I know her CD came out awhile ago, but I must say, out of the last four albums I’ve purchased, I think I like hers the most. From the first time she came out, Solange had a hard spot to lay in. Beyonce’s sister. What kind of position does that put someone in? Perhaps her initial debut trying to be your everyday R&B star wasn’t the best plan for success. But this time, she got it right.
Ok. This CD is SOLANGE and no one else. It’s different, it’s soulful, it’s original. The songs are real live band and tambourine sounding, which adds more weight to her authenticity. It’s a reminder of the 60’s but not in such a way that you think of other songs. It’s all in her own way.
Although someone could accuse her of trying too hard to be different, I truly believe this is where she wants to be. I listen to the album all the time because it’s refreshing, and good to know that someone isn’t afraid to run away from the box and own themselves musically. There’s nothing wrong with exploring the areas that you think you fit in. It’s just bad when artists try to go places musically they really shouldn’t, because it’s not them.
Solange really blew me away with her vocal skills on this album. She surprised me with her range and vocal power…I had no clue she could sing like that! However, there are parts where she reminds us of her sister as far as breaking down to talk in a song—sounds just like her. For the most part, she more than accomplished staying true to herself, being set apart and being her own musical being. We're all pretty sick of pop/R&B girl singers. She relieved us.
Two thumbs up for Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams, everyone. If you’re a lover of music, it’s a must listen.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
SLiDeShOw!
Just posted an audio slide show of an event called "Wuddup Wednesdays," a night every other week hosted by the rap group FLy.Union, where you will hear old school rap and otherwise and chill for your midweek. Fly Union (pitcured above from the cover of Columbus Alive!). Who is that? Visit their site, of course, but I'll do my best fo fill you in.
Fly Union is a group of four young men (Jerreau, J.Swiff, Iye, and L.e) who rap, produce, do art, and a million other things. Their rhymes can you remind you of way back when, and they can also sound like a current hit on the radio.
What Fly Union is daring to do is be different. Their look (bright colors, big glasses, gold chains, backpacks, etc.) is not the norm as far as mainstream rappers go, and neither is their message. Yes, they rap about every day life, shoes and girls, but they don't feel the need to use curse words either.
Colorful, clever and committed to changing the game, Fly.Union is not only taking Columbus, Ohio by storm, but they're taking the rest of the nation along with it. The first album I ever heard of theirs was a mixtape called "Close Doors. Open Windows." I love it because of its originality and raw truth. The album has breaks where member iYe tells stories about the group's dealing with both failure and success while chasing a record deal. As we all know, this industry is not an easy one to deal with, and FLy.Union's tales makes that fact all the more real.
However, Fly.U proves they need no major label to back them up...they're doing amazing on their own. The four of them are making news and headway and their name is more and more recognizable as time goes on. With every door that is closed on them, they actively open windows to get where they need to go. If you like hip-hop and lyrical brilliancy, you must try this group on... my guess is, they'll fit perfectly.
Fly Union is a group of four young men (Jerreau, J.Swiff, Iye, and L.e) who rap, produce, do art, and a million other things. Their rhymes can you remind you of way back when, and they can also sound like a current hit on the radio.
What Fly Union is daring to do is be different. Their look (bright colors, big glasses, gold chains, backpacks, etc.) is not the norm as far as mainstream rappers go, and neither is their message. Yes, they rap about every day life, shoes and girls, but they don't feel the need to use curse words either.
Colorful, clever and committed to changing the game, Fly.Union is not only taking Columbus, Ohio by storm, but they're taking the rest of the nation along with it. The first album I ever heard of theirs was a mixtape called "Close Doors. Open Windows." I love it because of its originality and raw truth. The album has breaks where member iYe tells stories about the group's dealing with both failure and success while chasing a record deal. As we all know, this industry is not an easy one to deal with, and FLy.Union's tales makes that fact all the more real.
