Saturday, June 30, 2012

I Remember You....

Phyllis Hyman (July 6th 1949 - June 30th 1995) touched my heart and life.  She was a brilliant vocalist that was well versed in classical, jazz, blues and soul music.  Though she had a troubled life that battled heavily with depession.  The passion that she brought to her music and performance was always top notch.  I remember getting the call about her passing on Friday night back in 1995, I had an event to do on Saturday, at the end of my event I made an announcement dedicating the night to the 'late' Phyllis Hyman and I played one of her biggest hits 'You Know How To Love Me'. When I made the announcement so many people came up to me asking me did I really say what they think I said, and I said sadly yes it was true. 
Thanks again Phyllis Hyman for touching my life.  Today I remember you and your great body of work in music, film, jingles and theater. I sincerely hope that your soul is at peace.

Friday, June 29, 2012

Owe/TGIF

Happy Friday .. Let's talk about it!!
They say you can't take it with you, the cycle is on borrowed time. We work hard, trying to get ahead, and looking for a certain balance, that most feel stability brings. Irony is when you realize that money doesn't necessary guarantee you happiness or reward you in the ways that security leads you to believe. In life the phone is bound to ring at one time or another, perhaps a bill is late, or maybe it didn't get paid at all, late fees come with penalty, so does life. Society say the judgement is on you, some could review it as laziness or an oversight, but most understand that good intentions doesn't keep you afloat.

I use to think that the older you get the better things would become, again not necessarily true. Sure wisdom comes with the aging process, and gratitude comes along with that. Learning is seeking eventually you'll understnad. To owe allows you to constantly keep striving, to press the machine that you are fine tuning. The first person that you pay is self, everything thereafter will fall into place, nothing easy has every proven to be as worthwhile as the hardships and obstruction. I see your quality shining through, remember that empty pockets is only a temporary setback.

What Are You Doing With Your Life?



Thursday, June 28, 2012

Great job Mr. President ...

The Surpeme Court Upheld the Individual Mandate .... Healthcare for everyone.  Good job Mr. President, Mitt Romney are you shaking in your boats yet?

The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the individual health-insurance mandate that is at the heart of President Obama’s landmark health-care law, saying the mandate is permissible under Congress’s taxing authority.


The potentially game-changing, election-year decision — a major victory for the White House less than five months before the November elections –will help redefine the power of the national government and affect the health-care choices of millions of Americans.

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. sided with the majority in voting to uphold the law, Obama’s signature domestic initiative. Passage of the legislation by the Democratic-controlled Congress in 2010 capped decades of efforts to implement a national program of health care. The legislation is expected to eventually extend health-care coverage to more than 30 million Americans who currently lack it.
Republicans in Congress and GOP presidential challenger Mitt Romney have vowed to try and repeal the measure after the November elections.

The court reviewed four questions: whether it was within Congress’s constitutional powers to impose an “individual mandate” to purchase health insurance; whether all or any additional parts of the law must be struck down if the mandate is rejected; whether an expansion of Medicaid was unduly coercive on the states and whether all of those questions can even be reviewed before the mandate takes effect.

On the Medicaid question, the judges found that the law’s expansion of Medicaid can move forward, but not its provision that threatens states with the loss of their existing Medicaid funding if the states declined to comply with the expansion. The finding immediately raises questions as to how effectively the federal government will be able to implement the expansion of the joint federal-state insurance program for the poor.

The most crucial issue before the court was considered to be the individual mandate, known technically as the “minimum coverage” provision, because striking it down would jeopardize the ability of insurers to comply with other, more popular elements of the health-care law without drastically raising premiums. Under those other provisions, for example, insurers can no longer limit or deny benefits to children because of a preexisting condition, and young adults to up age 26 are eligible for insurance coverage under their parents’ plans.  During oral arguments in March, conservative justices indicated they were skeptical about the individual mandate, the provision in the 2,700-page health-care law that requires nearly all Americans to obtain health insurance by 2014 or pay a financial penalty.

Arguing the case for the Obama administration, Solicitor General Donald B. Verrilli Jr. defended the law as a constitutional exercise of congressional power under the charter’s commerce clause to regulate interstate commerce. He said lawmakers were regulating health insurance to deal with the problem of millions of people who lack coverage and therefore shift costs to the insured when they cannot pay for their medical care.

Alicia Key's is back with a 'New Day'

Alicia Keys is coming back with a bang this summer. The Grammy-winning superstar celebrates life on “New Day,” the first release off her upcoming fifth album, due later this year. The triumphant anthem sounds like it was produced by her husband Swizz Beatz.

