Music definitely wasn't my soul on a night that I thought I would be further baptized in the world of "good music." It was a long ass day, a whole lot of unnecessary traffic, & the most retarded parking concept that I'd ever witnessed............ hour long drive to find parking, & a 15-minute walk to the venue once a spot was secured........... WTF?! Horrible! Not a good prelude to one of the most anticipated concerts of the year. Even still, a 15-minute wait to enter the venue, while everyone was searched and tickets were processed the old -fashioned way. Btw, the concert was held at the Woodlands Pavillion. I'd only advise going there if you're w/ a lot of people, & there's a lot of alcohol! So, by the time I'd made it to my seat, I'd missed Lupe Fiasco, Nerd, and most of Rihanna's performance (wasn't too upset about that). But Lupe, my dear, dear Lupe.......... & Nerd, was so looking forward to hearing their new joints, now I'll have to wait like everyone else.......... I'm getting pissed all over again!!
So, this post is solely dedicated to 'Ye.......... Opening w/ a little snippet of "Stronger" definitely awakened my soul a bit. He appeared, lying on an outer space set; like he'd landed on the moon........ flowed into "Good Morning." There was no one else on stage, just 'Ye.......... wasn't sure if I was feeling that, & by the middle of the performance, I would realize that I really wasn't. 'Ye had me so conflicted on this ride into outer space.......... sporadic skits & references to his spaceship, affectionately named "Jane." There were definitely moments where my heart & mind connected to the words that I'd heard countless times in songs like "Champion," "Can't Tell Me Nothing," "I Wonder," & "Heard 'Em Say." Sadly, the rest was a blur & disappointment.
On "Get 'Em High," I didn't know if he was paying homage to H-town by spitting his own version of "screw'd," or if he just wanted to be random, as he seemed to be anyway. The absence of the band had my ear all off, & I didn't know if it was because of my still virgin ears, or a bad sound system in the venue. In the midst of all of my confusion, I couldn't help but think back to J (that's Jay-Z for you idiots), & how he'd seduced me w/ his performance. My heart still does some funny shit when I think of that concert......... like reminiscing on some bomb ass sex!! But, I hate that I won't have that memory of 'Ye. I have to think back to my 1st encounter w/ him to remember him as I want to (back in '03 or '04; when he opened up for Usher, & had me saying "Usher who!"). However, as thwarted as my experience was on this night, I'll jam to all his joints like it never happened, b/c bottom-line is that 'Ye is Good Music................
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Natasha Bedingfield
I really like this white girl! I've listened to her album, found my grooves ("The Backyard" is my absolute favorite), & it's been smooth sailing....... even plan to see her in concert next month.......... so, until then, to be continued!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Jordan Sparks
I really like this chick....... as bubble gum as "Tattoo" is, I genuinely like it. & her voice is amazing. Then, I heard "No Air" w/ Chris Brown, & I'm like, "Ok, I might actually be a fan of Jordan Sparks!" So, I bought her cd last night, along w/ Jean Grae, & others that I will disclose later. Once again, my initial listen has been while cleaning, & much of the cd sounded really "poppy" & young, but there were some songs that caught my attention......... I've just drawn a complete blank on the names!! So, I'll have to pause this review until I give it a second listen!
It's been weeks later, & I still haven't paid much more attention to this cd........ though, I haven't totally regretted the purchase, either. Eh, I still like her, but her album was a little basic........
It's been weeks later, & I still haven't paid much more attention to this cd........ though, I haven't totally regretted the purchase, either. Eh, I still like her, but her album was a little basic........
Jean Grae
I'm always in search of an artist that people I know, are hardly aware of......... Randomly strolling the isles of Best Buy last night, I passed her cd, This Week, & remembered the rave reviews that I'd read about her on All Hip-Hop. I've listened to nearly the entire thing, but it's been while cleaning my house, so I haven't really tuned into her lyrics. But, the first thing I thought when the cd began to play was, "this chick sounds like a dude." Not her voice per say, but more so her delivery. I think the reason why it's been so hard for me to get into female mc's is because most of them sound like some uneducated hood chick, & most of their rhymes are so wack & degrading, that I can't even pretend to like them. But, of the snippets that I've heard of Jean so far, they've reminded me of most male mc's...... both delivery & content. Not to mention, she sounds extremely intelligent. So, from jump, I have much respect for this chick. I'll definitely have to update this post once I've completely delved into the world of Jean Grae..........
