Robin Thicke: Sex Therapy

As soon as the beat dropped on Mrs. Sexy I thought Erykah Badu, Booty. Hmmm… I like though. Well, I like the vibe. Not the strongest lyrically but it’s a feel good song.

Can I just be honest for a moment? I’m not a huge fan of Sex Therapy. Sometimes the sexiest songs don’t have the word sex in them at all. I’m just saying.

“Meiplé”?!?!? WTH…. Are you rapping now Mr. Thicke??!?! Please don’t ever again. Thanks. Beat was dope though.

Liked the hook on “Make You Love Me.” Also liked “It’s In the Morning.” It had me nodding from the beginning. Could have done without Snoop though.

I hated “Shakin it for Daddy”- Robin Thicke goes horrible wrong when he tries to make dance tracks. And Nicki Minaj, I just don’t get her at all.

“Elevatas” was misplaced, like it should have been on another album, Rihanna’s.

“Rollercoaster” was interesting. Think I liked that one too.

It seemed to lose direction (or find it) around track 8. He went from a distinct hip hop feel to more of the band sound that he has done well in the past. With that, he transitioned into love songs, as opposed to strictly sex. I like the latter better. It’s what makes him different.

“Million Dolla Baby” started so beautifully. It could have landed on the last album. Has an old school feel. Liked “2 Love Birds” too, musically- the lyrics were sound but nothing extravagant.

“Jus Right” was PERFECT.

“Diamonds”?!?!?! Talk about mom on the end of SEX therapy. Ick. Oedipus complex anyone? It was lovely song though, except for the random shout outs at the end.

I’m a Robin Thicke fan but as with Alicia Keys, I was quite skeptical about this album. He just released an album that I loved earlier in 2009. I just didn’t know what more he would have to say. But now I know, sex (which I guess explains why his wife is expecting because obviously sex was seeping from his pores). Again, as with Rihanna, I respect an artist that can carry a concept to the end. In that way, the album was a success. Every track had good moments, but overall, it didn’t do much for me. It’s alright.

OMG OMG!!!! SHE'S BACK, SHE'S BACK!!!!! - Corinne Bailey Rae, I'd Do It All Again

Wow… and is she back. I felt this song in my soul and it brought a tear to my eyes knowing what she’s been through. And can we briefly talk about how GORGEOUS this woman looked in the video. The hair, the body, the fashion. Beautiful and PERFECT for her comeback. Cannot wait for her album. FEBRUARY 2nd!!!

Alicia Keys- The Element of Freedom

Admittedly, off bat I’m a little skeptical about this album. A. Keys doesn’t seem to have much of anything to say anymore. I was very unimpressed with the singles on the radio. Truthfully, I only purchased this album because it was $3.99 on Amazon MP3. So here goes…

I like “Love Is Blind.” Strong start. She incorporates a lot of different sounds, both musically and vocally. At points, it doesn’t actually sound like her.

Then this God-awful “Doesn’t Mean Anything”. I hate this song on so many levels. For starters it sounds like “No One” just slowed down a bit. And her voice is annoyingly nasal. I just can’t.

Ok. Am I the only that can’t listen to “Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart” with a straight face. I always think “what like Mashonda?” I know its awful but it’s true. I do like this song though. Guess it’s because its something I can relate to. And musically, its interesting. Holds my attention.

“Wait Til You See My Smile,” “Like the Sea,” “Put It In A Love Song,” “Distance And Time”- just why? No maam. [btw, put it in a love song is proof positive that putting Bey on a song does not mean it will be good]

“That’s How Strong My Love Is” sounds like “Tender Love.” HA!

I liked “Unthinkable” until we got to the chorus. HMMMM… apparently people think she’s crazy because she said that on about 3-4 of the songs so far, this is only Track 7. But do people really think she’s crazy? I can think of other things people think she is, but crazy is not one of them…

I just cringed on the opening of “Love Is My Disease.” Phew… that was rough. The song itself wasn’t terrible, just the beginning.

“This Bed” started strong, then she started singing and I changed my mind, but I’ve changed it back again. I kinda like it., all except the size and thread count of the sheets. Maam, I do not care. It reminds me of a good 80’s song.

I might like “Empire State of Mind” in a couple years after I forget about the other version. (or maybe not, since it sounds like the rest of this album)

The album a bit boring and lacks the focus I like. I get where she was trying to go, but it didn’t work so well. Sounds amateur-ish. You know what it sounded like? – That 5th grade poetry project we all had set to music. [Haiku, Similes, Metaphors, Iambic pentameter. I don’t even know how I remember that. Anyway…]

A. Keys can be so compelling with her music. Each of her albums has at least one song that can move me to tears (Songs- Butterflies; Diary- Diary; The last one- Lesson Learned). But this one lacks that song. However, I will say I’m glad to hear the piano again. It was very present here, last album not so much. Ummm… It’s not as tragic as I expected but I’m not crazy about it.


