It's not the same w/o a Kanye Incident

MTV VMA's just finished around an hour ago, and I must say I'm glad they broadcasted it in NYC at Radio City Hall.

So I have been MIA from the whole blog world, but I'm back per se. Let me give you my highlights of tonight's show before I head to sleep (I have to be awake and not look dead-tired at work, you know.)

Madonna gave a great speech regarding her memory of Michael Jackson to start off the VMA's tribute to the King of Pop. Even though the performance was short, it was sweet with clips of music videos, dancing, and performance with Janet Jackson.
First televised award of the night was for Best Female Video, and winning over much deserved nominees was Taylor Swift. It was so great to see her win her first moon man award at her first VMA's. And to see Kanye West ruin her thunder by pulling another stunt by getting on stage and interrupting another thank you speech. Telling everyone that Beyonce deserved the award more than her. What a d-bag and so heart-wrenching to see Swift tear up.
Yes, I understand the status and talent that Beyonce has over Swift, but let me remind you it is a music video award, and the video concept for "You Belong with Me" still hands down has such a great story line scene to go with the music.

I know other people are disturbed by Lady Gaga, but I absolutely loved her performance! It was such a dramatic piece for "Paparazzi" it was reminiscent of Phantom of the Opera-ish. The end with all the blood may be too crazy for some, but it added the extra oomph to her performance, that it was definitely well played.

Beyonce's performance for "Single Ladies" was amazing; her alter ego 'Sasha Fierce' definitely gave a performance to remember. Of course a lot of thrusting and lights were all over the place, but the best is what I saw at home. It was such a sight when all of a sudden at the moment Beyonce danced, my younger cousins (at 10 and 13) jumped off the couch and danced in front of the TV. Oh it wasn't because they wanted to groove, it was also to imitate those Beyonce moves, lol. It may be a bit much for kids their age, but still too cute for words because they truly love dancing.

Pink had a daring performance hanging from a string and bar. So acrobatic, it had me on the edge of my seat, and glad to see she had no clothing malfunction (did anyone else see that tear below the heart in her outfit?)

Beyonce, of course, won Video of the Year. And it was one of the sweetest moments I have seen tonight to see that B wanted Taylor Swift to come out and finish her speech and thank you's after Kanye ruined her moment. I mean seriously you have to, especially after the fact all the audience booed after every Kanye mention and nomination pop up.

If you love the hip hop form and the piano tunes, you'll love Jay-Z's and Alicia Key's performance together to "Empire State of Mind" as much as I do. Hearing this piece definitely makes me want to buy the Blueprint III.

And random loving moment is when Richard Brand mentioned Hare Krishna at the end. What does that have to do with anything? But then again, that man is crazy with his sexcapades and vulgarity. But nothing's wrong with the Krishna. I love their food, more specifically to the ones at UF.

Those are my highlights of the show. Definitely plenty more I'm sure you can find out at the MTV VMA's website. But I must say one more thing, it's so great and disturbing to see that we live in such a techie age, where we live of the iPhone, Blackberry, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media networks. After signing on to Facebook and Twitter half an hour after the show ended, I must say most of my friends' status updates are amusing, especially reactions about Lady Gaga, Kanye, Beyonce, Taylor Swift, and Twilight. Just a thought for the night. Night!

Jay Sean Like My Summers

I recently discovered hot British Indian singer, Jay Sean. All my South Asians, have you already heard of him?? He did sign on to Cash Money Records earlier this year, maybe that's why I heard his song, "Down," on the radio.

Well, "Down" has definitely kept its place on my summer playlist this year. "Down" definitely epitomizes the songs I listen to during my summer days in Florida, besides the old school techno scene like Rockell. The beat sounds like it should be part of the Hot Import Night's scene, where the bass hits you from the system to your body. Well, if you really love Colby O'Donis and Qwote, Jay Sean is your man.

Check out "Down" and his other songs on his myspace.


Jay Sean - Down

America's Got Talent's "Susan Boyle"

Tonight America's Got Talent (AGT) and So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD) called out my name. If you don't know, one of my guilty pleasures is watching reality TV shows. So I have noticed it's been quite awhile since I've watched any, but maybe when you need to find financial stability again, you don't miss it.

