Stephen's Own Domain 2008

Yeah that's right!  

On Tuesday,  I went out to Walmart and bought Ice Cube's new CD, Raw Footage. (Edited Version) No question, in my opinion this maybe on the way of Cube's best CD's since his earlier projects, like Laugh Now and Cry Later from 2006. I know that he's rhymes in a "Gangsta" fashion, but the thing is, on this CD there were two things that got my attention: One, like or not, Ice Cube keeps it real. No faking! No Soulja Boys! And two: He uses his flow of rap on a side of political. Make that more political.

 

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Now if you are going to get this CD, keep in mind that you have two choices: Edited or Explicit. Your pick. Now I was scrolling through all the songs on the CD, and I mean all the songs, and every song has it's own display of mood. We all know this. Proabably. Now the tracks:

1) "What is a Pyroclasitc Flow" - A lnterlude in which makes the listener think about the next level of Ice Cube's direction of his music. The answer to that mostly in later in the songs.

2) "I Got My Locs On" - This track features Young Jeezy, and the continuation of the song starts out strong with chords in between. Fair but balanced.

3)"It Takes a Nation" - Now I thought about Public Enemy here, but no. Although I have heard this similar way back. But, the thought of the song Ice puts on here in relates to Hollywood having the thought of erasing the gangter side him, but no it made him stronger as an actor. Plus, he raps about being on a independent label, which he is. Either when his album is a given or not, he's still got his flow working.

4) "Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It" - This is one of the "Pyroclastic Flow" songs that I mentioned earlier. As dark as the song is, Cube does express his liberties to say what on his mind. In other words, freedom of speech comes to mind. And he also expresses his thought on those who believes about the knowledge about it, they don't know the gist of it, besides of doing it for the money. Plus he mentions words like pimp and others, in which was mentioned so many times before rap music became mainstream.

5) "Hood Menatlity" - Don't get this title twisted. Ice Cube talks about the side in which no one really talks about, dreams of making it big. Being the next sports figure. Also, he really provokes the No Child Left Behind act, schools don't teach enough subjects, government at times don't help out when needed. This track, I think demontrates the fact that Ice Cube is telling us to "change the game" sort of speak. Also at one point, he does talk about staying close with family too.

6) "Why Me" - This track features Musiq Soulchild (yes that's the name of the artist). Cube really talks about those who have problems of taking lives by the cause of violence. He also talks about alternatives of talking about the problems and finding ways to have sentimential peace.

7) "Cold Places" - I think this is a inspirational track. Ice does brings up positive aspects of those going through rough times. Everyone can relate to this one thing or another, no matter what. Fair track, but very balanced. He also provokes the thought of the faults of FEMA, Hurricane Katrina, Jena 6, Osama Bin Laden, and more poltiical loopholes.

8) "Jack N The Box" - This song is balanced mostly. Ok, southern rap beats, I know. It's not about ego here. Ice demonstrates that despite of the issues, and doubters, he does adapt well with his craft, and proving well with it.

9) "Do Your Thing" - For some reason this all about praise. Just my opinon. Keeping up with your craft and not letting up the on the negativity. All about concentrating on your work and nothing else. Ice Cube demontrates this well on this track.

10) "Thank God" - This is the track I believe that stands out. This is the one track I had to listen over and over again. In the begining, Ice states his reasons of the world's reaction to Gangsta Rap in relation to the war in Iraq, the poor, and those not having a decent life. But he turns around and says that the world's problems are at fault, and Ice Cube had a statement of his reactions of his views, through "his gangsta rap". In the track, there are repeats of "Thank God, the gangsta's back" in reaction to just keeping it real, and not being a phony behind the mic. Thus far, a powerful political track on the CD.

11) "Here He Come" - Like "Jack N The Box" and "Do Your Thing", this track is balanced and fairly well using his craft.

12) "Get Money, Spend Money, No Money" - This track is not as power as the previous tracks like "Thank God" but likewise the song is potentially fair balanced. One point on the song Ice Cube examines those about rappers having all the money, rims on the cars, mansions, but not having the thought of keeping them. This reminds one of Will Smith's tracks that featured 90% of videos having rims, throwback jerseys, rented mansions, and, basically that it.

13) "Get Use To It" - The track features WC and The Game along with Ice Cube. Overall the song is more of a next changing track in my opinion, but it does have some strong points. The next changing track what I'm referring to is mostly a change in the guard which I think would involve The Game as an addtion to the Westside Connection group. - That's Ice Cube's group if you must know.

14) "Tomorrow" - In this track, I think Ice Cube is morely demontrating that at times Tomorrow is not promised at times. We all heard the statement 'Tomorrow is not Promised" so many times because in reality, it is what it is.Usually today is more focused that tomorrow. A fair track, but behind it, really tells the truth.

15) "Stand Tall" - This track is more of a throwback retro-soul. I know it's sampled, but it is a mellow slow down track mixed in the message of standing tall in any situation that seems to be diffucult. Ice Cube demonstrates some examples of it in this track.

16) "Take Me Away" - Rapper Butch Cassidy makes a guest appearance on this track. Mostly this track is mellowed together, along with Ice Cube's messages almost reflecting one of his earlier tracks like "Today was a Good Day" from the early 1990's. By the way, that was and still is one of my favorite tracks. Overall, a fairly good balanced song.

 

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Overall the CD has it's mix of dark and light spots. But If I had to pick out the best songs to put on your Ipod, or track list it would be mostly: Thank God, It Takes A Nation, Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It, Tomorrow, and Hood Mentality.

Like him or not, as I stated earlier, Ice Cube keeps it real. And he pulls no punches in "his Gangsta Rap". And I don't see no one, like Soulja Boy or other rappers out there now trying to compete, nor challenge Ice Cube on this CD. But anyway, the next time if you go to your Walmarts, Kmarts, Amazons, Itunes, Circuit Citys, Best Buys or any other stores that sells music, go and purchase your copy of Raw Footage - either explicit of edited. Your choice.

 

 

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I often said and read that the month of June is Black Music Month. A month which we pay tribute to Blacks who have first created and performed all forms of music. But I got an email today from my one of my uncles that used to play in the band called The Chefs. They used to be a local band here in Milwaukee years ago. I clicked on his message and it took me to the Imeem website. And I clicked on the song "Mr. Machine". That was the only recording that my uncle's band every had in their collection. Last year, when I was reviewing my Summerfest moments, I did mention that some of my family members on my mother's side were musically talented, and yours truly does have that trait as well. If you must know, I play a Saxophone.

Moving on, if you heard of the bands of The Chefs or Black Frost, some of the band members were indeed my uncles, and mother. And they used to open for acts such as Tina Turner, B.B. King, and James Brown. When I played this song, this was a black music moment that just hit me! It hit me because I often hear stories about my family's musical groups. Long time ago, I went to a Black Frost Reunion show near the Carver Park Neighborhood, which by the way, used to have houses, and Metropolitan High School was formally named Lapham Park. That was the first time I've heard my late uncle, Robert Burton, played his bass gutiar with the band. As far as the The Chefs, I've stories too, but until today, I've heard a sampling of the band's recordings. (Thanks, Unc!)