P.S. the album cover is quite lovely

The Glorified Mistress

[I wrote this a couple of a weeks ago at work when the story first broke, but the point is still the same]

So unless you have been living under a rock, I'm sure you have heard about el Tigre (Tiger Woods) catching a beat down from his wife after leaving the house at 2:30 in the AM. Of course with those allegations come speculations of affairs. But here's that part that gets me... Women are coming out the woodworks ADMITTING that they had affairs with Tiger Woods. Since when is it ok to sleep with a married man? I mean these women are coming forward VOLUNTARILY to say that they helped destroy a man's marriage. What happened to the days when the only way a person would admit to having an affair is when they are caught red handed or when women had to sneak around, listen on the other end of the phone to catch said mistress, after realizing that mistress and husband have a secret code (ring once, hang up, ring twice, call back). Now I know these are different times with better technology, making it easier to sneak around, and ironically easier to get caught, but the key word there is SNEAK! I also know that these women are merely coming forward to sell their story (which is a whole other problem) and some of them probably have never even seen the Tigre closer than behind those white ropes on a golf course but assuming they actually did have an affair, the fact still remains that they are ADMITTING, VOLUTNARILY that they were sleeping with a married man. They have no sense of shame about it. Not trying to extort him on the low. They are putting it on front street for the whole world to know. In a couple months they will be whining about the paparazzi... when they could have kept it to themselves and went about their day. Well MA'AMs... It is not cute that you are a stank. You slept with a married man. Period. Close your legs and be quiet. K thanks.

Rihanna: Rated R

Rated R is a very appropriate title…. Sex, violence and rock.

Really dark… set the tone right from the first second
Dark and angry… a little crazy too. It’s a concept album… shoulda been called EFF CHRIS BROWN!! I mean she put their ENTIRE relationship on blast. It’s one of those moments where I wish people would keep something to themselves. Its fine to be inspired by life but I DO NOT want to hear a recitation of you situation put to music. (*cough… cough* USHER)

Can hear her accent way more…. Guess that’s b/c shes really just talking

Something was amiss on “The Wait Is Over”

I do like Hard… don’t judge me… at least it has a point

Its either I’m pissed or lets talk about what I have. (but I guess that’s her entire life… get dressed and go eat and talk about the “incident”)

Pretty bored… its only track 5. Glad I only paid 99¢

This chile needs some help… like therapy… this just can’t be good. Russian Roulette is … disturbing

I like “Photographs” and “Cold Case Love”… both were very honest. The other songs felt like anger to mask hurt.

I liked the “Last Song”. It had the hard edge without being demented. Another honest song.

Welp, I guess it fits… once a good girl’s gone bad, she’s gone forever… I mean she went CLEAR to the other side of the spectrum. The album sounded like an act of rebellion.


Not my style but I respect the fact that she cared the theme ALL THE WAY out to the end. If your’re pissed off or going through a break up you may find solace in this album, or it might land you in jail, nevertheless… ummm yeah.

John Mayer: Battle Studies

First of all.... please take a moment to dwell on this album cover... De-lish...

Now to the music....

Heartbreak Warfare sent me back to Heavier Things... vibe and lyrics. Same for All We Ever Do Is Say Goodbye

Half of My Heart went a little too country for me, but I like the lyrics so I'll go with it... (oh this is the song that Swift child is on. LOL... she irritates me, just in general.)

Who Says is a bit of unexpected comic relief (apparently it’s the single but I had never heard it. Hmmm)

Perfectly Lonely is the John Mayer I love.... the more bluesy side.

I like the chiming in the background of Assassin... sounds like someone is playing a xylophone… I wouldn’t be surprised. I would like to see a video to this one. I imagine a dark, Mr. & Mrs. Smith situation where he slinks out of the house just as the sun is coming up and the girl’s turning over reaching for a gun [to get him first] only to realize he’s gone. I don’t know… listen to the song… You’ll understand where I was going with that…

Edge of Desire was my favorite musically… from the time it started playing, it captured my attention. Do You Know Me was also beautiful.

Friends Lovers or Nothing brought Gonna Find Another You on the end of Continuum to mind… Its that closure track on the album (and usually a relationship as well)

I definitely like the songs starting at Perfectly Lonely to the end better. More my speed... somewhere on that line between blues and rock. Truthfully, there are always a good 2 songs that are too country for me on his albums, so I’ve come to expect them. This time, it was Half My Heart and Who Says… Just glad he got those out of the way up front. LOL.

The album is typical John Mayer fare... beautiful music, emotion evoking lyrics… I like it

Wale: Attention Deficit

He’s SOOO DC… Accent and all.

The beat on Let It Loose felt like an old video game to me. It made me smile. I really liked Beautiful Bliss… he actually gave me a Jay-Z vibe on that.

