DESTINY'S CHILD MEMBER FINALLY BREAK TIES WITH BEYONCE'S FATHER AS MANAGER

Singer/songwriter/actress Kelly Rowland severed professional ties with Matthew Knowles, the man who helped develop Destiny's Child to success of four # 1 hits, and five multi-platnium albums.
Mathew Knowles has been a positive influence in my career. I have had great success under his guidance - both as a member of Destiny's Child and with my solo projects Rowland said in a statement issue by her publicist. Although we have decided to part ways professionally, the Knowles family and the entire Music World Entertainment team will always be my family."Knowles added "After a very positive meeting between Kelly Rowland and myself, we have amicably agreed to end our professional relationship. My company, Music World, will continue to manage Destiny's Child as a group. As an artist Kelly has incredible talent and I only wish her the best. We will always be family first and foremost, and as a dad I only have love for Kelly."
Many industry peoples and fans, fells that Rowland serving ties with Knowles was a move that is good and long over due, because she deserves to be just as successful as her bandmate and sister Beyonce, who's scored three # 1 albums and five hits, while Kelly, who's a better and stronger vocalist, had done moderately well with her solo projects. In 2002, she teamed with rapper Nelly on the ballad "Dilema" which featured a sample of Patti LaBelle's 1984 classic "Love, Need and What You." topped the Pop charts, and earned the duo a Grammy award for Best Rap/Sung collaboration, and was dubbed as the Nelly/Kelly song. In the fall, she also dropped her solo debut "Skin Deep" which featured a collection of R&B and Rock songs that did well overseas, especially Austrialia, where she has a large following. The following year she starred in the hit film "Jason vs Freddy" and worked with Trina on her top 20 Gold single "Here We Go." After she rejoined the group for their "Destiny Fullfilled" album and tour, they decided to break up and pursue solo careers, and in 2007, Kelly released her long-awaited follow up "Miss Kelly" which debutted a # 6 on the Pop charts and though it got positive reviews by critics and fans, who commended using her vocals and for showing her sassy and sexy side, it didn't do as well. Part it was due to the label releasing the wrong singles ("Ghetto" with Snoop Dogg was chosen as the second single instead of "Comeback", which was a stronger track that was a highlight during her live performances, while "Work" was released in the U.K.). The other part was in due to the lack of promotion that Kelly didn't get, yet deserved, being that she chose to redo her album, and not release it the same day as Beyonce released "B'Day."
As I read the news, I began to think about how Kelly became the unofficial spokesperson for the Knowles family, when original members Le-Toya Luckett and La-Tavia Roberson filed lawsuits against, them and Mattew for replacing them with Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin, who also has issues with Matthew's management and controling ways. Roberson and Luckett, who's self-titled album debut at # 1, had questions about their earnings, and when things didn't add up, they wrote him a letter saying they wanted a seperate manager to help have better communication with Knowles and the label, and few weeks later, they learned that they had been replaced when they saw the "Say My Name" video. When the story broke, Kelly was blasting people from talking bad about Matthew, and the Knowles family by praising him for helping the group become successful, and that if he didn't care about the group, why did he give up his job where he made six-figures a year to help develop the group.
She spoke up for the family, but during an interview she did with Jet Magazine in 2007, she revealed that when the group decided to work on solo projects, she wasn't ready to do a solo project, but when the single "Dilema" became a huge hit, the company and management forced her to record her album to captialize on the success of the single and she was going along with the plans that the group had made.
She recorded her solo debut in two weeks. Go figure. Now she's finally came to her senses and seeing that her solo career isn't where it should be, she's seen the light, and hopefully the team who she hires will help her become acheive the success she deserves.
Kelly doesn't lack talent; she's a strong vocalist, a great writer, and a sexy lady, who has a sassy side that appeals to fans of all races and orientations (most kids I spoke to love "Comeback"), and though it's sad it took her a long time to severe ties, there may be a chance for her to be a success and have longeviity.

DEF JAM RAPPER GETS BASHED FOR CELEBRATING BUSH'S DISMISSAL AND OBAMA'S VICTORY

While I was listening to WBLS a few days ago, the DJ was talking about a video of rappers Young Jeezy and Jay-Z's performance in a DC club, where they performed Jeezy's single "My President Is Black" where Jeezy hyped the crowd by thanking the guy who threw the shoe at Bush when he was overseas.
"I wanna thank the muthafucker overseas who threw the two shoes at Bush!" the Atlanta-based rapper said.
"And I wanna thank the muthafuckers who helped them move their shit out the White house!! Keep it moving bitch!! My president is muthafucking Black!!
After he peformed the hook, Jigga spit some hot verses that had the crowd hyped.

Never thought I say this shit
baby I'm good
You can keep you p***
I don't want no Bush
No more war
No more Iraq
No more white lies
My President is Black

While the people that attened that party loved the performace, there were many who didn't approve of what the Def Jam recording artists said including Bill O'Riley who's known for his hatered against rappers. He and his guest Dennis Miller were speaking about the performance, and saying that Jay-Z should have known better. (In other words, they were trying to say that Hova should have acted like a mature adult by not speaking rapping abut Bush during that performance).

It seems like whenver a musician expresses their dislike about a politician, they get criticized. Especially if it's a Republican, who has a extremly high disapproval rate from the world, and with Bush's track record, everbody is going to talking about he fucked up the world, and the two Def Jam rappers had every right to express how they felt about Bush leaving the White house. Hell, Jezzy said something that everybody wanted to say in public; thanking the guy for throwing the shoe at him as well as those who packed his family's shit. (I wish I would have helped them packed; it would have been a honor).

As for Hova's verse, he hit in on the nail about no more war and no more Iraq. The war is a terrible thing that happened, and many people don't seem to know nor care to wanna know the side effects it has on many of the soliders who fight. There are many who are injured, and if they're survivie their wounds, they have problems getting benefits for health care. Especially those who lose limbs and body parts, and have to rely on wheelchairs and cructhes to get around, and those who aren't injured, they suffer many pscycholigical effects, such as dropping to the floor, wanting to attack every person that has foreign features due to their thinking they're gonna attack them.
As for benefits, many who have fought in the past are stil having problems receiving their benefits, because the government refuses to allow veterans to receive their benefits if they receive social security, which forces many to return to the work, move in with families just to keep a roof over their heads to avoid being homeless. Why can't they recieve their all of their beneifts that they're entitled too? It doesn't make any excuse for any veterans to have to beg, borrow or steal to survive when most of their money is sitting in vaults or being spent on usless items such as missles?
I hope and pray that Obama works hard to make this world a better place, because it's time for a chance, and with him taking his job seriously, I'm proud to say that my president is a hard working Black man.

MISS PATTI IS HONORED BY UNCF, FELLOW SINGERS AND BANDMATES

Miss Patti LaBelle has always shown love by giving her fans dynamic vocal performance as well as cooking for many of her family members, friends and fellow artists. She's also lend her time supporting many charities including the United Negro College Fund, an organization that provides funds for many students to attend historically Black Colleges, where many of the students go on to do well. To celebrate the organization's thirty-year anniversary, the organization recently honored the powerhouse vocalist, where many celebrities paid tribute to her in song, while singers Mariah Carey and Beyonce, spoke about the legend via video.
Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson performed a soulful and sassy rendition of Patti's 1985 classic "Stir It Up" and a powerful rendition of the standard "Somewhere Over The Rainbow, whihc was an excellent choice for her to perform, while her friend and American Idol Fantasia's version of "Lady Marmalade" had the crowd out their seats. Espeically when she added her own ad-libs and strutted to the honoree, who gave her a kiss on the lips and jokinly reminded her that she missed her part in a loving way, while she cheered her on. Fantasia later retunred in a long black dress to perform Patti's 1992 hit "Somebody Loves You Baby (You Know Who It Is)" and decided to spice her performace up by asking the honoree if she could kick off her shoes for the performance. Briam McKnight put the guest in a loving mood when her performed Patti's first top charting solo hit "If Only You Knew" and "On My Own" where for the latter, was joined by Gospel singer Yolanda Adams, who did a great job singing in mid and high ranges as well as blending with the talented and soulful crooner.
Original Destiny's Child member Le-Toya Luckett did a great job performing "When you Talk About Love" with her vocals and asking the crowd to say Patti's name, which pleased the legend and fans, who was happy to see performing, despite the lack of time she was given to perform. Singer/talk-show host Wayne Brady performed his rendition of "Feels Like Another One" with rapper Big Daddy Kane, and while Brady has an excellent and powerful voice, he should have performed on of LaBelle's ballads, but his showmanship compensated, while Mario's performance of "If You Asked Me To" would have been better had he sang in a mid range during the first verse.
The highlight of the special was when Patti's group members Sarah Dash and Nona Hendryx tool center stage and performed their classic "Somebody Somewhere" from the group's classic 1984 album "Nightbirds" which had Patti out her seat dancing and cheering her sisters and groupmates on. Christine Michelle's performance, however wasn't as strong as it could have been. Her rendition of Patti's solo debut single "You Are My Friend" was ok, but her performance of the honoree's breakthrough Pop hit "New Attitude" wasn't suited for her Jazzy and Raspy vocals. The song required a singer with range to sing, and unfortantley her voice wasn't strong enough to sing that particular song. In addition to the performances, actresses Vicica A. Fox, Mon'que, and Holly Robinson Pette each expressed how Patti embraced them with love and advice, including Mom'que who taught her to beat her face (a gay term that means make sure your make-up is applied properly).
A highlight was when Patti accepted her award; this looks better than bling she said as she looked at her plaque. As she made her acceptance speech, the audience asked for her to does what she does best; sing. So she decided to sing the Sam Cooke classic "A Change Is Gonna Come" and had the audience out their seats and in tears as she gave them Patti and hugged the performances who gave her tribute.
The tribute wa nice, but it would have been beter had Nelly and Kelly Rowland been there to perform their top charting duet "Delimea" which contains a sample from Patti's 1984 hit "Love, Need and Want You." It also would have been nice had Cindy Birdsong been invited to join Dash and Hendryx to perform a song from their days as Patti LaBelle and The Bluebelles. Hopefully this will happen since they reunited ten years ago when they were honored by the Rhtyhm & Blues Foundation, which made it the first time they performed as a group in 32 years.

