  And I must say - Avant you did well... but KeKe sang her FACE off.  This woman is nothing short of amazing.  I hope that songs like this will help her career soar into the stratosphere.  Love her voice.  Check out the video.



Word is that JoJo will have a new mixtape on December 21st.  She goes hard... incredible talent, and incredibly consistent.  Here is the first offering of her mixtape, "We Get By".  It has a nice 90's groove to it.

New in Gospel (Must Haves in your Collection)

Bishop Paul S. Morton Sr. – Best Days Yet (Nov. 13^th)

• Bishop sings.  Those two words are synonymous with now Atlanta-based pastor/songwriter/author, Bishop Paul S. Morton Sr. As the leader of the Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship, Bishop’s style of singing has been revered for decades.  This latest project highlights the best of his singing and great collaboration.  Best Days Yet features his friend (and the voice that unlike any other in gospel music) Pastor Marvin L. Winans, the legendary Karen Clark Sheard, and Morton’s children – Jasmine and P.J.  (P.J. Morton is currently signed to Young Money and has been an award-winning producer and artist in his own right – a favorite artist of mine personally).  This album really needs no publicity; it speaks for itself.

Joshua Rogers – Well Done (Dec. 4^th) 

• Winner of the latest season of BET hit show, Sunday’s Best, Joshua Rogers readies his audience with the freshman release of his album Well Done.  The gospel community, at large is ready to hear strong yet controlled and mature album rendering.  I know that producers of freshman projects often recreate songs that we already have heard, at low quality. However, we hope that Joshua breaks this cycle and gives us something memorable and worth mention to close out this year’s gospel releases.

Tasha Cobb – Break Every Chain (Nov. 27^th)

• Labeling her sophomore project after monster California-based Jesus Culture hit, Tasha Cobb is continuing in the vein of remaining a worship leader.  One of the things that is most endearing about her gift is that she stays true to what she does, and does it with proficiency and excellence. She has far surpassed expectation with her debut project, Smile.  Worship leaders from all over have covered the title track – including Jonathan Nelson, when he infused it with “Better is One Day”. When you hear this album, expect a continuation of songs that are so on-time, yet remain authentically worship.

Post Election Thoughts: After the Election - Now What?

After the Election… Now what?

A big congratulation goes out to both candidates, President Obama and Governor Mitt Romney for a job well done.  Special shoutout goes to President Obama for being our incumbent 44^th President of the United States. 

But now that the election is over, now what?

Really – during the election, what was the issue?  Really if you think about it – what issues were on the platform? 

·        The LGBT community was appeased by the Obama camp saying that the president supports gay rights.  Be it clear, he did not say that he supported the lifestyle or embraced it – he just supported the rights.  Romney kept hush about that – although we know that his religious fervor as a devout Mormon prevents him from supporting homosexuality in any facet, as it is a “sinful behavior”.

·       The economy – perhaps the most talked about situation in the campaigning season – is the result of policies that are passed.  Policies are developed by all political affiliations and elected leaders.  Inasmuch as the presidential candidates talked about it, the real thing is this: the President does not control policy, and thus not the economy. Although the president supports certain legislation – it is impossible for him to control either.  Furthermore, the economy has seasons: season of plenty, season of not enough, and season of just enough. If we were conscious of that, we wouldn’t get so bent out of shape about the economy.  Regardless of the presidential nominee for this season, we still have to develop policies that encourage growth both in the public and private sector.

·       Taxes – (which is directly effects the economy) – were a much talked about subject area.  Taxes help the economy keep social programs.  The only issue is that the public has not been presented an accurate view of what social programs do. Furthermore, people do not understand what their tax dollars are spent, and how taxes support our nation-building projects.  Instead, people get a view tax lawyers and firms that help us get our money back, because we don’t understand the values that it really has. Therefore, we base our opinions off of hearsay rather than comprehension

·        Healthcare has been on the ballot for years.  However, during the Obama administration we were introduced to a universal healthcare system.  Most developing nations have already have a system in place that are even better than the proposed Obamacare.  As to why it became an issue, I have no idea.  Why not use ambassador skills to partner with the European Union to develop a healthcare plan that works and is tailored specific to the United States’ needs?  That was a bipartisan initiative anyway; it did not matter who proposed it, it just needed to have happened.

