1) Julian Casablancas-- "I Wish It Was Christmas Today." Why it is, dear Julian. It really is.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all from Girl Blue Sees The Light! --GB
GB Holiday Song Bash Countdown #1
1) Julian Casablancas-- "I Wish It Was Christmas Today." Why it is, dear Julian. It really is.
Astro Drops "Loser" Mixtape, On Time! UPDATED
Anyone who just watched the finale of the US version of X-Factor, knows what a great season it has been. There has been some amazing talent, and a young Brooklyn kid was one of the bright young hopefuls. His name is Brian Bradley, but you can call him Astro!
Astro, (@TheAstronomicalkid), week after week blew us away with his timely lyrics, his swag (!), and his heart. He's a little bit of Kanye and Jay, who knows what he wants and isn't afraid to say it. One could say that's not cocky that's confident... and if you tell him he's the best, ____, you know (Google this lyric lol)...
The young fresh talent has some big things ahead of him, some big opportunities, some big days, some big shoes to fill. While we all wait for that, we have the first post X-Factor offering from the BK spitta. It's a mixtape, dropped with punctuality at 10:01 PM, hosted by Grade A Tribe Records, and it is called Loser. It features the production likes of Astro, Datz Hymn, and !L∆®øn¡.The mixtape is not a free download! (Rest easy! Download below). I'll be listening with you, perhaps showing reaction on my Twitter (@Girlbluestl).
DOWNLOAD ASTRO'S MIXTAPE, L
Propers-gradeatribe
GB Holiday Song Bash Countdown #3
3) Celiz Cruz and Tito Puente-"Arbolito..." baila, baila, bailamos! Do your three step and call it the salsa! I won't tell.
GB Holiday Song Bash Countdown #4
4) My Chemical Romance, "All I Want For Christmas Is You"...rockin' around the Christmas tree on a new level.
GB Holiday Song Bash Countdown #6 & #5
6) Adam Sandler, "The Chanukah Song" & 5) "The Chanukah Song Part II." Happy Chanukah!
GB Holiday Song Bash Countdown #7
7) Mariah Carey, Melonie, and The Price Sisters-- A Cappella "Jesus, Oh What A Wonderful Child." So I'm biased.
GB Holiday Song Bash Countdown #12
12) B.B. King-"Merry Christmas Baby," because no one does it better.
Listen to Common's "The Dreamer, The Believer" NOW--(before it spontaneously combusts!)
So 2DopeBoyz lucked out, getting the go to stream an advanced copy of Common's The Dreamer, The Believer in YouTube form, which they will have up for 24 hours. Let's see. This offer started at 6:30 EST, so that must mean you have until 6:30 EST on Thursday, December 15, 2011 to view it. And while I would just write a preview and tell you what you may hear, that's like keeping all the goodies to myself and rationing them out to you in amounts I wish, to whoever comes to my site (i.e. is good). And it's Christmas time. Santa wouldn't do that, would he? Oh yeah. Whatever. :) Tell a friend.
Common's album drops next Tuesday. If you like it, maybe you'll want one of your own!
[Dopeboyz]
GB Holiday Song Bash Countdown #13
13) Guy Sebastian- "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"- no choice but to surrender to these Aussie-coated vocals.
Jawan Harris Drops "It's On" Mixtape
Jawan Harris means business (i.e. It's On!) with his new mixtape, a proverbial stocking stuffer to his "Team Jawan" fans and new fans as well. On the tape, which dropped earlier this weekend, listeners are greeted with an "Intro" sung with him and his mom (sing momma!) to one of his favorite childhood tunes, "The Safest Place." Aside from running up and down the scale without much effort in the first 2 minutes, the young singer then twists hits such as Miguel's "Quickie" ("Show Me Some Love"), Big Sean's "Marvin & Chardonnay" (simply titled "Chris Brown & Kool-Aid") Drake's "Marvin's Room" and Kanye and Jay-Z's "Otis," in an age-appropriate fashion with something for everyone. Yep, he can spit as well.
Features on the album are the following: Rockcity, Alex, Issa, Chip of Rebel Gang, Chris Brown, Cory Gunz, Jacob Latimore, and Travante. The tape precedes an album, prospective for 2012. So stay tuned. --GB
Girl Blue Recap: Carl Thomas and Friends Warm the SOB's Crowd
Anyone outside last night in NYC may have felt the chill. The temperatures dropped, but that didn’t stop SOB’s from keeping the venue sweltered with a sold-out show from Peter Hadar, Lauriana Mae, and Carl Thomas.
The packed house stood fast jamming with 98.7 KISS FM while sipping on cocktails and jamming to classics. Not long after the scheduled start time, Lil Nat from the station walked up to the stage to introduce the first performer, Peter Hadar.
He put on a short show citing some tech difficulties, but the audiences exhibited cheers for his soulful sound. Performing “Your Body” and contemplative “Purple Pills,” him and his background singer flexibly boogied to his tunes before giving the floor to the next act on the roster.
Lauriana Mae was up next. Wearing a navy pleated trim jacket, black sequined pants, a pearl bracelet with brooch, and diamond dangling earrings and headband, she bust out with “Money Mae” to head bops and side commentary (i.e. the girl standing beside exclaiming “I like this already!” 2 minutes in).
She crooned from the depths of her pain with “Love,” and slowed it down with "My Guy," uplifted with “Shine,” and ended with a “Like A Drum” that had her and the audience grooving it from side to side. After putting on a powerhouse performance, the audience was hype.
