Real R&B according To Eric Benet and Jazmine Sullivan...

I rarely buy music.. not that I'm a bootlegger but with blog sites, Youtube, Facebook, and now Twitter new music and even full albums are virtually at our fingertips. The days are gone where local Dj's would break the new music.. I don't really listen to the radio anymore.. kinda over it. but anyway upon previewing albums for Jazzy and Eric Benet these two had me sold on supporting My #RealMusic campaign...


Okay so ladies 1st..

Jazmine Sullivan proves why #RealMusic isn't dead and the power of soul is everlasting. Her Sophomore album "Love Me Back" is a refreshing and excellent  return for the powerhouse songstress. This album is full of everything and for everybody. She speaks from the heart as well as the struggle of women.


Standout tracks:


Holding You Down- the lead single is a sure party starter, the Missy assisted track gives that old school Mary J feel.


10 seconds- The 2nd single.. very emotional and showcases the great voice of Jazzy. I didn't actually listen to this until I purchased the album. Great follow up. 


Don't Make Me Wait- This sounds like some 80's joint. Think Vanity/Prince with hints of Kelis I could be a bit off, nevertheless she shows her versatile voice and makes this song a winner.


Redemption: This sounds like something Lauryn Hill would have recorded had she continued doing music following "Mideducation".. She sounds like a female Common, spitting rhymes, and bringing it all together with some soul and gospel.. Definitely one of my favorite tracks off the album.


Excuse Me- She gives me the voice that made me fall in love with her. Really a great standout track vocally. This sounds like something you might have grooved to in high school.. it has that teenage love appeal. Real nostalgic..


Famous- Famous has to be a track for anybody who ever feels like the world has so much more to offer. I can kind of relate because I've always felt like I was destined for more. As far back as a child I wanted to be someone famous, over the years repressing the dream and living it inside my head. If I ever meet her I want her to know just how much this song means and thanks for creating it...


Seriously if you want something that you don't have to skip over tracks then pick up "Love me Back".. you won't be disappointed.

Man I haven't listened to Eric Benét in years. But after listening to his lead single "Sometimes I Cry" on early morning radio "Steve Harvey Morning Show" this song literally stuck in my head on my way to school. This has to be truly what today's musical R&B dudes are missing. Trey, Chris, and Ne-Yo ain't doing it classic like this.


Never Want To Live Without You- Right out the gate, Eric Benét turns back the hands of time and presents the classic vocals and soul you missing hearing on the Midnight Love or the Quiet Storm...


Feel Good- When him and Faith are in the studio I already know it's gonna be a problem. They made magic on Georgie Porgy and again with Feel Good. I really hope they release this as a single. These are two of the greatest.


Sometimes I Cry- Is what sold me on this album. Man this dude is speaking the truth. Without all the added rap features and loud beats unearths a song that is truly classical. When I tell you this man is singing.. no sanging..  The words are sincere and you feel the pain that he evokes vocally. I know the subject because I been to the places he's singing about. Great Track.


Always A Reason- He takes you back on this song. I feel like I popped open some of my parents old records just to reminisce. Remember there's "Always A Reason" to fall in love..


Paid- He brings aboard Eddie Levert for this ride of poverty and struggle. I feel like I'm riding in a Quinton Tarintino Movie when this song comes on. Great lyrics and vocals. It almost feels as though they are having a sing off on certain parts but Benét ultimately allows Eddie to have his shine. This song stays on repeat.


Overall if you miss the great R&B of the 90's and your looking for something that will please your ears and your soul then get into "Lost In Time"... Eric Benét truly takes you back...




B

Anderson Cooper is my hero!

The above video just proves how much certain groups in "Congress" still have a vendetta against President Obama. The guy literally plays himself with incorrect facts and statistics. Just goes to show you how much we have came since Martin Luther King's march on Washington. I love Anderson Cooper because he proved just how narrow minded certain leaders are and the lengths they will go through just to throw dirt on Obama's name. I love the video in its entirety and I watched it like 4 times already before I even made this post. Like him or hate him he's the leader of the free world and despite the current state of the US he's still our president. While I don't agree with a lot that's going in our economy I will say that he's trying to make a difference and make things fair for everybody even Republicans. I'm sure the 2012 elections are going to be down right dirty. I encourage everyone to get out there and vote. This world is headed for destruction and it's happening right within our own country.

Does Sex Really Sell?

First preview the video's....