I could on and on. But anyway, just to show the fact that I can talk about James Brown, Public Enemy, Tina Turner, Michael Jackson, Run DMC anytime. But there's nothing wrong listening to music that came from your relatives. This is my family's talent. And it's part of me, and the future. Take a listen if you wish.

 

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Mr Machine Pts 1 and 2 - The Chefs

 

 

If you are an avid listener of hip-hop, I think the one group sticks out the most right now, is The Roots. Hands down. You can say G-Unit, or whatever, but The Roots have the best group thing in my opinion, and their creativity is what makes them one of the best out there right now.

What I like about  this group is the fact that they collaborate with their creativity of hip hop in form of making music with live instruments. Yes, live instruments. No digital instruments, and hardly no sampling.  If you never attended a concert with them in person, watched Dave Chappelle's Block Party Movie, or watched them perform live on stage, the sound is much different than in the studio. Just remember that this is a hip hop band that been around since their formation in 1987, and they are an underground group that came out Philadelphia with the likes of Jill Scott, Jazzy Jeff, Eve, Will Smith, and others that came from that "Philly Sound", sort of speak. Overall, they are to me, part of the reason why I continue to listen to hip hop with out hearing the same songs for 10 weeks on the radio.

This album "Rising Down", has some songs that really stand out. And I mean stand out. It doesn't matter if its the explicit or edited version. (Ok, I bought the edited version in case the kids listen to it) The first song, "Rising Down" is a mellow beat single that collaborates with rapper Mos Def in the featured vocals along with the group. My opinion the song has a strong start in the beginning.

Another song "Get Busy" is more of an egdier or grimy feel to it. All of this is combined with the drumbeats, rap vocals, and other instruments involved with the mix. Moving on, "75 Bars (Black's Reconstruction)" is another song that has a dark side to it. What is more good with this song is more of the lyrics. If you saw the video on YouTube, it's a different story, being uncensored. But the song itself does stand out not only with the lyrics but with repetitive beats of the drums, and instruments. Dark, yes, grimy, a definte plus. But it does have a rhythmic feel to it.

 

Towards the middle, "Lost Desire" to me is similar to Rising Down that is mellow. It does possess a strong feel towards the end, rythmic wise. And as an addtion, rapper Talib Kweli adds more depth of his lyrics. Another is "The Show". This is track that should be played again just to get it. With this, the drumbeats are half repetitous, almost like in a marching band. The vocals are smoothed out well, plus rapper Common makes a guest appearance on the song. Lastly, "Rising Up" is an opposite of "Rising Down". It is mellow, with a R&B, NeoSoul, and Jazz feel to it. This also has an video on Youtube and the group's website. Guest musicians Wale and Chrisette Michelle add there rap and singing lyrics to the song. My opinion, a strong finish for the CD.

This album to me is much stronger from their Game Theory CD, which came out in 2006 and it's their 10th album. So the question is would this be a good fit for my collection? I would say that go to your favorite stores and pop it in your CD players at home or in the car. Doesn't matter if it's the clean or explicit version. It may sound dark sometimes, but the thing is, it's listening to the group's potentially best album yet thus far.

 

 

I picked up Mariah Carey's E=MC2 CD on Tax Day, with the day of figuring out how much I have to fork over to the government. But anyway, I think this CD is a follow up from her Emancipation of Mimi CD that came out in 2005. If you haven't got that CD by now, it's good!  That was her comeback album in my opinion. Now, what about this CD? Overall I think it's mellow, a blend between some hip hop, reggae, and R&B, which I think gives it an edge. And if my math serves me right, this is Mariah's 11th Album.

What about some of the songs? Well we've all heard her first single, "Touch My Body" either on the radio, online or videos. The video of the song, I saw on YouTube, had almost a collaboration of a Revenge of the Nerds thing to it. That's just my thought! The single is decent to dance to in the clubs or listen while riding in the car. Similar to that, another song "Migrate" is more of a relaxing songs with mellow rhythms and beats, plus T-Pain co singing with Mariah around the middle of the song. Also, have anyone heard of Damian Marley? If not, he is Bob Marley's youngest son, and collaborates with Mariah on the song "Cruise Control". Damian adds the reggae side of the song with the vocals on the side which bring the song a reggae/R&B collaboration. Other songs like "I'm That Chick" has a disco beat to it. It also has a small sample of Michael Jackson's Off The Wall" single, which makes the song have an edge to it. I'm thinking another Summertime hit with this one. Another dance song on the list is "O.O.C." - which is abbrievated, "Out Of Control". Both songs have a dancing edge.

Other songs on the CD like "Side Effects" with rap artist Young Jeezy is a fair R&B/rap song. It's good enough for the clubs, and some radio stations like 103.7 or V100 might pick it up. It's not as fast as the others, but does carry well as a mellow moderate jam, like another song "I'll be Lovin' U Long Time". Speaking of slow jams, "Love Story",  with Jermaine Dupri, is good with a slow jam feel.

Towards the end, the last couple of songs have a goodbye and biblical feel. "Bye Bye" is more of a slow song that almost have a funeral feel to it. You have to hear the song just to get the understanding of it. And also "I Wish You Well", the last song on the CD, has a biblical/gospel mood on the track. In the song, Mariah I think, generates more spriritually in telling those almost in a philosophical sense that you may think you got me in all, but I am still here. She also reflects bibically from three bible verses of Proverbs 19:29, 1 John 4:4, Phillipians 4:9, and Psalms 129:2, that tops it off.

E=MC2 is a mellow follow up Album that gives Mariah a continuing craft in music. Add this to your collection.

 Hope everyone is enjoying or enjoyed Leap Day 2008. Just so you know that it comes every four years. I can't imagine what will Leap Day 2012 would bring us. Anyway, since the 2nd month of the year is coming to a close, this would be my "outro" if you will to close out Black History Month by reviewing 2 CD's: Erykah Badu, and yes, Janet Jackson. Outro by definition is defined as the same as "recessional" or "postlude."

Both CD's did came out this week and since this is the day of extras, I will review both CD on one blog. OK, up first is Erykah Badu's New Amerykah CD. It has been 5 years since Worldwide Underground came out with songs like Back In The Day, and Love of My Life. (Yes it has been 5 years!) But on this one, she takes a step futher on this album. Flat out, the songs jumped out with a mix of R&B, Jazz,  and Funk music fused together. By the way, she was the one who introduced "Neo-Soul" back around 1997.  Furthermore, the feature track "Honey" is a bonus track on the CD, which came out last November when she celebrated her 10th Anniversary as an artist.  And by far it is one of the best songs on the CD. Other songs I think, that would leap out to you, and I mean the words "leap out" would be: Amerykahn Promise, it has a funk groove to it. It does! I'm suprised when I first heard it. If you are familiar with sounds of the 70's this might remind you of some songs that came out during that era. It almost has an 70's Diana Ross rhythm to it.  Another track, "Me" is more of a mellow/Marvin Gaye-like/rhythm to it. Behind the song she expresses how she went through her time with her two sons and different husbands. She really did, folks. Other tracks that would "leap out, with lyrics would be "Telephone" which is slow song, but it pays tribute to a music producer J Dilla,  who is now deceased. And another is "Soilder" is more of a look out song because it describes on how we need to watchout for things that is effecting the country, effecting the community, especially the black communinty: hidden truths of history, Hurricane Katrina, the war in Iraq and many others. In this one, she takes the song and the lyrics to another notch on an extreme level, but she tells it like it is.