The charming Carl Thomas approached the stage soon after with his black suit, red handkerchief, and pearly whites and started off performing some oldies such as “Summer Rain.” Confiding to the audience, “I’m an Illinois boy but I became a man in NYC,” he offered the fans in his home away from home to “take it back before I take ya’ll up!” With “Make it Alright” he offered to right the wrongs of the last man, and he followed up by a convincing “Don’t Kiss Me.”
A few songs in, Carl was already full of sweat, as he performed songs from his latest release Conquer such as “Long Distance Love Affair” and “Round 2.” “My album is dedicated to the fans! This album is for you!” he exclaimed, following with “It Ain’t Fair” and the title track from Let’s Talk About It. He triumphantly closed with oldies but goodies “Emotional” and “I Wish.”
“That’s it for the hiatuses, is that alright?” Carl suggested, regarding his four year break from the biz. A question like that, you don’t even have to ask.
—GirlBlueSTL (TR).
The packed house stood fast jamming with 98.7 KISS FM while sipping on cocktails and jamming to classics. Not long after the scheduled start time, Lil Nat from the station walked up to the stage to introduce the first performer, Peter Hadar.
He put on a short show citing some tech difficulties, but the audiences exhibited cheers for his soulful sound. Performing “Your Body” and contemplative “Purple Pills,” him and his background singer flexibly boogied to his tunes before giving the floor to the next act on the roster.
Lauriana Mae was up next. Wearing a navy pleated trim jacket, black sequined pants, a pearl bracelet with brooch, and diamond dangling earrings and headband, she bust out with “Money Mae” to head bops and side commentary (i.e. the girl standing beside exclaiming “I like this already!” 2 minutes in).
She crooned from the depths of her pain with “Love,” and slowed it down with "My Guy," uplifted with “Shine,” and ended with a “Like A Drum” that had her and the audience grooving it from side to side. After putting on a powerhouse performance, the audience was hype.
The charming Carl Thomas approached the stage soon after with his black suit, red handkerchief, and pearly whites and started off performing some oldies such as “Summer Rain.” Confiding to the audience, “I’m an Illinois boy but I became a man in NYC,” he offered the fans in his home away from home to “take it back before I take ya’ll up!” With “Make it Alright” he offered to right the wrongs of the last man, and he followed up by a convincing “Don’t Kiss Me.”
A few songs in, Carl was already full of sweat, as he performed songs from his latest release Conquer such as “Long Distance Love Affair” and “Round 2.” “My album is dedicated to the fans! This album is for you!” he exclaimed, following with “It Ain’t Fair” and the title track from Let’s Talk About It. He triumphantly closed with oldies but goodies “Emotional” and “I Wish.”
“That’s it for the hiatuses, is that alright?” Carl suggested, regarding his four year break from the biz. A question like that, you don’t even have to ask.
—GirlBlueSTL (TR).
GB's Holiday Song Bash Countdown #18
18) Fiona Apple-"Frosty the Snowman"-- from needing a good defense to the good ol' white ball of shaved ice.
GB's Holiday Song Bash Countdown #19
19) Stevie Wonder "Someday At Christmas"...and the world lives happily ever after.
The Christmas Countdown Begins: GB's Holiday Song Bash
Um, don't know about you, but I was never into holiday songs. Just like most other songs seemed blah, Christmas songs seemed blah, blah, blah. How can you have the same production on every "Silent Night" and a different voice singing it the same way and call it a different song? Not. So I found some alternatives, and I mixed them with some oldies but goodies, and bam! GB has a playlist! But instead of putting them on a big list, I'll put a little on the plate, you know, so you have to come back and see the next. I don't really consider myself a hipster, but, close enough. Drumroll please...
21) Shake It Up Christmas 2011-Natasha Bedingfield
Shake that Money Mae-Ker...Lauriana Mae Releases "Love Mae" EP
Remember GirlBlueSTL's Recap on Sol Village? A petite NJ native, once on Diddy's Starmaker, who goes by the name of Lauriana Mae stepped up to the stage and surprised everyone. She donned a throwback outfit, some curly blonde locks (I googled her to get her name right when she hit the stage, and a long black-haired girl showed up in the results. Same person!) and her own traveling band--The Pains.
Her sound was throwback to the flapper era. A sort of loud symphony blowing towards the ear-drum. She told a story about shaking your tail-feather to a Money Mae-ker, then croon-cried to love lost and/or lacking, not specific, with the violin missing (that would be cliché). Then she spoke about beating it like a drum in the bedroom, and what it takes to be "her guy." Needless to say, nostalgic vibrato against hefty production had done her well.
Now she has released a gift just in time for Christmas: The Love Mae EP. Three tracks is more than enough to crossover the most stout opposer (One can imagine this opposer getting all the words stuck in his head and singing them at random times for reasons he knows not). The girl doesn't disappoint. So take a listen, and don't stray too far...because there's more where this came from. --GB
@Ngaiire First Single "Filthy" off Her Debut Album! UPDATED
It's been a few years waiting for the first single from Ngaiire, and here it is! "Filthy," produced by David Skeet, off her undisclosed debut album. And you can watch the video after the jump. *Warning: Wait 20 minutes before or after drinking or eating, if you know what's good for you.
Tristan Wilds Remembers November, Releases His First EP
Tristan Wilds (90210, The Wire, Red Tails) released his anticipated EP yesterday called Remember, Remember. You can listen to it below:
You recall what happened yesterday, right? Well, just stamp it as a pseudo-holiday anyways.. The 5 of November, Tristan Wilds' EP. Tell somebody.