Whether I rise or fall, I’m gonna give it my all/ Party people say, ‘Ay, it’s a new day!’” sings Alicia over the drum-heavy instrumental.

The 31-year-old singer can’t wait to share her music with her fans. “I’ve come to this place that the album is about to be ready and I feel just so crazy excited,” she said. “It’s like I’m a different person. I’m a new person. Everything is new.”

Ann Curry ... You DID cross the finish line!!

After much speculation Ann Curry co-host of The Today show announced that she was indeed leaving her post as Matt Lauer's co-anchor.  The Today show has had this type of fall out before, when Jane Pauley left she was replaced with Deborah Norville, whom Amerca didn't seem to respond to, then she was replaced by Katie Couric, whom america loved, some years later the powers that be felt that Couric was getting too old, she was replaced by Merideth Vieira which was greeted with successful ratings, all shared co-anchor duties with Lauer, Vieira grew disenchanted with her hosting duties and quit last year, to be replaced by Curry.  When Lauer renewed his Today contract alledgedly he made is known that he did not want Curry as his co-host, if that's statement is true, it has to be a hard pill for Curry to swallow.  Everytime I've watched her on The Today show, I get warm, geniune and sincere.

Here's the announcement that Curry made this morning to the Today show audience:

Curry made her announcement at the end of the 7-9 a.m. show, sitting on the couch with Al Roker, Lauer and Natalie Morales.
Curry spoke first, clearly fighting to get out the thoughts she had been preparing, and when she finished Lauer and the others all told her how much they would miss her.
A tearful Ann Curry announced to viewers on Thursday that her time as a co-host of "Today" has come to a sudden end.

After 15 years on the show, Curry was given a brief four minutes and twenty-three seconds to say goodbye to her audience.
This is not easy to say but today is going to be my last morning as a regular co-host of 'Today,'" Curry said. "I will still be part of the 'Today' show family but I will have a new title and a new role. And this is not how I ever expected to leave this couch after fifteen years. But I am so grateful, especially to all of you who watch." Curry called viewers the "real 'Today' show family," saying, "I have loved you and I've wanted to show you the world."
"For all of you who saw me as a groundbreaker, I'm sorry I couldn't get the ball over the finish line, but man, I did try," she added.

Command Performance



Destiny's Child harmonies here are something out of this stratosphere.  I loved their gospel spine tingling performance, it shows them in another light, and pays homage to their humble beginnings and giving GOD all the glory.  Well done ladies.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Faces ...

Supermodel Naomi Campbell at 42 is still one of the baddest dames in the business.  She struts her stuff for the Fall/Winter 2012 ad campaign for Pinko
Bettie Page will always be remembered as the popular pin-up girl, in a time when sexy was a taboo.  Page later in life found religion, and was snubbed by the christian community for the life she led before becoming a born again christian. Such an unfair judgement, even in the adversity that she endured she held her ground and keep her faith.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

The Whitney I knew according ...

BeBe Winans is promoting his new book, 'The Whitney I Knew', about his friendship with Whitney Houston and recalls the time Whitney gave him $50,000 to buy a house...


BeBe tells Access Hollywood,

I wanted a house and, being a musician, the banks look at you as a risk... I had $25,000, which they said I had to put down (as a deposit) and then they changed it... and said, 'You've gotta put $75,000 (down).'

"Whitney flew in... just to visit, and she said, 'Take me to that house that you're buying'. I took her to the house and while we were walking through the house... she would look at the staircase and she'd say, 'Oh, that looks like my brother's staircase!'

"We got to the end of the tour and she looks at me and reached into her purse and gives me an envelope and says, 'Open it'... It was the remaining $50,000 that I needed and I looked at her and said, 'I'm gonna pay you back,' and she said, 'Don't worry about it'.

"I sent her the first installment of $25,000 and she called me and said, 'Why did you do that?' I said, 'I told you I was gonna pay you back,' and she said, 'Yeah, but a lot of people say that and dont.

The FACE of a POSER(Stacy Francis)

I didn't write this story, but I FULLY am in support of the contents.  I know this POSER(Stacy Francis)and now the world is starting to get a better insight to her, which is not as squeaky clean as she pretends to be - Kevin Knighton

This story comes from journalist Efrem @ Http://twitter.com/#1/Chroniclesof_E

Stacy Francis Paternity Scandal. Jesus please take all wheel and be a fence everywhere! There's always some kind of scandal attached to Stacy Francis. First she got caught lying about her background while she was a contestant on X Factor. Then there was that messy altercation with Whitney Houston over Ray J. And just last week Stacy got into a bar fight because someone tried to take a picture of Stacy's two year old daughter who was in the bar after midnight...the daughter Stacy conceived with the pastor of a mega church while she was still married to someone else, by the way...