My favorite song was Shades… It spoke to me being that I am brown skinned. It addressed some of the intra race foolishness we have going on.
Its funny because I had thought about whether President Obama would have won if his skin was darker. HMMMM…

There were a lot of features… I definitely could have done without Gucci (I’m so over him) but loved the ode to Go-Go in Pretty girls. Liked Jasmine Sullivan on World Tour, loved Chrisette on Shades, I don’t know who this chick is on Chillin… sounded kinda like MIA, but I don’t think it was her [turns out it was Gaga]. The Rihanna sample was unexpected… I didn’t know people actually wanted to sample her…

Musically outstanding. The vibe was just so easy. The beginning was a bit monotonous… the music was hot but I really didn’t feel like he said much. Then it became more conscious around 90210 and that’s where the album actually started for me. I could tell he’s more a spoken work artist than a rapper. When he started flowing on the end Diary it all made sense. The end of prescription was dope too. I wanted him to keep going!!!

Overall a strong showing. Left me wanting more.

AMA Wrap-Up

Here goes.....

How I love Janet, how I hate harem pants (this outfit is sooooo not Janet)
Would have loved pleasure principle to make it
I like this new Janet song
Glad she did Together Again made it…. On of my favorites
Why didn’t Jermaine know the words
I was almost jumping around the house on that one

Yes Paula betta look good for a change!!! Even though she’s a touch overdressed

Fergie looks great.

Commercial: Is this really a Wyclef remix to the Harold & Maude song? Hmmm…
Commercial: Extreme Home Makeover should be called “Celebrities Tearing Up People’s Stuff”

Daughtry is one of my favorite people [now bands] to come out of American Idol (him and Carrie Underwood)

Shakira is giving me too much Gaga…. But not in a good way, like a biter way
Her hair looks terrible
That singing is terrible

Whitney looks great in the audience

I love Reba (and her show re-runs)- Don’t judge me.

I don’t know why but Kelly Clarkson really bothers me. Maybe b/c she doesn’t seem to have much personality or really anything that makes her different. Hmm.
Anyway- dress is a good choice, slimming
The arm covering is a bit much, need something to give her some youth…
She sounds good though

Glad they remixed Empire State of Mind… b/c I was kinda over it (although I love it generally)
Why does Jay have on a tux? So perplexing. Hmmmm. I get it w/ the beginning, just wasn’t crazy about the look with the song
I like the look A. Keys hair is giving. Like her fit too.
Yes Gaga u betta stand there and not rock!!! I love that she sticks with her image. LOL cracks me up
Ne-Yo… girl, why the stinky face. LOL
Keri Hilson, MJB… pretty and pretty

I really don’t care for the Black Eyed Peas… I respect what they do, just not for me
Fergie just had those lips done yesterday. I’m on the fence about Fergie’s fit.
Who is this non Will.I.Am black man… I kid but you forget he’s in the group sometimes
WTH does will have on… he’s just so bizarre
Like asian man’s jacket though
I’m feeling this It takes 2 and nirvana on the end.

I’m in hear about to cry… Mike still winning awards
But why were Jermaine’s kids on the stage… where’s Prince, Blanket or Paris?

Zac Brown Band- Synchronized talking (we off that)

Ne-Yo looking very pretty. LOL (let me stop… I like Ne-Yo I really do)

RiRi looks great… I love the blonde hair She’s giving a bit of drama
Do like the rock feel of this song
She really is a boring performer, this wasn’t as tragic as it has been in the past but still boring
Kinda like these songs (don’t judge me)
She looked like she was having a great time though

Commercial: Yesssss Morgan Freeman as Mandela!!!!

I LOVE some Carrie Underwood- WORK BISH!!!!

Know Gaga is gon bring drama…. LOVE her headpiece & shoes
This dance cracks me up…. Looks like shes channeling a dinosaur
Gaga’s hair looks good
YES BISH!!!!! U betta break glass and play a flaming piano.
I still couldn’t listen to her but she is a SICKENING performer… just wow
That was sooooo {something} WOW.

These clowns… hilarious though (Drake, Cudi, Jeremih)

LOVE Mary!!!! Love that dress, and with her body. SICK!! Her whole look is flawless.
I love Mary so much b/c she is who she is. You gon get that same foot tap and two step!!! But that’s enough sometimes
She sounds good…

Oh Girl… Colby Calliat – no maam

Yes Gaga betta look EXHAUSTED after that performance.

Who are these children- beat out all the knowns. LOL
Crowd ya’ll betta be honest- Who is Gloriana?!?!?

Jennifer Lopez?!?!?
No maam… just why??!?!?
Did she fall?!?!?

Whitney looks AH- MAZING wrong dress though.
Started off sounding good…. She can hit a note like no other, but sustaining an entire performance is another issue
She sounds like…. Well a smoker.
I do hate choirs on stage… but if anyone deserves one its her.
Bobbi Kristina has Bobby’s gap… poor kid

Leona Lewis has NO personality & WTH does Carrie Anne have on. She’s so random

Pop/Rock Male?!?!? TIP?!?!??! Eminem?!?!?!?! WTH?!?!?!?
This is not about the Jackson 5 Jermaine- saddown somewhere!!!! And we know Ms. Catherine jumping out of her skin, Jermaine up there praising Allah.

