REFLECTIONS OF 2007

Many entertainers had many high and low moments in the year 2007. Some artist got long overdue recognition, while others, contiued to be successful while some became vitcimns of lack of promotion, paternity suits, custody battles, criminal activities, and death. Here's a recap of 2007
The Broadway musical "Dreamgirls" finally hit the big screen, grossing millions of dollars, while the soundtrack hit number one, knocking former B2K member Omarion's sophmore effort from the top spot, making it the first musical soundtrack to hit number one since "Grease" and "Saturday Night Fever." Making the film's success even sweeter was the praise that co-stars Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Hudson received, with the latter star winning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, showing American Idol Judge Simon Cowell that true talented singers will always be arouund and can make it despite his views and opinions.
Destiny's Child had a great year as well. Original member Le-Toya Luckett's solo debut reached platnium status, while her single "Torn" was name top song of 2006 by ASCAP, who honored Luckett with the Top Songwriter of the year award. Lead vocalist Beyonce Knwoles' hit "Irreplaceable" was one of the longest number one songs of 2007,staying at the top of the charts for over 11 weeks. She also made history by becoming the first female artist to received the internaitonal Award from the American Music Awards for sales of over 100 million records. Michelle Williams won rave reviews for her portrayal of Shug Averey in the Chicago production of the hit play "The Color Purple" and Kelly Rowland finally released her sophomore effort "Miss Kelly" which received lots of positive reviews, but didn't get the promotion and airplay that it deserved. She's currently working on new songs to add to the CD and plans to reissue the CD this year. While the Houston group was focused on their solo projects, The UK group The Spice Girls embarked on their reunion tour to promote their greatest hits CD, and is winning wave reviews as we speak. Former Supremes lead singer Diana Ross received the Lifetime Acheievement Award from BET and during her acceptance speech, she finally thanked and acknowledge all the Supremes including Mary Wilson which made lots of Supremes fans and Detroit natives happy. Hopefully these two ladies can get together, settle their differences, and join forces with Cindy Birdsong and reunite for a real reunion tour which is long overdue. Ross' son Evan won rave reviews for his appearances in the movies ATK, and Life Support, which he co-starred with his sister Tracee of "Girlfriends." Singer Rhianna hit the big time with her hit "Umbrellla" which became the summer hit of 07, earning her a American Music Award for Best R&B Female Vocalist.
R&B/Rap quartet Pretty Ricky's won more fans with their sexy hit single "On The Hotline" which helped their album "late Night Special" debut at Number one, showing that sex sells, while singer/songwriter Lloyd scored with his comeback hit "You" showing people that good boys can record hit records too, along with Ne-Yo who addition to writing Beyonce's hit "Irreplaceable" scored hit second # 1 hit album with Because of You" while teaming with Fabolou for the summer hit "Make Me Better."
Singer Akon dominated the charts with his singles "I Wanna Love You" and "Smack That" while T-Pain became one of the sought after signers thanks to his hit "Buy You A Drink."
It was a good year for Hip Hop as well. Ludacris received a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album as well as a BET Award for his hit Runnaway with Mary J Blige, who received 3 Grammy Awawrd for her hit album "The Breakthrough." Harlem rapper Mims scored a huge hit with his debut single "This Is Why I'm Hot" while T.I. scored a hit album with his release T.I. vs TIP. New Orleans rappers Lil' Wayne and Baby received an longover due BET Award, while Bow Wow and Omarion joined forces to record their joint album "Face Off" Fabolus and Jay-Z recorded hit albums as well.
Alicia Key's released her fourth # 1 Album, and in addition to touring, the classially trained pianist will be portraying Lena Horne in an upcoming film.
Another great thing that happened was the opening of Music Wit A Twist, a gay record label who signed Gay rap duo God-Des and She and R&B singer/songwriter Jesse O. Speaking of Gay artist, alot of Gay movies and TV shows became hits inlcuding Ski Trip, Dirty Laundry and the DL Chronicles, which gained lots of play on the Gay cable station, while author James Earl Hardy's novel B-Boy Blues is being made into a motion picture.
