DA-PROFESSOR'S FAVORITE NOVELS OF 2011

Many hot author's penned some hot novels that kept readers' eyes glued to the page.

1. MIDNIGHT BY SISTA SOULJAH
2. GODDESS OF VENGENGE BY JACKIE COLLINS
3. CHULITO BY CHARLES RICE-GONZALEZ
4. MOGUL BY TERRANCE DEAN
5. SKELETONS IN THE CLOSET BY SABRINA A HUNTER
6. ONE LYFE TO LIVE BY ERIC GRAY
7. EVICTION NOTICE BY KWAN
8. TIL IT HAPPENS TO YOU-KRISTOFER CLARKE
9. NATURAL BORN KILLERS-TERRY WROTTEN
10. TO LIVE AND DIE IN LA-TERRY WROTTEN

DA-PROFESSOR'S FAVORITE COLLABS OF 2011

Many artist joined forces and created some hot joints, bringing their induvidual talents together.

1. HEY MUMA-CAM'RON & VADO
2. CRUSH ON YOU-THE NEW BOYS AND Y.G.
3. WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT?-ENVY AND BLACK KARRINGTON
4. JUSTICE-MR. DEAZL AND MR. VANN
5. GET MONEY-INFINTE WITH KAOZ AND MILAN EMPRESS
6. 24 HOURS TO LIVE-SWANNY RIVER WITH INFINITE, LAST OFFENCE, SONNY LEWIS, KING JABBAR, KAOZ, SHORTY ROC AND BONEINTEL
7. I SPOKE TOO SOON-SHALIEK RIVERS AND FRED THE GODSON
8. I'M IN LOVE-LOCO NINJA WITH LUMDIEE
9. MOTIVATION-KELLY ROWLAND AND LIL' WAYNE AND LAY IT ON ME-KELLY ROWLAND AND BIGSEAN
10-WET THE BED-CHRIS BROWN AND LUDACRIS
11. FRONT & SINNER-KAY'VION AND MIKE MILAN
12. NEED YOUR LOVING-EFFICAL DUDLEY WITH AVENUE

DA-PROFESSOR'S FAVORITE COMEBACKS OF 2011

2011 was a memorable year for many recording artist, who made great comebacks, and gaining a new legion of fans, while maintaining ties with their longtime fans, who have kept their legacies alives. Here is my list.


1. CHRIS BROWN-SINGER/SONGWRITER/ACTOR
Since the incident with his jealous ex Rhianna, many have written Chris Brown off, by banning his music, and dogging him in the press. Well Chris Breezy came back in a big way. First in 2010 he performed a tribute to his Idol Motown Legend Michael Jackson on the BET Awards, then he released two mix tapes. This year, he released his fourth studio album F.A.M.E. which debutted at # 1, and had fans, who were afraid to admit that they loved him, saying his name. He was able to let people know that everybody needs a second chance, and the fans have forgiven him.

2. OAKTOWN'S 357-HIP-HOP LEGENDS AND MC HAMMER'S ORIGINAL BACKGROUND DANCERS
With the creation of You Tube, many fans had expressed their love for Hip-Hop group Oaktown's 357, who had disbanded in 1992. The positive comments, have inspired member Sweet LD to reconnect with her former group members Terrible T and Little P, who had left the group due to being cheated out of money by MC Hammer. The trio did appear on a few live internet radio shows, creating a buzz and interest by fans, who requested that they record some new music. Well Sweet LD and Little P dropped a hot and sexy single titled "Get Up On It" which has been getting good reviews and shows that they haven't lost their touch. They also were (finally) honored in Texas for their contributions to Hip-Hop.

3. MARY WILSON-ORIGINAL SUPREME, MOTOWN LEGEND, BEST SELLING AUTHOR.
For the past decade, original Supreme Mary Wilson has told several journalist that she was working on a new album, leaving many happy and wondering which direction she would go musically. Well Mary's single "Life's Been Good To Me," been getting lots of spins on internet radio, and lots of sales on I-Tunes. With it's positive lyrics and her sultry vocals, Mary is showing the fans and industries, that she's more than a sexy lady and a former background singer.

DA-PROFESSOR'S FAVORITE PORNSTARS OF 2011

With the emergence of X-Tube, Porn Hub and other porn sites, many porn stars have became famous and have many fans masturbating to their work on screen.



1. CUBAN MICHAELS
2. ROMEO STORM
3. SARGE
4. BRETT EVERTT
5. RED BULL
6. REMY MARS
7. TRAPP BOY
8. JOHNNY JONHES
9. USHER RICHBANKS
10. ARQUEZ
11. EXTASCY BABY
12. CREAMZ
13. MANNY BABY

DA-PROFESSORS FAVORITE VIDEOS OF 2011

1. MARSHA AMBRIOUS-FAR AWAY
This video was sad, touching, innovative and touches on several topics and issues including friendship, homophobia, bullying and suicide. I also loved how the former member of Floerty had two masculine guys rocking Urban gear (fitted caps, baggy jeans and timberlands) as oppossed to using overly flamboyant guys to play a gay couple. The sad yet touching part of the video is the message that she wrote talking about how she lost a friend to sucide, and to accept alternative lifestyles. This video became a hit with the Gay Community and many ignorant homophobes were pissed at her for winning awards for this song, but like she said in the video's message, If I saved one life, I have done my job.


2. FARRAD-THE WAY YOU DO.
Fun, energetic, colorful, and creative is how I can describe this video by this talented singer/songwriter/dancer. The video matches the song's 50's 60's feel with graphics, wardrobe that echos, I Dream of Jeanie, Bewitched, Happy Days, Motown and The Jackson 5. The fun part of the video is when Farrad is dancing with lifeless body dressed with prep sweaters, jeans and leather jackets. Every dance video doesn't have to be in the club all the time.

3. AMBITION-SHE WANNA
Pretty Ricky's second former lead singer Ambition has been on his grind, and working hard to put Pittsburg on the music map, and he's done a great job by coming up with a hot video that showcases, his dancing skills, and his sensual and sexy sides. This video features him leading a group of friends on motorcycles to a club, that has people dancing, chilling, but the video begins to get hot when he sees an sexy lady, who captures his eye and sensing that she's not happy with her man, he has a White female stripper inform her that he wants to talke to her. As she attempts to approach him, her man tries to grab her, but he has his security intervene, and she goes into a private room, for prvate party with him and White Chick and later leads into a video preview of his single "Under Ya Skin" and his single "You Know What I'm Saying" His video echos The Isley Brothers/Angela Winbush video "Floating On Your Love," but unlike the video where Lil' Kim confronts Mr. Biggs for standing her up, Ambition is seen dancing with the lady he stole. I loved how Ambition casted a Dark-skinned lady to be the lead and main object for the video, but it would have been hotter had they kissed at the end.

4. CHRIS BROWN-SHE AINT YOU
Michael Jackson has influenced many people in the industry including Chris Brown, who the late Motown legend spoke very highly of in his interview with Ebony Magazine. Well Chris has been paying homage to Jackson in his concerts, by performing medleys of Jackson's hits, and at many awards shows including the 2010 BET Awards, which is an event everybody still talks about. Well Brown finally paid the ulitmate tribute with his video "She Ain't You" which features the sexy singer performing various moves and poses that made Jackson famous, as well as donning fedoras, and suits in various colors and background that were used in Jackson's Thriller and Ghost short films. The cheorgraphy is great and it makes you think you're watching a MJ video. I loved how he wrote a tribute to him at the beginning, which shows he true love for the King of Pop.

5. LESTER GREENE-RUSSIAN ROULETTE
Gay Rapper Lester Greene is known for making cutting edge music. Well the video he did for this song was also innovative in a way; he had Out Hip-Hop producer Swanny River as the lead, which was a bold and good move being how many in the Gay community tend to shun Gays who are large and full-figured. Especially the Black and Latinos. While the video was short and deals with a guy creeping on his wife with a man, the video did had some great shots and edits, that makes the viewers tune in to see what's gonna happen next as well as hit replay to see if they missed anything.

6. KAOZ-KEEP IT HUMAN
Kaoz has been doing music and video that has gone agains the grain, but for his single "Keep It Human" he decided to do a video that is simple, yet empowering and creative. The clips of the mother having dinner with her daughter adds elements of humanity and love along with the mural of the a Black family together shows unity along with the clips of Kaoz and an Asian Guy (sepeartely) holding signs that reads that encouraes viewers to stay strong and to strive for excellence.

7. SHORTY ROC-I'M A RAPPER.
When Out award winning Rapper Shorty Roc decided to film a video for his single "I'm A Rapper" it should have come as no suprise, that he chosed to film it in Downtown Brooklyn, an section where many legendary rappers like Big Daddy Kane and Biz Markie would battle and freestyle and it's also the place where many rappers and authors be be grinding to get sales, which is what he incoporated into the video, which features Roc and producer Swanny River out selling CD's and showing those who copped them watching his video on the internet pleased with the product they brought. The close ups captures his hard and sexy sides.

R&B SINGER GIVES HOLIDAY CLASSIC A SOUFUL FEELING

NOEL GOURDIN
FIRST NOEL
TOP NOTCH MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT

For decades, many singers have recorded Christmas singles and albums, and it shouldn't come as a surprise that Soul singer/songwriter Noel Gourdin would be jump on Santa's sled and record a holiday tune to get music in the holdiay spirit. His rendition of "First Noel" has a nice souful, jazzy Gospel feel, courtesy of the drums, horns, strings and electric guitar, which also adds elements of blues to the classic. Gourdin also blesses the tricks with his southern Gospel trained and flavored voice, which sounds rich and make listeners feel like they are at church on Christmas Eve and/or at a Christmas play on Broadway.
Gourdin did a wonderful good on this classic and I know that many fans will be playing this while opening their gifts and sipping on Egg Nog.