A. Keys…
Fit is a no maam
Her doing choreography is a no maam. Bish u can’t dance- that’s why you have the piano so u can sit when the dancing is going on
I need her to go back to Songs in A Minor and find some inspiration
This song is alright but it’s not moving me and this performance doesn’t seem to fit
Sleeping w/ a broken heart… you mean like Mashonda (I’m sorry I couldn’t resist)

Commercial: I could live without J. Hud but I do love Michael Buble

Eminem… classic Eminem… nothing exciting. I’m not really a fan but he does him well
Man… I thought I was going to have a Drake free evening- he really annoys me and all his songs sound the same to me

I love Timbaland… I’m obligated to, but I REALLY hate him as an artist [chants] STAY BEHIND THE BOARDS!!! STAY BEHIND THE BOARDS!!! STAY BEHIND THE BOARDS!!!
WTH does this chick have on.
Why do the dancers have black roots and blond ponytails.
Nelly Furtado’s tights are not opaque enough… they just look like stockings… but I like this dark look on her
Ok Thriller at the end

Not a Green Day fan… but this song is pretty dope. (Maybe need to reconsider my fan status)

Ok Keri Hilson looks pretty… Toni’s hair is a mess

Love this Guy… so dapper
You betta be a philosopher Hov….

Taylor Swift annoys me… I was trying to refrain, but she irritates me so. I just can’t

Alright Adam Lambert…
Yasss you betta give cabaret girl!!!
AHHHHHH… did he just get a simulated blow job from a man on TV.
He’s giving me male Gaga…. Well with some grooming
His vocals weren’t giving me as much I thought they would… WTH happened?!?!?! His screams weren’t even on point. No sir, maam


Well that was too long, as usual. LOL… but I thought they had a good mix of artists, most relevant and/or talented. There were a few exceptions, but overall, not too bad.

Janet: In the Spotlight

Can I just say I saw Janet live years ago and she is PHENOMENAL. The best live performer I have seen to date.

They started with my FAVORITE Janet video… LOVE WILL NEVER DO

She’s a little thicker… but still GORGEOUS….

She BEAMS when she talks about Mike. I love that. So pure.

Joe Jackson is old school alright- an old school bully… on his own kids no less.
I’ve always wondered about the Joseph thing

Owww Penny… chile, when she got burned with that iron…. ICK

Dang… divorced in 3 months…. can’t you still get it annulled in 3 months. (I kid)

“is that what you saying Robin” [with a grin and a wink]…. So charming

Janet looks like Joe when she’s straight faced.

YESSSSS!!!! I GET LONELY!!!!!

Janet… Janet?!?!! Wardrobe malfunction? I still don’t believe it

Yes for the dookie braids. LOL

SCREAM!!!!! They turned that.

I can’t wait for Janet’s album. Despite what the critics say, I love most of her music, past and present. Her songs (for the most part) make me emote. They make me happy, make me smile, make me want to dance, make me think, they take me to a different place. I love that!!

She has such a beautiful spirit…



P.S. Sorry for the lack of actual commentary… it was a typical Janet interview, just with a splash of Mike.

#BeyGaga - Video Phone

So here’s the thing… I’m not a huge Beyonce fan. I respect her craft, I respect her artistry and she is a HELL of a performer. I would love to see her live (but because I’m not a huge fan, I’m a student and I don’t believe in sitting in the nosebleeds, I have yet to be able to afford that pleasure.) I could say all the same things about Gaga... but I say all that to say this- I’m objective.

Poor Gaga… she has such a cute little shape… until she stands next to Beyonce. Then she looks like a pale waif. [sigh]

I liked the video. I thought it was fun. It’s one of those videos that could make me like the song (because I DEFINITELY hate the song, it was one of my least favorites on the album). BUT I thought it was going to be a little more out there. More BeyGaga instead of Gaga in Beyland. Maybe a cross between Sweet Dreams and ANY of Gaga’s videos… PICK ONE. Or even more drama, high fashion. More than a series of booty pops with connecting choreography. I truly believe that sometimes Beyonce rests on her sexuality too much… She’s a beautiful woman with a beautiful body, but there has to be more in there than just that.

I find it hard to believe that the two biggest, most dramatic artists of the moment collaborated and this is all they could come up with. Nevertheless… It was cute.

