When I first heard The Qure's single "Baby Mama," my mouth didn't hit the floor. It went through the ground. I couldn't believe how bold, raw and talented this Houston Texas based duo were. Well it's suits them well because many fans can't get enough JAPAN & APOLLO who's debut mix tape received thousands of downloads upon it's release, having fans want more. The duo met through a mutal friend and after getting their hang ups about each other, they clicked and became tight friends and music partners, who's personalities (JAPAN is the wild one, while Apollo is the mellow member) work well and it shows on their music.I had the opportunity to interview the talented duo via telephone and this was one interview that kept me on my toes.
DA-PROFESSOR: How did you two meet?
JAPAN: I'm from California.
APOLLO: I'm from Tennessee. Two different spectums of the world.
JAPAN: We were introduced by a mutual friend and we didn't like each other at first.
APOLLO: I didn't like him. (All three of us laughs).
JAPAN: We're just keeping it real. Now he's my brother from another mother. I wish a nigga would!
DA-PROFESSOR: So Apollo you're from Cali?
JAPAN: I'm originally from Cali. I'm a Cali boy.
DA-PROFESSOR: What part?
JAPAN: Sacremento born and Oakland raised. I flew back and forth between Cali and Texas and ended up going to the University of Austin for journalism and moved on from them.
APOLLO: I'm from Nasville, Tennessee. Home of country music. That don't make me country.
JAPAN: Yeah he country. (both laugh).
APOLLO: I came here for work and ended up meeting Japan and here we are.
DA-PROFESSOR: What prompted you to perform a career as an Gay Hip-Hop group?
JAPAN: It was accidential. Both of us love music and we're really, really competive. Not with each other, but anything we see another person do, we can do. If they're steam rolling, we can do it.
DA-PROFESSOR: Who are your musical influences?
APOLLO: Mine are more singer based than rap based. Old School.
JAPAN: He's the Black dude. I'm the White dude. We call it melodic and infusion. Olaot of our songs, "Revenge," "Turn Off Da Fans," and stuff like that we build on inspiration. James Brown, Donna Summer's "Hot Stuff." Those things. Dionne Warwick for "Walk." If you hear something Black, it's Apollo. If you hear a White voice, it's JAPAN.
APOLLO: Don't push it (All three of us laughs).
DA-PROFESSOR: I LOVE THE Mix-Tape. What was the concept and inspiration for the title "Gay 4 Pay?"
JAPAN: Honestly, we put the album together accidently. We were listening to tracks and we put songs to them and we started playing them in clubs here in Houston. Then in the end, we were like "Gay 4 Pay." If you wanna do anything with me you gotta pay me (All of us laugh out loud). That's real talk.
APOLLO: It kinda started out as a joke. Then we were listening to tracks, then we were like I can write to this. It started out as a joke, then we started taking it quite serious.
DA-PROFESSOR: One of my favorite joints is "Baby Mama." What was the inspiration for the song and what inspired you to rap over Lil' Kim's hit "Whoa?"
JAPAN:I'm glad you like that. I cringes sometimes when I hear that song. Believe it or not, more females love that song, more than anything. Females love that song. We thought we were gonna be pissed, but they loves that song more than anything on the album. I guess it's because 9 times out of 10, they're fucking with a dude with a baby mama.
APOLLO: Everybody's boyfriend got a baby mama.
DA-PROFESSOR: Another favorite is "Milk & Cookies." What prompted you to write about your favorite entertainers and how would you think they would react if they were to hear the song?
JAPAN: We love them all!! That was a ode. That's like an ode. That's like paying homage.
APOLLO: The sexy above the sexy.
JAPAN: If you wasn't on that list, you ain't shit. If they hear it, they should be proud of that shit (all three of us laugh).
DA-PROFESSOR: Revenge is antoher favorite. I love how you incorporated The Human Leauge's "Don't You Want Me" and Oran Juice Jones' "The Rain." He's from Texas too.
JAPAN: I didn't know that. That goes to show you Apollo again. I'm the Human League. Apollo you're so Black dude.
APOLLO: Get on my nerve. (I laugh).
JAPAN: It's one of our favorite songs.
DA-PROFESSOR: Alot of people can relate to the song because it deals with I can't believe that Bitch Motherfucker did this to me and I held you down and you're gonna cheat on me with some tired bitch! (All 3 of us laughs).
JAPAN:We love that song. Everybody can relate to that. Everybody can relate to that whether it's Apollo's verse or my verse, and in all honesty, that song is a piece of art to me. The way that we fused "I will follow him.'I think that shit is gangsta.
DA-PROFESSOR: I like the lines I called your mom's crib and told her you know your son is gay/Takes dick in the ass in the bed where you lay.
APOLLO: I was speaking from real experience. I was quite mad during that relationship.
JAPAN: Apollo's mean.
APOLLO: But I'm really the nice one. I'm America's sweetheart. I'm not a vengal person.
DA-PROFESSOR: You also did a sexual song called "Turn On Da Fans."
APOLLO: I'm pretty mild compared to Japan. He is pretty explicit.
JAPAN: Well the truth is when we wrote that it was a heat wave here, and there was a thunder storm that knocked out all the lights and in the apartment we were in at the teime was very fucking hot and it was nearly 100 degress. We wrote that song that night.
DA-PROFESSOR: JAPAN, you're from California. Oakland has produced many talented artists including MC Hammer, Oaktown's 357, En Vogue and Toni, Tony, Tone. How does it feel to be raised in a city where the Black Panther movement and those talented artist came from?
JAPAN: I gotta show up and show out every single time. En Vogue. Too Short. E-40. Ice-T. Ice Cube & N.W.A. D.J. Quick. Those guys influenced me. Being from the West Coast, they are great influences. If you ever get the opportunity to see us live, you'll see exactly what we bring every (single) time.
DA-PROFESSOR: Apollo You're from Tennessee. In additional to Country music, Tennessee is also known for producing several Blues and Soul artists such as Issac Hayes and Stax Records. How does it feel to come from the state that produces great soul musicians?
APOLLO: That's what I'm about. I love soul. I love harmonics. I love melodies. I'm a rapper and a singer, but I love to sing and I love to rap as well. We're entertainers.
DA-PROFESSOR: You're very active in the HIV Community. How important is it for you to be active in the community?
JAPAN: We want to bring more attention to that and do it in a positive way and not be demonized. That's extremely important the activism. That's the most important thing. At some point we want to bring together some kind of foundation where we can bring boys that's been newly diagonsed in our spot to give them HIV 101 and teach them it ain't over. Alot of those boys can't pick up the pieces. And that's what we wanna do for them. We also understand we gotta get their attention and get their attention through music.
DA-PROFESSOR: The South is known for people being friendly, but it's also know for people throwing the bible belt at gays. Have you ever had to fight homophobia?
APOLLO:I've never encountered it. Being in the south that's weird to hear it. But me personally I've never encountered. JAPAN have you?
JAPAN:I haven't neither.The truth is I'm like an Lantern. I've never been gay bashed and I've never been called a nigger. I've been in Texas half my life on and off. I've never experienced anything like that. Not even online.
DA-PROFESSOR: You're coming out with a new album am I correct?
JAPAN: It's called "The Virus" We are super, super, super, super stoked about this album, because it's our first original. There are ten songs on the album (and) everything is us.
APOLLO: The Virus is more mature. The songs everything can realte to. It's very emotion driven.
JAPAN: It's alot darker and not darker in a bad way, but "Gay 4 Pay" was inspired by people, places and things. "The Virus" is inspired by emotions, situations and feelings and relationships. Not even relationships with men and women, but relationships with God. Relationships with your best friend. Actually the lead single from the album is "Made To Ride."
DA-PROFESSOR: So Apollo you're the laid back one and JAPAN is the wild one.
APOLLO: He's a shit starter.
JAPAN: Apollo's the good cop and I'm the bad cop. Apollo's absoultely the ice and I'm
absoultely the fire. We feed off each other. Apollo's my favorite rapper. I'm inspired by him single everyday. That's real talk. I feel like I'm blessed to be in a group.
DA-PROFESSOR: Where have you performed at and do you have plans to do any touring?
JAPAN: We've performed all throughout the south. We got the change to play with Last Offence and Twizza' We got the chance to rap with them. After we drop "The Virus," we're putting out a remix album with ten songs and we're picking the hottest Gay Rappers. Regardless of whether they came before us or whether they came after us. I have a collabolation with Sonny Lewis. Sonny Lewis is a good guy. Apollo has a collabulation with Tim' M West.
We love Tim' M West.
APOLLO: Nobody better not say anything bad about Miss Jenkins.
JAPAN: Nobody better not say anything about Tim. I love Tim Dirty Dawg. That is my big brother. Tim has shown us n a very short period of time, how to make it happen. When Tim speaks. I'm hard-headed. When Tim speaks, I listen. Because of Tim, we did a show with him and at that show, there were producers from the Austin Music network there, and they called us a few weeks later and ask us to do a TV show. It's a 16 piece episode with musics all over Houston.
DA-PROFESSOR: What prompted you to do a remix album and reach out to the hottest Gay Rappers?
APOLLO: I think that everybody thinks we're stuck up.
JAPAN: While part of it may be true, we wanted to reach out to our brothers. Everybody's putting out really good music, you know what I mean. We're very impressed. I really wasn't really impressed at first.
APOLLO: I made him listen to the music
JAPAN: He had to literally strap me down and make me listen to shit. Not so much now.
We wanted to reach out and show love. We're all in a race to see who's gonna be the first to get signed to a major label. May the best man win. That's real talk. In the meantime, we wanna have some fun.
DA-PROFESSOR: I like for yo to give me a real answer on this one. It seems that most Pride Organizers will hire Drag Queens, but not reach out to and hire Gay and Lesbian artists. How does it make you feel?
JAPAN: In my opinion, I think that in order to embrace things like this, you have to be visionors. If a person denies us, depress us. I kinda blame it on them. It's like the first female rapper and the White rapper. There's obviously gonna be a Gay Rapper. If you don't see that and if you can't feel us and you don't wanna deal with us, like my partner used to say a bitch don't like me, they don't like themselves.
That's real talk. You have to be a trendsetter.
APOLLO: In the south, they're quick to put on a drag queen or transgender. I'm not putting down drag queens or transexuals, but they're quick to put them on insread of live entertainment. They rather see lip-synching.
JAPAN: I'm a steamroller. and I really don't accept no for an answer and wherever we go, we get in. Houston has showed us an incredible amount of love. We're the dukes of Houston. We're gonna start filming our reality show "The Dukes of Houston."
DA-PROFESSOR: If you have the opportunity to work with any mainstream artists, who would it be?
JAPAN: I wanna piece of Rhianna. I wanna piece of Rhianna. I like Rock & Roll. I like the White Boys.
APOLLO: I like more singing type dudes. I like Ryan Leslie. Big shout out to Ryan Leslie. He's a Harvard graduate.
JAPAN: To be honesty, most of the people I wanna work with are dead. I'm inspired by Old School. Bob Marley, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones.
DA-PROFESSOR: What else do you have planned besides the album and reality show?
We're thinking we're doing one more mix-tape, and shortly after that I'm gonna do a solo project "Made In JAPAN" and Apollo's gonna do a solo project "Showtime At The Apollo." We're busy boys. We both have strong work ethics. We are both furiously competitive.
DA-PROFESSOR: How did you come up with your stage names and what do they mean?
APOLLO: Apollo's Greek. Apollo the God, little G of music. The sun. He keeps it happy. He keeps it going. He's musically incline.
JAPAN: I'll keep that real. Fuck that. Apollo call himself Apollo cuz he think he fine. That's why. He think he fine. He think he got the body of a Greek God. (We all laugh).
APOLLO: Mind your business (Laughs).
JAPAN: Then JAPAN is an acromyn for Just A Pretty Ass Nigga.It's a big name, but it is what it is. I make no apologies for that. That's the name of the mix-tape "Glamour By Glamour." That's like a movement because there's too many youngsters are afraid of being themselves. Fuck youngsters, there's grown niggas who are afraid to be themselves. That's what we're talking about. That's a lifestyle. We wanna empower and embrace those who are afraid and empower themselves.
DA-PROFESSOR: How do you think that CD is gonna inspire listeners to be themselves?
JAPAN: Even before the CD, I think that everything we put out there. The pictures and everything. We are not afraid to be who we are You know what I mean.
We lead by example. To much is given, much is required. God has given us everything we asked for. Literatually. Winners think about winning all the time. We wanna win.
DA-PROFESSOR: How do you think you're making a impact on the Gay Community and Homo-Hop scene?
JAPAN: I hope we can inspire. Apollo and I challenge one another other. And we inspire one another. There's always gonna be competition, but we love each other. When one of us gets signed that's a beautiful thing. When one of us gets signed, you're turning the light on and when you turn the light on, there's a whole bunch of us in the room.
APOLLO: When one label gets one, the next label is gonna want another. It's gonna be a domino effect.
DA-PROFESSOR: What advice would you to a kat who wants to pursue a career as an openly Gay Rapper?
JAPAN: Bring it! There are two words; bring it! The world is listening to us. There were some kats who got to do somethings with Kay Slay and that's a good luck. If we come to the game talking dumb shit. Talking about sucking dick and getting fucked all the time, that's what the world's gonna see us. I think the world knows we are extremely talented and the truth is we been behind the scenes doing hair and everything. We're trailblazers. We're pioneers. We're trendsetters and I mean that.
Ra SHAWN-DA-PROFESSOR
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
BLACK MUSIC MONTH CLASSIC FLASHBACK REVIEW: SONGBIRD NIECY'S SOULFUL UPLIFTING DEBUT
DENIECE WILLIAMS
FREE
1976 COLUMBIA RECORDS
WRITTEN BY DENIECE WILLIAMS, HANK REED, NATHAN WATTS, SUSAYE GREENE
PRODUCED BY MAURICE WHITE AND CHARLES STEPHANY
# 2 R&B/# 25 POP/# 1 UK
Being a member of Stevie Wonder's backing group Wonder Love was beneficial for Soul singer/songwriter Deniece Williams. Not only did she have the opportunity to tour the world with a Motown legend, she was able to develop her vocal and songwriting skills. The result: "Free" her debut single that became an international classic and favorite among music lovers, who still plays this classic at parties, weddings, and while dancing, cuddling and making hot passionate love with their partners. Co-written with Nathan Watts, Hank Reed and former Supreme and fellow Wonderlove member Susaye Greene and Earth, Wind & Fire members Maurice White & the late Charles Stephany, this classic mid-tempo ballad is a well written and well arranged song that touches the heart, mind and soul with music and lyrics that inspires people to be free to be themselves without restraints.
