Command Performance

Some of my favorite music is big band, and for those of you who really know me, it's where my heart truly is.  It's rare to have a Norah Jones come along in the music industry where most of it has gone to the world of lip-snyc, marketing and gimmick.  When I first heard "Best Friend" I instantly fell in love with it, I was shocked to discover that one of the song's authors was Seth MacFarland, which is really impressive.  Norah performs this song with just a piano accompaniment, and captures all the great feelings of the recording.  She sounds so incredibly awesome in this LIVE performance.  Enjoy~

Faces ...

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder ...

Naomi Cambell is a bad bad beautiful lady.  She's ICONIC

Happy HUMP Day ..... something to get you through the day!!

Hollywood Royalty .....

A rare photo opportunity entertainerment legends Barbara Streisand and Shirley Bassey both lovely ladies performed at the Oscars this year, and attended the after party at the Governor's Ball.

Trayvon Martin Did Not Die In Vain ......

Trayvon Marton I remember you.  Today makes the one year anniversary of the brutal killing of Trayvon Martin.  Though the case and incident has been heavily debated and scrutinized, bottom line, another black child was murdered in a racist hate crime.   Unfortunately black males die everyday at the hands of police officers and racist cults, and most of their deaths go unrecognized.
As a black man, I'm fortunate to know my surroundings, I'm also very blessed, to have not expericence such hatred.  Young males it's your duty to know your surroundings, and it's your responsibility to travel with you personal I.D. which can Identify who you are, it removes the unnecessary right of police officers to hound and harass you for no reason.  It's also your responsibility to understand that a typical pullover stop by an officer of the law is all about having the right 'attitude' and knowing how to carry yourself and a conversation.  Make sure that you are paying attention to your surroundings and the company that you keep at all times.  If you do these simple things, I think that we'll have less and less unnecessary deaths and killings in our country.

Love Dsyfunctional Style!!!

Singers Chris Breezy Brown and Rihanna are OFFICIALLY back together, both have shared their good news with the families, fans, critics and media.  Young dysfunctional love has its ups and downs.  The couple can't seem to get enough of each other, and despite all the turbulence, something seems to keep bringing them back together, could it be true love? 

Keeping It 100 ...

Singer Janet Jackson reported to the world yesterday, that she got married several months ago in a private ceremony.  This is the third marriage for Jackon, her first was to singer James Debarge of the 'Debarge' r&b singing group.  Her second was to Rene' Elizondo and now her new husband is Qatari Billionaire Wissam Al Mana.  Jackson like her secrets when she was married to Debarge, they had a baby girl, and then she got the wedding annulled, nine years later she pretended to be dated Elizondo, when in fact she's was married to him.  When they divorced, she had to pay him 25 million dollars.  Good luck this go round Ms. Jackson is ya nasty

The Academy Awards Sunday was classic Ole School Hollywood.  I loved it!!!  I loved the Oscars, and its simply because no cheap reality stars were there, nor invited.

Kelly Rowland rocked the red carpet Sunday as a ABC Oscar correspondent, she was elegant,engaging and glamorous.  She seemed like such a natural.  Thankfully Kelly is starting to feel comfortable out of Beyonce' Knowles shadow.  Kelly seemed like a natural.  I'm so happy that she's coming into her own. Now she can tell Matthew and Beyonce' Knowles to 'kiss it'.

Academy Award Winning actress and singer Jennifer Hudson is pregnant and she sang "And I'm Telling You" at the Oscars this past Sunday.  Hudson's voice in my opinion is okay, she was screaming and screeching her lungs out, I thought she was going to have her baby right then and there.  She still thinks that she's Effie from Dreamgirls.  I'm one of the people who understand why Hudson was booted from American Idol, and for the record she wasn't the runner up that year, she was #7.

Josh Brolin and Diane Lane are divorcing after nine years of marriage citing irreconcilable differences.  The couple's marriage was turbulent and challenged from the very beginning.  Brolin is an  womanizer and abusive, I don't know why Lane stayed for as long as she did, he beat her and she give him chances time and time again.  It takes a weak man to hit on a female.

Happy Birthday ...

Happy Birthday goes out to singer Erykah Badu.  Thanks for the music, glamor and drama.

New Music ...

Chrisette Michelle ..... a singer in this day and age who is actually singing!!!

Rapper / Actor Mos Def ...

Hollywood Oscar Beauty's ...

Halle Berry is one of the most beautiful beings in Hollywood, seeing her radiant smile always warms my heart.

Halle Berry ......... then!

Halle Berry ........ NOW!

Reese Witherspoon .... my favorite look of the evening, very OLD Hollywood, so refreshing.

And the Oscar goes to .....

Tonight is the Academy Awards, all eyes will be on the red carpet, to see what everyone is wearing, who looked amazing, and who looked tragic.  This is television's biggest and brightest night.  It's every actor and actress dream to win the covenant Oscar elite award.  I'm rooting for Bradley Cooper, Sally Field, Amy Adams and Robert Deniro.  Good luck everyone, and as the old saying goes, everyone is a winner .... YEAH RIGHT! If I'm nominated, then damn it, I want to WIN!

Zoe Saldana on the red carpet ...

Kelly Rowland on the red carpet ...

Jennifer Lawrence on the red carpet ...

Amy Adams on the red carpet ...