 Ok, some of you may not like this, or some may would pray for me on this. Hold your breath!  Well maybe don't hold your breath. I am about to analyze Janet Jackson's Disiciple CD. Well, at first I wasn't going to purchase it, but then again, I'll give it a try. On this CD, first of all it's under the DefJam Label, and producers Rodney Jerkins and Jermaine Dupri are at the helm of this album. Half the songs in the CD, aren't really that bad (i.e. reviews from Amazon.com) The feature single, "Feedback" is more a dance track for the summer, or the clubs. It was the first single that came out on Itunes.  Other tracks like "LUV" (that's title name of the song!) is more of a upbeat song that you would probably hear at clubs also, mixed with pop rhythms. "Rock With U" and "Rollercoaster" are good upbeat songs that reminds me of Janet of old. I would say between Control and Rhythm Nation. I'm thinking is the old Janet back? Not bad. "2Nite" , another song on the CD is about the same, rhythmically but more of a lighter side. She also teams up with Missy Elliot in the song "The 1" with a collaboration of R&B and Hip Hop.  Some slow songs of "Whats Ur Name" and Never Letchu Go" are more mellow. Or in this case, they are just easy on the calmer side than the fast side.

Well after my opinions of listening, both CD are fair and good. Good as in not only listening but also fair as in choice. And both CD's are kind of bewildering almost, but you have to take a listen again to see what are they're talking about. Erykah Badu's CD is an example. I noticed that some of the lyrics are a little more extreme over to the top almost, but she tells it like it is based on what's going on in world. And for Janet, she's trying in a fair manner, I think the goal is  to get the listener past the "eye-candy mentality". We all know what happened 4 years ago, so no need to go into that.

To conclude, if you are a fan of both artists or somewhat, this would be worth buying, if you're up to it. Don't take my word for it.  Another option,  if  you like to download one or two songs from the internet, then the songs above would be an interest on your Ipods or MP3 players. Or maybe PDA's if you have them with SanDisk Cards.

I tried folks. Happy Leap Day!

I thought I would not say these words but, I'll say them anyway: Go Get Lenny Kravtiz's new CD, now! His latest CD "It's Time For a Love Revolution" is a interesting CD to listen to, even if you are not a fan rock music. Flat out, I started listening to Lenny around 1999, and every time I listen to him it reminds me of two things: One, I first read about him in Jet Magazine around in the spring of 2002 and the artcle was entitled: "Lenny Kravitz: Sexy Rock 'n' Roll Performer tells why he keeps 'our' music alive". The keywords, 'our music' was referring to blacks making rock music.

As I summarized the article back then, as just now, he was very on point why the genre was first invented by Blacks in the first place. I had to agree. Take a look at Little Richard (aka the architect of rock n roll), Chuck Berry, and Fats Domino. Just like Rap, Hip Hop, Funk, Soul, Dance, R&B, Jazz, Country, and etc. More over he explained on how Elvis and The Beatles were given most credit of performing the genre, but they did "openly acknowledged" the influence of black musicians, according to the article. Speaking of that, he also commented that blacks gave away rock music to Whites instead of the stealing mentality: "It's a shame because White people didn't take rock music away from us, we gave it to them." "We created all of this...R&B, ragtime, folk, gospel, jazz, pop, rock, funk, reggae, calypso, soca, we invented all this music. Anything with rhythm, we created it. And, it's a shame that if you're Black and you're doing something a little left of center, it's like, 'Aw, Lenny he plays that White music.' No, I play rock 'n' roll and soul and what I play is Black music."

After reading that statement now I know why it had to be said for one, and another, I agree with him! Plus it gives a reminder of that rock music is just as universally known as other genres that started out as I like to call "afrocentric creation". Since this is the month of Black History Celebrations and Achievements, I wanted to put that in there! Like the commecial once said: "Black History. pass it on."

Plus, I have to give it to him because tells it like it is. Some of my favorites from him happens to be "American Woman", "Are You Going My Way?", "Thinking of You" - the song that was dedicated to his mother, Roxie Roker, who played Helen on The Jeffersons. Plus others like "Where Are We Running?", "Storm" - a track he did with Jay-Z, "Dig In", "It Aint Over (Till It's Over)", just a few.

The second reason is more a simple reason: He brings a new sense of creativty to the genre, and his latest CD I think is a step up from Baptism. The best songs to listen to I think would catch your ear would be as this: "Love Revolution" and "Bring It On" are more of an upbeat scale of rhythm, which has it's strong points. (Bring It On is now available on Itunes)"Love Love Love", "Will You Marry Me" and "Dancin' Til Dawn", have a rhythmic beat with a mix of soul with the rock in the background. Speaking of that, the track "Will You Marry Me" has a James Brown/Superbad drum beat to it. I'm not kidding! I'm thinking he could go somewhere with this! And "Dancin' Til Dawn" I think has a Al Green/Curtis Mayfield beat to it. Plus an upscale blues beat with a mix of a Saxophone Medley Solo. You have to listen it for yourself.

Overall, this CD is worthtwhile to have in anyone's collection. Moreover, if you are a collector of his music, this could be another addition in your CD's or MP3 download favorites.

 

"Bring that beat back!" - Public Enemy


OK. So now it's time to reveal what I think were the best CD's that made the cut in the year of 2007. There was alot to choose from, especially in the urban category. So with that being said, before the ball drops, and the champagne uncorks, I want to summarize my best CD's from the year. By the way, I looked at an article from today's Journal Sentinel, which gave me an idea.

1) Joss Stone - Introducing Joss Stone - This album I remember came out at the beginning of the year. Joss I think really shined in this album very well with her voice of British Soul. "Tell Me 'Bout It" was I think was one of most carried jams on the album with others like "Put Your Hands Up". Really you have to listen to them to get a feel for it.




2) Timbaland- Timbaland Presents: Shock Value - Really this came as a surprise in my view. Timbaland continued to make new beats in this album mostly for a dance, pop, rap, and rock genres. "The Way I Are", "Throw It On Me", and "Give It to me" were the songs that stuck out because of the commercials, WWE Divas, and others.