A GRAND PARTY

Attending Chris Greyer's party last night was more than I expected.
The club was fierce, and the music by the DJ was hot, and the vibe was totally sexy (though it would have been nice to see more of the toppless waiters though they were working those boxers with diamonds in them).
With the exception of my occasion voyaage to Langstons, I had a great time attending the party where the guest had fun and though they probably wanted to throw shade at people who were enjoying themselves, the vibe and tone put a stop to that, whic his why the LUX party will wind up becoming one of the most talked about parties of
2009, and hopefully beyond.
It had been a long time since I wore a dress, shirt, beige slacks and nice comfortable shoes to a party, and it felt to be at a place where I was able to look and feel good about myself without having to compromise my appearance or style to impress people who like to talk about people, but have no sense of who they are and probably may not have much going in their lives, but to be at a place where everybody wore attire that fit their personality and style was great, and it showed me that being grand and fabulous comes from within.

MY INTERVIEW WITH A GRAND, CREATIVE AND DOWN TO EARTH PARTY THROWER

I first met model manager/party thrower Chris Greyer, I was captivated by his classy attire, and the positive energy he displayed. After we chatted, he gave me an invitation (an actual invitation in a golden envelope) to a party he was throwing the following week, and I decided to check it out, and when I attened the following week, I was impressed with how well and grand the party was planned. Floral decorations, and sexy men serving appetizers to the guest, who were there to network and party without being shady towards each other, but what really impressed me the most was how Greyer, a native of Long Island arrived wearing a nice suit and greeting the guest and making sure they were having a good time and feeling great about themselves.
"This is the first time I ever attened a gay party and didn't have anyone throw shade at me" I said after I left.
Gay men are known for having a grand aura about them and unfortnatley, sometimes have the tendency to throw shade at many who don't have the material items they have. That's what seperate Chris from the rest. Though he loves to look nice, he's a cool, mature, humble and down to earth man who likes for people to feel good about themselves, including his personal assitant, who joined us for beverages and that's how I felt when I interviewed him at the Madirian Oriential Hotel near Columbus Circle where we spoke over drinks about his career, the importance of making having class, feeling good about yourself and Whitney Houston.

SHAWN: THIS IS RASHAWN WITH CHRIS GREYER AT THE MADRIAN ORIENTIAL HOTEL ON THE 35 FLOOR. TELL SOME OF THE VIWERS SOMETHINGS ABOUT YOURSELF. WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSION?
CHRIS: I manage male models. That's my primary ocupation. One of them is the face of Ralph Lauren.

SHAWN: HOW DO YOU GET INTO THE INDUSTRY?
CHRIS: Being related to fashion moguls, you're kind of propeled to go into the industry. You know what I'm saying> You're kind of propelled to go into it.

SHAWN: WHAT ARE YOU JOB DUTIES AS MANAGER OF THE MODELS?
CHRIS: Primary to groom my models; send them on jobs. Make sure they're able to give the best of them (you know) continiously branding them. Setting them aside from other models. New York is very saturated with models, so finding key things about them that seperate them from other models. Name changing. Teaching them how to walk. How to speak. How to think like a model. It's not just having a cute fance and sexy body, and you just go out ther and model. It's about knowing how to speak. How to model

SHAWN: CHRIS, YOU MADE AN IMPORTANT POINT ABOUT TRAINING MODELS TO BE PROFESSIONAL. THERE ARE MANY WHO THINK THAT 'I HAVE A NICE FACE, CHEST AND ABS SO I CAN STRUT' YET THEY DON'T KNOW THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A PRESENCE.
CHRIS: You definelty have to. I think that's what made Tyson Beckford such a big personality. Not only did he have the look, he walked the walk.

SHAWN: YOU ALSO THROW PARTIES AS WELL. WHAT PROPELLED YOU TO DO THAT?
CHRIS: I'm a lover of fabulousity. I love big things and everything that's grand and fabulous, so I wanted to create a party that personfy opulence. That allows Gay people to come out and feel grand abut themselves. As Gay people, we idolize the Kimoras and Beyonces, you know these women that are over the top. So why not create a party that's over the top? I had flowers flown in from Egypt. Big floral arrangements on the bar. You remember that. Sexy ment that served oderbs, I think people love that. There isn't any Gay party that like it and that's what makes lux hot. Lux's acycrnim is Luxary. Everything about lux has to be luxary.

SHAWN: THE THING I LOVED ABOUT YOUR PARTY WAS THE FEELING THAT YOU CAN BE GRAND AND THAT THROWING SHADE ISN'T TOLERATED.
CHRIS: Right. You can be grand. You can befabulous. Like Kimora is amazingly grand. We all know that, but she's very humble and down to earty. She's like 'What's going on? How you doing?' You know, but she's very grand, and that's what I want people to get. I want people to come and lffe like there is no shade. You can come, you can party, you can be sexy, you can do your thang and you're not gonna have to worry about people throwing shade at you. It's not that type of party. It's an exclusive party. You have to have a certain way and have a jenijour to even get a invitation to a Lux party. It's not a hot boys party.

SHAWN: WHAT WAS IT LIKE THROWING YOUR FIRST PARTY?
CHRIS: It was alot because I had to set a mark. I had to set a standard, and that was important to me. I had to find a way to set myself part from other party; from other promoters. The first thing I didn't want to do flyers when you have a naked guy on the flyer; that's so cliche. Let's step it up. We're grown successful men and we're creative so let's tap into our creativity, so I wanted to do invitations tht were sexy. I'm branding this word that exemplifies opulence, and that's what I did. When they saw the invitation, they were like wow! This is hot! I like that.

SHAWN: THIS WAS THE FIRST PARTY I ATTENDED WHERE I DIDN'T FEEL ANYBODY THROWING SHADE AT ME
CHRIS: And that's what I want. I can't emphisize that enough. Where people come, I want people to come and feel great about themselves. They feel like 'Wow! I have arrived!" Alot of these gay parties, they're in boxes. They look like these dungeons like Langstons. Not to put anybody on blast, but it is what it is. The next party I'm havng is gonna be at Nikki's Beach. It's Miami themed. They'r gonna feel it when they walk in.

SHAWN: IN ADDITION TO THE MANAGING AND PARTIES, WHAT OTHER PROJECTS ARE YOU WORKING ON?
CHRIS: I'm working on a Liqour pattern that I Can't discuss right now becaue it's in the beginning stages. I'm creating something for our people and we also have the reality show.

SHAWN: WITHOUT GIVING TOOMANY DETAILS, WHAT IS THE REALITY SHOW GONNA BE BASED ON?
CHRIS: The reality show is primarly based on five gay young executives that work within the industry. Showing how they're Rock stars by night and mostly aspiring moguls by day. I think people gonna like it because people, I think at the end of the day, everybody wants to be the next Russell Simmons and Donald Trump.

SHAWN: EARLIER YOU MENTIONED GROWING UP AROUND MOGULS. WHAT WAS THAT LIKE GROWING UP IN THAT ENVIORMENT AS A CHILD?
CHRIS: Itimidating. Very itmidating. When you grow up around moguls, that sets a standard; it sets a bar. It's very hard to keep up with that because people expect so much of you likr you're expected to be at a certain level. Always, so when you don't get to that level or if you're a little slower, it's alot of pressure.

SHAWN: IF YOU HAVE THE CHANCE TO THORW A PARTY FOR A FAMOUS PERSON, WHO WOULD IT BE?
CHRIS: Whitney Houston.