From Radar Online
Former X Factor finalist Stacy Francis has kept the identity of her second child'sfather a secret, but RadarOnline.com can exclusively reveal it is California mega-church leader Bishop Noel Jones.

An insider explains that Stacy was going through a divorce from her husband and the father of her first child, Darwin Kyle Hayes, when she had an affair with the Bishop — resulting in her second child, Anastasia Noelle Jones.
"It was very taboo for a man in his position in the church to get involved with a married woman!" the source exclusively toldRadarOnline.com.

Bishop Jones, 62, runs the City of Refuge Church in Gardena, Calif., is the brother of outrageous singer and supermodel Grace Jones, and has been romantically linked to famous faces like Real Housewives of Atlanta star NeNe Leakes and actress LisaRaye McCoy.

Tired of hiding, Stacy, 42, eventually confirmed Bishop Jones is her daughter's father exclusively tellingRadarOnline.com, "I love him very much and I am not ashamed of my baby. Our baby.

Now I’m sorry Miss Stacy its always some shyt with you. First years ago a ONE HOT wonder with X-Girlfriend, then to come back years later to revive a ‘WHATEVER” career dating Ray J, then fighting with Whitney Houston and now you mean to tell me that you would stoop so low to sleep with a BISHOP!!!!! Trust I am not giving cover to Bishop Jones because he has to answer to God for what he did……BUT YOU KNEW HE WAS A PASTOR…WTF!!!! I thought all your rearing at Community C.O.G.I.C taught you something????
                      
Girl forget a singing career you need some serious counseling because you are BEYOND WICKED!

Monday, June 25, 2012

Always Be My Baby ...

Dearest Whitney,

Another week has gone by without you here.  I watched a tribute special on Michael Jackson last night that was recorded in 2010 and produced in 2011, you were one of the featured celebrities who spoke about the King Of Pop.  Who couldve known that by the time this special was to air, you would be taken away too.  I was sad at that moment and the thought that both bright lights were now dim.  I came away finding some comfort in knowing that the two of you had a great friendship, and knowing that you two are together in another place, getting the peace and rest that the both of you so richly deserved. 
Sunday July 1st, the BET Awards will air, and Gladys Knight your mother and a few others are going to do a tribute to you.  I'm going to hold my breathe after all it's BET and they rarely get it right, but I'm hopeful. 
I miss you Whitney and I shall never forget you, and all the joy and happiness that you brought to my life for over 28 years, it was my most successful relationship:) Until next week.  Rest easy princess.

Never EVER Be Another ... Missing You MJ!

It's hard to believe that Michael Jackson the greatest entertainer who ever lived passed away three years ago today.  The music world collectively mourned at our loss.  Michael was highly misunderstood, when all he ever wanted to give to the world was his art, and unfortunately the media and masses wanted more and was adament about painting another picture.  Life can be harsh, but at the end of the day, I think the world will always love and remember for his great contributions to the world of music and entertainment.  Your light will always shine!

Wimbledon 2012 Begins ......... Lets' Go!!!

Five time Wimbledon Champion Venus Williams returns to the arena that has brought her so many fond memories.  The powers that be meaning the organizers of Wimbledon have done the unthinkable, she is unseeded, which is the biggest insult.  To win 5 Wimbledon championships in the tennis world, where more than 80 percent of the players who have never won 1 of the convenant trophies, seems mind boggling to me, yet it's true.  Just another affirmation of racism at its best.  It's 2012, and we still have MUCH work to do.
The Williams sisters single handedly changed the game of tennis, and brought attention to the masses about the game. 
Venus and Serena Williams are playing singles as well as doubles this year, and I have a sneaky suspicion that when the tournament gets to the finals, one of the Williams sisters if not both will be competing AGAIN for the covenant prize.  So let's GO!
                 

Friday, June 22, 2012

C H A M P I O N S!!!!

Miami Heat are the NBA CHAMPIONS 121-106.  The series was incredible and Game 5 didn't not disappoint.  LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Shane Battier, Mike Miller and Mario Chalmers all scored double digits.  The intensity was very apparent in the 3rd quarter as the Miami Heat were playing out of this world.  Job Well done!
I must commend Westbrook, Durant, Harden and The OKC organization for being such gracious opponents even in defeat.
Congratulations Miami Heat, Erik Spoelstra and Pat Riley, you make us proud.
                       