What do you think? Is it a good first run for the rising star?
EXCLUSIVE: V V Brown Keeps It Exclusive At Knitting Factory
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| Jay and V V Brown post show. |
Last night, Brooklynites and such gathered in Williamsburg’s famous the Knitting Factory to travel into another dimension with the sounds of headliner V V Brown. The small venue catered to the needs of the urban eclectic, some pulling out chairs and sitting to get a comfort view, most standing. But everyone was at the edge of their seat for what turned out to be an exclusive look into V V's new album Lollipops & Politics.
But first up, the opener Christina LaRocca took the floor for a 40 minute set with an empowering “Independent Lady” anthem. Then, V V's sister Jay Brown took the stage with a guitar and her new-found friend Sly, equipped with bongo's. “We met today, and we’re playing today!” she exclaimed, starting off with “Waiting,” “Into You,” and “Throne.” She gets credit for her raspy and melodic, yet gritty vocals, and her straightforward songwriting, calling her boy toy “p***y boy” in that tune, and “spammah” in another (that’s “idiot” to you Americans). The solemn “27 Club” was a tribute to the late great Amy Winehouse; then she ended with “London,” which she could only describe is about “how it hates you, but you love it anyway.”
Her departure only kept the ever-growing masses feigning for V V, and when she did take the stage, she did so in style, shoe-less, with a black flowy quilted skirt, fur vest, and purple headband. V V started off with unfamiliar songs, but soon after she revealed she was performing hits from Lollipops & Politics! “Tough Like Glue” and “Famous” were sung; while the former had an innocence to it, the latter questioned why someone would want notoriety. Love is then compared to a “Red Balloon,” as V V croons, “When you think you’re in control, you better keep your head up,” amongst heavy guitar riffs and xylophone, also with some purity, as children’s voices sing at the end.
V V has branched off from her “break-up” anthems, for she’s all boo’d up. “I wrote this about my boyfriend, who I am in love with,” she says before “Be Yours,” and “Like Fire,” which is also a love song but with heavy organ and cymbals. “10 Ft Tall” lets the guitar shine, culminating with piano, and “Circus Town,” also organ and drum-pedal filled, proves that no matter how wild life gets, we’ll survive. “Children,” whose melody she got from an ice cream truck playing "Turkey in the Straw," came last. It shows the naivety of world debauchery, and she rapped Chiddy of Chiddy Bang's part well. “The economy is f***ed, and every thing is upside down, but we don’t give a damn, for the children keep on singing!” V V croons. Speak.
*V V also performed the well known hit songs “Quick Fix,” and “Shark In The Water.” Tonight she will be at Mercury Lounge in NYC, performing a sold-out show to industry insiders and fans alike.
Common--"Blue Sky" Video
Common's visuals for "Blue Sky" off The Dreamer, The Believer show an established Common Sense sitting on his bed daydreaming. Images of a writer, future basketball star, and future mother flood the screens as Common spray-paints an ode to the city skyline.
SOLLLL RECAP: NIKKI JEAN, BRIDGET KELLY, CJ HILTON & MORE ROCK SOB'S
CJ Hilton with the camera action!
Sol Village at SOB’s on Wednesday night in NYC was completely and utterly unexpected. That’s what one gets when venturing out to find the next big thing in CMJ week. The trial and error of it all would force some not to bet at all. To, in complete angst of the situation, stay home and turn on the radio, and frolic to the ones that have already made a cut. That would be a sad mistake.
Backed by the band The Collective, veteran Eric Roberson hosted. Among crowd warmers such as singing an impromptu tune with random words picked out by the audience ("pineapple," "crackhead"…), and belting a lady’s digits so that concertgoers could text her, he was well received.
First up was the colorful Yasinabdur. Wearing a neon ensemble, the artist brought in the positivity with “Fighting Love,” and “Angel.” Then, in “Cutthroat,” told the audience to “cut” their haters, or nix them with the hand motion that says “Ixnay.” The stage presence brought an new flavor, but the gear was a clincher.
Candice Anitra broke the mold with punk flavor packaged in a black lace dress. “Boy Crazy” was interesting to say the least, as Candice appeared slightly possessed, rolling her eyes into the back of her head as she sang. To top it off, she performed “Objectify Me,” a subjective song about being a fan of rough bedroom tactics; the title says it all.
When Lauriana Mae hit the stage, the audience was unsuspecting, but the slim and petite blonde-mane bombshell, in one foul swoop, smacked the entire audience with her first word. The sound is a throwback from the flapper era, mixed with a bit of 40’s/50’s groups like The Andrews Sisters. She performed songs including “My Guy” and another knocking boots tune, “Beat It,” before ending with “Shine.”
Bridget Kelly made Roc Nation proud (the fam was in attendance indeed). She performed songs off of her recently released EP, Every Girl. She fits the bill, with hard spitting lyricism that could interchange as a rap-- straight-forward, in your face, and concrete. After “In The Morning”, “Every Girl”, and after “Thinking About Forever,*" she sang the crowd favorite, “Seek and Destroy,” pointing to the audience, singing, “You better not f*** this up/ Or I’ma f*** you up!”
Verse Simmonds brought the appeal with “Buy You A Round (Up and Down)”, crooning “If you’re a single lady let me buy you a round!” Then sang a soulful “Love No Glove”, with a Soul For Real bridge of “Candy Rain.” “Boo Thang” was his last diddy, before he gave the stage to Nikki Jean.