I still haven't returned to Ms. Grae. I've been in a light and airy mood lately.......... I've even temporarily retired E. Badu; & when I say that I love that woman, that's an understatement!! But, as I said initially, I have mad respect for Jean, so I know I'll return to the "dark side" sometime soon........... so, I'll stamp this one w/ a tbc..............
I still haven't returned to Ms. Grae. I've been in a light and airy mood lately.......... I've even temporarily retired E. Badu; & when I say that I love that woman, that's an understatement!! But, as I said initially, I have mad respect for Jean, so I know I'll return to the "dark side" sometime soon........... so, I'll stamp this one w/ a tbc..............
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Jigga & MJB: Part 1
Concert date: April 10, 2008
My expectations were high for this concert, though I still anticipated disappointment......... surprisingly, I was completely wowed!!! The concert began with a few #'s from Dream; known mostly for "Shawty is the Shit" & "Falsetto"......... two songs that I really love. But, his performance left me extremely nauseous & frustrated.......... so, I was a little antsy........
To begin, J & MJ televised an interview in which they discussed each other's success & influence on their respective genres........ the interview ended & the arena went dark; I anticipated that MJB would be first up, but to my surprise they appeared simultaneously and performed "Can't Knock the Hustle." Once completed, MJB took the stage and performed several of her most popular songs including "Reminisce", "Real Love", and "Happy."
But, the song where she really gave her all & totally changed the pace of the concert was "No More Drama." Her performance literally brought tears to my eyes...... it was pure emotion. With each word, she released all the pain that she'd endured over the years. But, by the end, there was shear victory in her voice........ she aggressively & passionately released the words, as if she were saying, "Fuck you," to every person that had doubted or hurt her. I looked around, & it appeared that every person in that audience was on their feet. Women around me were crying, shouting, and totally enthralled.
She followed with "Your Child", which included a dramatic skit......... one that brought a personal experience back to my memory at full force.......... I cried; but for real this time! She gave words of wisdom to the men in the audience, encouraging them to never abandon the children that they create......... It was real; unrehearsed.......... It was surreal to stand & listen to those words & know that women - people - experience this type of situation everyday......... two women, one man, & a child that didn't ask to be in the middle............ or even when it's just two women, one man, & the two of them caught in a situation that they never thought they would experience........... sad.
Mary followed with several more emotionally charging songs, including "I'm Going Down." There was no question that Mary intended to give an intimate tour of the emotional roller coaster that so many call, "love, life, & relationships." & she succeeded. Throughout her performance, the crowd laughed, cried, rejoiced, felt, and most importantly, related. & through out all, Mary gave every ounce of her being, as mascara ran down her face, and her famous honey-blonde bob, became undone.
At the end, Mary performed "Family Affair," allowing us to celebrate and rejoice, as she's been able to do. She followed with "Work it Out" & "Enough Cryin." Her finale.......... "Fine." She danced like a club chic, & pranced across the stage like she knew she was the shit, as the audience continued to rejoice not only for her victory, but for their own. & I realized that she'd transformed from a studio artist into a performer........ her performance could never be recreated or appreciated on an album...... Mary stands behind every word she sings.......... But, there is a deeper purpose for Mary & the words she sings.......... & that is to help us to purge, renew, & heal. But to really understand that, you have to experience MJB live!!!
My expectations were high for this concert, though I still anticipated disappointment......... surprisingly, I was completely wowed!!! The concert began with a few #'s from Dream; known mostly for "Shawty is the Shit" & "Falsetto"......... two songs that I really love. But, his performance left me extremely nauseous & frustrated.......... so, I was a little antsy........
To begin, J & MJ televised an interview in which they discussed each other's success & influence on their respective genres........ the interview ended & the arena went dark; I anticipated that MJB would be first up, but to my surprise they appeared simultaneously and performed "Can't Knock the Hustle." Once completed, MJB took the stage and performed several of her most popular songs including "Reminisce", "Real Love", and "Happy."
But, the song where she really gave her all & totally changed the pace of the concert was "No More Drama." Her performance literally brought tears to my eyes...... it was pure emotion. With each word, she released all the pain that she'd endured over the years. But, by the end, there was shear victory in her voice........ she aggressively & passionately released the words, as if she were saying, "Fuck you," to every person that had doubted or hurt her. I looked around, & it appeared that every person in that audience was on their feet. Women around me were crying, shouting, and totally enthralled.
She followed with "Your Child", which included a dramatic skit......... one that brought a personal experience back to my memory at full force.......... I cried; but for real this time! She gave words of wisdom to the men in the audience, encouraging them to never abandon the children that they create......... It was real; unrehearsed.......... It was surreal to stand & listen to those words & know that women - people - experience this type of situation everyday......... two women, one man, & a child that didn't ask to be in the middle............ or even when it's just two women, one man, & the two of them caught in a situation that they never thought they would experience........... sad.
