Janelle Monae: Meta Critic's The Best Music of 2010 So Far...#1 ArchAndroid

We’re only halfway through with 2010, but already we have an album with better reviews than any disc released in all of 2009. A protégé of OutKast’s Big Boi and Sean Combs, the Atlanta-based singer-songwriter-dancer Janelle Monáe released her first full-length album in May after first making a name for herself with her 2007 EP Metropolis. The ArchAndroid 90 — a science fiction-influenced mash-up of pop, funk, rap, and virtually any other genre you can think of — is the year’s best-reviewed album so far, and cements Monáe’s place as one of R&B’s most creatively ambitious young stars.

Janelle Monae is the TRUTH!!!

GET HER CD TODAY...ARCHANDROID IS UNLIKE ANYTHING YOU'VE HEARD, SIMPLY REMARKABLE!!!

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Janet Is Back!!!...Essence Music Festival 2010

Well, just when some people thought Janet was pretty much through with the business of music and performing, all the internet is abuzz with rave reviews about Janet's performance at the 15th Annual Essence Music Festival in New Orleans over the Fourth of July weekend. Janet Jackson opened up the festival with Alicia Keys in the middle and Mary J. Blige closing it down, along with a long list of other notable artists. Ms. Jackson had over 30 garment changes and her set lasted over two hours. I read some of the blogs and Jackson fans are ectastic and can't wait to see the show on DVD or on TV ONE for those of us who missed it! Some might feel Jackson is competing with younger artists, but some are too young or have forgotten that Janet Jackson and Madonna really set the stage and paved the way for today's female pop stars like Britney Spears, Ciara, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Rihanna and Christina Aguilera. They're the originals!

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Hot Music Pics...Erykah Badu, Monica and Ledisi...

Hot Music Pics:

Erykah Badu  - New Amerykah Part II: Return of The Ankh

What a great compilation of good music. Sure, she came in with a great marketing ploy, the Window Seat" video and got people to talking, looking and thinking, but New Amerykah II is a great follow-up to her critically acclaimed Part I. She went back to her R&B roots on this gem in a way that only Erykah can with several standouts on this album. I'm sure if you haven't picked it up and you  do, you won't be disappointed! I actually love and like every song on the CD with my favorites being "Window Seat," "You Can't Turn Me Away (Get Munny)" to "Gone, Don't Be Long " and the simply fabulous "Out of My Mind, Just In Time"....she's touring and her career has been re-ignited and if there's any artist worthy of such promotion it's Erykah Badu, one of our most beloved songtresses and an artist who brings substance to her music. Don't miss her in concert if you possibly can because Erykah is always ultra entertaining!


Monica - Still Standing 

Love Monica and so glad she's back with an exciting new project and a runaway hit with "Everything To Me"...she's back in rare form and reminding us just how delicious R&B can be! With only one single released thus far, Monica's Still Standing is nearly gold and she's still within the top ten Billboard R&B chart. So, show Monica some love and BUY Still Standing and support an artist so many have grown up with and simply have enjoyed her music for a long time!

Ledisi - Turn Me Loose

With her current single blowing through the airwaves "Higher Than This" from her album Turn Me Loose, this is one of my favorite hot music pics! Ledisi's a national treasure, a singer's singer for sure! I love this CD for many reasons, her music makes her seem unreal due to her unbridled passion and raw emotion that she exudes through her music with "Goin' Thru Changes," you'll fall in love with her if you haven't already. This commanding music star has been giving her fans lovely music and phenomenal vocals for more than a minute! She's one of the fortunate ones to escape the underground status that so many ultra talented artists find themselves to have created a name and niche for herself! I took personal pride in watching her career expand and reach out to stardom level from her independent work, SoulSinger days. Even our First Lady is bumpin' Ledisi on her ipod. This is her second studio recording with Verve and she surely didn't disappoint. So check Ledisi out and definitely go see her live, it's epic!


Visit: http://www.amazon.com/ or http://www.itunes.com/


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FINE AND FABULOUS MAG

Sade "Babyfather" New Music Video...BEAUTIFUL!!!