However, Fly.U proves they need no major label to back them up...they're doing amazing on their own. The four of them are making news and headway and their name is more and more recognizable as time goes on. With every door that is closed on them, they actively open windows to get where they need to go. If you like hip-hop and lyrical brilliancy, you must try this group on... my guess is, they'll fit perfectly.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
New Guy Group with Old School Talent
But not your ordinary guy groups. I’m talking the type of guy groups who used to stand on the corner and sing beautiful harmonies simply for fun. From The O’Jays and The Temptations to Jodeci and Boyz II Men, male groups who sang together is something I really miss—until now.As I mentioned in a previous post, the singing group Brutha has hit the scene with enough talent to make anyone’s head turn. Through their television show “Brothers to BRUTHA,” the group showcased their talent. They are all real brothers and have been singing together since a very young age. As a singer and a lover of raw talent, I was overly impressed by their a capella performances and abilities. We haven’t seen anything like it in a very long time... Brutha can instantaneously break into song (start watching at 2:57) in perfect harmony without much notice. THAT’S GOLDEN.
So of course I bought the album when it came out, expecting something like what I heard on the show… Unfortunately I was somewhat slighted. They got lured into our crazy industry expectations and had zero a capella on there, No substance to their lyrics, and a lot of the content was on the over-sexed side.
I think this group is so much better than that, and there is no need for them to try so hard to be a “boy band” type group that B2K fans are going to flock to. To be such a rare gift in this generations time of musical selection, I feel let down, to say the least, because of the direction this group decided to go. But then again, maybe their type simply isn’t valued. I mean.. Boyz II Men was just singing background for Justin Timberlake at the Grammys, after all. Hmm… how exactly does that work?
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Don't Call it a Comeback... Please..
During my generation, I’ve seen trends and fashion from the past come and go. Right now, the big thing is the “hipster” movement; skinny jeans, bright colors, huge gold earrings, large glasses, etc. It’s a cool movement, I must acknowledge—fun and free, comfortable and cool. But never in my LIFE did I expect the tail to come back. Ever.
What’s the tail? The hairstyle looks something like this: a high top fade with some fancy work of designs in the side, and in the back of the head lives a ponytail that grows eventually to be braided. It was so the thing to do—in 1993! It’s so funny to see it revived, and by one of my favorite artists, Bobby Valentino.
He recently released his new album called The Rebirth, led by his first single, “Beep.” I’m a big fan (because he’s just so cute), so of course I watched the premiere of the video. At first I was enjoying it and thought it was wonderfully made, I thought he was brilliantly dressed, as always, but then… It happened. At 0:32 seconds, he turned his head to the left and revealed THE TAIL! I was aghast, ladies in gentlemen. What are you doing, Bobby?! How are you, a grown adult, going to attempt to try and bring the tail back… in a sweater-vest, at that!
I never saw it coming, and if it was going to come, it should have been from one of the kids, like Soulja Boy or something. Not Bobby V! It’s really a concern of mine—like do you really think that’s going to catch on? The day I see kids and men walking down the street with baby puffs of hair in the back of their head, I will eternally shut my mouth about it. I guess this just goes to prove for the trillionth time that history repeats itself in urban culture and elsewhere, and the tail is trying to make a comeback. I suppose I can’t hate on that.
What trends from the 90’s have come back that surprised you?
What’s the tail? The hairstyle looks something like this: a high top fade with some fancy work of designs in the side, and in the back of the head lives a ponytail that grows eventually to be braided. It was so the thing to do—in 1993! It’s so funny to see it revived, and by one of my favorite artists, Bobby Valentino.
He recently released his new album called The Rebirth, led by his first single, “Beep.” I’m a big fan (because he’s just so cute), so of course I watched the premiere of the video. At first I was enjoying it and thought it was wonderfully made, I thought he was brilliantly dressed, as always, but then… It happened. At 0:32 seconds, he turned his head to the left and revealed THE TAIL! I was aghast, ladies in gentlemen. What are you doing, Bobby?! How are you, a grown adult, going to attempt to try and bring the tail back… in a sweater-vest, at that!
I never saw it coming, and if it was going to come, it should have been from one of the kids, like Soulja Boy or something. Not Bobby V! It’s really a concern of mine—like do you really think that’s going to catch on? The day I see kids and men walking down the street with baby puffs of hair in the back of their head, I will eternally shut my mouth about it. I guess this just goes to prove for the trillionth time that history repeats itself in urban culture and elsewhere, and the tail is trying to make a comeback. I suppose I can’t hate on that.