Well, I'm glad I didn't miss tonight's AGT, even if I was jumping between AGT and SYTYCD (one song I loved was "Rock Your Soul" by Elisa.) I witnessed America's "Susan Boyle." If you've been living under a rock in the deep sea, you still should know about Susan Boyle, but if not, I'll recapture. Boyle auditioned and competed in Britain's Got Talent earlier this year. She was referred to the public as an ugly duckling who auditioned just for her mother in the hospital. But she had a beautiful voice, one that resounded to the world as one of the most powerful, sweetest voices to exist. And she moved on to the next round! Viral media took a storm and started to post articles, blogs, and videos of Boyle. Fame and exposure took a toll on Boyle's tender soul that it caused a breakdown. But that's just a little jiffy about Boyle.

So back to the point, America's "Susan Boyle" is Kari Callin. From what I remember, Callin knows she has a great voice. She's auditioned before, but have always known she hasn't gotten the job due to her looks. A look which seems to be from a cleft surgery. The story Callin told the audience and judges tonight was about her audition on a cruise ship. She got on stage, but before she could even open her mouth, the coordinator said she wasn't fit for the position. Ugh, what an outrage! Thanks to AGT, Callin's talents are publicly known now. If I were Callin, I would rub the TV success to all those people who denied me/her. I hope she wins or at least make it into the final rounds. And even if she doesn't, I wish her the best to find something in any music-related industry. Talent like hers should not be wasted, Hasselhoff, Piers, and Sharon know that all too well.

Oh and one more thing, even though I love Mariah Carey, I thought it was ridiculous to end the show with MC's new music video, "Obsessed." But props to MC and her management for figuring out a way to incorporate the music, i.e. hubby - Nick Cannon.

Hip Hop Theater Festival

It's already mid-July, and so much is happening around the DC metro area. I guess it's a given, when some parts of the year, it's blistering cold. Now this week, if you haven't heard the buzz from students, thespians, or hip hop enthusiasts, the Hip Hop Theater Festival (HHTF) is in town.

HHTF (founded in 2000) creates a more active presence of hip hop and theater. HHTF creates the awareness that hip hop isn't what Fox media presents as the "bling" and "thug life", but allowing artists such as lyricists, thespians, producers, and spoken word artists to present the relevant social issues to the public. And for those who don't know, hip hop has elements of the emcee, the dj, the taggers and the b-boy/b-girl dancers; it is not a thug/ho life affair.

HHTF in DC started this past Monday, July 6th, with the AM Radio Live Art and Performance and will continue to bring panel discussions, other theatrical performances, and dance parties until Saturday, July 11th. I had the great opportunity to volunteer at the festival this year and getting a chance to see Voices Remix: A People's History of the United States this past Tuesday was amazing. Granted I got to see the last 15 minutes of the show, but it still moved me regardless. I've always appreciated spoken word thanks to people like Bao Phi, Doug Kearney, Kelly Tsai and my peers at UF (especially those at EXHALE).

I love these art shows and festivals especially when the performances are available and free to the public at any point of the day and week. This is a great accessibility and opportunity to those who would otherwise believe they had no time and/or money. I loved the fact that HHTF had Zomo the Rabbit: A Hip-Hop Creation Myth at the THEARC, one of the few performances specifically geared towards the younger audience. Seeing all the kids' faces after watching the show was so cute. Not only was it cute, but knowing they had this great opportunity filled up my warm fuzzy heart. Thank you to all HHTF coordinators, staff, performers, sponsors, and the DC Arts Commission for bringing HHTF to DC. Oh and even though they may not know it, it was great meeting Regie, Dave, William, Clarence, Alorie, Clyde, Kamilah, Tommy, Ms. Shirley, and Morgan and everyone else!

Today is the last day of the Hip Hop Theater Festival, so check out Step into a World at Benning Park Recreation Center at 12pm and try to get into the "SOLD OUT" closing night performance, Don't Hit Mama, at Dance Place at 9pm. For more details about the events today, visit http://www.hhtf.org/.

Free Virgin Festival

So for all those who love the free, the anticipated Virgin Festival is free this year. Virgin Mobile Festival will be held at the Merriweather Post Pavilion (Columbia, MD) on Sunday, August 30, 2009. It's just 1-day instead of 2 days, but you can still enjoy the best music with your friends. Some perfomers Blink-182, Weezer, Public Enemy, Franz Ferdinand, ....

