Soul Seekers - It's All God

Been looking for some new, fresh, smooth gospel?  Something you can vibe to?  Music to uplift you? So have I.  Look what I found:

On Meeting Wynton Marsalis and JLCO

Thanks to my cousin Shaun and his connection, Marcus Printup, who is a jazz trumpeter and member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO), I was able to sit in on a rehearsal of the JALC big band, led by jazz legend, Wynton Marsalis. Along with meeting such an extraordinary and well-loved musician as Marsalis, I also met the overly talented band members, including trombonist Chris Crenshaw, drummer Ali Jackson, and pianist Dan Nimmer. These guys sounded so amazing rehearsing the witty, reminiscent, and pleasant composition by Marsalis. Although I am no jazz expert, I know and appreciate good, soulful music when I hear it. The musicians had sound advice and fun experiences to share with my aspiring jazz trumpeter cousin. But as a music student, I also benefited from all they had to say, which was don't shy away from dreams that you are serious about; seize opportunities and stay working hard.

Distant Relatives - Nas & Damian Marley

EMPOWERING, UPLIFTING, EPIC! - I haven't heard an album as conscious, aware, and penetrating since The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.  For me, Distant Relatives is a gem of great worth and beauty.  Socially and soulfully provocative, the lyrics inspire action and change in Africa and the Black Community.  Each track features either a killer beat, soul-pleasing instrumentation, and/ or the fusion of African-American, Afro-Caribbean, and African music.  The album concept was also well thought and thoroughly developed. (Click here for the JUICY details, video interviews and more!)

Alicia Keys - Unthinkable

This video is stellar -- very unexpected --  offers a totally new perspective to the song.  And I LOVE it! Enough said:


Plus, I've been wanting Drake to drop a verse on this track, and FINALLY!!!! The official remix!
Stepping out from the background into the spotlight, Drake makes this incredibly infectious (in a great way of course) song even better:


And here's the behind-the-scenes stuff (I love seeing what goes on behind the scenes, so cool that she shared this!):


Finally, Drake speaks about his experience working with the ultra-talented Alicia Keys.  I had no idea he wrote the song, I like him more now!  The story is very interesting (I want a recording session with Alicia now!):

B.o.B. - debut album in stores April 27

If the singles are representative of the album, B.o.B's debut album, The Adventures of Bobby Ray, will be infused with wit and originality.  So support musicians who go against the norm of sex and obscenity and instead, rely on talent and ingenuity.  Buy the ablum Tuesday, April 27 - and look for my review ^_^.

Common ft. Mary J. Blige - Come Close

No, I haven't been blogging lately :( I've been XTRA busy with school work - non stop.  And I haven't heard any new music that has sparked my interest lately.  However, I am looking forward to Janelle Monae's album release in May.  And I will review Nas and Damien Marley's new album ^_^.  But for now, I'm gonna post an older video that I think is really cute - Common's "Come Close." Love the content of this song and the creativity of the video.  And I LOVE COMMON!! Wish a guy would do all this for me...Can't wait to see him starring in his new movie, Just Wright (in theaters in May).

Mary J. Blige ft. Jay Sean - Each Tear

Here is an inspiring song that teaches us to grow from each tear we cry and each hardship we face.  MJB and Jay Sean (British singer/ rapper/ producer/ beatboxer of Young Money) deliver this message with beautiful, soul-driven vocals.  And although this R&B diva's sound is definitely more pop, who can deny that Mary's songs have passion and soul?  This song will lift your spirits if you are feeling low.

(The video is a little dull.  I like the video to tell a story, act as a short film/ visual representation of the song.  Maybe I expect to much sometimes.)

Erykah Badu - "Window Seat" Video

“They who play it safe, are quick to assassinate what they do not understand. They move in packs, ingesting more and more fear with every act of hate on one another. They feel most comfortable in groups – less guilt to swallow. They are us. This is what we have become. Afraid to respect the individual...”

As an onlooker, I would probably be a little disturbed seeing Erykah Badu strip nude in front of me without warning or consent.  But as a viewer of the video, I am intrigued.  Granted, I did my research on the controversy and reasoning behind the video.  So I fully appreciate the message Erykah wants to display.  But could she have acheived the same message in a different way?  Maybe, maybe not.  In any case, I think that the method in her madness is respectable if not admirable.  She is not afraid of going to extremes to make a bold and insightful statement.  I am in awe of this video's visual simplicity, but internal complexity. Erykah Badu peels away the exterior layers (literally) to reveal the truth about herself and others.  No matter how uncomfortable it makes us, the truth expressed through this video is illustrated in a clever and profound way. Read the juicy details.

What really happened?

