The Thing About Diddy

video courtesy of mtv.com

It’s no secret that I relish in fake reality drama-rific television shows and MTV’s “Making The Band” has always been one of my faves.

In my humble observations, it is beyond me why people continue to entrust Diddy with their musical dreams and aspirations.  There is no denying the fact that he is a beast in the boardroom.  He’s been part of many successful albums and careers such as Biggie, Total, 112, Mase, The Lox, Black Rob, Carl Thomas and so on.  But where are these acts now?  Biggie is dead; who knows about Total; Mase found God; The Lox are still pushin I guess.  But the point is that Diddys uses the initial success of these artists, gets them all pumped up into thinking they will retire off this shit and then all of a sudden you can’t find out why your phone calls aren’t being returned or why your music isn’t being released or why you can’t get out of your bullshit azz contract.  Diddy is the music devil.  How many times have we heard accusations of him stealing others ideas and using them as his own or taking credit for things which he had nothing to do with?  And yet, dude still stands.

But this is not to say that working for/with Diddy is a bad thing.  You just have to know how to work it to your advantage.  If I had time to sit and think long enough, I can think of a few acts that have gotten out of his grasp and have continued to greatness. Mary J. Blige comes to mind first.  She worked extensively with him on her first two albums and still she stands.

At any rate last week’s episode of the newest season of MTB finds Dawn and Aundrea wondering about their future now that Danity Kane is all fallen to pieces.  Diddy keeps asking them what the hell is going on and what they want to do about it.  At first listen it sort of seems like he really cares.  He’s smiling and sort of chuckling and shit.  But then it happens.  The devil comes right up out of him.  He looks at them and says:

as a businessman I’m not letting nobody out of their contracts…it’s not about to be other record company’s taking advantage of the situation and the way ya’ll actin and affectin my business…I don’t give a fuck…this is a business.

lmao  and don’t get me wrong, I totally see what he’s saying it’s just funny that they really thought they had input on the situation.  I guess this is how Diddy stays winning.  And as much as the blogosphere stays hating on Aubrey O’Day she stays winning too.  She was seizing opportunities long before the demise of her group.  She’s always been the most talked about in the group and now she’s on the cover of Playboy.  I see more reality tv in her future and maybe even a crappy movie role.

I’m just anxious for Diddy’s doomsday.  The devil won’t stay winning.  Maybe Cassie can put out some sort of diss song about him; that is, if she hasn’t already gotten sucked in like Kim Porter did.  SMH

New Video: “Dead and Gone” T.I. feat. Justin Timberlake

video courtesy of mtv.com

These two make a good team and after much thought I can see why this was his song of choice for the Grammy’s. I think most people wanted to see him perform “Live Your Life.” But for that type of crowd and with his impending jail sentence, this song was much more appropriate.  And I’m so glad to see more of our hip hop artists being more creative with their videos.

And that is soooo my dream car, with a fuchsia racing stripe of course!

what i don’t want for valentine’s day

First and foremost, it should be known that I don’t necessarily believe in Valentine’s Day.  If you love me, you should love and show me that you love me every day of the year, not just one designated day.  Don’t get me wrong though.  I am not one to turn down affection and gifts.  I’m just saying.  But if this marketing day must be celebrated, here are some gifts that I will not tolerate:

1. Lingerie

This is something that I could buy on my own if it really catches my eye.  And then it’s not even really a gift for me. It’s what you want to see me in and even so, it’s just going to be ripped from my body 5 seconds after it touches my skin so what’s the point?  Besides, I already know that my man likes me in nothing but red, 6-inch peep toe, patent leather pumps and a belly chain. ’nuff said

2. Flowers/Roses/Any type of floral bouquet

Flowers are beautiful and whatnot but I have no idea what to do with them.  They’re only good for the show-off value – like if they were delivered to me at work or something.  Otherwise, expect them to be dead and smelling up my house within 2 days.  Pointless.  But I will go for one of those edible floral bouquets, the ones that are made up of fruit like strawberries and pineapples.

3. Chocolates/Candy

Pretty much follows the same line of reasoning as #2.  This is really only good if you’re in high school.  Then it’s pretty much expected.  Every year in high school I would receive at least two of those humongoid chocolate chip cookie shaped hearts.

4. Teddy Bears and Balloons

Once again, only good for high school.  This is only acceptable to me today if there is a diamond  pendant draped around it’s fuzzy head.  Otherwise, expect for me to give it to my 3-year old daughter to play with.  And balloons are just an annoyance, especially if they’re delivered to you and you have to walk them to your car, hitting dozens of people along the way and then stuff them in the back seat of your car only to have them floating all over the damn place that you can’t even see straight.