SHAWN: Me too.
CHRIS: You too.
SHAWN: Yes.
CHRIS: I'm the biggest Whitney Houston fan. I'm waiting for her album to drop. My mentor/slash brother is her publicist.

SHAWN: IT SEEMS THAT SHE STARTED GETTING BAD PRESS WHEN SHE DECIDED TO DO THE TYPE OF MUSIC SHE WANTED INSTEAD OF BEING PIGEONHOLED AS A POP DIVA HOW THAT MAKE YOU FEEL AND HOW DO YOU FEEL THE PUBLIC REACTED WHEN SHE STARTED TO RECORD MORE R&B, DANCE AND ROCK MUSIC?
CHRIS: Well unfortantely, in the industry, you're given an image and Whitney got the point in her career where she said 'I'm tired of living for people. I wanna live for me!' Whintey's from the bricks. She's from Newark. She's from the hood, It wasn't to so far fetch for her to date a Bobby Brown. That's what she likes. She likes dudes; she doesn't like the Princes of the world. She likes dudes, so when she king of took a left turn with the music what was Whitney expressing who her really is and I think with the new record, that's gonna be coming out, it's a little bit of the old Whitney along with the new revitalized Whitney.

SHAWN: HOW HAS SHE INPSIRED YOU AS A PERSON?
CHRIS: Wow. She taught me everything. Just wathcing her. Her grace. Her poise. Her mannerism in some sense. I love that about her. That's my main goal to remain classy and to stay on top of myself.

SHAWN: ANOTHER GREAT POINT. IT SEEMS LIKE BLACK MEN WHO ARE ARTICULATE AND CLASSY ARE LOOKED DOWN UPON AS BEING NERDS, BOUGIE AND NOT MANLY. HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR MAN WHO MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE AN URBAN SWAGGER TO HAVE CLASS?
CHRIS: It's very important, you know. We have to set the standard. We have to set the bar. As Gay men,, we already have negatives against us because we're Gay Black Men so that's two strikes against us already, so impre imerative that we stay on top of our game. Gay men are very creative, and I'm suprised that nobody has though of this idead before me. Gay men are very crative. You have to push the bar and to push ourselves to greater heights.

WONDERING HOW THE FIRST COUPLE'S PRIVATE CELEBRATION WOULD BE

The First couple had alot of celebrating yesterday with the public, but I can only imagine how Barack and Michelle are going to celebrate in the privacy of their new bedroom. (THIS IS TOTALLY FICTION SO PLEASE DON'T GET MAD!! IT WAS DONE WITH CLASS, TASTE AND OUT OF FUN!!)

After a week of getting settled into their new home and new job, they decided to have a nice evening to themselves. Flowers and roses surround the private quarters of the first couple, while bowls of starwberries, peaches, mangos and ice cream are placed on the dressers.

Nice R&B and Hip-Hop music comes from the CD player including songs from Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, Aretha Franklin, Johnny Gill (there's no way any heterocouple is not gonna have J.G.'s classic "My, My, My" on the playlist. Especially if their ladies always red wears red dresses), Janet Jackson, Tina Turner, Mary J. Blige, Jamie Foxx, Patti LaBelle, Chris Brown and Rhianna.

Then the action

"What's my name?"
"Barack."
"I can't hear you you"
"The first Black President of the United States and my personal senate!"

The reverse

"Say my name!"
"Michelle baby!"
"Who"
"Michelle. The First Black lady of the United States and my personal secreatary!!"

They wake up with an afterglow so bright that the staff including the maids will wear sunglasses.

THE APPEAL AND IMPACT THE NEW FIRST FAMILY

Since Barack and Michelle Obama has been on the trail of making history, everybody has been watching their every moves, and noticiing how cool they are.

Here are many observations

Michelle's fashion and how she likes to catches sales
Whenever people become famous, they tend to buy fancy and expensive attire from famous designers like Gucci, and Versaci to stroll down the red carpet.
Michelle likes to dress fancy (which female public figure doesn't), but Michelle doesn't mind purchasing attire that's nice looking, but not as costly, and she doesn't mind wearing attire by unkonwn and up and coming designers.

Barack's taste in music.
Oprah Winfrey is known for her public dislike and lack of understanding of Hip-Hop music and artists, but Barack loves to listens to the music and had many Hip-Hop artists in his I-pod (including Beyonce's husband Jay-Z who is a favorite among the kids and adults), and he embraces them unlike Oprah, who had the audacity to chew out Ludacris, but listens to 50 Cent's 2003 chart topping classic "In Da Club" in priviate. He also did Jigga's trademark dance dust off your shoulder at one of his debates, and he also asked Luda to endorse him, which shows how hip he is and willing to learn about these artists. Maybe he can help Oprah learn to come off her high horse and be more toleratable. Especially to the pioneers and ones who record positive music.

Barack and Michelle's display of affection.
They show their love for each other by kissing, holding hands and giving each other pounds and the bumps. When Bush was walking to the inaguration, he wasn't even holding his wife's hand, where as Barack was letting the whole world now that this is my wife and I'm gong to let everybody know that.

Michelle and Barck's love for their kids.
They always make sure they sure love to their daughters who are going to have a new life to embark on as the daughters as the President and First Lady. They made it clear that they understand that they will be photographed from time to time, but they would like to press to respect their privacy and not to harass their daughters.
In other words, don't mess with our daughters.

This post was inspired by a conversation with BBOP

MY POST BUSH PARTY PLAYLIST

Since George W. Bush is offically no longer messing up the world, many are going to be celebrating his leaving.

Here are some songs I would play if I was throwing a Buy Bush Party

1. Hit The Freeway-toni Braxton
2. Hit The Road Jack-Ray Charles
3. Goodbye-Tevin Campbell
4. You Haven't Done Nothin'-Stevie Wonder
5. Free-Deneice Williams
6. Free/Sail On-Chante Moore
7. Better Without You-Kelly Rowland
8. Down With The King-Run DMC
9. When The Heartache Is Over-Tina Turner
10. Beleive-Cher
11. Over Me-TLC
12. No More Tears (Enough Is Enough) Barbara Striesand & Donna Summer
13. Roll Out-LaBelle
14. All Night (Don't Stop)-Janet Jackson
15. Ain't Ready-Shorty Roc

HISTORY HAS BEEN MADE: THE OBAMAS ARE IN THE HOUSE!! TIME FOR BUSH TO PACK UP AND LEAVE!!

Man and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnifiecnet mall and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served in local resturants can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.


It's offical. Barack Obama is offically the 44 President of the United States, and is the first African American man to be elected president which is the top historic event to have occured. Who ever thought that the day would come when the world would see a Black man in the White House? To think his late father probably had to use drink out of dirty water fountains and couldn't eat at certain resturants because of the color of his skin. Now he's made history by taking up residence in the White house, where he, his beautiful wife Michelle, daughters and mother-in-law for the next four years (hopefully they'll extend their stay for an additional four years) and be working on making this world a much better place. We do expect him to proved jobs, affordable housing and health care, but he has to clean up the mess that Bush left while his lazy ass was in the white house for the past eight years.

I feel great to have been a part of history for the second time. Almost twenty years ago, I voted for the first time, and my first election I took part in was when former Manhattan President David Dinkins was running for Mayor, and I'm proud to say that with my vote counting, he became the first Black Mayor of New York City in 1989. Last year, I witness history again when I voted for Obama and seeing him being sworn in makes me proud to be part of the solution and part of history, and I'm looking forward to seeing him work hard to make this world a better place to live in.
Blacks have come a long way from picking cotton and berries; many have fought for us to have the right to vote, get nice jobs, attend college and have equalities, and while life hasn't been all peaches and cream, we need to be grateful for the opprotnuites we have, and all we have to do is lend Obama are love, prayers and support because he has alot of work ahead of him and with the love and support he receives from us, he will make a change in the world.

FORMER FRONT MENS UPCOMING PERFORMANCE IN BOOGIE DOWN BRONX

Singer/songwriters Pleasure P and Bobby Valentino will be bringing R&B to the Boogie Down Bronx this month.
The former lead singers of Pretty Ricky and Mista plans on rocking Leaman College with their Soulful voices, that been gracing radio for the past couple of years. P, the former lead singer of Pretty Ricky had helped the group score major hits including "Grind On Me," "Age Ain't Nothing But A Number," "On The Hotline" and "Love Like Honey." After leaving the group, he's released two singles including "Did You Wrong" and "Boyfriend Number 2" which is getting spins on radio.
Valentino, got his start in music as a member of the R&B group Mista, who scored with a gold selling top 20 hit "Blackberry Molasses" a song dealing with HIV and AIDS. They recorded a follow-up which wasn't released, and forced the group to disband on friendly terms, while Valentino decided to finish high school, and pursue a college degree at Clark Atlanta, where he majored in Mass Communications. After graduting, he signed with Grammy Award winner Rapper Ludacris' Disturbing Tha Peace label and released his gold selling debut Disturbing Tha Peace Presents Bobby Valentino, which contained the hits "Slow Down" and "Tell Me" with the former peaking at # 3 on the Pop charts and # 1 on the R&B charts for four weeks, while the latter, gained video and airplay in part to the version featuring with rapper Lil' Wayne. He released his follow up "Special Occasion" two years later, but he decided to leave Ludacris label to form his own label.