When she hit the stage she took off her boots, and pressed the keyboard pedals with her bare toes. Then she sang “I Only Have Eyes For You” and “Million Star Motel" sans Lupe and Black Thought. Audience participation ruled “La Di Da Di Da” with a folk sound (Slick Rick anyone?*), creating a cross between the local light hits station and throwback classics.
Last but not least CJ Hilton worked an intimate crowd to his advantage, coming down into the audience and having one on one with the ladies. After the break up song "Cold Summer," he asked “Would you leave me?” to each girl in the front…and each giggled fervently and shook her head like a bobble like, “You? Never!” He crooned on his knees with "Tonight" and ended with a “So Fresh” that showed an impressive headliner mentality. End with a bang.
--GIRLBLUESTL, (TR)
*This has been a GB amendment.
James Morrison Featuring Jessie J- "Up"
...Here's the full version of James Morrison featuring Jessie J, "Up," off James' new album "The Awakening." Kind of couples self-help thing they have going on here in this video. They look cute together.
^
James just fell from #1 to #5 on the UK album charts, so to that I say, "The only way is upppppp...."
^
That album is fire.
New Video: Beyoncé's "Love On Top"
*Woohoo*
Beyoncé takes you into her hopes of forming a boy band for her new video "Love On Top." In a Jackson 5 fashion, the clique of 5 muscular men and one pregnant lady go through reminiscent and popular moves, setting their sights on the big time.
GB's RELEASE DAY REVIEW: WHAT YOU ARE LISTENING TO NOW: JOE JONAS
Ahh, growing up. It happens to everyone, but it seems each star to catch the finally-mature bug is just as special. Take Joe Jonas, of the Jonas Brothers, and former Disney star, for instance. The world is a buzz of his coming of age. But it’s not just teenyboppers who have “Joe Jonas” on the lips these days; it’s Britney Spears (who he will tour with in Europe), Chris Brown, and Lil Wayne. A different mix than just the Miley Cyrus’ of the world.
It is the fans, old and new, R&B and Pop alike, who will determine if Joe Jonas has a lasting solo debut. Out today, the singer's Hollywood Records release is called “Fastlife.” Featuring production from Rob Knox, Brian Kennedy, and Danja, the album is a lot of synth, bass, and keyboard. With songwriting credits from Kevin Cossom, Claude Kelly, Chris Brown, Joe Jonas, and more, the album shows Joe’s deeper side. All of these tracks are about Joe's past relationships (ring a bell?). Yup, Justin Timberlake came to mind, for there are some break-up tracks to be heard. In addition, Joe is creating the R&B-Pop image, the white boy with soul, and expanding his fan base. He could be the next JT; he could be the first Joe Jonas; decide for yourself.
If you haven’t bought it yet, here’s what you're missing, on GB’s Album Release Day Review (10/11/11).
READ ON:
It's Mickey (Mau5 That Is).
Anyone that follows Mickey Factz, (@MickeyFactz ya dig), or on his Tumblr, can see Mickey is into art. He has Friday visits at MoMa in NYC, for crying out loud. Former paralegal. Rapper, singer at the flip of a coin. It makes for a generally well rounded dude from Bronx residing in the greater NYC area, the axis of culture. So Mickey took all of his art influences, which include Fab 5 Freddy, Keith Haring, Kenny Scharf, Jean-Michel Basquiat and others from the graffiti era, and created a storyline for his next project, Mickey Mau5. Rock, pop and hip-hop reign supreme with rip production from deadmau5 and Danger Mouse. Listen to the sampler below.
Mickey Factz "Mickey Mau5" sampler
I wrote this on my iPhone so let me drop this iBomb...here's to the life of Steve Jobs
Tristan Wilds Covers "Thinking About You"
Tristan Wilds remakes Frank Ocean's "Thinking About You." You can find this actor in 90210, Tuesday nights at 8 EST on the CW. Look out for his role as Ray "Ray Gun" Gannon in Red Tails, a George Lucas produced film about the Tuskegee Airmen, slated for January. The multi-talented star is scheduling an EP for November. I'm a fan of this kid.
Common "Blue Sky"
Common's new single is called "Blue Sky." Off The Dreamer, The Believer, Nov 22. Looking forward to it.Ahhhhhh, in the sky we'll find the light....
Sound Credit: Rap-Up
Photo Credit: Think Common
Weekend Chill: Reesa Renee "Wonderland Cool"
Cool out, cool out on the weekend with the first video offering from fellow artist, rapper, musician, blogger, Reesa Renee. The name is "Wonderland Cool."
Feel the breeze...woosh. :)
Feel the breeze...woosh. :)
WHAT YOU ARE LISTENING TO NOW: J. COLE
J. Cole is on top of the world right now. The young rapper has come a long way from his signing to Roc Nation, Jay-Z’s label, to his triumphant release date. The album is called Cole World: The Sideline Story, and, judging by the initial reception, J. is on the way to the new heights of his mentor, Jay-Z.
Both are alike in the delivery and truthful description of the stories that surround their life and the lives of others around them. While Jay-Z gets his punch lines and hidden metaphors from a myriad of different influences, Cole gives it straight. On top of that aim, Cole’s punch lines are crisp, poignant and memorable-- the songs have catchphrases lined up on a string like candy necklaces—and there are so many powerful statements and moments to remember.
Here’s what you heard if you bought J. Cole’s album, or if you want to know what you’re missing.
The album tackles different subjects, but the 16 tracks can be broken down into three main categories- transcendence and rising above adversity, the pursuit of women, and story-telling.