Well, Badu was filming the video to her new single, "Window Seat," from her newly released album, New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh.  The setting is Badu's hometown, Dallas, Texas - downtown, Elm Street, Dealey Plaza, approaching the site of President John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963.  Erykah and her posse do not have city permits to film at this location, but she isn't afraid of a little guerrilla filming!  In a single-take video, Erykah is filmed removing her clothing...Read more

Method Man, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, & Alicia Keys - Our Dreams

Click here to here the Michael Jackson version!

Sadly, I just heard this song for the first time today. I was driving through Rockland, NY, 
enjoying the warm weather and sunshine. And then this song started to play on Hot 97. 
I was suddenly reminded why I love music soooo 
much! Plus, I'm starting to feel that summertime high! Even though we have a while 
until summer, the weather is oh so nice (like this song)! 
Reminds me of cruising through town on a bright and pleasant day, listening to old 
music, new music, music that speaks to your soul. Lauryn Hill, Aaliyah, New 
Edition ... ^_^. Like so many, this song speaks for itself. The lyrics are full of wisdom 
and inspiration. And we can never hear its message too many times - 
"don't give up on your 
dreams!" I know that other songs with this same theme have 
encouraged me to keep moving forward - keep reaching upward. And "Our Dreams," 
sampling Michael Jackson's "We're Almost There," is a song that I will def be listening 
to again!
BTW - Looking forward to the video

Note

Dear readers,

I miss you!! I haven't been blogging this week b/c my internet access sux!!  But next week, I will def have lots to write about! So come back for all the juice on Erykah Badu and Usher.

XOXO,
Gina

Monica - Still Standing

Monica took my ears to a whole new level!  I absolutely LOVE this album.  I have listened to it THREE times in ONE day!! Yes, it's that delicious.  When a singer can share so much of their soul in their songs, the music becomes personal, and that makes the listening experience unforgettable.  I seriously don't want to stop singing these songs!  Haven't felt this way since Songs in A Minor by Alicia Keys and The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.  Still Standing deserves a standing ovation - Monica stayed true to her fans, to her faith, and to herself.  Which is more than many of today's R&B and Hip-Hop musicians can say.  So kudos to my girl!

Melba Moore vs. Janelle Monae

Who takes the cake?
Melba Moore performing "Love's Comin' at Ya" or Janelle Monae performing "Tightrope?"
Inspiration can be such a lovely thing!

Alicia Keys - Freedom Tour @ NYC's Madison Square Garden March 17, 2010

Wow! Mmm hmmm! Amazing!

Alicia Keys' concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City was all of that and more!  Jermaine Paul, Melanie Fiona, and Robin Thicke opened for Alicia.  And Beyonce, Swizz Beatz, and Jay-Z made special appearances.  The audience was live, the music was beautiful, and the spirit was free!  This was my first major concert - and sharing it with Alicia Keys in New York City made it an unforgettable experience! Click here to read the juicy details!

Rip the Runway

Fashion meets Hip Hop and R&B on BET's Rip the Runway.  I think it's great that black designers get to rip the runway - so, I watched, and here's what I have to say:

LOVED IT!

 Love the dress (Gavin Douglas) but what's up with the face?!

Fearlessocity!

Bruno Mars' (& B.o.B's) performance was great! That voice - OMG!

Janelle Monae's style was so Chanel - I like!! Check her footwork though!! 

Tracy Reese's dresses were so cute!

I loved a lot about this show actually (surprisingly) LoL:  

Nicki Minaj in black & white - I'd totally wear that (and her British accent - I had one earlier today.)

The chained/ spider web vest was undoubtedly hot!

Aaliyah impersonator - HA!!

Did u see that bike?! This is the most hood fashion show ever - LOVE IT!!

I didn't love everything though - ohhhh nooooo!

HATED IT!

This is a fashion show boo! Get it together! Where's your posture?!

Let's get my girl some shoes that fit please!

Your stylist MUST be fired - immediately!!

Of course, there was more to hate:  

Trina singing and lookin a HOT mess!  

Some of the models were so stiff and un-model like.

Check out more from BET's Rip the Runway 2010 on: www.bet.com/riptherunway

Estelle - Freak

Umm...no ma'am.  I just think that with all the STD's, HIV, teenage pregnancies...I'm just saying!! The world could use a few less freaks. Celebrities, especially musicians, should be conscious of the messages they send. Yes, this is a fun dance track.  And the video was interesting to say the least.  But is this a song that young, easily influential people should be hearing and then acting on?  I mean, come on - enough of that...on to the next one!

