Can You Dance?

Last night, I wrote about a show. I liked being taken off the air. Today, I wanted to write about one of my favorite shows coming back to television. It started its seventh season tonight. That show is So You Think You Can Dance. Yes, its another reality show, but it's more competition based than drama focused.

SYTYCD is like a dancing version of American Idol. Just how the contestants audition on AI, it's the same for this show. The only difference is if someone does a really good audition in a certain style, like tap, they get sent to do a round of choreography to see if they can do any other styles. Besides that, everything is basically parallel. There are three judges that fit the same archetypes on American Idol. The mean British, the crazy woman, and the diplomatic one.

I like the show because of the creativity shown every week and they always pick great music to dance to. I learned about MSTRKRFT, Hot Chip, and Citizen Cope from the show. Now, I'm a fan of those artists' work. Plus, when the dancing sucks, the judges don't hold back. They go in on the dancers and the choreographers. So tune in on Fox this summer. Wednesdays and Thursdays. Or if you follow me on twitter, I'll be tweeting them once the auditions are over.

Today is a very sad day in my television viewership. I just found out that one of my favorite debut season shows was canceled. Most of you won't care because you never even heard of it. In case you're wondering, the show I'm referring to is The Deep End.

It was a show about first year lawyers working at the biggest and most prestigious firm in Los Angeles. It starred Billy Zane, Nicole Ari Parker, Tina Majorino, and Mechad Brooks. If the names don't ring a bell, let me help you out. The mean guy in Titanic. Terri from the Soul Food television series. The little girl in Corina, Corina. Jerome on The Game. I'm digressing.

The show featured witty storylines and good acting. The main problem was that it was realistic. It was set in 2010 and they still had to research out of books and not use the internet. Plus, being that it was a mid-season replacement, the storylines were a bit rushed. They were never allowed to unfold. But for me that was the fun and appeal of the show. It was sort of like a funny Law and Order with more emphasis on the lawyers' personal lives.

See, like I said, you probably don't care. And being that I'm the only one that does care, I'm going to go sulk somewhere in a corner. Don't mind me. I need time to heal before I find something else to watch. Although, I do hope they put it on dvd. Maybe I'll let some of you borrow it if they do.

Summer Summer Time

With Memorial Day around the corner, summer is so close I can taste it. With that, its time for the summer anthem. in retrospect, music hasn't really been giving us the summer anthems like they used to. There hasn't been a summer hit of "Lean Back" proportions since--well, "Lean Back". But I'm about to give my pick for the song I think is going to be the hottest song of the summer.

Dirty Money - Hello Good Morning

This may come as a shock for some of you because I'm not really into the whole Dirty Money concept. But this joint right here is undeniable. The beat is huge. Actually, its more than huge. It's gargantuan. T.I. spits a verse with so much fervor that it's hard not to want to dance. Then, they add Rick Ross, the boss, on the track. He turns in a stellar verse also. Diddy hypes the song to its zenith. Dawn Richard and Kalenna add some sexy vocals to this hit.

So the song has been out for a bit, so you might wonder how is it going to become the summer anthem. It came out a bit ago, but the song is gaining momentum now. The momentum is going to push this song to at least the top ten on the charts, if not number one. I think you won't be able to live and breathe this summer without singing that song at least once a day. Quote me on it. And if it doesn't do all the things I just said, color me surprised.

Album Review: Christian Scott - Yesterday You Said Tomorrow

Christian Scott is an old soul that puts on for his city. A native of New Orleans, this trumpeteer recalls the works of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, while marrying it with a hip hop sensibility. That's why he's quietly worked with the likes of Mos Def and DJ Muggs of Cypress Hill fame. As for this album, Yesterday You Said Today, it is one of the most politically charged albums I've listened to in a long time. For me, it's a bit strange to say that because there are no words spoken or sung at all.

If Billie Holiday was reincarnated, I believe it would be as this man's trumpet. He plays with a passion and an unyeilding strength not seen in jazz since the sixties. Also, with the passion the mirrors the late great singer's. Scott's records should serve as a clear soundtrack to the confusing times we live in today. With songs like, "The Last Broken Heart (Prop 8) and "The Roe Effect", the listener is reminded of the times in our history when being black wasn't always beautiful. And with those reminders, we are able to apply those feelings and emotions to the muddy waters of today's political landscape. Even though considered a solo project, this album is more about a group. A group of players figuring themselves out through the recording of this record and finding a cohesive sound that shows each person's personality.

