Command Performance

Robert Kelly (R.Kelly) is one of the most talented singers in the business, he can do it all, and here he clealy illustrates my statement. Here he pays homage to the late reat Sam Cooke. Enjoy

NOT Guilty .......... I smell BULLSH*T

John Edwards has just been found NOT GUILTY on one of six campaign fraud charges stemming from his 2008 run for President -- the judge declared a mistrial on the remaining counts after jurors deadlocked.

Edwards was found "not guilty" of receiving illegal campaign contributions.

The jury failed to reach a verdict on the other charges -- including three additional counts of illegal campaign contributions, one count of conspiracy, and one count of making false statements.

The jury -- 8 men, 4 women -- reached today's verdict after 9 days of deliberations.

The two-time former Presidential candidate was charged with the six counts of campaign finance fraud for allegedly using nearly $1 million in campaign contributions to hide his mistress Rielle Hunter and their lovechild from the public.

Edwards faced a maximum of 30 years in prison and a $1.5 million fine.

In closing arguments, Edwards' lawyer had told the jury the money to hide his mistress came from a former campaign treasurer and an elderly supporter -- both of whom gave Edwards the money as a gift for his benefit ... not as part of his campaign.

Edwards' lawyer said the money was used to hide his affair from his dying wife, claiming, "John was a bad husband, but there is not the remotest chance that John did or intended to violate the law."

We don't know if prosecutors will push for a retrial.

Things That Make Me Laugh...

Sometimes in Hollywood, you can actually get honest answers. I love Madonna during her 20/20 interview, she wa asked about her opinion on Lady Gaga ...... Enjoy!

Pop Culture ... Keeping It 100

Singer Andre 3000 has started filming the life story of rocker Jimi Hendrix, and he strikes a remarkable resemeblance. (Keeping It 100)No more Erykah Badu, and this marks the end of Outkast.

Beyonce' returned to the stage this weekend, at the "Revel" Casino, and she paid tribute to Whitney Houston and Lauryn Hill. She has lost 60 pounds by eating lettuce. (Keeping It 100)Beyonce' was never pregnant, and I'm not gonna address this any further. Hollywood is a machine, you have to keep it oiled and turned. The payoff can be great, but to lose your soul, doesn't quite seem worth it. Her show was nothing new, and she really showed what her vocals lacked, in her tribute to Houston.

Former B2K singer Raz B continues to out all the DL gays in Hollywood, this time he's outing Bow Wow, Lil Fizz, Omarionand Chris 'Breezy' Brown in his new tell all book. (Keeping It 100)He's telling the truth, but his antics are getting old, and if I were him, I would be careful, his life could very well be on the line. IJS

J.Lo wants to make more money on American Idol than the 15 millions dollars that Britney Spears is getting to be on X-Factor. Lopez has alluded that she's not sure if she wants to return to Idol, with is a bait for more money tactic. (Keeping It 100)It baffles me how two non singing talents can judge a singing competition, but I dygress. All jokes aside, Spears is a more formable player and her 'crazy' keeps us paying attention.

Drake and Chris 'Breezy' Brown, both chopped down toss up singer Rihanna, and both made records about the incident. (Keeping It 100) Breezy is an idiot for continuing to deal with RiRi, they both are poison to one another, and Drake is basically trying to keep up with Hollywood. Rihanna is just showing the world how she truly got her record deal.

Happy Memorial Day!!

And gearing up for the next four years, Lets Go!!!

Always Be My Baby ...

Dearest Whitney,

Another week has gone by and the pain of your loss isn't getting any easier. Billboard Awards did a tribute to you where Jordin Sparks (nice effort) and John Legend (why)sang in your honor. The tribute was lackluster, and I think Billboard could have done a much better job, they presented Bobbi Kristina with a Millenium Award in your honor, which was nice, however they failed to mention how many times you've won their statuette, nor the fact that you've won that award more than any other female artist, which is why the tribute was befitting.
Also this week, we got to hear your last two recordings "Celebrate" with Jordin Sparks, produced by R.Kelly, and "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" both excellent songs, but bittersweet for obvious reasons. I still look to the day, when someone will salute you in the way that's deserving of the voice and music legacy that you left us with. I have a feeling that Ricky Minor(your musical conductor) will get it right when VH1 salutes you with their Divas Live tribute to you in December. Wishing you a peaceful journey my princess.