The classic opens with the keyboard performance followed by the drums, bass and cymbals. Afterwards, Niecy sings the opening line
'Whispering in his ear/My magic potion for love
Telling him I'm sincere/and that there's nothing too good for us
But I got to be free, free, free.
The song then goes into a smooth and funky, mid-tempo groove, courtesy of the bass, drums, horn section as well as the keyboard solo and ad-libs by Niecey towards the end of the song, which gave listeners a sample of what she had instored for her fans.
Deniece Williams' debut single still sounds as great as it did when first released during the Disco era, and after 35 years, fans still play that song when they want to be free.
FACTS ABOUT FREE
FREE has been remade and sampled by several R&B and Hip-Hop Artists.
Jazz/R&B singer scored a minor hit with his version of "Free" on his debut album.
Rapper Mic Geronimo sampled "Free" for his 1994 hit "Shit's Real"
R&B Singer Debelah Morgan scored a minor hit with her cover of "Free" in 1994.
R&B Singer Chante Moore remade "Free" on her 1994 "A Love Supreme" and while it never was released as a single, Chante performs this during her live concerts. She also incorporated The Commodores' 1980 R&B/Country hit "Sail On" at the end of the song giving it a Gospel feel, which is why her version is titled "Free/Sail On." In addition to singing lead, she sang background vocals with Phillip Bailey, lead vocalist for Earth, Wind & Fire, who worked with Deniece in the past and is one of her good friends.
Rap Trio Lords of The Underground sampled "Free" for their 1995 hit "Faith." Deniece appears on the song and the video singing a re-written hook 'Let the faith set you free.'
Rapper Lil' Kim sampled "Free" for her single "Can't Fuck With Queen Bee" with singers Govenor, Shalenna Thomas and Full Force.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
SINGER'S VIDEO RELEASE PARTY HAD A CLASSIC DANCE FEEL
Singer/songwriter/dancer Farrad hosted a party to premiere the video for his new single "The Way You Do" last night at La Pomme NYC, and I have to say that this performer knows how to throw a party. Dance music came out the speakers, while waitresses served us mini-burgers dressed as waitresses (I had 4 of them and don't try to throw shade at me for doing so either. I know many of ya'll who would be doing the same thing). After greeting and posing for photo opts, Farrad appeared on a stage and thanked the crew for putting his video together and after counting down, the video came onto the screen and it was a hot and cute piece which featured him in dressed as a chef in a diner and riding on a boat and car, giving it a Archies and Josie & The Pussycat feel. After the premiere the performer took to the stage to perform his single with his male dancers donned dressed as waiters performing various forms of dancings from the different eras, while his female dancers were dancing with blouses and mini-skirts on another portable stage gaining attention from the crowd. One great moment was when Farrad took off his shirt and threw it into the audience.
Farrad is a talented performer who knows how to throw a party and knows how to be the life of the party (he got loose when the DJ played a House version of Bell-Biv-DeVoe's classic "Poison.") and from the loved he received from the crowd, he should throw more parties more often.
LGBT MUSIC FAMILY TURNED OUT FOR AWARDS SHOWS
For the past twenty years, the Out Music Awards have honored many talented Openly Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender artists, for their music and living in their truths, and Monday's night award ceremony was a great event to attend, seeing those being honored for their talent. When I heard about this event I was determined to go, and I'm sure glad that I did because it felt like being a family reunion and I have to add that everybody was looking fierce! When I arrived I saw LA Based rapper Foxx Jazell looking like a Supreme with her hot Pink dress being interviewed, and after greeting each other she asked was I doing press. I wasn't; this was my first time attending and my goal was to enjoy the ceremony and do some networking, but that changed towards the middle of the ceremony where I started to post bits of the event on facebook and while I didn't have my notebook and pen, I'm gonna do the best I can to write about what I remember and liked.
Rock singer/songwriter Melissa Etheridge was honored with a award and she send a video message taped from her home where she expressed and gratitude of being honored by the organization, as well as stating how she wished she was able to attend, but was unable due to business she had to tend to on the West Coast. Jazz Legend Paula Hampton was also honored for her career in Jazz and she expressed how she felt about being honored. "It's about time" she said while she accepted her award followed by hostess comediene Tammy Peay, adding that at 73 years old she can say anything she wants to and that she was glad that she wasn't honored when she was dead. Speaking of the famous comediene, she kept the crowd in stiches with her outspoken sense of humor, and when I tell you she didn't hold her tongue, she didn't. In fact, she constatly reprimended the audience for not applauding loudly when she introduced the acts who was about to perform. She also spoke about how she has gatherings where the only genre of music that is being played is those by Out artists and when guest asks her to play artist like Nicki Manaj, she tells them of Nicki's being gay when it's convient for her. Another highlight was when Deepa Soul the head of the Out Music awards came onstage, and performed a tribute to the Freedome Fighters with a group of LGBT youth she mentors at an organization, and when I mean they performed, they rocked, singing background, playing instruments and dancing earning a standing ovation. A great and crazy moment was when DJ Baker host of the award-winning Doo-Dirty Show presented the Best R&B Single to Nhojj with Lovani, but another highlight was the tribute to Sylvester where singer singer BSlade performed the late Icon's classic award winning classic "You Make Me Feel Mighty Real" and when I say he turned it, he turned it out! From dancing to jumping into the middle of the audience. Nobody was out their seats. Other great moments was seeing Rock/Pop singer Lori Michaels perform as well as the Hip-Hop seagment where rappers Foxx Jazell, Shorty Roc, Last Offence and Milan performed their award-nominated hit "Ride or Die Boy" with Infinite performing her joint and Baron closed the set performing the remix of his hit "Party With B."
The show also honored Former Villiage People member Randy Jones for his career and he accepted his award with a cocktail and spoke about the honor and how he was greatful for being able to be 59 years old and still doing his thing as well as sharing how far the Gay community came from the past with it's activism.
I had a great time attending the event and it showed me that being a Black Gay Man with a learning disablity shouldn't stop me from living my life and pursuing my goals.
Rock singer/songwriter Melissa Etheridge was honored with a award and she send a video message taped from her home where she expressed and gratitude of being honored by the organization, as well as stating how she wished she was able to attend, but was unable due to business she had to tend to on the West Coast. Jazz Legend Paula Hampton was also honored for her career in Jazz and she expressed how she felt about being honored. "It's about time" she said while she accepted her award followed by hostess comediene Tammy Peay, adding that at 73 years old she can say anything she wants to and that she was glad that she wasn't honored when she was dead. Speaking of the famous comediene, she kept the crowd in stiches with her outspoken sense of humor, and when I tell you she didn't hold her tongue, she didn't. In fact, she constatly reprimended the audience for not applauding loudly when she introduced the acts who was about to perform. She also spoke about how she has gatherings where the only genre of music that is being played is those by Out artists and when guest asks her to play artist like Nicki Manaj, she tells them of Nicki's being gay when it's convient for her. Another highlight was when Deepa Soul the head of the Out Music awards came onstage, and performed a tribute to the Freedome Fighters with a group of LGBT youth she mentors at an organization, and when I mean they performed, they rocked, singing background, playing instruments and dancing earning a standing ovation. A great and crazy moment was when DJ Baker host of the award-winning Doo-Dirty Show presented the Best R&B Single to Nhojj with Lovani, but another highlight was the tribute to Sylvester where singer singer BSlade performed the late Icon's classic award winning classic "You Make Me Feel Mighty Real" and when I say he turned it, he turned it out! From dancing to jumping into the middle of the audience. Nobody was out their seats. Other great moments was seeing Rock/Pop singer Lori Michaels perform as well as the Hip-Hop seagment where rappers Foxx Jazell, Shorty Roc, Last Offence and Milan performed their award-nominated hit "Ride or Die Boy" with Infinite performing her joint and Baron closed the set performing the remix of his hit "Party With B."
The show also honored Former Villiage People member Randy Jones for his career and he accepted his award with a cocktail and spoke about the honor and how he was greatful for being able to be 59 years old and still doing his thing as well as sharing how far the Gay community came from the past with it's activism.
I had a great time attending the event and it showed me that being a Black Gay Man with a learning disablity shouldn't stop me from living my life and pursuing my goals.
Monday, May 16, 2011
ONE OF HARLEM'S FINEST RAP DUO'S RELEASE HOT SINGLE
CAM'RON & VADO
HEY MUMA
10 ON A SCALE OF 1-5
For the past nine years, Harlem-born rapper/actor/executive Cam'Ron had recorded several hot hits with rappers Juelz Santana and singer Mariah Carey, which gained lots of heavy rotation on radio. Well Killa Cam joined forces with fellow Harlem-nite Vado for their single "Hey Muma" which is already getting spins on radio and downloads from kats who like hot joints. What makes this joint hot are the Middle Eastern beats, strings, flutes, bassline and a hot hook that men will be saying to sexy women and men who cathces their eyes at the clubs throughout the summer.
Hey yo, muma!
I'm saying
Can I come over? Cause
I'm not playing
Bend your ass over, uh, I'm not waiting
And if I'm sober, I'm blazing. Hey!
The song also showcased each of the rapper's individual flow with Cam rhyming mellow, and rapsy while Vado comes hard and rapsy which makes the song even more hotter.
One of the hottest joints of 2011.
BEYONCE'S NEW SINGLE SHOWS HER LACK OF UPGRADE
BEYONCE KNOWLES
GIRL (WHO RUN THE WORLD)
COLUMBIA RECORDS
2 On a Scale of 1-5
In 2007, former Destiny's Child lead singer Beyonce had scored a hit with her single "Upgrade." Well it seems that she failed to follow her own advice on her current single "Girl (Who Run The World)" which sounds like a mash up of "Lose My Breath," "Get Me Bodied" and "Single Ladies (Put Your Hands Up)." Since she released her 2003 debut single "Crazy In Love" Knowles had became popular with releasing tunes that makes people dance, which is cool, being that she's been in the game since 1997, you would have thought that she would have did something that was more mature. Instead she did something that an average and up and coming artist would have done for their debut single. Not Beyonce who feels like she has to keep doing song that can make the kids dance. There is nothing wrong with Beyonce releasing somne hot dance tracks, but it would have been better had the song had more instrumentation and it would have been better had the lyrics been more mature (come on B you're gonna be 30 years old this year and you're a married woman. Don't you feel it's time for your music to mature)?
I feel that whenever an artist comes out with new material they're supposed to evolve and/or adapt withouth losing their identity, and it seems that Beyonce did something really quick to keep her name out in the public, but this single doesn't cut it and it's about time for her to listen to her advice and "Upgrade" her style and sound.
AWWWWWWWWWW..........A COOL AND HISTORIC CHAT WITH LEGENDARY AND NOW OUT HIP-HOP PRODUCER
Whenever you’re in the presence of Producer/DJ Swanny Rivers, you’re automatically drawn to his Latin Accent, swagger, charm and is trademark scream “AWWWWW! YEAH!” He’s also a man that has a great legacy as well as a great love and appreciation for Hip-Hop, which is something that he and many feel are missing from the music industry. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Rivers was surrounded by music through out his childhood, but quickly fell in love with Hip-Hop, and like many kids who saw the birth of this popular genre, he became involved by DJaying, making beats and producing for many of today’s Hip-Hop legends, but when he decided to come out as a Gay Man, he was shunned by many due to their ignorance and homophobia. Down, but not out, Rivers began to search for openly Gay Rappers, and after discovering that Brooklyn-based Gay Rapper Shorty Roc was emerging on the scene, Rivers reached out to produce some tracks for him, but that was only the tip of the iceberg; Roc introduced him to fellow Hip-Hop head, DJ Baker, host of the award-winning DA-DOO DIRTY Show, who added him to his staff as a producer and co-host giving the show more heat and listeners. “Swanny is not only a super producer, but a super producer, engineer and a super friend” Baker said via text message.”I love working with Swanny for his work ethic. That’s why he is a part of the show. He also puts in long hours of work for Da Doo-Dirty Show and him.”
I addition to working with the show, Rivers is also running his record label with several talented artists, who will help keep his name in many music listeners and musicians mouths. I had the opportunity to chill with the outgoing Legend during a break at the BCAT studios in Brooklyn where he spoke about his career, his feelings on the state of Hip-Hop and working with the LGBT music community.
DA-PROFESSOR: Hey Swanny how’s it goingDA-PROFESSOR: Hey Swanny how’s it going?
SWANNY RIVER: Everything’s good. Working an a new project (and you know) trying to do some positive things. I’m trying to leave the negative behind me. Staying in the positive.
DA-PROFESSOR: How did you become involved with music?
SWANNY: Let me tell you something brother. I’ve been doing music since I was in the crib. My mother told me I used to get excited when my father used to play records. OK? And in my house there was always music playing. I learned how to DJ and my mother and father brought me my first turntables, and I learned to DJ from this crew from my neighborhood called the Dance Masters and DJ Scooter Love. I learned from him and I just learned to do blends. Then scratching came around. I saw Grand Master Flash for the first time. It was an instant love affair. Then I brought my first drum machine and started making drum beats and putting accapellas over it adding that to my mix and here I am (laughs).
DA-PROFESSOR: Which producers influenced you?
SWANNY: Oh. Dr. Dre. Just Blaze. Swizz Beats. The one and only Quincy Jones. I love me some Quincy Jones. I just love him period. That’s about it. The newer dudes, everybody sounds alike.
DA-PROFESSOR: How did they influence you?
SWANNY: They influence me with their style alone. Dr. Dre is that West Coast flavor that make you wanna sit back, smoke a blunt and bop your head. I like that. Swizz Beats with your club shit. I love that! Then you got Just Blaze. When he samples and how those hard drum rolls. All that good stuff. When I hear one of those joints, makes me wanna make a beat and get my artists to do their thang.
DA-PROFESSOR: What was it like being a Gay Latino in the Hip-Hop industry back in the day?
SWANNY: Well, I didn’t come out until the early 90’s. I’m not gonna say who, but I was working with certain kats and when I finally came out, they turned their backs on me. It was hard. It was hard. But now I’m happy where I’m at you know? In the Out Hip-Hop industry. I’d rather be here because I’m among my peers. I’m around people that are just like me.
DA-PROFESSOR: What prompted you to be a apart of the Out Music Industry?
SWANNY: When I was at home one day (and) I said to myself “I wonder if they’re any Gay Rappers. So back then there was my space so I went on my space and I typed in the search Gay Rappers and the only one that came up was Shorty Roc. So when I hit him up and he hit me back and were talking for a bit (and) I invited him to my studio and I heard him do his thing. Two weeks later, he introduced me to DJ Baker and DJ Baker doing Da-Doo-Dirty show and I loved it! I wanted to be involved with it. I’ve been doing that ever since. It’s the love for Hip-Hop really and I think Hip-Hop losted it way because everybody’s too commercialized. I like that real gritty, back packing, that real Hip-Hop. Not that (other) stuff you hear on the radio.
