Much love to my Detroit Lions. I know they could have gone further but wow, what a good season. The TRUE fans appreciate it because we stayed through the bad and can recognize the effort they put in. I LOVE my Lions. I warned y’all at the beginning of this season (see “All I Do Is Win”). You better watch out next season. I’m warning y’all early this time!
From The D
January 13, 2012
SWV, Ashanti and Mya.
I know the look you are giving me through the screen but you read that right. They’re back!
Late 2011 saw the return of some of your favorite artists that have either been on hiatus, missing in action or representing overseas.
SWV has not received much press but released a new single, “Co-Sign.” I am so excited that SWV is back together and I cannot wait to hear the material that they are working on. That said, I am not feeling the content of this song but thankfully, the vocals are exactly as tight as when they were last recording.
Ashanti released her second single of the year, “The Woman That You Love.”
And Mya finally released an album in the U.S. K.I.S.S. (Keep It Sexy & Simple) is very dance-heavy but the R&B lovers will enjoy “Mr. Incredible.”
In other news, Demetria McKinney, most widely known for playing Janine on House of Payne, has also released a single “Get yo..ish.” Now before you scoff, Ms. McKinney has a great voice. Check it out. You know I wouldn’t post it if I couldn’t say something nice about it.
Mary J.’s My Life II did not receive a lot of love from the critics but I really liked it. Well, the first two-thirds of the album goes hard. The last third, slows down considerably but none of it is bad by any means.
In not-at-all-new-but-still-gets-me-hype news, do yourself a favor and download Elle Varner’s “Only Wanna Give It to You” featuring J. Cole. Love the voice and the video (yup, check that too) is adorable and endearing. WARNING: The song is catchy and will be stuck in your head for eons. But you won’t mind too much, it’ll make you smile. 
I am loving this “Glory” track by Jay-Z. After the conflict I felt over the Watch the Throne album, it feels good to hear some really good Jay-Z lyrics.
Do not forget to check out Fred Hammond’s newest release, God, Love and Romance.
Keyshia Cole is reportedly working on a new album, Woman to Woman, which is slated for a 2012 release.
Also in the studio: LeToya Luckett, Brandy, Monica (and there is a reported Brandy and Monica duet coming!), Tamia, Nivea.
On the non-music scene, Sanaa Lathan has landed a national contract as the spokesmodel for Pantene. If that doesn’t seem like big news to you, google it and see how many other women of color (specifically, Black women) have had that honor.
All I Do Is Win
October 13, 2011
Y’all thought I was crazy when I posted about the Lions (see “Black and Yellow”). I know you did! I could sense you rolling your eyes and calling me insane. But here they are 5-0 after beating Chicago on MNF!
I am one happy lady, I tell you! Good job, fellas!
Yup, that’s the whole post – just a quick shout out to the men in Honolulu Blue and Silver. Too many to name. And Delmas, ignore Steve Harvey and keep dancing, bro!
When the Knowles-Carter clan announced their expansion, immediately you had to know that there would be constant media scrutiny coverage of Beyonce’s pregnancy. What I did not ever consider was that people would be so mean spirited and hateful. The rumors are rampant and silly: “She’s wearing a prosthetic” “She’s lying” “She has a surrogate, she’s not pregnant.” While I don’t believe any of these rumors, my question is simply this: So what? If she is wearing a prosthetic, then that is an issue she has to deal with. If she has a surrogate and is lying about her pregnancy, yes, she’s deceiving the very people that care about her but still it’s an issue she has to deal with.
I believe she’s pregnant, I don’t know and don’t care when the baby is due or if she is using padding or a prosthesis. I encourage you all to stop perpetuating the rumors. A life is going to be born. And no matter who the parents are, every creation of life should be celebrated since the child did not ask to be brought into this world. Babies are innocent and should be shielded from harmful words. That said, either be happy for the parents-to-be or don’t comment on them. Really, it’s not affecting your world either way is it?
Now, on to the lighter stuff. The new videos from Beyonce are hotness. Despite some of the criticism that I have heard, Countdown is a great video. It is lively, colorful, vibrant and not at all what I was expecting. Since she gives a little attitude in the song, I was expecting the street-smart persona to show up in the video, however I love the direction taken. Now I know everyone is focused on the accusations of plagiarism but it amazes me that the Audrey Hepburn references are seen as paying homage but the “Rosas danst Rosas” mimicking is considered stealing. Clearly the whole video is comprised of other people’s visuals. And when are people going to stop airing out their issues in public? How about Beyonce and original choreographer, Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker should just work it out. Don’t give certain other blogs ammunition to spread their hate.
