The Weeknd new CD 'Beauty behind the Madness' is a masterful masterpiece, channeling Michael Jackson.
Monday, August 31, 2015
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Landmark ...
On this date August 30th in the year 1966 Constance Baker Motley was confirmed as U.S. district judge and became the first Black woman on the federal bench. She was also the first African American woman elected to the New York State Senate in 1964.... In 1965, she was chosen Manhattan Borough President—the first woman in that position. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson named her a district judge for the United States District Court Southern District of New York, making her the first African American woman federal court judge, a position she held, including a term as chief judge, until her death.
Motley handed down a breakthrough decision for women in sports broadcasting in 1978, when she ruled that a female reporter must be allowed into a Major League Baseball locker room.
Motley handed down a breakthrough decision for women in sports broadcasting in 1978, when she ruled that a female reporter must be allowed into a Major League Baseball locker room.
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Remembering ...
Happy Birthday Michael Jackson. His 'GENIUS' changed the game of music.
Never Ever Be Another Ever - Michael Jackson, I remember the Day The Music Stopped. When I heard the announcement come through over the radio, I was driving on the 110 freeway in Los Angeles, I almost crashed my car. What I remembered most was the lead up to his funeral, the Unity in Los Angeles for two solid weeks, at every red light, at ever intersection, and throughout any circles that I travelled, everyone was bumping Michael Jackson's music, and for those brief two weeks, the world seem to stopped hating, and battling differences, we all were united, because Michael Jackson music, transcended race, breed and cultures.
Scroll below or bump your own Michael favorites today, as we remember one of the greatest to ever do it. Rest In Peace MJ.
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Flashback Who's That???
I first heard the powerhouse vocals of Martha Wash singing backup on Sylvester's 'You Are My Friend' it was clear her voice could not be denied, whether it's 'Taking Away Your Space, 'Give It To You' 'Strike It Up' 'Gonna Make You Sweat' or dueting with Luther Vandross on 'I Have Nothing', so clear pristine and precise.
Martha Elaine Wash was December 28, 1953 is a two time Grammy nominated American R&B, pop, soul, and house singer and songwriter with a career spanning over thirty years. Known for her distinctive and powerful dramatic soprano voice, Wash first achieved fame as one half of the successful act Two Tons O' Fun who sang backing for the often dubbed Queen of Disco Sylvester. After gaining their own record deal, they released three consecutive commercially successful songs which all peaked at number 2 in the dance charts. The duo was renamed The Weather Girls in 1982 when they released the multi platinum single "It's Raining Men" in 1982 which brought the band to mainstream pop attention. After the disbanding in 1985, Wash subsequently made a successful transition into House music as a featured artist on several successful songs. This has led her being branded as The Queen of Clubland, with seven Dance songs peaking at number one on the American Billboard Charts and a further four Dance songs peaking at number two, her most recent #1 song being the 2015 Tony Moran radio edit of "Free People". After battling with RCA and Columbia records, you would think that Wash would be on easy street, but not so much.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Remembering ...
'Seems like only yesterday' that singer/actress Aaliyah was killed in a plane crash Saturday( August 25-2001) in the Bahamas.
The 22-year-old singer and actress, born Aaliyah Haughton, was one of nine people aboard a twin-engine plane that crashed seconds after taking off from the Bahamas, according to Grand Bahama police superintendent Basil Rahming. All nine died.
Aaliyah was in the Bahamas shooting a video, Minister of Tourism Tommy Turnquest told the Associated Press.
She died instantly when the plane, a Cessna 402B, exploded on impact just 200 feet beyond the end of a runway at Marsh Harbour International Airport on Abaco Island at 6:45 p.m., Rahming said. The craft, which was bound for Opa-Locka Airport, just northwest of Miami, apparently suffered engine failure upon liftoff, he said.
Aaliyah Dana Haughton, an American recording artist, boarded a twin-engine Cessna 402B (registration N8097W) at the Marsh Harbour Airport in Abaco Islands, The Bahamas after completing her work for the music video for her single "Rock the Boat". Accompanying her were members from Virgin Records. The light aircraft, piloted by Luis Morales III, crashed shortly after takeoff. The crash instantly killed Aaliyah and resulted in the deaths of everyone else on board. This also included Morales, the pilot, who was later found to have traces of cocaine and alcohol in his system through an autopsy.