Bhakti/TGIF

Happy Friday .. Let's Talk About it!

On the road to self discovery you will encounter a mirror, tell me do you like the image that you see? It's a honest approach to a simple question. Truth lurks in the most basic of places. Rewards come when you are true and exude what's unique about you and the inner intrigue of passion that you aren't afraid to expose to others. Traveling down the many roads in life, the adventure has always relied heavily in the unknown, ironically those very unfamiliar places will be where growth is most achieved and where there's growth, you will find a certain peace. Settling for the average only stifles you. A useless soul is a wasted space and serves no purpose, the mission in life talks about a vision. A dutiful life is sharing your story, by educating others you will realize that part of a fulfilling path is when vulnerability isn't a fear but a strength.

Reflection of self helps to keep your purpose on life, not all key players will share nor understand your mission and quest, it's selfish when others want you to be a bit player in their movie. When you encounter a relationship that has stalled, melancholy is only temporary, it's okay to remember the good times, and transcendence is because you've acknowledged your growth. A parting of the ways is allowing new chapters and new discoveries. Challenging yourself is primarily pressing to limits greater than you've known and not as a plot device. Fulfilling your path is achievements that are due you. Personal growth is rewarded when you understand who holds the future that you've been afforded.

What Are You Doing With Your Life?


Thursday, June 21, 2012

Command Performance



Martina McBride paying homage to singer and songwriting legend Lionel Richie.  Her performance shows that when you have great music and lyrics you can cross any genre, at the end of the day, talent is talent, and quality is quality.  She does an amazing job.  I love her performance.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

New Moon and Summer Solstice time

The beauty of God's mercy and grace!

FACES ......


The new 'it' faces in Hollywood ....

                                           
If you grow up across the street from 20th Century Fox like Paula Patton, it's almost impossible to not get into showbiz. Let's thanks our lucky stars she didn't grow up across the street from UPS or Six Flags. Besides saving the world with Tom Cruise and Co. in this weekend's Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol we'll have the chance to see her in the upcoming sequel of Who Framed Roger Rabbit.


Freida Selena Pinto is an Indian actress and model best known for her portrayal of Latika in the 2008 Academy Award winning film Slumdog Millionaire, for which she won a Screen Actors Guild Award  for Outstanding Performance  by a Cast in a Motion Picture. After the success of the film she went on to star in the films such as  You Will Meet a Tall Dark StrangerMiral—in which she played the title character—and the box-office hit Rise of the Planet of the Apes .



Kristen Stewart stars in Twilight, Snow White and Bella Swan is sitting pretty at the top of the money game in Hollywood . Though only 22 years old, she's the highest paid actress in the game right now.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Pop Culture ... Keeping It 100

Oprah Winfrey (Momma O), I understand your OWN network is really struggling, but you have reached an all time low. When you were on ABC you had porn chick Superhead on, and I was stomped then, now on your struggling network, youre interviewing that big plastic booty porn star K.K. Now she's riding Kanye West's "nutts", he gets a pass for his questionable association, since losing her mother he's lost his damn mind. Why would you have a NON talent someone who's talented for having a sex tape, and jocking RICH African American men. Journalism is about integrity. She has no legit talent, and by having her on your show, you're giving her a SEAL of approval and demishing your brand, shame on you and your staff for scheduling that nobody. SMDH



I've been on team "Breezy" from day one. When the incident went down with Chris 'Breezy' Brown and Rihanna, I felt that he was wrong, but I knew the inside story about their fight. I would never condone a man beating on a woman ever. They were two young spoil stars playing grown up games, and showing their insecurities. The public was very much team Rihanna, and Breezy was the scum of the earth for two years, did community service, and supposedly was rehabilitated. You appeared to show remorse. Hmmm

The incident two nights ago between her and rapper Drake and their full out brawl, his security against Drake's security. First of all you are two little boys fighting over who Rihanna, WHY? her stuff must be lethal. You're in the entertainment business, stop believing the hype Breezy, just as the media turned their back on you for two years, they can do it again, and it's a vicious cycle. Get your act together or you're headed down a path of no return. I say you need new management, one who will help you think clearly, and put your on a strict regimen and path, to focus all of your hostile energies into your craft and career. You should know better, but apparently you don't. Please realize fame is a clock, it ticks and tocks, when your time is up, someone else is waiting in the wings, because the clock keeps on telling time with or without you. #disappointedinbreezy