Deviation/TGIF

Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone,

In life playing a role is when you try to live up to others expectations, and often time you're not being true to your authentic self. When trying to be someone other than yourself, it can lead to angst and disappointment. Each encounter that you exchange with another, is to present to that person or persons, who you truly are. Honesty goes a long way, and it's a innocent purity. To allow someone into your space, says that you trust them, and just as importantly, you feel a certain comfort with them. I've stated this fact before, friendship is a choice, with time you will either grow closer together or farther apart. In a situation where you out grow someone, or they no longer wish you will, its a gigantic step to break off a friendship, and can be harder than ending a marriage, simply because the thought process is that you never expected the friendship to end, unfortunately it does.

To dream in color, is to know that all shades of the rainbow are not always filled with the prettiest crayons, and some days are going to be fill with struggle. You will encounter roadblocks, and the original expectation that perhaps your dreamed for yourself may have a deviation. Having the wherewithal is your right, and if you fall short, maybe it wasn't such a realistic expectation to begin with, seemingly your heart was in the right place, and what matters is that you had a directive.

What Are You Doing With Your Life?

Command Performance

Esther Phillips could sing her ass off. "What A Difference A Day Makes" was recorded and covered by all the greats, and yet her performance here is a standout. She gave her version a little taste of disco all the while being true to her jazz and blues roots. She was a great contribution to the world of entertainment and is sorely missed. RIP Ms. Phillips, some of your friends have arrived in heaven to join you.

Words To Live By ...

We're all searching for something. Be a life long or short, its completeness depends on what it was lived for - Kevin Knighton

Always Be My Baby ...

Dearest Whitney,
What a crazy week, we lost Belita, Chuck Brown and Donna Summer, somehow I have a sneaky suspicion that you're more than aware of their passing. Heaven is ready to rumble:)
I along with countless others are still feeling your loss, and I don't know if it will ever calm down. In my heart I truly believe that you're in a better place. Some of the things that I see your loved ones doing, leads me to believe that you had to go, that you were really tired, and I believe that you deserved a peaceful rest, one without judgement. Tomorrow night Billboard Awards are going to honor you and rightfully so, Jordin Sparks and John Legend are going to salute you. It will be bittersweet. Rest Easy my beautiful princess, until the next time.

Brief/TGIF

Happy Friday everyone ...

Like a thief in the night, we meet and exchange galaxies. Some mesh, while others do not. When you meet someone and the exchange is positive, you click because you have things in common. God gives us the opportunity to be the absolute best that we can be, often time we may come up short, one of the lovely things about our creator, he is forgiving, and we're given many chances of the 'Do Overs'.

The feeling of Euphoria is in knowing that you're not alone, say an opinion that you might feel is warped, someone else out in the world just might actually agree with you and understand, that alone will help you through the course of your life. As you continue to grow, you will find that your time on earth is very brief, when you look at the bigger picture. A little bit of this and bit of that, before you know its over and gone, almost in an instant, very much like that of a super nova, and in your experience participation here on this universe you'll experience joys, sorrows, heart ships, conquests and disappointment. All in all what a great life, just the opportunity to be, and if by chance a connection happens, you come to realize that your part was the missing piece of the puzzle.

What Are You Doing With Your Life?

Singer Donna Summer dead at 63

God has called another ICON home. Singer Donna Summer (1948-2012) who was crowned the queen of Disco, but that never really fulled described nor defined her talent. She was much better a singer than Disco ever tagged her to be, plus she lasted a lot longer. She was beautiful, she was graceful, and she was a true artist on two fronts, a singer and a very accomplished painter. TMZ broke the story, and here is what they reported.

9:27 AM PST- TMZ has learned ... Donna died from lung cancer. Several sources are telling us Donna believed she contracted it by inhaling toxic particles after the 9/11 attack in New York City.
9:35 AM PST- Donna's family just released a statement, claiming, they "are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continued legacy."

Donna Summer -- the Queen of Disco -- died this morning after a battle with cancer ... TMZ has learned.
We're told Summer was in Florida at the time of her death. She was 63 years old.

Sources close to Summer tell us ... the singer was trying to keep the extent of her illness under wraps. We spoke to someone who was with Summer a couple of weeks ago ... who says she didn't seem too bad.
In fact, we're told she was focused on trying to finish up an album she had been working on.
Summer was a 5-time Grammy winner who shot to superstardom in the '70s with iconic hits like "Last Dance," "Hot Stuff" and "Bad Girls."