What trends from the 90’s have come back that surprised you?
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Selling Out
In this industry, a lot of people are accused of “selling out” because of their constantly changing images and dealings according to which audiences they cater to. What is “selling out,” exactly? In my opinion, selling out is not when you go from hard core gangster rap to pop singing, or when you only perform on independent labels then switch to major labels. I think the real selling out happens when you are not true to yourself. For instance:
Originally an R&B artist, singer Pink flipped the script when she went punk rock on us. I had a serious problem with that because I feel that if you were really a rock singer at heart, why were you singing R&B croons, doing all these fancy vocal tricks in the first place? I think it’s very important for artists to have a back bone when it comes to their artistry, creativity and talent. It takes a very strong person to say no to a major record label when they try to make you into something you’re not. And that’s what Pink failed to do.
There is also another angle to look at it from.. Who should we really blame? Should we blame the labels for putting all this pressure on artists to conform? Or should we just blame it on the game? Nowadays, you HAVE to be versatile or have crossed over into the pop charts in order to be a success. After all, the white suburban kids are the largest number of consumers purchasing most of the rap and R&B music. So should artists cater to them? If the public decided they no longer want to see Ice Cube in all black holding a gun, but now want to see him in family movies playing a great dad, is he wrong to give it to them?
It’s always a tough situation as an artist trying to stay true to yourself despite the pressure and dictatorship of the music industry… But I there are enough artists out there that beat the odds and make the music that truly makes them happy, regardless of record sales.
Originally an R&B artist, singer Pink flipped the script when she went punk rock on us. I had a serious problem with that because I feel that if you were really a rock singer at heart, why were you singing R&B croons, doing all these fancy vocal tricks in the first place? I think it’s very important for artists to have a back bone when it comes to their artistry, creativity and talent. It takes a very strong person to say no to a major record label when they try to make you into something you’re not. And that’s what Pink failed to do.
There is also another angle to look at it from.. Who should we really blame? Should we blame the labels for putting all this pressure on artists to conform? Or should we just blame it on the game? Nowadays, you HAVE to be versatile or have crossed over into the pop charts in order to be a success. After all, the white suburban kids are the largest number of consumers purchasing most of the rap and R&B music. So should artists cater to them? If the public decided they no longer want to see Ice Cube in all black holding a gun, but now want to see him in family movies playing a great dad, is he wrong to give it to them?
It’s always a tough situation as an artist trying to stay true to yourself despite the pressure and dictatorship of the music industry… But I there are enough artists out there that beat the odds and make the music that truly makes them happy, regardless of record sales.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Chris Brown Scandal
In recent news, two artists were missing from the Grammys: Chris Brown and Rihanna. I’m not going to explain the whole ordeal, because I’m sure we all have heard it on every music and news channel by now, but if you’re not up to speed, read the story here: http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2009/02/09/2009-02-09_chris_brown_revealed_history_of_family_a.html
So Chris Brown allegedly beat up girlfriend and R&B singer Rihanna. We don’t know why, what happened, or any real truths about the situation. I’m hearing a lot of different things about it: some say she hit him first, some say Rihanna is denying that her facial bruises came from him, and that they came from a minor accident, and some are saying that it was actually another woman that he got into an altercation with. Here’s what I think.
There is never a reason a man to hit a woman. Ever. However, I think we as fans and onlookers need to sit back and chill before we judge the boy. Although it has been confirmed that he turned himself in to the police, we don’t know what actually went on because—we weren’t there. The biggest issue I have with this is that everyone is being so judgmental, not only to his character but also to his artistry. Of course things are going to happen like Double Mint Gum dropping him from his endorsement deal, because the company doesn’t want negative attachments, but as fans? People are calling in to news programs saying they’ll never listen to his music again, blah blah blah, but is that really fair? I heard someone call into a show and say, “I want Rihanna to know that her fans have her back.” Really? You’re in Oregon calling a television hotline... Do you know her enough to “have her back?” Are you going to fly out to L.A. and find Chris Brown and slash his tires? I don’t think so… It’s really easy for us to judge a star whose business is constantly in the streets, but can we look at ourselves? How many arguments and altercations have we all gotten into with our significant others? We’re just lucky it’s not on the news…
In no way am I saying that Brown had any right to put his hands on any woman (whether it be his girlfriend or anyone else), but let’s try our best to realize that it’s really a sensitive and personal situation. It’s just really sad and unfortunate stars have their rights taken away from them as soon as they become public figures, and that’s just what you have to pay as a famous individual, whether it be in sports, music, acting, or otherwise. But somehow, we have to be mindful to that. We don’t know everything that happened. And that’s the reality. Let’s leave the situation to the people who were actually involved.