5. Dick

This is the most important of all.  I don’t understand why people think this is a gift.  This is something that should be given to me on a very frequent basis.  But don’t confuse this with the fact that I don’t want it.  Of course I do.  I’m just saying, don’t thrown on some silky azz boxers and then present it to me like it’s something I’ve never had before.

So after all is said and done, this is what I would really enjoy for Valentines’ Day:

1. Some nice azz headphones for my ipod.  I hate the earbuds that they always come with because they do not stay in my ear.

2. Graduate school tuition.  No need to question that one

3. A trip out of the country.  Show me some shit I’ve never seen before.

4. An authentic Gucci bag or Chanel.  I would say Louis Vuitton but with all the fakies out there no one will ever really know if it’s real or not.

5. Jewelry is always a safe bet.  Always.

Album Releases I Don’t Mind Spending My Money On

Admittedly, I don’t buy as much music as I used to, let alone listen to a lot of new and underground artists as much as I used to.  But every once in awhile, someone will catch my ear enough for me to want to support their career.  I am pretty much a loyal fan.  Once I buy your first album and I love it,  I will more than likely buy all albums after that first one.  For instance, I have bought every single album for Outkast, Mary J. Blige, NaS, Jay-Z, Keyshia Cole and so on.  And as the years move on and on, what I’ll buy from the store or download from iTunes gets more and more scarce.  And it’s not even that I don’t like much of what’s out there; it just takes a lot more for me to want to spend my money on it.  So for what is supposedly coming out this year, this is where my money will be spent

Keri Hilson

Being that I love to write, I appreciate any artist that writes not only for others, but for themselves.  I first heard of Keri a few years ago when production clique The Clutch were going strong.  They had written for Ciara, Bobby V., Mary J. Blige, Britney Spears and others.  I heard a lot of unreleased material from her during this time.  She’s a talented writer and has a nice voice.  And with the recent shenanigans of Rihanna’s career,  this is a perfect time for her to get in.

Big Boi

Who knows when Sir Lucios Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty will be released but I will be first in line (or online) to purchase it.  Though I am not overly impressed by the recently relased “Ringtone” I did like the joint with Mary J., “Sumthin’s Gotta Give.”  Gyant over at SOHH Atlanta said that he heard the entire album and revealed that every track is on point.  And I’m not surprised.  Outkast always switches up their style from album to album all the while staying lyrically consitent.

Lily Allen

Lily Allen is just comical to me.  Not comical in the sense that she’s an idiot but comical in the sense that she’s a true bad azz yet a talented writer.  At first listen, you would think her melodic songs are sweet and syrupy but listen closer – she’s actually talking shit and I love it.  The song from her newest release, “Not Fair” is about a guy who can’t get her off no mater what.  Who can’t appreciate a good song about that?

J. Holiday

Even though “Bed” is nearly two years old, I can still listen to it back to back today.  His voice is sexy and strong and I enjoyed most of the cuts on his debut, Back of My Lac’. I’ve seen a few of his live performances and he gives a great show.  This is another album that has been pushed back numerous times but it is supposedly going to be a March release

Ryan Leslie

See previous post, Dope Boy: Ryan Leslie

Dr. Dre

I don’t know when the hell Detox is supposed to drop but I’ll definitely get it simply on the strength that it’s Dre.  How could you not buy it?  The beats are going to be crazy and the guest list will be endless.  And he’s been working on it for like 5 years.  So best believe it will be the shit.

And a few mabye’s:

Bobby Valentino

Adele

B.O.B.

Asher Roth

Dope Boy – Ryan Leslie

When I first heard the name Ryan Leslie it was in reference to the cute chick who can’t sing or dance, Cassie who was discovered in a club as she was rapping to some Biggie song or something.  He was amazed to see someone so attractive who knew of something so grimy and hardcore.  So he hollered at her – musically of course.  Then came the hit “Me & You” which was a hot song, no doubt.  At any rate, I envisioned this Ryan Leslie character to be some old head perv that just wanted to hit.  But lo and behold, he is something like a phenomenon.  I like all songs he has put out thus far, especially “Addicition.”  The lyrics and concepts of his songs, the production and even his videos are from what is seen on tv and heard on radio.  You can’t even put a category on his music.  You can’t classify him as rock, pop or rnb.  Then I saw his new video the other day, the rock version of “How It Was Supposed To Be” and that solidified my appreciation of him.  On top of that, he went to Harvard at the age of 15.  How dope (and sexy) is that?

