Showing posts with label celebrity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label celebrity. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Brandy Receives Homage - 20 Years in the Game!



Hey hey hey! Woah! haven't posted in a while! Anyways I must say that  ran across this 'Thank You' video that was created by True Exclusives to pay homage to the one and only Brandy! I was so excited to see other artists give brandy her props because she DESERVES IT! I hate when people totally dissuade her work and contribution to the industry and often compare her to Beyonce (No Shade at all, I love both!). It is not fair! Brandy opened doors for the artists that we see today! I just don't want her to get overlooked like so many other fantastic artists such as Toni Braxton and Monica. Her runs, vocal range, creativity, and dedication... = priceless!

What's your favorite Brandy album? I love me some Full Moon and Afrodisiac! All of her albums give me life! 


Check out the video and tell me what you think!


Friday, September 6, 2013

Tamar Braxton Displays the Chaotic Journey of Love - "Love & War" Album Review




It is a great time for R&B! Everybody dropping albums like hotpockets! I am so proud and honored to review the lovely Tamar Braxton's long awaited sophomore release Love & War.  Reality Tv is definitely opening doors of exposure for talented people who really have something to offer music. Settling into motherhood, her talk show The Real, and life as a solo star Tamar is letting us know she is here! WIth her vocals and charismatic star quality, you would think this would be her 5th album.  Let's get into it. 








                                                        Tamar Braxton — Love & War

1. “The One”

2. “Tip Toe”

3. “Stay and Fight”

4. “Love and War”

5. “All the Way Home”

6. “One on One Fun”

7. “She Did That (Interlude)”

8. “Hot Sugar”

9. “Pieces”

10. “Where It Hurts”

11. “Prettiest Girl”

12. “Sound of Love”

13. “White Candle”

14. “Thank You Lord”



1. The One 

A "Juicy" serenade about love, this summer track is so cute! It's a feel good, joyful record. I'm not sure if it should have opened up the album though.  -Golden Track 


2.  Tip Toe

This should have been the Intro to the album! This is a cute record that took me a few listens to come around too. It serves her personality. This record is about keeping the love you share with your boo a secret.... "I Don't want my business on the Wendy William's show".... Love that Part! Its a cute track......makes you want to hit the dance floor and prance. YAS! -Golden Track 

3. Stay & Fight

A song in which Tamar is stating how she wants to stay and fight with her lover. We all go through that with our lovers....the arguments get real....but if you really want that love to last...you have to STAY & FIGHT. It's growing on me, but I skip this track. Her vocals are beautiful though....she gives me Toni. 


4. Love & War

The lead single of this album......could have also been the intro to the project. We all know Tamar had all competition on hush mode when this song went number one on Itunes in 12 hours after it's release back in Fall of 2012.  - Golden Track 


5.  All The Way Home

This gives me Mairah Carey........I'm sure you can hear it in many of Tamar's vocals and range. This one is about fighting with a lover...but thinking about them as you drive away...pedal to the metal....you know you will return to your boo! That's how love and war is! -Golden Track 


6.  One on One Fun

Now this is where things spice up! The album gets less depressing and more raunchy/ratchet. A breath of fresh air....... Tamar coos about having some one on one fun with her boo. I like this side of her. I wish the beat was a little better and the track was longer. 


7. She Did That 

This song makes me want to hairflip all up in the club! :) Mike-WIll-Made-It influenced, She did that serves as a bad chick anthem to assert that Tamar did that! She proved everyone wrong so now turn up! I love it! But it's too short........I don't know why they decided to make the fun tracks short. -Golden Track


8. Hot Sugar

"Pop it, pop it, pop it..YEA BABAY", this sweet record serves baby Braxton well. Lyrics are fire but I do feel like the instrumental lacks something. I want a guitar or some horns or something in the beat of the song...make it more firery! The song also drags a little. A ladies anthem on how to please your boo...... it's sugary and sweet. -Golden Track 


9. Pieces

This should probably be the next single from the album. It's about being in a relationship and not receiving all the love you deserve from your partner! The piano and Tamar's vocals make her open and bare. -Golden Track 


10. Where It Hurts

I skip this one although her vocals are beautiful. The instrumental does not work for the vocals.......



11. Prettiest Girl 

I love this one! Super cute...a celebration of love and how a man can you feel like the prettiest girl in the  world. "I want to say thank you, for making me feel like the prettiest girl in the world, no matter what I got on." This serves as Tamar's version of Beyonce's "Love on Top".  



12. Sound of Love 

I skip this song s well......it is similar to "Where It Hurts". 



