Re-Makin' it Happen

Plies. Oh Plies. How many of my favorite R&B songs from the 80s are you going to sample? First, he sampled Janet Jackson's "Come Back to Me" for "Bust it Baby Part 2" and now in his new song which features Ashanti he jacks The Deele's (80s group with Babyface, Antonio L.A Reid and four others), "Two Occasions".

Blasphemy! Now my music knowledge is pretty vast but not omniscient but maybe these songs contained elements of others as well, but I have a big problem with remakes if it doesn't do the original any justice. And I know some random bottom feeder songs that never made it big, so it's even more of a surprise when someone comes out with a new song and it has elements of a song that never made it big because now you know they're getting away with no flack for it.
Granted, sampling and having elements of other songs doesn't mean it's free which is why we hear of artists getting sued every once in awhile.

There's nothing wrong with modern versions of songs or remakes, but artists rely on them too heavily especially these newer ones. Think of this familiar formula: A new singer or rapper wants to come up in the game and they may not be extremely talented, but have a look that'll work in the music scene. All you have to do is get some producers behind a track, take a song from the past that worked or had a catchy beat or hook and you can cook yourself up a hit. Whether their career stands the test of the time is often up in the air, but back in the day old school singers had to claw their way in. And back then you didn't even have to be the best looking. Although it helped, it really was all about if you could carry a tune.

This is also rampant in the film industry. Remakes of old movies, relying on the popularity of a comic book storyline, and importing overseas plots into new movies permeate. It's more evident to me in the horror genre as it seems no one can come up with any scary themes or villains so they rely on the stale leftover hype of a 70s/80s movie to carry a new movie. The most recent remake in the works is a remake of A Nightmare on Elm Street minus Robert Englund which sounds like a cinematic disaster.

There's nothing wrong with being inspired by something, but where does it end and when can we begin again?




In honor of it being one of my favorite songs here's "Two Occasions", but honestly these guys sound much better than they look in this video (Babyface is the only one who looks somewhat normal in it).

The Valentine's Day Anti-Virus

It's really not my fault Cupid's arrow misses me until some point before or after Valentine's Day (Thanks Cu, you're the man). Ironically, around February I'm usually never even "talking" to anyone to fully enjoy it. Sure, I could have a makeshift Valentine, but not my style. I don't hate Valentine's Day for one reason. I love to raid the Valentine-themed section at stores afterward when it's discounted. Even if I was bitter on V-Day I'll eat a chocolate heart in a minute. Plus, you can make Valentine's Day whatever you want sure it's geared to the couples but plenty show excess love and appreciation to friends and family members too.

Jen who kind of gave me the idea for this blog believe that V-Day was cute when you were a kid when it was all cards and candy but now all it does is remind you of sex and candy. She didn't mention love, so I'm assuming she doesn't see it that way at the moment, but I guess the only thing that stays constant is the candy which sounds like a sweet deal to me.

So, I rounded up responses from a few friends and acquaintances on their favorite anti-love/ relationship/ anti-opposite sex or or breakup song and I added my personal suggested song by that artist to remedy the anti-love song. Oh, and for those who didn't respond, I forgive you, I hate being put on the spot too ;)


Arien/Knowledge says "I Get Around" by 2Pac
Reason: "Hell if I know, cuz it's funny? Cuz he says, "well if I couldn't have it silly rabbit why ya sweatin' me"
Remedy for that anti-love song: "Me & My Girlfriend". Ohh..no wait he's talking about his gun. Nevermind. Ok , "Do For Love" from R U Still Down(Remember Me)? But then again in the song he had a girl when he met her, she knew and eventually she cheats on him...damn.
Well, he shows some much respected love for his mom on "Dear Mama".
Where to Find Knowledge:
http://www.knowledgethinks.blogspot.com/

Allie says "Bust Your Windows" by Jasmine Sullivan
Reason: "It actually was the first song that popped in my mind it's such a real song".
The Remedy: Jazmine Sullivan's "Need U Bad". Great song, good lyrics, but definitely I'm never letting you go again crazy kind of love.

