SKYLAR GREY'S BIG BREAK

"Skylar Grey" the very sought after collaborator and hook singer for high profile hip hop acts is morphing into an artist in her own right. The singer formerly known as Holly Brook, Grey has made quite a name for herself popularized by hook for "Eminem" and "Rihanna’s" popular collaboration “Love The Way You Lie” and is currently working on an album. With one official studio album and three EPs under her original name, the 25-year old Grey isn’t exactly a newbie but her fortunes have certainly changed in the last year.

Grey released a solo album in 2006 called "Like Blood Like Honey" but lately has come to prominence thanks to a number of high-caliber songwriting gigs with A-list rap stars. Working with producer "Alex Da Kid", who has produced tracks for the likes of Nicki Minaj's Massive Attack and B.o.B.'s Airplanes, signed Grey to his Wonderland Music last year. Grey's performance at the Grammys turned out perfect. Grey is working on her new album, with Alex Da Kid's production putting her well on her way to attaining similar breakthrough success.

Skylar’s popularity and her opportunity began last year when she was featured on "P. Diddy’s" Diddy-Dirty Money album Last Train To Paris, features "Jay-Z" as a co-producer. From there, she was featured on the much hyped debut single and video for "Dr. Dre’s" Detox album “I Need A Doctor” featuring Eminem. Grey also scored a cameo role in the video as a "futuristic healer".

Her latest collaboration with "Lupe Fiasco" will certainly gain her even more exposure as the buzzing single and video makes its rounds around radio and the Web. With the video making such a strong political statement and Grey’s capable vocals boosting the track to higher level, Skylar Grey will no doubt be a longtime fixture in the world of music.

JOHNNY GILL PREPARES FOR HIS RETURN TO MUSIC

Many artist who take a long break from the game, don't stand a chance with the new talent floating around these days. With over twenty years in the entertainment business, "Johnny Gill" has continued to create music either as a soloist or a group member. Johnny Gill is not attempting to slowdown as his career matures.

Continuing his role as a romantic balladeer while emerging as a New Jack Swing star, he released a second self-titled album in 1990 which included the hits "My, My, My," "Rub You the Right Way," "Fairweather Friend" and "Wrap My Body Tight". On this album, Gill played guitar, bass, bongos, and drums in addition to performing lead and background vocals. In 1991, he was featured in Perri "Pebbles" Reid's hit single "Always" from the album of the same name, along with Pebbles' cousin, R&B singer, Cherrelle. The single made the R&B Top 20 shortly after its release.

As of late, the R&B veteran has been touring in the United States with long time collaborators "Bobby Brown" and "Ralph Trevesant" as the R&B group Head of State to keep up with audiences needs. Gill is also preparing his latest album after signing a with Notifi Records.

The untitled album Gill has received creative assistance from a respective group of producers including "Troy Taylor", "Bryan Michael" and "Wyclef Jean". Gill described working with Wyclef as “Quincy Jones of this era.” While recording the album, Gill has been struggling to identify the creative direction of the project stating, 

“One of the things I have been battling with while recording this record is I like so many types of music but you think I know what people are going to expect and what they want. All this is put into a place and then somebody said to me ‘you have to do you and where you are today that is what it is.’ That is what people are going to gravitate and connect with.” 

No release date has been set for the album but it is scheduled to drop this year. 

Gill's first single upon the breakup of New Edition and his biggest hit to date.

Bruno Mars Debut Certified Platinum

"Bruno Mars" debut album "Doo-Wops & Hooligans" which features hit singles Just the Way You Are, Grenade, and The Lazy Song helped him earn platinum album certifications. The Grammy Award winner has sold over fourteen million singles worldwide. His album has been certified platinum in several countries including United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia. Doo-Wops & Hooligans received generally positive reviews from most music critics.

Bruno broke out on his own early last year with his acclaimed debut EP, "IT'S BETTER IF YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND." Produced and written by Mars, the four-track collection peaked at #1 on the iTunes Pop chart, fueled by such tracks as The Other Side, featuring both "B.o.B" and "Cee Lo Green". Currently earning acclaim for co-writing and producing fellow Elektra recording artist Cee Lo Green's new online sensation, "F**k You.