DA-PROFESSOR: Which Out Rappers have you worked with?
SWANNY: I worked with Bry’nt. I worked with Boneintel. I worked with Sonny Lewis. I did a track with some new rappers Splash Tea, who’s my artist. I’ve done work with Quentin Adams. He’s my artist. I’ve done work with Kin4Life, Shorty Roc, Tim’ M West, Verbal Science. Anybody else you wanna know (both laugh).
DA-PROFESSOR: You have many artist. Do you plan on forming your own label?
SWANNY: Well I’m working towards that. I used to have SR Productions, but I changed it to SR Music; Swanny River Music and I have Splash Tea. I have Bille Bad. Dirty Hanna. I call them Dirty Hood because of their name. Then I have Clover B. I have my songbird Quentin Adams. This kid is amazing!
DA-PROFESSOR: It was interesting how Quentin was searching for you. How does that make you feel having an artist seek you out?
SWANNY: It’s amazing. It’s bugged me out. I hit him up on facebook without hearing his music and he hit me back and when I heard him sing, It was like wow, he can (really) blow. And he sounds better than anybody I heard in the R&B world. I’m not gonna sugar coat it. I’m gonna tell you straight up. It felt so good and I’m willing to work with anybody, but you gotta be up to par.
DA-PROFEESOR: You brought up a good point about Hip-Hop past and present. Many artists wanna be original, but they can’t due to the corporate politics and bullshit. Tell me from your opinion why is that?
SWANNY: It’s sad. I can bring it out of them. They can do anything they want, but you got to work hard. Those straighties. Those heteros, they’re not gonna accept us, but if we put in the hard work and we put out good music. Stop talking about nonsense like what goes on in the bedroom. That’s why they’re not gonna give us any respect. Talk about everyday stuff like your block, the club and I’m sure if we work hard, they would respect us. They’re looking at us now.
DA-PROFESSOR: It seems like the industry accepts Gays who are flamboyant, hair dresses and fashion stylists,
SWANNY: They think we’re all hair dressers and fashion stylists. That’s what they think. We’re rappers, we’re doctors, we’re politicians. We’re all over the place. Those heteros need to open their eyes and see that we’re the next big thing.
DA-PROFESSOR: Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?
SWANNY: 5-10 years. Honestly 10 years, I’ll be retired by then. My company will be a driving force for the LGBT community as far as my music is concerned because that’s what I’m aiming for.
DA-PROFESSOR: How do you feel that you’re making an impact on the LGBT community?
SWANNY: I don’t know if I made an impact yet, but if I did, that’s good. I want everybody to step their game up (you know). I mean Da-Doo-Dirty show. I don’t see it yet.
Swanny River's mixtape "It Is What It Is: When The Beat Drops" is avaliable for download.
I addition to working with the show, Rivers is also running his record label with several talented artists, who will help keep his name in many music listeners and musicians mouths. I had the opportunity to chill with the outgoing Legend during a break at the BCAT studios in Brooklyn where he spoke about his career, his feelings on the state of Hip-Hop and working with the LGBT music community.
DA-PROFESSOR: Hey Swanny how’s it goingDA-PROFESSOR: Hey Swanny how’s it going?
SWANNY RIVER: Everything’s good. Working an a new project (and you know) trying to do some positive things. I’m trying to leave the negative behind me. Staying in the positive.
DA-PROFESSOR: How did you become involved with music?
SWANNY: Let me tell you something brother. I’ve been doing music since I was in the crib. My mother told me I used to get excited when my father used to play records. OK? And in my house there was always music playing. I learned how to DJ and my mother and father brought me my first turntables, and I learned to DJ from this crew from my neighborhood called the Dance Masters and DJ Scooter Love. I learned from him and I just learned to do blends. Then scratching came around. I saw Grand Master Flash for the first time. It was an instant love affair. Then I brought my first drum machine and started making drum beats and putting accapellas over it adding that to my mix and here I am (laughs).
DA-PROFESSOR: Which producers influenced you?
SWANNY: Oh. Dr. Dre. Just Blaze. Swizz Beats. The one and only Quincy Jones. I love me some Quincy Jones. I just love him period. That’s about it. The newer dudes, everybody sounds alike.
DA-PROFESSOR: How did they influence you?
SWANNY: They influence me with their style alone. Dr. Dre is that West Coast flavor that make you wanna sit back, smoke a blunt and bop your head. I like that. Swizz Beats with your club shit. I love that! Then you got Just Blaze. When he samples and how those hard drum rolls. All that good stuff. When I hear one of those joints, makes me wanna make a beat and get my artists to do their thang.
DA-PROFESSOR: What was it like being a Gay Latino in the Hip-Hop industry back in the day?
SWANNY: Well, I didn’t come out until the early 90’s. I’m not gonna say who, but I was working with certain kats and when I finally came out, they turned their backs on me. It was hard. It was hard. But now I’m happy where I’m at you know? In the Out Hip-Hop industry. I’d rather be here because I’m among my peers. I’m around people that are just like me.
DA-PROFESSOR: What prompted you to be a apart of the Out Music Industry?
SWANNY: When I was at home one day (and) I said to myself “I wonder if they’re any Gay Rappers. So back then there was my space so I went on my space and I typed in the search Gay Rappers and the only one that came up was Shorty Roc. So when I hit him up and he hit me back and were talking for a bit (and) I invited him to my studio and I heard him do his thing. Two weeks later, he introduced me to DJ Baker and DJ Baker doing Da-Doo-Dirty show and I loved it! I wanted to be involved with it. I’ve been doing that ever since. It’s the love for Hip-Hop really and I think Hip-Hop losted it way because everybody’s too commercialized. I like that real gritty, back packing, that real Hip-Hop. Not that (other) stuff you hear on the radio.
DA-PROFESSOR: Which Out Rappers have you worked with?
SWANNY: I worked with Bry’nt. I worked with Boneintel. I worked with Sonny Lewis. I did a track with some new rappers Splash Tea, who’s my artist. I’ve done work with Quentin Adams. He’s my artist. I’ve done work with Kin4Life, Shorty Roc, Tim’ M West, Verbal Science. Anybody else you wanna know (both laugh).
DA-PROFESSOR: You have many artist. Do you plan on forming your own label?
SWANNY: Well I’m working towards that. I used to have SR Productions, but I changed it to SR Music; Swanny River Music and I have Splash Tea. I have Bille Bad. Dirty Hanna. I call them Dirty Hood because of their name. Then I have Clover B. I have my songbird Quentin Adams. This kid is amazing!
DA-PROFESSOR: It was interesting how Quentin was searching for you. How does that make you feel having an artist seek you out?
SWANNY: It’s amazing. It’s bugged me out. I hit him up on facebook without hearing his music and he hit me back and when I heard him sing, It was like wow, he can (really) blow. And he sounds better than anybody I heard in the R&B world. I’m not gonna sugar coat it. I’m gonna tell you straight up. It felt so good and I’m willing to work with anybody, but you gotta be up to par.
DA-PROFEESOR: You brought up a good point about Hip-Hop past and present. Many artists wanna be original, but they can’t due to the corporate politics and bullshit. Tell me from your opinion why is that?
SWANNY: It’s sad. I can bring it out of them. They can do anything they want, but you got to work hard. Those straighties. Those heteros, they’re not gonna accept us, but if we put in the hard work and we put out good music. Stop talking about nonsense like what goes on in the bedroom. That’s why they’re not gonna give us any respect. Talk about everyday stuff like your block, the club and I’m sure if we work hard, they would respect us. They’re looking at us now.
DA-PROFESSOR: It seems like the industry accepts Gays who are flamboyant, hair dresses and fashion stylists,
SWANNY: They think we’re all hair dressers and fashion stylists. That’s what they think. We’re rappers, we’re doctors, we’re politicians. We’re all over the place. Those heteros need to open their eyes and see that we’re the next big thing.
DA-PROFESSOR: Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?
SWANNY: 5-10 years. Honestly 10 years, I’ll be retired by then. My company will be a driving force for the LGBT community as far as my music is concerned because that’s what I’m aiming for.
DA-PROFESSOR: How do you feel that you’re making an impact on the LGBT community?
SWANNY: I don’t know if I made an impact yet, but if I did, that’s good. I want everybody to step their game up (you know). I mean Da-Doo-Dirty show. I don’t see it yet.
Swanny River's mixtape "It Is What It Is: When The Beat Drops" is avaliable for download.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
DA-PROFESSOR SPEAKS WITH RAPPER FOXXJAZELL
L.A. Based Transgendered rapper Foxxjazell has been becoming a hit on the
Gay music scene for the past few years. The Alabama born rapper has appeared on the Tyra Banks Show as well as performed at various Pride events around the world, and to top off her success, her single “Ride or Die Boy” got lots of air play on MTV last year, earning her several award nominations.
I met with the lovely rapper at the famous Starbucks Café while she was in New York to discuss business and to attened the Out Music Awards, which was unexpectedly canceled.
DA-PROFESSOR: How does it feel to be back in New York?
FOXXJAZELL: It’s amazing. However the weather I can do without (both laugh).
DA-PROFESSOR: How did you become involved in music?
FOXXJAZELL: Howe I get involved with Hip-Hop? I got involved at a very young age. 16. I always had a love for Hip-Hop, so therefore it’s only natural it engaged me and I was attracted to the art form.
DA-PROFESSOR: Which female rappers inspired you?
FOXXJAZELL: Salt-N-Pepa, M.C. Lyte, JJ Fad and Lil’ Kim.
DA-PROFESSOR: What make you admires those rappers?
FOXXJAZELL: I admire their overall confidence. Their female swagger. Their ability to push personal issues and make them social issues.
DA-PROFESSOR: Was it hard entering the industry as a Transgender?
FOXXJAZELL: When I was rapping at the age of 16, I was a part of an all-male Hip-Hop group. None one knew about me at that point and that is when I decided to become a solo artist. I did face some challenges as a Transgender artist.
DA-PROFESSOR: What are the challenges?
FOXXJAZELL: Some of the challenges overall is Tran phobia. Homophobia. Something the Hip-Hop community is plagued with. And overall ignorance.
DA-PROFESSOR: What prompted you to keep on doing your thing?
FOXXJAZELL: The fact that it was challenging, and the fact that no one was rocking the mic as a transwoman, and the fact that I had social issues that needed to be address and why not address them through the art form I fell in love with?
DA-PROFESSOR: I gotta congratulate you on your single “Ride or Die Boy”
FOXXJAZELL: Thank you.
DA-PROFESSOR: What prompted you to contact Shorty Roc, Last Offence and Nano Reyes for the remix?
FOXXJAZELL: “Ride or Die Boy” was written because of the fact that was my way of paying tribute to the dream boy that I always wanted to have; somebody who’s gonna ride or die for me through thick or thin. As far as contacting the other artists, I wanted to have each of those artists because they (each) brought an different element to the remix that wasn’t on the original song.
DA-PROFESSOR: The video was hot. Whose idea was it to have ya’ll kiss the sexy guy in the video?
FOXXJAZZELL: (Laughs) That was me. I actually directed the video. It was my directorial debut.
DA-PROFESSOR: That was good to see that. I hear its gotten lots of nominations for awards and play on MTV. How does it feel to get all the accolades?
FOXXJAZELL: It feels really good. It’s a music video that will look at as a piece of LGBT Out Music history, but I don’t wanna be stuck in the mode of trying to out perform it with my next project.
DA-PROFESSOR: Are you releasing any other singles from your CD?
FOXYJAZELL: Hold up with Ashley Breathe
DA-PROFESSOR: You’ve been performing at various Gay Pride events. What’s that been like?
FOXXJAZELL: It’s been really well and I’ve been well received. I’ve stepped up my performance game as far as making sure that I had a strong performance element with my dancers and having a visual for my songs so they can get the same feel of watching a video in the comfort of their own home.
DA-PROFESSOR: I know you heard about the number of Gay Teens and young adults who have been bullied and committed suicide. How does it affect you as a person?
FOXXJAZELL: It affects me as a person, dramatically and it wounds my soul because of the fact not only as an artist, but as a person I have an duty to uphold of putting out a positive image and uplifting role model that LGBT youth and look up to and see their own kind and see inspiration to see another day.
DA-PROFESSOR: You’ve made a great point about LGBT youth having models to look up to. There are many LGBT people who wanna see openly LGBT singers and rappers perform at Prides, but the artists have problems getting booked. Do you feel that now Pride organizations will be more willing to book LGBT artists?
FOXXJAZELL: I think with the downfall of the major labels we’re definitely seeing more, but I don’t see that happening anytime soon. I definitely feel pride organizations are gonna go with major label acts or the acts that are gonna guarantee big crowds first before putting on their own.
DA-PROFESSOR: From your perspective why is that?
FOXXJAZELL I think it’s part a lot of them are not educated on other LGBT artists. If they don’t see them on MTV. They’re not gonna take a change on booking a Foxy Jazell opposed to Nicki Minaj that’s gonna guarantee and the only disadvantage about that is when you book a major act like that, you tend to attract a lot of people who aren’t gay and gay friendly.
DA-PROFESSOR: Which artists mainstream and LGBT would you like to work with?
FOXXJAZELL: Nicki Manji, Ari Gold and this is a far fetch one. George Michael and Tevin Campbell.
DA-PROFESSOR: What do you think of George Michael’s success as a member of Wham! And as a solo artist?
FOXXJAZELL: I think his success based on pure talent and he was a teen idol who appealed to both women and men.
DA-PROFESSOR: What about Tevin Campbell do you admire?
FOXXJAZELL: Well honestly, I’ve met Tevin Campbell a couple of times. Never really had a deep conversation, but I admire his genuine spirit. I admire the fact that he was a really great amazing voice. As underrated he is, he’ll be always be one of my favorite male artist singers of all time.
DA-PROFESSOR: Mines too. What do you think about Nicki Manji? It seems that there are people who love her, but there are also some who thinks she’s trying to be the next Lil’ Kim. What do you think about the public not giving her a fair chance?
FOXXJAZELL: I feel that her PR team behind is a very clever smart team because they were able to put it out there she was bisexual. They were able to convey and captivate the gay audience by putting out that she was bisexual and when she got mainstream success she was cleverly pulled the bisexual card away. I feel it work for us and again it works against us, deceives once again it puts it out there that bisexual people can turn it on and turn it off
DA-PROFESSOR: Do you plan on acting?
FOXXJAZELL: I do. One of the most interesting things about that is that when I first came to L.A. I started off as an actress, but the music just happened. I was drawn to the music but my background in acting is first.
DA-PROFESSOR: How do you like L.A.?