The investigation following the crash looked into possibilities of the aircraft being overloaded and these claims were supported by accounts of the passengers arguing with Morales, who reportedly refused to take off before giving in to their demands. Three days after the crash, Aaliyah's body was returned to the United States. In addition, the funeral home which prepared her body stated in a lawsuit that it had not been paid for its services. Her funeral was held August 31, 2001 in New York. Her death came only a month after the release of her self-titled third album Aaliyah. Posters for the album became makeshift memorials for grieving fans. At her funeral, she was eulogized by her brother Rashad Haughton. In the years following the crash, there were lawsuits made by multiple parties in relation to the casualties. Aaliyah was 22 years old when she died.
Monday, August 24, 2015
Underrated ...
Singer Tamia is in my playstation as one of my favorite singers. So underrated, she's been in the game for over 20 years and continues to get better and better.
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Affirmation
Dear Heavenly Father ...
Thank you for the gift of life and the multitude of Blesssings that you have shown, in my life. Please continue to protect me, from Hurt, Harm, Fear and Danger. I continue to ask that you Guide and Direct my path. I am a Vessel to spread the word of your goodness and Mercy. The Devil is a liar and constantly busy, with you I know that no Weapons formed against me will prosper. To GOD be the Glory. For all the gifts of Joy in my Life. I do give thanks. Amen~
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Remembering Giants ...
Giants - The late Julian Bond and Oprah Winfrey continuing the Civil Rights movement. Both added monumental proportions in the advancement of Black Americans.
The struggle for equality continues, and gains come harder and harder everyday. Thankfully waking everyday, gives purpose, that we can never give up, in the fight for the betterment of ourselves and those around us.
Thank you Mr. Bond, for being one of my childhood Idols, and for giving me something to respect and believe in. May you Rest In Peace!
Friday, August 21, 2015
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Flashback Who's That???
One of my core groups of the new millenium was City High. The unit was an American R&B/hip hop trio consisting of rappers/singers Ryan Toby, Robbie Pardlo and Claudette Ortiz. City High is best known for their song, "What Would You Do?", which earned a Grammy nomination.
City High issued "What Would You Do?" from their 2001 self-titled album. Their follow-up single was "Caramel". A remix was released, featuring rapper Eve. The final single from the group's debut and only album was "City High Anthem".
Throughout high school, Ortiz dated future City High bandmate Robby Pardlo. After meeting and performing for Wyclef Jean, they were signed to his Booga Basement recording label. As Wooga Booga already had a duo, they asked Ryan Toby to join and became a trio, which completed the City High trio. After breaking up with Pardlo, Ortiz went into a relationship and later married former bandmate Toby in 2004. They later divorced in 2007.
In early 2002, City High shot several mini music video commercials for MTV, based on their own songs promoting the eleventh season of The Real World. The band also appeared in a series of mini commercials promoting 2002's The Real World: Chicago, before disbanding in 2003. After several attempts to reconsilate, the egos's became too much, the members of City High called it quits for good.
'COMPTON' Breaking records
Breaking Records - 'Straight Outta Compton' is on its way to being the all time Highest Grossing Musical Biopic. Walking The Line' is currently ranked #1 grossing 119 million, 'Ray' is #2 grossing over 75 million 'Compton' is ranked #3 grossing over 74 million in less than ten days. NWA still crushing milestones two decades later.
Eazy E' of N.W.A.
Disgusting
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
No longer just 'Freddie' ...
A long way from 'Freddie' ... Cree Summer Francks was born July 7, 1969. She is best known as Cree Summer, is an American Canadian voice actress and singer.
She is best known for her role as college student Winifred "Freddie" Brooks on the NBC sitcom A Different World. As a voice actress Summer provided the voices for Penny in Inspector Gadget during Season 1, Elmyra Duff in Tiny Toon Adventures and Pinky, Elmyra & the Brain, Susie Carmichael on Rugrats and All Grown Up, Princess Kida in Atlantis: The Lost Empire, Valerie Gray in Danny Phantom, Foxxy Love in Drawn Together, Numbuh 5 in Codename: Kids Next Door, Magma in X-Men Legends, Yvonne and Gordon in Mrs. Munger's Class, and Cleo the Poodle in Clifford the Big Red Dog.
As a singer/musician Summer released her solo album Street Faërie in 1999, it was produced by and featuring guest artist (and friend) Lenny Kravitz, with the album a moderate success. Although Summer toured as Kravitz's opening act, her label dropped her and a planned spot with Lilith Fair was canceled.