Nafiys IModel Blakewood says "See You in My Nightmare" by Kanye West
Reason: " I never had love on valentines, no one to give my heart too"
The remedy:"Gold Digger" because sometimes giving your heart means giving your wallet too, but seriously funny song which has undertones of truth in it.
"Good Life" is a good carefree song to listen to.
Where to Find Nafiys: http://www.mrblakewood.com/

Megan (she's special and gets two picks) says "See You in My Nightmare" by Kanye West
Reason: Because it's such a f**k your couch I don't even love you a little song
Remedy: Try "Slow Jamz" because the song was a lot better than the wack video and I'm sure you remember those guys singing it to us in '03 while we were in Target

and
My Friends Over You" by New Found Glory
Reason: "It's the other extreme where it didn't work out but it's cool 'cause I have my friends".
Remedy: Of the few NFG songs I knew and liked at one point, none of them are saying any positive about love. lol.

Bob says "I Hate You So Much Right Now" by Kelis
Reason: "Cuz it's a song you can yell and not seem crazy"
Remedy: "Marathon" off Tasty which I'm sure you have.

CeCe "Paparazzi" says "Lions, Tigers, and Bears" by Jazmine Sullivan
Reason: "Favorite line. Why do we love love when love seems to hate us".
Remedy: "And I". She's busted windows and is ready to move on.
http://tinyurl.com/aqvsfu
to get to Cyncere Photography and Publishing



Al B. Young says "I don't have one, I'm all about the love." but then
on his own comes up with Keyshia Cole's, "I Changed My Mind"
Remedy: Keyshia's entire new album, I promise this time she's not on the love-lost/gone wrong type of tracks this time around. "You Complete Me" is a good one.
Where to Find Him: http://www.crackhouserock.blogspot.com/


Jen says "Separation of Church and State" by NOFX
Reason: "It's about the loss of freedom which sometimes can happen sometimes when you and are in a relationship".
Remedy: I don't know any NOFX songs to give you a remedy, sorry. Watch the end of Sex and the City movie where everyone ends up happy.


Uch says "Doin' Just Fine" by Boyz II Men
"It says a lot in that song, let's the girl know she made a mistake".
Remedy: Can't go wrong with "I'll Make Love To You". I'm sure many babies are still made off this song nearly 15 yrs later.

Myke says ""What Goes Around.../...Comes Around" by Justin Timberlake"
Reason: "Because I felt like that in my first relationship".
Remedy: "Until the End of Time", the version with Beyoncé even better



Some anti-love/relationship/breakup songs off the top of my head:
'Goody Goody" - Frankie Lymon (in a blog from '06 I explained this as .a.k.a good riddance you got what you deserved covered up by euphemistic lyrics and high pitch overtones before it was acceptable in music society to just say f- you b**h for breaking my heart)

"Break up to Make Up" - The Stylistics (classic)
"Heartbreaker" - Mariah Carey
"Son of a Gun" - Janet Jackson (jacking Carly Simon..I bet you think this song is about you....and it is! But even if it wasn't about you, you'd think it was...)
"Baby That's Backacha" - Smokey Robinson
"You and I" - Jason Mraz
"I Wish" - Heather Headley
"The One I Gave My Heart To" - Aaliyah
"Ms. Phat Booty" - Mos Def (damn, Mos Def was really feeling you and you played him)
"I Don't Ever Wanna See You Again" -Uncle Sam (I guess he was so heart broken he couldn't even make another song - well he did make that one, "Baby U Are" which was bad)
"Ice King" - Res
"Ex-Factor" - Lauryn Hill
"In My Bed" - Dru Hill (At age 11 the video's girl on girl creeping element did surprise me, lol)
"Me, Myself and I" -Beyoncé (Alicia reminded me of this song yesterday)
"Get Money" - Junior Mafia (I like the chorus, 'nuff said)

Chris Brown, Rihanna.....

Everyone has either exclusive reports, an opinion or fresh news about the Chris Brown/Rihanna assault incident from major web sites, bloggers and your favorite blogger's blogger. It is interesting to follow. Mostly because no one expected something like this from these two and it seemed completely random. I first saw it as someone's status on facebook Sunday night and quickly thought it was a contrived rumor. Anyway, I'll save my thoughts on it for the most part, but except to talk about how this will affect the energetic singer/dancer we've affectionately come to know and love as one of the princes of r&b.