She continued her dominance in the '80s with "She Works Hard for the Money" and "This Time I Know It's for Real."
Summer and her producer Giorgio Moroder defined the dance music era of the '70s and influenced acts like Duran Duran and David Bowie to enter the genre.

Summer married Brooklyn Dreams singer Bruce Sudano back in 1980. They had two daughters together.

Donna Summer may you R.I.P. in Heavenly Peace, you left a great body of work here on earth.

Command Performance

Dreamsome by Shelby Lynne is one of my all time favorite songs, it answers ALL the questions that you endure through the course of the 'love' experience. We all want to feel needed, wanted, loved, kissed, heard, understood and missed. I love love love the simplicity of Shelby's performance, she has many layers to her, and has lived a very tramatic life, yet when it comes to her art, it's pure, raw, vulnerable and real, what more could you ask for. ENJOY!

Pop Culture ... Keeping It 100

BET has failed again, yesterday it was reported that the network fired their two lead characters Derwin and Melanie(Pooch Hall and Tia Mowry) from 'The Game'. Originally the show aired on the CW network for four seasons, CW failed too, and cancelled the show. The fans petitioned and BET tossed the show a lifeline. The first season 'The Game' aired on BET it garnered the network's highest ratings ever for a sitcom. Shortly after the honeymoon on BET, the powers that be let the 'Kelly' (Brittany Daniels) character go, who by the way was white, talk about reverse discrimination. Two seasons later, the show remained the highest rated show for the network. In a contract negotiation dispute the Hall and Mowry were promised a raise, which the network did not comply, when the two actors stood their ground, the network fired them. (Keeping It 100) this is very typical of BET they rarely get it right, since 'The Game' started airing the network debut two other original series ('Let's Stay Together' and 'Reed Between The Lines')two average shows at best. If the network has money for these two shows, clearly they should have made good on their promise to give the original cast members raises, after all the network was paying them a 'reality' star type wage. This is a NO BUENO, and another EPIC FAIL by the network and their president Debra Lee.

Lebron James was awarded the MVP Basketball Honor for the third time, and over Kobe Bryant. (Keeping It 100) Cry baby Bryant does his thing, but Bron did his thing this season, especially with Dwayne Wade being out for eleven games, The Miami Heat won 9 out 11 games because of James, in spite of Wade's notable absence.

Hey Y'all singer Britney Spears has inked a 15 million dollar deal to be the new judge on Simon Cowell's X-Factor. Spears did a press conference in New York City with Cowell, L.A. Reid and other new judge Demi Lovato. (Keeping It 100) here's another show using a judge who has no singing talent, Jennifer Lopez, Paula Adbul and now Spears. C'mon now really? The only show that gets it right is The Voice, with Ceelo, Adam Levin, Blake Shelton and Christina Aguilera all TALENTED singers.

Deion Sanders was orded to pay soon to be ex-wifey Pilar 10K a month in child support. Pilar was also ordered to return six containers of Deion's property by July 1.
This is the latest chapter in their ongoing, incredibly nasty legal war. Just last week, Deion was granted a restraining order against Pilar ... ordering her to stay at least 500 yards away from his Dallas mansion. (Keeping It 100) Another case of immature children getting married for the wrong reasons, and a gold digger looking to keep the lifestyle grown accustomed to.

TV host Ryan Seacrest purchased TV show host Ellen Degeneres mansion for 49 million dollars. (Keeping It 100)That's just too much house, and a bit of a ego stunt, these two stars seem to have a LOT in common, and that's ALL I'm saying. Ironically last week Seacrest proposed to his fiance' on AI. My MY MY you just got to love Hollywood.

President Obama came out in support of Gay marriage. (Keeping It 100) I don't really believe that he does, I think it's another case of his advisors not letting him speak for himself, very much like that of his opinion on his minister a couple years back. It's okay that we all don't see eye to eye, that's what makes America GREAT! Man up Mr. President, say how you really feel, someone along the way isn't going to like you or agree with you, such is life.

Chaka Chaka Chaka Khan, Is That You?

R&B Superstar Powerhouse Chaka Khan recently turned 59 and amazingly lost 60 pounds, two great milestones for the lovely 'I Feel For You' singer, who said at this point and time in her life it's all about being healthy, and I might add she has got her 'sexxy' back. Congrats Ma!

Sundays At My House ...

