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.

Diary of a Tired Black Man - Tim Alexander

Just got done watching Diary of a Tired Black Man! Liked the movie. It's very independent to say the least, but there are a lot of great topics discussed in it. This dialogue that needed to be discussed between African American men and women for quite some time. With the image and role of the black man becoming more and more marginalized it's wondrous to see someone go out to the streets and get the truth. All Black men don't abuse women, leave their children, cheat, or sabotage Black women's progress in getting to the next level.

Without going to much into the movie and what it's about I've included this YouTube.com clip which is a sample of what to expect from the whole movie. Basically it's the story of a married Black couple and the struggles that they go through especially the husband in trying to make his relationship work with his wife who is labeled as an "...angry black woman!"



There are many African American men that not only make taking care of their family and children a priority (like my father), but who also have an active involvement not only in their children's lives, but in the lives of their spouses as well. Growing up I had the benefit of seeing personally Black couples who were in the words of Spike Lee ..."do[ing] the right thing." The Black man's image has been broken down, drug through the mud and back again. It is a whole communities responsibility to shine the light on all the positive Black sons, fathers, nephews, uncles, boyfriends/husbands, and brothers that are out there again doing the right thing. So next time you see one of your African American friends, brothers, fathers, sons et cetera out there doing what they're supposed to. Just tell them keep up the good work.

You Should Vote.....or Die!

If you're of sound mind and body, over 18 and an American citizen there is no reason why you should not participate in someway in our country's political process. Sean John (as he's known today) had it right with his Vote or Die campaign. Everyone really needs to get out there and ensure your voice is heard. All it takes is one vote. I don't believe in telling people who to vote for make your own choice, but let it be yours. Don't ride the coattails of someone else. Develop your own opinions, know that it's okay to do your own research and realize that you cannot have someone else report to you the facts. Sometimes you have to stop being lazy and get out there and find the information of your own. In the end it's definitely worth it.

Get Your Spiritual On: Dr. Frederick K. C. Price

Whether you're a Bedside Baptist or a Couch Potato Catholic if you're getting your word, get your word! I love to watch my Dr. Frederick K. C. Price of Ever Increasing Faith Ministries. Dr. Price is one of the best ministers I've scene and his preaching style I equate more to a teacher then a preacher. He breaks down the Bible wondrously and makes it so that you understand every single bit. He resides over Crenshaw Christian Center in Los Angeles and a second church in Manhattan's Upper Westside commonly referred to as CCC East. He's been preaching since before 1969 and has limited his preaching to allow his son the time to shine, but he's definitely someone to check out for words of inspiration. As Dr. Price likes to quote from the Bible "...we walk by faith and not by sight!"

A Moment For: Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks is doing her thing. I can't be mad at her. She's really maneuvering her way through the entertainment business. I see her going on to become much like Oprah. Producing, Directing, more movies, publishing. I see it all for her. I know her talk show is not getting the ridiculous numbers that Oprah's making but soon! What do you think is next for Tyra?

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.

Remembering a Pup

I lost my beloved doggie today. He had recently acquired a stomach infection and couldn't seem to shake it. I found his lifeless body on the floor as I walked in from being gone most of the day doing last minute holiday shopping. A measure of guilt came across me, and I realized there was nothing that I could have done to keep him here a moment longer, I just wish I had been with him when he took his last little breath. Just shy of his 5th birthday he was a joy to me and my family. I am deeply saddened by his passing. My family took it the hardest. My dog had the personality of an actual person (I know people say that about there pets all the time) and the energy of an atlete. He was always on the move. Well, it's still a happy Christmas and I thank God for the moments I got to spend with my lil' Prince.

I Need A Laugh... Do You?

This show was great. I just wish more people paid attention to the satire in it all.

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.

Love - More Than A Word

I like how the heart has become the symbol for love. Probably because it's one of the most important organs in the body (I think they're all important and want all of mine as long as I live, but I digress). My belief is that you cannot allow your heart to always control the way you feel when it comes to loving someone, and caring about them. Your heart will sometimes lead you in a direction that you shouldn't go. That's why I like to love and and think with my brain before my heart. If you're ever trying to let someone go start thinking with your brain and not your heart. Your brain is the better judge of character, your heart will lead you to what feels comfortable and to those who may feign a love for you. Remember actions speak louder than words, and your heart doesn't care about actions - it's waiting for those words. Don't get caught up.

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.

MICHAEL JACKSON - WIGGING OUT!

I don't know about the rest of you, but I thought Michael Jackson on the cover of Ebony last month was sensational. Is he not wearing the shit out of that lace front wig like he's Beyonce! lol It was good to see him looking a little less Captain Crunch and much more regal! After all he is the King of Pop...still.

Weekend Chill

Sitting here relaxing and listening to Toni. I love this cd. One of her best, but of course she doesn't get out there and promote her stuff like she should and gets that Michael Jackson syndrome that the record company's not doing enough. But I love this cd nonetheless.

Eating cake in the South of France! Happy Birthday Tina!

It's amazing that today we celebrate the 68th birthday of a music legend. Tina, by far one of my favorites has proven to us what positive thinking and perserverance can do for you. Truly a rags to riches story of one of the greatest degrees. Who would of thought that after leaving her svengali husband she would be able to set out on her own and start all over. Would you stay or would you go???

From a life of picking cotton to a life of fur coats and jewels to a life of nothing, mopping floors with government assistance, to a life of private jets and villas in the South of France and Switzerland. If anyone deserves to be celebrated as a artist that has triumphed and fought all odds to remarket herself a success it's the Queen of Rock and Roll...and honestly Soul. Sorry Aretha this video does prove that.