Both artists will be performing at the Lehman Center on Saturday, January 31, 2009

MY FAVORITE HIP-HOP SONGS OF 2008

Though I'm huge fan of R&B and Soul Music, I love to listen to some hot Hip-Hop joints and here are my favorite joints of 2008

1. One of These Days by Shorty Roc
2. (Tie) Nothing But Nikes & Shit You Like by Bry'nt
3. Pop Champagne by Rob Brownz Featuring Jim Jones and Juelz Santana
4. Do Whatever You Like

MY FAVORITE COLLABOLATIONS OF 2008

As a person who loves music, I decided to post my favorite colabs of 2008, and what I decided to do was post those that were released as singles as well as those that were album cuts.

1. Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 2008-Michael Jackson & Akon
2. (Tie)-Throw It On Me by Baron & Blackbird and By Myside by Jadakiss & Ne-Yo
3. Roll Out by LaBelle & Wyclef Jean
4. Migrate by Mariah Carey & T-Pain
5. Girl Thing by Lori Michaels and Feloni
6. Not Home by Bry'nt & KO
7. Holla At Me by Jesse-O & Shorty Roc
8. Numba 1-Kardinall Offshall & Keri Harrison
9. Numba 1-Kardinall Offshall & Rhianna
10. Invitation by Tru Soul & Nutto O.
11. Taking It by Clete & Pleasure P
12. If U Leave by Musiq & Mary J. Blige
13. Pop Champagne by Rob Brownz Featuring Jim Jones and Juelz Santana
14. Cuddle Up by Pretty Ricky & Butta Cream

HAPPY NEW YEAR

The second day of 2009 so far is going good for me. Woke up, watched a few videos, checked my emails and now I'm having a bowl of wheat bran cereal.
Last year was a good year for me; I had a pretty good year with hardly any drama, despite having to tolerate with some immature ignorant fools. I was able to connect with people who are focusing on their talents, as well as having the opprotunity to interview several recording artists, party promoters and community activists for my blog. I even interviewed an openly meterosexual preacher as well.
I also learned that those who curse you will be cursed and those who bless you will be blessed. As I exited 2008, I was able to see how many people looked out for me by inviting me to parties and dinners as well as making sure I was taken care of physically like the members of SOS who came by my crib and brought me two bottles of water the day after I rushed to the ER with chest pains, and a blogger named Rockafella, who would comment on my blog on occasion.
I also had the opprortunity to attend Lee Soulja's birthday party at Club Madison, where Shorty Roc and Rebel Star ripped the crowd. Mad shout out to Shorty Roc for allowing me to conduct his first interview four years ago and for allowing me to be a part of his team. Time for you to go platnium yo. I also had the opportunity to travel to DC to attend the Velocity Magazine Awards where DA DOODIRTY SHOW was nominated for an award; we lost, but it felt good to be nominated, but DA-Professor aint' gonna lie; it ain't no fun losing. Especially if you spent time and energy traveling to another state in the cool, rainy weather. I thank DJ Baker, Soul G, BBOP, Tysexy and Eric J. Parker for allowing me to be a part of a talented and CRAZYASS team and for playing LaBelle's CD. I also have to give shout outs to Jesse-O and his partner for allowing me to have fun and share my knowledge of music in during the trip to and from DC.
I also had a great time celebrating New Years by fulfilling one of my many dreams; attending a party in a Penthouse suite, and thanks to Derrick L. Briggs for making that happen. When I received an invite about the party he was throwing, I decided to go and I had fun despite having to deal with a shady Queen who attempted to be a Diva. I also had the opprortunity to hang with Maurice Ranae afterwards. We waited for 2 and a half hours for the LIRR to come and when it came, we didn't waste no time hoping on the train and taking it the city where we went to a resturant in the villiage to eat before we headed to our destinations. That night and morning helped me realize that I deserve to have fun and socialize with nice cool mature people.
Thanks for Derrick for being a cool person, and for giving me support and encouraging words when my cousin and uncle passed and for Maurice for allowing me to interview you and for allowing me to hang out with you after the party.

MY FAVORITE ALBUMS OF 2008

HAPPY NEW YEAR
I HOPE AND PRAY THAT 2009 WILL BE A GOOD YEAR FOR YOU AND YOURS
I'M LOOKING FOWARD TO GROWING AND ENJOYING SOME NEW MUSIC, BUT HERE ARE MY FAVORITE CD'S OF 2008

1. LABELLE-BACK TO NOW (VERVE RECORDS)
For years, fans have wanting Patti La Belle, Sara Dash and Nona Hendryx to reunite and record a new album, and after 32 years, they did, and it's been doing well. Instead of following trends, they recored songs about love, self-empowerment, and humanity, which made them one of the 70's hottest and well loved groups. Especially the Gay community who embraced them for combining Soul, Funk and Rock Music together.
Songs to listen to "Roll Out," "Superlover," "System" and "The Truth Will Set You Free."

2. Ne-Yo-Year of The Gentelman (Def Jam Records)
Ne-Yo did the damn thang this year. In addition to writing Beyonce's hit "Irreplaceable" and Jennifer Hudson's single "Spotlight" he decided to add elements to his music and he decided to remind the fellas that it's time to drop the thug drag and dress and act like gentlemen. He also dropped his third album last year, and it became a hit. Especially in Japan where it debut at # 1. In addition to writing some hot songs, the talented songwriter who sings, took a different approach by adding Dance and Pop songs to his R&B songs, which was a good move to show the industry that Black artists shouldn't be limited to singing R&B music. Ne-Yo also stepped up his game lyrically by penning songs about love, realizing that it's time to grow up and appreciate my partner as well as songs about heartache and being pushed to the edge. A great CD for men who wants to mature to listen to.
Songs to listen to-"Closer," "Nobody," "Miss Indpendent," "Why Does She Stay," "Lie To Me" and "Single"

3. Noel Gourdin-After My Time (Epic Records)
While many male vocalits used their looks and sex appeal for record sales, Noel Gourdin used his God-given vocal and songwriting talents to make the world take notice of him, and it worked. (He's a sexy man readers). His single "The River" was featured in the filme "Meet The Roscoes" while his album was the top selling R&B selling album on I-tunes, and I can see why; this brother has some hot soulful pipes that reminds you of Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, and he unlike most artist who quote on quote do songs for the ladies, the Boston Native, who spent most of his summers in Mississippi recorded songs for both the men and ladies, along with songs about love gained, losted, and appreciation.
Songs to listen to-"One Love," "The River," "Led You On," "Reach" and "Summertime."

4. Michael Jackson-Thriller 25 (Epic Records)
You can say what you want about Michael Jackson (you bitches better not call him Jacko on this blog because that's not his name), but you can't deny this man's talent and influence he continues to have on music, and what a perfect way for him to celebrate by re-releasing the biggest selling album of all time remastered with new versions of his hits with Wil.I. Am and Akon, who joined the Motown legend and King of Pop on new versions of P.Y.T. and Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' adding their own flava to these timeless classics that has people (especially those haters) trying to emulate his dance moves. It would have been better had MJ performed a new version of Human Nature with SWV who sampled the song for their 1993 hit "Right Here"
Songs to listen to: Original tunes-"Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'," "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "The Lady In My Life."
New versions-"P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" with Wil.I.Am and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" with Akon.

5. Mariah Carey-EMC2 (Island Def Jam)
Mimi did her thing again. Not only did she break Elvis' record of being the artist with the second set of # 1 hit records, she dropped another # 1 album, which quickly went platnium. The talented writer recorded ballads, hot club bangers while adding Hip-Hop, R&B and Reggae to Pop music, while showing her ability to write hot and cretive songs including "For the Record" which became my second favorite song by the singer with the five-octave range.
Songs to listen to-"Migrate" with T-Pain, "Touch My Body," "I Stay In Love." "I'm That Chick," "O.C.C" and "For The Record."