Doubleback/TGIF

Happy Friday! Let's talk about it,

Second chances are about someone or something deserving, a revisitation of a good intention. A good heart will give an opportunity whether or not you've earned it. Some people tend to play on a persons emotions, by saying what the person wants to hear, but its not always how the apologizing person really feels. Emotions are a very delicate thing to approach, you can dialogue with friends who will give their input on the subject matter at hand. Most people will ask for advice, and secretly resent you for your honest opinion, especially when they have already made up their mind. The decision generally means that the person is going to retreat, and not wear it out in public to avoid the embarrassment of the fallout, just in case it doesn't prove to be in their favor.

A sincere heart is genuine, and if you live long enough, disappointment is bound to be a word that you'll encounter on more than one occasion. A good intention that falls short, when the same excuse if followed with the tradition apology, just a something to do, because it fits, and basically is expected. Regretful, unintentional and remorseful are just excuses for a poor presentation, accepting passes for repetitious behavior chips away at your self worth and self esteem. Your light is meant to shine.

What Are You Doing With Your Life?



RIP Actress Yvette Wilson .... No More Pain



My friend Yvette Wilson (March 6/1964 - June 14/2012)passed away yesterday after a long battle with cervical cancer. She is best known for her role as Andell Wilkerson on the UPN sitcom Moesha and its spinoff The Parkers. She has appeared on many comedy films such as House Party 2, House Party 3, Friday, and on Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam.

Its with a very heavy heart that I say goodbye. We spoke just last week, we laughed and we talked about the future, we had a couple ideas on the table, that I thought we would see into frution, however God had other plans for Yvette. She was always a light, very postive and upbeat. She always encouraged me to stay focused and know that all of my goals were within my grasp, she believed in me, even on the days when I had little belief in myself. Often we would pray and talk about the word, so I have no doubt where she is resting now. No more pain, no more suffering. Until we meet again, thanks for sharing a part of your journey with me, now take flight, and soar. RIP

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Command Performance



James Morrison sings with so much soul, very reminiscent of Sam Cooke ,Jackie Wilson and Terrence Trent D'Arby. Here he pays homage to the late Amy Winehouse with his rendition of "Love Is A Losing Game". Morrison approaches it from the same angle of pain and disappointment, his father passed around the time of this performance, he fought similiar demons as Winehouse. I like the tenderness of his performance, very understated, yet he managess to drive the point home nonetheless.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Up Close In my Rotation ....


I love love love Ciara, she's hit a couple stumbling blocks in her music career, but now with her mentor L.A. Reid executive producing her project, she is gearing up for her Epic Records label debut. When she first started in the game, she was known for her dancing, and her debut CD went triple platinum, her followup CD went platinum, after that sales deminished. She had a song called "If I Were A Boy" that met with resistance at radio for some odd reason (Matthew Knowles payola) and Ironically Beyonce' Knowles had a song called "Like A Boy" same concept similar sound, and radio ate it up, hmmm isn't that interesting right? Ciara can dance, and Beyonce' Knowles can dance just not as well. I'm team Ciara, so I'm rooting for you CiCi.

Other up and coming singers that I recommend you give a listen, Marcus Canty, Chris Rene', Rebecca Fergusion, Emeli Sande, Brandon Hines, J'Sun and Passion the latter two are big youtube sensations. Also I'm really liking the return of Tamia, who in my opinion is one of the best singers in the business, her tone quality is unbelievable. Her new single is entitled "Beautiful Surprise" which is an untempo banger, and Mya is back on the scene after almost a decade of silence with "Mr. Incredible" a mid-tempo haunting groove.

Some songs that I can never get enough of, Adore by Sherree Ford, Don't Want To Lose It by Rahsaan Patterson, Get It Back by Whitney, Memories by Willie Hutch, Future Love by Frank McComb, Irons In The Fire by Teena Marie, Makings Of You by Gladys Knight, Until You Come Back by Aretha,You Better Love Me by Susan Barrett, Alfie by Carmen McCrae, Misseducation by Lauryn Hill, Can't Seem To Make Up My Mind by Mica Paris,Summer Soft by Stevie, Language of Life by Everything But The Girl, Be Still My Beating Heart by Sting, Just Friends by Amy Winehouse, Change For Me by Eric Roberson, Lush Life by Donna Summer, Share My Love by R. Kelly,Fly Away by Michael Jackson, Wish I Didn't Love You So by Marvin Gaye, Always Be My Baby by Mariah Carey, So You Can Cry by Ne-Yo and Beautiful Girl by B.O.B. Just wanted to give you a little more insight to me, normally my music I save strictly for me, but today it's about sharing and letting people in. Do your research and let me know what you think about my selections. Ciao



Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Pop Culture ... Keeping It !00



Gay Pride was in full swing on the streets of L.A. this weekend as Hollywood's hottest came out to support equal rights.And now, even some traditionally conservative celebs are speaking out in support of same-sex unions—starting with Carrie Underwood, who opened up and spoke strongly in favor of the controversial matter this weekend. Turns out, this stunning country crooner is a fan of equality for all. (Keeping It 100) Sounds like Underwood is missing the media attention that shifted to Taylor Swift after Kanye's rant, pushed Swift into superstardom. For the record I'm still team Underwood over Swift.

Troubled actress Lindsay Lohan continues to battle her demons, on the way to the set of the Lifetime Movie channe's bio picture of Liz Taylor, she rear ended a 18 wheeler, and tried to flee the scene, oh and supposedly she wasn't driving. (Keeping It 100) Linday WAS driving, she WAS drinking and she is a liar, she has to decide if her life is worth saving, clearly her parents do not care about her and she's still spiraling out of control. For some reason when she and Robert Downey does drugs, Hollywood gives them a pass, while the condemn others.

Superstar Whitney Houston's mother Cissy Houston is writing a tell all book on her daughter and their relationship. The biography will be released in February 2013. Most say she's trying to paint a pretty picture of their relationship, when often times it wasn't so pretty. (Keeping it 100) I say Cissy's cash flow is low, now that she's no longer able to milk her daughter. I say she's doing it for the money, like the rest of her greedy family.

Actor Morgan Freeman recently said that he doesn't believe that God exists, because no one has ever seen him. (Keeping It 100) Mr. Freeman just because you played God in a movie, apparently didn't give you any insight, and I guess you didn't research your role. What's more apparent is the 'crazy' that you have going on in your brain and your world, now it all makes better sense, why you felt that it's okay to marry your step-grandchild. YOU NEED JESUS!!

Kobe Bryant and wifey Vanessa has postponed their divorce, while they are trying to work it out. (Keeping It 100) Kobe is feeling left out since his team didn't make it to the championships, he feels that he's being punished.

Pastor and Motivational speaker Creflo Dollar was arrested for laying hands on his teenage daughter. (Keeping It 100) Sounds like just good parenting to me.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Always Be My Baby



Dearest Whitney,

Today marks 4th months that you have not been with us on earth. As you've made your transition, so many hearts are still aching, some of us with questions, and though we're not suppose to question, some days yes I still have questions. In my heart of hearts, I know that you're in a better place, and I know that you're at peace, the trouble of the world is not longer yours. When a work is done, you're called home, and when a job is well done, you're called even sooner. People feel the tremendous loss and void that your absence brings. I still hear you singing out, I still see your radiant smile, I can still anticipate the roar that the crowd would have when you walked out on stage to present or sing, you always commanded that stage with your style, class, and charm, you were always regal. Four months ago a void became a part of my life, and that's because you're no longer in the physical, but I know that I will see you again, and that brings me joy. RIP my Princess. Until the next time...

Sunday, June 10, 2012

A Star Is Born ....... Frank Ocean


The love that I have for music always motivates me to soar to the highest heights. Music is my constant 'go to' when all else fails it's there for me, it doesn't disappoint. The feelings of goosebumps keeps it very real for me, and it's rare that I get these feelings, but when I do, it tells me that greatness is about to be realized and revealed. I've had these feelings when Teena Marie, Whitney, Rahsaan Patterson, D'Angelo, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, Amy Winehouse and Adele all came on the scene, and all their greatness has been realized, I feel that same exact about newcomer "Frank Ocean" who will release his debut CD "Channel Orange" on 7/17/12, his single "Thinking About You" is a little slice of heaven here on earth. Get into him you wont be disappointed. #greatnewartistinthemaking

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Always Be My Baby ...



Dearest Whitney,

It's another week without your here. I can't believe that it's almost four months since your untimely transition. People are still doing tributes to you, and honoring you in the way that you should have always been regarded, guilt is a strange bedfellow that way. I can still remember the first time that I saw you and I can still remember how bonkers I was about you from start to finish. The video for "You Give Good Love" showed your classic smile and you were singing, in a way that we never expected a little small frame girl to sing, then your next single release was "Saving All My Love For You" and that sealed my love for you, I was all in lock stock and barrel.