Although this is one of those play-from-start-to-finish-records, the center piece is the two song set, "Jenacide" and "The American't". The drums remind you of the footsteps of the protestors during the march for the Jena Six. the snare is is the musical fist pump and chant those protestors were doing. The trumpet and guitars are of subtle outrage that shrink and swell. The feeling of "The American't" is that of sorrow and frustration. Possibly, because nothing really came of the march for the Jena six and this song is the feeling of that.

Written and composed from the depths of someone's heart and soul, this is an album worth buying. Because like Kanye West said, "You gotta love it. Somebody still speaks from his soul." And there's never been anything wrong with that.

I Cram To Understand

I don't get it. I try to understand, yet that always seems to elude me. What is the appeal of Justin Beiber? Someone, please explain it to me. Justin Timberlake and Usher entered into a bidding war to sign him. Tween girls go nuts for him. But in all actuality, he's a small white boy with a girl hair cut that can sing. Even though, I've acknowledged all of the elements that help make him a star, I still can't seem to accept him as a real artist. So I decided that I'm going to analyze his whole 'thing', if you will.

His looks have girls going nuts. Grown women I work with are calling this boy a sexy man. Really?! A sexy man?! You can't be considered a man if you sing like your balls haven't dropped yet. He has wind swept hair and it leads me to wonder where his actual hairline starts. Not trying to be funny, I'm just curious. He dresses trendy and I'll admit, some things he wears I would drop money on if it came in my size. But the problem with trendy is twenty years from now, he's going to be featured in those 'What Was I Wearing' pieces in a magazine. But hey, it works for now. So I'll let it rock.

As for his talent, that is undeniable. Homeboy plays the drums, guitar, trumpet, and sings. So game recognize game. I'm not a huge fan of the way he sings because its partially nasally. But Rihanna is all nose when she sings and she has made it work for her. If she can do it, he can do way better than her. But I digress. He can sing. I don't want to say otherwise because that wouldn't be honest.

As I finished that last paragraph, I think I've figured his appeal out. When I was a sophomore in high school, my english teacher said this, " Richard Gere is a good looking man, but if you took all his facial features off and spread them on a table you'd think he was ugly." I was confused. She further explained that he had a long and pointy nose, which she deemed unattractive. Then she talked about how he had ugly lips and this and that. She went on to say that all of the ugly features canceled out to Make a beautifully put together man. That's what I think Justin Beiber's appeal is. All of these things I don't like are being fused together to make a superstar. So I have to give him some props even if I don't want to. I'm almost ashamed to have written that. I got to get off of this topic before I go crazy trying to understand what everyone sees in Justin Beiber.

A Tribute To An Icon

Lena Horne. The name, alone, conjures up different feelings and
emotions. Some will say she is a pioneer in the entertainment world
for black performers. Others will say she is a civil rights activist
who never got enough credit as being one. Everyone will agree she is
the crowned jewel in black cinema. That's why May 9, 2010 will forever
be one of the darkest days in black entertainment. Lena Horne passed
on that day.

Born in the Bed-Stuy section of Brooklyn, New York, she was raised in
an upper-middle class family. Her father left the family when she was
only three and her mother, being a stage actress toured constantly.
She was raised by her grandparents. She knew at a young age she was
destined to be a star. Plus, Lena had the ambition, passion, and drive
to make it become a reality. Taking jobs in chorus lines and bit parts
in low budget films, Horne made a name for herself. So much so that in
1942, she became the first black performer to sign a long term
contract with a major movie studio, which was MGM. She made her debut
in 'Panama Hattie', but wasn't really noticed until she sung the title
song in 'Stormy Weather'.

Lena's complexion was an advantage for her in her film career, but it
was also a great source of pain.Once Horne reflected, "I was unique. I
was the kind of black that white people could accept. I had the worst
kind of acceptance because it was never for how great I was or what I
contributed. it was because of the way i looked." Though she was fair
skinned, she still suffered the discrimination of darker skinned
performers. During her years working with MGM, she was never featured
in a leading role because of her race. Films in which she was featured
in had to be re-edited to be made suitable for states that didn't show
films with black actors.