Mary followed with several more emotionally charging songs, including "I'm Going Down." There was no question that Mary intended to give an intimate tour of the emotional roller coaster that so many call, "love, life, & relationships." & she succeeded. Throughout her performance, the crowd laughed, cried, rejoiced, felt, and most importantly, related. & through out all, Mary gave every ounce of her being, as mascara ran down her face, and her famous honey-blonde bob, became undone.
At the end, Mary performed "Family Affair," allowing us to celebrate and rejoice, as she's been able to do. She followed with "Work it Out" & "Enough Cryin." Her finale.......... "Fine." She danced like a club chic, & pranced across the stage like she knew she was the shit, as the audience continued to rejoice not only for her victory, but for their own. & I realized that she'd transformed from a studio artist into a performer........ her performance could never be recreated or appreciated on an album...... Mary stands behind every word she sings.......... But, there is a deeper purpose for Mary & the words she sings.......... & that is to help us to purge, renew, & heal. But to really understand that, you have to experience MJB live!!!
Jigga & MJB: Part 2
So, Mr. Jigga........ My Nigga!!!
I've been a little on the fence on my love & appreciation for Jigga. Until Blueprint, I definitely wasn't a believer. Like relationships, you have to invest in artists & allow them to grow; or allow yourself to grow......... I didn't do any of those things for HOV. The Black Album dropped, I didn't cop it........ still don't have it, thought it's definitely at the top of my must-have list, now. Kingdom Come dropped, & I copped, b/c the hype that surrounded it was ridiculous, & unfortunately, I was reminded of why I didn't invest in Jigga in the 1st place........ so, other than "Lost Ones," I couldn't name another song on that album............ However, "America Gangster" dropped, I copped it, & was changed forever.............. my soul rejoiced when I heard that album......... I texted my friend, a die-hard J fan, & told her, "I have to see this man in concert!" Low & behold, less than a week later, it was announced that he'd be in Houston. I wasted no time copping pre-sale tickets.
So, night of the concert................ post- the illustrious MJB performance....... I texted my "die-hard" friend, also in attendance, & told her that J had a hard act to follow............ I questioned his ability to outshine, let alone compete, with Lady J. So, J enters on "Bad Guy." When I say that I jam this shit in my ride like I'm a weed-smokin' thug........... I mean it!!! I love that damn song; that's my "Fuck You" song!!!! So, my adrenaline was on high, to say the least. J lulled me on his next couple joints, but the rest of the audience definitely felt his rhythm. He performed his bars from "Upgrade You" & of course everyone expected the newly-named Mrs. Sean Carter to take the stage............. didn't happen!! J dropped several of his most popular songs, & unfortunately, the band drowned him out on most of them........... Btw, the band was absolutely fabulous......... Hip-hop & live music......... I was in heaven............ but, couldn't help from wanting more from J. So, while waiting on J, I kept my eyes on the drummer....... could've watched that baby all night. Btw, I'm a sucka for a good drummer!! But, the heavy bass lines in most of J's joints were perfect for the drums. Somewhere along the way, I returned to earth & realized that J was definitely not from the new school, but that he was an old head; & even under a multi-million dollar contract, he was not going to yell & jump across the damn stage. That's when I took notice to the "Jigga swag." He relaxed & gave his bars like he owned the shit...... as he damn-well should!!
"Can I Live," changed the pace. The band cut it up........ seduced us...... Memphis Bleek made a cameo as J's hype man........ Followed by "U Don't Know" and "99 Problems"........... the band continued to kill it; mixed it up, and flowed into some heavy rock shit reminding me of Run DMC, as the crowd submerged deeper into the "Jay-Z experience". Then came a slow & seductive sound from the saxophones and horns, reminding me of Kenny G; what was it................ "Song Cry" who was on the hook.......... MJB!!!! Amazing!!!! MJB segued to "Take Me as I Am," while J took 5. J reappeared looking grown & sexy in a velour unit with some Tim's. He gave us "Pray," as the band continued to mix it up & threw in a little Al Green......... mixed it up, again; slow then heavy....... then came "Jigga What, Jigga Who." J sped up his flow while the band perfected the static beat....... priceless. I guess J was really feeling himself & wanted to hear his name because then came "Jigga, My Nigga"....... He dug into his bars as the crowd sang the hook. He then gave us "Izo" and "Can I Get A." I watched him ease across the stage as the band banged it out; he remained mellow............ loved it!! Like a regular hip-hop head, he bobbed his head, feeling the bass line, like I was.