FOXXJAZELL: I love the weather. I love the energy. The people I can do without (both laugh). They’re not as genuine as people on the East Coast. However I live on the outskirts, so I usually don’t deal with the L.A. state of mind/mentality as much as others have to.
DA-PROFESSOR: Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?
FOXXJAZELL: A very successful entrepreneur.
DA-PROFESSOR: How do you feel you’re making an impact on the LGBT community?
FOXXJAZELL:I feel that it’s still too early for me to see what type of impact that I am making, but I d get lots of trans women that hit me up whether it be email, Face book or whether they see me in the street telling me they appreciate what I do, and I’m setting a good example for them. I feel from that aspect I’m making an impact but I definitely feel to see the overall picture you would have to ask me that question 5-10 years from now.
DA-PROFESSOR: What advice would you give to any LGBT artist who wants to pursue a music career?
FOXXJAZZELL: I would say go based on your talent. Don’t try to do any silly publicity stunts; any sex tapes (laughs). All those things will wear off. I’ve had my own personal reasons for doing them which I can’t condone someone else for the fact that they’re doing it for some other reason.
Gay music scene for the past few years. The Alabama born rapper has appeared on the Tyra Banks Show as well as performed at various Pride events around the world, and to top off her success, her single “Ride or Die Boy” got lots of air play on MTV last year, earning her several award nominations.
I met with the lovely rapper at the famous Starbucks Café while she was in New York to discuss business and to attened the Out Music Awards, which was unexpectedly canceled.
DA-PROFESSOR: How does it feel to be back in New York?
FOXXJAZELL: It’s amazing. However the weather I can do without (both laugh).
DA-PROFESSOR: How did you become involved in music?
FOXXJAZELL: Howe I get involved with Hip-Hop? I got involved at a very young age. 16. I always had a love for Hip-Hop, so therefore it’s only natural it engaged me and I was attracted to the art form.
DA-PROFESSOR: Which female rappers inspired you?
FOXXJAZELL: Salt-N-Pepa, M.C. Lyte, JJ Fad and Lil’ Kim.
DA-PROFESSOR: What make you admires those rappers?
FOXXJAZELL: I admire their overall confidence. Their female swagger. Their ability to push personal issues and make them social issues.
DA-PROFESSOR: Was it hard entering the industry as a Transgender?
FOXXJAZELL: When I was rapping at the age of 16, I was a part of an all-male Hip-Hop group. None one knew about me at that point and that is when I decided to become a solo artist. I did face some challenges as a Transgender artist.
DA-PROFESSOR: What are the challenges?
FOXXJAZELL: Some of the challenges overall is Tran phobia. Homophobia. Something the Hip-Hop community is plagued with. And overall ignorance.
DA-PROFESSOR: What prompted you to keep on doing your thing?
FOXXJAZELL: The fact that it was challenging, and the fact that no one was rocking the mic as a transwoman, and the fact that I had social issues that needed to be address and why not address them through the art form I fell in love with?
DA-PROFESSOR: I gotta congratulate you on your single “Ride or Die Boy”
FOXXJAZELL: Thank you.
DA-PROFESSOR: What prompted you to contact Shorty Roc, Last Offence and Nano Reyes for the remix?
FOXXJAZELL: “Ride or Die Boy” was written because of the fact that was my way of paying tribute to the dream boy that I always wanted to have; somebody who’s gonna ride or die for me through thick or thin. As far as contacting the other artists, I wanted to have each of those artists because they (each) brought an different element to the remix that wasn’t on the original song.
DA-PROFESSOR: The video was hot. Whose idea was it to have ya’ll kiss the sexy guy in the video?
FOXXJAZZELL: (Laughs) That was me. I actually directed the video. It was my directorial debut.
DA-PROFESSOR: That was good to see that. I hear its gotten lots of nominations for awards and play on MTV. How does it feel to get all the accolades?
FOXXJAZELL: It feels really good. It’s a music video that will look at as a piece of LGBT Out Music history, but I don’t wanna be stuck in the mode of trying to out perform it with my next project.
DA-PROFESSOR: Are you releasing any other singles from your CD?
FOXYJAZELL: Hold up with Ashley Breathe
DA-PROFESSOR: You’ve been performing at various Gay Pride events. What’s that been like?
FOXXJAZELL: It’s been really well and I’ve been well received. I’ve stepped up my performance game as far as making sure that I had a strong performance element with my dancers and having a visual for my songs so they can get the same feel of watching a video in the comfort of their own home.
DA-PROFESSOR: I know you heard about the number of Gay Teens and young adults who have been bullied and committed suicide. How does it affect you as a person?
FOXXJAZELL: It affects me as a person, dramatically and it wounds my soul because of the fact not only as an artist, but as a person I have an duty to uphold of putting out a positive image and uplifting role model that LGBT youth and look up to and see their own kind and see inspiration to see another day.
DA-PROFESSOR: You’ve made a great point about LGBT youth having models to look up to. There are many LGBT people who wanna see openly LGBT singers and rappers perform at Prides, but the artists have problems getting booked. Do you feel that now Pride organizations will be more willing to book LGBT artists?
FOXXJAZELL: I think with the downfall of the major labels we’re definitely seeing more, but I don’t see that happening anytime soon. I definitely feel pride organizations are gonna go with major label acts or the acts that are gonna guarantee big crowds first before putting on their own.
DA-PROFESSOR: From your perspective why is that?
FOXXJAZELL I think it’s part a lot of them are not educated on other LGBT artists. If they don’t see them on MTV. They’re not gonna take a change on booking a Foxy Jazell opposed to Nicki Minaj that’s gonna guarantee and the only disadvantage about that is when you book a major act like that, you tend to attract a lot of people who aren’t gay and gay friendly.
DA-PROFESSOR: Which artists mainstream and LGBT would you like to work with?
FOXXJAZELL: Nicki Manji, Ari Gold and this is a far fetch one. George Michael and Tevin Campbell.
DA-PROFESSOR: What do you think of George Michael’s success as a member of Wham! And as a solo artist?
FOXXJAZELL: I think his success based on pure talent and he was a teen idol who appealed to both women and men.
DA-PROFESSOR: What about Tevin Campbell do you admire?
FOXXJAZELL: Well honestly, I’ve met Tevin Campbell a couple of times. Never really had a deep conversation, but I admire his genuine spirit. I admire the fact that he was a really great amazing voice. As underrated he is, he’ll be always be one of my favorite male artist singers of all time.
DA-PROFESSOR: Mines too. What do you think about Nicki Manji? It seems that there are people who love her, but there are also some who thinks she’s trying to be the next Lil’ Kim. What do you think about the public not giving her a fair chance?
FOXXJAZELL: I feel that her PR team behind is a very clever smart team because they were able to put it out there she was bisexual. They were able to convey and captivate the gay audience by putting out that she was bisexual and when she got mainstream success she was cleverly pulled the bisexual card away. I feel it work for us and again it works against us, deceives once again it puts it out there that bisexual people can turn it on and turn it off
DA-PROFESSOR: Do you plan on acting?
FOXXJAZELL: I do. One of the most interesting things about that is that when I first came to L.A. I started off as an actress, but the music just happened. I was drawn to the music but my background in acting is first.
DA-PROFESSOR: How do you like L.A.?
FOXXJAZELL: I love the weather. I love the energy. The people I can do without (both laugh). They’re not as genuine as people on the East Coast. However I live on the outskirts, so I usually don’t deal with the L.A. state of mind/mentality as much as others have to.
DA-PROFESSOR: Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?
FOXXJAZELL: A very successful entrepreneur.
DA-PROFESSOR: How do you feel you’re making an impact on the LGBT community?
FOXXJAZELL:I feel that it’s still too early for me to see what type of impact that I am making, but I d get lots of trans women that hit me up whether it be email, Face book or whether they see me in the street telling me they appreciate what I do, and I’m setting a good example for them. I feel from that aspect I’m making an impact but I definitely feel to see the overall picture you would have to ask me that question 5-10 years from now.
DA-PROFESSOR: What advice would you give to any LGBT artist who wants to pursue a music career?
FOXXJAZZELL: I would say go based on your talent. Don’t try to do any silly publicity stunts; any sex tapes (laughs). All those things will wear off. I’ve had my own personal reasons for doing them which I can’t condone someone else for the fact that they’re doing it for some other reason.
Friday, January 21, 2011
DA-PROFESSOR'S FAVORITE PLAY OF 2010-CYBERSEX
Since the internet was invited in the late 1990's, many people have used it for many reasons including crusing for dates, sex and both, and that's what the theme that writer/actor/realtor Jason Duvall Hunter used in his play "Cybersex" which had a large turned out on it's debut last summer.
The play featured Drag Queen/Performer the legendary Harmonica Sunbeam dressed in a robotic suit hosting and playing the space android who provide the cast to enter the chat lines and recite lines about various topics dealing with sex and sexulaity including romance, sensuality, lost of innocence.
What made the play hot was Hunter featuring the music of several openly Gay artist including Foxx Jazzell as well as the dance number cherographed by cast member Cisco.
The play and script was very hot, innovative and deep and it had the audience members laughing, crying and sexually enticed, and hopefully the play will continue to be in production for years to come.
The play featured Drag Queen/Performer the legendary Harmonica Sunbeam dressed in a robotic suit hosting and playing the space android who provide the cast to enter the chat lines and recite lines about various topics dealing with sex and sexulaity including romance, sensuality, lost of innocence.
What made the play hot was Hunter featuring the music of several openly Gay artist including Foxx Jazzell as well as the dance number cherographed by cast member Cisco.
The play and script was very hot, innovative and deep and it had the audience members laughing, crying and sexually enticed, and hopefully the play will continue to be in production for years to come.
Friday, January 14, 2011
DA-PROFESSOR'S FAVORITE POP SONG OF 2010
I also love Pop music and there was one artist who made a hot Pop track in 2010
TINO COURY-DIARY
The talented singer/songwriter from Pittsburg released a hot song about accidentaly stumbling on his girlfriend's diary and learning that she not only was she creeping, she wasn't really in love with him.
Coury made the lyrics about infidelity fun to listen to and the music and vocals give it a sweet edge.
DA-PROFESSOR'S FAVORITE PORN STARS OF 2010
Since I've formed this blog over three years ago, I've also conducted several interviews with many in the porn industry as well as reviewed several porn dvds, and in addition to getting off, I also take watch how the star's dialouge, swagger and their sexual performances, which I based my decision on how I rate the porn stars and the movies. So here are my favorite porn stars of 2010
FAMOUS TOPS
1. TYSON-STAR OF THAT GOOD DICK TYSON AND MIXED NUTS 2
Though Tyson has Street and Thug appeal, I love the fact that he isn't afraid to display his sensual and romantic sides in his performance which includes kissing his on-screen partners.
2.Loco-STAR OF SOLITARY
Loco maybe young looking, but he's very mature and he knows how to tear up some ass. Since his began to work with Real Urban Men Productions, Loco's dialouge and character has mature along with his sexual performance and what I admire about him is how he play roles so well that you sometimes forget he's doing porn.
3.MEMPHITZ CREAM
Like You Tube, many aspiring porn stars has became famous by using the internet to get their product out their and Californian Memphitz has been one of X-Tube's most famous porn stars, who's taking his game to the next level with the formation of his own production company. The thing that makes him hot is how he uses the nut from ejaculation as cream on his food (I guess that's where he get's his stage name from) to talking dirty while jerking off and fucking his on-screen partners (it's a shame how he was dissed by Pretty Ricky member Diamond Blue). He's gonna be one of the porn's hottest new stars of 2011.
FAVORITE BOTTOMS
1.SHAWN LEGEND-STAR TWISTED THUG
Many masculine bottoms have been emerging on the porn scene and Shawn Legend is one who enjoys getting plowed on screen and when he moans he moans in his natural voice. He also loves to keep it ghetto by getting fucked wearing a pair of uptowns on.
2. BLOOD-STAR OF NEW THUG CITY 1 & TWISTED THUG SERIES
Many gay men loves guys with Southern accents and Blood's accent along with his neatly short dreads, he knows how to take dick well
FAVORITE VERSATILES
1. SKITTLES-STAR OF SWAGGER 2
When I was watching the first scene of Swagger 2, I couldn't help but to laugh at how Skittles was able to display both his masculine and femine side when he was arguing with his co-star, who called him a power bottom. He showed him that he can take dick and give dick just as well.
2. SOULJA BOY-STAR OF BLACK BY NATURE TWISTED THUG SERIES
Since he emerging on the porn scene in 2008, this porn star has been adding thug appeal in his work, which turns on lots of fans, who love fucking and getting fucked.
FAMOUS TOPS
1. TYSON-STAR OF THAT GOOD DICK TYSON AND MIXED NUTS 2
Though Tyson has Street and Thug appeal, I love the fact that he isn't afraid to display his sensual and romantic sides in his performance which includes kissing his on-screen partners.
2.Loco-STAR OF SOLITARY
Loco maybe young looking, but he's very mature and he knows how to tear up some ass. Since his began to work with Real Urban Men Productions, Loco's dialouge and character has mature along with his sexual performance and what I admire about him is how he play roles so well that you sometimes forget he's doing porn.
3.MEMPHITZ CREAM
Like You Tube, many aspiring porn stars has became famous by using the internet to get their product out their and Californian Memphitz has been one of X-Tube's most famous porn stars, who's taking his game to the next level with the formation of his own production company. The thing that makes him hot is how he uses the nut from ejaculation as cream on his food (I guess that's where he get's his stage name from) to talking dirty while jerking off and fucking his on-screen partners (it's a shame how he was dissed by Pretty Ricky member Diamond Blue). He's gonna be one of the porn's hottest new stars of 2011.
FAVORITE BOTTOMS
1.SHAWN LEGEND-STAR TWISTED THUG
Many masculine bottoms have been emerging on the porn scene and Shawn Legend is one who enjoys getting plowed on screen and when he moans he moans in his natural voice. He also loves to keep it ghetto by getting fucked wearing a pair of uptowns on.
2. BLOOD-STAR OF NEW THUG CITY 1 & TWISTED THUG SERIES
Many gay men loves guys with Southern accents and Blood's accent along with his neatly short dreads, he knows how to take dick well
FAVORITE VERSATILES
1. SKITTLES-STAR OF SWAGGER 2
When I was watching the first scene of Swagger 2, I couldn't help but to laugh at how Skittles was able to display both his masculine and femine side when he was arguing with his co-star, who called him a power bottom. He showed him that he can take dick and give dick just as well.