Keri Hilson




I think in today's music business everybody doesn't posses the work ethic of such greats as Patti Labelle, Luther, Marvin Gaye, or even a Alicia Keys... Today's artist nowadays can't use just their voices to stay relevant like a Sade or Maxwell so they rely on other tactics to keep themselves in the public eye and people talking.


Let's be real publicity to a celebrity is welcomed good or bad and some pull out more bad stunts just to make people notice. Remember Erykah Badu getting naked in downtown Dallas to send a message about "creative expression" and was slapped with a fine? Crazy..!


In the age where Michael Jackson no longer exist and most of the legends like Whitney and Mariah not performing to the best of their abilities real R&B seems to have taken a back seat to a more risque era..


R.Kelly did his thing on the Soul Train Awards.. but I find it upsetting when you short cut artist like Eric Benet and Tank who are bringing pure good R&B


While I'm all for artist creativity I just believe we fail to pay attention to real artist like Bilal, Kelly Price, and Jazmine Sullivan. I just pray their messages don't get taken the wrong way in conveying their artistic motives to the fans.


Just My Opinion..


B

Peeling back the layers of Pink Friday....

So Pink Monday... Tuesday... Friday or whatever is over with Nicki Minaj making history for a female rapper in 1st week sales which I congratulate. It seems she built her brand as a vibrant, sex influenced, female version of Lil Wayne. While we miss the "Old Nicki" she as transformed herself into the new age black Barbie denouncing her sexual bravado to a more reserved and laid back chick empowering young females whom she calls her "Barbies" and Kens.


Most people have compared her to Lil Kim, Busta Rhymes, Ol DB, and Ludacris.  She's animated with her quirky faces, crazy costumes, and colorful wigs something that's made her a standout among her peers. She's worked with just about all the big names in the Biz..


Jay-Z
Kanye
Mariah
Xtina
Eminem...


She has a resume that rivals even the most seasoned musical exec and there's seems to be no stopping her reign...


Well heres my personal opinion of Ms. Minaj....(In Short Form)


I think she's terrific and while I'm not very impressed with her debut album "Pink Friday" I do think she will become a long term staple in the biz.. I'm a lil upset her and Kim have this "Beef" but I'm sure the powers that be can hash out the cattiness and make amends. 


She has some great features on her new album although nothing that stands out as CLASSIC. I love her flow on "Roman's Revenge" and most of the songs she SINGS on.. something most people have complained about..


Save Me
Moment 4 Life Feat Drake
Last Change feat Natasha Bedingfield ... are great songs where she allows you to see the softer more slowed down version of Nicki..


In the end I believe Nicki has more of her story to tell while she establishes herself among her peers, the industry, as lastly her fans. Hate her or Love Her it's good to a see a female back in Hip Hop... I just hope we don't have to wait another 10years before we see another one..


Shout Out 2 Lil Kim... Let's eat this beef ish and make music again...



B

And I'm done with school.......#FistPump

So it's been a long 18months but God saw me through the best and the worst. As of March 2011 I'll officially be a Surgical Technologist. I can't say its hit me quite yet but the feeling is indeed overwhelming. I met a lot of people along the way some of which I can call my friends today. The road has been rough both mentally and financially but as in all things, faith can take you a great deal when it comes to believing in yourself. I'm just thankful for the path I've been blessed to travel and the storms I've endured. 


Remember no goal is to unrealistic to accomplish and defer from engaging in negative energy that plagues growth within yourself. Keep strong and steadfast. I'm excited for the next leg of my journey and the people who are to become apart of it.

B....

Blanco Quote! I'm Baaaaaaaaaaaaack!

Sometimes you have to lose a friend in order to gain favor. But when you choose God, you always gain more than you lose.

TRUE WORDS INDEED!

My Dark Twisted Fantasy....Offensive or Not?

Kanye West is set to release his 5th studio album My Dark Twisted Fantasy on November 23rd and it seems he's hit a lil bump in the road. Mr. West tweet that his album cover was banned here in the U.S and the powers that be just weren't having. In my opinion I see it as art and with Kanye there always comes controversy     whether or not he was going with shock value or pulling out the creative side it remains to be seen if Ye is gonna change things up with to release his newest project...

Blanco

Nicki Minaj's "Pink Friday" album cover...