Love on Top, my favorite song on the album, is next up on the video front for Bey. She is churning these things out like an assembly line plant. In the preview floating around the internet this week, Beyonce shows love to New Edition and their “If It Isn’t Love” video (Is that stealing or homage – okay I’m done). I honestly was worried about what she would do with this video because I love the song so much but I like what I have seen so far and cannot wait to see it in its entirety when it premieres next week.
Finally, I know a lot of blogs are referring to Beyonce as “King B” (see “Best Thing I Never Had” single cover) but she will not be referred to as “King B” on this site – I get it, I really do but she is a lady and you can run the world and still be a girl. There’s nothing wrong with being the QUEEN, just ask Aretha, Latifah and Mary J.
Carl Thomas is back (cue Summer Rain playing in my head for the rest of the day)! I am so excited about this and if you love a goooood R&B song, you should be too. The new single is called “Don’t Kiss Me” and it is available on iTunes. His new album, Conquer, is scheduled to be released on December 6th. Carl is known for those
super-soulful releases that help you to mellow out. Welcome back, Mr. Thomas, you’ve been missed.
Please, please tell me you all are watching LaLa’s Full Court Life on VH1 (Monday nights). Usually, I would not direct you toward reality television but this show is fantastic. No theatrics, no drama, no playa-why-YOU-hating, it’s just a positive show that gives a little insight into what it is like in her world.
She always puts her family first (yes, they are more important in her world than you – the viewer that she’s never met) and will cut the camera if her son is tired or overwhelmed. I seriously suggest you watch this show if you would like a backstage view of what really goes on in the world of those in the entertainment world.
Gimme Dat
October 7, 2011
Guess who’s in the studio working on their third album? Yup, Miss Lady Love herself, Letoya Luckett. The album is set to drop next year, as is her next movie, From the Rough, starring Taraji P. Henson, Tom Felton and
Michael Clarke Duncan (Super Bowl weekend, so go out and support, people).
New music from Ashanti. Yup, it’s been a minute but she’s back with the single “Never Too Far Away” from the movie Dream House.
And have y’all heard Mary J.’s new one, “25/8?” Wasn’t sure that I would, but I kinda love it! My Life II should be hitting store shelves in November. I know I don’t even have to tell you all to support because you probably have your pre-orders in already!
Oh, and I almost forgot to share, one of my most absolute favorite artists is close to releasing a new album, Tamia!!!! Trust, y’all will know about it in advance because I will be losing my mind waiting for it! It is called Beautiful Surprise and will be released late this year.
And I couldn’t possibly leave you without a little gospel, right? Be on the lookout for the new one from Kierra Sheard. Free, will be released on October 18 and is available for preorder on iTunes now. Jessica Reedy and Isaac Caree both have new albums out now.
And I know this is not “new music” and I am far from this young man’s demographic but I really like Diggy’s “Copy, Paste.” I mean like really like; like I’m probably gonna download it even though I’m not 16! I like
that he’s not trying to sound like his dad or anyone else for that matter. And for the record, I’m pretty much feeling any rap record that’s not overly-sexual or violent right now (that might be a separate post).
So in addition to my obvious obsession with music, I am also hooked on books (and lip gloss – but that’s a separate post). I haven’t gotten a chance to read it yet, but Common is out with his first book, One Day It’ll
All Make Sense. If you listen to his music then you know he usually gives us some lyrical content that is deeper than what his contemporaries drop along with a little something to move to at the same time. So I fully expect this book to be a phenomenal read.
I am also interested in reading Hill Harper’s The Wealth Cure: Putting Money in Its Place. Harper has definitely managed to stay busy as this is his fourth book, the others (The Conversation, Letters to a Young Sister, and Letters to a Young Brother) received great acclaim. I applaud his desire to use the platform that he has built through his acting to do positive things for the community. His ivy-league credentials don’t hurt his credibility
either 
Let me know if you have read either. Even better, let me know what you are currently reading and what you are adding to your to-read list.
“We need more light about each other. Light creates understanding, understanding creates love, love creates patience, and patience creates unity.”
― Malcolm X
I’ve been away longer than I would like (my real life got REALLY real) but all is well and I am back at it. Finding this quote reminded me of why I do this. I enjoy writing and am hooked on the entertainment world,
so despite the haze of this TheraFlu and the other distractions in my world, I’m back at it. And hopefully, you are focused as well. *steps up on soapbox* So I will take this moment to encourage you that no matter what stands to block your path, never take your eyes of your goal. * steps gracefully off soapbox* Share with me: What gets you back on track when life gets extra real?