On the subject of rising above adversity, J. takes to the title track “Sideline Story.” Writing from a place he has sure to have transcended above now, J. says “I got a key to the game, they tried to lock me out.” Yet he sees the bigger picture, and promises his own glory. Moving forward from his position is the song “Cole World.” The North Carolina rapper calls out Sallie Mae, the mother of all loan companies, and professes that “Back when I was starving no one made a plate for me/Now I do it big and that's my day-to-day story.” “Rise and Shine,” quarter synth, College Dropout, drums, and gospel is another example, but the biggest promoter for the cause is the song “Dollar and a Dream.” “What do you do when you're on your last dollar?" he asks. "Do you flip that dollar to a dream?" His intent is to make a better way for his circle, and he tells them, "I know that ya’ll worry/ But I ain’t never failed and you can bet I never will.”
He’s invested his dollar, but what is waiting on the other side? The girl. In “Work Out,” “In the Morning” and “Can’t Get Enough,” J. Cole applauds his own single life, and speaks for single men worldwide. In “Work Out,” there are no promises to what the relationship could be, but there are possibilities as to what the relationship could be for the night. Flip that coin, “In The Morning,” featuring Drake, sports what could happen when the sun rises. Yet in the island riddims of “Can’t Get Enough,” J admits he isn’t ready to give up that ring. "And I ain't coming off of my last name/ cuz a n**** can't take no stressing" J talks up his status in these tracks.
It is the stories that touch us the most, and J. Cole does not skimp. “Light’s Please” is a pensive song about J. messing with a girl who was kind of ignorant, but he continued to mess with her for the sex. And he would forget about the fact that she was ignorant getting caught up in the heat of the moment. “She said I know you wanna change the world but for the night please/ Just reach over and hit the lights please.” Just wanting to feel good took the focus off of what was important, and that was the part that created the “hmm” factor. In “Lost Ones,” you can hear the Lauryn-esque production, but what really came to life was a sort of Eminem-esque interplay of words between a girl who was newly pregnant and her boyfriend searching for “options.” Abortion became the question, but was it the answer? “Breakdown” is an open tale about J. Cole’s absent father, teaching him how to become a man. “Letting my mistakes show me/I feel like you barely know me.” Then J speaks for others and their trials…like for a girl who doesn’t have a male suitor to love, Cole tells her to stay strong and not to break down.
Other notable tracks? “Nobody’s Perfect” featuring Missy Elliott, the dual “Mr. Nice Watch,” about flossing and living for the night, featuring Jay-Z. “Never Told,” about how men treat women and how J. is no different, and "God’s Gift,” an anthem about being a gift to the game, and women.
Solid debut from a rising star.
--GB (TR)
GB’S RELEASE DAY REVIEW…WHAT YOU ARE LISTENING TO NOW: TABI BONNEY
Here's to Tabi Bonney, representative of the DMV, for his fourth album, first on Dame Dash's BluRoc records. It is called The Summer Years, produced by Ski Beatz; and while the title is misleading, for we all realize fall is upon us, we can relish in the fact it isn’t cold just yet, and blast with the top down on this seasonal cusp.
This is a rundown of the highlights of what you are hearing if you have or are listening to Tabi Bonney’s album The Summer Years on this, another fine release day, 9/27/11.
The album starts off with a retro soul feel of "On Jupiter" brought on by a sample from Tabi's father Itadi, native of Togo, West Africa. Not long in the DC bred rapper expresses his extra-terrestial being. In "Parachute," Tabi expresses a requited love that he can’t go on with for many reasons, one being she’s too good for him. But alas, she can’t bear to be without him. “I hope you packed your parachute, you’re falling for me…”
A highlight of the album comes from the Bossa Nova production of “Frontin'.” Here Tabi shines juxtaposed with a hot beat, sans melody, and some M.I.A. bird rolling sound effects, talking about people frontin about their own status, and girls on their farce lust for Tabi. Lyric empty, but the point didn’t need verbosity.
Highlight number two was hearing Nicole Wray’s twice on the album (didn’t we miss “If I Was Your Girlfriend?”). The sounds of the two work well together. The raspy, high-frequency voice of Nicole on “Feelin More” was refreshing, and Tabi backs her up on feeling more good stuff, and Tabi being shitted on, then shitting on the game. Nicole’s second appearance from the album comes from “Winners Parade,” which advises that we can’t win every battle. Standing in front of a serious of claps and children’s chants, Tabi talks about haters and farce friends, and losers. “I’m making moves with Damon Dash and now yall wanna hang out/We’ll yeah right/You gonna wait forever for that invite.”
Last but not least the closer, in “Chasing,” akin to Albert Brumley’s “I’ll Fly Away” and Kanye West’s “Spaceship,” Tabi is chasing stars and dreams. “I’m chasing mine, see you when I get there,” Matt Beilies sweetly sings over simple piano progressions and bass. The ending looks up, just as in all great tales, especailly if Tabi has anything to say about it. "The fairy tales of us living well came true," he writes on his twitter bio, which could also stand to say, "The end is just the beginning."
--GB (TR)
FNO!
Five things I have learned, or will take from Fashions Night Out....
1. Eat salt. Wait for sugar- It really isn't necessary to be full. They'll feed you. And give you unlimited alcohol. Sweet. The mini-cupcakes from Teen Vogue and Lord & Taylor were schweet!
2. Get out the way!- At Billionaire Boys Club, there was a significant line to get in, but when Tyler the Creator came out, people went wild. They ran in the middle of the street onto his cab, started shouting "Wolfgang!" and shaking it back and forth, pounding on the poor car. Gosh, if you bang on metal, does it not bend? Simply fascinating to say the least.