So this is the highly anticipated album cover from rap's newest and brightest female mc in a very long time Nicki Minaj. I must admit I'm excited to see what Miss "Roman" has in store as she's set to drop her long awaited "Pink Friday" in November. Originally slated to drop November 23rd, Nicki has moved up the release date by a day as she is set to go head to head with new albums from Kanye West and Ne-yo as well as a greatest hits compilation from Jay-Z. Which ever way the balls drops everybody is a sure winner. All the above artist have great music and good music is something that's absence on the musical landscape nowadays. I just sure hope she lives up to her hype because it was only a few years ago she was killing on the mixtape scene.

Blanco

She Still tipping...

Wow this has to be one of the best performances of "Tightrope". Janelle Monáe never disappoints and I'm so ecstatic her career is thriving and hitting new spectrum's. I hope her album will be nominated for numerious Grammy's. Definitely one of my favorite Artist next to Biggie, Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Lauryn Hill.

Marsha.... wow you've come a long way baby..

Wow Marsha really is bringing it for her new album and her cover work says it all. I've always been a major fan of Floetry and the good music they have supplied. I was saddened by the breakup but I'm more anxious for the new beginning. Marsha is releasing her debut album "Late Night, Early Morning" and her debut single "I Hope She Cheats On You".. is heating up. Make sure to support to good music from a real singer.

Dope Things On My Mind...

Just interesting Dope things I had stored on my laptop... Looking forward to the new Kanye album..

The Revolving Door Of Life...

Nothing last forever.. even as a child the toys, video games, school crushes, and our favorite sneakers were merely pieces of rain eventually evaporating after finishing it's assignment in our lives.. Life is funny sometimes how things turn out almost changing overnight. My mother said a friend of hers only daughter died recently in a car accident. I couldn't imagine not being here for my mother or me dying 1st. There was a point where I  thought only children had it bad growing up without siblings but the most tragic feeling would be to lose your only child.

The revolving door of life has taught me what's here today is gone tomorrow. There was a point where I intended to hold onto everything that meant something to my life. When I gain I have a hard time letting go money, clothes, family, friends, etc... I now realize that with every season comes change and with change brings growth. When you refuse to let go you refuse to grow and therefore change becomes stagnant. In my short 29 years on earth I've lost and gained many things that meant something worthwhile to me and like a flash it disappeared. Now as I embark on a new era in my life the revolving door is spinning again and once again I must embrace change. New goals, New career opportunity's, New Friends, And New Territories to explore. I'm thankful for the Door's God is opening in my life because the Revolving Door Of Life is Changing and I must be ready to walk through it. 

Tech Tues: The Blackberry Tablet?

So Blackberry is aiming high and looking to release it's own version of the IPAD with the The Playbook. I've had a chance to the demo video and see a few pictures and I must say the look is very sleek and polished. My B'day is coming up soon and I'm very tempted to purchase one once I find out price range not to mention what the overall review of it.. Here are some quick things the website is saying about the Blackberry Playbook:

• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• deal for games, media, apps and everything the real Internet offers
• Full Adobe® Flash® 10.1 enabled
• Built-in support for HTML 5
• No-compromise, beautiful rendering of text, graphics and video

• 7" LCD display, 1024 x 600 screen resolution
• 5.1" x 7.6" x 0.4" (130mm x 194mm x 10mm)
• 0.9 lbs (400g)
• Built-in microUSB connector
• Multi-touch capacitive screen
• Wi-Fi® 802.11 a/b/g/n

• Powerful, user-friendly QNX technology - it's what the World Wide Web runs on
• On-screen keyboard
• True multi-tasking

• 3 MP high definition forward-facing camera
• 5 MP high definition rear-facing camera
• Codec support for superior media playback, creation and video calling
• 1080p HD video; H.264, MPEG4, WMV HDMI video output
• Micro USB, Micro HDMI, and DLNA media streaming

And Must More which can be found at the website...>>>>> http://na.blackberry.com/eng/?%3FCPID=OTC-SHAREFACEBOOK#

Kinda Excited... But i won't hold my breath. Blackberry has been disappointing recently especially since they haven't dropped a new phone for my cell phone provider...

What's Really Good?