6. Janet Jackson-Discipline (Island Def Jam)
Miss Janet took a risk of recording a risk by recording a hot album without longtime producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and it debut at # 1 on the charts. Working with Rodney Jerkins, Ne-Yo and her boyfriend Jermaine Dupri, she had some hot dance songs as well as some for the bedroom. A good effort, but Miss Janet needs to continue working with Jam & Lewis, and the public needs to stop hating on her for having the ability to work a stage at the age of 42.
Songs to listen to-"Feedback," "Rock Wit U," "Discipline," "Luv" and "Greatest X"

7.Brany-Human (Epic Records)
Brandy's releases was one of the most anticipated and long awaited releases from a artist, who has a following of devoted fans, who went all to help promote the release date (myself included) by sending messages and comments on my space, and despite the suprisingly low sales in the opening week, it's been getting good reviews from the critics who praised her for returning with longtime producer Rodney Jerkins. What I like about the CD is how Brandy was able to open herself creativly, as well as use her vocal talents.
Songs to listen to-"Intro," "Human," "Right Hear (Departed)," "Long Distance" and "Piano Man."

8. Wayne Brady-A Long Time Coming (Concord Records)
When I heard that actor and former talk-show host Wayne Brady dropped his first solo album, I knew it was gonna be good, but after I heard his rendition of Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come," I actually went through the ceiling. "This man can sing his ass off" I said after I landed back in the couch. I decided to buy his CD as a birthday gift for myself, and after I played it, I was totally place with his voice and how he recorded with live musicians and orchestras.
Songs to listen to-"Ordinary," "F.W.B." "Can't Buy Me Love," "Change Is Gonna Come," "Make Heaven Wait."

9. Riz-Riz
This talented African born singer has been making a name for himself with his smooth tenor voice, songwriting and sexy looks, gaining fans from all around the world, and since I love to listen to arists from overseas, I decided to check his music and I found it pretty good though I love for him to record more ballad to showcase his voice. but his rendition of Mad Cobra's 1992 hit "Flex" is hot.
Songs to listen to-"Flex," "Sexy Mama (Featuring Lil' Zane), "Sandman," "Time To Fly," "Ready 2 Go."

MY TOP TEN ADULT FILMS OF 2008

IMPORTANT: THESE DVDS ARE ADULT FILM AND ARE FOR VIEWERS WHO ARE 18 YEARS AND OLDER

Since I began to write reviews on Porn, I felt it would be nice to list my favorite top ten adult fims of 2008

1. Spilling The Tea In London (Black Men Net.com)
2. Da Hating Game (Pitbull Productions)
3. Harlem Thug Nights (Pittbull Productions)
4. Home Alone (Choclate Creme Productions) & Take It Like a Man Part 1 (Pitbull produtions)
5. Carlito Has His Way (Street Royale Productions)
6. Turned Out 2 (Chocolate Cream Productions)
7. Sauki2U (Flavaworks)
8. Lil' homes (chocolate Creame Productions)
9. Queensboro Plaza Pick up 2 (Real Urbanman Productions)
10. Ho-Tail (Chocolate Cream Productions)

GRATEFUL TO HAVE SEEN ANOTHER BIRTHDAY

Yesterday was my 38th birthday, and though I didn't go all out for it, I was blessed to have had the opporutnity to wake up, known that I lived another year.
When I arrived home from my mom's crib, I did my yearly tradition of playing
The Suprmes' classic gold single "Stoned Love" and The Four Tops' classic comeback hit "Ain't No Woman (Like the One I Got)" (No ladies, I''m not turning hetrosexual; I also share the same birthday as Abdul "Duke" Fakir of The Four Tops, who is a cool, classy guy and is the only surviving member of the Motown group, who up until 1997 was the only group to have the same original member for 43 years. I also play Stoned Love because I learned that I was born the day the song peakd at # 1 on the R&B charts. It's also my second favorite song of all time.
I play those songs everyyear because it helps me remember how God has blessed me with knowledge of music; especially Motown, and it helps me remember how these artists paved the way for many of today's singers.
Last year I went to the Boys Room and got me a lap dance, but this year my birthday was somewhat laid-back and simple. After I spent time with my Godfather, I showered, got dressed ( I don't wear jeans, sneakers or timbs on my birthday) got a hair cut, hung out with my good friend Donald Peebles, who brought me actress Victoria Rowell's autobiography. After we at BBQ's we headed to the center, and treated ourselves to a dvd, and CD's. After our hang out, I came home, and while I was on the Express bus feeling grand, I began to think how blessed I was to have people remember my birthday by calling me and sending me wishes on my myspace page, as well as friends who want to help me celebrate at a later date.
I'm grateful because there are many who aren't around to celebrate their birthdays, while many don't have loved ones to celebrate with, and that's why I'm not complaining; I'm grateful to God for waking me up to see another year.


Songs played during this post

STONED LOVE
PERFORMED BY THE SUPREMES
WRITTEN BY FRANK WILSON & YNNEK SAMOHT
PRODUCED BY FRANK WILSON
1970 MOTOWN RECORDS
LEAD VOCALS: JEAN TERRELL
BACKGROUND VOCALS: MARY WILSON, CINDY BIRDSONG, JEAN TERRELL
LINE UP: MARY WILSON, CINDY BIRDSONG, JEAN TERRELL
# 1 R&B/SOUL/# 7 POP

AIN'T NO WOMAN (LIKE THE ONE I GOT)
PERFORMED BY THE FOUR TOPS
WRITTEN BY DENNIS LAMBERT AND BRIAN PORTER
PRODUCED BY STEVE BARRI
1973 ABC RECORDS
LEAD VOCALS: LEVI STUBS, LAWERENCE PAYTON, RENALDO "OBIE" BENSON, ABDUL "DUKE" FAKIR
BACKGROUD VOCALS: THE FOUR TOPS

MY CHAT WITH SEXY GAY RAPPER

For years, many rappers have emerged from New York, California, Atlanta, Florida and the U.K., but rapper Bry’nt plans on putting Conneticut on the Hip-Hop map. Since bursting on the scene, the rapper is becoming one of the Gay community’s hottest rappers, with his rhymes, swagger, and his looks (the brother is sexy as heaven). He’s appeared in an online Gay Hip-Hop documentary, and performed at Esculitas and at the Our Youth benefit concert a few weeks ago, promoting his mix tape “Porn Star.” I had the opportunity meet him at the Our Youth concert and take a flick with him, and a few weeks later, I had a chance to speak to this sexy, professional and intelligent rapper via telephone, while he was finishing his Christmas shopping, where he spoke about his life, career, his feelings about the music industry.

SHAWN: THANKS FOR ALLOWING ME TO INTERVIEW YOU. HOW ARE THINGS GOING SO FAR?
BRY’NT: Well, “Porn Star” the mix tape has over 125 downloads, which is very good for an undiscovered independent artist and “Porn Star” 2 is gonna come out in the spring right before the album comes out. Everything is going well. I have a couple of songs coning out in a few porno movies.

SHAWN: HOW DID YOU GET INTO RAP?
BRY’NT: Well in junior high school, I had this friend who rapped, and she was real good, She could draw attention where she was at by rapping, and I wanted to emhabit that same ability, you know what I mean, like to express myself to attract attention and I though that rapping was the only way that I could express myself the best.

SHAWN: I READ YOUR BIO ON YOUR MYSPACE PAGE AND YOU WERE ALSO A PART OF A GROUP CALLED 3RD CHAPTER, AM I CORRECT?
BRY’NT: No. 3rd Degree. That’s the group me and my junior high school friend started. Me and him started a group together. We were 14 and 15.

SHAWN: YOU ALSO MERGED WITH AN R&B GROUP AS WELL.
BRY’NT: Oh yeah (both laughs). Actually 3rd Degree merged with an R&B group, and it turned into two rappers and two singers; it was an up and coming R&B group at the time that I was friends with one of the members so it became two and two and later, it was me and the two singers, but after a while, the two singers weren’t getting along with each other. So ended up parting ways. I mean there’s still love between all of us, but we weren’t gelling well.

SHAWN: IS THAT WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO BECOME A SOLO ARTIST?
BRY’NT: Well not really. I probably was (like) 16 when the group disbanded, and I was still writing rhymes. When I was in college, one of my friends knew I could rap and he was like ‘you know, it’ll be hot if you was a gay rapper right?’ You know what I mean? That’s when I started to pursue it seriously.

SHAWN: I’VE LISTENED TO YOUR CD AND I NOTICED THAT YOU RAP ABOUT VARIOUS TOPICS INCLUDING SEX, PARTYING AND DEALING WITH GUYS WHO CLAIM TO BE SINGLE, YET THEY BE ON THE DOWN LOW. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO RAP ABOUT THOSE TOPICS?
BRY’NT: (Laughs) The mix tape I say is 90% of my real life. You know what I mean? Every song it’s a idea or thought I had in my life. Being a deeivent individual; being an Gay Black male inspired me to write most of that stuff. Being in a relationship and stuff like that.

SHAWN: HOW WAS YOU ABLE TO COPE WITH YOUR SEXULAITY BEING A PART OF A HIP-HOP/R&B GROUP WITH 3 HETEROSEXUAL MALES?
BRY’NT: Um, I did what most Black men do at that age; I just kept it a secret. It was mostly a situation I kept behind closed doors and (just) dealt with it by myself. I didn’t embrace my sexuality until I graduated high school. I wasn’t so much ashamed anymore.