Chris Brown Speaking to His Fans on 106 & Park

[i think there might be more but anyway... u get the gest]

“Definitely” and “at the end of the day” are definitely his word crutches.If he said either one again it was going to be problematic for me. Its bad enough he is not the most articulate of all the people ever, but he’s from Virginia… so I have to claim him. [I kid, I kid… I actually like CB]

Rosci is annoying me. Even the way she looked at him at the end of the first half was giving me waaaaayyy too much. She was a very condescending interviewer, feeling it necessary to “explain” exactly what her questions meant. I didn’t think his answers were non-responsive- not eloquent by a long shot, but responsive.

I think CB is being sincere. He has come out and apologized to his fans, on Larry King and videos. He cannot mope around for the rest of his life. Its been 9 months. He has to smile to make it through…. HOW DARE ROSCI question the fact that he is smiling.

CB is giving credit to his team but his team is the damn problem. I really wish they would sit him down. He needs about a year or two hiatus to work in the community and stay OUT of the limelight. Date a normal girl, don’t beat her up. Now is not the time to be releasing a new album, going out on tour etc. It’s the time to prove himself a changed man.

Final thoughts: After watching both interviews, I think both CB and RiRi are sincere. They both care for each other still and they dealing with the situation the best they know how. I think RiRi has more to gain from revealing details than CB. I also think they should have taken a little more time from the limelight to fully recover emotionally. They are people, and must make peace within in order to progress.

Good Hair Reflection (Because I'm too late for a review...)

Again, I'm well aware that I am far too late for a review of the "Good Hair" movie, as it has been in theaters for some time. However, I never think it is too late to talk about self loathing within the African American community and one of my favorite things about myself... natural hair.

What struck me about the movie, and what has stuck with me, was not what was on the screen, rather the reaction in the theater. I thought it was so interesting that everyone in the theater was laughing the whole movie until the man said he would rather have a white woman so that he could run his hands through her hair. Only THEN was there an uproar. Personally, that was the least disturbing part of the movie for several reasons. I thought it was ignorant for starters because I love my natural hair, men have enjoyed running their hands through it, and I enjoy having their hands in my hair. LOL. So his comment was just stupid to me, I guess because I dont apply.

I found the children getting their hair relaxed troubling, even though I was one of those children. I believe I was about 5 when I got my first relaxer. I know often parents opt for relaxers is because it’s just easier than having to deal with coarse hair daily. But what most parents don’t realize is the choice they are making for their child has long-term ramifications. Most notably the psychology of long straight hair being better than what is natural to us, evidenced in the movie when high school girls said they would not hire someone with an afro, regardless of her intelligence. That is self hatred... and it is being instilled in OUR children.

For me being natural has allowed me to express my true self, but it has been a process. I got a bad relaxer, cut most of my hair off, dealt with the rest breaking off as the relaxer grew out, get used to not having a long, flowing wrap which I had become so accustomed, finding styles that suit my texture, and dealing with constant scrutiny today. All this because I wanted to be who I really am. I love the variety my hair gives me, before I wore 1 style- a wrap. LOL. Being natural fits the many dimensions personality, and I can change my hair to reflect accordingly.

I usually get a compliment on my hair at least once a week, and sometimes everyday. (Recently, people have been asking if it’s real, which I find hilarious) But I've also had my fair share of negative feedback from both white and black people about my hair. Honestly, white people are pretty receptive. Most often they think it's cool. And as long as I make it look like curls rather than "naps" they really don't care (and I don’t want to see naps either so I don’t think that is sacrificing anything). As for black people, I remember being at work and having an older BLACK woman tell me that my twists were "weekend hair." I've had a BLACK man tell me that I'm pretty but the reason I don't get male attention is BECAUSE of my hair. and the truth is, HE'S RIGHT. I don't get male attention. I don't even get a second look most times. I never had that problem in college, when I was still getting my hair relaxed and I look exactly the same. The truth is many black people don't even appreciate what grows out of their own scalp. I don't think everyone should be natural, I advocate choice. But I wish that we as black people would learn to embrace our differences and not just tolerate them (and we don't even do tolerance very well sometimes).

Takeover Much?

I was up this morning, before going to class unprepared, getting tickets to the Blueprint 3 Tour. So, I’m sitting here thinking about the effect this guy has had since Sept 8. I mean not a day goes by that I don’t say or hear somebody say “On to the Next One” or “We off that.” But that is only the tip of the iceberg… This guy performed on the World Series and the WHOLE Yankees team was rocking- I mean heads bobbing, recording the moment. This song was their anthem. And lest we not forget Oprah. OPRAH. To me it symbolized the merging of worlds. Acceptance. Forward movement. It was a beautiful thing. I was inspired. I am inspired. February 27th can’t get here soon enough.

At This Time

I went to see Algebra a little while ago (thanks Evita ☺) and I had to blog about it (late of course) because it was an unreal experience. I was there and at some points I totally forgot where I was, who I was with and frankly didn't care. She sings with just that much emotion and conviction. She performed 2 songs she had just recorded and it was as if she was reading into my soul. Then, I let a friend of mine listen to "At This Time" and at the end of the song, she said "wow... I don’t know where I was just now, but I was not here." Now THAT'S music

I so wish that more artists would appreciate their gift to inspire and control emotions, even if its only a 3:30 song.

