Merry Merry Christmas

Hey there my lovely readers!! (That's if I still have some)


I know I havent posted in awhile. But I'm back just in time for the Holidays!!

Now what type of Music Blogger would I be if I didnt share some of my FAVORITE Christmas songs!

So if you would like to hear them........HERE THEY GO!!!


Vanessa Williams- WHAT CHILD IS THIS



I love this song! The smooth jazzy feel goes great with the original arrangement of the song. Vanessa Williams voice just glides over the melody it always puts me in the Christmas mood!


Donny Hathaway- THIS CHRISTMAS



Now YOU KNOW! I couldnt list Christmas songs without mentioning this CLASSIC soul song by the ILLUSTRIOUS Donny himself! There have been MANY covers from Gospel to Country but there is only one version that gets me going at Christmas and thats this one!!


Stevie Wonder- SOME DAY AT CHRISTMAS



Ah Stevie Wonder, he always makes such inspirational songs and this one is no different. Whenever I hear this song I get a little choked up. I mean don't we all want to live in the world he describes in this song?

The Jackson 5- GIVE LOVE ON CHRISTMAS DAY



R.I.P. Micheal Jackson! This was the Jackson 5 at their FINEST! Their Christmas album was a household staple when I was growing up. There have been many covers of this song, but Michael's voice is always the one that moves me : )

Mary Mary- O Come All Ye Faithful



Now I have had trouble finding the actual recording of this song, but when I saw this performance years ago I knew I loved this version. Me and my sister even came up with our own rendition at home based off this video LOL! Anyway I just love the way they sound together

The Temptations- SILENT NIGHT



The Temptations! This song was another household staple. I love their Merry Christmas to All of You harmony at the intro and the end! That part always does it for me!

Boys 2 Men feat Brian McKnight- LET IT SNOW



Had a problem finding the original video that was of good quality. But anyway this one here is a classic for me and my generation I'm sure. This will be the song we play in our households for our children. I just love this song, its so pretty and romantical! LOL


Well thats my list folks! I'm sure there is a lil bit of something in there for anyone. But we all have our favorite Christmas songs. So What's Yours?

Oh and a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my readers!

Chickens Coming Home to Roost

In light of all the news surrounding Tiger Woods, I thought I would give my opinion on the situation.

Well initially I could have cared less about the situation. Then I heard about his public apology.

I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart. I have not been true to my values and the behaviour my family deserves. I am not without faults and I am far short of perfect. I am dealing with my behaviour and personal failings behind closed doors with my family. Those feelings should be shared by us alone.
Although I am a well-known person and have made my career as a professional athlete, I have been dismayed to realise the full extent of what tabloid scrutiny really means.
For the last week, my family and I have been hounded to expose intimate details of our personal lives. The stories in particular that physical violence played any role in the car accident were utterly false and malicious. Elin [pictured below with Woods] has always done more to support our family and shown more grace than anyone could possibly expect.
But no matter how intense curiosity about public figures can be, there is an important and deep principle at stake which is the right to some simple, human measure of privacy. I realise there are some who don't share my view on that.
But for me, the virtue of privacy is one that must be protected in matters that are intimate and within one's own family. Personal sins should not require press releases and problems within a family shouldn't have to mean public confessions.
Whatever regrets I have about letting my family down have been shared with and felt by us alone. I have given this a lot of reflection and thought and I believe that there is a point at which I must stick to that principle even though it's difficult.
I will strive to be a better person and the husband and father that my family deserves. For all of those who have supported me over the years, I offer my profound apology. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1232902/Tiger-Woods-Furious-wife-Elin-phoned-mistress-Jaimee-Grubbs.html#ixzz0Z3M0XGPL


While on the surface it seems like a genuine attempt to address his fans and the media alike. I couldn't help but smell bullshit. Not to mention the fact that when TMZ intially reported that the car accident was related to a domestic dispute due to infidelty he vehemently denied the accusations. Now that the mistress has come forward, he's sorry and this situation is off limits to the press.

NEGRO (Yes NEGRO) PLEASE!

You can't make a career off of public opinion, with enough endorsement deals to keep you and your grandkids set for life, live in the public eye, and then when things get rocky start whining about how your privacy has been invaded. How about you do this?