It wasn't long before Mars also lent his signature vocals to a pair of Smeezingtons-penned and produced hits: B.o.B's #1 sensation, "Nothin' On You," and "Billionaire," the debut solo single from Gym Class Heroes frontman "Travie McCoy".

While Mars has earned a plaque for his record sales, he has recently been recognized for his contribution to pop culture as TIME magazine selected him for the annual list of the world's most influential people. Mars and fellow popstar chart getter "Justin Bieber" are part of a powerhouse lineup which amongst the likes of President Obama and Oprah Winfrey, include 100 artists, politicians, activists, researchers, and reformers.

Mars is currently preparing for his long awaited "Hooligans In Wondaland Tour" with Bad Boy's recording artist "Janelle Monae". The North American tour will start May 4th in New York City and end June 15th in Phoenix, AZ. 

Here Bruno Mars & Janelle Monae “Hooligans in Wondaland” tour dates:

Weds 5-4 @ Roseland Ballroom New York, NY
Sat 5-7 @ Agganis Arena Boston, MA
Sun 5-8 @ Susquehanna Bank Ctr. Camden, NJ
Tue 5-10 @ Fox Theatre Atlanta, GA
Weds 5-11 @ Fillmore Miami Beach Miami Beach, FL
Tues 5-17 @ Verizon Theatre at Grand Prarie Grand Prarie, TX
Weds 5-18 @ Reliant Arena Houston, TX
Fri 5-20 @ Jubliee CityFest Montgomery, AL
Sun 5-22 @ Caesars Windsor Windsor, ON
Tues 5-24 @ Eagles Ballroom Milwaukee, WI
Weds 5-25 @ Roy Wilkins Auditorium St. Paul, MN
Fri 5-27 @ Aragon Ballroom Chicago, IL
Sat 5-28 @ Uptown Theatre Kansas City, MO
Sun 5-29 @ 1st Bank Center Broomfield, CO
Mon 5-30 @ McKay Events Center Oren, UT
Thurs 6-2 @ WAMU Theater @ Qwest Field Seattle, WA
Fri 6-3 @ Rogers Arena Vancouver, BC
Sat 6-4 @ Roseland Theatre Portland, OR
Tues 6-7 @ Grand Sierra Resort & Casino Reno, NV
Weds 6-8 @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium San Francisco, CA
Fri 6-10 @ Spotlight 29 Casino Coachella, CA
Sat 6-11 @ San Diego County Fair Del Mar, CA
Sun 6-12 @ Gibson Amphitheatre Universal City, CA
Weds 6-15 @ Comerica Theatre Phoenix, AZ

                                                    

"When Everything in life gets so complicated it only takes a day to change it." ... Bruno Mars


Doo-Wops & Hooligans is available to buy on iTunes and all good stores worldwide now.

CHRIS BROWN: "F.A.M.E" (Review) 

When "Chris Brown" opens his new album with “Deuces,” an in your face obvious record about an ex singing phrases like “nothing but a vulture,” and "you regret the day when I find another girl YEAH!", he’s not hiding any bitterness. The poison dart is delivered by Brown with an underlying message as clear as day, it’s one that’s been tormented with for the past few years and supported by Breezy’s defenders.

His fourth studio album “F.A.M.E.”, (Forgiving All My Enemies) his first Number 1 hit album since the troubles a couple of years ago he has endured, Brown is enjoying a hot collection of hit radio singles. Abandoning Jackson circa “Off the Wall” and instead attempting the run on the unapologetic genius of "R. Kelly". F.A.M.E. is nothing short of a great album, and maybe one of his best since "Exclusive" hit stores in 2007.

Contributing to the album to give the young R&B singer some help are some heavy hitters like "Wiz Khalifa", "Justin Bieber", "Timbaland", "Lil Wayne" and more. Mixing true R&B with pop, hip-hop and of course a few club bangers, Chris Brown has put forth a strong effort that he hopes will further propel his comeback. After the crummy third studio album "Graffiti", and the mass exodus of fans due to his woman beating incident, Brown has a lot to prove and with F.A.M.E and from the looks of it, he has certainly taken a step in the right direction.