This week "Celebrate" video was premiered with you and Jordin Sparks, and the single will be released shortly on "iTunes". The promotional trailer for "Sparkle" is airing on television now. I'm looking forward to seeing the movie, but with a heavy heart, as it will be bittersweet for obvious reasons. I miss you and I know that In my heart, things happened as they were meant, and that you're finally at peace resting. RIP my sweet Princess. Until next time...

Friday, June 8, 2012

No Excuses/TGIF

Hey it's Friday, let's get into it.

For the person who always make excuses for why something went wrong or did not happen for them, is the same exact person, that always seem to have a situation going on. The irony is that it's never their fault, and will blame anyone within ear reach for their shortcomings, constantly failing to see their own reflection in the mirror, which is clearly where truth exists.

Life is no dress rehearsals, you live it everyday, what's intended for you, can only happen if you learn to get out of your own way. By constantly looking for excuses you are blocking your blessings and destiny. All of us are looking for something, trying to grasp, looking for a higher understanding and hoping to get it right. The connections that we make are meant to be, we flow organically, in our pursuits for the things we desire and need. Ownership is the most mature way to address any problem or situation. To know your own truth, speaks to the adage of the 'to thy own self be true'. Truth is constant and will reveal itself in the light and the darkness, it does not hide.

What Are You Doing With Your Life?

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Command Performance



K-Michelle was discovered by R.Kelly. it's so refreshing to hear a new artist who is singing her lungs out, she shines in this performance singing 'Where They Do That At' with a simple piano accompaniment. The song addresses current day issues and she nails it in her delivery. Welcome to the industry, what took you so long? You have truly ARRIVED!!

Happy 54th Birthday Mr. Nelson ...



Rocker legend Prince turns 54 today. Talk about living a well lived life. This man constantly stays relivant. A trendsetter, and knocking down barriers. Happy Birthday Mr. Nelson, you keep it interesting.

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Actress Kathryn Joosten has passed away

Emmy Award-winning Kathryn Joosten, who, in a devastating case of life imitating art had us choking back tears during her character Karen McKluskey's death scene on the series finale of Desperate Housewives, passed away in real life yesterday after losing her battle with lung cancer at the age of 72.

According to her rep, the actress - who was also known for her roles on The West Wing and Scrubs - was surrounded by her family in her Westlake Village home in El Lay at the time of her passing.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of her relatives, fans, and loved ones during this time.

She was one of my favorite character actresses, and she will be missed. RIP

Always Be My Baby...


Dearest Whitney,

It's another week without you here, everyone still seems to be in shock and mourning. Your leaving was monumental and not something any of us was ready for. As I said before, I realized why you left you had to, the people in your world, maybe their intentions were good, but they drained the hell our of you. So I'm glad you were able to get the rest and peace that you so richly deserve. This past week, the press were trying to get lies started about Bobbi Kristina, but you'll be happy to know that Tyler Perry came to her rescue and defused everything.
I've had 'Celebrate' and 'His Eyes Is On The Sparrow' in my constant rotation, and it's helping me find comfort. Rest easy my sweet princess, until next time....

Friday, June 1, 2012

Stephanie Mills, refuses TV show UNSUNG!!


Since its debut in 2008, TV One's hour-long music series, "Unsung," has been one of the network's crown jewels, covering the sometimes tragic careers of an array of celebrated music acts such as Teddy Pendergrass, DeBarge, Teena Marie, Melba Moore, Alexander O'Neal, Minnie Riperton and Phyllis Hyman. Earlier this year the NAACP Image Award-winning series earned its highest rated, most successful season to date as it started airing in 27 percent more homes via various cable carriers.

Though the African-American targeted network is set to premiere the show's sixth season with Sly and the Family Stone on June 25, one veteran music act who viewers will never see on the series is Stephanie Mills.

The Brooklyn-bred songstress, who catapulted to the top of music charts in the 1980s and rubbed shoulders with the likes of Michael Jackson and Pendergrass after acclaimed stints on Broadway in "The Wiz" and "Maggie Flynn," seems to have a story that's ripe for "Unsung," which is often considered "the black version of 'Behind The Music' -- VH1's longtime biographical series." But according to the sometimes reclusive Mills, the retrospective show is just not her cup of tea.

"I don't like that show," the Grammy Award winner revealed in a recent interview with The Huffington Post. "They have approached me quite a few times, but I [won't] do that show."