SHAWN: SINCE YOU’VE BEEN PERFORMING AS A GAY RAPPER HAVE YOUR FOUNT IT HARD TO BE ACCEPTED?
BRY’NT: No, not yet. I haven’t come across any bumps in the road yet because I’ve been going towards my target audience, which is the gay community, so it’s not like I was going to straight clubs trying to perform and sell my CD’s to straight people. Know what I mean? I was on the radio; the shade 45 morning show. They wanted me to freestyle and they thought I wasn’t gonna be good, but after they heard me rap, that’s when they kinda accepted me as a gay artist.

SHAWN: ONE OF MY FAVORITE SONGS ARE “NUTTIN’ BUT NIKES” WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR THAT SONG?
BRY’NT: (Both laughs) Nuttin’ But Nikeys. I’m glad you like it.

SHAWN: Thanks.
BRY’NT: It’s about a dude getting caught by a female in a compromising situation with another man. (laughs)
BRY’NT: You asked what’s the inspiration right?
SHAWN: Yes
BRY’NT: Life (both laughs). That’s one of the only songs that has fictional elements, but it’s real.

SHAWN: ANOTHER FAVORITE IS “SHIT YOU LIKE. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO SPIT OVER THAT JAY-Z/ISLEY BROTHERS CLASSIC AND FROM YOUR OPINION, WHY DOES THE ISLEY BROTHERS' CLASSIC "BETWEEN THE SHEETS“ HAVE AN APPEAL WITH THE URBAN MUSIC COMMUNITY?
BRY’NT: The beat is hot. The Isley Brothers are phenomomus with Black love and Black romance. That’s why I think it’s popular among Black people, and I thought the beat was hot. Jay-Z had already did “Ignorant Shit” and I decided to put my own spin on it because the song it says

I got that ignorant shit you like
Nigga fuck shit.

I took that hook from Jay-z because I do make songs with a positive message people aren’t gonna cling to it the way they cling to my other songs like “Porn Star.” They wanna hear me talk about sex and stuff. They don’t wanna hear me talk about positive things, that why I make that song I got that ignorant shit cause I do. I do have those type of songs, but I do have positive songs as well as you know. You heard the entire mix tape.

SHAWN: ANOTHER FAVORITE IS "SEX,MONEY,DRUGS" WHICH DEALS WITH YOUNG KIDS GETTING WITH OLDER DUDES WHO HAVE MONEY, BLING, AND ROCKS THE TIMBS AND JORDANS WHO GIVES THEM SEX AND MONEY INSTEAD ON MENTORING AND NUTURING. WHAT INSPIRED THAT SONG AND IS THAT STILL PREVIDENT IN THE GAY COMMUNITY?
BRY’NT: It’s actually my favorite too, but “Sex Drugs Money," it’s a true story and like I’m talking about one person. It’s actually a combination of three people that I’m talking about. I think that young Black Gay men who keep their sexuality a secret they don’t know the healthy way to date so If they meet a man and he has money and he’s giving them money, they think it’s love, or if he’s having sex with you, they think that’s love, or if he’s keeping you fresh and keeping you high, they think that’s love. That’s not love. You can be tricked. You can be screwed. It happens all the time. They get love and material things mixed up. They get love and lust mixed up. It still happens to young Black men and even young Black girls. It happens to them.

SHAWN: YOU PERFORMED AT ESCULITAS LAST MONTH. WHAT WAS IT LIKE PERFORMING AT THAT LEGENDARY CLUB?
BRY’NT: I love Escculitas (laughs). Harmonica Sunbeam has been nothing but kind to me since I met her. I actually performed there this past summer and I performed at the diva search, and she found me on my space and asked me to come again. I love Esculitas, It was one of the first Gay clubs I went to when I was 18 or 19, and I like it there. I like Harmonica. That’s my girl.

SHAWN: YOU ALSO PERFORMED AT THE OUR YOUR AIDS BENEFIT WITH THE KIDS. WHAT WAS IT LIKE PERFORMING WITH THE KIDS?
BRY’NT: Well, I performed with the kids at Langstons in Brooklyn and it was the first time I performed in front of teenagers before and they had so much love for me. I guess they never saw anybody like myself who was comfortable with their sexuality and some body they can relate to. You know what I mean? And though my music isn’t for them, they still cling to me and saw me as a role model. They ignored the fact I have these adult (I laugh) songs. They ignored that. They’re in love with the fact that he’s doing it; he’s just like me. I loved performing for them. I think it’s important to look out for the kids; look out for those who are HIV positive. People shut our Gay kids. People shut out people who are HIV positive people. People shut out Gay people, so that was important to me.

SHAWN: YOU MADE AN INTERESTING POINT ABOUT THE KIDS ADMIRING GAY RAPPERS AND SINGERS, BUT IT SEEMS LIKE THE OPEN RAPPERS AND SINGERS WHO ARE DOING THEIR THANG HAVE PROBLEMS GETTING BOOKED AT CLUBS, BUT PEOPLE WILL HIRE AND BOOK DRAG QUEENS. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THAT?
BRY’NT: I think the whole genre is still new. That’s all. Once industry people realize there’s money in the Gay rap genre and the Gay rap industry; once they realize it attracts people and people spend their money then it’ll be easy Like you say, people will pay to see drag queens. You know what I mean. Once they see Gay rappers and singers pulls crowd, then that’s when it’s gonna blow up.

SHAWN: I HAVE TO ADMIT YOU’RE AN ATTRACTIVE AND SEXY YOUNG FELLA. WHEN FEMALES FIND OUT YOU’RE A GAY MALE AND GAY RAPPER, DO YOU GET REACTIONS LIKE DAMN WHY YOU GOTTA BE GAY?
BRY’NT: Yeah (both laugh). It is what it is. I can’t control what I’m attracted to, you know. I just have to let them know this is what it is. I’m attracted to dudes. It’s not like I volunteered to do this; I was made this way.

SHAWN: YOU MENTIONED EARLIER SOME OF YOUR SONGS ARE GOING TO BE IN SOME PORN FILMS. AM I CORRECT?
BRY’NT: Yes.

SHAWN: DO YOU KNOW WHICH ONES SO I CAN KEEP AN EYE OUT?
BRY’NT: You know my song “Porn Star” right?

SHAWN: Yes.
BRY’NT: OK. “Porn Star” has a remix which was produced by a producer by Tramont and the remix is gonna be in a porno. I don’t know the title yet, but the porno is by Forbidden Funk productions and they came out with one called “Grind.” I don’t know which one of my songs is gonna be in, but I’ll let you know when I get a hold of that information.

SHAWN: YOU’VE ALSO TOOK PART IN AN ONLINE GAY HIP-HOP DOCUMENTARY. HOW DID YOU GET INVOVLED AND WHAT WAS IT LIKE BEING A PART OF IT?
BRY’NT: I was very proud to be asked to do it because I didn’t even think people knew who I was. You know ? (laughs). I was just happy; I met Lester Greene. I was happy that he embraced me; another artist. That’s rare for another artist to embrace each other. I was just proud to be on there and say what I had to say and get my little bit of knowledge on what’s going on in the world of Gay Hip-Hop.

SHAWN: IN ADDITION TO RAPPING, DO YOU HAVE OTHER CAREER GOALS IN THE FUTURE?
BRY’NT: Right now, I’m in school. I’m trying to finish my degree. I wanna be a nurse if I can’t eat off my rap career, so I’m trying to finish my degree. I have one more year to go. Other than that, I model here and there. My career goals involve with my music, putting out more and more material and trying to perform more and more places.

SHAWN: IF YOU HAVE THE CHANCE TO PERFORM WITH ANY MAINSTREAM ARTIST, WHO IT WOULD BE AND WHY?
BRY’NT: I would have to say Mary. Mary J. Blige comes to mind. When she came out I was a kid, and she was singing how I felt. You know what I mean?

SHAWN: Me too. I was in college when she first came out.
BRY’NT: Right. So I was like Mary is was sup. I wanna work with her. She was one of the artists that I felt was talking inside my heart so I wanna work with her.

SHAWN: HOW DO YOU THINK YOU’RE MAKING AN IMPACT ON THE GAY COMMUNITY AND HIP-HOP COMMUNITY?
BRY’NT: As far as the Gay community, I raised the bar as far as what is expected from the Gay Hip-Hop artists. As far as the Hip-Hop community goes, it changed the fane of rappers, you know what I mean. Not every rapper is a drug dealer. An ex-drug dealer. Everybody got a story. It’s hard to explain. I fee like I’m something different in the Hip-Hop community. Diversity is the main thing.