Summer voiced over 100 animated characters between 1983 and 2006. These have spanned video games, cartoon television series, animated films and commercials. Among her most famous roles was in Inspector Gadget (Season 1) as Penny (a role she reprised in the Robot Chicken episode "Adoption's an Option"), WB's Tiny Toon Adventures (1990) as Elmyra Duff (which she reprised for Pinky, Elmyra & the Brain) and Mary Melody, Aka Pella in WB's Histeria!, Susie Carmichael in Nickelodeon's Rugrats and its spin-off All Grown Up!, Cleo the Poodle in PBS Kids' Clifford the Big Red Dog.
Monday, August 17, 2015
Sunday, August 16, 2015
So Long Mr. Bond ...
Civil rights activist and former NAACP chairman, passed away in Fort Walton Beach, Florida Saturday after battling a brief illness. Bond was 75. The legendary civil rights leader's death was first announced by the Southern Poverty Law Center, the nonprofit advocacy group where Bond served as founding president in 1971 and remained on the board of directors until his death.
"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of legendary civil rights activist Julian Bond," the SPLC wrote in a statement. "From his days as the co-founder and communications director of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in the 1960s to his chairmanship of the NAACP in the 21st century, Julian was a visionary and tireless champion for civil and human rights."
As a member of the Civil Rights Movement in the early Sixties, Bond, then a student at Atlanta's Morehouse College, formed the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, which led protests against segregation and Georgia's Jim Crow laws. In 1965, following the passage of the Voting Rights Act, Bond was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives, where he served four terms. Bond would next spend six terms as a member of the Georgia Senate from 1975 to 1987.
"Julian Bond was a hero and, I'm privileged to say, a friend," President Barack Obama said in a statement (via CNN), praising the activist's lifetime mission of justice and equality. "Julian Bond helped change this country for the better. And what better way to be remembered than that." Bill and Hillary Clinton said of Bond, "Julian lived his life at the center of the fight for civil rights, equality, and justice. Julian helped us to become a more perfect union and always pushed us to do better. We will miss him."
Affirmation ...
Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank you for all the many Blessings that have manifested in my life. Thanks for never giving up on me. Please continue to Protect, Guide and Direct my path. I can do all things through Christ who sustains me. I ask that you watch over my Family, my Friends and my Foes. I am merely a Vessel to spread the word of your Goodness and your Mercy. For the Gift of life, I thank you!
Friday, August 14, 2015
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Flashback Who's That???
It was 2008 when radio started bumping 'From my Heart to yours' it wet the appetite for more.
Laura Izibor was born 13 May 1987. She is an Irish recording artist, musician and producer. At the age of 15, Izibor was signed to Jive Records. She dropped out of school to record the album. From ages 17 to 18, Izibor recorded over half of the album. After a dispute with the Jive, she signed with Atlantic Records and subsequently moved to New York after her mentor, Steve Lunt, was offered a job at the label. Her debut 'Let the Truth Be Told' was recorded from 2005 to 2009; recording sessions took place in her hometown of Dublin, Ireland, to New York, Atlanta and Philadelphia.Izibor has opened for Aretha Franklin, India.Arie, Estelle, Maxwell, and John Legend on tour.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Damn Damn Damn ...
Washington (CNN) Former President Jimmy Carter has cancer, and it has spread to other parts of his body, he announced Wednesday.
Carter, 90, had a "small mass" removed from his liver during surgery earlier this month. At the time, he received a prognosis for a full recovery.
But he said Wednesday in a brief statement that "recent liver surgery revealed that I have cancer that now is in other parts of my body."
It was not clear where the cancer originated or where it had spread. Carter's family, however, has a history of pancreatic cancer, which CNN correspondent Sanjay Gupta said could be afflicting the former president.
In a statement, President Barack Obama said he and first lady Michelle Obama "send our best wishes to President Carter for a fast and full recovery."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Rosalynn and the entire Carter family as they face this challenge with the same grace and determination that they have shown so many times before. Jimmy, you're as resilient as they come, and along with the rest of America, we are rooting for you," Obama said.
Royalty ...
Little Richard claims to be “the architect of rock and roll,” and history would seem to bear out Little Richard’s boast. More than any other performer - save, perhaps, Elvis Presley, Little Richard blew the lid off the Fifties, laying the foundation for rock and roll with his explosive music and charismatic persona. On record, he made spine-tingling rock and roll. His frantically charged piano playing and raspy, shouted vocals on such classics as “Tutti Frutti,” “Long Tall Sally” and “Good Golly, Miss Molly” defined the dynamic sound of rock and roll. Onstage, he’d deliver wild, piano-pounding epistles while costumed in sequined vests, mascara, lipstick, and a pompadour that shook with every thundering beat. His road band, the Upsetters, has been credited by James Brown and others with first putting the funk in the rock and roll beat.