13. White Candle

I love the message of this song. It is about keeping your love going and not letting it die. I like the metaphor of not letting the candle melt away...something so white and pure s candle (dope idea)! Tamar's vocals are also very clean on this one. It works perfectly. - Golden Track 


14. Thank You Lord

I love how this song is dedicated to the Almighty! It's beautiful but I expected a little more soul for this one! Me and a friend discussed how we thought it would have a "Destiny's Child gospel feel". I thought Tamar would take us to the Baptist church where we would catch the Holy Ghost! I wanted that Black church energy but it was not delivered. Despite what it lacks, it is still  a smooth way to close out the album. :) 



Tamar Braxton's Love & War can seem a little lost and depressing at times...but in a odd way it balances itself out. A few features could have given it more spark. I am looking forward to her next project! I am excited that Tamar is finally here because she deserves it. She is very talented, serious, and dedicated to this music biz! SHE DID THAT! 


























Friday, July 12, 2013

#Music - Top 5 I'm Bumping in July

Hello Ladies and Gents! Just a quick music chat for a sec. i want to share with you the top 5 artists that I've been listening to this month! The current soundtrack of my life.


1. Kelly Rowland
2. Ciara
3  Chrisette Michele
4. Eve
5. Jay -Z



Kelly Rowland -




Her recent album, Talk a Good Game, has been on heavy rotation. I can really relate to the vulnerability and honesty Kelly serves on the album. My favorite tracks include: Talk a Good Game, Red Wine, Street Life, Stand in Front of Me, Gone, and Put Your Name On It. Kelly really stood her ground and I believe this is one of her best albums. She gave us some good R&B and took a risk. I just wish more people would notice. She always gets moderate attention and it annoys me. She cooked up some good music. You can feel that she put some heart into this one.  #TeamKelly


Ciara -



#CiaraOutNow ! YASSSS! I'm definitely a part of #CSquad. I love me some Ciara. Her recent LP, the self-titled Ciara, Is a refreshing risk taking surprise from the R&B/Pop starlet. I ride for Ciara! It's real! Let me tell you why! Ciara is overall a great entertainer. Yes we know she is not a world shattering vocalist but you have to understand she is a pop singer! She can hold a tune but what makes her stand out is her dancing. She is also a very beautifu;, positive, and classy young lady. I like her vocals because they work for her. Not every artists is a Beyonce, Whitney or Mariah Carey, but that does not negate their talents. What I love about her now is that she finally is opening up her brand and seeing that it takes much more than R&B Hip Hop to remain mainstream. It's about trends and fashion as well. My favorite tracks from her album are Sophomore, DUI, Keep On Lookin, Where You Go, Livin It Up, Honey I just love the entire album! Check it out!

Chrisette Michelle -



We have been waiting for her for 3 years! After releasing her fantastic mix-tape Audio Visual Presentation: Audrey Hepburn at the end of 2012,(which inspired to to get back into songwriting), I could not wait for her recent LP Better. Chrisette has really broken out of her shell, remaining a lady but becoming more raw and ruthless. She definitely grew out of the Golden Girl phase and entered a more elegant/sensual commanding phase of womanhood. Her hair and fashion also give me life. The rawness and wittiness she exudes in her interviews make me twirl as well. My favorite tracks from her album are Get Through the Night, Ten Foot Stilettos, I'm Still Fly, Visual Love, Snow, A Couple of Forever's, Let Me Win, Interlude (In My Heart Convo With My Boyfriend), Can the Cool Be Loved, and Love in the Afternoon. If you need some good love songs and want a relationship, are a sucker for love, or just a hopeless romantic - check this album out. 

Eve - 




I am so glad that she is back. Not only because she is a female rapper from my time (90's baby) but she is on her own. You see Eve in a new light. She is such a lady on this one giving us new musical styles, features, producers, and a new look. She has been gone for 11 years ya'll! After the multiple mishaps with record labels, Eve got her own label (From The Rib) -and just kept it pushing. I respect her hustle. She also got herself a new boo and they are so cute together. Her recent LP tilted LipLock, is a good break from Nicki Minaj and Azealia Banks (I wear them out because they are the only two female rappers who are really killing the game). My favorite tracks are Forgive Me, Make It Out This Town, All Night, Wanna Be, EVE, and Never Gone. Overall it's a must listen because Eve is open. She is vulnerable, giving you the rap diva we love, but letting us see her reflect on her life/decisions in a personal way. She also has some hints of shade towards other girls in the game ;). 