"I've always been very private and at 55 I don't want to open up my life to that," the "Never Knew Love Like This Before" belter continued. "They've done Angela Winbush and they even wanted me to say something about her on that show, and I love Angela, we're sisters. But I had to tell her, 'I don't want to do that.' ... I'm not that girl."

Winbush, who wrote Mills' 1985 chart-topper "I've Learned To Respect (The Power of Love)," made great fodder for "Unsung" with her revelations of domestic abuse, a nasty split with her longtime recording partner and a bout with ovarian cancer.

Mills, who herself has endured three failed marriages and is the single mother of a child with special needs, has no interest in being that forthcoming with her own story. "I don't want to get on these shows and open my life up; I don't think it's anyone's business."

The show's co-executive producer Mark Rowland of A. Smith & Co. Productions believes that the key to success of each episode is to profile amazing artists to create an "archival legacy."

"The show has managed to take a place of pride and honor in the community," Rowland stated in a 2011 interview with AOL BlackVoices. "There is a real sense of responsibility to keep it to that standard for us and to exceed it. We take our jobs very seriously. These are wonderful musical artists so there is fun involved, but we are excited to tell this ongoing story."

Although the series highlights the business and personal struggles that kept each artist from achieving commercial success, Mills doesn't feel that her career has gone unnoticed.

"I just think that it's not for me," she furthered. "Let me sing, let me do my concerts, let me do music."

On the other side of it, most of the acts featured on the show have met tragic fates (destitution, drug abuse, death). Mills, who still is a major concert draw (she's a headliner of New York City's Blue Note Music Festival next month), can't seem to fathom the thought of being considered in such company.

"I don't feel unsung," the pint-sized diva continued. "I feel like I've had a wonderful career. I've done wonderful things and met so many wonderful different people. So I don't feel like I'm unsung at all."

"They even called my agent and tried to offer me some kind of tour if I did the show, and I was like, 'I can't do it,'" she said. "It [goes against] everything that I believe in."

The UNSUNG series has lost its focus a bit, originally the show was suppose to be focusing on acts who were on the verge of major stardom, but got off track, when they showcased acts like Pendergrass, The Ojays, George Clinton, Freddie Jackson, Shalamar, Atlantic Starr and the Ohio Players, all of those acts had major success, so I tend to agree with Ms. Mills, she makes a great point. She has conquered two worlds of entertainment, 'Broadway' and the 'Recording Industry', she has a Grammpy Award for best R&B female for "Never Knew Love Like This" and 'AMA' not to mention gold and platinum records. - Kevin K.

MUG SHOT ....

Floyd Mayweather, turned himself in to do his 90 jail sentence for domestic abuse, now here's the GOTCHA, why was his good 'friend' rapper 50 Cents at the jailhouse watching him turn himself in. Hmmm PEOPLE PAY ATTENTION . I shouldn't have to spell everyting out for you. LOL IJS(I'm Just Saying)
If you'll recall Mayweather use to also be close friends with Raz B from B2K!

Anxiety/TGIF

Happy Friday,

I know that we're suppose to 'wait' and in doing so, life lessons will unfold. God gives us purpose, yes tools to help keep the focus, to help keep the angst away. Hard days are sure to happen, and will be a part of things to come, growth will be the textures that you weave. I'm not unique in my discovery, that impatience is a characteristic, it can also bring out the worse in someone, when we're not willing to pace. The nervous energy that comes with standstill, is the feeling you have to be doing something productive, the constant need for a sense of belonging and worth. These are real emotions, and with real emotions, we present ourselves raw, vulnerable and at times unpretty. It can be a hard place to be, to be viewed as flawed, to be viewed with judgement, yet everyone has an opinion, and being human is the reality of admitting, to not always having the most attractive days, not always pretty thoughts or pretty results. Anxious is when nerves start winning the battle, of matters that are laid out for us, in not being happy about circumstances, the waiting period is not on your time, but the time of a higher power and greater demand.

Life gives no specific manuals, as everyone's journey is not about getting to a destination together, your passage is owned outright by you, whether or not you walk in the right rhythm or have the hard head, and swim against the stream, truth is you'll eventually get there, the reason that you choose to make it harder on yourself will also be revealed. The analytical side to you can dissect what anxiety is all about, and how it's manifested. Understanding what the meaning of your road blocks are will help you to make a more formidable bode to the truth in the matters that concern you. How you flow in adversity will result in how much you believe in your life and its greater purpose, is when you begin to understand that against your better judgement you let your conscious lead, and give gratitude in your arrival.

What Are You Doing With Your Life?