Affirmation ...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for blessing me with the gift of life, and for allowing me to witness the dawn of a new day.  If God be for you, who can be against me.  Please guide and direct my path, protect me from hurt harm fear and danger, also please honor me with favor mercy and grace.  I am nothing without you in my life, you are so worthy to be praised.  I look to the hills because I know that you exist, and I believe in your teachings.  Please heal the world from their ailments, addictions, afflictions and shortcomings.  I am a vessel of your word and an Angel to those that may need my assistance.  I send Love and Light to all those who walk with the belief of you, and for those who have lost their way, I send prayers that will enlighten their world, and favorable views of you.  I take none of my blessings for granted.  Please forgive me and the world of our sins, and help us to be better than we've ever been.  Continue to bless my family, friends and foes.  For all the blessings in my life, I do give thanks and I surrender my all to you.  Amen~

Kevin-K's Week In Review ....

Enfolds/TGIF

Happy Friday everyone, ... Let's Talk about It!

From ordinary to extraordinary, we all start out the same, but where you go in life is totally up to you, we all possess the goods.  Like links that connect in a chain its a bond that we depend on, so by allowing others into our sanctuary helps makes way to the light shining from within. Our spirit is kinetic, its in all of us, the power, the energy, the reason to 'be'. We are purposeful, we are endearing, these are key components to the life that we live. We are free, we fly, we soar, exuding versatilities adds to a well rounded foundation, by keeping that thirst will help to persevere and push through. Trappings are when we imprison ourselves, and have lost our ability to break free, yet we must release shackles that trap us with poisons that rob the purity within us.

I awake daily to face a new dawn, I ask God to guide, protect and direct my path, to honor me with favor mercy and grace, it's my personal arsenal as I face the world, it's my daily protective shield. I encourage you to do the same, we're living in challenging times, we must take part to protect self, and the nearby villages that we call our community and neighbors, we need to encourage others to find stimulating food for purpose, substance and continuance. The more you come to understand your role, the more you understand how your personal walk enfolds you with the needed tools and at all times we must diligently be aware of our surroundings, it's a consciousness that we have to apply daily, that's when you begin to understand prudent.

What Are You Doing With Your Life?  

RIP Lou Meyers ...

TV, film and stage actor Lou Myers, best known for playing Mr. Gaines on the sitcom A Different World in the '80s and early '90s, has died at 77.  Myers passed away at the Charleston Area Medical Center in his native state of West Virginia after battling pneumonia for several months,

Command Performance

Today I was feeling a little melancholy, which is one of my favorite moods:-) I've loved this song for as long as I can remember, due to some recent events in my life, this song is even more appropriate than I ever knew it to be.  Bobby Darin, always appeared to have a charmed life, but like most of us, we all have challenges, here his takes the Gilbert O'Sullivan classic "Alone Again Naturally" and makes it his own, and he owns the moment.  I love his delivery, I love the elegance that he gave a song that could be dark and cold, he made it warm, sexy, and jazzy.  I hope that you that you appreciate the sentiment of my selection this week.  Enjoy~

Happy Birthday Rihanna ....

Happy Birthday Rihanna, the singer turns 25 today. 

Faces ...

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder ...

Model Jasmine Tookes ........

Model Jourdan Copeland....

Model Lillian Lightbourn .....

Welcome Back Robin Roberts ......

174 days after a bone marrow transplant ABC's Goodmorning America host Robin Roberts made a triumphant return to her hosting duties this morning on GMA.  To see Roberts at her desk again this morning was another reminder of just how good God is, and how wonderful miracles happen everyday.  Ms. Roberts I send you Love and Light and continue blessings.  Your strength sends encouragement to everyone in the world who is facing challenges in their current health situations.  Hold on and be strong, anything is possible.

Keeping It 100 ...

All Star Weekend ended yesterday with the West beating the East, I'm from the West, but was riding with the East, Chris Paul was named MVP..  Performers this year  was Ne-Yo and Alicia Keys  both were very LACKLUSTER.  I'm so sick and tired of seeing the same 5 to 6 performers at every entertainment special.  Programmers and booking agents, need to start thinking outside of the box, give some other worthy talented singers some shine. Below is post on twitter from Ne-Yo showing the 'girl' in him.  Move on potna, everyone has a bad day, MAN up!!



Beyonce' Knowles had a sit down interview with Momma O', basically talking about NOTHING substantial.  After that was the premiere of "Life Is But A Dream".  Believe it or not, I like Beyonce' Knowles even that she gets my money per CD project.  Here's the thing.  Momma O' if you're going to do a interview, cover the tough and most curious topics.  1. Were you really pregnant?  2. If so why didn't we see you making public appearances? 3 How do you explain you stomach folding incident? 4. Why did you fire your father?  5. Are you in contact with the ex-members of Destiny's Child? 6. Do you regret not performing LIVE at the Inauguration? Those are the hot topics curious questions.  So this interview didn't reveal anything more, just a deeper I'm a bad b*tch ego run. Oy Vey

Alicia Keys appeared on Wendy Williams this morning, to plug her "New Day" cd, and to had a sit down interview with Williams.  What I witnessed was pure Hollywood FAKERY, both hate each other, but I guess they both need each other right now, so all is fair in love and war. 

Country singer Mindy McCready died of suicide yesterday, she leaves two children behind to mourn her loss, a 9 month old son Zayne from musician David Wilson, who apparently killed himself in January,and son Zander for a previous relationship.  McCready battle drugs heavily and battled depression.  Now two babies are left alone in the world behind selfish parents.  My father committed suicide, so I know what that empty void is like. I pray that those kids find someone to love and care for them.