Katie Couric’s Full Interview with Lil Wayne

Things I learned from watching Lil Wayne’s interview with Katie Couric:

1. Lil Wayne not only uses autotune when he raps, he also uses it when he speaks.  Why must he sound like that?

2. He changed his name from DeWayne to Wayne because he was named after his father who wasn’t around.  In his mind, this permanently eliminates his father.

3.  He is a gangster.  He does not ask questions.  He does what he wants.

4. He clearly did his homework before going in to this interview.  Note his ‘intellectual’ stance – hand resting underneath his chin, perfect posture, uses facial expressions to add emphasis.

5. He has custom made balls heehee

6.  He is no longer ‘addicted’ to syrup.  Good dodge (sorta)

7.  His weed usage is strictly medicinal…for his migraines.  uh huh

8.  He gets irate when it is suggested that he is a role model and is therefore influential to his kids and other kids.

9.  Did we know that he doesn’t write his rhymes down?

But shits and giggles aside, this was a pretty cool interview.  I gest used to hearing the same old same and some of this stuff was kinda new to me.  By the way, if you really know who’s gangsta, check this out.

Rick Ross Is a Terrible BabyDaddy

This right here is the exact reason why you must make sure your child and the mother of your child are respectfully and properly taken care of…

It’s been a few days since the beef began brewing between Curtis and The Officer.  I hesitated to be lured into watching it because I think it’s all silly and it’s really not going to make me buy anyone’s cd that I wouldn’t normally buy in the first place.  But I keep seeing it all over the place and my curiosity got the best of me and I finally watched the interview of him and the mother of The Officer’s kid.  A lot of things went through my mind after watching this.  The first thing being the astonishment of someone having sex with his blubbery ass and without a condom no less.  Words can’t even describe the visuals that popped into my head.  Too much to fathom.  Then the fact that she was so willingly open to let Curtis and the whole world know just how shitty he is.  She speaks about The Officer only paying small amounts on food and clothing for the child, then goes on to tell that her car was taken away.  Tragic, yes.  But I wonder how this even came to fruition?  Did Curtis go seeking her out or did she somehow get a hold of him?  At any rate,  The Officer should be ashamed and embarrassed and should be fully aware that there is no way to come back from this.  It’s mainly funny because Curtis has the capability of burying someone’s career with very few attempts.  The Officer is in quicksand right now.  The more he tries to scratch his way out,  the quicker he sinks.  He does not have enough to go up against Curtis and should just quit.  He’s already got the corrections officer gig hanging over his head.  What he really needs to focus on is taking care of Tia before she fully puts his ass on blast.  But then again, I guess it’s really too late for that too.  According to ThisIs50.com the book is set to be released in March.  Too bad for Officer Ross. And with the economy being as bad as it is, who knows if he can even go back to his old 9-5 gig…

New Videos: Ciara feat. Young Jeezy – Never Ever/Jazmine Sullivan – Lions, Tigers & Bears

Admittedly,  one of the main reasons I like Ciara is her amazing dancing abilities.  Everytime she comes out with a new video, there are moves in there that I will undoubtedly try (and miserably fail) to emulate.  She’s almost our modern day equivalent of Aaliyah, though no one will be able to take her place.

Jazmine Sullivan also has a video to one of my favorite tracks from her debut, “Lions, Tigers and Bears”. Love the visuals in this video

Music Rules My Life

My earliest memory of music was when my family moved here from New Orleans. I was around five years old and I was watching TV one day and saw Michael Jackson’s video for “Thriller.” I couldn’t keep my eyes off of the dance moves, the costume changes and the makeup. Even at that young age, I paid very close attention to details. After then, I remained glued to the TV watching every pop and r-n-b video that came across the tube.
After this I pretty much inherited my own musical tastes. I would listen to the radio and record every song that I liked and I would even go so far as to write the lyrics to most of the songs I had so that I knew exactly what they were saying and so I could sing along. I eventually upgraded to recording videos onto vhs tapes. I watched every music show on BET and MTV. And please believe that I still have those tapes to this day. By the time I hit junior high, I was buying damn near every cd that came out, especially the cd and tape singles that would have a shitload of remixes of one particular song. I would read the inserts from front to back and note who wrote the songs, who produced them, what samples they may have used and even who they said thank you to.

I also associate a lot of memories in my life to certain cd’s or songs:

“Supersonic”, ‘I’m Bad”, “Make It Last Forever”
Reminds me of my older brother who is seven years older than me. He was still living at home at the time and had different musical interests and I quickly gravitated to his genre. My parents used to go out a lot back in the day so whenever they were gone we would play the music so loud that the china cabinet upstairs would shake and rattle. These songs would play in the background while we were cleaning up the house or just chilling watching tv (on mute of course).