ANGELA WINBUSH'S 30 YEAR MUSICAL RUN

Through out the 1980's and 90's, many talented ladies had emerged onto the music scene, and Soul Legend Angela Winbush was one who became a favorite among Soul Music lovers, and it wasn't only for her voice. In addition to being a great singer, Winbush has wrote and produced classic hits for herself, and other singers, making her one of the few Black female producers to achieve success as a singer, composer and musician, inspiring a legion of females including Chante Moore, and Syleena Johnson, while her classics have been covered and sampled by several R&B, Hip-Hop and Gospel artists. Yet with acomplishments, she had to overcome several obstacles, including fighting for recognition, a public divorce and surviving cancer, but her relationship with God helped her presevere, and this article honors this talented golden lady and her success. Winbush was born on January 18, 1955 in St. Louis to Alfred and Anna Winbush, who were active in the Civil Rights Movement, by taking part in marches and demonstrations, bringing their young daughter along. "I was bused because I came up in the civils right era. At six years old, I was on picket lines" Winbush said on TV One's Unsung. Winbush's parents had sepearated shortly after her third birthday, but she had a strong family connection, by spending time with her mother, and her aunt, uncle and cousin, who lived across the street from Angela and her mother, a former Government worker. "My uncle Elmor and my aunt Mary moved across the street and I used to run from this house back and fourth" Angela said on Unsung. "She's a family girl." her mother added. "Family gave her so much love I don't think she missed much." Like many Blacks in the south and mid-west, Angela spent most of her childhood in her great-grand parents' church which provided a spiritual foundation for her as well as provided an outlet for her to showcase her singing talent, which had the congregation suprised and touched. "Angela suprised people because she has this four-octave range. That was her God-given talent" Winbush's cousin Marytl Webster said on Unsung. Angela's mother enrolled her in vocal and piano lessons, and while she enjoyed taking the courses, she didn't plan on purusing a career in music at the time. Her goal was to be an archetect. "When I was little, I wanted to build buildings and I played with building blocks and I drew blueprints" Winbush said on STL 95. After graduating from high school, Angela enrolled in Howard University, a famous historically Black college that nuturned many talented famous alumni including Donny Hathaway, Roberta Flack, Phylicia Rashad, Debbie Allen, Wendy Raquel Washington, Anthony Anderson and Lance Gross. Originally an archetiture major, Winbush would spend her free time in the music room, singing, playing piano and composing songs, catching the attention of many students, and staff, including Gospel Music composer Richard Norwood. "I was blown away by her talent. For someone to be that young and sing like that was incrediable to me" Norwood said on Unsung. Winbush joined his Gospel choir, and became his featured soloist, where she would have the audience on their feets, clapping and shouting. Angela switched her major to music education where she learned song structure and music theory, which would benefit her in the future. She had also teamed up with Tawatha Agee and Elent Ricks to form the trio Hot Tea, who would performed around the D.C. area, opening for several legendary acts including Al Jareua and others who recruited them for background sessions. After earning her degree in 1977, Angela briefly taught high school, but followed her calling to be an musician. "I enjoyed working with the kids, but my first love was always to be a performer" Winbush told Blues & Soul Magazine. She landed a gig singing background for Jazz/Soul artist Jean Carne, but hit the jackpot, when legendary DJ Gary Byrd sent Winbush's demo to Motown legend Stevie Wonder, who quickly flew her to Los Angelas to audition for his background group Wonderlove, and like Norwood, Wonder, and his musicians were blown away by her vocal talent. The Grammy Award winning icon quickly hired Winbush, and during her tenure with Wonder, she performed background on several Wonder composed hits including Jermaine Jackson's "Let's Get Serious" and Wonder's "Master Blaster (Jammin')" which hit # 1 on the R&B charts in 1980. She also sang background for Dolly Parton and spend time watching Wonder worked in the studio producing hit records. In 1990, Angela told Dionne Warwick how she learned about all the instruments Stevie would play and would take notes and quickly master drum machines, keyboards, synsersizers and the flute. She also spent time singing in the Terry Lynn Community choir, and one day during rehearsal, she met musician Rene Moore, brother of Bobby Watson, a former member of Rufus & Chaka Khan, who had worked as a musican with several artists including The Brothers Johnson. Impressed with Moore's vocal and keyboard skills, Winbush suggested they work together as a duo and Moore agreeded. "We were both pursuing individual interest musically, and she came up with the idea of writing songs together and forming the duo" Moore said in the Billboard Book of # 1 Rhythm & Blues hits. The pair began composing for several acts includng Lenny Williams who recorded their composition "Changes" while Motown legend Lamont Doizer recorded one of their tunes, creating a buzz with recording artist, and label executives, with Dr. Cecil Hale signing the duo to Capitol Records, where they scored two top 20 R&B hits with "Do You Really Love Me" and "I Love You More." In 1982, A&M Records recruited the duo to work on Janet Jackson's self-titled debut album where Jackson scored with the duo's penned hits "Young Love" and "Say You Do" with the former peaking at # 6 on the R&B charts. The following year the duo released their third albm "Rise" which contained the classic ballad "My First Love" a song that was offered to Jackson on her debut, which she passed on and would become Rene & Angela's signature ballad due to the string arrangements that gave the classic an romantic and mysterious feel. "All those strings" singer LalaH Hathaway said on Unsung. "Everybody remembers their first love. Especially nasty little boys because if you were lucky to get a dance to "My First Love" then you might have a good night that night" Legendary DJ Tom Joyner said on Unsung. "The beginning the whole drama of the intro. I never heard anything like that" Watson added. The song was so romantic and passionate that it led fans to wonder if the duo was actually a romantic couple. "We did date the first time we met but we found out we weren't channeled for each other" Angela finally revealed on Unsung. Despite the single's success, the album didn't do well due to Capitol's inability to market and promote Black artists. The duo also had conflicts with the label over their creativity. "We didn't have a great deal of freedome at Captial, espeically when it came to producing our own material" Winbush told Blues & Soul Magazine. The label would always insist on outside producers." Frustrated with the lack of respect., Rene & Angela switched to Mercury/Polygram Records, where the label told the duo to keep on delivering great songs, and they would handle the promotion. The duo delivered with "Street Called Desire" which went gold and spawned several classic hits including "Save Your Love (For # 1) featuring rapper Kurtis Blow, which became their first # 1 R&B hit, but it was their follow up "I'll Be Good" which became a classic that still gets play on radio and made them a household name with many speaking about the bassline in the song. "That was kind of rare for a female artist to have a record that was known in the groove in the bass" legenary bass player Nathan East said on Unsung. "That's one of my favorite songs of all time" Donald Peebles, the author of "Hidden Fires" and the blog "It's A Donald Thing" said. "I'm a big R&B/Soul counsouir. They sound good together." The success of the single got the duo bookings to appear on "American Bandstand" and "Top of The Pops" as well as the opportunties to tour with Whitney Houston and Freddie Jackson on their international tours, expanding their fan base. Making her success sweeter was Broadway star/Singer Stephanie Mills scoring her first # 1 R&B hit with her version of the Angela penned ballad "I Learned To Respect The Power of Love" The duo scored with the ballads, "Your Smile" and "You Don't Have To Cry", with the former hitting # 1 on the R&B charts, and featuring Angela primarly on lead. The album went gold and fans were anticipating a follow up. Sadly that didn't happen; "Street Called Desire" would be Rene & Angela's last album, and for years many had wondered why did the duo break up? In the Billboard Book of # 1 Rhythm & Blues Hits, Moore blamed Ronald Isley for the break up claiming that he felt wasn't going to succeed any further. That was Moore's story. According to Winbush, their partnership began to become strained during the success of "Your Smile." "We had send it in with my vocals because I always did the scratch vocals. They (the executives) said leave it like that." Winbush said on Unsung. The song, which was inspired by her grandmother became a huge hit, with music critics praising Angela's vocal performances and skills, which made Moore become angry. "My ex-partner didn't want it that way and 'you're gonna do the Chaka the way Chaka did to Rufus was all I heard" Winbush said about their arguements. "He didn't expect her to showecase over him" author Donald Peebles said. "She has a God-given talent. To be honest, I really felt that he wanted to keep her in the background. Sometimes when you duos and trios, the one person who the industry wants to keep in the background are the ones who are the most talented. And when she went to showcase who Angela was, it was a how dare you moment." The success of "Your Smile" had prompted The Isley Brothers to recruit the duo to work with them on their upcoming album, and it was at an luncheon, where Angela had told the group's lead vocalist that she had already had songs written for them. "Ron said he wanted to work the people who did "Your Smile" Winbush revealed in the Billboard Book of # 1 Rhythm & Blues Hits. "I had the whole Isley catalog, so when I got together with Ronald, I already had a pocket full of tunes ready" Winbush said in the liner notes of her greatest hits compliation. Ron and his brother Rudolph were eager to work with the duo, and while Winbush was happy to work with her idols, Moore became more angry to the point of lashing out verbally and physically on the road crew, and later Angela herself, who spoke about a fight they had during a rehearsal, where Moore had her in a choke hold, forcing her to scream for help, but the turning point came when they were in the studio working with The Isley where Moore struck Winbush, which resulted in her having a concusion and bruised ribs, and Ron had said that the violence had to stop. Mercury wanted the duo to record another album, and despite the offer to provide bodyguards, Winbush refused, which resulted in Moore filing several lawsuits against her and telling the label that he did most of the work on the album. Angela countersued and in 1993, the judge ruled in her favor, gaining 50 percent of her publishing and full ownership of songs she composed afterwards. "I had to protect my publishing."
With executives doubting her talent, Winbush wrote and co-produced The Isley Brothers' 1987 comeback album "Smooth Sailing" which went gold and received excellent reviews from critics and fans, prompting Mercury to give Angela an solo deal, and she didn't disappoint; her solo debut "Sharp" became a hit while her single "Angel" became a # 1 R&B hit for two weeks and earned her two Soul Train Music Award nominations. "I wasn't suprised that people would like it, but I was supriesed it went to number one" You never know what's going to happen with a record when you put it out" she said in the Billboard book of Rhythm & Blues # 1 hits. The song also became a hit with the Black Gay community as well. "I think that the Gay community can really see that song as one of their own and that song is saying any situation you're going through you can make it" author Pebbles said. Angela had became a hot commodity in the music business. In addition to writing and producing The Isley Brother's "Spend The Night" album, she also produced two tracks on Scottish Pop singer Sheena Easton's platnium album "The Lover In Me" and wrote and produced two songs on Stephanie Mills' gold album "Home" including "Something In The Way (You Make Me Feel) and "So Good, So Right" with the former becoming the Broadway star's fourth # 1 R&B Hit. "I think that Angela is an incredible singer and a gifted songwriter and producer. I don't think she's had her due as a producer" Mills said in the Billboard Book of Rhythm & Blues # 1 Hits. "She's wonderful to work with because she knows her work and knows how to tell you exactly what she wants and she allows you to deliver it in your own style." Angela also released her follow-up album "The Real Thing" which showcased her ablility to compose, arrange and incorporate all forms of genres of music including Soul, Funk, Quiet storm, Jazz and Gospel, becoming a favorite of fans and fellow arists including singer Lalah Hathway, daughter of the late Donny Hathaway, who recruited Winbush to work on her debut album and stills enjoy listening to the title track of Winbush's follow up with peaked at # 2 on the R&B charts. "Back in the day you had to do alot of things. You had to sing somebody under the table with a ballad. You had to know how to be funky and know how to dance" Hathaway said on Unsung. "She's just well wounded."
Winbush followed with "No More Tears" which became a hit with women and Gays. "It's a very empowering song to show women and Gay people that you don't have to be sitting down and crying overstuff" Peebles said. "You live your live. You party. You shake your ass. And no more tears. She was like I'm not gonna feel soryy for myself and she looked good doing it."
The album's third single "Lay Your Troubles Down" was a beautiful duet sung with Ron Isley who had became Angela's manager and boyfriend. The song had peaked at # 10 on the R&B charts and became a favorite among music lovers and romantics. "I loved it. You can see the love and chemistry between them. Lay your troubles has that Gospel orgin, but singing the song together, it was an testament in front of God" Peebles said. "I'm a sucker for a love story."
"It was fun to do with Ron and he added that sound that only he can do on record" Winbush said on Unsung. Many of their peers saw the love the duo had for each other including bassit Watts. "You can see chemistry with people. You can notice little things as time goes by" Wats said on Unsung. In 1991 Winbush produced Hathaway's top 20 hit "Baby Don't Cry" and appeared on the United Negro College Fund Telephon, ran her production company, and spend quality time with Ron, who she married on June 26 1993 in Los Angelas, making them one of Hollywood's famous Black musical couples. "They looked great together" author Donald Peebles said excitedly. "It was a dream come true because I never thought I would never get married because of the career with women is difficult" Winbush said.
After spending a romantic honeymoon in Hawaii, Angela embarked on an internation tour with her husband and brother-in-laws, where she was very popuar and well respected on the charts, but back in America, she was still being played primarly on R&B radio. "I think she didn't make the mainstream because I feel she wasn't gonna sell her self to the highest bidder on the mainstream circut because in order to go mainstream, you have to compromise yourself and I really feel that Angela wasn't gonna do that." Peebles said of why she didn't get the crossover success she deserved. Looking for more success, Anglea left Mercury for Elektra Records and in the spring of 1994, she released her self-titled album, which gained excellent reviews, and showed her ability to adapt with the times without losing her musical idenity. The album's first single "Treat U Rite" was written and produced by singer Chuckii Booker peaked at # 6 on the R&B charts, followed by her rendition of the Marvin Gaye classic "Inner City Blues" which she co-produced with Booker. It seemed that Angela was going to finally get the success that she deserved, but despite an international tour, and appearances on Video Soul and Soul Train, the album didn' do well due to executive changes at Elektra. In 1996, Angela along with ketih Sweat and R. Kelly had produced The Isley Brother's multi-platnium album "Mission To Please" which became a hit and introduced the group to a new generation of fans, who loved the remix single "Floating On Your Love" which featured The Isleys, Winbush, 112 and rapper Lil' Kim. The success of the single earned Angela and The Isleys an invitation to former president and first lady Bill and Hilliary Rodham-Clinton, who's photo appeared in Ebony and Jet Magazine. Angela's music became popular to a new generation, due to many R&B singers and rappers covering and sampling her songs including Adina Howard & Michael Speaks covering "You Don't Have To Cry" and rappers Foxy Brown and Jay-Z sampled "I'll Be Good" for their hit "I'll Be" which became a huge hit in the clubs and on Pop radio, giving Angela her first Top 10 Pop hit. "It was cute. She really didn't destroy it" Peebles said on Foxy Brown doing a great job sampling the classic dance song. Flattered, Angela joined Jigga and The Notorious BIG on the hit "I Love The Dough" re-writing and singing the hook of "I Love The More" furthering her connection with the Hip-Hop heads. "She let people know that you can join Hip-Hop, R&B and Soul together, and I'm glad that Biggie and Jay-Z honor her for "I Love The Dough" author Peebles said about the collabulation between the legends. I'm glad that they went and gave her her due. Biggie and Jay-Z are class acts." Despite the success and interest, Angela would spend time running her company, and spending time singing background for her husband, often performing a brief medley of her hits during a performance of The Isley's classic "Summer Breeze" and while many fans enjoyed her performance, there were many who felt that Winbush should have been out performing instead of being delegated to being a background singer. "I was still recording and producing with Ron so I didn't push my career because I was married and he wanted to be the forefront and that was OK, but it never got back around to me recording" Winbush said on Unsung. "I love The Isley Brothers, but I wanted to see Angela out there by herself" Norwood added. At the beginning of the new millinieum, Angela's career started to reheat, when singer Avant scored with his rendition of the Rene & Angela classic "My First Love." Impressed with the results, Winbush suprised the audience of 106 & Park and joined the young singer on stage to sing her part, which got rave reviews from the audience and television viewers, making it one of the show's most memorable performances. The following year she wrote and produced The Isley's award winning platnium album "Eternal," and despite the success and reviews, it would be the last time the duo would work together professionally and personally. Ron's cheating and issues with the IRS foreced Winbush to file for divorce. "I was hurt" Peebles said. "I was really hurt. I thought they was gonna stay together. They looked good together." Angela returned to performimg to rebuild her finances, and quickly got bookings to perform at various shows and events including New York Expo, but her touring came to a halt after being diagnosed with state 3 ovavian cancer. Learning how serious her condition was, Angela had surgery, and underwent seven months of radical chemothearpy. "I wound up in a wheel chair. I couldn't stand cause my feet cound't touch the ground. I could barely walk. You don't know if you can make it cause they can't gurantee anything" Winbush said of the ordeal.
Many had came out to show her love and support including The Isleys and several family members, friends and peers, and making her recovery stronger was singer Chante Moore and her husband Kenny Lattimore scoring with their rendition of "You Don't Have To Cry." After completing chemo, Winbush's cancer has been in remission, and in addition to growing closer to God, she's been an strong advocate of health in the Black community, and raises money for several cancer organizations. Angela has been performing and appeared on the Mo'nique show where she told the audience that she completed ministry academy, and performed her hit "Angel" where she hit her trademark note and said "that ain't no tape." She recently performed in LA, where she told the crowd to be on the look out for her new record soon. "Music right now is in limbo, and people are looking for real music and Angelae brought people through different situations" Donald Peebles said of how important it is for Winbush to be recording new music in a time where quanity rules over quality. "I would really love for her to show these youngings and these slut puppies that you don't have to take off your clothers to sing a hit song. This is how you do it without taking off your clothes. She need to teach that Rhianna alot of stuff." Many music lovers and fans also feels that she needs to be honored for her contributions to music as well. "She needs to be honored, but it takes the R&B lovers, the bloggers, the ones in the music industry to advocate" Peebles said. "All the bloggers, who appreciate good music should be the ones advocating for Angela to be honored."