Chris slips and slides through uptempo dance jams and melodic R&B-tinged grooves as easily as he glides across a dance floor, ending up in what is easily his best album yet. His pop side shines on “Next To You,” a tender duet with fellow pop powerhouse "Justin Bieber", he skips through "Michael Jackson-Off-The-Wall-style" disco on the silky “Say It With Me,” channels pop rival "Justin Timberlake" on bass-heavy banger “Oh My Love,” makes a strong play as "Busta Rhymes" fire rapid-spitting apprentice on “Look At Me Now,” also featuring Lil Wayne, and touches “Forever” type Euro-pop greatness with “Yeah 3x.

Pretty much almost every track on the album has that type of sound that radio Dj's would love to promote, as fans will and have received them very well. Radio singles, videos, and soundtrack type records are all over this record. Not keeping with just a R&B type album, going from that to techno-type records, to highly energized Pop records could prove to work in Brown's favor all over the world as album sales have propelled his album to Number 1.

-Side Note- It would be very interesting to me to see how long he would hold that position on Billboard Charts. I would just have to say in my personal opinion, I love this album. I think that every track on the album is just perfect from Oh My Love, She Ain't You, to Wet The Bed are just examples of some tracks that I can't stop listening to. If you want to hear a great album, and have been starving for one for years like me, this would give you that record fix you have been waiting for. Get the album no matter how you feel about Brown as a person, because its really not about him per-say, its truly about the creative talent you hear on your radio, in your car, on your iPod, or what ever device you have that would keep your ear pleased for some time till that next record comes out.

"Follow your dreams. Just make sure to have fun too. Haters keep on hating, cause somebody's gotta do it" ... Chris Brown

F.A.M.E. is available to buy on iTunes and all good stores worldwide now.

KID CUDI SWEARS OFF MARIJUANA

Rapper "Kid Cudi" has officially announced that he has quit smoking marijuana. It may have been April Fool’s, but this is not one. Cudi is officially sober from weed. The "G.O.O.D. Music" rapper announced on his Tumblr account that he's leaving the marijuana alone, now opting for a cleaner image.

He wrote on his Tumblr:

"I dont smoke weed anymore. Ill leave it to the kids. Im 27 with a business to run and i need to be alert and focused with my mind strong. For those who still get it on, smoke one in my memory as your favorite lonely stoner."

"This is not a joke. I know most of you wanna see me all drugged out and fucked up and i know misery loves company, but im sorry those days are over. I had a good run, Amsterdam and all. Im happy being sober. Im happy being a new me. Giva fuck who thinks of me different, you didnt care about me in the first place if you cant be proud and happy for me for growing and starting a new chapter. Im not your puppet or your tap dancing drug addict here to be your miserable muse, i always made music for me to help myself find understanding. I have finally learned from the words in my songs. I love who loves me and who really cares about me."

"Learn from this, theres always light at the end of the tunnel. Hell does have an exit, and i found it. For those who are looking for a way out, i left the door open, and ill be waiting for whoever wants to grow with me. Peace and Love, Cudi."

Cudi was "arrested" back in July of 2010, for possession of a controlled substance, and says he will put his energy towards his music instead. "I always made music for me to help myself find understanding. I have finally learned from the words in my songs. I love who loves me and who really cares about me," Cudi added.

Despite the arrest, Cudder still managed to make his scheduled performance at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts festival in Tennessee the following night. In September, he plead guilty to criminal possession of a substance in the seventh degree and received a two-day community service sentence. He is currently working on a rock album titled Wizard, and a new mixtape titled A Man Named Scott, due out this summer, produced by "Dot Da Genius".

CHRIS BROWN: F.A.M.E. HITS STORES TODAY

Make sure you cop your copy of  Chris Brown's F.A.M.E. In stores today. 

Record review will be posted very soon. 

Stay tuned...

 F.A.M.E. is available to buy on iTunes and all good stores worldwide now.