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Reigning ...
Rihanna now has a total of 13 number ones, tying her only with Michael Jackson and passing Madonna and her good pal Katy Perry along the way – who has achieved 11 number ones.
The single also reached number one in UK – marking her eighth UK number one.
It also made her the third act ever to the achieve seven number ones in seven consecutive years – Elvis Presley and The Beatles are the only other acts to achieve this.
The Perfect Guy ???
UPCOMING - The Perfect Guy makes its debut into theaters SEPTEMBER 11, starring Morris Chestnut, Sanaa Lathan and Michael Ealy. This thriller will make you think twice AND question yourself ... Does Mr Perfect exist? Ladies be careful what you wish for.
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Game recognize Game ...
Connection - The Odd Couple Jean Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol circa 1986. Both brilliant artists, troubled, often misunderstood, battled addiction. The two artists connected on many levels.
It was like some crazy art-world marriage and they were the odd couple. The relationship was symbiotic. Jean-Michel thought he needed Andy’s fame, and Andy thought he needed Jean-Michel’s new blood. Jean-Michel gave Andy a rebellious image again. Their lives were short lived, but their body of work lives on.
Friday, August 7, 2015
Recognize ...
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Praying for Nick Gordon
It's easy to point fingers and seemingly the world has drawn their on conclusions, on troubled drug addicted Nick Gordon. He is a modern day version of Bobby Brown. It seems like she and her mother was attracted to the same bad boy type. America seems willing to give Bobby Brown another try, but hellbent on crucifying this young man. He was not allowed to attend the funeral of the love of his life, while Brown walked out of his ex-wife's funeral. Something in the water isn't clean.
Brown apparently is a hypocrite, if anyone should have empathy for Nick Gordon, it's Bobby Brown. Gordon is a victim of drugs, fast living and spiraling out of control. Yes he was reckless, but so was most of us, at his age. He and Krissie were addicted to Heroin and other drugs. Neither could be strong for the other. The coroner confirmed, that their was no foul play in the death of Bobbi Kristina. Social media wants to say differently, because it makes for a better story. I hope this young man, will get the help that he needs or else his stay on this earth will be short lived. Whitney and Bobbi Kristina's passing is a very hard pill to swallow, but knowing that their pain and sorrow is no more, makes it a little easier to bear.
Remembering Bombshell ...
Blonde bombshell actress Jayne Mansfield is killed instantly on June 29th in 1967 when the car in which she is riding strikes the rear of a trailer truck on Interstate-90 east of New Orleans, Louisiana.
Flashback Who's That???
The music industry is a beast and always a struggle. 5 albums, an EP, and 4 mix tapes later singer Bobby Valentino is still trying to find his place into the music world. His debut album Bobby Valentino was released in the spring of 2005 through Island Def Jam and Ludacris's Disturbing tha Peace label and was certified gold by the RIAA selling over 708,000 copies in the United States. Primarily produced by the hitmakers Tim & Bob, His first single, "Slow Down", became a top 10 hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and #1 R&B single Billboard R&B Singles receiving a large amount of radio and TV airplay. Also in 2005, he joined Bow Wow, Omarion, Marques Houston, B5 and Pretty Ricky on the Scream Tour IV. After the success of "Slow Down", he released a second single, a remix of his song "Tell Me" featuring Lil Wayne produced by Tim & Bob as well. The album's third and final single, "My Angel", was released in the fall of 2005, however it gained little popularity.
Having worked with Timbaland, Nicki Minaj, Ludacris, Piles, Gotti and Lil Wayne, seems a no brainier for success, unfortunately, the cards weren't in Valentino's favor.
(http://youtu.be/qGiPC57f79Y)(http://youtu.be/Z6NzwMif0fA)(http://youtu.be/GYmKqlmfQNA)(http://youtu.be/_5Y7xDb2Brw)
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Movin On Up ... Good Times
Happy 70th Birthday to singer/actress Ja'Net DuBois, notable for playing nosy neighbor Willona on the TV series "Good Times". She also co-wrote and sang the "Movin' On Up" theme song for "The Jeffersons".
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