AN SOUTHERN GAY SINGER SPEAKS TO THE DA-PROFESSOR

In 2007, I was listening to DJ Baker's award-winning podcast, and he was talking about this song called "I Likes Him" by this singer named Sanchez and how hot and catchy it was. He was write. The song had a nice beat and catchy hook that many people quickly fell in love with. Well Sanchez, who now goes by the name Rudell C has been making his mark in the LGBT industry by recording Gay versions of many popular hits and doing his own videos with guys two guys as well as forming a clothing line American Punk and an networking website which is doing well. I had the opportunity to speak with the southern business man during the past winter/early spring via telephone about his career, love songs, the reason why he shut down his clothing line, and things that makes northern boys wants southern boys.

DA-PROFESSOR: How are things going?
RUDELL C: Everything's been going good. Can't complain.

DA-PROFESSOR: A few years ago, you dropped your single "I Like Him" under the name Sanchez. What prompted you to write that song?
RUDELL C: When I wrote that song, I was in the early stages of writing and recording on my own. I was looking up beats online and I found this hot beat, and it was going to be my first time recording in a studio so i found the beat I liked and I was like I gotta write a hot song, so I put it out and it was the greatest song. Everybody like that song. Straight people like it and boys made up their versions instead of saying "I Like Him", "I Like Them."

DA-PROFESSOR: It was released under the name Sanchez. What made you decided to go by your current name?
RUDELL C: When I first came out, Sanchez was the name somebody gave me from a Gay family I was in. They just kinda gave me the name. Once I got to a certain age, I knew that I wanted to do something that would make me famous and I wanted to go by my real name and not by an alias. Singing, writing, whatever it's art, writing, everything I do, I use my real name.

DA-PROFESSOR: Which singers and artists inspire you?
REDUELL C: Oh my goodness. Number one. I know this may sound cliche, but I'm a huge fan of Beyonce. It's funny when I did "I Like Him" I was having a Beyonce feeling inside of me, but she's like a great artists and a great performer. Another person would be Michael Jackson. I've always loved MJ since I was 5 playing my tape player and dancing to his videos and music. And another person I like is India Arie. She has that raspy voice and I like how she uses it.