3) Alicia Keys - As I am - I think this Album may be the best of the year, along with Mary J. Blige's album of Growing Pains, because I think the best songs of "No One", "Superwoman", "Go Ahead" and "Wreckless Love" had that soul and r&b flow to them. It's a good CD overall.



4) Angie Stone - The Art of Love and War - Like Timbaland, this album was a surprise also. Angie Stone has talent, yall! And this album has proof of it. Check "Take Everything In", "Happy Being All", "My People" and the two most played singles, "Make It Last" and "Baby". She, I think brought Stax and soul music back to remind us where it really came from.



5) Jay-Z - American Gangster - Jay-Z said that American Gangster inspired him. Well, I think it did. And I also think that it stood another tone for the movie, which I think was one of the best drama/Gangster movies that came out in a long time. The best? try "Pray", "American Dreamin'", "Roc Boys (And the winner is)...", and the self titled "American Gangster". If you listen to that song, it's has a sample from Curtis Mayfield. And getting back to American Dreamin', it's has a sample from Marvin Gaye as well. The album overall, fits like a glove.



6) Common - Finding Forever. Most say that Common's album was Number 1 this year. If you haven't heard of Common, he is a rap artist, but he raps consciously almost like Kanye West, in my view. If you check the songs of "The People", "Southside", and Black Maybe" these songs, I think are best on the album. Southside also features Kanye West.





7) Kanye West - Graduation. Remember the Kanye/50 Cent wager? We all know who won this one. But anyway. Despite of this years downfall of not getting a Moonman from MTV, and the death of his mother, Kanye's Graduation CD didn't disappoint. "Stronger" was I think the popular song from the album. And yes he did a song about Barry Bonds featuring Lil' Wayne. Besides "Stronger", "The Glory", "Big Brother", and "I Wonder" are runner up songs that Kanye raps consciously.



8) R. Kelly - Double Up. R. Kelly. Despite of the troubles he's going through, I think R. Kelly continued to rise up musically. Double Up was a prime example in my view. Yes, I'm a "mark "of a little R. Kelly songs in my collection, which had most dancer "Stepping" in 2003. Double Up's song of "I'm a Flirt remix" was I think the most played single this year. Check the charts, folks. Other than than, songs like "The Champ" had a that get ready feeling of conquering those in the path. Almost like a Muhammad Ali presence in his prime. He collaborated with rapper Swiss Beatz for the song. Also, he collaborated with Ludacris and Kid Rock in "Rockstar", to have a rock, rap and r&b connection.


9) Prince - Planet Earth. What can I say about Prince? One word: Legend. We are familiar with the single, "Guitar" from the Verizon Wireless commercials, aren't we? (Just joking!) No seriously, Prince continues to spread out his craft in this album. Other songs that caught my ear this year( hey that rhymes!) are "Mr. Goodnight" which has him vocally raps on the song, and "Chelsea Rodgers", has a soul, funk rhythm to it. Overall, it's good song. In addition, it's a decent CD to have for good music crowds.



10) Mary J. Blige - Growing Pains. What a way to close out 2007 and open 2008. Mary J. Blige's latest album to me has energy of positive messages. Mostly for women, and those who are in any struggle, in my opinion. Some say that she's not the same Mary since 1992, but I think she mature more in this CD. I mentioned this in another blog. Well to review, check the songs of "Work That", "Grown Woman", "Just Fine", "Stay Down", "Fade Away", and "Come to Me (Peace)". The last one has that 80's feel of rock, pop and r&b beat to it. Who knows, that this CD could be a contender for a Grammy.

Those I think made my runner up in my view:

Shop Boyz - Rockstar Mentality. - I have to give some props to the Shop Boyz in regards to keep the Rock and Rap Music thing going. I know that "Party Like A Rockstar" was their bread and butter this year, but I think that they need to expand more to get noticed. Just my opinion.

Amy Whinehouse - Back To Black - One word. "Rehab". That was the song that most folks remember. I know about her troubles this year, but I think this album was fair in it's aspects of keeping the soul thing going like Joss Stone. She does have a voice though. I also listened to songs of "He Can Only Hold her", and "You Know I'm No Good" - (Remix version).

Most of these were a favorite for some reason. We all know what those reasons are. Like I said, these are my favorites that I feel "made the cut" in 2007.

Growing Pains. That's the new album out by Mary J. Blige, and it's not a letdown. If you are keeping score at home, I think this is the 8th Album from the queen of hip-hop and soul, which came out on December 18th. I've been listening to Mary J since 1992 with hits like "Real Love",  "You Remind Me", "Sweet Thing", and others.


    

And yes, as the years went by, I've listened to her other hits on her My Life album - which had my favorites: "You Bring Me Joy" "I'm Goin' Down" and "Be Happy". This also includes her No More Drama album that had the single "No More Drama". Here's something you probably don't know. I remember seeing the video of No More Drama and it's more drawn to the September 11th Attacks on how people felt after the reaction to the World Trade Center disasters. And the song is sampled from Young and the Restless. We all know that show right? She also had other albums like "Love and Life"(check out Ooh, Not Today, and Love @ First Sight) - this was the first time that she and Diddy collaborated on the Album since 1992. "Share My World" - which had songs like "Love Is All We Need", "Everything" and "Not Goin Cry" that in my view, dominated the charts around 1997 and 1998. and her self titled album "Mary" which had featured songs of "All That I Can Say", "Don't Waste Your Time" with Aretha Franklin, "Deep Inside" - this had a Elton John sample of Bennie and the Jets.  And to top it off, "Let No Man Put Asunder" is more of a disco dance throwback song, but great track.




 In 2005, Mary came back with "The Breakthrough" album that was really off the charts. The songs "Be With You",  "Enough Crying" were  the best songs on the charts in that year. But the song that had me going into 2006 was "Gonna Breakthrough". That was a anthem for me, because I was focused on graduating from UW-Stout. Which was a breakthrough!

Now comes to Growning Pains. Overall, this album isn't that bad at all. It's more of Mary sing more uplifting music, or keeping your head up music. I have read on other sites that she doesn't sound like the Mary of 15 years ago. But since "The Breakthrough" album, she has matured more soulfully. No problem with that. The best songs on here? I would say first: "Work That". You probably heard this on the i-tunes commercials.  Best single in my opinion. Others include "Just Fine" which is another track you can hear on the Apple Ipod commercials, "Grown Woman" -this features Ludacris on the track. Also another track, "Stay Down" is a track for those who are going through problems and trying to find ways to make it better. But it is a powerful track to listen and learn from. Other tracks to checkout, "Come to Me (Peace)" and "Fade Away".

Like I said, the CD is not bad at all and it's a maturing material to have in your collection. No doubt this would be the best albums to close out 2007 and going into 2008 with more hits to groove to. Just like Alicia Keys and Angie Stone. Would this be good in the collection? I would say so. If you haven't bought a Mary J. Blige CD in a while, this would be your start. If you looking to add more in your collection, specifically your Mary J Blige Collection, this could be another addition to your collage of music. So go to your favorite store and pick up a copy of Growing Pains.