·       The War on Terror is “over”- in a manner of speaking, or at least on its way to being over.  But let’s talk about why we went in the first place and how America portrays itself as a self-righteous super power that interjects its way into issues that don’t concern its interest(s).  When terror happens, we should be concerned and we should defeat it with all of our might.   In no way does our interference warrant an attack on our soils.  However, we must come to grips that America has had a nasty problem of being passively-aggressive with a globalization message for quite some time.  It often puts us at odds with other countries and portrays us poorly in global media. We should be more focused into nation building and infrastructure repair than we do of creating more problems or being overly assertive.

So now what?

We have evaded talking about the major issues that have cracked our national substructure: education and skills building, lack of integral government, racial and cultural inequalities, systematic oppression and depression of the now majority, the pervasive and omnipresent entertainment machine, and the bipartisan collaboration across all social and political platforms.  We lack the ability to come together because the pieces haven’t been laid right.  If we want to be all the way honest, the United States of America has deflected the essential homeland concerns on to lesser important things. 

More importantly, my question is for my people… black people.  What is our agenda?  Every interest group has an agenda, a focus, and a necessary cause worth fighting socially, politically and physically for – if necessary.  The spirit in which my grandmother and her peers desperately fought to attain rights of any kind is nonexistent in today’s youth.  It is as if we have settled for living in the “right now” that we haven’t even begun to think of the “not yet”.  In fact, I am convinced that the black agenda is concerned with the right now, and predominantly with assistance.  Whether its public assistance or restitution (in act and deed), the vast majority of our black agenda is filled with personal goals instead of professional development for the entire race of black people focused on collaboration within a multicultural nation.  What do we even stand for? Who are we impacting? What needs to be done in our community and how do we collectively push toward that to achieve results?

New Music...

Say... this one is a SLOW JAM playlist MUST.  D&D add a little more flavor to this underground hit by getting the voice, TANK to come and grace the track with his abilities.  And as soon as he comes in... it's a vocal WRAP!!!  Check it out...



Shanell has a winner with this track, "Last Time".  And she's featuring one of my favorite collaboration artists, Busta Rhymes.   You know this joint goes hard, so I have nothing else to say... just listen.

New Music 10/29/2012

I have come across some good music lately and decided to share.


Usually, I wouldn't post this song - but I like it.  I think Q is doing some good singing on this, and it suits the mood that he's trying to create.  I wish that he would link up with a production team and really produce some music for other artists.  I think he's pigeonholed himself and just can't get out of the Atlanta circuit for whatever reason, but I definitely would like to see some greater work from him.  Here you guys go, "Yes"



I enjoy Daley's music.  If you have not gotten a chance to pick up his EP, you need to.  He is an incredibly talented artist, who manages to link up with other artists of his artistic caliber! He and Marsha Ambrosius KILLED "Alone Together", and now and Jessie J have linked up to produce this hit, "Remember Me".  The energy in this song is nothing short of amazing and captivating.  The visuals are a little "outta there" but I think it is creative, nonetheless. (Shoutout to our friends over at ThisisRnB.com for posting this one!)


Willie Taylor is back at it too.  I told you all a few weeks ago about his new mixtape, and this song is just one of the joints off that.  He teamed up with vocal giant and iconic riff master Mr. TANK on this track.  Hit play, and let the music speak to you.

New Music... 10/25/2012

I apparently missed this one back in August... however Wish has a new mixtape. Her vocals bear a striking resemblance to Keri Hilson (and so do her looks), but this is a decent mixtape AND if you like "One Night Stand" feat Chris Brown by Keri Hilson, you will like this project. Titled, "Me Against Her", Wish will make you groove this fall.

Upon first hearing this joint, I was hooked into it.  I like this side of Chrisette Michele... it seems carefree and plays to her vocal strengths.  It's almost trance like... and it's featuring 2CHAINZ!!!




... one more something to check out.  This cat Rashad has a nice lil' mixtape out  He is definitely not new to the game.  Having been in the game for over a decade, Rashad has made a name for himself behind-the-scenes.  Finding his new stardom and his own niche in R&B music, he's come out with his own EP.  Download and streme his project with my friends at Singersroom.com