Free tickets are available to the public on Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 10am.
Go get them here: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/150042D6B391A3F1?artistid=790708&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1

King of Pop at Half a Century

I know I'm pretty late with the news, but I guess this is what happens when you're out of the house and your phone just doesn't work. I already heard during the first intermission from JenBabe, but as I got out of seeing the Royal Ballet perform Manon, KD informed me the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, had just died earlier. =o How crazy is that, especially since before that it was announced Farrah Fawcett died also. :(

Now we (young and old) all know Michael Jackson is crowned the King of Pop. This is a man who brought different styles of clothes, dance, music, faces, etc. He's a person who's influenced and/or worked with so many artists I love today. He's definitely become a symbol or more like an emblazoned icon in everyone's mind. Just think, he's lived in the entertainment biz his whole life from child to adult through all those trials and tribulations.

Man, I can't remember my first memory of when I first heard about Michael Jackson, but I do have one that is memorable and promising. I remember watching the Superbowl halftime one year, and it's the song "Heal the World" that just stuck with me. Seeing Jackson perform that song with so much hope and surrounding the whole stadium, just made me love music even more. Loving and knowing you can always have a positive message through a song.

Whether crazy or sane, good or bad, Michael Jackson will always be remembered. RIP King of Pop.

Sunday Morning

Sunday morning, I had so much anticipation, only because I knew I was going to attend the No Doubt concert! Eeeek! Haha. So it's some days now, and I finally have time to post pictures and update you.

If you were ever a No Doubt fan, this concert did not disappoint. Their opening acts in Virginia were The Sounds and Paramore. Didnt' get a chance to see The Sounds because my friends and I were pre-gaming in the parking lot, but they sounded great!

Once done and had a good little buzz, we started walking over to will call (which by the way seemed like forever and tiring.) Got our tickets, and started walking the General Admission Pit section. As we got closer we started hearing music, and thought we were going to miss No Doubt. So we all started hauling ass. It was definitely a sight to see 20-somethings running around trying to find the Pit section (reminds me back when I just started middle school, running so I would not miss class, and just being my nerdy self, lol). Thankfully our drunk selves found the pit and did not miss No Doubt. We got the chance to see Paramore, and those kids are amazing. Great energy they gave off stage.
So Paramore is done, they're setting up the stage for the next act. A white sheet was strewn across the whole stage! Then huge shadows of full profile of the band; it got all our hearts racing. Sheets drop, it's No Doubt!! They start playing the song that only you associate with No Doubt from middle school. "Dum dum, du, du duh, ... You think that we connect ..." Spiderwebs!!!! And of course the crowd goes wild!

No Doubt was amazing live! Great energy, jumping all around (but thankfully no mosh pit, lol), singing a-long, and interaction with the audience made it such a great show! It seemed like such a flawless show with everyone looking so great and with us being soo close!

got to go, will continue updating

No Doubt About That!

So tired, but awake. Taking a break to let you all know to wait for my post about the No Doubt concert from last night. It was amazing!

Electric Maid Clean Up in DC

Musicians do you need a space to perform in DC?

Perfect space would be the Electric Maid!! We need your help to bring the space your performance standards!!!

The Electric Maid is looking for musicians and other artists to volunteer at our big clean up event, Saturday, June 13th, from 11am to 4pm. Be a part of the living room space that will hold art, musical performances and other special events.

Interested in volunteering or have any other questions, contact Sandy Le, Volunteer Coordinator, at foot.volunteer@gmail.com or (301) 512-7250.

Electric Maid Cleanup
Saturday, June 13 from 11am to 4pm
268 Carroll St NW
Washington, DC 20012
http://electricmaid.org

Friends of Old Takoma, Inc. (FOOT) is an organization dedicated to facilitating the community involvement and maintaining the preservation and development of Old Town Takoma. Electric Maid is a community living room for the community of Takoma (DC)

source: http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/muc/1214784122.html

Asher Roth Summer Tour

Short news: Asher Roth will be in the DMV area August 4th (Rams Head) and 5th (9:30 club) with Kid Cudi, B.O.B., 88 Keys, and Pac Dic!!!

source: NME - http://www.nme.com/news/nme/45056

Gaga back in DC

We all know awhile ago, Lady Gaga canceled her SOLD OUT 9:30 performance due to an American Idol performance the night before (so lame, but I still contest to my other theory). Well she has rescheduled her performance in DC, but this time it'll be at the DAR Constitution Hall. It will hold more people and tickets will be just a bit more. So if you missed out the chance to buy a ticket, you have a second chance now.