3. Go to one place. Two the most.- These lines were so hella long, to think to get a free manicure I would have had to be at Teen Vogue at 4:30. That...not happening. Besides, each place wants you to stay there long. By the time you're done with the full experience of the first place...you would only catch the end of the next anyway. Excluding an afterparty.
4. When you get people tipsy, they may start to loosen up.- Lord and Taylor was playing some great music, in addition to their free Chardonnay, and the 7th floor was a heavenly, uh, party to say the least. DJ Tommy Diz kneaded the turntables with a significantly liquidy flow. When you have 20 to 60 year olds, Brown, Yellow, Puerto Rican and Haitian getting low to "Back That Thang Up," you know you've basically de-snobbified the Lord & Taylor name. Not bad.
5. Have a blast. And look good doing it.- Everyone looked so beautiful last night! Stay fresh.
That is all.
@Girlbluestl
Reggae's Done Went And Gone Country! & It's Irie!
Christy Barber came up with an interesting concept to bring together Jamaica's beloved singers and country's powerhouse production together for some rootin' tootin' fun. Getting together with producer John Rich (of Big & Rich), and producer Dean Fraser, the project grew further into a hybrid album.
This is a great idea, hopefully appealing to both audiences of reggae and country music. Reggae's Gone Country comes out today on VP Records. It features Romain Virgo, Luciano, Beres Hammond, Busy Signal, and more.
Tracklisting:
1. California - Romain Virgo & Larry Gatlin
2. He'll Have To Go - Luciano
3. Wolverton Mountain - Richie Stephens
4. Crazy - Etana
5. The Chair - Tarrus Riley
6. He Stopped Loving Her Today - Beres Hammond
7. Suspicions - Duane Stephenson
8. Don't It Make My Brown Eyes - Tessanne Chin
9. Feel So Right - Gramps Morgan
10. King Of The Road - Freddie McGregor
11. El Paso - Sanchez
12. Flowers On The Wall - L.U.S.T.
13. The Gambler - Busy Signal
14. Straight Tequila Night - Tarrus Riley [iTunes Bonus Track]
@GirlBlueSTL
Mamas Gun "Reconnection" Video
Explore frontman Andy's dream land perception on a desert island full of "wondrous" illusion. "Reconnection" is a track off of Mamas Gun's The Life And Soul.
O sheiittt
Gym Class Heroes, another Afropunk performer 2011, has a new album called Papercut Chronicles II, out October 25.
Aloha! GB can now blog. Lol. Anyway through Irene and her annoyance now I know I can blog from BlogPress too! YES. Anyway, Just an update over here: There are trees in the middle of the road and it is very windy. But while some people lost power, many others didn't. Lucky stars.* It wasn't as bad as we thought, but most of us in the area are still stuck where we are. Water party! Get your boat. Ok, maybe just your floatie.
Let us resume, shall we?
--@GirlblueSTL
Let us resume, shall we?
--@GirlblueSTL
Let's Call The Whole Thing Off
Mos Def was a previous headliner at the Afropunk Festival, 2010.
Plans near the Atlantic? Sucks to your assmar!
Just around now, Afropunk, a music and sports festival on "the 'other' Black experience," was supposed to start their festivities in BK, NY! Just around the same time the "Brooklyn Loves Michael Jackson" celebration party was going to get underway. But alas, they were both squashed, for everyone on the East coast is preparing for Hurricane Irene.
Many people were asked to evacuate from their homes, and others were asked to stay home and not to come outside. As an incentive to get to our destinations safely and timely, last night all MTA Buses and trains were free, culminating with a shutdown that's supposed to happen...well, right about now. If you haven't left, you're just about staying. Good luck.
Everyone's going to be inside anyway, why not blog it out? East side blog it out, west side,...no no, just the east side.
Might as well dream I am there at Afropunk eating from a taco truck getting ready for a skateboard competition (was looking forward to BMX more boo hoo)... Whatever...illusion postings (among other things) coming up all weekend! One thing's for sure, I won't stop till the power does...
GB
| National Hurricane Center |
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Maps and Resources related to Hurricane Irene
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Broadway In Bryant Park: Shows Now On GB's "To Do List"
Typically I’d write a third person account, but since Broadway is an extended genre for me to cover, I figure I’d give it to you straight. Last Thursday on the Bryant Park lawn, 106.7 Lite FM held their Thursday "Broadway in Bryant Park" show. And from what I saw, I ruled out which shows I would and would not go to see. What moved me?....
Death Takes a Holiday was first. They started off with “Shimmy Like They Do in Paree.” Mara Davi shimmied to her hearts content, and she was shimmying mad, but all I got from the song was that she did a good shimmy. “What Do You Do” and “More and More,” were operatic, and the opera kind of makes me yawn, but I liked the latter better. In the last two songs the actors hardly moved around, which I think they did because it was just about the music, but I would have liked to see some more action.
Jersey Boys about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, was next. They sang some hits from the past, like “Sherry” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry.” When I say the soprano, Russel Fisher, can hit notes! He hits notes with a baseball bat. It sounds like it hurts. I can only wonder how much honey he puts in his tea every few hours. They also sang “Walk Like A Man,” “Who Loves You,” and “December 1963 (Oh, What A Night),” ending with much of the cast and some basic dance grooves. The music is familiar to me, and I’d see this show, but I may feel out of place with all of the elders! Way before my time. The previews don’t lie people.