SHAWN: BRY’NT YOU MADE AN INTERESTING POINT. THE INDUSTRY ALWAYS SAY THEY WANT RAPPERS TO KEEP IT REAL AND BE TRUE TO THEMSELVES.
BRY’NT: Right! And I’m keeping it real. I’m being real; a Black Man’s life has yet to be told by rap artists completely. Like all we hear about how they sell drugs. What about the ones that are Gay and Bisexual? We’re missing elements to our lives in our music.

SHAWN: I’M 37 AND REMEMBER WHEN HIP-HOP WAS COMING UP. YOU HAD DIVERSITY. YOU HAD POLITICAL RAP. YOU HAD FUN RAP, AND SEXUAL RAP. NOW IT SEEMS LIKE EVERYBODY IS BEING FORCED TO JUMP ON THE BAND WAGON.
BRY’NT: Right. It's unfortante.

SHAWN: WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN THE NEXT FIVE OR TEN YEARS?
BRY'NT: Hopefully, I'll be in music. That's what I want to do. I might have a family. I might depending on the next few years, I might have a career path in music or I'll have a career as a nurse.

SHAWN: WHATEVER CAREEP PATH YOU CHOOSE, YOU'LL MAKE ALOT OF PEOPLE HAPPY.
BRY'NT: (Both laugh) I hope so. I wanna help people. That's all I wanna be doing is helping people.

SHAWN: YOU'RE GONNA BE GOING TO CALI NEXT MONTH. ARE YOU EXCITED?
BRY'NT: Yes. I've never been to Los Angelas. I've neverr been to Cali period. The farthest west I've ever been is Las Vegas. So I'm excited to ge going there for the first time. Actually, I was supposed to be going on vacation just to go for un, but it turned into a business trip and recording a song, hopefully.

SHAWN: WHAT IS YOUR STYLE OF HIP-HOP?
BRY'NT: My style is life fun, shocking, edgy. I rap hard. My life is deviant; the way I rap is hard. Rugged. The music is shocking; you can dance to it. Some of it is real sad. Some of it is sexy. It's colorful. You can't expect the same thing from me. All the songs are not the same. They may have the same vibe, but it's different from each other.

SHAWN: YOU'RE BASED IN CONNECTICUT RIGHT?
BRY'NT: The situation is I go to school in Conneticut, but I'm usually back and forth here and in Connecuit. My management is out of New York, however I grew up in H60, which is Hartford Connecticut.

SHAWN: WHAT WAS IT LIKE GROWING UP THERE?
BRY'NT: Hartford is one of the most violent cities in the U.S. Alot of the West Indians when they come to this country move to Hartfield. It's very poor and it's a very homophobic city, so it's very poor; it's not a situation where there's alot of surburbss. When I was born, my family lived in Hartford for a few years. We moved around because we kept getting robbed. We ended up moving to a town called Bloomfield, which is outside of Hartfield; it's more calm. I call it a Black surburb and so when I was a teenager, I used to be in Hartford. You know what I mean? There's alot of negative things going on; people selling drugs, prosituting, fighting.

SHAWN: YOU CAME OUT FROM THAT SITUATION FINE.
BRY'NT: She (Bry'nt's mother) moved me away from that enviorment. She moved me to where I was able to have a decent childhood, where I didn't have to turn into a hustler, and stuff like that. I had the space and opportunity to go to school, but when I became a teenager, I was still rebelious because of the gay thing, that brought me back to the hood. Back to the streets, because I what's where I felt the place I felt comfortable. I was a good boy going bad (both laugh).

SHAWN: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A GAY KID WHO WANTS TO PURSUE A CAREER AS AN OPEN GAY RAPPER?
BRY'NT: Well, first of all, they have to swallow their fears; there's gonna be alot of backlash. Gay people already got gay bashers in their everyday lives. They're gonna kiss them because of their sexuality. People wanna fight; you can't be afraid of nothing. Just don't let people walk over you either. Just cuz you're gay doesn't mean you have to be stepped on. Develop a tough skin and swallow all your fears.

MY CHAT WITH SOULFUL AND COMPASSIONATE LGBT PERFORMER

Singer/Songwriter Scandelle is a talented artist who has a lot of soul and passion for his music and for people in the LGBT community who admires him for his singing, songwriting, endostrias looks and style, and for taking stands against violence towards those many LGBT youth and people, who are subjected to being attacked by people. Performing since the late 1980’s, he credits singers Grace Jones, Sylvester, Annie Lennox for inspiring him to go against the grain and not be pigeonholed as an artists, as well as crediting his late uncle songwriter Otis Blackwell for his ability to write all types of music.
I had the opportunity to meet and spoke with this wonderful, talented and passionate performer at the Our Youth AIDS Benefit where he spoke about his influences, the importance of tackling violence, his late uncle’s legacy and Annie Lennox finally getting her long over due award.

SHAWN: THANKS FOR DOING THE INTERVIEW. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING MUSIC?
SCANDELLE: I’ve been around for a minute as they said in the hood, but been doing the independent LGBT music thing for a while. I started out dancing on bar tops in the East village, honing my craft and gaining fans.

SHAWN: WHO ARE YOUR MUSICAL INFLUENCES?
SCANDELLE: I’m a child of the music from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s. Everything is good each year but there’s special music stuff going on thought that period. You had The Temptations. You had The Supremes. I mean how could you not be inspired? If you thought you could sing, you sang, so that’s where the music came from and it gets more and more inspiring. In fact, it was Grace Jones, Sylvester and my late uncle Otis Blackwell.

SHAWN: THAT NAME SOUNDS FAMILIAR
SCANDELLE: He wrote “Fever.’ He’s in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. It’s in my family tree.

SHAWN: You started out performing in the Village. When did you start performing there?
SCANDELLE: It started I would say in the late 80’s at the Pyramid Club in Alphabet City doing drag and I lip-synched Annie Lennox, and quickly decided that from that point on that I was going to use my own singing voice, and started doing shows in different places and eventually kicked out my EP in 2003 that was really received and today I have about fifty-thousand fans, but they’re spread out thought different websites.

SHAWN: YOU MENTIONED AN INTERESTING POINT ABOUT USING YOUR OWN SINGING VOICE INSTEAD OF LIP-SYNCHING. WHEN YOU PERFORM, DOES THE CROWD BE IN AWE WHEN THEY LEARN YOU’RE SINGING LIVE?
SCANDELLE: I’m blessed. I’m blessed. I don’t wanna toot my own horn, but I would have to stay for the most part, the crowd’s reaction been very good. Very positive. Very loyal, so I would have to say it’s been a positive experience using my singing voice. I have nothing against lip-synching. (I mean) it’s about the performance (and) what you’re bringing to the table. Lip-synching has its own vibe and singing live has its own vibe. Those crowds could be tough.

SHAWN: You said you released your EP in 2003, right?
SCANDELLE: 2003. I wrote all the songs. Sang, arranged all the vocals and co-produced with a producer out in D.C. It made it to over 125 radio stations; it really got a lot of press within the community and somewhat outside the community. Still going strong.

SHAWN: YOU SAID THAT YOUR INFLUENCES ARE GRACE JONES, ANNIE LENNOX AND SYLVESTER. CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW THOSE LEGENDS INFLUENCE YOU?
SCANDELLE: Gender fluid. Androgyny. Power. Self-acceptance and of course their musical talents; they could blow as they say, Sylvester there’s never been a falsetto Soul singer to revival what he put out there and I’m so happy he was an influence for me, But then again the greats too including Ella, Dinah Washington. I’m a mixed bag when it comes to music. I try to sing what I love and that’s a little bit of everything. I have a Gospel record that I just released called ‘God Loves Me Too.’ We’re doing a one million plays campaign at my space to raise awareness for the end of LGBT crimes. Some of the sales will go to AVP and Our Youth.

SHAWN: THERE ARE STIL PEOPLE IN THE LGBT WHO ARE STILL BEING ATTACTED. HOW IMPROTANT IS IT FOR ARTISTS TO BRING AWARNESS AGAINST THESE CRIMES?
SCANDELLE: I think it’s important. There’s no option policy. If we’re living identifying ourselves out as LGBT people, musicians in particular we’re very much at risk for that kind of situation. We put ourselves out there and we have to be on guard. If you’re LGBT and you/re a target and even the ones who think they’re not being recognized…that DL stuff and that stuff, the dangers are so real. The numbers are climbing, even though they’re not being reported, the numbers are climbing. Unfortunately, a friend of ours Geo Vaughn was attacked in Chelsea in August. I produced a rally in September and I put together twelve or thirteen LGBT artists, musicians, singers and politicians and organizations to start what we’re gonna do annually. I also started a website called www.SubtleGenocide.com which was a tag phrase that came out for an interview; suttle meaning the media doesn’t grab hold of these painted stories long enough for people to understand that we’re being masticated right before their eyes. People are being burned alive, beheaded, kidnapped and tortured. These are things you see in third world countries on CNN News, you don’t realize it’s happening right here.