Jay-Z - 





Magna Carta Holy Grail BABY! PICASSO BABY! Every single time I listen to a Jay-Z track, I feel like I'm inspired to grind even harder! Seeing all that he has accomplished, just makes me humble LOL! Real talk! Him, Beyonce and Kanye! Every time they get in the studio I feel like I have a chance to make it lol!!!! I have not completed the album as of yet guys, I'm sorry but so far my favorite tracks of Part 2(On The Run) and Holy Grail. But From what I've heard I know it's a banger. I can tell you what I expect to be my favorite tracks: Beach is Better, La Familia, Crown, and Nickles & Dimes. 



What are your top 5 artists that you ar ebumping in July? Share them with me! Let's make this a conversation :). 


Hugs, Wishes, and Kisses! 
 -KL 







Sunday, July 7, 2013

Gabrielle Union - "Being Mary Jane" is a Score!



Hello World! Well I know I'm a little tardy for the party, shout out to Kim Zolciak, but I just watched Gabrielle in Being Mary Jane! I love the show, the concept, and the fact that Gabrielle is the LEAD! So excited for her in particular because I've been waiting for her to get her shine.

The show is about a young lady by the name of Mary Jane who is an entertainment talk show host and has it all, the looks, education, money, success, and beauty. Despite all of her many accomplishments, her private life is in shambles. Her mother is ill, her niece is pregnant (AGAIN), she argues with other family members who constantly give her a hard time about financial needs, and her love life is a complete mess.  Created by Mara Brock Akil, the new original BET series has received raving reviews!

BET is branching out and trying new things being that this is the network's first series and the first season will contain 8 episodes. So what did you all think? I loved it. The fact that Gabrielle is playing is a single black woman who experiences what most single black woman experience. What I do admire is that this story is not just the same old SOB STORY! Mary Jane wants a man but the ones she is dealing with cannot get their lives together. She also really wants a child, and that particular scene touched me (she was baking a cake for her niece's baby shower and looked at a tv show, seeing babies with their mothers and began to cry because her biological clock is ticking).  That is what most black woman deal with. 42% of black woman have never been married and it's predominantly the successful Black woman who have no partners.


I love that this show cleverly provides that twist, opening up with simple statements such as "This is the story of a Black woman, but not every Black woman". This is a topic that is easy to disgust but difficult to solve because Black woman are constantly asking Where are the Black men who are DOING something positive and want a monogamous relationship, want to build a foundation at? It's a question that everyone wants to know the answer to and I feel like this show will have us on our couches looking for answers. But the twist that this show offers is that Mary Jane sleeps with one of her booty calls, saves the condom they used, and steals the sperm (freezing it for future use). Now that scene HAD ME AND MY LACEFRONT IN SHOCK! I was clutching my pearls lol! But seriously that scene was crazy because I immediately was fascinated with the length that she went to create the possibility of giving birth. I'm really feeling how we get to see a softer side of Gabrielle Union. She cries in scenes, talks to herself, confides in friends, and shows how Mary Jane is a human. I really like how refreshing this role is for her.


Also, I love how Mary Jane wanted to do a story on how Black woman are constantly told they are ugly and struggled with her Latina co-worker/friend to help her advocate for the story. There was a scene in which they were at work and debated over if Mary Jane should pursue the story or not. Her co-worker/friend told her how both of them were women of color and how Mary Jane would be labeled as the stereotypical angry Black woman if she kept pushing a story that was given the BIG NO a week ago. She also mentioned how as women of color they had to be careful with what they do so they won't be perceived a certain way.  This will definitely cause discussion.

There is also a gay Black man in the show which adds another twist. He is close friends with Mary Jane. He is not the stereotypical gay Black man because at first glance his sexual preference is ambiguous. I assumed that he was one of her lovers but once I studied how they talked to each other, and his lover came to the forefront, I was like YASSSSS!!! LOL!


There is so much to discuss about this show! I feel like this will be a good run! Gabrielle is doing her thing! I'm proud because Kerry Washington opened the door with Scandal, Meagan Good followed with her tv-series Deception, and now Gabrielle has arrived with Being Mary Jane! It exciting to see Black actresses appear on the scene again. After watching Oprah's Next Chapter: African American Women in Hollywood and hearing Phylicia Rashad, Viola Davis, Gabrielle Union, Oprah, and Alfre Woodard discuss their experiences with Hollywood; it gave me more joy to see Gabrielle develop her craft. All five women touched on light skin vs. dark skin, lack of acting roles, jealousy, support, success, and Gabrielle's honesty about her 'mean past' in a healthy fashion. It was a fantastic show.

It looks like we will have to wait until next year for more episodes of Being Mary Jane. I will definitely be tuned in, will you?


Share your thoughts and comments! What did you think of the show? Will it last? Are you excited to see Gabrielle in a new light? Why is it difficult for successful Black woman to find a Black man? Is Mary Jane pursuing perfection?