DA-PROFESSOR: You also had a clothing line out. What prompted you to start your own clothing line?
REDUELL C: I was having a conversation with one of my friends. We were texting and he called himself a cunt. When I got that text message, I saw Cunt and a T-shirt, and I'm like we should have our own clothing line. We see girls walk around with their shirts and boys have their little silly stuff, and I'm like Gay people dont' have shirts with their slang on it. I was like I ought to do this. I know I could do it.

DA-PROFESSOR: How was the feedback?
REDUELL: It was good. Everybody loved the shirts. I had a suggestion box on the website, and I got alot of emails. I really got positive feedback from the community.

DA-PROFESSOR: You recently closed down American Punk Why did you do that?
REDUELL: One thing about me is I don't really do something I'm not happy with. I wanna be happy with doing it and I thing with American Punk in the beginning, I think I over drove myself and it was wearing me out in the end. I did have a web designer when it came down to it. The shirts were hand made. Plus I have a full time job, so it just kinda got hard and I put a whole lot of pressure on myself to get everything done. It's crazy, it's not that I don't trust people, but I wouldn't feel comfortable handing it over to somebody I know.

DA-PROFESSOR: I'm glad I got my shirts.
REDUELL: (Laughs) So many people hit me up afterwards. I'm glad you got yours.

DA-PROFESSOR: You're from Tennesse. Tennesse is known for producing several Country Acts like Dolly Parton and Soul acts like Tina Turner and Al Green. How do you feel you're gonna add to their legacy?

REDUELL: We do have a music background and everything, and music is a big part of our culture. We have Country music fans. We have bandelo. We have big concerts and things like this. It does impacts us in those type of ways. The way I like to add to the legacy is to be a good artist and work hard and make good music. My legacy, especially with the LGBT community would be to make music that people can relate to.

DA-PROFESSOR: There are many guys who love southern guys. Tell me Reduell from your prespective, what is it about southern guys that makes northern guys wanna get with them?

REDUELL: I think one thing would be the accent. If you got a good little accent that would attract a good northern boy. A cute southern accent would be one and of course you know that they say, depending on what kind of northern boy it is, if you got a nice country booty, I'm sure they'll like that too.

DA-PROFESSOR: There are many northern boys who like southern tops (I laugh).
REDUELL: Oh. They want one of the country boys. Do you do the grills up north? The grills in the mouth. Is that a southern thing?

DA-PROFESSOR: The gold teeth? Back in the mid 1980's alot of guys used to wear caps in their mouths.

REDUELL: I guess the ones who want the southern tops, you can get the ruff necks (both laugh). With the grills in his mouth and the country grammar something like Nelly. I guess that what you would go for if you're looking for a southern top. The slang with the grills. Smile for me baby (both laugh).

DA-PROFESSOR: What else does southern guys have that makes northern guys want them?
REDUELL: I really don't know. I want to know about the northern guys. They seem interesting to me.

DA-PROFESSOR: What about cooking?
REDUELL: Yeah. How can I forget about the southern soul food (laughs). If you're from the south and you know how to cook, then I guess that's how you would keep your man at home. Keep them coming back and full (both laughs out loud). Southern fried chicken. Corn bread. Southern greens. Oh yes!

DA-PROFESSOR: In addition to singing, what other projects you're working on?
REDUELL: Right now, I have four projects I'm working on. I'm working on some writing projects. It's a Black Gay love story and it's pretty erotic and there are alot of twists and turns in that story. It's crazy because whenever people read the introduction, alot of people aske me is it real and I'm like, no. It's a fictional story and it's a good story and alot of people will be able to relate to the story eithe way because so much stuff happens throughout the the story that we in the LGBT comnunity can relate to.

DA-PROFESSOR: I read the story and it was hot and creative. What was the inspiration?
REDUELL: It came from no where. Writing has been something I've been able to do, but never done it. I've always written poetry and short stories. I did write one story once and that was when I was 16. I wrote one erotic story and I decided to give it a shot.I wanted it to be an interesting story. Not necessary a story about my life, but something realistic and full of drama. I wanted to tell a story and have people be able to relate to.

DA-PROFESSOR: You said how you like to write Black Gay love stories and Black Gay erotic stories. How important is it for Black Gays to have love stories on the market?

REDUELL: What got me interested was when I was 16, I wrote my first story and that's when I became interested in reading Black Gay literature and at 16, there wasn't much to look at. Especially in those teenage years when people are finding themselves in the community. We need that as much as we need Black Gay films. I love to see a Black Gay movie something that we can look at and say I can relate to that. It's very important because it's time we have those literature and those images we can read, and see and hear and it's something we can relate to. We haven't had our own Black Gay fiction and I'm trying to create that.

DA-PROFESSOR: If you can get anybody to be in your films, who would it be?
RUDUELL: If I had a caucassian, woman, it would be Angelie Jolie and if I had an African American character, female it would be Beyonce. I like everything she does. Alot of people think she can't act, but I think she's fine. When it comes to African American men, I would have to go with Will Smith and a caucasian man, I woud have to say Tom Cruise.

DA-PROFESSOR: If you have the opportunity to perform with any of your favorite artists LGBT and mainstream, who would it be?
REDUELL: LGBT. I would wannna perform with Bry'nt. Anye Elite. Dead-Lee. I'd like to work with him. Have you ever heard of God-Des?

DA-PROFESSOR: I met her in 2004
REDUELL: I'd love to work with her. As for as straight artists, I would have to say, I like to work with Trina. As far as female rappers. Male Rappers, if I had the change, Lil' Wayne of course. That would be interesting. Or maybe Drake. And when it comes to the singers, I would have to say Trey Songz. I really love his music, and females it would be between Rhianna and Beyonce. I like the old Rhianna alot. Alicia Keys is one of my favorite artists as well. I'm into slow love songs alot and Alicia Keys is really, really, really big. I love her music with a capital L and I like Lauryn Hill. That's one artist I'm feeling right now.

DA-PROFESSOR: Alicia was in a slight scandal concerning her husband Swizz Beatz and his ex-wife. What do you think of the situation and controversy that was surrounding them?
REDUELL: If they were already going through a divorce and they like each other, you can't help what you like. If you meet a guy and he's going through a divorce, and you like him, are you supposed to stop talking to him until the divorce is final? You can't help who you love. Now if he was still with the woman and cheating and having babies and all that then I say that's definetly wrong, but if they was in the process of splitting up, it is what it is. It's gonna happen anyway.

DA-PROFESSOR: What are your favorite Alicia Keys songs?
REDUELL: One song I really, realy like from her and it wasn't a single. "If I Were Your Woman."

DA-PROFESSOR: The Gladys Knight classic.
REDUELL: I like her version. The ones I can chose between is "Unthinkable," "If I Ain't Got You," "Diary" and "A Woman's Worth."

DA-PROFESSOR: You also mentioned MJ being an influence. What do you admire about MJ?
REDUELL: My dad did alot of tapes for me and for me, Michael Jackson's energy and his performances would always have me dancing. That's what made me love Michael overall. It was mostly watching his concerts (and) of course, everbody would mimick his moves as kids so I would be in front of the TV trying to do the moves (Reduell starts to sing) 'wanna be starin' something. You gotta be startin' somethin'.

DA-PROFESSOR: What did you think of the video he did with his sister Janet?
RUDUELL: I think it's a great song. Of course with me being 5 or 6, I didn't really understand what it meant, but looking back now, it was a great song and great video they did together.

DA-PROFEESSOR: How do you feel that MJ made an impact on both the LGBT and hetero communities?
RUDELL: I think that Michael was a house hold name. People grew up listening to MJ, so I don't think he had he necessary had to try. MJ crossed all boarders. Black. White. Gay. Straight. Hispanic. There are countries who love MJ. I feel that MJ was one of those type of people who didn't have to necessary try to make people a fan.

DA-PROFESSOR: You also stated that you love love songs. Tell me why do you feel that Black Gay men loves listening to love songs?
REDUELL: For me personally, I'm one of the slow song type of person. I love love songs. I don't know because I haven't actually been in love yet. That could be the whole thing with Gay men. It's hard to find someone to love in the Gay world.

DA-PROFESSOR: There are several Gays who want to see openly Gay singers and rappers but sometimes it's hard for them to get booked at Gay Pride Events. How does it make you feel as an artist?
REDUELL: I don't think enough people want it. I haven;t been to alot of prides outside of Tennesse. I can't speak for every state, you know. I've never been to a major state like New York or San Diego, but I know we broght Bry'nt here for our pride and like nobody showed up. Everybody was in the clug, so it 's kinda embarrassing in a way to bring somebody down and to have less then one hundred people at the event and once the event is over, you go to the club and that's where everybody's at. It's like on my God! Are you serious? So from my experience, people don't want it. We're so caught up in the lifestyle of seeing who's at the club and meeting boys that alot of people don't care about LGBT artists. I got friends who still hasn't listen to my CD. Maybe that will be something that will change over time.

DA-PROFESSOR: I remember you having videos on You Tube and one of my favorites was your video version of Usher's "Trading Places." What inspired you to do that video with a guy.
REDUELL: Well both of us are Gay and most people on You Tube know that I'm Gay, so the channell was for me to be myself. Alot of times I used my best friend, which was the closet thing I could be to a boy at the time, but finally I got my central boyfriend to be in one of my videos and I decided to do "Trading Places", so of course I wasn't gonna get a girl because I don't like girls, but it ended up being a great project overall. I think we need to use ourselves more onscreen more than we do now.

DA-PROFESSOR: Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?
REDUELL: The next five to ten years, I definetly want to be a household name for more than the LGBT community. I wanna made a name for myself for the different projects that I do.

DA-PROFESSOR: How do you feel you're making an impact on the music industry and LGBT community?
REDUELL: I feel like I'm bringing different things to the community as far as music, literature, clothing. I feel like I'm bringign different things and different products to the community that we can have.