 

Happy Halloween Bloggers!

Back in the summer, I wrote a blog about my favorite joints that I like to rock to. But since this is the occasion of "Hallows", ok Halloween, I'm going to dive in here and list my best songs that I can listen to not only on Halloween but through out the year. Most of us heard of these songs before, but anyway it time for me to open the cauldron and brew up my favorites:

1) Thriller - Michael Jackson. Need I say more about this song. This is not just a classic, but one of the best songs that came from his second album. Yes, I was about 6 years old when Thriller came out. 25 years exactly. And what came next, a video that had me screaming for cover, but the dancing was cool. Now it's at weddings. Michael also did a "live version" of Thriller during his 1992 Concert in Bucharest on HBO.

2) A Nightmare On My Street - DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. This song had a mix of Fresh Prince, Jazzy Jeff, Freddy Kruger, and well a great place of mixing the tone of hip hop and that eerie feeling of A Nightmare on Elm Street.

3) Freaks Come Out At Night/Haunted House of Rock - Whodini This is think was one of the first rap songs that had ties with Halloween. Don't forget these songs were also from the earlier days of hip hop when it wasn't "dead" by "alive".

4) Voodoo Child (Slight Return) - Jimi Hendrix. Granted I wasn't born yet when Jimi had this song out. Alot of you older me probably do. What I like about the song, it had that driving rock force of guitar riffs. I know that I play it around Halloween sometimes, but I also play it every now and then. It's a good song.

5) Raising Hell - Run D.M.C. - This was the debut album that I think started to move Run-D.M.C. to stardom. It was 1986 and I was a young kid when this album came out, with the mixing of Rap and Rock music. Without this masterpiece, there wouldn't be no 50 Cent, 2pac, Notorious B.I.G. or any other Rap/Metal artists. This week also marks the 5th annivesary of Jam Master Jay's murder in New York.

6) Bust/Dracula's Wedding - Outkast - If you have the album "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, you should be familiar with the songs of "Hey Ya" and "The Way You Move". But these songs of Bust and Dracula's Wedding have a ghoulish, Transylvania feel to it in order to make the songs interesting and have a horrorish tone.

7) Name of the Game/Weapons of Mad Distortion - The Crystal Method. I recognized these songs from the Blade Movies: the second and third. These songs of a techno, rap, rock feel, have a good background. Especially in the fighting scenes when Blade fends off the vampires towards the end of the movie.

8) Ready To Die - The Notorious B.I.G. This was Biggie's first album that came out in 1993, at the same time when Bad Boy was getting noticed. This song, Ready To Die, had a dark, stern mood of surviving, hustling, living, and dying. This also had the lyrics that were telling a story of preparing to "clock out". Overall, it has a great feel to hip hop.

9) I Don't Wanna Stop - Ozzy Osbourne. Now  I must admit that I am not a Ozzy Osbourne fan. No I'm not! But I do admire his craft of music, and his influence that he gives in other genres of music. Including hip hop. Take a look at the Shop Boyz's album: "Rockstar Mentality", and listen to a track called "This Means War!!" by Busta Rhymes, which by the way, he sampled from Ozzy. When I first heard this song, I'm thinking this could be another Halloween song. It is on Madden, first heard at WWE Judgment Day this year, but overall the song has a driving edge with rock and pop in it. Like Halloween, and others, the song, doesn't want you to stop!

10) Superstition - Stevie Wonder - An instant classic. This is a song that best fits of fighting off superstitions against bad luck and hanging in there, including in the essence of the Halloween holiday. With a dash of soul, of course.

11)  Dying by Ice Cube - This song is from Ice Cube's War and Peace CD that came out in 1998. Mixed with rock, rap, and metaphors of surviving, confronting death, and eternal life. By the way, this song is the clean version. The original name, the four letter word, (which I will not say) and Dying. The rock group, Korn is a guest on this single.

12) Blade II Soundtrack - Various artists. This album had a mixture of rap, hip hop, r&b, techno, dance, rock,  all mashed in one. The Roots, BT, Massive Attack, Mos Def, Eve, Bubba Sparxxx, and the Crystal Method are the featured arttists. What songs to look out for? "Phdream", "I Aganist I", and "Tao of the Machine". They all have, like the Blade trilogy soundtrack, have that dark feel of confronting evil.

Overall these are some of the songs that I listen to, not just around Halloween, but more often in any part of the year.

I'm on the BET blogs today, for the first time in a month, and I am reading about an artist that is making a voice in Country Music. Rissi Palmer. How many of you heard of that name? If not, well it's ok. Rissi Palmer is making a voice planted in country music, if you haven't heard already. According to the BET blogs, she is the first black woman in 20 years to reach on the billboard charts, with her single, "Country Girl". Yes, that's her single.

Check this, on her website, her original plan in music was to do pop music with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The same producers that put Janet Jackson, Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey, and others on the map. But her heart was set on Country music. I checked her songs out on her website and her myspace page, and I think she's has what it takes to surge up in the Country genre. She's got talent. Just take a listen. She has a little R&B in her, some pop, but mostly country, I think.

Now the big question is........will Black America support Rissi Palmer? Think about it. That is a huge question. Now thinking historical wise, blacks started all kinds of genre of music. Including Country. I know that the first black artist of Country was Charley Pride. He broke the mold. But also, Ray Charles, although he had sung R&B and Soul, but he also dabbed some country in his music too. Does anyone remember Darius Rucker from Hootie and The Blowfish? Guess what, he's planning on singing Country, and his album should be out in 2008.

I think some in Black America would take a chance and buy the CD, and support her. And I know most would probably laugh and turn the page, just because she's singing country, not R&B or Pop music. But in a different light, there might be chance that she could inspire others to follow in her path. Who knows, she could be leading a whole new movement of her craft even further.

Check out Rissi Palmer on myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/rissipalmer; and her main website: www.rissipalmer.com; take a listen to some of her songs that will appear on her album, which comes out October 23rd. She also has good recommendations from others on her site as well.

Also, check out the article, "Beneath the Underdog -Will Black America Support Singer Rissi Palmer?" on BET's website.

One more site: Read the article, "Black Artists in Country Music" by Michael Perry from World And I Magazine. Just another further depth in history of blacks and country music.

If you haven't heard by now, a rap artist out of Houston Texas is not rapping with explicit content - which involves cursing. Chamillionare's new album, "Ultimate Victory" is entirely played out with southern rap beats, but the thing about the album involves no explicit content. Now to think, that is not a bad thing. I mean just a couple of years ago, LL Cool J did the same thing years ago with his "10" album without using explicit content. And he once said that the hard part of him rapping was without using explicit content. Now some would say that rappers that don't curse in music, would be "going soft" and not get any traction of support of listeners. In my last blog, I pointed out that southern rap artist Master P released a new album this year with his son, Romeo. There was backlash from those who liked him, and felt he was "going soft" in his music. But he wasn't. He is at a level in which a few rappers don't usually tap into, but it is a reminder of what hip hop or rap music used to be squeaky clean and enjoyable. So you can say that Master P is "growing up" as an artist and his music follows. Also it was 10 years ago, that Will Smith gave us Big Willie Style which had some catchy tunes without the use of explicit content.

