A Quickie: David Gregory Gets Down with Mary J. Blige

I came across this fun clip of NBC White House Correspondant David Gregory getting down to a live perfomance by Mary J. Blige of her hit single 'Just Fine.' I always thought that David was light hearted and fun but I had no idea he could bust a move. Check out the video and tell me he doesn't kill it with that spin!

Flashback Video: Keith Sweat

Oooh! I love Keith Sweat and all that whining and begging. His production was off the hook back in the day was some of the best of the New Jack Swing era which he helped to pioneer along with other such as Bobby Brown and Johnny Gill. This is my paternal grandmother's song right here. I remember being a little kid when this first came out and my grandma had just purchased a beautiful brand new luxury car with an unbelievable sound system. At the time this song came out my grandma was in her early 60's and whenever I was in the car with her she'd play this song over and over again. She wore the cassette out so bad that we replaced it three times and finally had to get her the cd.

While visiting her recently, I decided to listen to some music with her since in old age she's become much more of an introverted you have to pull conversations out of her. As soon as I put on this song my grandma's eyes instantly had a sparkle to them and by the end of the song my grandma had a tear come down her cheek. I didn't ask her what's wrong, I allowed her to enjoy her moment. It was one of the most personal moments I've had with my grandma. Thanks Keith.

Quickie: Phyllis Hyman

I love Phyllis Hyman. Phyllis has been one of my favorites since I was a young kid. I heard Phyllis for the first time at one of my aunt's homes and knew that there was something special about her. My aunt took my to see Phyllis live a few weeks before she took her own life after dealing with depression. Phyllis' beauty and voice have always remained. I must say of performers she was the most down to earth I've seen and have missed her since she departed in 1995.

A Different Mood - Abbey Lincoln

I love Abbey Lincoln. The former wife of recently deceased jazz drummmer Max Roach, Abbey is one the most accomplished Jazz artist of all time. I love that she writes almost all of her lyrics, arranges the music as well as the vocals. Lincoln has been around forever (that's almost literal). She is honestly like no other, her deep infectious voice is beautiful. I love how she purposely pauses and seems to be just a moment behind the note. Jazz as complicated but Abbey makes it seem effortless. The cd that I recommend if you're an Abbey Lincoln beginner? Check out 'A Turtle's Dream!'

Growing Pains: Mary J. Blige

Mary's done it again. The production is flawless and you can tell she's been working hard with her vocal coaches to get her sound right! This is a good listen pick it up if you can! My favorite is 'Work That.' Very inspirational song (you know that's Mary's theme now) and gets you going. It's also the second single off the album. To me it's better then 'Fine.' Although I notice that Mary's really falling in love with the hooks again! But oh well. Great album and the video will be released soon and is said to feature Busta Rhymes who appears on a remix of 'Work That.'

Crack Ain't Whack for Ike Turner

It was reported on the 17th that Ike Turner actually died of cocain overdose. The coroner listed his death as a combination of "cocaine toxicity" and other contributing factors. It was also said that there was drug paraphernalia found near his bedside. Well, what is it with these alleged reformed drug abusers. These people should be tested before they make public statements.

FEEDBACK ON JANET JACKSON

I've purposely waited to do a post on Janet Jackson's new video. I loved the single when it was released. A lot of my friends said that they didn't like it, but as soon as the video came out everyone loved it. No one said anything about the song, but everyone said that Janet looked great in the video. Which in all honesty she does. she looks amazing. Great body, great fits. The concept of the video is very space odyssey to me. Loved it especially with the Milky Way allusion to an orgasm? Either way I won't get like everyone and say this is Janet's comeback album, because I enjoyed her last two albums whether they were commercial success or not. Well, here's to Janet...

Miss. Mills

This song is so wonderful! Just brings back memories of being a kid and hearing my parents play this.

TO THE FIRST ROCK n' ROLL PERFORMER

Now y'all know as much as I love Anna Mae Bullock (Tina Turner) I could not the allow the passing of the founder of Rock n' Roll to go unnoticed. Ike Turner is a MUSICAL legend. Don't the movie fool you, Ike was a pioneer in the business that we call entertainment. There wasn't a live show, hotter, greater, sexier, and electrifying as the Ike and Tina Turner Revue. In case you don't know what a revue is let me refresh you; revue: a theatrical production consisting typically of brief loosely connected often satirical skits, songs, and dances . If that ain't some Nutbush City type shit I surely don't know what is. Basically Ike was fire.

Ike Turner's legacy sadly may be that as the poster boy for abusive husbands. Sadly the same way we make our beds is the way we make our peace. The movie What's Love Got To Do With It focused more on Ike as an abusive man and less on his talents as a good musician as well. The movie although successful could have done a better job of describing the Godfather of Rock n' Roll. A man who taught B. B. King a thing or two, a man who was idolized back in the day by some of the best guitarist in the game including Jimi Hendrix and Keith Richards.

Ike Turner is often credited as the first person (ever) to record a Rock n' Roll song. With distorted guitar tunes all around Rocket 88 is something to listen to for a history buff and for anyone who appreciates music. Rocket 88 was so influential and ahead of its time that the self proclaimed originator and emancipator of Rock n' Roll, His Majesty Little Richard borrowed Ike Turner's piano intro on Rocket 88' note for note. I'll drink to Ike Turner this evening, and not because I need a drink like all hell, but because his talent should also be considered when bringing up his name.

Lupe Fiasco 'Superstar'

If Lupe Fiasco's leading single Superstar from his album 'The Cool' is a proper gauge for the album then it will definitely gonna be outrageous. This song is sleek and melodic sample of a Daft Punk song (aren't they inspiring a lot of Hip-Hop?). I love it, it reminds me of that early 90's vibe that you got from a lot of the European supergroups like Massive Attack and the Pet Shop Boys.

Matthew Santos' voice is chilling on this track. He is so on point and deserves great credit for singing one of the best hooks in recent Hip-Hop. His voice is a cross between Bono and Sting with a soulful edge to it if you can imagine. He blends well into the song and enhances the trance that the synth beats give.

Lupe's cd is slated to drop on the Tuesday, 18 Decmeber 2007. That's one that I will be getting the day that it drops and just for this song. But, from what I've heard thus far from people this cd is scheduled to be a breath of fresh air for true Hip-Hop connoisseurs.