By the time the 1950s approached, Lena was becoming dissatisfied with
her acting career and began to focus more time and energy on her
nightclub career. Her outspokenness with her political views didn't
help her either. She refused to perform for segregated audiences or
for audiences that seated white guest in front of black guests. Horne
once remarked, "I was always battling the system to try to get to be
with my people. Finally, I wouldn't work for places that kept us
out...it was a damn fight everywhere I was, every place I worked. It
was a fight in New York, in Hollywood, all over the world." She
continued her civil rights activism throughout the rest of her life.
Lena Horne attended the March On Washington and was elected to speak
for and by the NAACP. Horne also had a major hand in getting
anti-lynching laws in place.

Lena Horne was a lot of things to a lot of different people. She
kicked down the doors in Hollywood with style, poise, and grace. She
made civil rights an important issue to people who only considered it
topical conversation. She was a sex symbol who showed us what we could
do with hard work and drive. But to herself she was an average person.
she said in an interview, "I am a black woman. I'm free. I don't have
to be a symbol to anybody." Lena Horne might not have wanted to be a
symbol to anybody, but she is. Rest in Perfection.

An Epiphany

I don't usually post on the weekend, but this is special circumstances. I went to a fashion show I didn't want to go to. I only went to support my friends. One was singing and the other did the make up for the show. Well in watching this fashion show, I was hit with a "light bulb" moment. Ok, I see you trying to do something positive with your life, but you need to try harder.

At first, that sentiment was in reference to the fashion show and the people that put it together. They were an hour late starting and the fashions were questionable. But then I turned that all on me. I'm trying to be a writer and get myself together, but I just realized I'm not trying hard enough. I write when I get the time. It shouldn't be that way. This is supposed to be my passion. When you have a passion for something, it should consume your thoughts. Writing does, but not all of my thoughts. Which is a problem.

If this is my calling, and I feel it is, I should be practicing every day. Just as those girls spent time on their fashions every day. In a sense, their way ahead of me when it comes to reaching the finish line because they had a show and planning their second in four months. I've gotten one piece published. Not a second or third. So I thank those girls for their low budget fashion show. Even though that sounds like I'm being an asshole, I meant that with total sincerity. It made reevaluate myself and my work ethic. I'm trying. I just need to try harder!

A Survivor's Guide To Rap Music

I don't know about you, but rap has become so stagnant to me. Everybody does the same thing and it's become so formulaic. With that being said, I've decided to give advice to the aspiring rappers. This their rapper survival pack.

A Background In Selling Drugs
It seems as though most rappers have sold drugs to pay rent at some point in their lives. Some of the biggest names in music have sold everything from weed to coke. Some were Meth pushers. So if you want to be famous, you must sell drugs. Forget about how illegal it is. You must withstand the 3 to 5 years per ounce or pill with your head held high and your colon clenched. Hey, if you want to be the next Jay-Z, Jeezy, or Game, this shouldn't be anything you can't handle.

A Penchant For Rapping About Said Drug Pushing Years
Young Jeezy has made three great albums all based on one topic. His years selling drugs. Even when he's featured on someone else's track, he finds a slick way to throw in a coke reference. So to you aspiring rappers I say, go ahead. Rap your heart out about your years of selling crack rock. Never mind the fact you only sold drugs for two weeks and had to stop because your mom found your stash. I suggest you rhyme about those glorious fourteen days with all the passion and fervor you can muster. I mean really, us listeners will never get sick of it. We absolutely love hearing about your days of narcotic fueled paranoia. So do the damn thing.

Must Call Women Out Of Their Names
It doesn't matter if you were raised by a single mother and have three older sisters. If you want to be a successful MC, "bitch", "hoe", "trick", and a host of other names. It's the only way to survive in this rapper eat rapper industry. If you need a point of reference, we can glance in Nelly's direction. On his debut album, he had a song dedicated to his mother. He, also, has a sister and a teenage daughter, yet he had singles and videos like "Tipdrill". In the song, he calls women everything but a child of God. In the clip for the song, he slides a credit card between a woman's butt cheeks. He's successful in the rap game, so you can be too. All you have to do is forget about all the things your mom and sisters had to face when it came to the men in their lives. Forget how hurt they were. Your royalty checks will dry their eyes.

Have No Need For Dignity Or Self Respect
If you want to be a famous rapper, this is the most important thing you must do. Go against every moral you have and sell your soul. That's how you get fame.