My VERY Belated BP3 Review

Just go right in then Hov. I mean no intro, beat just drops and it’s a wrap!

What We Talking About is just a song about current events and there is no better way to start the album.

Thank you is flawless… it has been my feel good song for the last few months. Something about when the champagne flutes click *click* that puts a smile on my face.

My original review didn’t include anything about this song but As Real As it Gets is my ANTHEM! I listen to it on my way to class [too bad I have to calm myself down once I get in there], in the house, on the way to work. That song gets me HYPE!

DOA works in context, flows right in with Thank You. Likewise for Run This Town (But im sorry… Kanye still killed Hov on his track. So troublesome.)

On to the Next One kinda messed w/ my vibe at first. It was a Swizz Beatz track and his sound is so distinctive… it changed the direction and vibe. But it was so clear within the story [Another anthem track}

I’m a little disturbed by use of “Shawty” in Venus vs. Mars. Just sounds weird. Lyrics were clever but it was the first song I really coulda done without…. Glad that was a short track. [haven’t listened to that one again. 1 play STRONG on the iPod]

Already Home got my attention back- Haters kinda lost me. But as with Next one, it was a sharp change of direction but made sense

Tells a very clear story… I like that.
Get the haters out of the way up front
We Run This
Reminiscing
Progress
Star is born- ushering the new generation
But wait… Still Hov’s world!!!

It was well thought out and well done.

Laura Izibor: Let The Truth Be Told [REVIEW]

Laura Izibor’s voice is a mix of Leela James and Joss Stone, beautiful but can be a bit much. Vibe is Corrine Bailey Rae, meets Alicia keys (As I Am AND Songs In A Minor) a little surprising b/c I thought it was going to be all Corrine

Some of the songs are a little alternative-ish. Of course I love genre blending, so I was pleasantly surprised. If Tonight Is My Last was pretty and gave some variety, as did What Would You Do

LOVE from my heart to yours… it’s the reason I bought the album. Just makes me feel good

The Worst is Over spoke to me…. God knows it did. That’s inspiration… think I found a new theme song. It was soft and lovely with a powerful message. You know a song is good when all you can say afterwards is . OR maybe I Don’t Want You Back should be my theme song… [can ya’ll tell I’m coming through something?!?! LOL]

Wasn’t crazy about Yes (I’ll Be Your Baby)… coulda done without that one… it was just a little lame lyrically.

Mmmmm…. Was like a negro spiritual. All she said was mmmm on the hook. And the choir and organ did not help the situation out. SN: I don’t know if this is going to send me to hell, but I’m so sick to death of people putting choirs on tracks that are not gospel. It’s annoying AND random. STOP IT PEOPLE!!!

It wasn’t as cohesive as I would have liked but it followed the “Let the Truth Be Told” theme. overall it was a strong freshman showing…. I liked it… support good music!!!

Sweet Dreams, Single Ladies pt. 4

OK… so I already know im gon get it for this one but I have to break my silence. First let me say, I respect Beyonce as a performer and an artist… but the Sweet Dreams video is where I draw the line. Hands down, Sweet Dreams was my FAVORITE song on the album, I mean without question. I just thought it was so dope. When I heard she made a video I thought it was going to be some crazy juxtaposition of demented darkness and beautiful light that the song calls into my consciousness. THEN, I watched it. And what did I see? The SAME video I have seen 3 times before off this album! THREE TIMES… single ladies, diva, and ego… 2 girls on either side, dance, skimpy costumes. Now I will admit, the choreography was different and some moments, like the last dance sequence, were great. But overall, I was bored. And I was pissed off more than anything b/c she can do SOOOOOO much more!!

Think back on her first album, to which I still listen to this day. Even though she danced in just about all the videos, they all told a story. I think my favorite was Me, Myself and I, which I have recently rediscovered and is my theme song. But crazy in love was colorful and dope dancing in the street… Naughty Girl, with Usher was throwback club dancing… Baby Boy was dancehall and the dope scene on the beach with her in the sand… and of course Me, Myself and I, which was in reverse

B-day’s videos started off pretty good but got lazy toward the end but I gave her a pass b/c she did make a video for every song and did them all in the span of a week or so. My favorite off that album, Flaws and All, without question. But this laziness on this album’s videos is just inexcusable. Beyonce fans are loyal… love her no matter what. And it seems that at bare minimum she would want to give them more than the same thing over and over. I know she’s on tour but if she can’t do it right, I’d rather she not make the videos at all…

Judge for yourself… let me know what you think

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbGV2_8Yqg4&feature=channel_page

BET awards wrap-up

this is the quick play-by-play 4 anyone who didnt see it... umm i have more to say but im tired... maybe tomorrow. LOL