This is one of the most beautiful videos and songs in a long time! Thanks Sade for coming back and bringing the heat with your multiplatinum success for Soldier of Love and for your entire body of work! Sade demonstrates that a diva can be sexy yet classy and present high quality music!



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Janelle Monae - "Tightrope" ft. Big Boi

This stunner is just what the industry needs, that shot in the arm...beauty, talent, lyrical content and beats that get you to moving! Janelle Monae is just that chick, bringing us a hot video and Big Boi delivers as usual...check it out and visit her website for updates...www.jmonae.com



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Kelis "Acapella"...A Beautiful Video and Hot Club Song...Is she copying Lady Gaga?

elis has come back and with a great song, "Acapella," produced by David Guetta...some may say she's copying off of Lady Gaga...WRONG! Long before we ever heard of Gaga, there was Kelis with a weird persona and alternative/punk/rock/soul/hip hop and Rn'B, review her past albums and photos and judge for yourself! Lady Gaga is ripped right out the pages of Madonna's play book and others. While she's an exciting artist to watch and highly creative, there's room for more than one person who dares to be different!

Erykah Badu and the heat of "Window Seat" Music Video

Erykah Badu has done it again, she's got people talking and perhaps, even thinking! Her music video "Window Seat" has astonished many and definitely created a buzz. Her new album New Amerykah, Part II: Return of the Ankh is in stores now and doing quite well! She took the mellow love and R&B fused song and created a firestorm of controversy with a video shot in her hometown, Dallas, TX at the Dealey Center, stripping down to complete nudity and then shot down and assassinated, approximately in the exact spot where President John F. Kennedy was killed. Erykah then explained the reason for the dramatic effects with a social commentary at the end citing "Groupthink" as the culprit of our societal bullying, ostracizing, censoring and even killing what we don't understand or what is different or what we can't control.
Some feel she was just trying to sell some cds and she's no different than other artists who use shock value to sell music like Beyonce or Lady Gaga. Well, personally, I'm very happy she did it...it at least got people to thinking and talking...inquiring about conformity, "Groupthink." So selling some music in the process is cool, at least the music is worthy of such exploitation. Some people have been inspired and informed based on comments I've read on various blogs and websites, which is a good thing, Erykah pushed the envelope in a positive way. Another huge benefit is that she's now viewed as more than just some incense-burning, new age type, weird songstress dropping knowledge. Stripping naked, the world saw her as a sexual being and many say armed with a bangin' body. Sex gets our attention and this time around, the author has something to say. It took guts to do what she did and the new cd is very good, even critics of the video are feeling this new music. Erykah's work is always acclaimed. She's never vied for the number one spot, takes breaks, this being her fifth album since she debuted in 1997 with Baduizm, raises three kids and definitely marches to the beat of her own drum. I think we'll be feeling and seeing the effect of the "Window Seat" video for sometime to come. Others have done it, but her intention is uniquely Badu's!





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Lady Gaga's Telephone Video - featuring Beyonce...Is It Wack or Art?

There's been a mixed response to Gaga's latest music video...it's violent, campy and some feel unneccessary...it's NOT for the kids...or unhealthy individuals...whether it's art or exploitation...I believe pop culture now dictates our media and many of our lives...enjoy this, but, also be sure to tune into the PBS, History or Animal Planet Channels...we're not very healthy...if this is what it takes to get our attention and generate a buzz in "epic" proportion!




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Rihanna AOL Sessions...Rock's It...Upcoming Tour...

Rihanna has demonstrated that she can indeed SING! The AOL Sessions is proof positive and along with an outstanding band, Team Rihanna rocked! She has an upcoming tour and this very heartfelt and soulful musical session will help her to fill seats, no doubt, even in this economy because she's a true ARTIST! Haters may disagree, mostly because of the competitiveness that thrives on blogs, pitting one artist against the other, namely Beyonce. Anyone who comes to share the limelight is easily written off, well this AOL Session has left many detractors stunned and have garnered this superstar new legions of fans! Rihanna took big risks with her latest recording Rated R and it's paying off!  It's a great album, full of hits, so hold on if you think you don't like Rihanna, she's brings it with Rate R! "Rude Boy" took her game to a whole new level, especially, for those who couldn't relate to "Russian Roulette" or wasn't moved by "Hard" or "The Wait is Ova"...now have a song they can sink their hearts into, "Rude Boy!" This  colourful, caribbean fused song is infectious and fun!