An Eternal Question

There are many unanswered questions in the world. Why did the chicken cross the road? Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Well, in the music industry, there is one glaring question. It starts more arguments than the 'Prince or Michael Jackson' question. The question is what's more important, the singer or the songwriter?

The singer and songwriter both are important. This has been evident since the beginning of time. But who's more important. The songwriter has the arduous task of thinking up melodies and lyrics. It's a visceral thing to do. To sit there and pull something out of thin air. Writing anything, let alone, a song forces the songwriter to deal with feelings and emotions most of us don't want to deal with. For example, "Coming From Where I'm From" is written by Anthony Hamilton. In it he discusses being scared of fatherhood because his father wasn't a good one to him. To get the emotion in his lyrics, he had to tear himself wide open and examine himself from a third party perspective. Would you be able to do that? Can most singers do that?

Most singers can't examine themselves like that because they aren't fully prepared to do so. But what singers can do is interpret the words on the paper. Whitney Houston is one of the greatest singers of all time. Yet she couldn't write a song, if that was the only way she could convince the world she isn't on crack anymore. Her biggest hit is "I Will Always Love You" and that's written by Dolly Parton. While Dolly Parton's version is the original, Houston's is way more remembered. It's because of her interpretation. Everyone and their grandmother knows every single riff Whitney did. For the guys reading this, do not try to deny this fact because you're probably singing right now. But I digress.

When it comes down to it, the most important person in this conversation is the singer/songwriter. No, I'm not copping out and saying that they are of equal importance. I'm talking about people like Neyo. He writes his own songs and sings the hell out of them. From a business perspective he makes the most money too. Every single time a song he writes is played, he gets paid. So when 'Unfaithful' by Rihanna plays, he gets money. When 'Miss Independent' plays, he gets a check. So whitney Houston and singers in that vein can interpret the hell out of some of our favorite songs, but they can be replaced and interchanged. A songwriter can go through all the soul searching he wants to find that perfect. Song, but if the singer doesn't sing it correctly, the song is lost on the listener. So it is the singer/songwriter who is the most vital to the music industry. He knows how to write the song and sing it to its full potential.

You Are Too Old For That

I can't stand when grown ass people act like they're younger than me. I really can't stand when its a musician that I used to have in heavy rotation in my cd player. These two guys are two such cases.

R. Kelly was the man when I was a tiny tot and he was still the man when I hit my teenage years. When he was in his prime, most of Mr. Kelly's songs had something to do with sex. He probably laid the soundtrack to your little brother's conception. But as he got older, his sex jams became a bit weirder with each album. "You Remind Me Of My Jeep" at first mention of the title, usually gets two reactions-- "Yo, that's my song!" and/or "What in the hell?!" It went from that to "Sex Weed" and "remote Control". Its gotten to the point where you can't pick up any object and not think of a song by him that turns it into some sort of sexual reference. But that's his thing. I'm just wondering when can we get him to do something new. The same can be said for Snoop Dogg.

Snoop Dogg broke on the scene talking about smoking weed, drinking gin and juice, and smoking more weed. But after, twenty and change years in the game, can we get material that has nothing to do with that? Every album he puts out, most of them either have a drug reference or is dedicated entirely to weed. Where's the originality in that? No where because rapping about drugs is the norm now.

I know they say when you find a niche, you should stick to it until the wheels fall off, but am I the only one that hears their wheels starting to get rickety? R. Kelly's career is damn near down the crapper after the whole under age girl sex tape fiasco. He hasn't sold more than a million copies of a cd since 'Chocolate Factory'. As for Snoop, he can still chart big numbers, but he too, hasn't had that million seller in a long while. Blame it on the decline of the music buying public if you want to, but the problem lies in their hands partly. A over 40 year old man shouldn't be singing about sex in anybody's kitchen, especially, after you've been accused of sleeping with girls younger than your daughter. Also, men over 40 shouldn't be rapping about smoking weed, especially, when they coach pee-wee football. That is sending mixed signals to everyone that interacts with you and your music.

All I'm saying is these grown men need to grow the hell up and make music that's age appropriate. Jay-Z said thsat when your life changes, your thoughts change, and therefore your rhymes have to change. Will R. Kelly and Snoop Dogg ever learn this lesson and take heed? Hopefully so, but only time will tell.