And some of you may wonder what about those SOLD out tickets from the 9:30 club? Well, those people had a chance to buy the tickets presale this past Wednesday. Makes me wonder, those ticketholders from 9:30 club
1. did they want to see Gaga because tickets were cheaper?
2. would those cheap people mind paying the extra bucks to see a show where they actually can see the stage?
3. are they "Gaga-natics" and willing to pay whatever price to see Lady Gaga?
4. will her show at DAR be sold out?
5. and are they willing to see the show on a Tuesday, when at the 9:30 it was on a Friday?

Those are my questions, I'll just wait and see. But regardless of my curiousities, I heard her performances have been great around the country. Some people have called it "ah-mazing!" If I wasn't so broke, I'd go buy a ticket to experience "The Fame." Tickets go on sale today for Lady Gaga's concert at the DAR Constitution Hall (DC) on Tuesday, September 29th at 8pm.

The "Egg-o is Preg-o"

According to a close friend, Ms. Jennifer Hudson is pregnant with her fiance, David Otunga. One of Hudson's close friend admitted attending a recent baby shower. Friend mentioned guests came bearing gifts in yellow. The guests didn't know the sex of the baby, since Hudson and Otunga wanted it to be a surprise. Even if the engaged couple doesn't want to know, I'm sure the public is wondering the expected date, will the baby be a boy or a girl, and what's the name going to be.

Shamelessly, I know it is a pry into Hudson's life to know about the baby news, but after the terrible family tragedy Hudson dealt with last year, I am happy good news and new beginnings are coming her way. =)

source: NME - http://www.nme.com/news/various-artists/45026

Won't Even Start

I've always been a big fan of Wong Fu Productions, including their early work. I admire the creativity, especially the funny "Yellow Fever" and "music videos." It's just a shame I graduated too early from UF not getting a chance to hear them speak. On to the point, I recently got a chance to check out a music video they officially produced and directed for David Choi's "Won't Even Start."

David Choi is talented, with a nice chill acoustic beachy tone. If anyone knows what I mean, kinda like Ken Oak Band and Jason Mraz. No doubt about it, Choi's music just reiterates the fact that I will always love that soul Cali chill music. He may not know it, maybe he does, but he will be another face the Asian American youth will look up to. So regardless if you want him as your role model or just love his music, give Choi and Wong Fu some props for the MV.

Check it out


David Choi - Won't Even Start

Fly speaks to True Love

Recently, I've been getting back into the habit listening to music on my Pandora account, and one song I have truly been amazed with is "Fly" by J. Holiday. The song has great lyrics and a beat that involves the slow smooth R&B and boy-pop band combo. Which is a great whammy!

Now to the lyrics, even though I have never been in the seat of true love, I feel like for those who truly are in love, they would definitely understand these lyrics. My belief is that anyone who really loves anyone would never hold them back from succeeding no matter how selfish they want them to stay. This doesn't mean to regret any moments you have with each other, but to always be happy with their accomplishments. It's always hopeful for those who have a love who's gone to hear songs like "Fly."


J.Holiday - Fly

Should I Hate It or Love It

Now we've all come across songs that we love and hate. And that's probably because we love the beats, but hate the underlying themes and lyrics. Yes, most music out there today probably has no substance, and that's what the popular has come to accept and love. So when I come across an artist with a great story nowadays I appreciate that rawness, but I do digress.

Many times, I'm guilty loving songs that have no substance, but I'm fine with it. One example is Lady Gaga's album, Fame, where the theme here is just about having fun and partying, and I just love to jam to it. But I do have problems when the lyrics are derogatory, i.e. Yin Yang Twins' song, "Get Low."

So I've come to hear an R. Kelly song, and the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear R. Kelly is either R&B singer and/or pedophile (it's true, don't deny it.) So earlier I heard a banging beat that's great to go out to (and I love music like that) but then I heard something about being Superman high, and it just disgusts me when I listen to the lyrics. Lo and behold it will surprise you, it's R. Kelly's new song, which is more like club rap than his usual R&B hits.

So check it out, R. Kelly's "Superman High," do you love it or hate it??


R. Kelly ft. OJ Da Juiceman - Superman High

FM x Epik High

Far East Movement announces: Verizon Wireless presents "Map the Soul," a 4 city tour.

Now why would they go and do that? Well, they'll be on the tour, of course, along with Epik High (group from Korea). For more information about the tour and where FM's going to be, check it out at http://www.fareastmovement.com/st/epik-highfm-tour/

Inked Souls Update and Exhale tonight

One more day until Inked Souls (in Crystal City) and tonight will be a spoken word competition in Downtown Bethesda. It's going to be amazing!!!