THE RETURN OF CHRIS BROWN

After a rocky past couple of years, and an almost career ending decision one night before the 2009 "Grammy Awards", R&B singer "Chris Brown" is ready to forgive all his enemies. Once an innocent pop singer, Brown became an industry outcast after being hit with a domestic violence charge for beating ex-girlfriend "Rihanna" in 2009. Years of apologizing, court appearances, community service, and so much more, the R&B sensation has successfully rebuilt a career many thought was destroyed.

Brown has admitted that although some of his music industry friends stood by him, the scandal left him with few by his side. Away from the spotlight, a handful of artists came out of the wood work in attempts to take the star’s title, but Brown’s fans were outright aggressive and loyal. He now often praises his friends and fans who stuck by his side throughout the ordeal, as he shouts out to his very popular fan base "Team Breezy" on a normal basis.

Now, high off the success of his mixtape "Fan of a Fan" which he released his first single (post-Rihanna) "Deuces," he was greeted by three Grammy nominations at this year's awards. Running on the success of his top 10 hit, he has powered up an Australian tour in April, and is looking forward to his "team" backing his forthcoming album "F.A.M.E", which stands for "Forgiving All My Enemies", (in stores March 22). Which would be very interesting to see how many albums are grabbed at your local record stores, since the failure of his last "LP" - "Graffiti", due to the controversy surrounding him a couple of years ago.

The lead single off Brown's soon-to-be released fourth studio album, F.A.M.E entitled “Look At Me Now”, may be his testament to those who doubted if Brown could make a comeback. Fans got a taste of Brown's bars on this current hit single and according to Brown, they'll hear even more through his tracks with various rappers like "Wiz Khalifa".

“I'm on one or two songs rapping. I got this one song with Wiz Khalifa called “Bomb” and on the third verse I'm rapping. Even on “Look At Me Now”, a lot of people don't' know and I'm pretty hype about it, it's number one but this is my first rap number one, this is not a song I'm singing on.”

So what do you think? Will you be outside the record store waiting it to open, to get a copy of Chris Browns, new LP, or will you sit back and not support him like the last album?

Chris Brown "Look At Me Now"

-Side Note- And yes Breezy, the entire world is looking at you now – whether it be the string of recent songs the singer has been featured on, his new blond ‘do, or his racy naked photos, our beloved Chris Brown is back! I will definitely be at the record store the minuet it opens to cop my copy of it. I don't care what you have to say about who Chris Brown is, or why you don't like him so much. But one thing we should be able to agree on, without a shadow of a doubt, is that Chris Brown is back!

BREAKING: WEST COAST HIP-HOP HOOK MAN NATE DOGG, DEAD AT 41

Fans and celebrities alike are in shock as word spread that Hip-Hop artist and vocalist Nate Dogg passed away on Tuesday, confirmed by his road manager, Rod McGrew. Nate Dogg, born Nathaniel D. Hale, suffered strokes in both 2007 and 2008, but his death has been attributed to "complications from multiple strokes". 

Hale – who was the legendary master of the rap hook - exploded onto the music scene as "Warren G's" partner-in-crime on the hit "Regulate". He is also famously known for his appearance on "Dr. Dre’s" seminal album “The Chronic,” and also provided vocals for a number of rappers including: his high school friend "Snoop Dogg", "Kurupt", "Tupac Shakur", "Eminem", "Ludacris", and "50 Cent". 

Hale began singing as a child in a Long Beach, California Baptist church where his father was the pastor. When he was 16, he dropped out of high school and joined the Marines where he served for three years. When Dr. Dre heard a demo by "213" (group included himself, Snoop Dogg, and Warren G) he was intrigued, and began to work with the group. Hale went on to make three solo albums, but was best known for his collaborative work, singing hooks on other rappers' songs. The biggest tracks to feature Nate Dogg, a four-time Grammy nominee, include Dr. Dre's "The Next Episode," Ludacris' "Area Codes," 50 Cent's "21 Questions," and Eminem's "Shake That".