We forget that artists have to experience growth the same way we do in our everyday lives with whatever pursuits we endeavor! Rihanna is the singer of the hour, not the only one, but indeed she's one of the absolute best because she sounds like no one else, her music is original and her stage performance is hers!

Letoya Luckett's New Music Video..."Good To Me"

Welll, things are continuing to look up for Letoya Luckett, who released her sophmore album Lady Love in August 09. She released  another music video, "Good To Me"  People have slept on this gem (Lady Love) and I hope she keeps pushing this album because it's really good and one of the best of 2009. Don't forget to check out Preacher's Kid at theaters. I've heard it's actually pretty good!



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BET SOS (Saving Ourselves) Telethon - All Star Performances

http://www.bet.com/video/840478

BET Videos

 

India Arie - Tribute To Dr. Ruth J. Simmons - Brown University President - BET Honors 2010

What a beautiful song! I love India Arie and was estatic when I first learned a few years ago that Ruth Simmons was the first Black President of an Ivy League University (Brown). Dr. Simmons proves that one can go from attending an HBCU to running an Ivy League school, wow!  I was so proud, as much as I was of President Obama. Then to hear her speak, her voice really moved me, such a beautiful woman!

BET Videos

Dr. Ruth J. Simmons was sworn in as the 18th president of Brown University, an Ivy League school, on July 3, 2001. She also holds an appointment as a professor of comparative literature and of Africana Studies at Brown. Dr. Simmons graduated from Dillard University in New Orleans and completed her Ph.D. in Romance languages and literatures at Harvard. She served in various administrative roles at the University of Southern California, Princeton University and Spelman College before becoming president of Smith College, the largest women’s college in the United States.

Check out Ruth Simmons' acceptance speech!







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Jennifer Hudson - Tribute To Whitney Houston - BET Honors 2010 - Outstanding!

If you thought you already liked Jennifer Hudson, this performance just solidified her as one of this generations greatest singer, straight from the heart, no gimmicks, just a lovely and powerful voice! Whitney has inspired so many younger artists and it was great to see her honored in such a royal and befitting manner!

BET Videos

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Kim Burrell - Tribute To Whitney Houston - BET Honors 2010 - Fabulous!!!

This tribute renewed my soul...Kim Burrell is beyond words, something that's solely missing in much of today's music!!!

BET Videos

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Mary J. Blige - Tribute To "Diddy" A.K.A. "Puffy" - BET Honors 2010

In Mary's tribute to her long-time friend and mentor, "Puffy," Mary rocked the joint and made it a party!  She demonstrated that as time has passed, she's only has gotten better and she is indeed still the Queen of Hip Hop Soul and so much more! Congratulations to "Puffy" for his high achievement as an Entrepreneur and Artist!

BET Videos

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Sean (Diddy) Combs Acceptance Speech - BET Honors 2010

This is one of the best acceptance speeches of all time! It really touched my heart and soul as I thought of my own mother!

BET Videos

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Corinne Bailey Rae - The Sea - Music Review...Simply Beautiful

Corinne Bailey Rae is on a journey, and she's invited us along for a listen. Her new CD titled The Sea, was released on January 26th, after the artist took a two-year hiatus. Still shaken from the death of her husband Jason Rae in 2008, Corinne has been shifting between grief and healing; a theme that subtly resonates throughout the eleven songs on the CD.


The tracks of her tears are evident on this record, but by no means interfere with its true intention. A spirit of honesty, love, discovery, and hope are clearly present in her voice and within the lyrics on The Sea.