Not only will The Document, DJ LIL'e, Big Benz, and other artists be out at Inked Souls tomorrow night, Tabi Bonney and DJ Heavy Grinder will make guest appearances and perform. ^_^ Also one thing I forgot to mention, bring a T-shirt and Truth among Liars will silk screen your tee from a couple designs, just for you!!!

And if you don't want the night to be over, Inked Souls afterparty will be at Mackey's Pub (320 South 23rd St, Arlington, VA), doors opening at midnight.

Now if you want to get your weekend started tonight with a chiller vibe, check out a Poetry Slam competition at the Washington School of Photography (4850 Rugby Ave, Bethesda, MD) at 8pm. It's part of the Bethesda Literary Festival and I believe this event is best suited for a mature audience. If you're not familiar with a poetry slam, you should definitely experience it and get your mind blown out of the gutters.

Inked Souls, good for you like chicken soup

Art Whino x Tagür x Crystal City = Inked Souls

If you're in DC and looking for something to do this Saturday, April 18th, check out Inked Souls' opening night from 6pm to 12am (midnight) in crystal City. Art Whino is teaming up with Tagür sneakers to exhibit customized sneakers, photography, and canvas art for Inked Souls this year. Opening night will feature The Document (break dance art performance), Big Benz (TTM Entertainment), and DJ LIL'e (Black Cat's resident DJ).

If you end up missing the opening night, don't worry about it. Inked Souls will run until May 9th at 2450 Crystal Dr, Arlington, VA (metro accessible.) The gallery hours are Friday, 4-8pm, and Saturday, 12-6pm. And don't forget to check Art Whino's own gallery out in the National Harbor (173 Waterfront St., Oxon Hill, MD. All FREE & open to the PUBLIC!!

Kid Cudi, Say it isn't so

I remember first hearing Day n' Nite earlier this year when I visited home back in Tampa, and I thought it would take another couple months (or maybe longer) before I heard Kid Cudi's song in DC. Boy was I wrong. Over the weekend, I hung out with my buddies at Lucky Bar and in the middle of all the old school (80s pop and hip-hop), top pop, dirty south, and new rap, and then I hear, "it's day n' nite..." Oh snap, Kid Cudi has blown up all over now, especially if I hear it in DC. Mad props to the DJ that night who played the song.

Now if you didn't know at the end of March, Crate Kings informed their readers Kid Cudi was looking for beat makers, accepting open submissions for possible new tracks for his new album. But is it out the door now? To those who have already e-mailed him, no, but it sounds like you can't send any new e-mails anymore. Apparently his inbox is packed to the max with beats, so for all those who are too late to respond, oh well. You snooze, you lose. Better luck next time.

No Doubt New Music

Summer reminds me of citrus/tropical fruits, sunshine, ocean and music festivals. Like that lil' intro, don't ya? Well, if you haven't heard yet, No Doubt is back together again to do a huge summer tour, and guess who's excited? ME!!! A couple months ago, I already bought my Gen. Admission Pit tickets for their June 14th Nissan Live Nation concert in DC/VA. I also can't wait until the month before the concert where I'll get my code to download all of the No Doubt songs ever made. =) Honestly I didn't think this day would ever come, especially since they have been on hiatus for awhile. But it seems like they're working on a new album while they're on tour. Heard a leak for one of their new songs, Stand and Deliver, and it is so catchy. It definitely has that Orange County, Cali vibe I've always liked. Check it out, if it stays up for long, no guarantee.

No Doubt - Stand and Deliver

Lady Gaga, Flo Rida and Wu Tang Clan in the DMV

If you haven't heard yet, Lady Gaga is coming to DC and Flo Rida and Wu Tang Clan are coming to Montgomery County, MD this weekend.

Today (4/2/09), I heard on Hot 99.5 that Flo Rida is coming to Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville tonight at 7pm. He has teamed up with Hot 99.5's the Kane Show to raise awareness and money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by hosting a basketball charity game. Flo Rida will be coaching a team and the basketball game will take place tonight at Richard Montgomery High School (250 Richard Montgomery Dr, Rockville, MD) and open to the public with a $5 donation. Visit Hot 99.5 for more details.