One of my fondest childhood memories was Sundays after Church service, my mom,dad and I would travel to see some of our relatives, and I would always sit in the back seat, and eventually fall asleep, that sleep always seemed the best for some reason. When would arrive to see our family members, my parents and I would be dressed up and everyone would be so happy to see us, and then of course we would eat some of the best food ever. My parents are no longer here, but oh do I remember, and remember it well.
Here's a scripture that always comforted my home .... 'Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10

Always Be My Baby .....

Dearest Whitney,
Yesterday I read that you're family is going to do a reality show on survival without you on the Lifetime Channel. I have no words ....

Momma/TGIF

Happy Friday everyone...

Appreciation comes in forms of comfort and nurture, and it starts at the very beginning of our lives, and it comes from our Mothers, so it's only right, that I take my hats off to all mothers and in doing so, I have to acknowledge the walk that my Mother afforded me, though she no longer walks the face of this earth, her heavenly teachings I still apply, because they still work. Being authentic is to be consistent in all that you say and do, what you give to the universe is a reflection of your character and your tenacity. In governing your life, and the application to the rules that you apply in giving back to others, will always show who you really are. Staying strong and true to your convictions, whether you are wrong or right, is a staple of consistency.

Security comes from a warm hug, it could come from hearing someone tell you that they love you, it also could come in the way that someone actions protects you, or stand up for you. Finding those who are in your corner, who will champion your cause, those who are there to say yes, I believe in you, even when you do not believe in yourself. The person, who is not afraid to be honest with you, no matter the cost, that's the consistency that we all should be so lucky to have in our lives. All those things usually comes very easily from a mother, so for us fortunate one's who have a great relationship with our mothers, I salute you and share the warmth of the good vibrations that being consistent brings, and for those of you who are still in battle, I encourage you to pick up the phone this weekend, or drop a card in the mail, to simply say I thank you for taking a chance on me, some were not as fortunate.

What Are You Doing With Your Life?

Command Performance

Fred Astaire had his way with many woman, and understandbly so. He was a dancing genius and each of his partners(Ginger Rogers, Rita Hayworth) he allowed their greatness and in doing so, it revealed just how talented and giving to the art he really was. Style, Sophistication, Elegance, Grace and Charm flows thoughout this entire piece. Dancing With The Stars eat your heart out, this is what TRUE CLASSIC HOLLYWOOD is all about. Perfection never goes out of style.

VH1 Divas to Honor Whitney Houston in Dec

This is going to be truly something special.

Whitney Houston appeared on the VH1 Divas special in 1999, 2002, and 2003, and although her passing earlier in the year means we'll never get to hear her incredible vocal abilities live on stage again, this year's event, taking place in December, will be a tribute to a woman who embodied the title in all the best ways!

Sources close to production have revealed that they not only have the approval of Houston's family and former record label, Sony, but her musical director Ricky Minor has even signed on as an executive producer!

VH1 President Tom Calderone says:
"We all felt that if any show could pay tribute to Whitney's music, it would be 'Divas.' December felt like enough time where it wouldn't be sad anymore, you'd want to celebrate her music."

Well although we doubt the tragedy or her passing will ever truly be gone forever, we think that this is a wonderful way to honor her memory, and all of the beautiful tunes she left behind for us all!

Can't WAIT to find out what the roster of performers will be like this year!
There's no question that it's going to be an EPIC line-up!

We miss you, Whitney!

Narada Michael Walden on Whitney Houston ...

This is the Whitney that I knew, 'always' positive! Thanks Narada for Keeping It 100 on our beloved Whitney Houston!

Pop Culture ... Keeping It 100

Chris 'Breezy' Brown and Rihanna's recent duet on "Birthday Cake" tells their story, besides it being VERY suggestive, it tells America to go to hell because they ARE indeed having sex again. (Keeping It 100) I wanted Chris to be smarter than this, but he's thinking with apparently the wrong head. Ri Ri knows the truth, and to think, she almost sabotaged this kid's career, he still went back to her, guess all is fair if the sex is good. smh

Something in the water doesn't smell right about two recent stories, The first one is Tyler Perry's Studios on fire, ablaze, up in flames. (Keeping It 100) Sounds like he pissed some people or a someone off. The next fishy story is John Travolta and his masseur. It was said that Travolta had trojan condoms in his limo, when he picked up the masseur, once the two got to Travolta's bungalow of his Hotel room, the actor took off all of his clothes and had a semi-erection, when the massage began things were normal, then the masseur said that Travolta grabbed his penis. (Keeping It 100) I believe every word of this story. John Travolta you're starting to get sloppy.