It's a shake up over at the X-Factor camp L.A. Reid is not returning and neither is the female co-host.  It looks like Mario Lopez will host the show alone. No word as of yet if Demi Lovato will be returning.  The female host looked like a deer caught in headlights, Lopez continued to outshine her every week, guess her mother couldn't give her pointers on how to do a real job standing up.  I hope Demi is invited back, she was very engaging with quick wit and honest critiques.

Rapper Lil Wayne is banned from all NBA basketball games.  The rapper announced live last night at a club in Houston, Texas stating that he was banned at the request of Chris Bosh for sexing his wife.  Chris Bosh could care less who his wife sleeps with just as long as nobody sleeps with his ..... Ijs wake up people.

Affirmation ...

Heavenly Father,
I surrender all.  To you I gave myself completely, and I ask that you do with me, what is your will.  Thank you for allowing me to grace another beautiful day. I do no take any of my blessings for granted, for I know with you all things are possible. If God be for you who can be against you. Please protect me from hurt, harm, fear and danger, please guide and direct my path, and honor me with favor, mercy and grace.  I walk in the understanding of love for you, and I ask that our relationship continues to grow closer with greater understandings and discoveries.  Protect the babies in the world, give understanding where there is no understanding.  Continue to reveal love, strength, courage, forgiveness and wisdom to the Hurricane Sandy and Newtown victims, and anyone who is dealing with struggle and strife in their life.  You are a merciful and forgiving God.  Please bless the world, and it's shortcomings.  For all the ones who walk with the awareness of you, I send Love and Light, and to the fallen sheep, I send love to you too, and I hope you find your way home.   Bless my family and friends.  For all the blessings in my life I do give thanks.  Amen~

Riveting/TGIF

Happy Friday everyone, ... Let's Talk about It!!

This week, I witnessed a man being burnt alive and they say the punishment fit the crime, it's truth, code and honor, but according to whom? what happened to God being our judge and jury. Truth isn't always pretty, and it's not always the story that people want to hear.  APPOINTED nothing happens out of order, though some humans choose to believe otherwise, all that is due to and for you comes with a predestined date. Cycle is habit forming, reality is stubborn especially when you're trying to implement change, hard work is the dedication that earns gratification. Failure sometimes happens when your VISION is flawed, doubt is a handicap, do not let it rivet your destination.

Awakening is freedom, a new understanding, throwing out naive beliefs about the world, the dreams, the regret, today is all you have, and with blessings, you may be granted more time to complete your mission, still nothing is ever guaranteed, with open eyes you can cleanse your soul. Compassion use to be the standard, when did the world grow cold, or did we grow cold, is it safe to still believe that change will come? We rise, to seek, to fulfill and to testify, it's course and journey. Communication can rectify wrongs, it also forgives, we can only correct a problem/situation, if we're willing to open the door and let someone in.  Don't hold on to false promises, or to unintended hurts, you will only trap yourself, the reality is scars heal, can you?

What Are You Doing With Your Life?    

Command Performance

Love this song, love this performance.  Relationships that goes off course, the typical questions are always revisited, when the heart wants what it wants, eventhough everything in the core of your being tells you to move on.  Adele always sings with such conviction, it's like you're witnessing her testitmony.This acoustic version of "Chasing Pavements" is spot on, the clarity and delivery is on point, she touches your heart and soul.  Clarity I love it.  Enjoy~

In The Lab ... Lenny Kravitz

Lenny Kravitz creating a masterpiece ...

This Story is Cray-Cray ...

Oscar Pistorius, the Olympian without legs who who became famous in the 2012, has been arrested for the murder of his girlfriend.  Pistorius -- the paralympian known as Blade Runner -- is accused of shooting 30-year-old Reeva Steenkamp in the hand and head -- allegedly with a 9 mm pistol found at the scene.

Pistorius, 26, had reportedly been dating Sttenkamp for a few months. She was a law graduate and an aspiring model. Steemkamp was killed inside Pistorius' home in Pretoria, South Africa. There are reports there have been "previous incidents" between the two at the home.
PIstorius -- considered a national hero is South Africa -- was the first double amputee to compete in the Olympics.

Faces ...

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder ...

Dancer-Singer-Actress Ciara .... yum yum, it's get NO better.

Ciara .....

Ciara ..... the triple threat is a triple beauty.  Happy Hump Day everyone ...

Robyn Crawford eulogizes an ICON

Last year when I read the article below, this was the only one that I truly believed, the sincerity jumped off the page, Robyn Crawford was Whitney's best friends before the fame and during.kk

I met her when she was 16. It was at a summer job. I was working at a community center in East Orange, New Jersey, and she was working just like the rest of us. She was there to work. She introduced herself as "Whitney Elizabeth Houston," and I knew right away she was special. Not a lot of people introduced themselves with their middle names back then. She had peachy colored skin and she didn't look like anyone I'd ever met in East Orange, New Jersey.

She was nothing like the Whitney Houston she became but at the same time she was already there. She knew, and so did everyone around her. She was doing shows in Manhattan with her mother, and she'd change her clothes in the car and get on stage and do her thing. She hadn't signed her contract yet. But she was modeling for Wilhelmina because she was discovered on the street. She was walking in front of Carnegie Hall and someone walked up to her and said, "There's a modeling agency upstairs that's looking for someone just like you." She walked upstairs and they signed her. That's what it was like, that's what she gave off. She looked like an angel. When my mother first met her, she laughed and said, "You look like an angel, but I know you're not." And she wasn't. But she looked like one.