SHAWN: YOU’VE ALSO INVOLVED WITH SUPPORTING THE MEMBERS OF OUR YOUTH. HOW DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED?
SCANDELLE: We met Rob and the kids at the rally on September 13. There’s You tube footage of the rally too if you want to direct people there. That’s how we all met. I fell in love with the kids you see. They were the ones who brought the images, the faces, the posters of the survivors. They were the ones who woke me up to the real dangers; that record is for that purpose.

SHAWN: HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR ARTISTS TO BRING AWARNESS TO AIDS AWARENESS?
SCANDELLE: That’s never gonna change. The Anti-violence movement is still going on. The AIDS movement is still going on. As long as there’s AIDS, there’s gonna be a movement. It’s not a fad; people are still dying. The numbers are consistent, and people are dropping their guards in our community everyday; doing what they call bare backing and stuff like that. And you know it’s not something you can take lightly and what to be consistent with those things.

SHAWN: ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO PERFORMING?
SCANDELLE: I’ve been looking forward to tonight for a long time. I get to do my song with the kids. Some of them are performing "God Loves Me Too." I wrote it for them and the victims and survivors of gay/LGBT hate crimes.

SHAWN: IF YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH ANY ARTISTS WHO INSPIRED YOU, WHO WOULD IT BE?
SCANDELLE: I don’t say it could be one person, but the person who touches my heart is Annie Lennox. When you talk about people, who have their coming out story, and music is a part of that when you’re young and all, that Annie Lennox album “Diva” come on. That album got me through a lot of shit. Annie Lennox is my hero.

SHAWN: LAST MONTH, SHE WAS HONORED BY THE AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS. HOW DID IT MAKE YOU FEEL TO SEE HER FINALLY GET HONORED?
SCANDELLE: I don’t see why it took people so long to give those kinds of accolades to her. I have a feeling though it has to do with the gender fluid thing if you ask me. I think they took their time because they didn’t know how to honor someone who was brave enough to tap into that side of themselves, but at least she was alive to receive the award.

SHAWN: EARLIER, YOU MENTIONED THAT SINGER/SONGWRITER OTIS BLACKWELL WAS YOUR UNCLE. WHAT WAS IT LIKE HAVING A FAMOUS UNCLE?
SCANDELLE: I didn’t get a chance to spend a lot of time with him. His generation in my family tree is from the elder part of the tree. My grandfather had eighteen children, and he was one of the first boys, so I learned about him primarily through an uncle that I was close to in New York and I hand a chance to meet him briefly during an honor concert that took place in Prospect Park one summer years ago. It was The Ramones that actually set up the concert for and they asked him t come as a special guest. So that’s when I met him in the park and shook hands. We look alike; it was a magic moment. He’s an important part of American music. He wrote some of the important Pop music records ever and helped make Elvis Presley bonafied music star and gave him great material.

SHAN: WHAT CAN FANS EXPECT FROM YOUR CD?
SCANDELLE: What can they expect? They can expect a lot of love. A lot of soul. A lot of passion and alot of commitment to changing our situation from music to helping the LGBT life better.

MY INTERVIEW WITH PROUD LESBIAN MUSICIAN AND ACTIVIST

Lori Michaels is getting a buzz with her talents, looks, positive spirit and activism. Originally a child performer, the New Jersey native has been fighting for the rights of Gay youth since she was a teenager and her unselfish deeds have been rewarded with her being named Curve Magazine’s Entertainer of the year and DJ’s playing her music on their shows non-stop. I had the pleasure of meeting the talented singer/songwriter at the Our Youth benefit concert and right before I fixed me a plate of food, I had the opportunity to interview this wonderful lady.

Q: WHAT TYPE OF MUSIC DO YOU PERFORM
A: I’ve been doing Pop, Dance, A little fusion of everything. I have a collection of love songs and depending on the venue, and the show, I have an act called Me and The Girls, and we’ve been headlining at Pride festivals and clubs nationwide, helping to celebrate the release of our CD called “Living My Life Out Loud” (and) we’re also coming upon 20 years on our non-profit organization anniversary called ‘Reach Out Inc.” Entertaining and also raising awareness and funds when we can for causes that our community cares about and should care about.

Q: HOW DID YOU GET INTO MUSIC?
A: I love music! I started piano when I was two -and-a-half years old and piano lessons. Dance lessons right after that. I started singing in church, and I just love music (and) it completely feeds my soul (laughs and smiles).

Q: WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ARTISTS?
A: That’s an open-ended question. I have different kinds of taste. I love the female artists who are out. Pink, Beyonce, Rhianna is awesome. I like the guitar or piano soloists. I’m into all types of music; Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop. You know, different types of music. As a singer/songwriter/performer, I tend to lean towards those artists that not in any disrespect but do more than just hold the microphone (both laughs) so I when there’s someone who pops out as a total package and works it, I enjoy them as well.

Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PERFORMING?
A: I’ve been performing professionally since I was a kid. I was a showbiz kid. I got started at the Broadway Dance Center in New York City. Dancing first. Then I got into the entertainment business, but never really fully engaged in the business. I just recently started my own production company a few years ago, and that’s when I started targeting the LGBT community. I’m on out artist and I’m proud of who I am, and I’m lucky the community have embraced me as a entertainer, singer, songwriter and as someone who lives their life out loud.

Q: GREAT POINT. THERE ARE MANY OUT ARTISTS WHO ARE RECORDING AND PERFORMING ALL GENRES OF MUSIC INCLUDING POP, ROCK, R&B AND HIP-HOP, BUT MAINSTREAM RECORD EXECUTIVES WOULDN’T SIGN THEM IF THEY’RE NOT SINGING HOUSE MUSIC. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THAT?
A: I think that the music industry has changed so much and I really think its gonna continue to yet be seen; it’s gonna be an interesting time to see who comes out on top and what’s really played out there and that radio stations and video shows and the digital world. I’m leaning more towards trying to believe that the music that’s put out will speak for itself, and I hope that’s the case because there are so many talented musicians, performers that will never get a record deal and that will never get that big record deal, and you know it’s gonn be great if the times change and be able to do what they love and get it out there.

Q: YOU ALSO HAVE YOUR OWN ORGANIZATION. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN RUNNING IT?
A: My non-profit organization is called ‘Reach Out Ink’ I started it many years ago when I was in high school and it’s really become an umbrella organization for various causes and we raise funds to help various communities and local families. It’s a small organization that does really big things and that’s the main reason I’m here tonight. And I believe in helping this organization..

Q: YOU ALSO SUPPORT MANY AIDS CHARITIES. HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY?
A: I’m on the honorary board for the Joey Defellow AIDS foundation. We have supported local AIDS organizations and the nationally recognized as well. I’ve met a lot of people; especially kids and teens and they’ve touched my life in ways that I cannot really describe and I will continue to do whatever I can to help people living with AIDS.

Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW MUSIC COMING SOON?
A: My CD was jest released a couple of months ago. It’s available digitally everywhere and in selected stores nationwide. We’re gonna be hitting at the top of the year with a dance radio campaign for a remix of my single “Meet Me at the Partay” and I’m also gonna be doing a couple of other collaborations and other projects for my music.

Q: IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO PERFORM WITH ANY MAINSTREM ARTIST, WHO WOULD IT BE?
A: Right now, I would love to perform with Pink.


For information and updates on her music, check out the following:
www.myspace.com/lorimichaels
www.lorimichaelsproductions.com

PLEASURE P DROPS TASTEFUL YET SEXY SINGLE ABOUT BEING A BACKUP LOVER

PLEASURE P
BOYFRIEND NUMBER 2
SWAGGER ENTERTAINMENT/ATLANTIC RECORDS
4 ON A SCALE OF 1-5

After releasing a heartfelt ballad asking for forgiveness, singer/songwriter Pleasure P’s current single “Boyfriend Number 2’ is a hot sexy song about being the other man who picks up the sexual slack that the primary and main boyfriend leaves off without any ounce of guilt.
Since leaving Hip-Hop/R&B group Pretty Ricky, Pleasure has been creating a buzz as a solo artist by showing his vocal skills instead of just singing hooks and bridges and though his music isn’t as raunchy as his former band mates, he was able to cook up a hot and tasteful single that has a nice combo of R&B, and Dance courtesy of the bass, beats, keyboards and classical piano riffs as well as hot lyrics.

If we don’t fuss, don’t fight, don’t argue
And second place always got a whole to prove
So whenever you get in the mood
(Just call) boyfriend number 2
Ladies if you got a man and buddy on the side
Say yeah, yeah, yeah
If you making plans cuz he don’t hit it right
Say yeah
I got a couple places I’m sure he don’t know about
The familiar you could free to go out
I’m not afraid of doin’ what he doesn’t do.

This single is hot, though he should have used his falsetto more towards the end of the song, all in all the song is good and shows that he’s capable of singing hot mid tempo joints, while showcasing his vocal skills and not limiting the subject matter.