THE SUPREMES HOT ENERGTIC BOXED SET

THE SUPREMES
LET YOURSELF GO-THE 70'S ALBUMS VOLUME 2: 1974-1977 THE FINAL SESSIONS
MOTOWN RECORDS

Music lovers can't and will never get enough of The Supremes, who made an global impact on the world, breaking race, sex, gender and class barriers with their memorable hits, sequenced gowns, wigs and their spirit that showed people that anyone can achieve their goals. From 1964-69, Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson, Diana Ross and Cindy Birdsong (who replaced Ballard in 1967) had scored twelve # hits, as along with being the first Black act to perform at the Copacobana, and when Ross left to pursue a successful solo career in 1970, Jean Terrell became the lead singer and helped the group score several classics including "Up The Ladder To The Roof," "Stoned Love," "Nathan Jones," "Touch," "Floy Joy" and "Bad Weather." However with Motown holding back on support, Terrell and Cindy's replacement Lynda Laurence had left, leaving original member Wilson at a crossroads; to puruse a solo career or reform the group? She chosed the latter; she recruited Scherrie Payne as the lead singer and rehired Cindy who was on maternity leave and would be replaced by Susaye Greene, and conqured the Disco and R&B charts, with several # 1 hits before disbanding in 1977. Well fans can enjoy the group's magical hits on "Let Yourself Go" which has become the group's biggest and best-selling compliation of all time. The 3 CD set not only features the Supremes' last three albums, it also features several unreleased songs as well as alternative versions of their classics that will have you dancing and romancing.
Disc one opens with the group's comeback single "He's My Man: a hot Disco song that has funky basslines, strings and sultry and sexy vocals by Mary and Scherrie who both blend well in the background with Cindy. The song also has cool lyrics that women and Gay men love.

He calls, says get dressed
And I put on my best
Being in his arms
Brings out all my charm
You can see us glow where ever we may go
He's my man.

Following this classic is "Early Morning Love" which was a nice reunion with The Supremes and the Holland Brothers, who produced ten of their twelve # 1's and gave this song a nice Soulful Blues feel by having a hot horn section and having Wilson sing and showing her ranges adding sexiness to the lyrics about making love the first thing in the morning. Wilson also shines vocally on the Country-flavored "Where Is It I Belong" and "This Is Why I Believe In You" which during the latter, features the group singing' you make me wanna shout' with Scherrie ad-libbing powerfully. Good, but the song would have been better had Cindy had also did some solo ad-libbing as well. Payne also does well on "You Can't Stop A Girl In Love" where she displays her vocal ranges, and shows the group's growth at that time, futher displayed on "Color My World Blue" which has nice harmony and "Give Out, Don't Give Up" which has inspirational lyrics and hot percussion, also heard on "Where Do I Go From Here." "You Turn Me Around" is a great ballad with romantic and inspirational lyrics and a great lead vocal by Wilson, but the song should have been longer. The Supremes' rendition of the classic "The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss)" is hot and shows that the group still had the capability of doing covers and making them their own,. The alternative version of "The Sha-La Bandit" is another song showing Payne's powerful singing, while the alternative version of "Color My World Blue" features Scherrie singing mid-range, Wilson's spoken seagment and more percussion. "Mr Boogie" is a hot song with hot percussion that could have been a huge hit along with the Hal Davis produced "Dance Fever" which has fans jamming to this gem on their I-Pods and using as their ringtomes. This song has a hot combination of Disco, Funk, Blues, Jazz, Country courtesy of the horn and rhythm sections, piano and bass. Adding more spice is when the Supremes sing and chant 'We're gonna boogie/we're gonna Reggae. I can't stop dancing in a soulful/Carribbean style, further showing their growth and there is really no excuse for Motown not releasing this along with the sultry romantic "Seed of Love" showing their capability to sing about romance. I predict many couples will be playing this songs at their weddings. The multi-lead on the alternative version of "Give Out, Don't Give Up" is another favorite because not only we get a chance to hear the group sing in unison, but they give this version a more spiritual feeling, while the extended version of "Bend A Little" featues a hot call and response and powerful vocals.
The ballad "Can We Love Again" is another gem that should have been released. It has a sultry Latin Jazzy Soul vibe and features Mary singing in higher ranges, while the extended version of "He's My Man" has more strings, bass and percussion and shows Scherrie cutting loose on the vocals adding Gospel flavor to the classic.
Disc 2 opens with "High Energy" which has a hot sexy feeling courtesy of the strings, percussion, Mary's sultry spoken intro and Susaye Greene's legendary singing, phrasing and trademark high notes. A great way of introducing the lady who would be dubbed the Last Supremes. Following this top charting classic is the group's last top 40 hit "I'm Gonna Let My Heart Do The Walking" a classic that still gets spins at classic parties. With it's percussion, strings, empowering lyrics and Payne cutting loose on the vocals, the song still gets fans on the floor. Scherrie also shows her sexy side on "Only You (Can Love Me Like You Love Me)" and "You Keep Me Moving" which has funky live breaks and horns, but for the latter, the group's vocals should have been more sultry. Mary shines on the ballad "Don't Let My Tear Drops Bother You" which has nice lyrics and percussion that adds elements of Latin to this soulful ballad along with the background vocalS, while the sounds of the boat floating on the ocean adds sexiness and sadness to "Til The Boat Sails Away" which fades into the Thom Bell-Linda Creed penned "I Don't Want To Lose You" which has nice lead vocals and a spoken seagment by Wilson who does a great job fronting Scherrie, Cindy and Susaye vocally. She and Scherrie does a great job singing lead on "You're What's Missing In My Life" which has nice lyrics, piano riffs that later would be used in the Roberta Flack/Donny Hathaway classic "God Don't Like Ugly" and shows their individual vocal styles.
The original mixes of the "High Energy" sounds similar to the versions that were released, but however, the original version of "High Energy" featres Susaye singing and ad-libbing in mid-range, while the vocals on "Only You (Can Love Me Like You Love Me)" are more seductive and fuller. The alternative version of "There's Room At The Top" has fuller and soulful harmony and handclaps that gives the song a Gospel feel, while Wilson shines on her version of "You're What's Missing In My Life" showing her growth and ability to sing mid-tempo songs, and the fans are still jamming to Susaye's lead on "I'm Gonna Let My Heart Do The Walking." Susaye gives the song a youtful feel and showcases her high notes and ranges, something that many artists including Michele, Mariah Carey and Chante Moore would later do on their recordings.
Disc 3 opnes with "You're My Driving Wheel" which has a hot horn section, percussion, piano riffs and strong vocals, further displayed on "Let Yourself Go", which has nice strings that adds elements of Classical music to the song, which like the former should have been larger hits alongn with "Come Into My Life" which has one of the funkiest basslines heard from any Motown artists. It gives the song a hypnotic feel along with Susaye's seductive and powerful lead vocals, which explains why she was the only member to sing at Ray Charles' funeral. Susaye also joins Mary on the ballad "We Should Be Closer Together" while Wilson does a marvelous job on the underated ballad "You Are The Heart of Me" and Scherie does well on "I Don't Want To Be Tied Down" which has great lyrics about being free and friends with benefits. The alternative version of "High Energy" features Wilson's spoken seagments, which improve throughout the song, while Susaye does a great job singing mid-range. The alternative version of "I'm Gonna Let My Heart Do The Walking" has more percussion, bells, bass, a different set of lyrics and features Scherrie ad-libbing 'Go head with your badself." My personal favorite is the alternative version of "Sweet Dream Machine" which is so much sexier than the version that was released. Giving the song sex appeal are the music, lyrics and the call and response between the song's co-writer Harold Beatty who speaks in his deep baritone voice while the ladies sing 'You're into me/I'm into you/Sweet Dream Machine in a sexual way along with making organic noises and says honey drippping while laughing. This version would have given Donna Summer's "Love To Love You Baby" a run for it's money.
This set is great, but it would have been better if the multi-lead version of "The Sha-La Bandit" was included. The set wouuld have been much hotter had the versions of High Energy with Scherrie and Cindy each singing lead wouldn't have been erased. Hearing those versions would have been heavenly, but all in all the set was well coordinated and it shows how The Supremes still had the magic and was able to have fans letting themselves go.

This review is dedicated to the late Florence Ballard who passed shortly before the High Energy album was released and to the late Phillip Howell, who would have loved this boxed set.

KING OF POP'S NEWPHEWS SINGLE HONORS HIS LEGACY AND CELBRATES HIS RECENT JUSTICE

SIGGY MR.DEALZ JACKSON FEATURING MR. VANN
JUSTICE

Many artists have paid tribute to Motown legend and global Icon Michael Jackson and have wanted him and his family to have justice. Members of his family also want their beloved son, brother, uncle, father and Godfather to have justice, and his newphews Rapper Mr. Dealz and Singer/songwriter Mr. Vann pays the ultimate tribute with their latest single "Justice" a nice smooth flowing midtempo ballad paying tribute to the King and informing the world and the tablolids that Justice will be prevail.
The song starts off with Dealz son of Jackson's brother Jackie, who with Michael co-wrote the group's classic "Can You Feel It?" performing an spoken seagment annoucning his uncle's classic hits, followed with Vann, son of Jermaine, singing the hook over an accoustic guitar with Dealz, spitting some hot verses about the love that their uncle showed them as well as how he's gonna strive to be a great entertainer and how importance of justice being served (which happened yesterday with the jury finding Conrad Murrary guilty for involuntary manslaughter). What makes this song touching is the call and response between Dealz and Vann, which tugs at the heart.

This song is great, showing how Michael influenced many people over the years, and to have his newphews join forces to perform a collabulation shows that family can work together, and make great music.

This review is dedicated to Michael Jackson.