Hugs, kisses, and wishes!!!













Saturday, July 6, 2013

Ciara - The Evolution Continues



If you don't know now you know! I am a big Ciara fan and I am so excited for her return. Currently her new self titled album "Ciara" will be in stores and on iTunes this upcoming Tuesday, July 9th! Her album is also available for a free stream on Itunes! First and foremost I would like to say how proud I am of Ciara. The last 5-6 years of her career have been challenging in the fact that her old labels, LaFace/Jive began to not support her. As an artist it is important to have your machine behind you to get you the appearances, music videos, publicity, and outreach that you need for your music. It makes me upset when people criticize her so harshly and completely ignore her talent. 

Ciara has definitely prepared for a comeback releasing two hit singles "Body Party" (which recently went number 1) and "I'm Out" ft. Nicki Minaj. With L.A. Reid as her mentor, She has revamped her image , rocking a new blonde short bob and taking risks in fashion. She has really elevated her fashion to higher levels. She is taking more risks holistically, which is important for today's artist that work in a constantly evolving world. The songs, sounds, lyrics, approach, fashion, appearances, hair, moves she makes matter to the audience. Lets not forget that Ciara has been in the game for 10 years with 5 albums under her belt plus multiple hits; so she has the freedom to expand her brand. With her new label and team at Epic, Ciara is ready to claim her territory. 


I feel like she is one of the best performers of our time and deserves success. She is my girl!

I will definitely be doing an album review once the album is released! So stay tuned.

Hugs, kisses, and wishes! Muah! 

Monday, July 1, 2013

"B. Scott - Mother Muffin Snubbed by the BET Awards"

"Look, we all know its a political world and things work a certain way, but in entertainment you would think that one could fully express themselves without any barriers."



So I must do this for the record. For the community. For all Black LGBT people who are constantly silenced by the white community and  black community. B Scott, a famous YouTube sensation that has expanded his career into the likes of E Entertainment, Bravo, The Tyra Banks Show, Mariah Carey, Jamie Fox & Sirius Radio, and Ebony Magazine; is definitely one of LGBT's finest.

The BET Awards snubbed B. Scott, telling him to switch out of his heels during the BET pre- show. Now first of all you know B. Scott looked fabulous, hair laid and face BEAT FOR THE HEAVENS, GALAXIES, and GODS.It saddens me because B.Scott didn't even look like himself. As a true love muffin  I'm sure other love muffins feel me, B. Scott DID NOT LOOK HAPPY. He didn't look like himself. He seemed distraught, as if he was trying to hold it in and I know it burned his spirit on the inside. I honestly thought BET supported him FULLY. 
So lets think critically about this. Why was he snubbed BET? Is it because he challenges what the black community constantly neglects? Is it because he is fabulous and looks better than have of the females? Is it because HE IS LIVING IN HIS TRUTH!? Y'all got the game twisted. How are you going to hire someone and then change them!? It's ENTERTAINMENT, not corporate America.


We're you afraid that B. Scott would send the wrong message to viewers? Y'all need to check his plate boo! His viewers are DIVERSE! If anything he would've helped your brand. He would have helped strengthen your BRAND! Your trying to do better BET and I see it, but this was not right. It's disrespectful. You allow people to have their breast hang out and WEAR NO CLOTHING then you want to ask him to tune it down? Don't be hypocritical! Don't even go there! 


People on stage twerking and acting a fool. It reminds me of church or something. I completely understand the predicament that B. Scott was in. I've been in numerous situations where someone asked me to tone it down, and I couldn't say much nor did I have anyone to help me fight. 


So B. Scott, honey you have a community of people like ourselves, black feminine gay men, black women, and an array of others who KNOW what happened to you and will blast BET for it.

I personally commend you for handling it like a trooper. Been a fan if you since I was 16 years old!!! You are truly a blessing to the world. So please know that this situation with BET was a door that you opened. That means that you are doing what your supposed to do! So we see it and all that you've accomplished! Keep going girl! This is your purpose lovely, I know you know that the spirit is always with you and is using you to communicate some issues that society neglects all the time.

And for ya'll haters out there who are stating that B. Scott is being ungrateful, please have several seats and get it together real quick. He is very humble and knows where he came from. How would you feel if you went somewhere to work and they asked you to turn off who you are? They told you your tie was a bit much for them or you need to change your outfit? Wouldn't you feel disrespected and unappreciated? When someone asks you to do a job for them, they obviously see something in you. 