Hollywood
August 29, 2011
Well, the MTV Awards never fail to entertain. From the surprise performance of The Throne of Otis, to Beyonce announcing in grand fashion that she is in the early stages of mommyhood, the Knowles-Carter household had the event on lock. But while they were clearly the main event, there were many other highlights and “uh…what?” moments throughout the evening.
That’s What’s Up!
ADELE. Oh how I love Adele. There is no voice like Adele’s and if you are not listening to her because you are trapped in some kind of musical genre box, get over it and get to downloading. This woman is beyond soulful and at a young age can justifiably be considered a powerhouse. I must say though that she does not get enough love. The only reason that I am letting MTV off the hook for not lavishing her with awards is because it is the VIDEO Music Awards and her videos would not beat out some of the flashier competitors. Adele is clearly focused on substance over style (flash, I mean, because she is stylish) and I am not mad at that. She does what she does like no other.
Kevin Hart. He didn’t get the laughs he deserved because the audience didn’t really know him like that but he was funny. Timely and humorous without being crude.
The Throne. I am so not a fan of that name. Anyway, Jay-Z and Kanye came out and did what they do best: have fun and make us want to join in. They were so beyond hype for that performance (now we know why!) and it showed. Wish some of the social media buzz hadn’t taken some of the fun out of it by speculating that they were the surprise act (Let us be surprised – we don’t have to know everything BEFORE it happens, geez).
Beyonce. Hate her, love her. Wish she’d go away, wish she’d stay forever. Don’t care what you think about that woman, she can PERFORM. And “Love on Top” is my SONG. I smile every time I hear it. That is the song of a woman that is truly in love. How can you hate on love. And I am always a fan of someone dropping the mic after they destroy the stage. Straight boss move. Nice way to introduce the world to its future obsession (get your cameras ready stalkerazzi – actually don’t!).
Bruno Mars. Did you see those moves? You better do what you do, Bruno! I had no idea he was such a cool performer. Fabulous job to honor Amy Winehouse.
Uh…What?
Lady Gaga. Or Tony, the ex-boyfriend. Okay, I get it and it was great for the performance and even for a while after that but uh… by the time she introduced Britney Spears, I was disturbed.
Britney Spears. Again, I get it. She has had a lot of great music videos that speak to the MTV audience. I would never take that away from her. But the Michael Jackson Vanguard Award? The day before his birthday? Uh, not so much. But if you are going to give the woman the award at least let her have an acceptance speech. Why did she accept the award and then introduce Beyonce? No moment to celebrate, just get Beyonce on the stage and have a seat, missy. How Rude, MTV!
Kevin Hart. Why not make him host? Trust me, the show could have used one. Especially at the end when the show just kind of went off. No goodbye, no thank you for spending 3.5 hours of your life watching us. Yeah.
Lil Wayne. Ooooohhhhh, Lil’ Wayne. You give me a headache. You start with “How to Love,” all super-positive and uplifting then you take off your shirt to reveal your sagging, printed skinny jeans and your underwear and launch into a profanity-laced song (don’t ask me what it was, I couldn’t tell through all the bleeps). Come on dude.
Editing. Do you know how annoying it is to watch an award show and hear mostly dead air because the awards are on delay to bleep all the cuss words of the adults who can’t control their mouths for three hours. Learn how to sing the clean version. Learn how to give a two minute speech without saying f— this and that b—–. Hey MTV, how about making it mandatory, since most of your audience is underage anyway.
Odd Future. …#ThatIsAll
I Miss You
August 25, 2011
Our dear, sweet Aaliyah,
Unbelievable how quickly 10 years has passed and how much things have changed. Today, your music plays over the airways of radio stations across the United States. I can only wonder if you knew how loved and respected you were. Your songs sound as if they were recorded months ago, not years ago. Could you have had any idea of the legacy that you would leave at the age of 22.
A product of both Brooklyn and Detroit, both communities equally claim you as their own and staunchly protect you to this day. If anyone attempts to sing one your songs it is met with swift criticism, even if they are singing it your memory. No one sings Aaliyah, no one.
Ten years later, I still have not been able to listen to an entire album, though I have them all. Only one song has been added to my iPod, “I Care 4 U,” because hearing your songs together is a painful reminder that you are gone.
I think about how different R&B would be if you were still here. I truly believe that you would be one of the few artists that we could depend on to focus on the music and not get caught up in the hype and trappings of fame. You would be the classy, charming, witty and smart business woman that could entertain the masses while enjoying the benefits of your success without becoming jaded or spoiled. I believe this because this is who you showed yourself to be. We need that, we miss that.
There will be many tributes to you today and sadness in remembering the tragic way in which you left this life. Perhaps the greatest tribute that we can pay is to play your music while remembering the joy in which you created it, not only in recognition of your passing but in honor of the way you lived.
~Shine