2. SOULJA BOY-STAR OF BLACK BY NATURE TWISTED THUG SERIES
Since he emerging on the porn scene in 2008, this porn star has been adding thug appeal in his work, which turns on lots of fans, who love fucking and getting fucked.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
DA-PROFESSOR'S FAVORITE ALBUMS/CDS OF 2010
This list was very hard for me to put together because I love music so much. (No one said being a music critic would be easy) but I gotta follow my heart and love for great music.
1. CRAIG DAVID-SIGNED SEALED DELIVERED-Craig David did a great job covering several Motown classics as well as adding his own flavor to them. His midtempo version of The Temptaions' "Just My Imagination" is cool and has a bluesy feel, while his rendition of Papa Was A Rollin' Stone has funky breaks during the third verses. He also rips "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" by having a hot call & response with the background vocalists. I also love how he pays tribute to The Four Tops by sampling their vocals on the album's lead single "One More Night (Standing In The Shadows of Love) which was tearing up the clubs last spring with the hot House beats. The album also showcased David's ability to sing higher ranges.
2.MICHAEL JACKSON-MICHAEL-Right before MJ died, he had recorded lots of songs with his lead vocals, and to complete the album, many producers did what they could to bring the songs to life and while it couldn't be great being that MJ had left us too soon, it showed where he was at musically and lyrically and the direction he was headed. Songs like "Hollywood" showed that MJ knew about the glamours life, while "Monster" featuring 50 Cent, who's vocals didn't need to be computerized and "Breaking News" dealt with Jackson's trademark lyrics of deceptive people and the tabloids. Albums highlights-"Hold My Hand" with Akon and his colabortaion with Lenny Kravitz on "(I Can't Make It) Another Day" showed that Jackson had never lost his Rock Edge.
3. Miguel-All I Want Is You-When Miguel tried to secure a record deal during the Latin Explosion era, many executives didn't want to market him because of his ethnic features (some actually told him he looked like he was part Japanesse) so he was pushed in the background as a writer. After years of being in the background, the talented African American/Mexican singer/songwriter decided to come to the forefront and now he's winning fans with his mixture of R&B/Funk and Rock. In addition to his vocals, Miguel has tight pen game that will sets him apart from many of today's R&B singers.
Album highlights: Quickie, Vixen, My Piece
4.EL DEBARGE-SECOND CHANCE-When El peformed at last year's BET Awards, everybody was happy to see that he still had the pipes and showmanship that made him a class act. Well the former lead singer of the family group DeBarge wasn't done there. He landed a deal with Geffen Records and the week after Thanksgiving, he dropped his long awaited album "Second Chance" which started to sell very fast to the point where record stores had to request several more shipments. The CD has the classic El DeBarge sound; inspirtational lyrics, smooth melodies, his trademark falsetto and nice piano riffs. He also honored his family and their legacy by sampling their classic "Stay With Me" for the song 5 Seconds with Fabulous and for a limited time he released a bonus CD of Christmas Tunes.
Album Highlights-"Lay With You (With Faith Evans), "5 Seconds" (With Fabulous) "Second Chance," "Joyful"
5.THE TEMPTATIONS-STIL HERE The Temptations are still tempting fans all around the world and they released a hot CD last year which was their first album of original material since 2004, and it has that classic 5 part harmony that made them famous in 1964. A mixture of love and political songs, the Emperors of Soul are showing the world that they still have the capabilities to put out great quality music.
Albums Highlights-"Change Has Come," "Let Me Catch Your Diamonds," "Shawtyismygirl"
6.ANYE ELITE-SNEAK PREVIEW & JESSE-O-LOVE AND GO CRAZY (TIE)
Anye Elite dropped a hot mix tape of hot party jams and love songs with lots to Gay themes and references including the first single "I Got Him" where he show his ability to rap as well as sing. He also did a Rock flavored song called "My Name Ain't Shawty" and an inspriational song "I Should Be Crying"
Anye's album highlights-"I Got Him" (Original and Remix), "Icon," "Exclusively," "I Should Be Crying," "My Name Ain't Shawty"
Jesse-O returned with a hot CD that has listenings dancing and thinking about love. Teaming with legendary producer Tori Fixx, the Out Music Award Nominated singer/songwriter/cheographer step up his game vocally and lyrically following with songs about being persued, falling in love with a Island Man, and dismissing a cheating lover after catching him in bed with a trick. Jesse also recorded some songs inspriational songs as well.
Jesse's album highlights-"Holla At Me," "Island Luv," "It's Over," "Sober,"
7. RON ISLEY-MR I. When Isley was released from prison, he hit the road and the studio to give his fans a hot album that has the classic Isley Brothers feel; timeless love songs. The CD is great, but what was lacking was brother Ernie's guitar riffs. The digital ones took away from the live feel, but the CD is great and it show why Ron has been able to stay in the ever changing music industry for over 6 decades.
Album's Highlights-"Put Your Money On Me," "No More," "Take It How You Want It," "Dance For Me."
8.CHRIS BROWN-In My Zone 1 & In My Zone 1 (TIE) Chris Brown did the smart thing by taking the mix-tape route to showcase his versatile singing style and rapping as well as keep his true fans talking about his talent.
The first mix tape showcased his sexual side with his versions of Trey Songz's "Say Ahh" and "I Invented Sex" with the latter being retitled "I Invented Head."
Album Highlight-"Glow In The Dark."
The second mixtape had more diversity and it could have done without much of the synsersized vocals, but he did have some hot joints including "Talk Shit"
9.JEREMIH-ALL ABOUT YOU-The Chicago native who created the hit and term "Birthday Sex" came back with the conitunation of where his self-titled debut left off. The talented singer/songwriter also featured some songs about heartbreak and pain as well as collaboarated with 50 Cent and Ludacris. For his next release I'm looking forard to seeing more from this talented performer
ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS-Take Off, "I Like," "Holding On."
10. THE QURE-GAY 4 PAY-This Texas based Openly Gay Hip-Hop duo came hard with their debut displaying their individual flows and style over some hot beats.
ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS-"Baby Mama," "Take That," "Milk & Cookies," "Revenge," "Turn On Da Fans," "Gravediggers."
1. CRAIG DAVID-SIGNED SEALED DELIVERED-Craig David did a great job covering several Motown classics as well as adding his own flavor to them. His midtempo version of The Temptaions' "Just My Imagination" is cool and has a bluesy feel, while his rendition of Papa Was A Rollin' Stone has funky breaks during the third verses. He also rips "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" by having a hot call & response with the background vocalists. I also love how he pays tribute to The Four Tops by sampling their vocals on the album's lead single "One More Night (Standing In The Shadows of Love) which was tearing up the clubs last spring with the hot House beats. The album also showcased David's ability to sing higher ranges.
2.MICHAEL JACKSON-MICHAEL-Right before MJ died, he had recorded lots of songs with his lead vocals, and to complete the album, many producers did what they could to bring the songs to life and while it couldn't be great being that MJ had left us too soon, it showed where he was at musically and lyrically and the direction he was headed. Songs like "Hollywood" showed that MJ knew about the glamours life, while "Monster" featuring 50 Cent, who's vocals didn't need to be computerized and "Breaking News" dealt with Jackson's trademark lyrics of deceptive people and the tabloids. Albums highlights-"Hold My Hand" with Akon and his colabortaion with Lenny Kravitz on "(I Can't Make It) Another Day" showed that Jackson had never lost his Rock Edge.
3. Miguel-All I Want Is You-When Miguel tried to secure a record deal during the Latin Explosion era, many executives didn't want to market him because of his ethnic features (some actually told him he looked like he was part Japanesse) so he was pushed in the background as a writer. After years of being in the background, the talented African American/Mexican singer/songwriter decided to come to the forefront and now he's winning fans with his mixture of R&B/Funk and Rock. In addition to his vocals, Miguel has tight pen game that will sets him apart from many of today's R&B singers.
Album highlights: Quickie, Vixen, My Piece
4.EL DEBARGE-SECOND CHANCE-When El peformed at last year's BET Awards, everybody was happy to see that he still had the pipes and showmanship that made him a class act. Well the former lead singer of the family group DeBarge wasn't done there. He landed a deal with Geffen Records and the week after Thanksgiving, he dropped his long awaited album "Second Chance" which started to sell very fast to the point where record stores had to request several more shipments. The CD has the classic El DeBarge sound; inspirtational lyrics, smooth melodies, his trademark falsetto and nice piano riffs. He also honored his family and their legacy by sampling their classic "Stay With Me" for the song 5 Seconds with Fabulous and for a limited time he released a bonus CD of Christmas Tunes.
Album Highlights-"Lay With You (With Faith Evans), "5 Seconds" (With Fabulous) "Second Chance," "Joyful"
5.THE TEMPTATIONS-STIL HERE The Temptations are still tempting fans all around the world and they released a hot CD last year which was their first album of original material since 2004, and it has that classic 5 part harmony that made them famous in 1964. A mixture of love and political songs, the Emperors of Soul are showing the world that they still have the capabilities to put out great quality music.
Albums Highlights-"Change Has Come," "Let Me Catch Your Diamonds," "Shawtyismygirl"
6.ANYE ELITE-SNEAK PREVIEW & JESSE-O-LOVE AND GO CRAZY (TIE)
Anye Elite dropped a hot mix tape of hot party jams and love songs with lots to Gay themes and references including the first single "I Got Him" where he show his ability to rap as well as sing. He also did a Rock flavored song called "My Name Ain't Shawty" and an inspriational song "I Should Be Crying"
Anye's album highlights-"I Got Him" (Original and Remix), "Icon," "Exclusively," "I Should Be Crying," "My Name Ain't Shawty"
Jesse-O returned with a hot CD that has listenings dancing and thinking about love. Teaming with legendary producer Tori Fixx, the Out Music Award Nominated singer/songwriter/cheographer step up his game vocally and lyrically following with songs about being persued, falling in love with a Island Man, and dismissing a cheating lover after catching him in bed with a trick. Jesse also recorded some songs inspriational songs as well.
Jesse's album highlights-"Holla At Me," "Island Luv," "It's Over," "Sober,"
7. RON ISLEY-MR I. When Isley was released from prison, he hit the road and the studio to give his fans a hot album that has the classic Isley Brothers feel; timeless love songs. The CD is great, but what was lacking was brother Ernie's guitar riffs. The digital ones took away from the live feel, but the CD is great and it show why Ron has been able to stay in the ever changing music industry for over 6 decades.
Album's Highlights-"Put Your Money On Me," "No More," "Take It How You Want It," "Dance For Me."
8.CHRIS BROWN-In My Zone 1 & In My Zone 1 (TIE) Chris Brown did the smart thing by taking the mix-tape route to showcase his versatile singing style and rapping as well as keep his true fans talking about his talent.
The first mix tape showcased his sexual side with his versions of Trey Songz's "Say Ahh" and "I Invented Sex" with the latter being retitled "I Invented Head."
Album Highlight-"Glow In The Dark."
The second mixtape had more diversity and it could have done without much of the synsersized vocals, but he did have some hot joints including "Talk Shit"
9.JEREMIH-ALL ABOUT YOU-The Chicago native who created the hit and term "Birthday Sex" came back with the conitunation of where his self-titled debut left off. The talented singer/songwriter also featured some songs about heartbreak and pain as well as collaboarated with 50 Cent and Ludacris. For his next release I'm looking forard to seeing more from this talented performer
ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS-Take Off, "I Like," "Holding On."
10. THE QURE-GAY 4 PAY-This Texas based Openly Gay Hip-Hop duo came hard with their debut displaying their individual flows and style over some hot beats.
ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS-"Baby Mama," "Take That," "Milk & Cookies," "Revenge," "Turn On Da Fans," "Gravediggers."
DA-PROFESSOR'S FAVORITE COLLABOLATIONS OF 2010
Many artists have teamed up to create hot jams and 2010 was no exception. Classic Soul and Comtemporary artists teamed up as well as several talented openly Gay performers got together to create some hot joints that have many of the smart kids talking and pumping on their Ipods and MP3 players and here are my favorite Colabs of 2010
1. LAY WITH YOU-EL DEBARGE & FAITH EVANS
2010 was a big year for El who was released from prison for parole violation, and was eager to get back to the stage. After doing some gigs in LA he was signed to Geffen Records and went to work on his comeback CD "Second Chance" which has been getting lots of great reviews from critics and fans who are happy that he's bringing quality music back. One of the jams that has people buzzing in the album's second single "Lay With You" with Faith Evans, who does a excellent job blending her soprano with his famous falsetto. The song has a great grown and sexy vibe and lyrics about wanting to spend the time laying in bed, and is the 3rd DeBarge connection Faith has had. She sang the hook of her late husband's Biggie Smalls' "One More Chance" which contains samples from DeBarge's hit "Stay With Me" and in 2002, she sang the hook of DeBarge's classic "I Like It" on Boyz II Men's hit "Relax Your Mind."
2. GLOWING-REALZ FEATURING ASHER D.
The music industry always has a Birtish Invasion and this talented young UK based rapper has been getting a great buzz with his debut single. What gives this song fire is his flow, lyrics and colab with mentor Asher D, who bring a smooth yet hard flow while his artist spits fire with his vocals. The hook is hot and inspirational and should be as a theme for those who are gonna to shine.
3.RIDE OR DIE (REMIX) FOXXJAZEL FEATURING SHORTY ROC, LAST OFFENCE AND NANO REYES
With people still having doubts and ignorant views about Gay Hip-Hop, these four talented rappers teamed up to record one of last year's hottest joints that has been getting lots of air time of MTV and Logo. The beat is hot and smooth and each of the rappers bring their indiviudal styles to the track while Nano Reyes sings the hook with fire. The song shows that Gay are capable of doing more than fixing hair and designing clothes and shows that all almost every gay guy wants to have a thug in their life.
4. HOLD MY HAND-MICHAEL JACKSON & AKON-When the King of Pop decided to resume his music career, he enlisted the services of several hot artists and one of them was Akon, who's making a name for him self with his smooth tenor voice, lyrics and sexy African looks. In fact MJ gave him props in his last interview for Ebony Magazine in 2007. They first worked together when Akon did a remix of Jackson's classic "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" for the re-released of the now classic "Thriller" album. Impressed, MJ requested more material and when Akon presented him "Hold My Hand" MJ fell in love with it and informed his staff and crew that was gonna be the first single released on his new album and true to his word it was. Sadly MJ isn't alive to see how his fans are responding to it, but he's in Heaven smiling down and seeing how people are loving the song that has a nice smooth arragnement of string and lyrics about love and harmony.
5. CALL ME-JOELL ORTIZ & NOVEL-A hot joint is all I can say about this colab by these two talented stars. Joell lyrics and smooth yet hype flow blends with Novel's tenor and falsetto and the horns and strings making it a true Hip-Hop/R&B collabo. Joell's lyrics on this track will make people think about their first loves and the ones they losted. They need to receive nominations for Best Colabo if they didn't already.