First, if you know you are not meant to be faitful dont get married. If you do in fact, get married and are going to be unfaithful dont leave stupid ass voicemails like this.... ON YOUR MISTRESSE'S CELL PHONE!
(Although I must say I laughed hysterically when I first listened to this)

Point blank Tiger once you're a celebrity, you can't pick and choose which aspects of your life are on or off limits, it would have behooved you to put on some act right seeing as how you have so much at stake, but instead you are experiencing what many people call your Chickens Coming Home to Roost.

I have to say that this guy is clearly disturbed. Now it's being said that at least 7other women have come forward to say that they have had sexual relations with Tiger Woods since he has been married and there is even talk of a sex tape!

All that glitters isnt gold.

Tiger Woods would have liked all of us to believe that he is someone like this

- A Family Man. Passionate about being a loving, honorable and doting husband and father.

Now it comes out that he is more of this

A man who is hell bent on getting his jollies off with as many women as he pleases, at the expense of the embarrassment it will cause his family and his career.

Guess he's not as clean cut as many of us would like to think.

I hate to jump to conclusions and jump on the man without hearing both sides of the story. But if it looks like a duck...You know the rest. I have to say that I never was nor will I ever be a Tiger Woods fan. But as a man he has some serious flaws and his true character is showing, and I must say I DO NOT like what I see.

The Soul Train Music Awards

Last night the Soul Train Music Awards aired on BET, and BET's new network Centric.

Overall I think it was a decent reintroduction. Here is my overall recap.

The Good

Toni Braxton and Trey Songz- Their performance was decent and the kiss was the kicker. Oddly enough I don't think it was a big shock because most people knew about it for weeks when the show was originally recorded. Toni looked fabulous and Trey was looking scrumptious as usual.



TreySongz- He looked good, sounded good, I liked the dancers, and did I say he looked good?



The Boring

K-Ci and JoJo - During the Charlie Wilson tribute, They just looked bad, I heard K-ci grunt a few times and I didnt hear a peep from JoJo

Robin Thicke- I like his music but he doesn't have much stage presence

Ryan Leslie- It seemed like he was singing too low to be heard, the music was alright but his actual vocal performance was much to be desired.

The Favorites


Chrissette Michele- The voice was flawless, facial expressions were somewhat of a distraction but you could tell she was feeling the song


Erykah Badu and Ledisi- During the Chaka Kahn tribute, Hands down they killed it, Fantasia did her signature hollering and Angie Stone decided to let Chaka sing most of her own tribute.




If you havent caught it, I'm sure it will re-air. The only awards I remember were Beyonce winning for Best Album of the year and Keri Hilson winning for Best New Artist and Best Collaboration with Ne-Yo and Kanye West for Knock You Down.

Silky Soul Music (The Highlights)

Silky Soul Music, the album that is a tribute to the Legendary band Frankie Beverly and Maze, by some of soul music's artists right now.


SilkySoulMusic by Musiq Soulchild- Musiq opens up the album with this jazzy tune. His own tribute to Frankie Beverly and Maze. There was a man I knew, who was smooth as smooth can be, His music, His smile and his sweet, sweet melody.

We Are One by Raheem Devaughn- Frankie and Beverly's socially consciense song about how we are connected covered by D.C's own Raheem Devaughn. Genius!

Can't Get Over You by Joe- The perfect song for Joe's silky and smooth voice. His rendition is spot on, check out the vid.



Before I Let Go by Mary J. Blige- You can't mention Frankie Beverly and Maze without mentioning this song and Mary does the fellas proud.

Happy Feelings by Ledisi- Soul singer Ledisi's strong and beautiful voice cover of this original is definetly gonna give you Happy Feelings

Never Let You Down by Kevon Edmonds- BabyFace Edmond's baby brother and former member of the group Milestone, uses his signature tenor voice to sing yet another smooth remake by the legendary band.

If you havent already, definetly check out this album. This is for all those who appreciate REAL singers, Soul Music or die-hard fans of Frankie Beverly and Maze.
Enjoy!

Album Review (Transition)

31 year old Ryan Leslie has released his 2nd album titled, Transition.

The mind and music behind Cassie's debut single Me&U. Ryan has written and produced a number of artists throughout his career such as Danity Kane and Britney Spears.

For this album he wrote, arranged, produced and engineered the entire project.

Rumor has it that this entire album was inspired by a lady whom Leslie met during a rehearsal for his showcase at New York's S.O.B.'s. They went on to have a relationship during the summer of 2009, which the album tells the story of.

Now to the Highlights!