DEAN'S HOT STORY ABOUT THE MUSIC INDUSTRY IS HOT

Author Terrance Dean penned another hot and shocking novel "Mogul" which is still getting thumbs up by several critics, bloggers and fans, who are always anticipated by what the talented writer has up his sleeve and what he has to share.
"Mogul" has a great story and characters that readers will quickly become attached to as well as some who you may wanna fall in love and/or sleep with, and avoids sterotypes that many people have about gays.
The story focuses on Aaron "Big A.T." Tremble, son of a legendeary, talented, well respected and down to earth Jazz musician, who's unexpected death forces him to cling to music as a form of escapism from his father's death and his first love, a guy from his high school, who migrates to UCLA on a basketball scholarship. A.T. works hards on honing his production and musician skills with the goal to being successful as well as producing quality Hip-Hop music, and shortyly after he links up with Chris another musician and Hip-Hop who attended the high school, who joins him on the grind to get into the industry. Close but no cigar; many turned death ears to their quality-produced music, but as the saying goes, one man's loss is antoher man's gain. Well the man who has common sense to recurit them was Larry "Pops" Singleton, a legendary promoter and executive who helped and guided the careers of many legendary artists to global successs, including Clip-O-Matic, who was impressed with his skills as an musician and producer as well as knowing about his sexuality, knowing that he was family. In other words, he recruited by AT and Chris because they were gay men. "Don't act like you don't know there are gay brothers in the business" Pops titled his head and squinted his eyes and pointed his finger at me. Shit without us, half these ignorant motherfuckets wouldn't be where they are today. How do you think most of them got where they are? I don't think that it's really about talented alone." Pop later took A.T. into a room and gave him a welcoming gift; a blow job and a make out session, and while Pops enjoyed servicing him, A.T. was still battling his issues of his sexuality and he would constantly have a Nelly/Kelly Rowland moment of being a dilema of deciding who to be with sexually as well as having a Bunny DeBarge moment of having A Dream about being with his first male lover who he yearned to be with. He began to put his ex on the memory back-burner by working with K-Luv another member of the group, he saw that AT had potential to become a successful producer, and after rapper Shawty Mikes insists that he produces him, AT lands an label deal, and signs a Brooklyn born rapper named Tickman, who becomes his debut artists and (unexpectedly) his boyfriend, who turns out to be a talented, mature, sexy and understanding partner. Especially when AT becomes involved with Spellman College alumni Jasmine Bourdeaux, an middle-class born woman who despite her upbrining and background didn't like to associate with her own kind and yearned to live life on her own terms, which caused conflict with her mother and impressed AT during their first date.
"Oh really?" he asked. "You would marry a broke man and live in the projects with ten kids on welfare? Jasmine laughed. No. I'm just saying love isn't about money she replied her hand over my heart. It skipped a beat. Her hand was like an electrical surge as it rested on my chest." A.T. took her back to his condo where they made love to the sounds of Sade, and while Jasmine began to feel an emotional attachment, A.T. had to constantly remind himself that she was an media destraction, but when Jasmine begin to seduce him mentally and sexually, things get hot and when he tells Pops that he wants to come clean about his sexuality, he urges him not to, fearing about the drama it may cause. Things get complicated with him and Tickman, who clashes with Jasmine and has divo moments forcing him to move into his own crib in Harlem, and while things are hot and cold, Tickman is supportive and understanding when he informs him that Jasmine is pregant with their child, but like Pop, he has concerns about him wanting to tell Jasmine the truth about his sexuality. A.T. later signs a new rapper names Southern Gent, and quickly becomes impressed with his looks, talent, and drive, but becomes disappointed when the young kid offers him ass. Pissed, A.T. decides to tell him the truth about the industry and lets him know that he doesn't have to result in fucking to get a deal.
"I hated seeing young kats being taken advantage of. I think it's because of how I got in the game. I refuse to do it to someone else." While spending time nuturing his new artist, Jasmine is telling people about her pregancy and wondering why A.T. is being distant from her, leaving her to wonder if he's seeing another female. Another dramatic event in "Mogul" is A.T.'s beef with Odyssey an executive who's known for bribing and using scare tactics to get beats and steal artists from other labels and when Tickman informs him that Odyessey tried to steal him away from the label, A.T. becomes piss and gives him a piece of his mind and an two ass-whippings, with the second one being on the red-carpet at the MTV video awards, where the crowd cheers at Odyessey getting defeated live and in living color.
The story turns sad when Tickman is shot and killed after a concert, which causes the world and industry to fell sad, and forcing A.T. to become distant from Jasmine, who becomes frustrated. It also forces A.T. to warn his boys that they need to stop taking advantage of boys because one of them would get revenge. Sadly he's right and while he wasn't the one to sleep around, he gets hits the hardest when an blogger and photographer named Craig sends Jasmine photographs of A.T. and his boys getting it on at an all-male party in L.A. in an attempt to get revenge on his boys who used him for sex and not giving him the opportunity to pursue his dreams, and while he never had sex with A.T. and has no ill will with him, he choses to bring him down to his association with the clique. "It was nothing personal against A.T." Craig said. I knew once he was crippled and taken out of the gamee, the rest would be easy It only seemed right for what they did to me." When Jasmine receives the photos, she's pissed, hurt and devestated and she gets back atthe mogul by wanting half of his empire and using their daughter as a pawn. A.T. however has her arrested for extortion, and calls on his friends for support and his assistants Kenya and Tracey coordinates an press conference and interviews where A.T. speaks about his sexuality, which gets mixed reaction from fans and peers, who refuse to work with him as well as degrade him with homophobic slurs, while many commend him for having the courage for coming out as a way to help fans come to grips with their sexuality, and while on vacation, Southern Gent gives him some shocking information about Odyessey who posted Jasmine's bail and begins a relationship with her. The info promptes A.T. to take life more seriously, and when he tells Jasmine about Odyessey's secret, she's becomes enaged, but has second thoughts and starts to live her own life by agreeing to appear on a popular show.
Terrance Dean's latest novel is a hot and good read. It keep me flicking through the pages to see what was gonna happen next and it also made me go back to see if I missed anything. He was able to avoid using many sterotypes about gays, and he was able to show the rappers having swagger, love and intelligence, and I hope that a sequel is in the works, because it would be interesting to see updates of the characters as well as answer some questions that fans have.

SINGER RELEASES SONG ABOUT THE COMFORT OF HENNESSEY

XAVIER-RAYE
HENNESSEY

4.3 ON A SCALE OF 1-5

For the past three decades, many alcoholic beverages have become part of popular and music culture, and hennessey is of many drinks that musicians constantly sing and rap about in their songs as well as have in their music videos, and Pop singer/songwriter Xavier-Rayes is helping make the drink more popular with his current single "Hennessey" a smooth flowing ballad that is destined to become a hit on Quiet storm radio and in bars around the world.
What makes this ballad nice are the stings, beats, which at times could be smoother, vocals and lyrics about the drink being around to keep him comfort after a long day of rehearsing, performing and traveling.

You mean more than me than just another relationship
With you there is no equal decision to make
My friend. Good ole hennessey.

Xavier-Raye came up with a nice ballad that fans can listen to while getting their drink on. Whether it's with a partner, a group of people or solo, this song will get you in the mood for love and or a drink.

JOHNNY GILL'S NEW RELEASE SHOWS HE'S STILL AT THE TOP OF HIS GAME

JOHNNY GILL
STILL WINNIING
NOTIF RECORDS
4.91 ON A SCALE FROM 1-5

When Soul singer/songwriter Johnny Gill dropped his comeback single "In The Mood," many true fans and critics were happy to see him doing what he does best; recording great, quality and tasteful music in the age where most of todays R&B singers are dropping songs that are sexually explict and blunt, and while I enjoy listening to the freaky songs, there's nothing like enjoying the sound of Soul singers singing romantic songs that makes you use your imagination and get you in the mood for romance, and that's why Johnny has been around for close to 30 years, and is one of the industry's well loved, respected and admired singers in the game, inspring many singers includng singer/songwriter JR. Skills or J.G. as he's called by peers and fans have captivated us with his strong Gospel-trained baritone in 1984, when he teamed with childhood friend Stacy Lattisaw for the hit album and single "Perfect Combination" as well as scoring a minor hit with "Half Crazy." Gill became a household name when he became a member of New Edition, and helped the Boston group crack the adult music market on their platnium classic album "Heartbreak" as well as singing on their R&B chart topping "Can You Stand The Rain" and the radio hit "Boys To Men." He also relaunched his solo career and made history by being the first album to have an album produced by two of the industry's hottest producing teams, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis from the Funk band The Time and L.A. Reid & Babyface of the Adult Comptemporary group The Deele, and scored with the classics "Rub You The Right Way," "Fairweather Friend" and "My, My, My' which became J.G.'s signature song. He also recorded on several hit soundtracks and teamed up with Gerald LeVert and Keith Sweat for the trip LSG and scored with the hits "My Body" and "Door # 1" which earned the trio numerous award nominations for Best New Artist.
Well Skills is back with "Still Winning" his first new release in 16 years, which plans on be a hit with those who love and appreciate good music and powerful singing. Serving as co-executive producer, Gill enlisted the services of Sanchez Holmes, Bryan-Michael Cox, Troy Taylor, Vincent Watson, Kevin Ross and longtime producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, who long with their portuges Johnny Jackson and James "Big Jim" Wright to make this release a hit. Johnny also co-wrote and produced several songs including the title track, which has a hot live feel courtesy of the guitar, bass, beats, and the call and response he has with himself, giving it a hard Rock & Soul vibe, and while it would have been slightly better had the song had effects of an live audience, the lyrics and Skills ad-libbing 'na-na-na-na-na- compensates for the loss. The mid-tempo ballad "Let's Stay Together", which has nice and tasteful lyrics, and showcase the rare times Skills sing in mid-range. His comeback single "In The Mood" is still getting play on radio and positive feedback from fans. Written and produced by J.G. and Ralph Stacy, this ballad sounds like the sequels to his classics "Rub You The Right Way" and "Let's Get The Mood Right" with classy piano riffs, and romantic lyrics about getting ready to make love.