For Chamillionare, his latest album, I think is a test to see in which brand of audiences would go to the stores and actually buy the album and like it. Although the album has a street/gangster side to it, but like I said it's not explicit. There are many varieties in Hip Hop when it comes to a certain style. I see that. But I know that the creativity, and talent has to be worked through as much because that to me is what is missing in Hip Hop right now. So........the question is:  could this be good in my rap collection? That I can't answer, but there is another way to find out. Before buying the album, go to Chamillionare's Myspace Page and take a listen to his songs on his new album. In one single "Hip Hop Police", he has legendary rapper Slick Rick, at his side of sharing the lyrics.  Maybe if you like the songs, and the lyrics, the album may fit right in your collection.

As I indicated in my last blog, I did mention that I will be commenting on BET's Hip Hop vs America Special that aired last week. I have watched both shows, actually there was a third show online, and I think I have my own summary in mind that I am willing to provide. The issue between Hip Hop and society goes on, but the question is can they coexist? And like my last blog, I'll let this out, either right or wrong, it's just how I feel about it. But, I wont let the story concept get the best of me.

OK. Back to the matter at hand: Hip Hop vs America. What I got out of the show is the fact I think BET tried to summarize the legality of the genre. There were talks mostly about the generational gap between hip hop/civil rights era, starting right in the home, Tip Drill, and a question that involves hip hop being the culprit or in this case, a victim. Some said that hip-hop despite of it's high successes since Jazz has indeed kept a steady rate of confidence, but like other genres, there is always a dark side. Lord knows about the dark side of hip hop involving , the language, lack of history, mentoring, all about the money, and a lost cause or objective of it's creativity. On the show, there were a couple of columnists, famed reporters, professors, and rappers Chuck D, T.I. ,Mike Jones, and Nelly. 

Flat out, the town meeting was really in my estimation of a quick jab more than a wake up call. On one front, Nelly commented a situation about his late sister, who was battling a deadly disease like leukemia, and defending his stature of one his videos, "Tip Drill". Yes, that was the video put Nelly on the map the most. This was the video that had a credit card and well....... I would not say. You have to see the video on the internet for that one. And I think this was this same video made him an unwanted person of not going to lectures at Spelman College.(It's in Atlanta, if you must know) But getting back, Nelly was expressing the good side of helping his late sister as an example of helping out those in need, despite of the "haters" that constantly bring him down in this manner. Clearly, I would define that as a way of getting away too quick than having a chance to sit and listen.

On another front, T.I. partially commented about responsibility. For one I think I can agree on him that artists can and must take responsibility of what they say and express in their music. They have to.  Just like the parents watching their kids of their manners. And he also commented that before he became a rap artist, he was involved in certain things that almost made him go to jail or in the cemetery. But I think T.I. uses his music to summarize the bad situations in neighborhoods in which he experienced, and tries to explain to his audience of what to look out for. Such as drugs and alcohol coming into the neighborhoods and looking for a way to keep them out. I know that he has explicit labels on his albums, but partially, he like Southern Rapper Mike Jones explains the dangers that doesn't hardly picks up on the evening news. To ask a better question: what's really going on?

Also, Master P was on the panel, in the discussion. He commented that at one time when he had his "No Limit Records" label out, he got praise from those who can relate to the struggles from the streets, along with an explicit aggressive manner.  But here is a twist a decade later. He unveils a new record label, and a new CD that he did with his son, and receives a backlash from those who once cheered for him. But he took another direction  in which he wanted to think about living than dying in the streets. Such as no more profane words. Plus that same influence is putting his son (formally called Lil Romeo) on a basketball scholarship at one of the top universities in the country.

How many of you heard of Dr. Michael Eric Dyson? Yes he was on the show. Dr. Dyson is also a professor at Georgetown University. In spite of his love for the Hip-Hop, he also added an example when it comes to the responsibility of black women. He knows about those artists who uses derogatory terms, and thinking more about the appeal than the appearance, and the moral dreams and aspirations that she carries. She might look like someone from a dance club, or a video, but in a sense she might be in line for a manager's job in the music business.

There were prominent discussions of how the creativity, and history is not there in Hip Hop. I think that is what draining the energy and causing the question of Hip Hop going into the crypt. Yes, I know about what Nas said last year: Hip Hop Is Dead. Technically, in order to revive, or restart Hip Hop I think is knowing the history. Just like all forms of music history, this is a must. Some of today's listeners probably never heard of a Sugarhill Gang or Grandmaster Flash. Neither Salt N Pepa, Doug E. Fresh, KRS One, Slick Rick, Melle Mel, Treacherous Three, MC Shan, Afrika Bambataa, or MC Lyte. To me, these groups started the genre way before 2Pac, Kanye West, 50 Cent, Nelly, Diddy, Jay-Z, T.I. and The Notorious B.I.G. ever tapped into the music. Other than that it's all about learning about where the music really came from and started. Plus Hip Hop opened doors for a new generation of businesses in fashion. From the special, Russell Simmons, who once owned PhatFarm, had others commented that blacks couldn't operate, nor support, nor start a jeans line. But now it's has been proven they can. And it continues today. Next, comes the support. I don't mean going to the Internet and downloading one song. That's not going to cut it. Go get the CD's from Best Buy or Walmart and buy it. Or go to Amazon.com online. Think back to the late 80's and early 90's. It was focused more on talent and spirit. Plus the requests from radio stations generated buzz for the hit single or featured artist, and record labels - Which leads me to this: "creativity" needs to drive Hip Hop back! Nowadays, it's all about the money. All about the image lifestyle of the "bling bling", car rims, throwback jerseys, goblets, and others. That doesn't have a drive for the genre.  None at all. It needs a makeover of what it supposed to be. Yes I do admire what Kanye West, The Roots, Common, Alicia Keys, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and even KRS-One are doing now. Even Lauryn Hill when she had a hit album in 1998 called "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill". And yes, even Will Smith in relating to the phenomenon.  Nothing wrong with that. If it's to maintain the spirit of creativity that's fine. I'm cool with that.

I just hope the other artists that are peaking in, can somewhat get an example to have a creativity, longevity,  and fun aspect of Hip Hop, not about corporate greed and trying to get deal on the spot, and hoping to be a legend quickly. I know that now there is a split or what Dr. Cornel West said on the program a "chasm" between Hip Hop, and the acceptance from society, like the Civil Rights Generation. But in order for that to happen, I think, hip hop has to contradict change for the good, while at the same time society, I think must be not judgmental and going to conclusions of a tail-spin at times. In other words, they have to match up somehow and have an understanding. Then maybe, the sides could be best to coexist.