Look @ mikes bangs baby!!!
NEW EDITION!!!! Even though they didn’t sound that good…
Yes Jamie Foxx! Doing beat it… can’t lean! LOL
Jamie is killin!!
WTH does tyra have on?!?!?! ... and the hair!!!!
yes lebron... looks good... i dont really even get down with him like that!
why is there a construction worker in waynes entourage?!!!??!?!? no sir!!!
i love keri hilson but this singing is terrible!! that was really tragic... she cannot dance that well to be doing that.... im loving the chain mic stand though.
NE-YO lady in my life… he did that!!!
sing keke palmer!!! shes growing into a goregous young lady...
jamie foxx performance was doing nothing... until he brought out travis barker... then I liked it
Tiny looked deranged as hell…
ummm souljah boy really hopped up out the bed. LOL… performance was tragic
hmmm... i kinda like keri hilson's dress.... in a side eye sorta way... LOL. reminds me of a comic book.... [BANG]
estelle and letoya look pretty... love estelle ... always looks amazing, and with her own style. white glove for MJ
im not feeling beyonce's performance... voice is undeniable but this is perplexing. maybe its better in the context of her show
shenaynay and wanda!??!??!?! LMAO!!
mary mary is perplexing... this doesnt sound like them.... sounds like they are trying too hard...
queen latifah looks good...
an hour and a half in and im sooooo bored...
LOVE taraji...
um jamie foxx... take care of you and pay your bills in the recession... LMAO!!!
yes keith sweat... i wanna!! LOL. [val said… he’s so old he cant whine. LMAO)
YAAAAAASSSS GUY!!! Even though they sounded terrible
BBD… poison
ciara sounded decent for a change.... but why didnt she have something she could dance to?!?!?
keyshia cole’s face looks pretty.... outfit and shoes were tragic... she has come such a long way... God knows
I LOVE monica… that hair and face is always AH-MAZING!!! she looks hot in that leather though
Anytime the camera goes to amber rose it is OVA!!! The chick is BAD!!
JAY’S performance was the best of the evening… yes im biased but its fact. He did him and the band was amazing… FLAWLESS!!!
Don Cornelius?!?!?!?!?
OMG my roommate just asked who is tevin campbell... im officially old!!
sing trey songs!!! ill claim you for the night
johnny gill sounds a mess
tyrese always sounds good
yaaaassss to eddie levert cursing on the stage... 2 second delay was late. LMAO
yes the ojays betta still do that choreography!!!
why does debra lee look a mess every year? get at @juneambrose ... k thanks...her face and hair look pretty though. its so perplexing... her voice always shakes like shes scared.... YOU THE CEO!!! HNIC!!!
a keys looks pretty... she also looks more pale every time i see her
you betta work that back taraji!!!
oh hell tiny... she is so weird to me....
a prop 8 situation??!???!?! LMAO!!!!!
drake is a cutie... i gets down with this song
wow.... its bad when ur song is so bleeped that you cant catch the beat (wayne)
why does don juan look like mardi gras... ALL OF IT!!!

MEMO TO BET: this is not the grammys... this show was tooooo long! 2 hours is plenty. hell 1 hour is plenty. i just cant! Make no mistakes… the only reason why people watched in the first place… and kept watching was for mike… ratings will not be this high next year…. NO WHERE NEAR!!! Overall the show was not that good… a few highlights… neyo, jay but overall, I was not impressed, at all!

On & On about Ms. Badu

Think you gon talk slick about Badu and me not saying anything?!?!?! Oh ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!! First of all, for anyone who knows me, you know Erykah Badu is my FAVORITE artist. (I’m going to name a child after her if that day ever comes. LOL… but for real though). Not only is she an amazing singer, she just seems to have a beautiful spirit…

I’ve heard her being called a “baby mama” and people saying ugly things because her children have different fathers. But for real people? The woman is 38! She is not 21 with three children ages 4, 2 and 1 all by different fathers. She is 38 and her children are 12, 5 and new born. Seven and Mars both came out of long term relationships and Puma from shorter term love but a love none the same. While I would not do things the same way, who am I to judge?

I think the real problem is people’s antiquated views on love and reproduction. What is wrong with a mature woman choosing to do things her way? What are we supposed to wait for prince charming? Just doesn't work like that anymore. Just because she is not married does not make her a bad mother or a whore, nor does the fact that her children have different fathers. I mean what’s the difference between having 3 marriages in 10 years and kids from each? A piece of paper? I’m all for marriage, but much like college, it ain’t for everybody. What’s wrong with her deciding it’s not for her?

And let’s keep it 100 right now… everytime a man and woman have sex, there is a possibility for a child… and some have had their fair share of opportunities. Just because a child did not come out of the opportunity DOES NOT mean you are any better or have the right to judge her. Love it or leave it alone!

I’M DONE!!!

Which came first? The autotune or the leggings?