6. EXCLUSIVELY (REMIX) ANYE ELITE & KAOZ-Being influnced by Mariah Carey, it was no suprise that openly Gay singer/songwriter Anye Elite would recruit a hot rapper do appear on a remix of one of his single and the rapper he chosed was Kaoz, who adds some hot Midwestern flavor to this hot Pop/Dance track about being the one who catches the boy.
7. PUT YOUR MONEY ON ME-RON ISLEY & T.I. & GET BACK UP-T.I. & CHRIS BROWN (TIE)
T.I. was all over the headlines last year for his release from prison, his movie and his marriage to longtime girlfriend singer/songwriter Tiny Cottle from the R&B group Xscape, who's been riding with him for several years. T.I. also put in hard work in the studio and he was recruited by the legendary Ron Isley to join him on his comeback Album and it's no suprise that they did a song about being able to provide a shorty with the good life and hot passionate love making. The joint has the classic Isley Brothers sound which would have been better had Ron's brother Ernie been avaliable to play the electric guitar live instead of having the guitar riff done digitally. T.I.'s work with Chris Brown is a great inspriational song that inspires people not to let their mistakes and pitfills bring you down. You can learn from one mistakes.
8.MY GIRLS LILE THEM GIRLS-CHRIS BROWN AND J. VALENTINE-When Chris Brown dropped his second mixtape, I couldn't help to listen to this song about a guy's fantasy of particpating in a threesome as well as watching two women get it on in the bedroom. What makes this song good is the lyrics about how he's watching his girl roll up in the club like a playa, and making both the men and women look with awe and hate. The vocals didn't need to be synsersized that much, but the song will be a theme used for guys who loves to get turned on by having a women Mack and freak.
9.STATE YOUR NAME-LAST OFFENCE & BRY'NT-The rapper from St. Louie once again joined forces with the Shemar Moore of Gay Rap to record a hot club banger, where each showcases their ability to spit over a hardcore track. Giving the track it's fire is the intro with a gay claming that gays can't rap and Bry'nt going in hard rhyming in Spanish while Last O comes in and letting the haters know that he has no fear.
"I have no fear of hell
I am a Buddist"
10. I LIKE-JEREMIH & LUDACRIS-Many were suprised that the Chicago native who created the song and term "Birtday Sex" would team up with labelmate Ludacris for a hot and sexy single. Though it sounds like the continuation of "Birthday Sex" and "That Body" Luda's wild style and word play gives the song that edge while Jermih's tenor adds Pop/Soul flavor and innocence.
11.MAKE ME SAY-TYDIS FEATURING THE NEW BOYZ-What can I say, I love Pop music. A great debut from an talented singer and a cute and hot West Coast duo. Cute beats and lyrics about seeing a hottie that makes you say different things. I would love form them to do a remix to this song in a ballad form.
12-MY SECRET LUV-JESSE-O & BARON-A hot track by these Out award nominated and winning artists who joined forces to perform a hot track for those who are in secret relationships (I'm not talking about being adultrey either). Produced by Tori-Fixx this joint features Jesse's smooth vocals and lyrics and Baron's flow.
DA-PROFESSOR'S FAVORITE DVDS OF 2010
Happy New Year folks.
It's been more than a minute since I've written anything on this blog.
2010 was a good year for dvds and I decided to list my favorites DVDS of 2010
1. MICHAEL JACKSON-THIS IS IT-For years Michael Jackson has always created hot concerts, and he always filmed his rehearsals, and since his passed his estate felt of the good way to pay tribute to a man who is constantly emulated. This footage showed how he communicated with his band, crew as well as showed his humble, and humourous side-something that most press refused to showcased. It also showed what it takes to put together a show and hopefully inspiring entertainers will learn that it takes more than looking pretty to put on a great show
2. MICHAEL JACKSON-VISIONS-In addition to putting on great shows, MJ had also created hot videos I mean short films. When videos was just being used as a marketing tool, Jackson decided to use it as a way to showcase his talent, and he didn't half step either; his videos were mini-movies with stories and themes, that related to the song. This 3 DVD set includes all his short films from his entire adult solo career including "Don't Stop Til You Get Enough," "Billie Jean," "Remember The Time," "Blood On The Dance Floor" and my all time favorite "Scream" his duet with his sister Janet which is the most expensive video and received the most nominations from the MTV video awards It also includes videos he did with his brothers including "Blame It On The Boogie," the classic "Can You Feel It" as well as "Say, Say Say" with Paul Mc Cartney and his last one "One More Chance." It would have been better had the video for "Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)" was included because it was the biggest hit of the group's career and it was the first top ten single that featured Michael (who co-wrote this classic with brother Randy) as a songwriter.
3.RAG TAG-With many Black Gay films being released during the past decade, "Rag Tag" has became a favorite among Black Gays around the world. The story about two Black British childhood friends who were seperated at a young age and who reunite and resume their love was very inspirational and shows that despite having obstacles being thrown in your path (homophobic, self-righteouss father, a girlfriend, fear of being judge for not having a decent education, and a jealous undercover cock blocking business associate) love can conquer all.
Movie highlights-Rag & Tag traveling to Nigeria, Tag learning that his uncle was gay, Tag's White Girlfriend telling him that he's selfish and doesn't deserve neither she or Rag. Rag & Tag making love for the first time.
4. WHY DID I GET MARRIED 2-After seeing the first installment of this classic, everybody was waiting to see how the sequel was going to be and let me tell you, it was just as good as the first. I being modest; it was better. The scenes, acting and storyline was deep, funny and made you laugh, snap, root and cry. Especially when Malik Yoba threw liqour on Janet Jackson, who took being an Angry Black woman to the extreme by breaking things with a golf club and making her husband feel low by showing up unannounced at his job with a gay men popping out of a cake singing "It's Raining Men."
Hightlights-Shelia's second husband, dissing Shelia's first husband, who has problems accepting that fact that she's moved on, Shelia reminding him about how he abused her and telling him to get his ass out of the kitchen, Marcus' wife feeling stupid learning that it was the couple's maid and gardener/butler who was getting their freak on instead of Marcus and another women.
What would have made the movie better? The film needed to focus more on the Tyler Perry's and Shanon Leal's character's marriage. Hopefully the film would explore that in the next one.
5. OUR FAMILY WEDDING-This comedy starring America Ferrea and the sexy Lance Gross had me in stichhes, gaining an greater appreciation for Latin Culture and watching Lance grow as an actor (I can't help it that he's sexy). Like most films that deals with kids getting married, the father's are the ones who be at each other's throat and trying to outdo each other, as well as featuing the bride-to-be wanting their father's to acknowledge that they're grown women with their own minds, but this film was sort of different. It featured the groom's growing up in a single father hood household, and wanting his finacee to stand up for him.
Highlights-The fathers aruging and the finacee's mother telling them both to act like adults, Lance and America kissing in a car to the sound of Babyface's classic "Soon As I Get Home," The bride-to-be's father realizing that he has taken his wife for granted, and the scene were Forrest Whitaker and Regina King fighting at the bakery.
What would have made the movie better? Exploring Lance's character true feelings about not growing up with his mother, as well as explaining if they ever had contact.
6.THE PREACHER'S KID-For those of you who still doubt Original Destiny's Child member Le-Toya Luckett's singing abilities needs to check out this flick. You can hear her Gospel training and roots in this film that got great reviews from people who appreciate talented people. The film shows the drama of what happens with preacher kids, who parents wants them to spent most of their activities centered around church, and not allowing them the freedom and opportunity to experience life and pursue their own goals and aspirations (Especially when their over the age of 21), and forces them to rebel, and without guidance, forces them to be in conflict of whether to go back and hear "I told you so" or to be rejected or to deal with the consequences. The film also showed the drama of what goes on while one is on tour (playas, jealousy and true friendships).
Movie Highlights: When LeToya's character Angie helps the play's lead singer and main cast member on the road when she suffers an asthma attack. Another highlight, when Angie's childhood crush and friend whip's the former R&B hearthrob's ass backstage forcing him to fall on to the stage and the audience to applaud thining it was part of the act. Another highlight, when Ella Joyce's character tells Angie's father that Angie is not the only one who can take care of you. My favorite the ending when Angie, is helping her husband and friends set up a stand, and when they talking about pregnancy, a female dramatic church member who has always threw shade at Angie gets put in place by her husband.
7. JOE LIVE IN JAPAN-R&B SINGER/SONGWRITER/PRODUCER Joe has been one of R&B's popular male singers for the past 17 years, and his first live DVD shows why he's a huge hit over seas. Dressed in a tuxedo and back with a band of talented brothers including a horn section, Joe shows the crowd that sometimes less in more, and that there are artist who don't need to rely on fireworks and gimmicks just to have a hot performce. It also showed that there are many music lovers who loves intimate settings and shows, and it also explianed how people of different cultures have a stronger appreciation of R&B/Soul Music
8. THE GAME SEASONS 2 & 3-Since "The Game" made it's premeire in 2006, many fans made sure they was home to catch this hot sitcom about 3 football players from the fictional San Diego Football team, and the drama their experience in their professional and personal lives. Since the cancelation, many have protested that the show be returned to prime time and it has thanks to BET, but during the time of negotiatiions, many have been flocking to get the series to see Derwin & Melanie break up and make up, Malik fall in love and return to being a ladies man, seeing Kelly and Jason divorce and deal with their smart (in terms of maturity) daughter, and Tasha Mack be a outspoken manager and over protective mother.
9. THE RUNAWAYS-There have been many movies that were about girl groups, but the film about The Runaways was very hot and showed how a group of girls decided to beat the odds and become a Rock band. Based on lead singer's Cherie Currie's memoirs, the film had some hot moments and showed the intense romance she had with member Joan Jett, who executive produced the film that should have been released in more theatres. It showed how they had to prove to their manager, and to the world that girls are capabale of doing more than singing and wearing fancy sequenced gowns, and that they can hang with the big boys. It also shows what happens when you don't have balls to stick up for what's right.
Highlights-When Jett's character showed her high school music teacher that she can play electric guitar and that her influences was Chuck Berry. Another highlight was when the band stood up to some promoters overseas.
What could have made the film better? Showing some emphasis on member Lita Ford's character and background.
10.STOMP THE YARD 2-HOMECOMING-Despite the stepping and love scene with Collis Pennie, I was extremely disappointed with this DVD. When you're doing a sequel it has to be just as good as the first one or even better. It wasn't. The story showed the Chance being hustled in a street dance battle and trying to find ways to come up with money to pay for his 'so-called' debt, balancing school, working at his father's resturant and dealing with his current girlfriend and ex, who tries to get him back in her life.
HIGHLIGHTS-The stepping performances and battle and the Betas and Gammas joining forces to let the thug know that they will have his brother's back.
What could have made this film better? Having DJ and Megan Good return as a couple and showing how them as graduates, and having DJ coming up with a way to help Chance being that he was a former street dancer himself deal with the situation instead of just making a visit and giving them a prep talk before the battle.
Also since people have been doing lots of snitching it would have been hot had someone blackmailed Jay to make him call of the debt.
It's been more than a minute since I've written anything on this blog.
2010 was a good year for dvds and I decided to list my favorites DVDS of 2010
1. MICHAEL JACKSON-THIS IS IT-For years Michael Jackson has always created hot concerts, and he always filmed his rehearsals, and since his passed his estate felt of the good way to pay tribute to a man who is constantly emulated. This footage showed how he communicated with his band, crew as well as showed his humble, and humourous side-something that most press refused to showcased. It also showed what it takes to put together a show and hopefully inspiring entertainers will learn that it takes more than looking pretty to put on a great show
2. MICHAEL JACKSON-VISIONS-In addition to putting on great shows, MJ had also created hot videos I mean short films. When videos was just being used as a marketing tool, Jackson decided to use it as a way to showcase his talent, and he didn't half step either; his videos were mini-movies with stories and themes, that related to the song. This 3 DVD set includes all his short films from his entire adult solo career including "Don't Stop Til You Get Enough," "Billie Jean," "Remember The Time," "Blood On The Dance Floor" and my all time favorite "Scream" his duet with his sister Janet which is the most expensive video and received the most nominations from the MTV video awards It also includes videos he did with his brothers including "Blame It On The Boogie," the classic "Can You Feel It" as well as "Say, Say Say" with Paul Mc Cartney and his last one "One More Chance." It would have been better had the video for "Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)" was included because it was the biggest hit of the group's career and it was the first top ten single that featured Michael (who co-wrote this classic with brother Randy) as a songwriter.
3.RAG TAG-With many Black Gay films being released during the past decade, "Rag Tag" has became a favorite among Black Gays around the world. The story about two Black British childhood friends who were seperated at a young age and who reunite and resume their love was very inspirational and shows that despite having obstacles being thrown in your path (homophobic, self-righteouss father, a girlfriend, fear of being judge for not having a decent education, and a jealous undercover cock blocking business associate) love can conquer all.
Movie highlights-Rag & Tag traveling to Nigeria, Tag learning that his uncle was gay, Tag's White Girlfriend telling him that he's selfish and doesn't deserve neither she or Rag. Rag & Tag making love for the first time.
4. WHY DID I GET MARRIED 2-After seeing the first installment of this classic, everybody was waiting to see how the sequel was going to be and let me tell you, it was just as good as the first. I being modest; it was better. The scenes, acting and storyline was deep, funny and made you laugh, snap, root and cry. Especially when Malik Yoba threw liqour on Janet Jackson, who took being an Angry Black woman to the extreme by breaking things with a golf club and making her husband feel low by showing up unannounced at his job with a gay men popping out of a cake singing "It's Raining Men."
Hightlights-Shelia's second husband, dissing Shelia's first husband, who has problems accepting that fact that she's moved on, Shelia reminding him about how he abused her and telling him to get his ass out of the kitchen, Marcus' wife feeling stupid learning that it was the couple's maid and gardener/butler who was getting their freak on instead of Marcus and another women.
What would have made the movie better? The film needed to focus more on the Tyler Perry's and Shanon Leal's character's marriage. Hopefully the film would explore that in the next one.
5. OUR FAMILY WEDDING-This comedy starring America Ferrea and the sexy Lance Gross had me in stichhes, gaining an greater appreciation for Latin Culture and watching Lance grow as an actor (I can't help it that he's sexy). Like most films that deals with kids getting married, the father's are the ones who be at each other's throat and trying to outdo each other, as well as featuing the bride-to-be wanting their father's to acknowledge that they're grown women with their own minds, but this film was sort of different. It featured the groom's growing up in a single father hood household, and wanting his finacee to stand up for him.