She chose the life she lived, and she chose it from the beginning. She knew the life better than anyone. Her mother was Cissy Houston, and she had been on the road with Dionne Warwick. She got her chops singing in church, and her mother said to her, "You know, you can always sing for free. You can always sing in church. You don't have to choose the professional life." But she chose because she'd been chosen. Some people sing just because. She was never like that. She had to put on her gear. She knew it was going to be a job and that's how she treated it. Once she committed to something, she finished it. Not long after I met her, she said, "Stick with me, and I'll take you around the world." She always knew where she was headed.

And we went around the world. I was her assistant and then her executive assistant and then her creative director. I was her point person for the day-to-day. I traveled all around the world first-class and anyone who ever worked for her will tell you her checks never bounced. You knew she was going to take care of you. She wasn't going to be in a five-star hotel while you were in a two. I flew the Concorde the way some people ride the bus. She shared the fruits, and she changed a lot of lives. The record company, the band members, her family, her friends, me — she fed everybody. Deep down inside that's what made her tired.

It was never easy. She never left anything undone. But it was hard. The Bodyguard was great when it was done, but it was a lot of work. She did the movie, she did the music, she did everything — and when she was done, she was done. She nailed it. The music supervisor brought her Linda Ronstadt's version of "I Will Always Love You" way before Kevin Costner brought Dolly Parton's version — and she always knew what she could do with it. So when Kevin came in and played it for her and told her he wanted her to sing it for the movie, she said, "Fine." She wasn't much for showing off what she had, except when she had to.

I always compare her performance of that song with a great athlete hitting his peak — with Michael Jordan in the playoffs. It was the absolute pinnacle of what she could do, of what anyone could do — and then she had to keep on doing it. Everybody wanted to hear her sing that song, and so she sang it. It didn't matter whether she had a cold, or wasn't in good voice; she had to deliver it, and she had it arranged so she could deliver every last note. And even if the note wasn't there, the feeling was. A lot of her songs were like that. They were a lot to deliver, but she delivered them every note, every time.

It's so strange that she died when she did. February was her month. Her first album was released on Valentine's Day, right around the time of the Grammys, right around the time of Clive Davis's party. It was an orchestrated thing. She was Clive's girl, his great discovery. And she died right before Valentine's Day, right before the Grammys, right before Clive's party. Of course, she was going. I don't know if she was singing, I don't know what kind of pressure she was putting on herself. But she was going, that's for damned sure.

People thought they had to protect her. She hated that. And that's what people don't understand: She was always the one doing the driving. Someone just called and told me that the family kept Whitney from seeing her. Nobody kept Whitney from doing anything. She did what she wanted to do. When people left her or were told to leave, they could never believe that Whitney would never call them — but she never did. She was working hard to keep herself together, and I think she felt that if she admitted any feeling of sadness or weakness she would crumble. One time, back when we were young, we were out, we were partying, and I said, "Listen, I have to go. I'm tired. I can't make it." And she looked at me with her eyes wide and said, "I've got to make it."

And that was Whitney. She could not pick up the phone, and that meant it was too painful. I have never spoken about her until now. And she knew I wouldn't. She was a loyal friend, and she knew I was never going to be disloyal to her. I was never going to betray her. Now I can't believe that I'm never going to hug her or hear her laughter again. I loved her laughter, and that's what I miss most, that's what I miss already.

I'm trying not to think of the end. I'm trying not to listen to all the reports. All these people talking about drugs — well, a lot of people take drugs, and they're still around. Whitney isn't, because you never know the way the wind blows. I just hope that she wasn't in pain and that she hadn't lost hope. She gave so much to so many people; I hope that she felt loved in return. She was the action, for such a long time. She's out of the action now. I hope she can finally rest.
—as told to Tom Junod

Mrs. Carter graces Vogue Magazine!

Beyonce' Knowles is on the cover of the new Vogue magazine, talking about Blu Ivy, Her Superbowl performance, her Lip-Sync stance at the Inauguration and winning her 17th Grammy, crazy when you think that the greats like Leontyne Price has 19, Ella Fitzerald has 14, Aretha Franklin the Queen of Soul has 18, Barbara Streisand has 8, Diana Ross 0, Loretta Lynn has 4 Chaka Khan has 10, Gladys Knight has 7, Natalie Cole has 9,  Whitney Houston has 6, Anita Baker has 8, Patti Labelle has 2, Celine Dion has 5, Lauryn Hill has 8 . Something in the water isnt clean, but I digress!

Always Be My Baby ...