On this, the aftermath of the release of Jay-Z’s DOA (death of autotune… for those who have been living under a rock) I got to thinking, is this the end of 80s fashion too? (Please God say it is!!!!) It seems that the 2 came out together so why shouldn’t they die together! Maybe someone should make a song about 80s fashion and it will go away too!

Let’s face it, 97% of the people that think they can pull off Neon colors, shoulder pads, leggings, body suits and harem pants can’t. I say lets just go back to a time when people dressed impeccably, wore things that were appropriate for their body types and appreciated high fashion for what it is, art. I’m not saying it is because I can’t wear these trendy items… hell I’m probably in the 3% that can… but I wear what I like, not things because they are on trend. (you will NEVER catch me in a pair of harem pants… of that you can be sure)

And music… Okay… I accept that Jay-Z “killing” autotune is not going to happen overnight. Apparently Diddy is getting ready to put out an album chock full of autotune, but what ever happened to creativity? When every song did not say the same thing? When every song did not sound exactly the same? It’s sad that originality is now the exception and not the rule.

My opinions aside…. We all know music and fashion are inextricably intertwined. But which came first? The autotune or the leggings? While I believe both music and fashion are both powerful forces, I dare say the autotune ushered in the leggings. I know some will disagee, but for me, music (well good music anyway) inspires living and fashion is the expression for life.

Either way, both have been recycled from the 80s… this time, lets burn them and get rid of the suckers for good. K thanks.

Is twitter the demise of celebrity gossip?

We are all nosey- we all derive pleasure, guilty or otherwise, from knowing what our favorite celebs are doing with themselves. Our need to know has created a multi billion dollar gossip industry which has fed the fashion industry (since so many people feel a need to dress like those celebs- fortunately, I’m not one of those people. LOL), beauty (fragrances), dining (anyone heard of Mr. Chow? Never even been on the left coast and I have) and the list goes on and on.

Twitter gives us all a chance to communicate with our favorite celebs in a very real way. Sometimes, they even talk back. It allows us to see their humanity but also to feel a part of their fabulous lives, although we clearly are not. Some of my favorite celebs: @estelleDarlings, @juneAmbrose, and @johncmayer. Estelle is hilarious, 100% real, June Ambrose is fabulous and does not mind clowning people on the street in the name of fashion and John Mayer is just randomly hilarious. The point is, outside of John Mayer, as he openly displays his humor with the paparazzi, how would I know anything outside of how these people look? I’ll tell you how- twitter.

Who needs gossip when you can get enough news to feed your need to know from the proverbial horse’s mouth? For example, one day I was perusing concrete loop. One of the popular features on the site is “Guess Who.” This particular “Guess Who” was Solange and I knew it without even thinking. Why? Because @solangeknowles posted a twit pic of herself before she went on stage so not only had I seen the outfit, I saw it WELL before it was on concrete loop. Concrete loop seems to be embracing twitter, saying that Solange’s twitter followers would know who it was, also noting that twitter was making their job easier, but I wonder are they worried?

Finally, are celebs that are not embracing the twitter phenomenon crazy? Ashton Kutcher said it best in his million follower quest… twitter allows us all to control exactly what we want to say and how we want to say it. So maybe, for people like Beyonce and Jay-Z, two of the most notoriously private celebs, it could be an opportunity to hide out loud. Tell us what you want us to know, and we’ll leave you alone, as long as it is something remotely interesting (I just unfollowed some utterly boring people earlier). Why allow gossip sites to speak for you when you can speak for yourself on twitter?

Keri Hilson: In a Perfect World

The album sounded like the tracks that got left off of Danity Kane’s Welcome to the Dollhouse. Her voice kinda reminds me of D. Woods. As an artist, her sound landed right in between Ciara’s pop/R&B vibe and RiRi’s electronica/pop vibe. Ciara’s position might be in jeopardy if Fantasy Ride is as tragic as people say it is (and judging by the singles, it will be that tragic and more). She definitely had some bangers in the beginning of the album.

It was one track away from being Keri Hilson and Friends... That many features should be reserved for artists with no talent (i.e. Diddy LOL). Who on earth thought it was good idea for Akon to scream all over Change Me? She shoulda left his non-singing behind OFF.... im SURE I will never listen to that song EVER again....

a little extra... Keri we know you can sing but you do not have to do so much (kinda reminded me of Beyonce, trying run her whole range on EVERY song). And she sings every song in the exact same way.... all over the place. She needs to learn how to finesse a track... Make Love was not the song to sing full force... nobody wants to make love to all that high pitch screaming.

The track arrangement coulda been more artful…. She started up tempo and progressed into the slow tempo songs but I need a good mix to keep me interested. I was pretty bored by track 8.

I can say she picked good singles... Knock you down is the best song on the album

Strong beginning: started off with some feel good, hype tracks… strong finish, I liked the last song a lot… and sorta blah in between. It's alright at best on first listen, but I think it could grow on me...