So Chris Brown allegedly beat up girlfriend and R&B singer Rihanna. We don’t know why, what happened, or any real truths about the situation. I’m hearing a lot of different things about it: some say she hit him first, some say Rihanna is denying that her facial bruises came from him, and that they came from a minor accident, and some are saying that it was actually another woman that he got into an altercation with. Here’s what I think.
There is never a reason a man to hit a woman. Ever. However, I think we as fans and onlookers need to sit back and chill before we judge the boy. Although it has been confirmed that he turned himself in to the police, we don’t know what actually went on because—we weren’t there. The biggest issue I have with this is that everyone is being so judgmental, not only to his character but also to his artistry. Of course things are going to happen like Double Mint Gum dropping him from his endorsement deal, because the company doesn’t want negative attachments, but as fans? People are calling in to news programs saying they’ll never listen to his music again, blah blah blah, but is that really fair? I heard someone call into a show and say, “I want Rihanna to know that her fans have her back.” Really? You’re in Oregon calling a television hotline... Do you know her enough to “have her back?” Are you going to fly out to L.A. and find Chris Brown and slash his tires? I don’t think so… It’s really easy for us to judge a star whose business is constantly in the streets, but can we look at ourselves? How many arguments and altercations have we all gotten into with our significant others? We’re just lucky it’s not on the news…
In no way am I saying that Brown had any right to put his hands on any woman (whether it be his girlfriend or anyone else), but let’s try our best to realize that it’s really a sensitive and personal situation. It’s just really sad and unfortunate stars have their rights taken away from them as soon as they become public figures, and that’s just what you have to pay as a famous individual, whether it be in sports, music, acting, or otherwise. But somehow, we have to be mindful to that. We don’t know everything that happened. And that’s the reality. Let’s leave the situation to the people who were actually involved.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Local Radio
Have you even been riding in your car listening to the radio, and realize that you’ve heard at least one song twice in the last thirty minutes? I’ve been noticing something very disheartening about local radio, and it’s that they hate. They hate on local artists who are 1.5 million times more talented than mainstream artists who simply have the major backing to make it appear as if they have talent.
Last week I listened to more radio than I have in a very long time… And it was for the sake of proving to myself how ridiculous and sad it really is. In one hour, I heard every song at least twice, if not three times. Not only that, but if I was sick of hearing the same songs on one station, I turned to another, and there it was again! Even if I arrived to my destination, exited the vehicle, locked it and went on my way, came back four hours later and turned the radio on, I hear the SAME SONG I LEFT TO!
Now. Please don’t think I’m a hater. I know theses artists need their money, they need their publicity, they need their records played ten trillion times a day—or do they? Once you’ve made it to the mainstream media and you are on commercials, music video channels, daytime talk shows, etc. does radio really make a difference any more? If I hear your music in the mall, the dentist office waiting room, or the zoo lobby, is it truly a factor anymore? It’s hard for me to think so.
What this all comes down to is: why aren’t local radio stations supporting local music? It used to be that a city was the ambassador of new artists, making noise and bring attention to them. Now it’s pretty much impossible to even get a song played without emptying your pockets of everything you have. And even then, you’re only paying for a CHANCE at being aired. And I can only speak from what I’ve seen in Columbus, Ohio as far as the urban music community is concerned. Cleveland is not the same way. They support their artists, from what I can see, in such a major way that they make sure the hype travels from city to city.
I think local radio stations should take chances on good local artists if they’re really on to something. I know me personally, it would be hard to show Columbus love after signing a contract to a major label if they never supported me before I made it big. And it’s a proven fact for more than one artist who has come out of Columbus to be a star—they never got support from their home town, so they never come back.