Third was The Lion King. Now I have the soundtrack and picture book from the movie lying around somewhere and I know the whole “When he was a young warthog,” “When I was a young warthoooooggggg!” bit, but I’m just not sure that part is in the play. Selloane Nkhela sang "Circle of Life" so solidly! I felt something rise up within me when she sang it. She then sang “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” with Joel Karie. I’d see the play just for her, though I consider that play watching a repeat of the movie.
Rent was next. Annaleigh Ashford and Corbin Reid sang “Take Me or Leave Me” completely in acting mode and worked the stage (I just happen to expect theatrics because though it’s just songs, its, "songs from the 'the-a-tre,' darling"). Then they brought Marcus Paul James to the stage and while I am in like with his personality, it was someone’s bright idea to make him sing “Seasons of Love” all by himself and I was like, “Where are the people?” One from every section would be enough. One alto, One soprano, one tenor, one bass! Come on! Especially the part before the end, “Measure your life in loooveeeeeee,” the part I play back over and over again when the track is on spin-- he let the audience sing that part. What a void! I know they’d all be there if I saw the play though, so that gets a go.
Wicked, the most anticipated performance of the day, was last, and I have never seen it but have heard songs from it before. “Popular” with Katie Rose Clarke was really on point, and “As Long As Your Mine,” was ok, but Teal Wicks blew it out the water with “The Wizard and I.” Her performance was spic and span. So clean you could eat off it. I’d see this play, for sure.
All in all, I give Rent, Lion King and Wicked a go. Death takes a Holiday, I'll skip. And I'll take a few of my senior citizen friends to see Jersey Boys. Oh wait, I have none. Well, I guess that will have to wait.
THE END.
--Girl Blue (TR)
(Photo Credit: Monica Simoes, Joseph Marzullo/WENN)
Nicki Minaj on Good Morning America: GB Recap
Nicki Minaj brought her powerhouse personality to "Good Morning America" on ABC early this morning, and had a park venue filled with Nicki lovers to show for it. Cotton candy wigs and hot pink bobs floated on the heads of audience members as concert goers came early, some 8 hours, to see the flashy fox. The setting was Rumsey Playfield, Central Park, and the weather showed clear skies.
Nicki, showing up around 7:30 A.M. in a tight aqua green ensemble and blonde bob, repeatedly tested out the bridge to “Super Bass” with her back up singers and had an all out dance fest with the audience before showtime. The crowd saw Nicki dance “full out” and get wild pre-show, and fed off the energy.
Despite warnings to hold cell phones and signs down, the audience couldn’t contain their excitement as Nicki reappeared at showtime for her piece of “Where Them Girls At,” sans David Guetta. Since concert takeoff, she has changed her ensemble to printed leggings, a clear plastic skirt, a green bra, pink jacket, and an 80’s crimped blond do.
Robin Roberts interviewed her next. Asking Nicki, “You grew up in New York City. What does it mean to be here in Central Park?” The Pink Friday platinum star said she grew up and went to school here, and ended with a screw face saying, “I’m New York to the fullest!” Robin then flowed the convo saying, “Especially when you brought it right there, that’s when they knew!” and reached out for dap before Nicki said, “No! You have to do it like with [force]!” and they had a pseudo-hood exchange (lol!)
Nicki then performed “Superbass” and “Moment for Life.” Nicki attempted to end the show with that, signing off for the rents on TV at "Good Morning America," but moments before she departed the crowd started chanting “Roman! Roman!” and the rapper/songstress just had to step into one of her alter ego’s to perform her verse of “Romans Revenge” which started off clean but ended raw. Just how we like it!
Departing the stage with, “Pink Friday! Roman Reloaded!” Nicki bounced off and the show was caput. As an artist with loyal fans, though, most knew the setting will resume at the next Nicki Minaj performance, (IZOD tonight perhaps?), and then at the next show. Moment for life indeed.
--Girl Blue (TR)
(Video Credit- Rap-Up)
GirlBlueSTL: A One Year Reflection
Hi guys. I really do want to take the time out to thank everyone that is reading or has read my blog until now. If you told me to start a blog I thank you. If you are reading it after you suggested it I thank you twice. I have no idea who is reading it sometimes, anyone I know, but I'm sure I'd find out if I wrote something that pissed someone off.
Or not. This is a forum. I mean if I can't do it on my blog--where can I do it? I certainly can't do it on your blog! :) Anyways that's also what stories are for.
Anyone who was following has seen the growth first hand. The live feed of blogger life. I thank everyone who has seen any of my videos. Shout’s to Rap Radar, All City Chess Club, and every one that posted my Lupe Video. A logo is the next logical step. Logo dolo. Lol.
Big shout out’s to my first interview Steph Jones. I didn’t know what I was going to do or where it was going to go, but it went, and I liked it. Big shout out’s to my first print interview Reesa Renee. I tried to figure out why, besides an afro, I see some similiarites. It's because she's a Virgo. Virgo Babies stand up (not to mention, she got everyone and their mama reading it! Thanks 2x ). Shout outs to all the artists who have allowed me to ask them questions. And the background publicists too.
As for my blog, it is an exercise in using the internet to my advantage, and having a forum to share the truth in a creative fashion. Sometimes I don’t want to write. Writing is trite. Showing a video is the bizness. Sometimes, that is how I am feeling. Sometimes, I just want to have some fun. I like to create things that when I look back at them, make me smile and laugh. The blog has helped me with that.