The songs kept coming, & all I could think was, "Shit, I wish I could freeze this moment!" But, I guess that's why I have this blog, right?! It was real hip-hop & real music..... musicians.......... I was chillin'......... Maybe I was a weed-head in another life b/c I swear I could've rolled a j, & sipped some Hen' & Coke as I listened......... I didn't need to jump & get hype....... I could chill....... I could stay there all night as J seduced me with his bars.
I came out of the cloud in my head to find a big ass picture of Bush on the teleprompter......... "WTF," is what I was thinking! Following Bush's picture were several snapshots of Katrina victims & the horror that transpired that day........ silence in the building.......... & J began to spit about the tragedy, recounting how Bush fucked them. & then at the end of it, a big ass picture of Obama....... unbelievable!!! & J kept saying, "Change," as the crowd went crazy. My level of respect for J increased, not because he supports Obama, but because he took the time out to educate and encourage........ I bet that shit ain't included in his contract!
So, J got a little silly on us........ joined the dj & ran thru tracks from some of his other classics..... teasing the crowd. Ran thru about 15 tracks, and finally decided on the one he wanted.......... had us count down.............. & the winner was.................. "Big Pimpin" Btw, I swear I'd never known the entire hook before this concert!!! But, guess what........... Bun B comes out to do his bars...... crowd went ballistic!!! Bun held the stage a little longer as he performed "Pocket Full of Stones." J gave Bun the stage as he jammed like he was listening to that shit in his ride.......... loved it, felt it!! I didn't want to get trampled by the crowd, so I departed at the end of "Encore".......... one of my favorites; & Mary's too, if I remember correctly.
So, all....... I am a Jay-Z believer. The nigga is the truth. There are some, but few, better........ but, it can't be denied that he is one of the best, period.
I've been a little on the fence on my love & appreciation for Jigga. Until Blueprint, I definitely wasn't a believer. Like relationships, you have to invest in artists & allow them to grow; or allow yourself to grow......... I didn't do any of those things for HOV. The Black Album dropped, I didn't cop it........ still don't have it, thought it's definitely at the top of my must-have list, now. Kingdom Come dropped, & I copped, b/c the hype that surrounded it was ridiculous, & unfortunately, I was reminded of why I didn't invest in Jigga in the 1st place........ so, other than "Lost Ones," I couldn't name another song on that album............ However, "America Gangster" dropped, I copped it, & was changed forever.............. my soul rejoiced when I heard that album......... I texted my friend, a die-hard J fan, & told her, "I have to see this man in concert!" Low & behold, less than a week later, it was announced that he'd be in Houston. I wasted no time copping pre-sale tickets.
So, night of the concert................ post- the illustrious MJB performance....... I texted my "die-hard" friend, also in attendance, & told her that J had a hard act to follow............ I questioned his ability to outshine, let alone compete, with Lady J. So, J enters on "Bad Guy." When I say that I jam this shit in my ride like I'm a weed-smokin' thug........... I mean it!!! I love that damn song; that's my "Fuck You" song!!!! So, my adrenaline was on high, to say the least. J lulled me on his next couple joints, but the rest of the audience definitely felt his rhythm. He performed his bars from "Upgrade You" & of course everyone expected the newly-named Mrs. Sean Carter to take the stage............. didn't happen!! J dropped several of his most popular songs, & unfortunately, the band drowned him out on most of them........... Btw, the band was absolutely fabulous......... Hip-hop & live music......... I was in heaven............ but, couldn't help from wanting more from J. So, while waiting on J, I kept my eyes on the drummer....... could've watched that baby all night. Btw, I'm a sucka for a good drummer!! But, the heavy bass lines in most of J's joints were perfect for the drums. Somewhere along the way, I returned to earth & realized that J was definitely not from the new school, but that he was an old head; & even under a multi-million dollar contract, he was not going to yell & jump across the damn stage. That's when I took notice to the "Jigga swag." He relaxed & gave his bars like he owned the shit...... as he damn-well should!!