Dearest Whitney
I've been writing this weekly letter to you since you went away.  Today marks the one year mark of your untimely demise.  Saturday February 11 - 2012 around 3pm (ish) my cell phone starting vibrating off the hook, I was working at the time, so I didn't really pay attention to my cell phone, when I did glance at my the number of texts that I had, I thought to myself, wow I'm getting a lot of damn texts today, when I started to look at the names, I started to see names of people that I shared old friendships with some from at least twenty years ago, so many names, when I started to see duplicate names, I assumed that maybe some of my friends parents had passed away, or something like that. 
Never in my wildest dreams was I ever mentally prepared to hear the news of your ...... I was NUMB, I couldn't breathe, I was angry, I was obviously sad, and hurt for you, I was pissed that no one was there for you, like they should have been, I was mad that you were in Los Angeles, I was mad that you ever recorded your "I Look To You" project and I was heartbroken.  Adding insult to injury was some of the people that were calling me, were some of your biggest haters, all of a sudden they were sad, all of sudden they loved you,  I didn't return their phone calls, and if they were lucky enough to get me, I made them remain authentic in their hate, why be a damn hypocrite.  The vultures never gave you a moment of peace, Chaka Khan questioned, where were your handlers, who in their right mind would allow someone who battled drug addiction, to be in Los Angeles for a entire week partying before a Gala appearance, she knew that in LA, you could get any party that you wanted started, and snakes lurk everywhere.  I just couldn't understand how Pat, Gary and Uncle Ray could drop the ball, on your safety, after all you were their cash cow, the one who kept everything running.  I had so many hopes and dreams, that you would make it and beat the demon, that you would get rid of all the dead weight that was holding you down. 

The pressures of "I Look To You" and the flack that you endured from your last tour really took it's toll on you.  For some reason, I never realized that you really cared what the public perception of you was, I thought you had a strong group of industry peer friends, but they failed you too, or you cut them off.  I resented the "I Look To You" project because I think the old bad habit group of friends were invited back to the party:(  When I think of your Mother, I think of my Mom, who would not give a damn, how much money that I had, who I 'thought' I was, or what I instructed my staff to do, she would have gotten to me, to save my life OR she would have been the one to take my life.  A few weeks ago your mother released her book, then so many more questions were answered as to why ....
I really think that Robyn Crawford and your father John Houston, had they stayed around in your life, I think that you would still be here today, and even though I always knew that Bobby Brown wasn't the one who got you started on drugs, he just was NEVER good for you, just a jealous, envious, evil hanger on.  I know Blame is easy to place, we all have our choices, you lived your life~but I don't want to be mature today, I'm pissed!

You gave and gave, until you could no longer give, God saw your pain and suffering, and knew that he had much more to offer you.  Today marks my last weekly letter to you, but please always know that you're always in my heart, always know that I've always had unconditional love for you, always know that I appreciate your artistry, beauty, grace, strength and I'm sorry that we as a people failed you.  I know that you're now with God, your father and countless other family and friends.  To God be The Glory because Whitney Elizabeth Houston roamed the earth with me for over 27 years.  Ill be seeing you, and I shall NEVER forget you - EVER!

Grammy Recap ...

Frank Ocean ..... singing LIVE hmmm I suddenly understood why he lost out in the Best New Artist  and Album of the Year categories, he can not sing.  How did I not know this? 
Prince is always cool. Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson won grammys and both sang the HELL out of their (LIVE) performances.  Bruno Mars, Sting, Ziggy and Damien Marley, was a great in their tribute to Bob Marley.  Mavis Staples and Dr. John brought the heat.
Justin Timberlake's return to music, I'm a huge fan of his, but I wasn't impressed last night, maybe he was nervous. I loved Miranda Lambert's performance, and I enjoyed FUN. 
Beyonce Knowles won for her "Love On Top" single love love love that song, Miquel won for "Adorn".  I was very happy that boring Taylor Swift didn't no receive an award. Ijs
Other than that, the Grammy's continues to be a snooze fest.  I think the Grammy dress code was a little immature and parental.
My Best Dressed Award for the evening was Rihanna!

From Day One - Remembering

In 1986 when the Grammy nominations were announced,  I remember being SHOCKED that Whitney Houston's name was omitted from the Best  New Award category.  The Grammy committee have always been a walking contradiction.  The reason that they gave she was ineligible because she had recorded a duet with singer Teddy Pendergrass on a song called "Hold Me" that was featured on his LP, before her debut CD was released.  Here's where this story gets funky, the Grammy (NARAS) has their own laws according to how they want to play it, past Best New Artists winners or nominees have been Cyndi Lauper (winner 1985) was in a band called Blue Angel, singer-dancer Jody Watley (winner 1988) was lead singer with the recording group Shalamar for six years, Sheryl Crow (winner 1995) who sang a duet with Kenny Loggins on his "Leap Of Faith" CD in 1991, Lauryn Hill (winner 1999) who was the front man in the rap group The Fugees,  singer Luther Vandross (nominee) sang lead vocals for the recording group Change before his 1981 debut on Epic records, Shelby Lynne (winner 2001) after releasing several CD's.  I digress, long story recording artist Sade was name 1986 Best New Artist.  I could name more, but I just wanted to prove my point.
Whitney Houston was always held to a higher scrutiny than most artist, it's show business, sex drugs and rock and roll, so why wasn't she allowed to just be herself?  Again I digress.   The Grammy (NARAS) never admitted to their mistake, she went on to win a total of 6 Grammys, but she should have won far more, (her voice belongs in the Smithsonian) for instance she wasn't nominated for her "The Preacher's Wife" project, and she didn't win anything for her "Waiting To Exhale" soundtrack didn't win anything, even though it was the bestselling CD that year.  At the end of the day Houston had the last laugh, she is the most Awarded female in the Entertainment Industry over 420 Awards, she has sold over 170 million copies of her CD catalog and is praised by her peers and fans as the best singer in the business.  I'll say it again and again, she changed my life forever with her gifted instrument, and I shall never forget her greatness - EVER~