 

Check out the special: Hip Hop vs America from Bet.com. It also has extended versions.

And check out my blog called: Since When Did Hip-Hop Had a Burial? on my Myspace Blogs. I wrote it back in the spring. You may need to scroll it down to read the blog.

During this past week, I went out and bought Jill Scott's new CD entitled: The Real Thing: Words and Sounds Volume 3. If you haven't heard of Jill Scott, she sings R&B, Soul, a little Jazz, and spoken poetry. Just for the record, this is her 3rd studio record under the hidden beach label. Anyway, this CD is more driven on her of who she is as an artist. Better more, she brings to the table of capturing more of her talent that got her in dance. The best singles from the CD are catchable just to listen to. "The Real Thing" has a r&b, soul and rock edge on the single. Yes, there is dash of rock in there that makes it an interesting song. Combined with the lyrics, of course. Also, the single "Hate on Me" is another good track. This song is more of a response to those who thought Jill had no talent, no skill or just don't like her. Surprisingly, in the song, Jill address her critics in a gracious, and a little aggressive manner. But no explicit stuff involved! "Come See Me" not me, but the song has a slow jazz and r&b feel to it that has a perfect fit along with Jill's vocals. It blends in very well.

Overall, I see this CD as one of the best CD's of 2007. Plus there are hidden tracks, featuring one of Jill's earlier hits, "The Way". This song is a live version that she did in Paris in 2000 while her "Who Is Jill Scott" CD was getting noticed. Ok the question is: does this CD deserve in my music collection? Well let me say that if you enjoy neo-soul, mix with a little in between, then I highly recommend it, if you're interested.

Jill Scott has a myspace page. Here is the link.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel had an article last month that featured about favorite music in the summertime. The solstice is here of course, but when I think about the summer, I think about my favorite songs, that I listen to that get me in the mood for the hot season. No doubt it is a rewind season almost, but it does have feelings of joy, relaxing at the house, on the job, at the club, the beach or yes family reunions! So what are my favorite summer songs of all time? Here they are:

The title, "My Summertime Blitz: In the Car, at the house, at the clubs, at the beach, block parties and family reunions"

"Summertime": DJ Jazzy Jeff/The Fresh Prince - 1991 was a hot year that this song came out. This was a new definition of Summer Madness and it never gets old! Family Reunions, music in the car, barbershops, beauty salons, girls playing double dutch, and honking horns. Yes it is the season.

"Happy Summertime," R. Kelly - Despite of his allegations, R. Kelly released "TP-3: Reloaded" around the summer of 2005. "Trapped In The Closet" was hit, but Happy Summertime was all about the season, and having fun. Going to parties, gym, pool parties in all. No doubt this was a song that should have been on the charts!

"Boogie 2nite," Tweet - Tweet first album, Southern Hummingbird was more a of a new launch for Blackground since Aaliyah's death. But this song stuck out more of a sesonal joint than a year round joint. Anothers were "Oops (oh my"), "Heaven", and "Call Me", which was on the Verizon Wireless commericals.

"Rock The Boat," Aaliyah - Sadly, this was one of the last songs that Aaliyah had before her untimely death at 22. "We Need A Resoulution", and "More Than A Woman" were huge video singles in 2001-2002, but "Rock The Boat" was not only a great video, but hot single. Kept me going ever since.

"Back In The Day (Puff)," - Erykah Badu. Worldwide Underground -That was the album. But this song put me back in my summer days of having fun with the family when we go over to grandma's house and have fun. And yes the parks, family picnics, reunions and other outside get togethers. Also, she did a live version on Dave Chappelle's Block Party Movie.

"Doo Wop (That Thing)," Lauryn Hill- 1998 was an awesome year in Hip Hop. Especially for Lauryn Hill. This single had a feel for block parties. And when do most block parties happen? Yep in the summer!

"The Boomin' System," LL Cool J - Uncle L had one song in 1990 called "Mama Said Knock You Out."  We all know it. But this song describe the sounds of summer of turning up the bass and driving down road with your friends and family, in a fun way.

"Throw It On Me," Timbaland featuring The Hives - If you are a wrestling fan, you probably saw the video of the song that Timbaland made with the Hives and the WWE Divas. I listened to this song and I was like, this could be a summer hit of 2007. It has a hip hop, rock and beach music feel to it. Plus, "The Way I Are" is good song to listen, also.

"Here I Come," The Roots - Last August, The Roots came out with Game Theory by the dog days of summer towards September. But also, this was an anthem for my 30th Birthday. As I listened to the song, it had feel of coming out and play, especially for the summer. To clarify, it's bring out the new side of hip hop for the hot season for the individual.

"We've Got," The Brand New Heavies - The album Get Used to It, was a comeback album for the group. One, because N'Dea Davenport returned to the group, and two it was their first album in years. The first song, We've Got was the first of the album and it had a summer-club feel to it.

I have other summer faves:

"Get On The Floor" - Michael Jackson had this song out before Thriller. Also it was a dance hit durning my beginning stages of life.

"So What The Fuss" - Stevie Wonder. If you didn't know from 2005, this was the song that he was dancing to on the BET Awards. Yes, he was dancing!

"Hypnotize" - The Notorious B.I.G. - Even in death, Biggie Smalls moved us. After March 9th, 1997, this single was a resurection of Biggie than a burial.

"Hey Ya!", "The Way You Move", "B.O.B." - Outkast still had southern moves for the summer with hip hop. No doubt there were on the charts then!

"Shake It Off", "It's Like That"- Mariah Carey's comeback in 2005 was cool. These songs carried her for awards but mainly started in the summer of 05. The moods? Feeling good and have the value of starting over. Sort of like summer moods.

"No Ordinary Love", "Smooth Operator", "Paradise" - Sade gave us some hits to groove to. They can be for any season, and yes even the summertime.

"Switch", "I Can't Stop", "Nod Ya Head", "Higher Baby", "Boom! Shake The Room", "Ring My Bell" - Love him or hate him, Will Smith still had Summertime grooves. Lost and Found was Will's album of being mature and grown up than his previous albums. The single of "Switch" was more of a dance anthem and "I Can't Stop" had a latin feel to dance to. Yes, once again summer time feel. "Nod Ya Head" from the Men In Black 2 Soundtrack was more of a rock/rap feel to it for any occasion but hey, it was great. As for "Higher Baby", this was a summertime hit that was for the Original Dream Team from 1992 (not 2004!), "Boom! Shake The Room" and "Ring My Bell", were dance hits that kept us going for 2 summers in between. Between High School that is.

"Fight the Power" - The summer of 1989 in my opinion was huge for Public Enemy. This song was not only a anthem, but an Oscar Nominated theme choice for Spike Lee's "Do The Right Thing".

"Summer Madness" - The legendary Kool and The Gang I think started the Summer Madness of urban music. No doubt this song I feel, sets the tone of the hot season. I started playing this on my computer and really it does have a solemn but light attitude on the season.