Highlights-The fathers aruging and the finacee's mother telling them both to act like adults, Lance and America kissing in a car to the sound of Babyface's classic "Soon As I Get Home," The bride-to-be's father realizing that he has taken his wife for granted, and the scene were Forrest Whitaker and Regina King fighting at the bakery.
What would have made the movie better? Exploring Lance's character true feelings about not growing up with his mother, as well as explaining if they ever had contact.
6.THE PREACHER'S KID-For those of you who still doubt Original Destiny's Child member Le-Toya Luckett's singing abilities needs to check out this flick. You can hear her Gospel training and roots in this film that got great reviews from people who appreciate talented people. The film shows the drama of what happens with preacher kids, who parents wants them to spent most of their activities centered around church, and not allowing them the freedom and opportunity to experience life and pursue their own goals and aspirations (Especially when their over the age of 21), and forces them to rebel, and without guidance, forces them to be in conflict of whether to go back and hear "I told you so" or to be rejected or to deal with the consequences. The film also showed the drama of what goes on while one is on tour (playas, jealousy and true friendships).
Movie Highlights: When LeToya's character Angie helps the play's lead singer and main cast member on the road when she suffers an asthma attack. Another highlight, when Angie's childhood crush and friend whip's the former R&B hearthrob's ass backstage forcing him to fall on to the stage and the audience to applaud thining it was part of the act. Another highlight, when Ella Joyce's character tells Angie's father that Angie is not the only one who can take care of you. My favorite the ending when Angie, is helping her husband and friends set up a stand, and when they talking about pregnancy, a female dramatic church member who has always threw shade at Angie gets put in place by her husband.
7. JOE LIVE IN JAPAN-R&B SINGER/SONGWRITER/PRODUCER Joe has been one of R&B's popular male singers for the past 17 years, and his first live DVD shows why he's a huge hit over seas. Dressed in a tuxedo and back with a band of talented brothers including a horn section, Joe shows the crowd that sometimes less in more, and that there are artist who don't need to rely on fireworks and gimmicks just to have a hot performce. It also showed that there are many music lovers who loves intimate settings and shows, and it also explianed how people of different cultures have a stronger appreciation of R&B/Soul Music
8. THE GAME SEASONS 2 & 3-Since "The Game" made it's premeire in 2006, many fans made sure they was home to catch this hot sitcom about 3 football players from the fictional San Diego Football team, and the drama their experience in their professional and personal lives. Since the cancelation, many have protested that the show be returned to prime time and it has thanks to BET, but during the time of negotiatiions, many have been flocking to get the series to see Derwin & Melanie break up and make up, Malik fall in love and return to being a ladies man, seeing Kelly and Jason divorce and deal with their smart (in terms of maturity) daughter, and Tasha Mack be a outspoken manager and over protective mother.
9. THE RUNAWAYS-There have been many movies that were about girl groups, but the film about The Runaways was very hot and showed how a group of girls decided to beat the odds and become a Rock band. Based on lead singer's Cherie Currie's memoirs, the film had some hot moments and showed the intense romance she had with member Joan Jett, who executive produced the film that should have been released in more theatres. It showed how they had to prove to their manager, and to the world that girls are capabale of doing more than singing and wearing fancy sequenced gowns, and that they can hang with the big boys. It also shows what happens when you don't have balls to stick up for what's right.
Highlights-When Jett's character showed her high school music teacher that she can play electric guitar and that her influences was Chuck Berry. Another highlight was when the band stood up to some promoters overseas.
What could have made the film better? Showing some emphasis on member Lita Ford's character and background.
10.STOMP THE YARD 2-HOMECOMING-Despite the stepping and love scene with Collis Pennie, I was extremely disappointed with this DVD. When you're doing a sequel it has to be just as good as the first one or even better. It wasn't. The story showed the Chance being hustled in a street dance battle and trying to find ways to come up with money to pay for his 'so-called' debt, balancing school, working at his father's resturant and dealing with his current girlfriend and ex, who tries to get him back in her life.
HIGHLIGHTS-The stepping performances and battle and the Betas and Gammas joining forces to let the thug know that they will have his brother's back.
What could have made this film better? Having DJ and Megan Good return as a couple and showing how them as graduates, and having DJ coming up with a way to help Chance being that he was a former street dancer himself deal with the situation instead of just making a visit and giving them a prep talk before the battle.
Also since people have been doing lots of snitching it would have been hot had someone blackmailed Jay to make him call of the debt.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
N.E. FLASHBACK-NEW EDITION'S LEAD VOCALIST'S SENSITIVE AND SULTRY DEBUT SINGLE
RALPH TRESVANT
SENSITIVITY
MCA RECORDS
1990
Peaked at # 1 on the R&B Charts December 15 1990
In 1990, the members of New Edition had pursued solo projects that became very successful, and everybody was waiting for what Ralph Tresvant was going to delivered and would it be a hit. He delivered a classic, smooth flowing mid-tempo ballad "Sensitivity" which became an instant classic and a hit with the ladies and fellas. Written and produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, the song has great beats, percussion, and showcases Tresvant's ability to sing lead, background and harmony, which can be heard in the call and response he has with himself. The lyrics are also timeless about letting a woman know that there are men who can provide them sensitivity.
"Don't need a man that will give you money
(No)
Come on let you show you what need honey
(I got what you need)
Don't need a man that will treat you funny
You need a man with sensitivity
A man like me
This song still gets spins on radio and it showed that Ralph had nothing to fear; he came out with a classic that showed that he the capability to shine as a vocalist and that everybody can use a man with sensitivity
SENSITIVITY
MCA RECORDS
1990
Peaked at # 1 on the R&B Charts December 15 1990
In 1990, the members of New Edition had pursued solo projects that became very successful, and everybody was waiting for what Ralph Tresvant was going to delivered and would it be a hit. He delivered a classic, smooth flowing mid-tempo ballad "Sensitivity" which became an instant classic and a hit with the ladies and fellas. Written and produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, the song has great beats, percussion, and showcases Tresvant's ability to sing lead, background and harmony, which can be heard in the call and response he has with himself. The lyrics are also timeless about letting a woman know that there are men who can provide them sensitivity.
"Don't need a man that will give you money
(No)
Come on let you show you what need honey
(I got what you need)
Don't need a man that will treat you funny
You need a man with sensitivity
A man like me
This song still gets spins on radio and it showed that Ralph had nothing to fear; he came out with a classic that showed that he the capability to shine as a vocalist and that everybody can use a man with sensitivity
Friday, November 26, 2010
ROCK SOUL QUEEN CELEBRATES 71ST BIRTHDAY AND 50 YEARS IN SHOW BIZ
"71 years old and a survivor"
Arturo Ranger-Austin
When Rock/Soul Tina Turner appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" in February 2005 to promote her greatest hits CD "All The Best," she was asked if she would ever resume touring again. Turner said that if she didn't want to give a show that wasn't so great. Well three years later, Tina had everybody excited when she announced that she was coming out of retirement, and once again she showed the world that age is just a number, and she could still rock with the best of them.
Fans have loved Tina for her voice, looks, and her trademark legs, but many love her for her ability to beat the odds, and take risks, and by doing so, she became one of the industry's most love, respected, and admireded legends, and this story celebrates her golden anniversary.
Tina was born on November 26, 1939 in Nutubsh Tennesse as Anna Mae Bullock to the late Floyd & Zelma Bullock as the youngest of two sisters, who were forced to live with several relatives due to her parents' fights, with Tina spending time with her grandparents and a white family, who provided her the love she lacked from her parents and a neighbor names Ms. Blake, who introduced Tina to the Penecostal church, where she quickly fell in love with the how the congregation honored God by dancing and singing, to the point where she became a member of the choir.
"It was fun to me" Turner wrote in her memoirs "I, Tina." So much more exciting than the Baptist chruch I knew back in Nut Bush. Here I was, dancing and singing, for the first time. It was wild." Turner's mother and church members noticed that how strong her singing voice was, and they noticed her ambitions to be an actress.
"She had a great voice then" Tina's late mother added in "I, Tina." "She would go to the movie, and if it was a musical, she would come home and sing the songs and act out the parts that she remembered seein'."
When she wasn't in church or in school, she was picking cotton and berries, something that many Blacks had to do and hated. Tina hated it to the point where she would dream about life outside of the cotton fields. Shorty after her 16th birthday, Tina's mother had asked her to join her and her sister Alline in St. Louis to finish high school, and as soon as she arrived, she was amazed at the number of Night Clubs that were around the city, and she soon found herself spending nights at The Emperial and The Manhattan, where she watched singer/musician Ike Turner & The Kings of Rhythm perform, and give the mic to a girl to sing, and like many Tina wanted to get on stage to showcase her voice. Ike was reluctant, but that didnt stop Tina.
"Many times other girls has stood up to sing and I knew they couldn't as well as I could. Even before my voice was fully developed" Tina said on "Behind The Music."
One night when her sister declined to sing, Tina grabbed the mic and performed the BB Kings classic "(Darling You Know) I Love You," and blew everybody in the club away, Including Ike, who couldn't hold his composure.
"I heard this voice come out the speaker and I said 'wow who's that? I looked around and saw it was that little girl out front and I was like Damn! She can sing!" Ike said on "Behind the Music." "Her voice was really raspy and really didn't sound high pitch like a girl. I liked it."
After that "Little Ann" as she was called at that time began to perform with the Kings of Rhythms performing at clubs, bars and college parties around the midwest, receiving rave review from the fans, who flocked to see them.
"That was the beginning of my local stardom. He was a really nice person at that time. We were like brother and sister" Tina said of the early stages of their relationship.
"That was the relaronship we had, and that's what we projected onstage" Ike added. "Two buddies. Two good friends."
During the course of their friendship, Little Ann had learned that Ike had wrote and produced for other artists, who had left him when they became successful. Little Ann decided to be loyal to her friend.
"I said to him if we ever got a hit record Ike, I won't leave you like the others" she said on ABC in 1993.
"I meant it."
One of the fans who was captivated by the duo was singer Bonnie Bramlett, a White music lover, who was part of the duo Delanney & Bonnie and an one time member of the band.
"That was around the time I firsr saw them, and it was devestating" she added in Turner's memoirs. "I thought she was the greatest thing I'd ever seen in my life. She made me cry-yes I stood there and cried like an idoit. I knew right away that that was what I wanted to do, too. And I wanted to do it just like her."
Wanting to become more that local singers, Ike had the band go to the recording studio to record a song he wrote called "A Fool In Love" which he originally recorded for a singer names Art Lassiter, who didn't want to pay him, so Ike had asked Little Ann to record the song, and once she stepped to the mike, the band watched her make history. Ike had sent the demo to several record companies, including Sue Records, who told Ike to keep Little Ann's voice on the song.
"I was gonna erase her" Ike revealed. "That was the intention, and when she got to the part when you're screaming 'hey, hey, hey, hey, hey! Wow! They (the excutives) said don't erase her. Keep her!"
Ike secured a deal with Sue Records and when the record was released, Little Ann was shocked to learn that Ike renamed the Kings & Rhythms The Ike & Tina Turner Revue.
Tina was grateful for the opporunity, but she didn't like how they relationship went from being brother-sister to romantic and she didn't like his controling ways and affairs he was having with several women, so when she told Ike she wanted out of their relationship, Ike responded with violence.
"I had no place to go" Tina said on why she stayed with him.
In addition to Ike, Tina had also was a mother. Tina had a son with former saxophonist Raymond Hill and in addition to the son she had with Ike, Tina was also raising Ike's two sons from his relationship with ex-girlfriend Lorraine Taylor, who gave the boys to the couple to raise.
The duo had other hits that followed including "It's Gonna Work Out Fine" and
from then on Tina had performed with Ike doing a series of one-nighters all around the U.S. performing at Juke Joints, Bars, Clubs, and theatres including New York City's famous Apollo and The Howard in Washington D.C. often sharing the bill with many acts, including Gladys Knight, who Tina gave her first make-over.
"If you think Tina can put on a show, you ought to see her apply foundation, not to mention blush, eyeshadow, and mascara" Knight wrote in her memoirs "Between Each Line of Pain and Glory." She arched eyebrows I didn't know I had, and created cheekbones where there has only been cheek before. By the time she put down the eyeliner pencils, I didn't recognize myself."
Knight's face wasn't the only thing she gave a make-over; she had changed the face of music with her singing and dancing. While most females at that time wore long gowns, Turner work short dresses that displayed her trademark legs, while she and the background singers The Ikettes, performed routines that were energetic, and sexual, that had females emulating and men watching. One of those men who were watching was legendary producer/songwriter Phil Spector, who had created a string of hits for the Ronnettes using his trademark wall sound. Spector had co-wrote a song called "River Deep, Mountain High" and once he saw Ike & Tina perform at a television show, he knew that she was the one who would do a great job, so he approached and paid Ike $20,000 for the use of Tina's voice; with one condition, Ike was not allowed to enter the studio, and when Tina heard the song, she was estastic because she had been yearning to do something different musicwise.
"I loved that song. Because for the first time in my life, it wasn't just R&B-it had structure, it had a melody" Tina wrote in her memoirs. "You see, Ike would always have me screaming and shouting on his songs-selling them you know?"
Like the public, the inprisoned producing legend noticed and prasied Tina's unique singing voice. "He had told me I had an extremely unusual voice, that he never heard a woman's voice like mine, and that's why he wanted to record me."
"Tina just symbolized to me the best what I needed at that time" Spector said.
The song was released in the spring of 1966, and despite glowing reviews, the song peaked A # 88 shocking, Tina, Spector and critics who felt that the song should have been a bigger hit, and while others were disappointed, Tina saw it as a acheivement, because it showed her that she had the capability to sing other forms of music, and she could do things on her own. "I never sung like that before and I wanted it. And now it's a classic." While the U.S. didn't pay the song any mind, U.K. listeners and artists loved it, helping push the song to # 3 in Britian, and receiving an invitation to tour the U.K. with The Rolling Stones, who became great friends with Tina, who gave the group's lead singer Mick Jagger how to dance. It was also where Tina felt appreciation, love and comfort, as well as learning that the European fans (Both Black & White) appreciated great music and that she didn't have to limit herself musically, and Tina decided to do that by getting Ike to include Rock songs into their reportiore, which gave the band new life, and an larger fan base, who loved seeing her perform The Rolling Stone's "Honkey Talk Woman" and The Beatles "Come Together" and "Get Back" but the duo would hit the jackpot when in their 1971 rendition of Creedence Clearwater Revival's classic "Proud Mary" peaked at # 4 on the Pop Charts, becoming their first gold single, and earning Tina her first Grammy Award for Best R&B Duo. The success of the single earned them slots on The Ed Sullivan Show, Soul Train, The Sonny & Cher and it also got them more bookings outside of the chitling curcuit. The success also prompted Tina to start writing songs, and in 1973 her self-penned tune "Nutbush City Limits" became a Top 20 hit in the U.S. and reached # 2 in Great Britian making it the last top 40 hit she would have with Ike, who had developed a serious addiction to cocaine, which made him more abusive towards Tina, who nearly died of Tuberlosis due to Ike's refusal for taking time off from performing and recording in his newly built recording studio. By then Tina had began to look for a way out, and in 1974, Ike's short term secreatary named Carol Dryer had introduced Tina to Buddishism, which gave her comfort, and strength she been looking for.