Also tonight, Lady Gaga was supposed to perform and party to a sold out show at the 9:30 Club (815 V St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001) tonight, but it seems like Hot 99.5 has postponed the show (rain-date TBD). Perhaps it's because Hot 99.5 recently found out today that Flo Rida and LLS is honoring the Kane Show at the basketball charity tonight. Let's hope that's not the case for Lady Gaga.

Now Friday (4/3/09) will be surprising for my friends back home. I saw a commercial the other day for Wu Tang Clan tickets in Gaithersburg, MD. Yup, that's right, Gai..thers..burg at 8pm. Ghostface Killah, Cappadona, Inspectah Deck and Wood aka Colt Seavers with WuTang DJ Mathematics will be performing live at the End Zone (317 Diamond Ave, Gaithersburg, MD). Doors open at 8pm, tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. Since I saw it awhile ago, there's a 50/50 chance it may be sold out.

If you don't check out any of the acts while you're in DC this weekend, at least enjoy the cherry blossoms, especially since they're in peak bloom now.

Peace.

Keri Hilson's Knock You Down

Yesterday, Keri Hilson released to the world her new song with Kanye West and Ne-Yo called Knock You Down from her album, In a Perfect World, released today. It's definitely a new song I'll be jamming to this coming spring. I'll let you know how the rest of the album is.

Keri Hilson - Knock You Down

lil bit for everyone incl. hawks player

Looks like Atlanta Hawks's player, Al Horford (Florida Gator Alum), has made a small appearance in Ciara's new MV. Could it possibly mean the two are seeing each other or shall we see more of Horford in future MVs? Thanks to BET Exclusive and Liz for the MV.

Ciara - Never Ever

Rihanna has a new song out, even in light of the C.Brown-Rihanna pre-Grammy mess. It's not a club-banging hit like her other songs, but has a nice mellow island tune to it. Reminds a bit of Sean Kingston's "Beautiful Girls".

Rihanna - Hatin on the Club

If you don't know FM (Far East Movement), well now is the time to know. Been following their music since I first heard them on the Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift soundtrack with Round Round. Here's a new song to request on the radio from FM.

FM-Far East Movement - Girls on the Dance Floor

I loved Natalie's Love You So, so I was excited when she updated her myspace with a new single called Hey. Glad she's still working on her music and sounds like her music has definitely grown.

Natalie - Hey

If no one out there knows, I'm a sucker for MTV. And thanks to their Super Sweet 16 episodes, some of the kids listen to some catchy songs. One kid had Jupiter Rising perform at his party, and I'm glad they were there, kudos to you kid. Well to the point, they've made posts on their myspace in regards to one of their friends/photographer, Nabil Elderkin. Elderkin recently directed Kanye West's new MV, Welcome to Heartbreak. Jupiter Rising also mentioned Colin Munroe who remixed Kanye's Flashing Lights to a more melodic sound, but still with the same beat. The dude's talented. Thank you, Jupiter Rising!

Kanye West - Welcome to Heartbreak


Colin Munroe - I Want Those Flashing Lights

Upcoming young singer, Asia Cruise, is from Jacksonville, FL. Okay, I hear it now from my friends, "Duuuval". LOL. Last year, she kept her identity hidden, so the public could inquire, "Who is Asia Cruise?" Well, I'm sure most of you are still wondering. I don't know much about her background, but when I first heard Selfish, I immediately thought it was a new Cassie joint, boy was I wrong. Now it's a new year, and Asia Cruise is out working on her new album with mainstream artists like Colby O'Donis and T-Pain. Check out her new song , Run Away.

Asia Cruise ft. Colby O'Donis - Run Away

If you haven't heard yet, sounds like Dru Hill is making a comeback. Yup, Baltimore's own has released a new song, If You Fall. Check it out, along with their new album, Indrudependence Day, coming out some time this year.

Dru Hill - If You Fall

Below are some new songs I've heard and loving from mainstream and underground artists. Check them out.


Tydis ft. Chingy - Make Me Say


Bayje - Find A Way (thanks to Flo Rida for letting his fans know about Bayje)


Trey Songz - Brand New


Jennifer Hudson - If This isn't love

Obama Inauguration Recap

I'm clearly behind and late with my updates, but getting over a nasty cold and looking for jobs really do take up your time (well minus the fact that I also help out my aunt with odds and ends.)