 

Did you know that the month of June is Black Music Month? Really, yes it is! To me it is like celebrating black history month again, only around the summertime. Some of you are asking or saying, so what? So what? You should know where most of the originations of Hip Hop, Rap, Funk, Soul, Rock, R&B, Country, Classical, Opera have really started. - Oh I forgot about Jazz, Gospel, Cuban/Carribean, Jamacian and Inspirational music too. Most of would say the south, or the east coast. Well you're half right. All forms of music were born and originated in Africa. Everyone should know that. It has been around when slavery was more of a cancer that a state of mind. As well as fighting for civil rights, freedom and the pursuit of happiness. But more, the music has generated mainstream status in America. Let me clarify with some examples:

First, last summer I was at a family reunion in Detroit, Michigan visiting the original Motown Museum. The same museum that once housed Berry Gordy, and gave Stevie Wonder, The Tempations, Smokey Robinson, and other Motown legends a voice to America, and the world. Particularly, Black America. I also looked at the pictures of album covers. The first of the four covers I looked at were made by black artists, but they couldn't show the faces because back then, African-American Artists weren't allowed to show them. Kind of racist, eh? Also did you know that Martin Luther King, Jr. recorded his first Motown record? Yes he did. Go to your libraries and see if they carry his "I Have A Dream Speech" on a 78 record. And by the way, his album cover is displayed at the motown museum. Check this, did you know that Motown gave rock music a voice? I am not lying! They were first label not only give blacks a voice, but to spread to other races too. Speaking of rock music, never forget that Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Fats Domino helped gave birth to Rock and Roll music. Yes, Elvis, the Beatles, Led Zepplin, The Doors, Poison, Guns N Roses, even Whitesnake, were given credit to steamline the rock phenomic blast, but remember it was black musicians that started it all! Take the time to listen to Lenny Kravitz, Prince, Kira,  Lajon Witherspoon lead singer from the rock group Sevendust, Jimi Hendrix, Black Rock Coalition (which is on myspace!) and I dare say Wicked Wisdom also. Just to let you know that there are some black artists out there are embracing the rock! Feel me?

As for country music, I think not to many sing the genre, but three individuals came to mind: Ray Charles. Yes Ray Charles had some country songs in his collection. He also was the first to combine Gospel and R&B music together. Sort of like Kirk Franklin almost. And people thought it was against religion. Charley Pride, often called "the first brother of country", sung the genre, and became a country legend. There is new person which most of us never heard of is Rissi Palmer. She too has a myspace page, check her out. I would say Cowboy Troy from Nashville Star also, but I think he's more of an "entertaniner" than a "singer". Just my opinion!

R&B/Soul/Pop: I think of James Brown, Nat King Cole, Curtis Mayfield, Diana Ross, Gordon Parks, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, (or the Jacksons), Issac Hayes, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Aretha Franklin (whom by the way sung "America The Beautiful" twice at Wrestlemania) Sam Cooke, The Isley Brothers, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Tempatations, O-Jays, Levert and many others. They were to me, laid the ground work for the artists today to follow. Without them, there would be no Usher, Janet Jackson, SWV, EnVogue, Jade (where they at?) , Mary J. Blige- although she's been a legend for 15 years, Deborah Cox, Tamia, Ciara, R-Kelly, Tank, Carl Thomas, and countless others that are peeking in the music game. - Even Beyonce. So, know your history!

The Rap Game: This is somewhat easy! With the recent attacks on rap music these days carrying the n-word, and other not so amusing content, we must not forget the fun side of rap music. I know in my 30 years of life that rap music or hip hop, has changed my life of being me, period. We can talk about 50 Cent, The Game, Dirty South, Diddy, NWA, Death Row, Bad-Boy, and The Roots. We can talk about Jay-Z and Tupac too. And we could bring up Busta Rhymes, Lil Kim, also. And yes Timbaland & Magoo. I want to say that without a doubt, Grandmaster Flash, Melle Mel, Sugarhill Gang, Treacherous Three, Public Enemy, MC Hammer, Will Smith, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Kool Moe Dee, LL Cool J, Run-DMC, Kurtis Blow, MC Rob Base/DJ E-Z Rock, Salt-N-Pepa, Whodini, Biz Markie and others I can think of, there would be no hip hop or rap music right now. Oh, even Doug-E Fresh, Slick Rick, and yes MC Lyte should be added because of their contribution to the game. Just because you have one hit doesn't make you number one. You need to be number one for at least 15-20 years of a lifetime. Not MIMS' lifetime, not Lil Wayne's lifetime but our lifetime. As far as the languages that are demeaning to women, races, men, gays and etc, not all rap music is not against human life, ok? When I think about rappers like Run-DMC, Sugarhill Gang, and Grandmaster Flash/Furious Five they to me were all about party anthems and having a good time. Even D.J. Kool Herc was about this.

• Never forget, it was Hip Hop Music gave a voice for the poor. - Credit to Russell Simmons.
• It was Hip Hop Music, along with Michael Jackson that gave a boost to MTV when there was no black artists on the channel. The only black person on there in MTV's beginning stages was the late J.J. Jackson, whom was the first black VJ. (VJ means Video Jockey)
• It was also hip hop that gave Run-DMC exposure to Live Aid, Krush Groove, Reading Rainbow, WWE, and the first black rap group on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine, that's right I said it! Check the record books!
• Plus, either you like it or not ,Three-6-Mafia is credited for making hip hop history of "It's Hard Out Here For A Pimp" from Hustle and Flow. - Oscars that is.
• Hate him or not, MC Hammer was the first black rapper I saw did commericals before LL Cool J, 50 Cent, Diddy, Xzibit, Kanye, and Kris Kross came along.

To end this, let me say that don't judge a book by its cover and assume everything is bad about rap. There is some good here, but you just have to listen, take notes, and then decide. Rev. Al Sharpton said at James Brown's Funeral that Rap Music and Hip Hop Music came from him. When we say: "Check yourself", or "Shake your money maker", "Hit It", "To The Bridge", that came from James Brown! God rest his soul. When Chuck D used the rap line "Our freedom of speech, is freedom of death we got to fight the powers that be" guess what? that came from The Isley Brothers.

As for Jazz: There was a time that Jazz that was considered "the devils music". But thanks to Duke Ellingtion, Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Charlie Parker and Cab Calloway, jazz is not devilish, it is a state of mind and poise of soul. I only wish that some of today's folks could embrace it than abandon it. I know it has gotten smooth, as in Smooth Jazz. Like rock music, never forget it was african americans that started it.

Opera to me has been overlooked. Really it has! I don't know too much about black opera singers but one sticks out the most was the late Marian Anderson. She was an opera singer, probably the best there was. In 1939, there was a controverisal thought of not allowing blacks to perform at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. by the Daughters of the Revolution. This also involved her. But Marian's craft carried her over the barriers of hate since 1955. And since then many few african american opera singers have kept the door open since.

So, in conclusion, the month of June is in effect. And so is black history, musically.