I’m working really hard to provide for everyone an insight into what it is being a writer. Insight into the different musical acts I have grown to love. I originally thought that the site wouldn’t be optimal showing people from all genres. I remember looking at a site and one post was about Britney Spears, the other about Dolly Parton, the other about Jadakiss. Not the real names, but you get my point. It made no sense. So why do I do it? I do it for all the non-one-dimensional people out there. Look at all of the songs that you have grown to love throughout your existence. Were they all one genre? And if they were, did you have “guilty pleasures” in another genre that you wouldn’t admit to? I bet you did.
What I imagined for my blog was to have different artists from all different genres all over the world who gave me the feeling that I have “Seen the Light.” Some other plane type music. Along with that, I wanted a forum for many one question interviews with famous people from all different walks of life. Outside of what is going on with me, I want it to be a display of the lifestyle that I am living and want to live, as Jonas says, “Living the Dream.” They didn’t make that up I'm sure. I am not done. I have just begun.
This is a site dedicated to the people you will be hearing on the radio in a few months, or a year. Or two years. Or the people that, like M.I.A., really have mainstream success when he or she least expected it; that would be like, two years after dropping her umpteenth album KALA, having "Paper Planes" hit radio and causing a stir. So much for underground.
I question if I would let this go if it didn’t work out. But I’d rather change it up than let go. It’s my borne! If I could create my story right now, it would be girl in the background, girl steps forward, girl shines, girl makes money shining, girl helps others in the background. That’s what I see life to be. Thanks to all that have helped out with this.
And the ones that are reading this. Just wait. It gets better. Because if the best part of your life is your childhood, you see your peak as behind you, and shucks, I feel bad for you. For the most part, adulthood lasts longer. As for me on the other hand, the best is yet to come.
Stay tuned.
@GirlBlueSTL
GBSTL SUMMER 2011 TO DO LIST
Guess what NYC! There are SUMMER CONCERTS stirring in your area! Oh, did I mention FREE? And did I mention the greatest city in the world? Ok, I'm biased.
Here is a cool little rundown of the highlights of what is going on this summer from the ones that are dear enough to bring you free summer concerts in NYC--City Parks Foundation, Summerstage, Afropunk, Celebrate Brooklyn!, Good Morning America, MLK Concert Series, and the Today Show. Also, this will be the ever updating post...for I will add more when I find more.
And stay tuned for more summer show rundowns if you aren't from the Big Apple.
Remember this:
-Get there early if you want good standing space. Or sometimes, if you want to get in at all! Use your discretion depending on the artist. An hour early is usually the minimum time to arrive.
-Bring a blanket/towel/folding chair/water/food if outdoors
-Get your best camera out...you'll have YouTube friendly spots to get close throughout the performance. (MLK says No to this one. We say, free the people.)
-Check the weather forecast before you go, and the website/twitter for cancellations and changes.
AND HAVE FUN!!!
Please look at the calendar, and check out more about each concert with the links provided below.
AFRO PUNK FESTIVAL:
What it's about: Started by Matthew Morgan and James Spooner in 2002, this festival was created to celebrate Afro Punk: music, film, skate, and the unique members that embody that community. This year, look forward Res, Cee-Lo Green, Santigold, Janelle Monáe, Gordon Voidwell, Jay Electronica, and more.
Where: Commodore Barry Park, Brooklyn NY
Check out more: AFROPUNK
CELEBRATE BROOKLYN:
What it's about: Celebrate Brooklyn! is run by BRIC Performing Arts, and supports music, dance, theater, and new acts. There are over 25 free performances each summer.
Where: Prospect Park Bandshell
Check out more: CELEBRATE BK
TODAY TOYOTA CONCERT SERIES:
What it's about: Outside TODAY's window many a Friday morning are a bunch of people jamming to the biggest hitmakers in the country.
Where: TODAY's Window on the World Studio, located at 49th Street and Rockefeller Plaza in New York City
Cheack out more: TODAY
CITY PARKS FOUNDATION:
What it's about: As the only independent, nonprofit organization to offer shows in all five boroughs of NYC, it also always and consistently has a great and well-rounded line up.
Where: All five boroughs, NYC
Check out more: CITY PARKS
SUMMERSTAGE:
What it's about: This is NY's largest free performing arts festival, bringing more than their fair share of performances to 18 parks in the five boroughs. If you were or are a SUMMERSTAGE volunteer stand up! You're in good company! Sup Khalil!
Where: Mainstage at Rumsey Playfield, other stages throughout NYC.
Check out more: SUMMERSTAGE
MLK CONCERT SERIES:
What it 's about: Hosted by Borough President Marty Markowitz, this Monday Night concert series is celebrating its 29th season.
Where: Wingate Field, Brooklyn
Check out more: MLK SERIES
*WOE! The supposed Aretha Franklin concert, very extremely supposed concert, fell through the cracks. There will be no Monday concert on August 1.
GOOD MORNING AMERICA CONCERT SERIES:
What it's about: ABC's Good Morning America concert series brings the biggest acts out for big productions all summer, in the heart of NYC, and bright and early on a weekday morning.
Where: Rumsey Playfield in Central Park
Check out more: GOOD MORNING AMERICARIVER ROCKS CONCERT SERIES:
What it's about: Free concerts by the pier, in quality not quantity.
Where: Pier 54
Check out more: RIVER ROCKS
BROADWAY IN BRYANT PARK:
What it's about: Presented by 106.7 Lite FM, the biggest acts on Broadway perform lunchtime sets in the heart of NYC Thursdays until August 11. All shows start at 12:30 P.M. and end approximately 1:30 P.M.
Where: Bryant Park Lawn, NYC
Check out more: BWAY BRYANT PARK
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