Instead of muffling people, they need to be focused on expression. You can have everything else on your network, EVERYTHING else yet you can't let the LGBT be themselves. That's the issue, we always encourage LGBT people in our community to tone it down and muffle it. PEOPLE ALREADY KNOW! They know the B. Scott brand! 



My heart is in support of the one and only  B. Scott!

Please share your comments and thoughts. Hugs, wishes, and kisses! 

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Beyonce - "Standing on the Sun" Review






(World Renown Music Starlet) Beyonce's new promo single "Standing on the Sun" is a welcoming, fresh, sunny delight to the summer ahead of us. The song was created for her magnificent H&M campaign in which the commercial was released as a mini music video back in May! Recently, Beyonce debuted the summer hit in a performance on her Ms. Carter World Tour and the BeyHive went bananas! 

My take on it-

This song is pop royalty! I feel like this is a new and fresh sound for Beyonce, which is what I've been dying for. It is a much needed turn around from the heavy horns and drum use. The record was written by Sia, who also penned Rihanna's hit single "Diamonds" from Unapologetic. 

I've noticed that Sia's lyrics are very honest, romantic, earthy, and just everything! At first I felt like the song was meant for Rihanna but Beyonce made it hers! It fits her and I hope she allows it to be a single for her fifth album. Standing on the Sun just does something to you once it comes on. It's a sensual, laid back, and hypnotizing. 

So take a listen. Do you think "Standing on the Sun" should be Beyonce's new single? Will her fifth album be world shattering? TeamBeyonce are currently still deciding on what the official single, direction, and drive of her fifth album will be. I beleive team Beyonce jand Beyonce her self just wants to deliver this product as it is her debut album. She is taking her time, focusing on delivering the right meal to her fans! We can't wait Beyonce! 


Give me those thoughts of yours!! Please share! 

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Lighthouse, Shining on a World That's Moving Fast

"Tryna shut me up, Tryna hold me down, never turnin off  cause I'm a light!"




I am in love with Fantasia's Lighthouse, from her new album tilted "Side Effects of You". One of American Idol's finest, her new album is worth it. Fantasia sounds recharged and ready to go, it feels like she never took a break. Her best album in my opinion is her self titled 2006 release "Fantasia", remember the lead single "When I See You"?

Lighthouse-
It's a splendid and beautiful surprise from Fantasia. Positive, funky, and what I call "certified", it's a record of strength. Many artists don't make songs like that anymore , which makes it refreshing. 

So if your feeling down and need that spirit lifted up, check out "Lighthouse" by Fantasia.


Other tracks that catch my ear on her new album are Supernatural Love, if I was A Bird, and Without Me.





Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Looks Good With Trouble


Now, I love me some Solange Knowles. Not only do I admire her as a songwriter, but her vocals are breathtaking. She doesn't sound like anyone else and has her own style and approach to music. 

Last week, Solange Knowles announced via twitter that she will be launching her new record label, SAINT RECORDS, this month while also releasing her first song from the label "Looks Good With Trouble (Feat- Kendrick Lemar)". The song is a remix to the original track from her 2012 "True" EP. 


I love the "True" EP! Such a deep release from Solange, and it's some good break-up music!! I personally love how all the songs are dark/raw, yet they have these upbeat/calming/light instrumentals. 

My favorites are of course Looks Good With Trouble, Bad Girls (Verdine Version), Losing You, and Don't Let Me Down. Overall I love the entire EP and highly suggest you give it a listen. 

Check out the Track with Kendrick Lamar! 

I'm proud of Solange and where she is heading in her musical career. 


Share your thoughts!  

I'm A Grown Woman!





I CAN DO WHATEVA I WANT!!!

Beyonce, one of the worlds biggest stars today, has released a song called "Grown Woman" (full version leaked yesterday!) The song was played in her recent Pepsi commercial back in April. An upbeat, colorful, authentic, tribal, sassy, hair flinging, ol' mama shakin tune; Grown Woman is refreshing. I will admit that I didn't expect it to be her first single from her highly anticipated  5th solo album. 

It's an uplifting record and what I believe is a response to all of the critics who judged Beyonce for her "Bow Down/ I Been On" promo track. While its a response, it's also a message. A message of strength to all women world wide. That's what I love about Beyonce, she constantly pushes for women to shine. 


Beyonce is at a point in her career where she can LITERALLY do whatever she wants. But is this single the correct way to open up the 5th project? I think so, it's a risk! And I want Beyonce to risk more, do unexpected things. 

So go and check out "Grown Woman" and get into it! Throw your life up as that beat enters your body, making you feel like your at an exotic celebration! Yas! "I'm a Grown Woman, I Can do whatever I want!" 


Share your thoughts!