Many celebrities also found happiness in their private lives including singer/songwriter/ producer Babyface who is dating one of Janet Jackson's fomer dancer, while his ex-wife is engage to Eddie Murphy, and though the two Edmonds are divorced, they're managing to maintain a close friendship while being loving parents to their sons. Speaking of children, R&B/Pop singer Christian Aguleria and her husband are expecting their first child.
There were many celebrites that found themselves in divorce court including Britney Spears who's divorce from gold-digging back-ip dancer Kevin Federline caused the former Disney Kid to shave her head, induldge into drug and alcohol abuse, neglect her two sons, and mess up at the MTV Video awards. her behavior became so out of control that most of her staff quit. Her younger sister had gotten pregnant, forcing her show to drop her from the cast and hor mother to lose a book deal. Singer Ne-Yo also found himself in unnecesary drama as well. He had to remind Beyonce that he wrote her hit "Irreplaceable" after she told her Japanese fans that she wrote this song for the ladies before performing her hit song that he wrote for her. Speaking of drama, there was more dramatic incidents that was added to the Destiny's Child legacy; in the spring, a fan had asked Beyonce for an autograph, and when her mother Tina declined his request, he not only slapped her, but he posted it on the internet. A few months later, two of Beyonce's fans were hit by fireworks at her concert forcing them to be rushed to the hospital. Shortly after that incident, Knowles fell down a flight of steps while performing in Orlando, Florida. After her concert, she begged the audience not to put it on You tube. Her father Mathew had allegly threatned to take action if the footage was put on the site, but changed his mind after fans complained about him showing favortism towards B over Kelly, who collapsed while performing in Africa due to exhaustion. Actors Shemar Moore, Vivica A. Fox and Eve were each arrested for DWI, while Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton were sentenced for driving under the influence, and while Richie didn't complain, Hilton had a hissy fit by crying and demanding to be taken to the hospital for illness.
Rapper T.I. was arrested and released on 3 million dollars bail for having his body guard purchase guns and silencers. His security guard was purchasing the fire arms from an undercover cop, who later arrested the Grammy Award winning Rapper shortly before he was scheduled to open the BET Hip Hop Awards in his hometown of Georgia. His currently awaiting trail, along with R. Kelly who was charged with having sex with a minor after authorites received a tape showing the singer engaging with lewd acts with underage girls back in 2002, and though the trial has been put on hold for years, the trial is about to begin. On the subject of lewd acts, former B2K member Raz-B admittedd on video that he and his brother were sexually molested by their cousin Chris Stokes, who used to manage the group, until they learned that he and his company were stealing money from them. Raz released the taped confession on Christmans, and was forced to apologize the following day be force from Stokes who was caught on tape saying he doesn't participate in those acts any more.
Sadly we losted many famous people.
Soul and Hip Hop pioneer James Brown died from Heart failure shortyly before 2007. Dubbed as the God father of Soul, Brown had scorned many hits including "I'm Black & I'm Proud," "Sex Machine," "I Feel Good," "Living In America" amd "I'm Real", which has been sampled by many artists including MB Hammer, New Edition, The Notorious BIG, Public Enenmy, KRS-1 & Heavy D. His dancing also influenced many artist including Michael Jackson and Usher who Brown dubbed the Godson of Soul. We also lost singer Luther Ingram who scored with the classis "If Loving You Is Wrong" as well as Tony Thompson, the lead singer of Hi-Five who was found dead in Texas from freno huffing. Rapper Stack Bundles was shot and killed in the housing project where he grew up at, and week later, hiz killer was killed. Rapper Pimp C was found dead in his hotel room from natral causes, while Rock legend Ike Turned died in his sleep.
2007 was an exciting but sad year, and I'm looking forward to sees what happens in 2008.