The losses at Oprah Winfrey’s troubled cable channel are approaching a staggering $330 million, according to a report over the weekend.
Industry insiders believe the channel - the Oprah Winfrey network (OWN) - will not last another year unless they come up with a hit show and make a dramatic turnaround.
Though ratings have seen a slight insurgence thanks to interview program Oprah's Next Chapter, it has stumbled since the get go with ratings of just 308,000 daily. (Keeping It 100) Plain and simple here's the thing, her advisors should have found her a channel that was available without having to have cable, we're in a bad economy, and cable is a luxury, everyone's definition of luxury and necessity is different. Such a costly lesson for Momma O', if only she asked me.

Sundays At My House ....

On Sunday mornings when I was little boy visiting my grandmother, she would have my uncle Teddy take me to get a fresh haircut, by a lady name Sis, and everytime she would cut my hair, I couldn't wait to get to my favorite part, which was her taking a razor blade and etching a part on the side of my head. Hey that was the style back then, and everytime she would do it, I would always get so drowzy, because it felt so good. Once my haircut was done, my uncle would bring me back to my Grandmother's house and I would get dressed for church, starting with Sunday School, then the service. It was almost a four hour ordeal weekly. I would hear great singing, a great message, and following church, I was always treated to a great feast of whatever my Grandmother had cook for Sunday dinner. I'm so thankful for these memories, To God Be The Glory, for having such a happy upbringing. Remember Romans 8:31 If God be for you, who can ever be against you?

Always Be My Baby .....

Dearest Whitney
Never will I forget your face, smile, charm, charisma, that voice and your laugh always took me to another place. I still have so many questions, but I'm sure when I see you again, we'll talk and catch up. RIP You'll always Be My baby.

Discernment/TGIF

It's Friday, so let's go.
Understanding and Perception can be a great marriage, if you have the right elements together. Disagreements happen in friendships, marriages, business partnerships etc.., The creative mind works in various ways, for the left minded thinker who deal in the subconscious and are not always logical, but it's uncanny their ability in getting the job done, now for the right brain, In psychology, the theory is based on what is known as the lateralization of brain function, so they aren't forced into a box where, known as divergent thinking it can be taught but is very difficult. With that said, it brings a better understanding of leaders and followers. The world needs both, unfortunately finding that happy medium, can be a hard place to land. In the midst of trying to understand, we reached for a greater understanding, which is biblical, and unites us in a different way.

God is ever present, he gives us 'understanding' and he also gives us the 'freedom' to think for ourselves without judgement, he's all knowing, so in the dark, his light shines on us, when you think that no one see's, well he does. The spirit of utilizing your gifts are his blessings, you came here with purpose a sole plan, that is yours and yours alone. Discernment is your version of what you seek to be and your quest for knowledge of the path set before you. If it were that easy, we would all be masters of the destiny that is known as 'ours'. Seeking understanding is the noble thing to do, it tells God that yes I know I have a purpose and though I might not always walk in the right direction to my goals, even on my lost days, I'm walking nonetheless, which addresses walking by faith and not by sight.

What Are You Doing With Your Life?


What Are You Doing With Your Life?

Command Performance

This song is for the 'shy' guy who never could find the right words to woe someone. One of the hooks "I might say hi, and you might say hey" OMG how cool is that? You can't help but smile, and sing along with this feel good song. It's will perk your up on the worst of days, just imagine driving down the freeway with your boo, it makes for the perfect day/afternoon. When I first heard this song, I was stoked, and it instantly made me happy, and everytime I hear B.O.B's song, the feelings remain the same. I love the energy of his performance here, because the audience conveyed the same feelings that I share. Another impressive point about this performance, is that B.O.B. performed it without singer Bruno Mars, he kills this performance and he makes his audience his lead singer, it flows brillantly, you can tell that he's enjoying himself too. This is a great performance and an incredible moment in music history. ENJOY!

It Gets No Better ... Hump Day Wednesday

Enjoy your day everyone, I'm feeling very easy breezy today, and I wanted to share a musical selection that is not only appealing to the eye, but it's so easy on the ears. The good ole days of yesterday ... such a nice stroll. Enjoy!!