Of course, the loss of Nate Dogg has reverberated throughout the hip-hop community and beyond, (some comments via twitter):

"We lost a true legend n hip hop n rnb. One of my best friends n a brother to me since 1986 when I was a sophomore at poly high where we met, U will always b wit me 4ever n a day u put the g n g funk u put the 1 n 213 n u put yo stamp on evrybdy u ever didit wit. I miss u cuzz I am so sad but so happy I got to grow up wit u and I will c u again n heaven cuz u know d slogan all doggs go to heaven" ... Snoop Dogg

“There is a certain void in hip hop's heart that can never be filled. Glad we got to make history together.” ... Ludacris

 "Nate Dogg... freshness period. rest in beats." ...Erykah Badu

-Side Note- I just wanted to say how much of an influence this man has had on my life. I can remember growing up, I was trying to sing and get my voice heard, and was very embarrassed at the way I sounded. I mean I had a very high voice (kind of like a Justin Timberlake, or a Ne-Yo) and when I first heard his voice on the radio, it made me think. We all have a unique sounding voice, and all we have to do is have enough confidence to let that voice be heard. With a little ability, we can all have a great distinctive type of voice that people can gravitate to. And for that I thank you Nate Dogg. R.I.P. my brotha.

"If this were my world things would go my way. Every single day I'd have one more day." ... Nate Dogg

              Does Music Define You 

       ____________________________________________________

Music can obviously serve so many purposes. It can make us think, feel and act. It can be a deeply meaningful and profound experience that leaves us pondering life's greater mysteries. And sometimes it's just entertainment, in the way a sitcom is entertainment, or a video game, or anything else you enjoy doing purely for fun, like reading a spy novel.

I love the power of music to inspire people and to provoke. I love to see people get passionate about the music they love and dislike, and to hear why they feel the way they do. In the end, there really is no right or wrong perspective, just opinions, and there's no accounting for taste.

I suspect we get as worked up about music as we do because we believe it defines us — that music says something about who we are and what we believe, perhaps in ways more illuminating and honest than we could ever conjure on our own, since words alone often diminish the grand ideas and feelings we have inside.

So that's my question: Do you think music defines who you are or who others are? If so, how?

MARSHA AMBROSIUS: LATE NIGHTS & EARLY MORNINGS

CD Review: Marsha Ambrosius "Late Nights & Early Morning"

In 2003, when neo-soul duo Floetry (now group has separated) appeared on the scene with their hypnotic, groovy debut "Floetic", the world was introduced to the beautiful poetry of ‘floacist’ (Natalie Stewart) and the beautiful lyrical and vocal stylings of songbird Marsha Ambrosius. These days, eight years later, fans are getting a proper session with Ambrosius, thanks to the long-awaited arrival of her solo debut, "Late Nights & Early Mornings".

Encumbered with her trademark deeply emotional lyrics and a voice rich with yearning, the album delivers moving, beautifully writen R&B-soul jams like “Far Away” and the play-it-to-death title track, on which she lets loose during the song’s gorgeous refrain. Many of her notable features throughout the years have leaned towards sexual content. It’s a staple of hers to bring out the best in all of us who want to take our partners inside of a room, crank up an Ambrosisus song to the max and watch the walls vibrate. As "Maxwell" liked to put it, “Til the Cops Come Knockin”. While the album’s intro has a warm and fuzzy foreplay feel, “With You” is slow burning romance (co-written by Alicia Keys). From purrs and moans of the impatience of being with her love, Ambrosius creates possibly some of the most melodic soul soothing much when it comes time to baby-making. Before those that title strictly belonged to "R. Kelly". Now Ambrosius has swooped in and rested her beautiful voice on that throne.

Lastly, she gives her fans all the sensuality they want, her trademark vocals glide her through a Lauryn Hill penned song, a Portishead cover as she hooks up with a range of producers to add variety to her sound. 

-Side Note- The wait had us all wondering where she would go with the album and I am glad we have the fruits of her labour to further prove to us what we already knew: Marsha Ambrosius is an unique, distinctive and progressive singer who can write for any given artist on any given day.

"I'm absolutely ... I'm in shock. It shows all dreams are real. It's one of those situations where I'd be a fool to pass it up." Marsha Ambrosius...

Late Nights & Early Mornings is available to buy on iTunes and all good stores worldwide now.