Already the 19 year-old has been dropped (suspended) from Wrigley's Doublemint commercials (that song was super catchy) and a Clevland radio stations refuses to play any of his music. Now, what is known is that he was arrested and he did assault her, but still no one knows the full story. Rihanna has made some statements, but until I see an official statement or an exclusive interview from either one it's still up in the air. Oftentimes, the hype seems to swallow a story as we assume who is the victim and who is the aggressor only later to have the truth come out.

Will his career suffer? A bit, but honestly I think he's young enough that in a few years it won't even be relevant. Not to say that hitting your girlfriend is to be taken lightly, but if we had a list for the major celebrities/athletes/ etc. who had been involved in domestic violence incidents I'd be listing all day.

Some people still bumped R.Kelly songs, supported him, and cried they were trying to bring him down and he was accused of statutory rape. If R.Kelly put out a hot single right now, he'd have no problem climbing up the charts. Not to say his image isn't tarnished, but we easily forget sometimes. My opinion on R.Kelly was that he seemed to have a history of lusting after young girls, I never saw the tape myself, but definitely thought and still think he was guilty.

But as hard as the hardcore fan of anyone may have to admit we don't know these artists. So, we can't really be surprised at anything they do unless it goes against something they previously condemned or against their entire image. Should we just keep it to the music? As much as I wish we could, people's behaviors and statements do impact how we view them. When last July rapper Yung Berg referred to dark skinned women as "dark butts" and added his two cents about why he didn't date them he offended many. Now, think of all the teen girls out there, light and dark who probably though this guy was cute and liked his music who now no longer support him. That was like shooting your career in the foot to alienate a group of people who are your fans. That's like a popular NFLer who plays for a west coast team saying he hates the entire east coast when we know sports spans the entire nation and there are fans all over no matter what city you play for. That'd be a dumb and insensitive move.

It's a fine line sometimes whether to write an artist or a celebrity off for personal things or just listen to the music. In this case, it all depends how Chris Brown plays it. He obviously did what he was accused of, despite any rumors as if it was started by Rihanna or whatever is floating around out there. But as I always say it's all about ownership; you must own what you do including your successes and your mistakes. If he really wants to show the world he's not a bad guy and people should still give a damn about him he should after it's all said and done explain to his fans and the public what went down or at least issue an apology.

At Last....Someone Doesn't Like Beyoncé.

Brief timeline: Beyoncé sings "At Last" at the inaugural ball for Barack Obama and Michelle Obama's first dance. Everyone loves it and buzzes about how great Beyoncé was (much to the rumored dismay of fellow songstresses Mary J. Blige and Mariah Carey who also performed but didn't seem to get as much attention). Approximately two weeks later comes Etta James' rather spontaneous and bitter comments regarding President Obama, Beyoncé and the inauguration neighborhood ball during her recent concert.

Here's what Etta James said:

"You guys know your president, right? You know the one with the big ears?". "Wait a minute, he ain't my president. He might be yours; he ain't my president. But I tell you that woman he had singing for him, singing my song, she's going to get her a** whipped.

The great Beyoncé. Like I said, she ain't mine. ... I can't stand Beyoncé. She has no business up there, singing up there on a big ol' president day, gonna be singing my song that I've been singing forever."

Apparently though, she made positive statements months prior about Miss Knowles for her portrayl of her in Cadillac Records, but now is in a tizzy over "her" song being sung at the inaugural celebration. I also read that when interviewed about Beyoncé playing her in the movie she was all for it but said, "well I don't think she looks like me". No, Etta she doesn't, she actually looks a lot better than you did back in the day, sorry.

I'm not a ride or die Beyoncé fan in the least bit, yet I'm no hater. (The title was purely out of play on words) I do think she's talented, but a bit overpublicized and overrated at times, but that's the celebrity/appearance obssessed society we live in. I'm not drawn to her music initially, but always end getting engaged in her songs and then getting on the bandwagon to like more.