Affirmation ...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the opportunity to grace another dawn of your beauty and wisdom. I stand in truth, because I believe in your and have eternal faith.  I do not take any of my blessings for granted, I know with you all things are possible.  We live to witness the power and presence of you daily.  Please protect me from hurt, harm, fear and danger, guide and direct my path, honor me with favor mercy and grace.  I honor you ever step that I take, the path and direction will lead me to you.  To God be the Glory, if God be for you, who can be against you.  God please protect the babies of the world, wrap your loving arms and shield around the Hurricane Sandy and Newtown victims, please give them favor, strength, understanding and healing.  In trouble times, we must call on you, we also must believe that through the worst of times, you are there, God does not sleep.  Prayer are answered on his time.  I send Love and Light to all the believers that we will meet again, in a place call Heaven.  Please bless my family, friends, and foes.  I ask that you continue to let me be a vessel to spread your word, and that I may be an Angel to all that I meet, who are in need of my services.  Please heal the world, we need you.  For all the blessings in my life I do give thanks.  Amen~

From Day One - Remembering

It was 1990 and a new singer had arrived on the scene named Mariah Carey, who at that time sounded an awful lot like Whitney Houston, and who had used the same producer Narada Michael Walden, and everyone was comparing her to Whitney Houston, who was at the time constantly getting flack for 'sounding' too white whatever that means.  Houston had started to let the public affect her musical direction, so she went to Clive Davis wanting to have a more urban direction for her next project which was entitled "I'm Your Baby Tonight" she hired the hot hit making team of L.A. Reid and Babyface along with Walden, Stevie Wonder, Michael Masser and Luther Vandross.  The first single was the thumping title track, and it was funky, it was 'urban'  and it was 'pop' enough, and the single went all the way to #1.  Her "Baby" project was the first one of her CD's that didn't go to #1 on the charts.  Arista started to get nervous in their decision for such an 'urban' project, so they released the Narada Michael Walden produced "All The Man That I Need" as their second single trying to make sure that 'pop' radio was still on board, and they were, that single went to #1 too.  Unfortunately at the end of the day, it was looked at as a disappointment, it sold around 4 million copies statewide and 12 million world wide, which by anyone else's standards it was a SUCCESS, but not for Whitney, she was held to a different decree.  Rumors was started to circulate wondering if the Houston success train had ended, was Carey the 'new' big thing, and then Houston sang the "Star Spangled Banner" at the Superbowl, followed by "The Bodyguard" soundtrack, and you know the rest!!LOL I'll say it again, she changed my life, and I shall never forget her greatness - EVER~

From Day One - Remembering

It's 1993, the night of the Billboard Awards, Legendary Iconic Superstar Whitney Houston was on the radio hard and deep for the entire year.  The excitement was in the air at the Shrine Auditorium,and I was like a little kid in a candy story, I was so excited that I was there, during intermission I noticed Whitney walking down the isle she was dressed all in red with long curly hair flowing and on her arm was her then-husband Bobby Brown.  Closer to the end of the evening Whitney took to the stage to do a LIVE rendition of her "I Have Nothing" hit, she sang the hell out of that song, she gave a thunderous performance and had the entire auditorium on their feet, the Standing Ovation seemingly went on for hours.  After her performance Quincy Jones presented her with a record breaking 11 Billboard Awards.  It was a stellar night for a wonderful lady, and capped off a terrific year, her Bodyguard movie and soundtrack broke records EVERYWHERE, it was a phenomenal global success.  I will NEVER forget Whitney Houston - EVER!

From Day One - Remembering

I shall never forget being a little kid visiting my grandparents in the south.  It was a small town with one local soul radio station.  For as long as I can remember I was mesmerized by music.  One of the things that I loved about the tiny little radio station, is unlike a large market radio station, who played only an artist current single, this station would have two or three songs of a particular artist in their rotation.  I was a big lover of Billboard magazine, so I read it like it was the Bible, I could tell you where a song peaked, how much it sold, how long it stayed on the charts, trust me, I was on top of it.  I kept reading about this singer named Whitney Houston who was going to blow up the music scene, her debut was perfectly orchestrated, I remember seeing her sing "Nobody Loves Me, Like You Do" with Jermaine Jackson on the soap opera "Search For Tomorrow" her radiant smile never left my head.  Next I remember hearing her sing "Home" on the Merv Griffith show.  Flash forward back to my story in this small town, so I'm listening to the radio one day, and I heard a song called "You Give Good Love" and the announcer gave the name of the singer, of course I was familiar with the name, but didn't realize that her record was finally about to be released, I tell you, I read about her for at least two years before her single dropped.  When I heard "Good Love" I was so amazed by her vocal quality and delivery, then I saw they video with her gigantic smile and those beautiful pearlie white teeth, and her model looks, that began the love affair, so a few days later I'm listening to the radio station, and they disc jockey announced that he would play another song by new comer Whitney Houston, it was "Saving All My Love For You" and I couldn't move, a few months later I'm back home in California and, I'm watching late night with Dave Letterman, (which is the video that I've selected below) he introduces Whitney Houston who debut "Saving" LIVE on his show, she wore a lovely black designer dress, flawless hair and makeup, of course the gorgeous smile and WOW all of a sudden I knew what true love felt like, in that moment and I've been in love with Whitney Elizabeth Houston ever since, and I will never forget her - EVER! She changed my life!

Faith/TGIF

Happy Friday everyone, ... Let's Talk about It!!