LUPE FIASCO: "LASERS" (Review)

CD Review: Lupe Fiasco "Lasers"

Lupe Fiasco has had a hell of a career going for him after his debut album "Food & Liquor" started turning heads back in 2006. Following that up with "The Cool" a year later, Lupe proved that he was able to beat the sophomore slump and even surpass the appeal of his previous work. Four years have passed, and it's been a long wait for album number three. With only the very solid "Enemy of the State" mixtape to tide fans over, anticipation couldn't have been higher.

In an industry so flooded, and misconstrued with materialistic gangster rap, it's refreshing to hear someone spitting conscious rap for the mainstream. Fiasco is unafraid to spit fierce political statements, even if they are surrounded by candy-pop hooks as in his latest "Lasers". Nearly every track has the makings of a Top Ten radio single, due in large part to stunning production values. Yes, these songs are studio tweaked to the max, in which a furious Fiasco has stated is the reason it took so long for the studio to release it. From the vocal distortions and shimmering synths of opener "Letting Go," to the booming handclaps and nostalgic piano of closer "Never Forget You," there's hardly a moment where the album doesn't sound "really good" in a really substantial way.

Although this 3 studio album from Fiasco is more of a "radio play" successor, other then the usual "Cool" type music he has dropped earlier, fans are still hooked by it's outstanding lyrical content. Fiasco says he sees his music, which pulls influences from prog and experimental rock, as a way to bring different groups of listeners together — including those who are wary of hip-hop. 

Fiasco: On how Lasers finally got a solid release date: “The fans came and put their lives on the line in some instances—because you never know what could happen, it could have been a stampede. I look at that as very inspiring and motivational. That was one of the only reasons the label got on the phone and wanted to have that meeting, they seen the outpouring of support and the critique that was beginning to mobilize via the Internet.”

 -Side Note- In my opinion Lasers is not a conventional Lupe album, and has a mass radio audience appeal to it, but still as I have waited for this for four years, I can honestly say that this album has not let me down, as most reviews would tell you. Yes it's more pop-type, with long chorus repetatively played on each track, but its lyrical content is more important to me then a club banger, or top 100 type track you hear now-adays. I just can't wait for what's next on Lupe Fiasco's future.   

" I'm just trying to do the opposite of left, as long as there's the opposite of death, ya know 
Yes, ya test and I just might bring the opposite of life, til' there's no one the opposite of right" Lupe Fiasco.... 


Lasers is available to buy on iTunes and all good stores worldwide now.

Rocky (Silly Remake) - (Snippet)
Creating an embedded HD video from a Cloud-Storage Service.

The Direct Link to the Rock (Silly Remake) Snippet on Opendrive.com

Here is a link to the FULL Video "Rocky (Silly Remake)" on my Youtube channel.

Enjoy :)

KANYE WEST: "all of the LIGHTS" MUSIC VIDEO

All Of The Lights Music Video, Feat. Rihanna, and Kid Cudi




Rapper, producer Kanye West continues to light up not only the microphone but his music videos as well, as shown in his latest video for single "All Of The Lights" on Friday, off of his MBDTF album (My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy). Featuring the Huge R&B hit-making singer Rihanna, and not to mention the Man On The Moon rapper Kid Cudi. Directed by the one and only Hype Williams, a director who just seems to have a never ending list of very successful music videos on his belt.


The video begins with a minuet long black and white scene of a young girl walking the streets trying to find her way. As depicted in the lyrics, Mr. West states a physical altercation with his girlfriend, (which he serves time for) leaving his daughter fatherless and her mother obsessed with the new boyfriend, "She need her daddy, Baby Please, can't let her grow up in that ghetto university.". Then flashing to strobe-lit images of West, Rihanna, and Cudi.

The video ends with strobe-lit names of all musicians who contributed on the record. An all-star cast of popular singers, song-writers, and producers help bring this beautiful track together, with the likes of Fergie, Charlie Wilson, John Legend, Tony Williams, Alicia Keys, La Roux, The-Dream, Ryan Leslie, Alvin Fields, Ken Lewis, and a strange surprise of all, Sir Elton John.

The timing of the clips release came to a shock to everyone, and had many wondering, would he join Rihanna on stage at the NBA All-Star halftime show, that question was answered as he came on stage and surprised the crowd with this hit song. Instead of hyping us up, making us starve for a glimpse, or endless tweets, the video was announced only about an hour before its release, and I'm sure glad they did.