I think Etta's comments were funny, but very ill-stated, especially saying Beyoncé was going to get her a** whipped. She was performing at concert, so I can't even give her some slack as if it was a slip of the tongue during an interview; she wanted to say what she said. Some people are saying if he wanted the song sung President Obama should have gotten Etta James, but I'm not even sure that he knew what song Beyonce was singing or perhaps he did requested it; as I'm sure a memo went out to her that "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)", or "Ring the Alarm" was not appropriate for the occasion. At the same time, Obama is not a record executive, he's the president, he doesn't need to worry about appeasing the sensitivities of 71 year-old who obviously has no respect for him since he's not her president. He can have who he wants there. I don't know if is she really just anti-Obama, or is she more mad he didn't invite her to sing?

I can understand Etta feeling slighted that Beyoncé received admiration very nationally and publically for a song she's known for, but apparently that song isn't even hers and had been recorded twice before Etta James made it popular. I know it's difficult for older singers who put their time in and probably had to work harder at success than the instant success that seems to be granted to artists these days to feel that something they made successful is being linked to someone else but for all intents, purposes, and reputations please keep it classy.
As always, at the end of the day, it's not always what you say but how you say it.

Pop Lockdown

Traditionally, pop stars have rarely made themselves. If you go back in the time, record labels, anxious parents who wanted their children to be stars, or the demand of the fans made the pop star. But today, people have the Internet, MySpace, independent labels, and every outlet imaginable to define their own image and make it on their own.

Infrequently, do artists design their road to becoming a pop star as methodically as Kanye West has. In the past hip-hop artists have crossed over that threshold into the mainstream mostly by a classic radio hit that wasn't expected to cross over and sometimes by a conscious effort by the record label to make a big hit.

Kanye doesn't care. To him, he's bigger than hip-hop. 808s & Heartbreak (Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam) isn't Kanye the MC, but more like Kanye the "superstar". He's not testing limits, he's breaking limits. Hate it, or love it, it's pretty darn creative. It may seem random, but it's not, he has a plan. He's driven himself into a lane where he can be more than a rapper and people are falling for it. New sound, new look, new book, and new ambitions. Some still scream for the old Kanye though. I do too.

I'm still a bigger fan of the rapper in Kanye, still was utterly confused by "Love Lockdown", then grew to love it as a good song when I realized had anyone else did it I would of automatically liked it so there was no point in resisting, still think it's hard to top College Dropout (in my mind), and don't agree with Kanye's statement that his latest is the best he's every done, but I respect the craft. He's the pop on lockdown.


Kanye West's and Louis Vuitton sci-fi inspired kicks:
The verdict's still out on this one but I may need Damon Wayons and David Alan Grier's soundcue of "hated it" from Men on Film"

Gangstas Don't Ask Questions

You know you're someone special when Katie Couric interviews you! I've always liked Katie's style and approach, but she certainly brought it home for me a few months ago when she grilled Sarah Palin, and basically proved furthermore to America why this woman was not right for the position as VP of the United States.

Expecting the worst, from this clip from Katie Couric's All Access Grammy Special Lil' Wayne actually came across as mellow and down to earth speaking to her about music and why he dropped the 'D' from his name.

However, I guess to remind the world he's a "rapper"and "hood", when asked a legitimate question by Katie Couric regarding what he'd ask Former President Bush if he had a chance to about how Hurricane Katrina was handled he responded, " I'm gangsta and gangstas don't ask questions".

What Lil' Wayne? There's no Styrofoam cup in your hand nor are you slurring any words, so I'm assuming your sober when you're giving this interview, so what kind of answer was that? He made an interesting comparison in the beginning when he told her music is a another form of the news and journalism and with his music he reports on the new president, his take on money, the economy, etc. I just feel he could of had a better response than that. At least explained why gangstas don't ask questions!



But I just find it hard being that Lil' Wayne can come off intelligent when he chooses to, and hard seeming as he's a New Orleans native who has spoken out about Hurrican Katrina's aftermath and someone who looks to get teary-eyed in the interview when she brings up the subject retorts by claiming "gangstas don't ask questions". No hate, no hate, I actually like Lil' Wayne, I just feel that comment a.) made no sense and b.) just wasn't the right forum to say that. But I guess he was just keepin' it gangsta.

My DVD's Out

An interview I did with Sanaa Lathan, mostly centered on the DVD release of Tyler Perrys' The Family That Preys.

http://www.vibe.com/news/online_exclusives/2009/01/my_dvd_out_sanaa_lathan/