I'm not the most educated Christian but I have a strong spiritual belief and I owe God everything I have in my life but the darkness that lies in the background can't be ignored. All these headlines in the media involving Bishop Eddie Long are shocking, heart breaking, and hurtful. A Pastor's role in my opinion is a person who guides, leads the members of his congregation. He's the man who you go to for help, baptizes your family, marries, speaks great things at funerals and above all preaches the great teachings of the Holy Bible. However I have a problem with someone who misuses those teachings and uses them as tool to take advantage of people. I'm no one to judge and I'm not completely understanding of what all transpired or happened but if I had a young sister or brother who were taking up such behavior with a preacher or anybody older and of age I'd be upset, mad and ready to do something that would be totally out of my nature. I pray that those allegations are false and perhaps they are looking to gain some sort of settlement from this. Either way I hope this opens up people eyes that everyone is human and are inclined to make mistakes. However when in a great position of power, money, and following be mindful of what you do and how you go about doing it... whatever is done in the dark shall come to light especially when you are affecting the minds of people who may praise and look up to you...

B.

The Path To My Dreams Begins...

So tomorrow begins my 1st day of externship at one of my local hospitals and to say I'm not nervous would be a complete lie! lol One reason I'm not worried is that I don't believe God has brought me this far to leave me and I'm thankful for all of his blessings. I know I'll make mistakes, rub people the wrong way (not on purpose), but through trail and error I plan to make a big impact. Not working in a year because of being laid off and going back to school has pivoted me to realize the importance of a job but more so a career. I just pray that at the end of November I can land a job and further my career goals in the medical field. I wanna thank my entire support system, God, family, friends, and everyone else who prayed, encouraged, and help me get to the point I'm at now.

Blanco

Album Review: Trey Songz: Pain, Passion, and Pleasure..

I will admit when I first heard most of the leaked version of Trey Songz album Pain, Passion, and Pleasure I thought maybe he was in over his head with releasing a new album so close to "Ready". In a effort to support homegrown talent, Trey actually surprised me as he guided me on a roller coaster of love, sex, heartbreak. A lot of times dudes have a hard time expressing themselves so I'm thankful for artist who doesn't have a problem talking about these issues, hell even LL Cool J expressed how he needed love. While most of the songs on Ready were straight bangers and slow grinding joints for the club, his new album is a slowed down version of his past efforts giving you a more personal side of Trey Songz.

I'm happy his kept his features to a minimum save for Drake and Nicki Minaj who the latter provides energy to what would have been a suck ass track on "Bottom's Up" which in most peoples opinion's should have been her song.. either way you have a win win situation and the song really is heating up in the streets and radio. My stand out favorites:

Can't Be Friends
Made To Be Together
Unfortunate
Bottom's Up

Whatever the case Pain, Passion, and Pleasure is in stores today so go out and suppport dude...

"I Wonder"....YE

This song has always been a great motivational tool for me when it comes to accomplishing my goals...

I've been waiting on this my whole life/
these dreams be waking me up at night/
you say I think I'm never wrong/
you know what, maybe you're right, aite

And you know what I do come as thinking I'm right.. I'm just confident and appreciative of the things that God has orchestrated for my life.
. 
Shoot me if you can dream but I can't.. 
Shoot me if you wanna fall in love but I can't 
Shoot me if you can get a job but I can't..


I was reading "A Raisin In The Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry and the character Walter Lee Younger was a          provider who had dreams, even if they were far fetched and unattainable. He came off as grandiose at times
but he loved his family and wanted nothing but the best. To live and breath the American Dream...


BLanco.

So My Birthday Is Gonna Be So Miami....

So Yeah after months and months of prepping and preparing I'm gonna be celebrating my 30th Birthday in South Beach Miami.. Literally I'll be chilling in of the Miami's most famous hotels "The Colony" right off of Ocean Drive... I had trips planned to NYC, Vegas, and even a big ole bash thrown right here in Va but Opted out for something more exotic and tropical and hey you don't turn 30 everyday.. It's quite a milestone for me and I'm excited to be sharing this experience with a few close friends and like family... Not only will this be a Birthday celebration but a graduation celebration as well... I would have accomplished something by finishing school with a degree in Surgical Technology.. God is Greeeeeeeeeeeeeat!

Fantasia "Back to me".. my take on it all...

Okay so amid all the rumors, gossip, and alleged suicide attempt Fantasia delivers a great 3rd album that displays why she won American Idol many moons ago.. From start to finish Fanny takes you on a rollercoaster ride of her ups and downs all of what seems to be rules and lessons of finding what love is...

On tracks "I'm Doin Me", Bittersweet, and The Thrill Is Gone, She displays her Independence, riding the tracks as if she's had enough.. which bugs me as to why she wasn't playing this album during the whole "I just want out" fiasco...