"Can I Live," changed the pace. The band cut it up........ seduced us...... Memphis Bleek made a cameo as J's hype man........ Followed by "U Don't Know" and "99 Problems"........... the band continued to kill it; mixed it up, and flowed into some heavy rock shit reminding me of Run DMC, as the crowd submerged deeper into the "Jay-Z experience". Then came a slow & seductive sound from the saxophones and horns, reminding me of Kenny G; what was it................ "Song Cry" who was on the hook.......... MJB!!!! Amazing!!!! MJB segued to "Take Me as I Am," while J took 5. J reappeared looking grown & sexy in a velour unit with some Tim's. He gave us "Pray," as the band continued to mix it up & threw in a little Al Green......... mixed it up, again; slow then heavy....... then came "Jigga What, Jigga Who." J sped up his flow while the band perfected the static beat....... priceless. I guess J was really feeling himself & wanted to hear his name because then came "Jigga, My Nigga"....... He dug into his bars as the crowd sang the hook. He then gave us "Izo" and "Can I Get A." I watched him ease across the stage as the band banged it out; he remained mellow............ loved it!! Like a regular hip-hop head, he bobbed his head, feeling the bass line, like I was.
The songs kept coming, & all I could think was, "Shit, I wish I could freeze this moment!" But, I guess that's why I have this blog, right?! It was real hip-hop & real music..... musicians.......... I was chillin'......... Maybe I was a weed-head in another life b/c I swear I could've rolled a j, & sipped some Hen' & Coke as I listened......... I didn't need to jump & get hype....... I could chill....... I could stay there all night as J seduced me with his bars.
I came out of the cloud in my head to find a big ass picture of Bush on the teleprompter......... "WTF," is what I was thinking! Following Bush's picture were several snapshots of Katrina victims & the horror that transpired that day........ silence in the building.......... & J began to spit about the tragedy, recounting how Bush fucked them. & then at the end of it, a big ass picture of Obama....... unbelievable!!! & J kept saying, "Change," as the crowd went crazy. My level of respect for J increased, not because he supports Obama, but because he took the time out to educate and encourage........ I bet that shit ain't included in his contract!
So, J got a little silly on us........ joined the dj & ran thru tracks from some of his other classics..... teasing the crowd. Ran thru about 15 tracks, and finally decided on the one he wanted.......... had us count down.............. & the winner was.................. "Big Pimpin" Btw, I swear I'd never known the entire hook before this concert!!! But, guess what........... Bun B comes out to do his bars...... crowd went ballistic!!! Bun held the stage a little longer as he performed "Pocket Full of Stones." J gave Bun the stage as he jammed like he was listening to that shit in his ride.......... loved it, felt it!! I didn't want to get trampled by the crowd, so I departed at the end of "Encore".......... one of my favorites; & Mary's too, if I remember correctly.
So, all....... I am a Jay-Z believer. The nigga is the truth. There are some, but few, better........ but, it can't be denied that he is one of the best, period.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Angie Stone Concert
I'm so glad that I didn't pay for this ticket........... totally an invite. It was held at the Arena Theatre, which is an awesome spot..........turning stage, very intimate setting. So, there were two opening acts: Rahsaan Patterson & Lalah Hathaway.Rahsaan was pretty good; however, I honestly don't remember much of his performance. But, Lalah Hathaway was breathtaking. I mean, I liked her before, butseeing her live was a life changing experience for me.First, she's extremely short, so to hear her signature baritone voice was amazing! & every song she sang wasso emotional and perfect. I was compelled to take note of when her new cd is expected to drop (June 3rd,btw), but I'm hoping that the recording will do her voice justice. I did purchase one of her older cd's after the concert. Anywho, Angie........... Now Iwasn't a huge fan to begin w/. But, my love of music allows me to appreciate anyone. & I've found that formost artists, they sound better in concert, esp. R&Band Neo-Soul artists. However, Ms. Stone........vocals were extremely ordinary.......... I've heard better in local jazz clubs. I honestly can't describe how ordinary she sounded........... I began to wonder how she ever got a deal. But, to her credit, she does have very honest & inspirational songs........... btw,I took to focusing on the words of the songs rather than actually focusing on the voice. Also, she seemed to be a very spiritual & caring person, which for me,garnered a new respect. I'm sure that there are a bunch of Angie fans that will try to kill me over these comments, but this is my blog & I can say what I want to! I won't attend another Angie Stone concert,but I may give her cd's a try............ she may be as Mary J. was for so long........... a studio artist.
Jill Scott Concert
Do I need to say more???!!! This woman is phenomenal.However, I must admit that I'm partial to Erykah Badu.......... But, Ms. Scott will always get my money when she comes to town........... I still can't get"Wanna Be Loved" out of my head. Listening to it on my Ipod will never re-create the emotion and connection that I felt when she sang it. As this concert was a little over a month ago, I honestly can't remember the specifics................... but, I can still say that it was awesome!!
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