Your FAITH, will be challenged, questions will arise, the true testament comes from belief. If you send prayers up, its certain that blessings will come down. Perfection is a work in progress, easy is a word for the weak. Lost souls are constantly in search of direction, often times, they continue to exude negativity, while standing in question for lack of believing. If you are strong in your convictions, you are in that centered group who really know how prayer works, when you pray, you need only ask for it once, continuing to repeat yourself, speaks more of a doubt than a belief. Things are not done on your schedule, plans come in the master's time. Our destiny has already been written,ordained with no interruptions.

We create the STANDARD for our lives, it comes from doing the constant work thats required. Center yourself by taking in deep slow breaths, while you visualize and focus on manifesting yourself to a solid ground of peaceful tranquil surroundings. With understanding comes progress, studying and research will always be required, living life and being rewarded wont come from findings that you stumbled upon. Trial, error and some angst, are all part of this quest, you must accept that, all will help you get to the level that you're meant to reach. You can never really imagine just how strong you are, until you're forced into the unforeseen, and seemingly out of nowhere you rise to the occasion, you didn't know you could, but he did. Are you prepared to lead the crusade? if you truly believe, it is certain that you will have a testimony.

What Are You Doing With Your Life?

Command Performance

D'Angelo and David Sanborn together in one room, just doesn't seem right, all that talent in one room.  These are the type of shows that I live for, and in this performance, the are paying tribute to another genius, the legendary Bill Withers, doing their rendition of his "Use Me" classic.  Soul music should always be this sweet to the ears. Enjoy~

Keeping It 100

I'm team Kris Humpries, he married that porn queen, she didn't love him, she will do anything for ratings, and has been giving up her kooch to any African American male(dummy Kanye 'Mess' West) that has deep pockets since she was 14 years old.  Her mother is a bonafide gold digging slut and a madame who pimps her children.  Only in America is such trickery allowed, now if she were black, of course the rules would be altogether different.  All the more mind boggling, she was married to Robert K--dash--n, who was a defense lawyer for the O.J. Simpson trial, where he helped him get a "NOT' guilty verdict, ironically white America, somehow forgot that little piece of information.  So again, I say to Kris, get every dime that you can from that low budget non talent zero, whose claim to fame is being the porn star who gave brain to Ray J.

Chris Brown appeared in court yesterday to defend his community service hours and on his arm was singer Rihanna.  I have to say that guy has balls, how gangsta is he, the same girl who he beat unmercifully, is the same girl who walked hand in hand into the courthouse to stand by her man.  Young love, and weren't we all just as dumb and crazy back in the day?

Singer Beyonce' Knowles who wants to be known as Mrs. Carter these days, seemingly has not only bleached her skin, but appears to have had plastic surgery on her nose.  This Hollywood story is old, and basically plays out the same, please Bey, don't become the next Lil Kim, that would a horrific tragedy.

What was VHI thinking when they gave ebonic Tameka (Tiny aka Miss Peggy)Cottle-Harris a talk show?  This is 2013 we're suppose to be about bettering ourselves.  Come on people, not only is she hard to look at, she's hard to listen to.  More and more I realize that the powers that be in Hollywood, continue to careless about Black life, unless it can mimic and belittle our experience.  This girl, sits with Tamar Braxton, who is loud and obnoxious, rapper Trina and some unknown name Claudia, and they basically try to do their own hot topic segment, but it doesn't work, outsiders looking in, smdh. 

Can someone please tell Jennifer Hudson to knock it out, Dreamgirls was almost a decade ago, she's NOT Effie anymore, but every time she steps up to the microphone she's screaming her tonsils out, every song doesn't require the same emotion, she butchered "Let's Stay Together" at the Inauguration, she terrified the Sandy Hook Elementary school children by 'again' screaming her lungs out at the Superbowl, when she sang "America The Beautiful".  I can't listen to her continue on this path, so many other worthy talented singers who are out there, clearly they deserve their shine too, call up Stephanie Mills, Ledisi, Regina Belle, Chrissette Michelle, Maysa Leak, Tamia, Tamar Braxton, Jo Jo, Miki Howard, Mica Paris, Sherree Brown, Trina Broussard, Sy Smith, India Arie or Anita Baker, just to name a talented few.

Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez on again-off again romance.  How serious can their relationship really be? Its young dumb love, both of thirst attention whores.  Their love should just be a drive-by situation.  Five years from now, his career will be over and Selena Gomez wont remember what the hoopla was all about. 

For all of you who believe in The Illuminati, I have two words for you THE BIBLE, read it!! Black folks when we had nothing else we had family and religion, seems like when we climb the ladders of success, suddenly it's only devilish that we could achieve such greatness.  Oy Vey, but I digress.

Every notice how talk show Wendy Williams continues to be a walking contradiction, she talked shit about Whitney Houston for most of her career, when Whitney passed she cried on her show, like she was a fan.  She talks about Beyonce' Knowles most of the time, but when she appeared on the cover of GQ magazine, she was all of her nutts, and a few days ago, she was singing her praises for turning UP the Superbowl, doing a decade old dance routine.  She 'outed' Alicia Keys and constantly sweats her for stealing Swizz Beats away from his ex-wifey Mashonda.  Well get this, she has now kissed up to Ms. Keys, she's going to appears on Williams show within the next month.  "How You Doin" is her version of outing gay people in the industry, it was "never" the official greeting of her show. Watching her show is such a roller coaster ride, she should be a politician, because she flip flops all the time. Check out the clip below to see if you agree with me. Ijs .... she can't decide which side that she wants to be on, so I guess she'll forever remain a D-Lister.

