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....