"I found that when I chanted the words, I felt different, I felt better, I felt lighter about things" She said on Vh-1.
It also had frightened Ike to the point where he freaked out to the point where he asked her to removed the candles from their house. She did, but she continued to chant whenever she got a chance, and she saw doors opening for her. She appeared in the movie musical "Tommy" and later appeared on co-star Ann-Margret's television special, but Tina hadn't was still searching for a way to leave Ike. On July 1st, 1976, the duo was headed to Dallas Texas to kick off another tour, and while many were preparing to celebrate Independence Day, Tina decided to celebrate as well. Ike had started another fight, but this time Tina decided to inform her husband that his days of mistreating her was over. When they got in the limosine, Ike struck her and she told him Alright I told you I would stay with you adhelp you through this period but no more licks." When Ike struck her again, Tina fought him back.
"It sure felt great" she said of how great it felt fighting back.
"I think my hand bounce because I hit so hard." Tina hit, kicked and scracthed Ike all the way to they got to the hotel, and once Ike went to sleep, she made her escape. With only 36 cents and a mobile card in her pocket, she fled to another hotel, asked to speak to the manager, told him her plight and asked if she could have a room and that she would pay him back. The manager gave her a room, placed , security outside her room and gave her some food. The next day, she flew to Los Angeles, filed for divorced, and hid out with friends working as a maid. "I moved from place to place for two months working my way at each one-housekeeping and cleaning, just like I had for the White woman back in Tennessee" she wrote in her memoirs. "And I know how to clean. I didn't have any money. I didn't have anything at all. So I paid my rent by cleaning." When Ike did find her, she had let him know that she wasn't going by his wife or music partner again. In other words, she was moving on without him. During the divorce proceedings, Tina learned that she was entitled to half of their assets, which caused even more friction, so Tina told her attorney to let him keep everything because her freedom was more important than material things. Tina would later get those material things by working hard. Because she had walked off the final tour, she found herself liable for the debts, and instead of crying about it, she handled her resposbilities and launched her solo career by appearing on television variety shows and performing in Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas and Candian Casinos, earning several standing ovations, and a strong conncection with Gay fans, and while the Casinos paid good money, she didn't want to remain a cabinet act for long. That would happen with the help of Roger Davies, the man who became her manager.
"I didn't want to promise that we could deliver" Davies said.
"I knew about the Ike & Tina records, but I didn't know about her as a solo act."
Turner convinced him to watch her perform at a hotel in San Francisco, and he was impressed with the first show, but when he saw the second show was just as good, Davies signed on as her manager, and when he asked Tina what direction she wanted to go in, she informed him that she was tired of singing about heartache, pain and the blues. She wanted to sing ballads, songs about romance and Rock & Roll.
Davies believed in her vision and told her she needed a new band of young energetic musicians, and to eliminate the beaded gowns and long flowing hair. Tina loved the idea and with her new band, she had performed at the famous Ritz Club becoming the talk of the town, prompting the owner to book her again, and it became a bigger success. The night of her performance Rod Stewart asked her to join him on Saturday Night Live to perform his classic "Hot Legs." A few days later, The Rolling Stones asked Tina to open for them during their 3 night appearance at a 20,000 seat arena, where Tina received lots of loves from the crowd. It was that love that made Tina decide that she wanted to play stadiums and arenas. Davies had worked hard to get Tina a record deal, but most U.S. labels weren't interested due to her association with Ike, while many felt that she was a has been, and the ones who were interested wanted her to record R&B and Dance records as well as songs about heartache and Tina told them like she told her manager, she didn't want to be pigeonholed and she wanted to sing Rock and songs about romance, so Davies knowning how the British Market had appreciated Tina had her record with many London- based artists, who believed in Tina's direction, and one of the first songs she recorded was a modern day version of The Temptations' classic "Ball of Confusion" which became an instant hit in England prompting Capitol Records to sign her, but before she began to record, the label went through major changes and she was closed to being dropped until executive John Carter went to the new label's president and got on his knees and pleased, while singer David Bowie told the execuitves that he was gonna spend his first night in New York watching Tina Turner perform at the Ritz. Once excutives saw her show, they kept her and in 1983 Tina released her version of Al Green's classic "Let's Stay Together" which became a top 5 R&B hit and top 20 Pop hit. Impressed, the label wanted Tina to record an album quickly, so she returned to England, and within two weeks, her classic solo album "Private Dancer" was in stores selling around the world making it the third biggest selling album of 1984, selling ten million copies world wide thanks the hits "Better Be Good To Me," "Show Some Respect" and "What's Love Got To Do With It" which became Tina's first # 1 Pop hit peakin at # 1 the same time she first charted with " A Fool In Love" 24 years earlier thanks to her videos being played on New York City Hot Tracks, Friday Night Videos, MTV, BET and Video Music Box. The success of the album earned Tina 2 American Music Awards and 3 Grammy awards, where she won song of the year and became the first female to earn Grammies in the Catergories of R&B, Rock and Pop. In 1985, Tina fulfilled a long time dreamed when she starred with Mel Gibson in the hit film "Mad Max 3: Beyond Thunderdome" and scored another gold single with the hit "We Don't Need Another Here (Thunderdome)" peaking at # 2. She also embarked on a successful tour and teamed with Bryan Adams on the classic "It's Only Love." The following year was a big year for Turner careerwise; she earned an American Music And Grammy Award for her rock single "One of The Living." She also earned a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, released her best selling autobiography "I, Tina" and her multi-platnium follow up "Break Every Rule" which contained the hits "Typcial Male" which peaked at # 2, "Two People" and "What You Get Is What You See." She also earned another Grammy for "Back Where You Started" and embarked on another successful stadium tour, stopping in Rio, where over 100,000 fans showed up, making her the first female to have a successful stadium tour.
In 1989 Tina released her album "Foreign Affair" which Tina served as co-excutive producer and co-produced two of the songs with Dan Hartman including "The Best" which became her signature song, and while the album got great reviews including four stars in Black Beat Magazine, the album only went Gold in the U.S. but did better overseas debuting at # in the U.K. while the follow up singles "Steamy Windows" & "Look Me In The Heart" did well on the U.K. charts. A year later, Tina decided to take a long overdue vacation, and during her time off, she decided to relocate to Europe permantely, and spend quality time with her beau German Executive Erwin Bach, who is celebrating their 24 year together as a live-in couple.
"I'm not in love with the Rock star" Bach said on 20/20
"I'm in love with a human being."
1991 was a another year for Tina though she wasn't touring; both she and Ike were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and she released a Greatest hits album titled "Simply The Best" which in addition to containing her solo hits, it included the classic "River Deep" a new version of her classic "Nutbush City Limits" and three new singles including "Love Thang," "Way of The World" and "I Want You Near Me."
2 years later, Disney had produced the film "What's Love Got To Do With It?" based on her memoirs, with Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne playing the roles of Tina and Ike earning them Oscar nominations, while the film's soundtrack went multi-platnium, scoring a top ten hit with "I Don't Wanna Fight" and earned several awards and nominations, while her American tour grossed millions in ticket sales and while many turned out to see the film, Turner opted not to.
"To be honest Kurt, I hope I don't have to see it" she told journalist Kurt Lorder.
"I lived it. I don't have to see it."
In 1995 Tina was tapped by Bono & The Edge of U2 to record the theme for the movie "Golden Eye" and it became a huge hit in the UK, prompting the label to have Tina do another album and tour. Something she was not ready to do at that time, but once she started to receives songs, Turner decided to have fun recording it and she decided to work with some new producers including Trevor Horn who enjoyed working with the Icon. "It was fun" Horn said on Turners "In Your Wildest Dreams" DVD "I did some more." Turner felt the same thing. "Music changes all the time. It's modern, but it's me." Many critics felt the same and when she released the album "Wildest Dreams," it quickly went multi-platnium overseas and gold in the U.S. due to the hits "Missing You" and "In Your Wildest Dreams" which featured the late Barry White rapping and singing with Tina making it one of the hottest and requested R&B singles of 1997. Turner had embarked on her first global tour in ten years, selling out arenas in Amsterdam, but her career got hot when she appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show, and performed the title track as well as spoke about her life, career, and learning to appreciate her legs in her late 40's. Turner also had Winfrey perform a dance routine with her onstage which helped the Talk show get high ratings while rapper Warren G & singer Adina Howard remade Turner's classic "What's Love Got To Do With It.
1999 turned out to be another year for the Rock Queen. She opened the VH-1 Divas concert performing her classics with Elton John and Cher as well as celebrating her 60th with a television special in the U.K. She also released her platnium album "Twenty Four Seven" and annoucned to the world that she was going to embarking on her last tour. Making the tour special was Turner giving actress/singer Gloria Ruben the opportunity to sing background for her which she did for the first leg of the tour before she hiring Lisa Fischer to finish the rest of the tour which grossed over $100 million dollars outselling N-Synch and Dr Dre. While Tina was enjoying her retirment, many artists have spoke about how much they were influenced by her talent and legacy including rapper Lil' Kim, who listed her as one of her idols, while Destiny's Child had included "Proud Mary" during their 2002 world tour. For their 50th Anniversary special, The Four Tops asked Original Supreme Mary Wilson to perform their rendition of "River Deep Mountain High" while Austrialian group Human Nature asked Wilson to record the song on their 3rd Motown tribute album "Get Ready" as well as asking her to join them on special in their homeland. In 2003, Tina started to reemerge back in the spotlight; she teamed with Phil Collins to the single "Great Spirits" for the "Big Bear" soundtrack. 2 years later she released her double CD "All the Best" which debut at # 2 on the US charts while her single "Open Arms" became a huge hit and shortly after Carols Santana finally released his and Turner's version of the hit "The Game of Love" but the highlight for Tina was when she was honored at the Kennedy Center Award for contributions to music, where many famous performers paid tribute to her with song including Rapper/Singer/Actress Queen Latifah, Rock Lesbian Singer Melissa Etheridge, former Destiny's Child lead singer Beyonce Knowles and Al Green. After spending another two years away from the spot light, the Rock legend decided to take out her heels for another round, and one of the first stops she made was on the 50th Grammy Awards where Knowles introduced Tina to the crowd and later teamed up with her to perform the classic "Proud Mary" making it the most talked about performance of the Grammy's. On Entertainment Tonight, Turner said that the her reason for performing with Beyonce was to thank her for honoring her at the Kennedy Center three years earlier. She also teamed up with long time friend Cher on Oprah and performed some of their hits, and it was there where Tina made a stunning announcement; she was going back on the road, and as always her concert sold out extremly quickly, with many fans longtime and new coming out to see her do her thang including Electronic/Dance artist Baron, who took his grandmother to see her live.The Velocity Magazine Award winning artist told me what it was like seeing her perform the day after the concert. "It’s funny cause like I told you, I took my grandmother, and my grandmother is not much older than her, so I was thinking Tina Tuner at 69 years old performing for two hours, high energy, power I have no excuse (laughs). I have no excuse not to do what I want to dream People have no excuse for not living their dreams and not to be inspired by it; to go out and do what you love. That’s what I took home; I have no excuse not to."
Tina Turner has beated the odds through out her life, and has managed to pursue her dreams and still serves as an inspiration to everybody around the world, who has faced adversity in their lives. She showed the industry that A sexy Black middle-aged women can enjoy her life and doesn't have to be placed in a box. She also showed the world that you can leave an abusive situation and survive, and she also let the world know that being happy is living out your dreams.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Young U.K. Rapper plans to make Young U.K. Rapper plans to make stride with debut single
Since 2007, young rappers like Soulja Boy and The New Boyz have conquered the charts with their catchy hooks and beats. Joining the wave of young rappers is U.K. based rapper/writer Realz, who’s already had a buzz with this debut single “Glowing” which is sure to be an international hit.
Born as Junior Arkele in East London, Realz’s was heavily influenced by Hip-Hop legends 2Pac and Jadakiss’ flow and lyrical styles, and by the time he reached his late teens, he had became a hit in the underground circuit which had many Hip-Hop legends including God’s Gift talking about his lyrical styletalking about his lyrical style and flow, but his big break came when Actor/Rapper Ashley Waters discovered the young MC on You Tube and quickly took him under his wing; the star of the hit films “Bullet Boy” and “Life And Lyrics"signed him to his production company, and has been helping him record his debut album and directed the video to his debut single “Glowing” which was shot in South Africa and is already creating a buzz all around the world.What makes Realz’s single hot are the beats, strings, guitar and horn riffs giving the song a hot Rock, Funk, Psychedelic feel along with the flow by Realz and Waters, and the lyrics that are hot, and inspirational, along with the bridge.Realz’s debut gets a 12 on a scale of 1-10 and it looks like Realz is gonna give the US another hot British Invasion with his hot track.
Realz' single "Glowing" is avaliable for purchase at I-Tunes
For further information check out
www.rlzworld.com
Since 2007, young rappers like Soulja Boy and The New Boyz have conquered the charts with their catchy hooks and beats. Joining the wave of young rappers is U.K. based rapper/writer Realz, who’s already had a buzz with this debut single “Glowing” which is sure to be an international hit.
Born as Junior Arkele in East London, Realz’s was heavily influenced by Hip-Hop legends 2Pac and Jadakiss’ flow and lyrical styles, and by the time he reached his late teens, he had became a hit in the underground circuit which had many Hip-Hop legends including God’s Gift talking about his lyrical styletalking about his lyrical style and flow, but his big break came when Actor/Rapper Ashley Waters discovered the young MC on You Tube and quickly took him under his wing; the star of the hit films “Bullet Boy” and “Life And Lyrics"signed him to his production company, and has been helping him record his debut album and directed the video to his debut single “Glowing” which was shot in South Africa and is already creating a buzz all around the world.What makes Realz’s single hot are the beats, strings, guitar and horn riffs giving the song a hot Rock, Funk, Psychedelic feel along with the flow by Realz and Waters, and the lyrics that are hot, and inspirational, along with the bridge.Realz’s debut gets a 12 on a scale of 1-10 and it looks like Realz is gonna give the US another hot British Invasion with his hot track.
Realz' single "Glowing" is avaliable for purchase at I-Tunes
For further information check out
www.rlzworld.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)