"In America, they want you to accomplish these great feats, to pull of these David Copperfield-type stunts. You want me to be great, but you don't ever want me to say I'm great?" Kanye West

grammys name ESPERANZA SPALDING best new  artist

She's The First Jazz Musician To Ever Win Best New Artist Award

Bassist, composer and songwriter Esperanza Spalding has received the GRAMMY Award for the Best New Artist of 2011. All of the winners were announced at the 53rd Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 13, 2011, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. All of the artists nominated, were for albums released from September 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010. 

Spalding is the first jazz musician to ever win the Best New Artist in Grammy history. Being nominated along with Drake, Justin Bieber, Mumford and Sons, and Florence & the Machine, really shows the impact she has put on the music industry.

Her hypnotic tones, mixed with her sensual sound and beautiful appeal, has not only put her on the top 5 of many looking for their Jazz fix, but has also brought in an new outside listeners. Her imaginative flights and serious musical demeanor, improvising as a pop star has really set her apart in the jazz genre. Completing a huge year in 2008, her two-year debut was a successful one. As her second studio album Esperanza, spent over 70 weeks on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart and shined over all others, and was the most successful American selling debut that year.

Spaldings most recent album Chamber Music Society hit No. 1 on the Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Albums chart (January 2011), showcasing her eclectic gentle rifts and soulful vocal abilities. An eleven track record just does not seem like enough to satisfy the fan yearning for more, I guess just like ever other fan of her lovely tune, I'm going to have to wait till she's ready to put the pen to paper, her gentle fingers to the cords, and her melodic voice to the microphone. 

"We all want to hear sincerity and originality in music, and anyone can recognize and appreciate when love and truth are transmitted through art." Esperanza Spalding... 

R&B is the music for the soul.

R&B and soul music has been around for quite some time. Have you ever heard a song, and it just relaxed every muscle in your body, closing your eyes as it takes you away into a cloud of hum...? Thats what this type of music does to me. I don't think I would be the same person today if it was not for this type of musics' soothing melodies massage my ear drums. It's not only soothing, there are times when it also speaks to you piercing your soul in the best way. When ever I get down I put on a R&B, or Soul record and let it take me to a better place, as it's almost a friend to comfort me in a bad time, or a depressing moment.

So many artists to choose from, but my favorites would have to be Kem, Kenny Lattimore, Musiq Soulchild, Anthony David, Dwele, and so many more. I'd LOVE to name them all, but thats what my other comments are to be used for. :)

"Why do I care so much about music?"
Good question I'll tell you. Because to me music is life. It's the Lavern to my Shirley, the Fred to my Wilma, the Peanut butter to my Jelly, I don't feel complete without it.

Music is good for the soul, what better to define it with a word, R&B.
I'd like to leave you with a perfect example of what this crazy music fan means, and tell me this does not take you to a different place.

More to come...

My Idol kanYe West...!!!...

Hello everyone. I'd like to start my BLOG, and I think its only fitting to first talk about my most favorite Hip-Hop star of all time, kanYe West. I know many people out there see him as a fool, egotistical, loud, and annoying at times, but one thing is for sure, he is very creative. I think his and a few (A FEW) others music has saved hip-hop and I'd like to tell you why. Before Yezzy (AKA kanYe) hip-hop turning into nothing but a gangster, in your face bad name. After coming out with his first record The College Dropout, it was obvious that hip-hop could be something different. You could still wear your Coogi Jeans , Tims, and fitted caps rockin' out to the latest gangster record, but Ye (AKA Kanye) offered an alternative with a brand new sound no one ever heard before. I think if not for kanYe, no one would have ever heard of Lupe Fiasco, B.O.B, Drake, and many others that have came out of the wood works so far to promote a different side of hip-hop to the masses. His use of sped up samples of oldies (but goodies) has changed hip-hop forever. Now in hip-hop, you see different types of genres within hip-hop forming as we speak, which probably would have never been attempted before the Ye, and more introspective hip-hop era.

I just can't see any of this creative, soul soothing type of hip-hop ever pleasing ears of so many if it was not for Mr. West.

More to come....