Stand out tracks would have to "Man Of The House", Collard Greens and Cornbread, and Teach Me...

I'm not gonna judge her situation because under the right pressure all of us will crack. We are all human and fall short.. I will say fam isn't for everybody but if she's content on staying in the industry she's gonna have to develop thicker skin otherwise there won't be a next time.


Fantasia a very talented young woman and with her voice, stage presence, and overall personality can see out arenas over the world... She has time to evolve and grow.. Sometimes cutting off people you care about the most is key to elevate. I'm praying her dark days are behind her atleast getting played in the media..

I've been gone for a minute....

Wow the twist and turns of life are so funny sometimes...Even when we have a plan God is always steps ahead of us in what he has in store for our lives. We try to imagine the perfect life and what true happiness consist of. We map out our career goals, potential mates, and even the names of our children all before anything actually happens. This is our way of laying foundation to things not yet seen because we have a certain standard of rules we think our life needs. When in actuality those things are further from the truth.

From Sunday until Today I've been blessed to have God reveal so many wonderful things about myself, others, and the world itself and believe me when I tell you it's been nothing but positive revelations all throughout.


Everyone falls in love... yeah but that doesn't always mean we are destined to be with them forever... Live Life and have fun.. one mans or womans trash is another person's treasure...


Working one job in life is something our grandparents reveled in... times change and so do we... Life today is fast and changing and if we are to survive we need to change and move along with it.. Time waits for no one..


Love, Forgive, and move on.. nobody is enthused to be around a sour puss... Let go of things that harbor no positive vibes and prevent progression. Sometimes we blame others but we are own worst enemies...


Pray, eat healthy, and meditate.... Spend time loving yourself and have a balanced healthy life. Laugh more and read a book... Educate and feed your mind not your stomach... Allow God to speak to and not the other way around...


This is all my words.. nothing I copy and pasted but just things they were dancing inside my cerebellum..(yes being in a med school evolves your vocabulary and choice of words) lol




Blanco---

Guilty Pleasure: TruBlood

I can't get enough of this show.. Tru Blood is that new crack for my eyes. I didn't start getting into it until the last season after playing catch up and I instantly got hooked. The antics of Tara, Bill, and Snookie never cease to amaze me. This season looks to be heating up and the reveal of what "Snookie" really is? Whatever the case this show is interesting and the colorful cast make it that much worthwhile.. Everybody go get hooked on TRUBLOOD!

Tech Tues: HP Envy....

Dr. Dre and Jimmy Lovine, Beats co-founder, have collaborated with HP to develop the HP Envy 15 Beats limited edition. I was invited by HP to listen to the audio quality using the high end Beats by Dr. Dre headphones. There was no word from HP about the built-in loudspeakers' quality, but the device comes with the Beats headphones that we reviewed. HP claims that they enhanced the audio quality working closely with Dr. Dre and Jimmy Lovine, but I could not get specific answers about what exactly has been modified in the hardware components that makes the sound delivered by the laptop so "premium": "trade secret". In my opinion, the major value added in the HP Envy 15 Beats is the audio software integrated with Dr. Dre's unique sound provided as one of the pre-defined profiles, users can create their own sound profiles as well. I listened (with the Beats Headphones) to various songs with and without Dr. Dre's sound profile and it truly adds a lot of depth and quality to the music. Mixing tools that let's anyone (with talent) become a great DJ are provided as well: Native Instruments’ Traktor LE software and Audio 2 DJ. Traktor LE software with Audio 2 DJ multi-channel splitter. Audio 2 DJ boasts two stereo outputs plus the ultra-loud output level in a compact interface.

The device has a great sleek design, branded with the Beats logo, and powerful performances for an even more powerful price: it starts at $ 2,229. It will be available on October 22nd in the US, more info on the product page. Is HP really going after Apple with this sleek design and high end audio software? Quick specs after the jump.

Quick Specs

• Intel Core i7 Quad Core Mobile
• 15.6 inch BrightView high-resolution LED backlit display
• 1-inch thick, weight starts at 5.19 pounds
• built-in Nightvision VGA webcam
• optional Slim Fit Extended-Life Battery up to 7 hours of battery life
• comes with the Beats by Dr Dre Studio High Definition headphones
• high-def video and TV tuners

I NEED THIS!