Johnny Gill – “Let’s Get The Mood Right”
Lost my virginity to this one. I was in college and was with an older guy at the time. He used to come to campus and scoop me up and take me to Augusta for the weekends. Even though I loved the cd, I can’t bring myself to listen to it anymore. It will forever remind me of that weekend. UGH

D.J. Jimi – “Where They At”
I went back home (New Orleans) one summer and this is ALL they played on the radio. My summer boyfriend had a Kid-N-Play high top fade and me and my cousin would go to the mall to collect numbers. When I got back home to Atlanta I wanted to buy the tape. At the time, the music store Turtles was still in existence and I had to get my friends older sister to buy it for me since I was underage.

Snoop Dogg/”Nothin But A G Thang”/”Deep Cover (187)”/Doggystyle
My personal introduction to the West coast. Although I knew about NWA, Eazy E and Ice Cube, I wasn’t into them that much. There was something about Snoop’s delivery and dare I use the word, his ‘swagger’ was very intriguing to me. Listening to this song made me feel very gangster-girlish (or as gangster as an 8th grade suburban chick at the time could feel). Then when “Nothing But A G Thang” came out, I was sold. I was an official Snoop Dogg fan. Also makes me think of 10th grade school year. It was my first year in high school and I was officially cute and somewhat fine and it was also the first year that I went to the infamous FreakNik. We played this cd the entire weekend. My best friend’s older sister took us and drove us around with her friends all weekend. Of course no 14-year old should be at such a function. I left on a Friday night and returned on a Sunday evening. Mom and Dad were LIVID. I was on punishment for a long time (no tv, phone was taken out of my room and no hanging out) but it was well worth it!

Madonna – ‘Like A Prayer”
I had a radio in my room that I would listen to every night at bedtime. For some reason, I thought that I would grow up and become some great international superstar singer. I even told my parents that I wanted to take singing lessons. But I have absolutely no vocal skills so that was quickly put to rest. At any rate, the station I listened to was some soft rock station and every night for like two months they played this song. This is the point where I really began to pay attention to the lyrics of songs. At that age, I really didn’t know what the hell Madonna was talking about but I could tell by looking at the video that it was supposed to be pretty deep. This also helped me to be very open-minded about music. To this day, I can listen to everything from rock to jazz to rap to indie.

Shai – If I Ever Fall In Love
The first cd I ever owned. It was a Christmas gift and I also got a cd player boom box with it.

Cash Money Millionaires (circa 1998, 1999)
And I’m not talking about from the last few years ago. I mean, when they were still unknowns, before they were one of the coolest groups from the south (aside from Outkast and Goodie Mob of course). I’m talking about the Hot Boyz, Juvenile “Ha”, “The Block Is Hot”. Back before the big breakup when they were one big happy family. Turk and B.G. were still part of the crew. IMO this is them at their very best. Their latest music may be more radio friendly or more catchy but anyone who swears that The Carter series is Lil Wayne’s best please go back to these years and listen to everyone in their crew. At any rate, I was in college (Georgia Southern) at the time and we had a 4-bedroom apartment with 6 occupants. Hands down the best time of my life. Plenty of road trips, drinking and other college shenanigans. This was at the highlight of my ‘ride-or-die chick’ days and CMM were essential to the lifestyle.

Jay-Z, DMX (circa 1999, 2000)
Also in college at this time, these are probably the years that I bought the most East coast rap ever in my life. I had always like Jay Z but down here we didn’t hear that much east coast. I feel that when songs like “Money, Cash, Hoes”, “Get At Me Dog’ “Is That Your Chick”. We played these on our way to class, to the club, on road trips. This was also when Belly came out and I swear me and Keisha were living the same lives.

Nas – “It Ain’t Hard To Tell”
When my love affair with Nasir Jones began. Half Man Half Amazing. I was awe struck, put in a trance. I had never heard anyone rap like him before and also be so cute at the same time.

T.I. – “I’m Serious”
When my love affair with TIP began. I was a senior in college and I remember seeing the video for the first time. I was in my boyfriends apartment and I remember telling him, this nigga is about to blow up.

Outkast – Southernplayalistikcadillacfunkymuzik
The first time I ever listened to, related to, and loved a rap group. They were from Atlanta and I knew everything they were talking about. It wasn’t booty music (which I used to love back then too) and it wasn’t r-n-b music. It was southern hip hop in its purest form. I will forever love Outkast.

I swear I could go on and on but I’ll cut it short and ask what are some of your musical memories?