Never Gonna Break Up - A jazzy 70's inspired beat is the backup for this catchy song. Ryan speaks of losing the one he loves but vows to find the right one next time around. "I just want a girl that looks good with no makeup and when I find her I promise we're Never Gonna Break Up"


You're Not My Girl- Ryan's first single off of the album. A quick dance number where Ryan tries to convince a girl to go along with all the routines of a girlfriend and yet never allow herself to be claimed as such. "You can call my phone, you can swing over my place, on your nights alone you can come over my place, if he treats you wrong let me give it you my way, Just remember that You're Not My Girl


Guardian Angel- (My personal favorite) a sweet mid tempo song. Ryan has found his guardian angel in the woman he loves. "This isnt make believe, You found your way to me, and now, You deserve angel wings of that I'm certain"


Rescue U -(A track from the Deluxe Edition of the album)Smooth, jazzy, chill type music. Ryan croons over the track that he's coming through to rescue his woman and let her forget about her troubles. "Slowly unlock your heart, show me the way, to make it right, Baby I'm coming, said I'm coming through to Rescue U"


Promise Not 2 Call-(Another track from the Deluxe Edition) Catchy smooth midtempo track where Ryan decides to call it quits and makes a promise not to call as long as she doesnt call. "I promise not to call you if you dont call me baby it's alright, I promise I wont, I think its better if we dont, I wont call you no more if you dont call me no more, Lets make that promise and maybe we can move on girl"

Album Review (Attention Deficit)

For all those that think Hip-Hop is dead, take a listen to Wale's AttentionDeficit and be delivered. Think a mixture of Kanye West, The Roots and Talib Kweli. Much like these artists, the D.C. native has an identity all his own. Tackling such subjects as color complexes in the Black community, low self esteem, and reviving Hip-Hop. Wale teeters the line between being a bragadocious rapper and a Hip-Hop Dr. Phil

Now on to the Highlights!

Mama Told Me- Leading the song with; "Sorry Hip Hop it took me so long to get on but so long that I'm on it, It's On!" Sampling Summer Madness by Kool and the Gang with a smooth jazzy flow, Wale raps about being in the game, the highs and the lows. "Mama Told Me it'd be days like but I aint never ever think it'd be a day like this"

Diary feat Marsha Ambrosius (of Floetry) - A track that sounds a lot like a lullaby Wale speaks to a lady who has his heart but guards her own, because of pain she's experienced in the past. "Queen you deserve the title, but she rejects what I give, while she nurse the wounds by them."


Beautiful Bliss feat J.Cole and Melanie Fiona- Trumpet sounds in the background while the honey sweet voice of Melanie Fiona riffs over the track topped off by a beast of a verse from Fayetville's own J.Cole. Wale's Beautiful Bliss...seeing his time come in the Hip-Hop game. "Babe you know it gets know better than this, its like sunshine on a rainy day its like a high could you take me away, take me away, away, It's a Beautiful Bliss"


Shades feat Chrisette Michele - "From a light skinned girl, to a dark skinned brother, Shade doesnt matter, heart makes the Lover" Wale speaks of his own battle with his complexion, how it shaped his relationships with women and himself. While Chrisette Michele holds down the hook.


Prescription - "Here go your prescription" Wale offering his own brand of Hip-Hop medicine, over a breezy flute driven background. Thank you Wale, I feel better already.

Attention Deficit is in stores now and available on Itunes.

If you dont have it, get it!

Who Dat Wednesday (Melanie Fiona)

Melanie Fiona a Canadian born singer is fast approaching It Girl status. Born Melanie Hallim to Guyanese parents in Toronto, Melanie had an early love for music. Counting the Ronettes, Whitney Houston, and Sam Cook as early influences you can hear the appreciaton for early soul in her music.

Her current album The Bridge is available now in stores and on ITunes. Her first single Give It To Me Right has a sample from Time of the Season by The Zombies. Her current single It Kills Me, has a video that is in heavy rotation on MTV Jams, MTV, MTV2 and is on the countdown on BET's 106@Park. It also has a cameo apperance from CSI Miami's Adam Rodriguez.

Check it Out


Also a live performance of Give It To Me Right




Melanie Fiona's Website

She is currently on Tour here is her schedule check her out if you can!
10/29/2009
Benedict College - Listening Session
Columbia, SC
1600 Harden Street 29204 .