Erykah Badu - Window Seat

So, there's no denying that Erykah Badu is one of a kind.  Check out her ensemble and that signature hat.  And the raw vocals - gotta love her!! So "Window Seat" makes me just wanna get away.  I think the song is evoking and sincere.  Not unlike Erykah.  This song has a very human element - at times we want to escape, but not long after, we want to be near.  The chorus sings,

So can I get a window seat
Don’t want nobody next to me
I just want a ticket outta town
A look around
And a safe touch down
Window seat
Don’t want nobody next to me
I just want a chance to fly
A chance to cry
And a long bye bye

I like this song, because you can interpret it literally or figuratively.  Both ways are fun and effective.  I feel so relaxed now - Lol.  Can't wait to check out the new album, New Amerykah, Part II: Return of the Ankh on March 30.

Monica - Everything to Me (Single)

OMG!! Love, love, LOVE this song! (I give it 5 Stars *****) If you watched Monica's reality series, Still Standing,  you know that Monica fought really hard to make this song her lead single.  It even seemed that she gave up.  But I'm glad that the war was not lost.  Because this song is full of soul and class - which is exactly what I love about the song.  That girl sang this song from her heart...I mean all the riffs and vocal range work were spectacular.  Monica really made this song her own.  Still singing it in my head ^_^ but listen for yourself!

Not only is the song great - the video is pretty cute as well.  The first thing I notice is the Alexander McQueen dress she's wearing...it's blazin amazin!! Lol - its hot! I really like videos that tell a story - they keep me intrigued.  And this one did not disappoint.  (In the video, she takes a crazy lady to court for stalking her man...who came up with this treatment?!)  She pushed the stalker on a couch?! Monica - you are more hood than that girl! I'm a bit confused - her man didn't seem to mind the stalker, is it just me???  I thought the video could have been more closely related to the song, but I still liked it - especially the fashion =).

Anyway, I would advise listening to the song without watching the video.  That way, you can close your eyes, focus on that beautiful voice, and concentrate on the heartsung lyrics.  Can't wait for Monica's album Still Standing to drop on March 23!

Mariah Carey ft. Nicki Minaj - Up Out My Face (Remix)

 
So, I'm a fan of Mariah Carey (some of my fave music is MC in the 90's doin her thing with Jermaine Dupri and other Hip-Hop legends...love it!!).  And I haven't really listened to much of Nicki Minaj's music.  But despite some explicit content and differences of opinion, I really admire her style, her prowess, and her presence on a track.  Just saw this video (I'm a little late as usual...lol =) but I'm getting better) and I LOVED it! Nicki has proclaimed herself as "Barbie" and everybody already knows that Mariah personifies "Barbie," so this collabo was totally appropiate.  The song is hot all on its own.  And watching the video was fun, because I got to see the chemistry between the two ladies.  I could tell that they were genuinely having a great time (they laughed a lot and were able to feed off of each others energy).  I guess I'm a little biased-I love shopping, make-up, hair & nails, and a guy that's on my level-so the video def spoke to me.  Watch it for yourself-it's HOT!!

Off the Record - Alicia Keys

I just have to say that I am really happy with Alicia Keys' latest album, The Element of Freedom!!  After hearing Songs in A Minor and The Diary of Alicia Keys, I was a huge fan of Alicia (The Unplugged album/ DVD was fabulous as well).  But As I Am was a big disappointment to me, because the album didn't represent Alicia as the artist that I had grown to love and admire.  The soul and personal connection was eradicated - and I was left with something totally...ugh!! I don't even like thinking about that album.  But thank you thank you THANK YOU Alicia for The Element of Freedom!  She claimed her freedom to give her true fans some of that good, intimate music that we haven't heard in a while.  I listened to it while riding the 1 train downtown to 66th and uptown to 137th, and while walking through the concrete jungle.  My head was bobbing the whole time, and my heart was happy!  Can't wait to see Alicia in concert at Madison Square Garden on March 17!! So excited - will be my first concert at the Garden =)  Well, I'm signing off! Keeping Up With the Kardashians is on ^_^

Alicia Keys - The Element of Freedom

Artist:                                        Album:
Alicia Keys                                The Element of Freedom 

Mood:
Feels really good/ Reflective/ Soulful/ Headbob =)  

Transition/ Growth:
-2   -1      0      1    2

bad change-no change-good change 

Album Concept:                        Performance:

*****                            *****

4 out of 5 stars                                 4 out of 5 stars

Production:                              Songwriting:

*****                           *****

4 out of 5 stars                                                    4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Songs:

This Bed
That's How Strong My Love Is
How It Feels to Fly
Unthinkable (I'm Ready)
Put it in a Love Song
Empire State of Mind Pt II 

Least Favorite Songs: 
Love is Blind
Doesn't Mean Anything             

 Overall Rating:

*****

 4 out of 5 stars