Faces ...

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder ....

New York City, TV show host .....Michael Woods

Actor Boris Kudjoe .....

Actor Taye Diggs ....

R&B singer Cecil Womack dead at 65

R&B singer Cecil Womack has died at the age of 65.
According to Soul-Source, Womack was living with wife and musical partner Linda Womack in Africa when he passed away on Friday, Jan. 31.
He started out in a gospel group singing with his brother Bobby Womack and their other siblings, Harry, Friendly and Curtis. Sam Cooke spotted them and changed the group's name to the Valentinos.
Cecil was also a producer and writer, and wrote songs for Teddy Pendergrass, Patti LaBelle and Motown's Mary Wells, his first wife.

When he married Linda, the two performed together as Womack & Womack and made six albums together. The first single from their Love Wars album, "T.K.O.," reached the Billboard R&B chart and their next single, "Love Wars" reached No. 14 on the U.K. singles chart in early 1984. The third single from the album, "Baby I'm Scared of You," was successful in the U.S., reaching No. 25 on the R&B charts.
Cecil and Linda moved to Africa in recent years so he could explore his heritage. Soul-Source reports that he wanted his ashes to be spread out over a river near his home there.
He is survived by Linda and four children, three from his marriage to Wells and one son from a prior relationship.

Jay - Z wifey is going on Tour

Entertainer Beyonce' Knowles just announced that she's going on tour entitled The Mrs Carter show World Tour.  If it's anything like her Superbowl performance, I'll pass.  I want to see something new, not a decade old dance routines from songs a decade ago.  Challenge yourself Mrs. Knowles, you're a huge star, show us what you're capable of doing.  Hire top notch storytellers, set designers,choreographers, photographers oh and yes a TUTOR! Your Destiny Fulfilled Tour with Destiny's Child left me breathless, that's what I call being on top of your game, so please bring it, and if you bring it, I will pay my money, and so will the rest of the world.

Always Be My Baby ...

Dearest Whitney,
What a week of discovery it has been.  Now your life and struggles became CRYSTAL clear, you endured so much.  All you really wanted to do was sing your songs and to be loved for who you are.  Seems like a simple request, but nothing was that easy.  Your mother's book came out last week, and she was on every show that would have her, and boy was she talking, pointing fingers but never looking in the mirror.  Bobbi Kristina went on twitter encouraging her following not to purchase Cissy Houston's book, saying that it was disrespectful to you, needless to say the relationship between she and Cissy is past a little 'Iffy', according to Cissy, they rarely talk, she went on to call Kriss a hot head thinking that she knows everything.  Her big interview was with Oprah, and she had Momma O's jaw on the floor with some of her answers.  Michael also appeared on the show, and Nippy he looks bad, I'm praying for him.  He told Oprah that it was he, who got you started doing drugs, and that it was in the late 80's and everyone was doing it, but he didn't realize that it was harmful and that eventually it would take its toll.  He went on to say that he's living but he's not alive and that he tried to take his life when you passed.  In the interview with your mom, she went on to say that she didn't care for Robyn Crawford, she didn't care for Bobby Brown, and that if you were gay, she would not have accepted you period, point blank, again shocking Momma O.  Here's my take on why you had to go, which I COMPLETELY understand  ...

Whitney being on drugs ... annnnnnnd for that long was a shock. When I looked at that interview with her mother, I saw conflict and turmoil, which often happens when devout Christians go overboard with their faith. Bottom line my baby Whitney was gay and not strong enough in her convictions to stand up to her demanding and demeaning mother, because of her beliefs and the needing for Whitney to appear, wholesome, perfect AND heterosexual.   She's finally at piece, while her mother is left here to toll and deal with her own personal demons. The life of Whitney Houston is an American triumphant and personal tragedy.

You deserved better from people than you ever got, and I'm so sorry that things we take for granted, wasn't afforded to you, like UNCONDITIONAL love from your mother.  I'm really grateful knowing all the things that I now know, I'm shocked that we had you for as long as we did.  I pray for Michael, Gary, Krissi and Cissy for healing, direction, forgiveness and understanding. Rest easy my beautiful Princess, until next week, which marks the 1 year of your transition.

Random Notes from Today .... My Take

Frank Ocean has just issued this memo on his Tumblr page addressing the parking lot fight with Chris Brown that had law enforcement saying Frank was desirous of prosecution.
My take ...
Chris Brown is on a road that will only lead to doom, either by early death or career suicide.  He needs better handlers and some real jail time, this kid doesn't show any remorse, and apparently he can't control his temper.  Word on the street is that he paid Ocean 2 million dollars not to press charges, but he needs jail time and MUCH counseling.

My take...
I loved the Destiny Fulfilled Tour, so with that said, I was very happy to see Kelly and Michelle appear on stage, love when the three of them harmonize.  It wasn't the best Beyonce' Giselle Carter performance, but she did dance, which is incredibly hard and appear engaging for her 12 minutes.  I wouldve loved to hear some new material, or her reworking some of her classics in a medley, say in the Hollywood vain of a Cher, Diana Ross or Bette Midler, something that would set her apart from the booty shaking easy sell that we see all the time.  Also she has some moments where she actually sang live.