11/4/2009
Georgia State University - Listening Session
Atlanta, GA
P.O. Box 3965 30302 .

11/4/2009
Clark Atlanta University - Listening Session
Atlanta, GA
223 James P. Brawley Drive 30314 .

11/4/2009
Spelman College - Listening Session
Atlanta, GA
350 Spelman Lane 30314 .

11/6/2009
Nokia Theatre - Melanie Fiona Opens for Ryan Leslie
New York, NY
1515 Broadway 10036 .

11/9/2009
BET 106 and Park
New York, NY
6:00 PM .

11/16/2009
Showbox SoDo
Seattle, WA
98101

11/17/2009
Crystal Ballroom
Portland, OR .

11/18/2009
Fox Theatre
Oakland, CA
1807 Telegraph Avenue 94612

11/20/2009
The Wiltern
Los Angeles, CA

11/21/2009
House of Blues
Las Vegas, NV
89119

Tell It Like It T.I.S. Tuesdays (Still Standing)

Well for today's topic I will be talking about the Season Premiere of singer Monica's new show Still Standing.



The show which aired on BET tonight is a look into Monica's personal life as well as a behind the scenes look at the formation of her 5th studio album.

The show is a continuation of a special series that Monica did called the Single that was aired on Atlanta's Peachtree network.

I have to say that I am a very big fan of Monica's. I had her first album Miss Thang and was in love with her ever since. From her interviews she seems to be very real, down to earth and just a down home southern girl.

She is the mother of two young children Rodney the III, 4 and Romello 1. She is also currently engaged to Rodney "Rocko" Hill Jr.

Overall I think that the season premiere was good, I thought it just briefly touched on the work she is doing on her new album and her family life but it kept you long enough to see what the next episode will give the viewers. She was very candid about the suicide of her ex. Of which she witnessed, and made a song about called that was featured on her After the Storm album called I Wrote This Song.

She was also involved with No Limit rapper (and cousin of Master P) C-Murder who is now incarcerated for murder.

Monica has been through alot and has withstood the industry and personal tragedy so I am interested to see just how much this show will reveal about her everyday life.

I am rooting for her 5th album, she has said many times that she felt that the Makings Of Me and the marketing behind it were not true to her as an artist, so she is even more adamant to do it right this time.

Favorite Scene- "When her fiancee Rocko gave her encouragement about her strength as a singer and told her he was her #1 Fan. Very touching moment

So for those that havent seen the show it airs from now on every Tuesday night 9:00 Central and 10:00 Eastern.


Here is the title track from her new album as well as the opening song for the show

Still Standing (full version) - Monica

Also I Wrote This Song

I Wrote This Song - Monica

Freaky Friday&Sexy Saturday (Joe)

So in my inability to write a post for Freaky Friday I have decided to post Freaky Friday and Sexy Saturday together.


Today's artist is Joe Thomas.


Joe has been known for his sexy and sultry music. So in honor of Freaky Friday I will post one of his slow jam baby making songs from one of my favorite albums
My Name is Joe

One Life Stand - JOE


Joe Thomas was early influenced by gospel music being the son of two preachers. Later he got his break while being discovered in a gospel record store while giving guitar lessons in the back. He signed with Polygram Mercury records in 1993 releasing his first album Everything. Due to it's lackluster sales the album was released from his contract.

His first break out hit was All the Things (Your Man Wont Do)and was featured on the soundtrack for the Wayans Brother's movie Dont Be a Menace While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood.

Later he released All That I Am and it eventually went platinum. Scoring hits such as Dont Wanna Be a Player (which was later revamped on Big Pun's still not a player remix) and The Love Scene.

In 2000 he released My Name is Joe, his most successful album to date ( and my personal favorite) spawning such hits as I Wanna Know, Treat Her Like A Lady and Stutter.

In 2001 and 2003 he released Better Days and And..Then respectively.

In 2007 Joe released Aint Nothin Like Me, which featured Baby Where You At and was his last album on Jive Records.

In 2008, Joe found a new home with Kedar Entertainment/Universal and released JoeThomas/New Man

This year he released Signature, (an album of all ballads) independantly in Japan and the U.S.

Here are a few of my favorite songs from some of his various albums ( All Slow Jams of course)

From My Name is Joe

so beautiful - Joe

From All That I Am

The Love Scene - Joe

From Signature

FRIENDS DONT LET FRIENDS... - Joe

From And...Then

More & More - Joe