Bailey Rae changed course and altered the direction of the project when Jason passed away. Originally aiming for a more up-beat progression from her slower-grooved debut album, she halted work on it for a year while pausing to grieve.

What hasn't changed is Bailey Rae's signature sound. Her fetching vocals are smoothly delivered with intimate persuasion on songs like Are You Here and I Would Like To Call It Beauty. Each provides an ethereal, poetic homage to lost love; slow, mellow, steady, unresolved.

Bailey Rae's wistful vocals on Closer divulge her weariness over the lingering struggle, and a longing for love and closeness. Love Is On The Way, with its anthem-style jazz rhythms and soulful battle drum beats, addresses youth violence and social consciousness.

For a touch of romance, Bailey Rae dishes up a whimsically refreshing, up-tempo delight with Paris Nights/New York Mornings;

'And we danced while the band played "She's Not There"

Kissed me in the rain by the Rue Voltaire

It's a perfectly good way to ruin those silk shoes'

In Diving For Hearts, Bailey Rae takes the plunge into chilled waters seeking tranquility and an emotional safe harbor. The CD's final track, The Sea, has her taking a darker look into its depths, revealing a deeper sense of sadness and loss.

Contemporary jazz with a soulful groove, The Sea is not just about mourning. It's about the search for light, and the hope that surrounds it. With her re-emergence well underway, Corinne Bailey Rae leaves a final thought on the CD's right jacket sleeve;

"This album, like everything else I do, is made to try and impress Jason Bruce Rae."

The Sea was produced by Steve Brown and Steve Chrisanthou, and is currently available on iTunes.

Written By Jennifer Maurer (Staff Writer)

Source: Pop Star Celebrity News >>



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Alicia Keys - The Element of Freedom Music Review...It's personal!

Alicia Keys has crafted a nice recording, allowing us to peer into her world, where she's obviously in love and taking big chances with The Element of Freedom.  I almost felt like I was eavesdropping on a series of personal conversations or slipped into her head without her knowing and listened and it got so good, I took a seat and heard her out. At the end of this personal journey, I thought, well, that was personal and most definitely real. I applaud Keys for opening up with some very good songs on this album, "Bed," "Try Sleeping With a Stranger," "Un-thinkable (I'm Ready)" and "Wait Til You See My Smile." It's not a mind-blowing cd, something that's kinda missing in today's music for the exception of a few that slip through. But, Alicia Keys delivers with her fourth studio recording and her first week sales were impressive 400k+ and landed her the #2 spot on Billboard 200 Chart, second to the phenomenal sales of Brit, Susan Boyle. The Element of Freedom is quiet, calm, passionate and sensual. You'll hear her Prince inspired influence.  It's lite on the production, more scaled down and Alicia Keys on piano with songs that tells a love story.

Keys has a big year in store with promoting her new album, touring, launching a line of  jewelry, The Barber's Daughters and a social website with a positive and inspiring spin www.iamasuperwoman.com/. With a new love in her life, music producer and rapper Swizz Beatz, music, acting, business ventures and philanthrophy, Alicia Keys as a modern woman will continue to entertain and amaze us!

The Element of Freedom is in stores now!

www.aliciakeys.com/


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Angie Stone - Music Review: Unexpected - In Stores Now!

Angie Stone has once again delivered with much soul and rn'b flavor! In listening to this album, I am so hooked. The songs are infectious from begining to end. My favorites, which are many are "Kiss Your Body," "Unexpected," she says the title came from the sudden death of her father, in 2009. "Dj," "Think Sometimes," "I found a keeper" and "Above," a great song about haters. If you're looking for some real music and tire of all this same sounding music or souless music, then Angie Stone is the cure! She's been in the game for about 14 years with five studio recordings and is also an actress. Even though, Angie may not have the prominence of some of other artists, her talent is undeniable, her musical contribution has been massive! Some may miss the neo-soul, afro-wearing Angie, but this Angie is at her best in my opinion. Neo Soul is great, but Rn'b is also a wonderful place.

Visit her website: Angie Stone Online