Take Two
So on the eve of New Year’s Eve I’ve decided to take another stab at it. Got way too preoccupied with other things, but now I’m focused…Thanks Kayode for nagging the hell out of me.
Poor Thing
this is what defines him...if he only knew
It’s just one of those things. I never saw what everybody saw in Soulja Boy. That Crank That song was always moronic to me and that was before I knew how triflin’ the lyrics were. It was just one of those things I shook my head at when I saw people on you tube doing that stupid dance. They remind me of what Lele Sobieski called Drew Barrymore and Jessica Alba in “Never Been Kissed” - lemmings. If I could find one ounce of musical or lyrical talent, maybe it would be different. But I couldn’t and never have been able to, oh well. When he was beefin’ with Ice-T, Kanye and KRS-One came to his defense. Apparently he should be praised for basically getting out there and making Crank That a hit song all by himself. I guess. But that just tells me that we need to check ourselves as a people. His youtube channel displays all kinds of fuckery, but nobody ever calls him on the foolishness. He’s coonery at its best.
So when I read the article on Toure\’s blog on the Daily Beast and what he said about his beloved slave masters, I wondered why everyone was so completely surprised and up in arms. It falls right in line with all the cash on the bed, the pix of the heinous gaudy jewelry, bad fashion sense, and the other jackass comments he’s made in the past. I just shook my head. He’s so obviously clueless. His response, “Oh I thought we were kidding”, isn’t surprising either. Maybe he is that dim.
What puzzles me the most is why everyone responding to his comments on blogs and the like are calling for someone to slap the shit out of him. As good as it wouId feel to most, I just don’t know if I can condone that. I just don’t think that’s the path we should take. It’s just obvious to me that quite a few people have failed poor Soulja Boy in his life. Yeah he’s alive, yeah he’s rich by poor people’s standards, but he’s ignorant as hell and displays said ignorance on a regular and consistent basis and nobody in his corner sees fit to steer him the right way. Maybe those in his corner are just as ignorant as him. It certainly would explain a lot. But I’m reminded of that wonderful old saying, “it takes a village”. I feel like those more enlightened folks in hip-hop should have been reaching out to him a long ass time ago. If he didn’t have all these older, more experienced rappers commending him on his obvious coon behavior garnering him success, but mentoring him, he’d probably do a better job of thinking before speaking. I lobby for the old days of the Motown PR training that artists used to receive as part of the package. At least then, he’d know when to talk and when to just shut the fuck up.
Video: If I Were A Boy - Beyonce
When I first heard the song, I wasn’t feelin’ it all that tough. But after listening to it a few times, it’s beginning to grow on me. It’s a different kind of first single for Beyonce. She always seems to want to bring the noise when coming back. I like the fact that this is mid-tempo and more subdued.
Drake - Swagger Like Us Freestyle
Checkin’ out his blog, October’s Very Own, and stumbled across this.
Download: Swagger Like Us Freestyle - Drake
Video: Ciara’s Your “Go Girl”
I’ve always been a fan of CiCi. Not of her actual voice. Let’s be honest. I’m not going to see her perform live any time soon. But her production has always been on point and her videos are always entertaining to say the least. This video is no exception. I already loved the song and these visuals just take it to another level.
Guilty Pleasure: Ride or Die - Ace Hood (feat. Trey Songz)
I know this is old, but I’ll put it on here anyway. It’s not even about me being a fan of Ace Hood’s skills or anything like that. Actually, he sounds like he’s yelling on the track. It’s more about the track itself. It’s just really melodic to me. And I’ve gotten really into Trey Songz’ work as of late. He’s impressing me more and more. Anyway…
Back in the Day: All Fall Down - Five Star
Even though I only remember this one song from them, Five Star actually had a really long career in Great Britain. This was one of my favorites back in the day. I was all about all things Michael Jackson. Anything with a hint of Michael Jackson in it, I was all over it. So this definitely made the cut. Damn they could dance.
Video: Bust Your Windows - Jazmine Sullivan
Never had it in me to do it…
Universal Mind Control - Common feat. Pharrell
Whatever mood you’re in, this man has something for you. I don’t think I’ve ever been disappointed with any musical offering from Common. I thought I was when Electric Circus came out, but I had go back and re-assess after discussing the album with the two Chris’s and Ben one night in the Park Hyatt lounge. Anyway, this is just as fresh and reminds me why I’ve loved Common’s work as long as I have. The visuals on this are so pleasing.
Welcome to SugaRush Beat Company
I love SoulBounce because they are one the best what they do. Before I started writing myself, they were my one stop shop when it came to R&B and Soul music off the beaten, weary, mainstream path. Every blue moon, they hip me to some seriously awesome new music. A couple of days ago, I came across the SugaRush Beat Company. I have been a fan of Rahsaan Patterson since the Kids Incorporated days (Stacy and Mario too I guess), and it’s so cool to see him involved in a project this eclectic. SugaRush Beat Company include Patterson, singer Ida Corr from Denmark, and producer/musician Jaz Rogers and together they give their listeners something soulful, uplifting, and so very fun. There’s no point in trying to define their sound because 80’s R&B, gospel, old-school soul, elctro-pop, whatever, is represented. Their music is just a good time to me.
SugaRush Beat Company’s debut album was released this week in the UK. They haven’t hit the U.S. yet, but check out their MySpace page and their official website and get a feel for this dynamic and diverse group. Also check out the video for “L.O.V.E.” below.
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