Tonight's the night I'm going all in
and I want you bad right now
I wanna lay you on the couch
Or we can do it on the couch
I'm gonna give you more
Let's take it to the bed
Where's nothing else needs to be said
Just give me your love. I'll give it all back girl
I'm in the mood
I wanna be next to you

A great song for couples to play while dining, cuddling, and making hot passionate love, along with "Black Box" and the inspirational "Just The Way You Are" which will become a hit with fans, who are constanly being told how they should act by their lovers. In addition to the beats, the song has great lyrics about a guy telling a female that they don't have to change and their fine they way their are.

What more do I have to say
Girl you're perfect in everyway
I'm gonna be there for you.
Whenever you need
Don't worry baby
You don't have to change on me.
You don't have to change
You can stay the same
Girl I love you just the way you are.

J.G. is joined by Keith Sweat and The O'Jays' lead singer Eddie LeVert on the smooth flowing ballad "Long, Long Time" which will be a hit with the grown folks and youth with old souls, The song has nice strings, guitars and great vocal performances by the three music veterans, who cut loose vocally towards the end of the song, showing their individual styles. Especially LeVert, who performs his trademark line 'oh baby, oh baby' riff making his songs Gerald and Sean smile in heaven. "Who Is He" is another composition that Gill co-wrote and produced that will be a hit with the adults. The song sounds likes updated versions of Donny Hathaway's "A Song For You," and Luther Vandross' "Superstar" and has lyrics about telling a current love that they don't need to be in a bad relationship and they can move on to someone who will treat them like royalty.

Can I be the man to make you feel like a woman again
Who is he
To tell you that you're not a shining star.
When I know that you are.
And who is he
To have you believe you don't deserve the best
I'm here to say you deserve the best.

A Grammy nomination is recommended for this as well as the Kevin Ross-self-penned ballad "2nd Place" where Johnny displays his ability to sing different ranges including falsetto and tenor, while "It Would Be" has the potential to be a cross over hit courtesy of the guitars giving the song a Acoustic Country feel. The CD closes with J.G.'s soulful rendition of the Paul Mc Cartney classic "My Love" which he makes his own. The guitar, strings, and piano riffs, gives the classic an romantic feel, while J.G. takes it home with his trademark powerful ad-libs and riffs, showing fans how you're supposed to cover a song.

Johnny Gill's lastest release is hot and romantic and goes to show that he's able to keep up with the young kids by being himself, which is why he will always be on top and in first place.

SEXY SUPREME'S NEW UPLIFTING SINGLE

MARY WILSON
LIFE'S BEEN GOOD TO ME

True Motown fans love and admire Original Supreme Mary Wilson, for her sexy looks, sultry voice, and for working hard to keep the Supremes legacy. She's also shows all of her fans love by allowing them to join her onstage for a Supremes medley during her concerts, and greeting them afterwards. Well Wilson is continuing to show fans love with "Life's Been Good To Me" her first single since 1996's "Turn Around" which is getting lots of positive reviews from fans and critics, who is happy to see her recording again. Her latest single has a great mid-tempo, R&B/Dance vibe courtesy of the live audience affect, guitars, strings, keyboards and the call and response with her and the background vocalists. The song also has inspiring lyrics, about reflecting on how good life can be despite obstacles that often block one's path.

I've traveled from country to country
Was only trying to make it out the city
Never ever in my wildest dreams I would make history
I guess you can say this project girl got lucky
Life's been good to me.
Even though the sun didn't always shine
It's still be sweet.
Life's been alright with me
And I'm thankful for the life
I got to live my dreams.

Mary Wilson's latest release is a great song and it shows that she's more than a pretty face and a former background singer. She's a legend who can make great music that touches and inspires fans to enjoy life.

FLASHBACK REVIEW; SLICK RICK & LADY-TEE'S CLASSIC BALLAD

FIRE & DESIRE
PERFORMED BY RICK JAMES & TEENA MARIE
WRITTEN & PRODUCED BY RICK JAMES
1981 MOTOWN RECORDS.
RELEASED LATE SUMMER 1981

Former label mates and soul mates Rick James & Teena Marie had Black Radio and the concert trail on lock. James was flying high with his Classic award winning album "Street Songs" while Marie grooving with her classic masterpiece "It's Must Be Magic" but they two made magic on the classic ballad "Fire & Desire" a radio hit, that got major play on Black radio, and was different any other ballad released on Motown; it was a song about bumping into a former lover, who had helped them give up their days of sleeping around and reflecting on the magic they displayed during their first kiss. What makes this song magic are the music, the lyrics and the ending of the song, where Rick speaks and Teena sings, with so much soul and passion that it makes you wanna find love.

A beautiful love song by two Soul mates, who put their passion in their music.

FACTS ABOUT FIRE AND DESIRE
1. In his memoirs, Rick wrote about how an Ethopian Princess he dated was the inspiration for the songs lyrics, and how she changed him with her love and sensitivity.

2. Teena Marie was Rick's first choice to record the duet with him, but unfortantely, she became ill and was hospitalized with a fever. Rick was going to have another female singer sing the song, but when Teena learned he was going to get another chick, Teena got up from her hospital bed, went to the studio, and recorded her part with one take. Afterwards, she returned to the hospital and made a full recovery.

3. Fire & Desire was the highlight of the Street Songs tour in 1981. Their romantic relationship had ended and while they was performing, Teena would curse Rick out under her breath and during the song's bridge.

4. Rick & Teena performed this classic on the 2004 BET Awards, and got a standing ovation. Sadly it would be the last time they would perform the song, due to Rick's death two months later. Teena continued to perform the classic live during her tours.

5. In 1997, Singers Johnny Gill and Coko remade this song for the Booty Call soundtrack.

MY CHAT WITH BRITISH SOUL VOCALIST ENRICO DELVES

About two years ago, I was on You Tube checking messages, and one of the messages I received was from a guy named Enrico Delves asking me to check out his page and music. I did and I was blown away by his vocals and British accent, and his rendition of Michael Jackson's classic "Butterflies." I have a strong appreciation for British artists, so I sent him an email telling him how much I loved his music, and if he ever comes to the United States to perform, contact me, so I can check him out live. Two months ago, I learned that the talented artist was going to be peforming at the legendary SOB's, and I made sure I got my ticket, and when I sent him a message informing him I would be checking him out, he was excited to know that I was going to be in the house to give him the support, and I was excited that I was going to finally meet the talented vocalist, who has been the toast of the UK.
Born in South London, Delves started performing at the age of 10, and has been honing his skills eversince. He's performed at various cafes and coffee shops in London and around Europe, but his big break came when he won the opportunity to perform at the 2008 MOBO (Music of Black Orgin) Awards, which enlarged his fan base, and created a buzz in America, where many celebrities including Tom Cruise has asked him to perform at parties. After soundtrack, we met, and I found him to be extremely out going, fun loving, down to earth and at times dramatic (in a good way). After seeing him perform, I learned that he was going to be performing at Best Buys two days later, so I managed to score an interview with this talented and fun vocalist, where he spoke about being in New York, performing at the Mobo Awards, the challenges that many Black U.K. artist face, and his future goals.

DA-PROFESSOR: How does it feel to be back in New York?
ENRICO: Oh yeah. It's my second tgime. Well the first time I was doing a musical of an comtemporary version of A Midnight's Summer Dream. I'm selfish. Now I've come back it's about me, my solo songs and everything. It's really good. I got to perform at SOBS. I got to perform at a school called Grand Campus and today I performed at Live at Best Buy, which was a really good experience. I'm loving New York but the weather is killing me.

DA-PROFESSOR: How did you become involved with Music?
ENRICO: I realized I can sing at age 10, and I was praticing to Michael Jackson's "Man In The Mirror" instrumentals. So I kept singing over and over and over and I was like 'oh I like the tone of my voice when I do that.' So I kept on singing the hell out of that song until my mum over heard me and she's like 'Enrico is that you?' I said 'yeah,' so she started the track again, and asked me to sing and she told my dad 'you got a talented child' and this and that, so it was nice to know I got something.

DA-PROFESSOR: Besides Michael, who else influenced you?
ENRICO: Ooh. I love alot of artist. I'm a huge fan of Rashaan Patterson. He's one of my favorite vocalist. Maxwell. I love Maxwell. Tao Cruz. He's from the UK. He does Electro Pop. Usher. Aaliyah. I love old school artists like Otis Redding. My influences are truly wide. Even down to Jazz and an artist called Liz Wright. It's truly wide (laughs).

DA-PROFESSOR: I saw a clip of you performing at the MOBO Awards. Congratulations. How did you become involved in that contest?
ENRICO: Oh Thank you. (Laughs) I was part of competition; it was Western Union competition. There were hundreds of artists who applied to get the chance to open for the MOBO Unsigned Awards. It got narrowed down by a group called In Doves in the U.K. I was one of the final ten and then I had to go in front of a panel whiche was like Universal A&R's and perform for them accoustically, and they said they would call me a few days later, but they called me in a couple of hours and told me I was the winner, so I was screaming and the rest is history.

DA-PROFESSOR: What was it like peforming on the MOBOS?
ENRICO: It's not cracked up what it's make up to be. It looks glossed. You're on stage and you got the make up, the sound is pumping through the speakers, but for someone on the outside, you'll be like it looks good. It looks great, but as an artist in the U.K. and you're unsigned, there's a stigma like 'ooh, you're unsigned. Without status (Enrico pronuced the UK pronounciation of the word Stay-Tus), or in this country it's called status, Without status, you're seen as a nobody but it has helped my growth in the industry.

DA-PROFESSOR: You got some hot tracks. I like the song "Room 143" What was the inspiration for that song?
ENRICO: "Room 143." You actually remember that? That was a really old song. I did that back in Norway. I did that back in 2008, back when I did the Mobo's, but yeah, it's been years since I did anything with that song. I recorded a verse, pre chorus and a chorus, even though it wasn't fully writen.