What kind of home is that?
Last week I listened to more radio than I have in a very long time… And it was for the sake of proving to myself how ridiculous and sad it really is. In one hour, I heard every song at least twice, if not three times. Not only that, but if I was sick of hearing the same songs on one station, I turned to another, and there it was again! Even if I arrived to my destination, exited the vehicle, locked it and went on my way, came back four hours later and turned the radio on, I hear the SAME SONG I LEFT TO!
Now. Please don’t think I’m a hater. I know theses artists need their money, they need their publicity, they need their records played ten trillion times a day—or do they? Once you’ve made it to the mainstream media and you are on commercials, music video channels, daytime talk shows, etc. does radio really make a difference any more? If I hear your music in the mall, the dentist office waiting room, or the zoo lobby, is it truly a factor anymore? It’s hard for me to think so.
What this all comes down to is: why aren’t local radio stations supporting local music? It used to be that a city was the ambassador of new artists, making noise and bring attention to them. Now it’s pretty much impossible to even get a song played without emptying your pockets of everything you have. And even then, you’re only paying for a CHANCE at being aired. And I can only speak from what I’ve seen in Columbus, Ohio as far as the urban music community is concerned. Cleveland is not the same way. They support their artists, from what I can see, in such a major way that they make sure the hype travels from city to city.
I think local radio stations should take chances on good local artists if they’re really on to something. I know me personally, it would be hard to show Columbus love after signing a contract to a major label if they never supported me before I made it big. And it’s a proven fact for more than one artist who has come out of Columbus to be a star—they never got support from their home town, so they never come back.
What kind of home is that?
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Obamania!
Ever since Barack Obama became President Elect, this nation has been doing cartwheels for joy—especially in the Black community. It’s agreed across the board that we should be ecstatic because this has been a joyous time for numerous reasons within our history in this country. I am certainly a supporter of President Obama as well as a fan. Not only is he impressive in a political aspect, but as a person. His personality, his character, and his charm are things hard not to love.You can catch me on any given day rocking an Obama pin, hat, t-shirt or perhaps socks, if I could find any. I even have an Obama calendar! However, I think we should examine if there is such a thing as taking our support and love for Barack Obama too far. Of course you have your tributes by Will.I.Am, Nas, Young Jeezy and more who have created songs in triumph over Obama being the first Black president. That’s beautiful, and I think they’ve done a job well done. “So what’s your problem?” you ask. Ohh let me tell you.
Before the final election, BET had some sort of hip-hop honors show on and I was watching intently as Salt ‘n Peppa performed, complete with Spinderella. Well. They performed a couple of their old numbers, including “Push It” and “What a Man.” It started like this: Salt comes on stage while the music for “Push It” is in the background, the crowd is getting super hype, because it’s an all time favorite, and all of the sudden… A giant picture of Barack Obama drops from a screen as she yells “We’re gonna push it for change!” PUSH IT FOR CHANGE?! Really? Is that what we’re gonna do? That’s not the end. So the next song comes on, “What a Man.” I think the madness is over, but no, the lyrics have been changed to “a body like Barack with a Denzel face.” And this is not the first or last reference President Obama will get about his physical appearance. But is he our leader or our dream love on a poster that rests on our bedroom wall?? I mean, sheesh, the man did not run to become a sex symbol, and I’m not sure how he takes all of the sexual attention. Yes, he can not help that he is a handsome man, but… Let’s try to concentrate more on his ability to run our country.
Obama hair cuts, Obama chains, Obama tattoos, Obama rims for your car, Obama CHIA PETS, Obama platinum fronts for your teeth… Did we want Barack Obama to be our president, or our homeboy? How would you really feel if you got the opportunity to meet the man, and you had his face cut into the back of your head?? The bad thing is that his rock star status makes people look at him in a different light and maybe not take him as seriously as they should. He is not supposed to be a hip-hop icon, but a strong commander whom we will follow, hopefully out of a mess that we’ve been living with for the past eight years. A little respect, people. Act like you’ve been there before. Have some sense about yourself. That’s all.
Obama Chia pet
http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2009/01/22/chia-pet-obama.html
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