DA-PROFESSOR: Another favorite is "Role Play" What was the inspiration for that song?
ENRICO: Thank you. Sexual frustration, like (in a a dramatic voice) Yeah! Want you want me to be? I'll be anybody. I'll be a doctor. I'll be a teacher. I'll be this and that. The song concept is being comfortable and able to play different characters in the relationships. Being able to tell your girl to wear a nurse outfit and to say it's OK. It's cool. I won't take it personally if she wants me to be a fireman. I'm not gonna take it personally because I'm a singer and be like you want me to be a fire man. You don't like me, it's only role play.

DA-PROFESSOR: You also did a Dance Song I like.
ENRICO: "Fairy Tales"?
DA-PROFESSOR: Yeah.
ENRICO: That's a song I recently did, and now I'm talking to different publishing companies. That's a song they picked. For me writing it became very personal, so I ended up taking it for myself. Rather than giving it to another artist. I'm very selfish, but not it's my song. "Fairy Tales" is my song!

DA-PROFESSOR: You made a great point about publishing. How important is it for an artist to own their own publishing?
ENRICO: Ooh. I thing it's the biggest thing in the industry. There's alot of money to make in the right avenues. So for instance, you're making moeny from performances, PRS. You're making money from publishing. Whether you're writing by yourself or writing with somebody, and you're able to make money off of sales and royalties, so you're pretty much covered (laughs).

DA-PROFESSOR: I notice that you perform with a live band. What is it like to perform with a live band and backing vocalists?
ENRICO: Ooh. I love it because it makes it more authentic. You're able to play around with it and being an artist, you're creative. When you're creative, you're always wanna tamper with certain parts of the beats and backing vocals. You wanna tamper with the chords and it makes it more authentic and intimate for my audience who are listening to me at that moment.

DA-PROFESSOR: How's the U.K. music scene for Black U.K. Artists?
ENRICO: There's a scene in the U.K. Defintelty, but it's a small scene in the U.K., because in the UK, because in the U.K. the Black population only count for 2 or 3 percent of the whole U.K., but the population is small, the support of Black artists is extremely tiny. I say the U.K. is crap for Black artists if you're doing Soul. I think you can make it if you're doing Pop, but again it goes into racial things on the sense of skin complexion if you're lighter or darker and the politics, but I woulse say the U.K. is harder to break.

DA-PROFESSOR: That was something I was unaware of, but the one thing I admire about U.K. artist is how you love the American Artist more than Americans. How important is that?
ENRICO: Ooh yeah. It's true. I would say from the 90's and 2000's the airwaves has been overloaded with American artists and alot of British influences have come from America and because we've heard it so much, it's like psychology if you hear alot of one thing, that'w what you get into, so American music is big in the U.K.

DA-PROFESSOR: In addition to singing and acting, do you plan on doing any acting?
ENRICO: Yes. I do plan to do some acting. As I said. when I first came to New York before I was doing a musical. It's something I want to look into once my music takes off.

DA-PROFESSOR: If you have the chance to work with any artist, British and American, who would it be?
ENRICO: Chris Brown. I'm really a big fan of Chris Brown. Like I said Tao Cruz. I'm a really big fan of his. Bruno Mars. Artist too many. I work with every and anybody! I'll be like a musical whore (laughs).

DA-PROFESSOR: How do you think you're making an impact ong the music scene?
ENRICO: The U.K. It's really taking places in the U.K. I'm a perfectionist and I'm aiming for higher heights, so I wass ba be massaive. I wanna be a universal brand. It's opening up in the U.K., but we've got alot more grinding to do.

DA-PROFESSOR: Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?
ENRICO: Whew!! Winning Brit Awards in the U.K. Winning Grammy Awards here. Performing everywhere. I wanna be universal. To see that in the next few years.

DA-PROFESOR: What advice what you tell a young kid who wants to pursue a career in music?
ENRICO: Go for it. Go for it whole heartly. Go for it with everything and take up everythign. Take up songwriting. Practice on the vocals. Pratice on the performance. Even though you're an artist, it's always good be an entertainer. Engage your audiences.

To check out Enrico Delves' music and videos Check out the following sites

http://www.facebook.com/enricodelves
http://www.twitter.com/enricodelves
http://www.youtube.com/eme10d1c
http://www.myspace.com/iamenrico

ESCULITA'S NEED TO GIVE STAFF TRAINING IN CLASS, PROFESSIONALISM AND RESPECT.

From 2002, I have attended Esculita's several times, and I've always had a great time listening to the various genres of music, as well as watching performances by Harmonica Sunbeam, and the various exotic dancers, who have made my feel good and shown me respect. Esculita's have had a great rep, but it's also gotten several bad reps from party goers, and unfortantely, I'm one of them, who received a bad taste of the staff's lack of professionalism, so I'm about to go into my Millie Jackson mode, and express how I felt about the staff's shadiness.
On Saturday, July 25, me and my Gay son had arrived at Escos (the nickname for the club) at 11:12 PM, and waited on line along with other party goers, who had arrived early to get in for free. After waiting on line for 28 minutes, security outside the club checked our ID's, and said we could go downstairs, and when we got downstaris, the guy sitting at the cashier had checked my ID and text, said I was cool, and gave me a wrist band. Great for me, but not for my son. The cashier had told my son that he couldn't get in the club, because his ID and text was not legit and that he would have to pay an admission fee of $ 20.00. He explained to the guy that his ID was legit, but the shady guy didn't believe him and insisted that he pay $20.00. Outraged, he stormed out the club, upset and with good reason. He had a legit ID and text that had the address and invite that said free b-4 12. I called my best friend Author/Blogger Donald Peebles, who gave me Esco's number to contact the manager to get the issue resolved. I called and left a message. My son suggested that we go back and speak to the secutity outside about the situation. I spoke to one Afro-Latin guard about the situation. He then called an Black African American guard over for us to explain, and he asked my son did he had another form of ID on him. My son explained to him that he had gotten his new ID in him homestate, and that it expires the following year. After looking at his ID and seeing it was legit, he and the Latin guard wanted to know was the guy who gave my son false information large or slim. I told him slim, and they both said Fernado in unison, which meant that other party goers have had issues with his lack of professional attitude. The Black American guard told us to let the cashier know that we could enter the club and if he had any problems or questions was to send for him. We returned downstaris and that's when the drama began. The guy was trying to rush me into paying quickly by asking for ID and after showing him he told me I had to pay the admission fee. I had to ask him let me finish to speak to him because he was cutting me off and cross talking me. I explained how my son was mistreated earlier, and that security said we could go in. The kid checked the ID and after seeing it was legit, he insisted my son pay. Me and my son were like we shouldn't have to pay. The kid was saying it's a few pass 12 and that he had to pay. I explained to him that he shouldn't have to pay due to their error, and he kept on saying we don't have no more wrist bands and that it was after 12. I told him that despite that, my son shouldn't have to pay being that he came with me the time that my ID was checked and being that I got a wrist band and they made a mistake. We went back and forth, and then the kid went into shady diva mode by doing the neck twirl and raised his voice a few octaves high. I felt threatned because he looked like he was going to attack us, and it's rare that I go off, but after that, I went into Millie Jackson mode and said 'you know what Bitch, I got ties with media! Not only am I gonna write you up, I'm gonna put you on blast!!. He had a attitude like whatever. Me and my son left the club pissed and upset at the mistreatment, and I felt bad because he was in town to celebrate his birthday, and for that shady bitch to act the way he did was more that upsetting. I called Donald, my son's Godfather and he was even more outraged; he actually expressed how he felt on Facebook, and gave us comfort and support. The next day at pride, we were watching the parade, and a guy was passing out flyers from Escos, and when Donald spoke to the guy about the way we were mistreated, the guy revealed that he knew what happened and that he took my son's ID and that his name was Tee-Tee. Both Donald and I try to explain to him about the situation and instead of apologizing, and listening, he constatnly cutted us off saying that it was past midnight, and that we could come to Escos as his guest that night Things got hotter when Donald told him about how he tried to attack me. The guy got silent and stiff, and when I reminded him of how I felt threatned, he quickly walked away.
How do I feel about the mistreatment of the staff? It don't see what the fuck the problem was in the first place! If the first security guard saw that my son's ID was valid and legit, then why did the cashier down stairs couldn't see it was legit? And why after being told that it was legit and it was OK for us to enter, why didn't the shady bitch listen to the situation and tried to resolve the issue by allowing my son free admission to the club. Especially since they were the ones who were at fault in the first place? Why did the kid feel the need to try to cross talk me? To brag to his friends? Was he having a bad day/Night? Was he upset that he had to work instead of shaking his ass at the club?
Well my thing is that had the staff in the basement were being professional and mature, I wouldn't be writing this blog and putting people of blog, but as Millie Jackson said in her 1981 hit "I Had To Say It!"
The purpose of owning a club is to make money and to make customers happy to the point of them spreading the word and coming back bring you more revenue. We could have been investors who were looking for clubs to invest in. The staff didn't think about that. All they thought about was getting money by being shady and unprofessional, which makes me wonder do they do this to avoid letting people get in for free before the midnight? Was that kid being selective? Well all I got to say is that regardless of what job you have, everybody deserves to be treated with respect, the way that you would want somebody to treat you and your family and friends and I would like for the owner and manger of Escos to give their staff some training in hospitality, listening and anger management, because word of mouth can help boost and end your career, and what I've heard recently heard about the way the club is, many people will avoid going, so my advice is for you to use some of that money and give the staff,(especially Tee-Tee-if that's his real name) some lessons on how to listen, and know when to leave the (so-called) Diva attitude outside the club because one day he may come across the one patron, who may hurt more than his feelings, and that would be a good look for the club, the staff and the Gay community, who despite recently having Gay Marriage legal in New York, is still fighting for equality, respect and justice. How can we get respect from the mainstream people, when there are many Gays still throwing shade at each other? Most of the times for unnecessary reasons?