Sunday, January 18th - Opening Inaugural Ceremonies aka Obamarama Concert

Obama definitely brought the cold from Chicago to DC that weekend because it was definitely the weather for layers, scarfs, hats, long johns, and gloves. The Inaugural Concert had a great lineup with gates opening at 8am and performance starting at 2:30pm. My DC ladies decided to meet at the Farragut metro at 10am to walk together towards the Lincoln Memorial. I didn't think it would be crowded by the time we got there, but it was insane-ish. The line into the memorial area wasn't bad, but when we got in, people were everywhere.

You can see people lying on their blankets, taking naps and staying warm, most of them being there since 7am (<--crazy). One complaint I do have is that if you're coming out to a free concert with your blanket and complain about people getting your blanket dirty because they're trying to get through, get over it. Should have known better. Do you really think it's going to stay clean, eh? Well, wrong! The crowd was intense for me. Not a lot of comraderie that I would like, but then again they did want to see the artists and celebrities for free. This may be one of the few times I coudn't stand being short. I barely saw anybody on stage, especially when everywhere around me it was tall people. I did see Tom Hanks, but everything else was by audio or the brief seconds I saw the screen. There were only (if I remember) just 3 or 4 screens of the stage for the audience, all which by the way were at the front near the stage and not distributed so well. I would really like to know how the PIC planned this event, especially when they were expecting 1/2 a million to come out. Although I didn't get to see much, the experience was amazing! Cheers for Obama and reveling in the songs and support was an amazing experience.

Even with my short stature, it was so worth the wait, the results of tired legs, and being able to watch the rerun on HBO. It was exciting every time the camera panned over the crowds. Inside my head I was saying, "I was there! Right in the mess of the crowd, right there!" LOL.

Monday and Tuesday - Sick Days and Inauguration

Unfortunately, my small cough from that morning ended up turning into a bad cold. Woke up Monday morning feeling all nauseous. Had to cancel my volunteering :( and stayed in bed all day. Sore throat, coughing non-stop, headache, not hungry, ugh. So I took some Nyquil and knocked out, hoping I could still make it out to Inauguration. Well my body told me, no. Major sadness. I ended up watching the Inauguration from my sofa instead. It would have been great to go out, but at least I went to one of the celebratory events. Thank goodness.

Neighborhood Inaugural Ball was great to watch in the comforts of my bedroom. The defining moment that night was when Barack and Michelle Obama had their first dance as President and First Lady. Both looked very lovely and definitely in love. The warm feeling they had for each other definitely radiated out to the US. As they danced to "At Last" sung by Beyonce, it definitely felt like old school music was coming back. Watching the dance brought tears to my eyes. You can see the emotions when Beyonce sang, which was moving and powerful. The overwhelming feeling that we're living in the ages of the first black US president and seeing the power shift in the office in hopes for change in the US.

I'm still hoping for Obama and the US, even if there are a couple mistakes he's made so far. But he's still learning, and thankfully it's not at the end of his presidential term, where he can't learn from the mistakes. I have faith and optimism for you, Obama.

StarStruck for Obama

It's the talk of the town, or more like the whole nation. This weekend will be one of the craziest weekend to experience. Yes, it's Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, but it's also the kick-off weekend to the Inauguration Ceremony, welcoming Barack Obama into presidency. Even if you didn't vote for the man, you must admit, we are witnessing a part of a historical moment, the first black president of the United States.

So much uproar that celebrities and performers are coming into DC. It will be one of the biggest all-star events coming to the District. If you want to know who's all coming here's a lineup of what I know, thanks to TeamBBC, the Presidential Inauguration Committee and Kelly Tsai.

Friday, January 16, 2009
* Jay-Z - 8pm @ Love the Club - One of the inaugural galas

Saturday, January 17, 2009
* Diddy - 8pm @ Love the Club

Sunday, January 18, 2009
* Open Inaugural Ceremonies @ Lincoln Memorial (Gates open 8am, Event starts 2:30pm) [HBO and HBO.com will telecast live] - Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Bono, Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, Renee Fleming, Josh Groban, Herbie Hancock, Heather Headley, John Legend, Jennifer Nettles, John Mellencamp, Usher, Shakira, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, will.i.am, and Stevie Wonder. Among those reading historical passages will be Jamie Foxx, Martin Luther King III, Queen Latifah and Denzel Washington. The Rt. Reverend V. Gene Robinson will give the invocation.
* NAACP Welcome Center Celebrity Poetry Slam @ 7pm @ Lansburgh Theatre (450 7th St NW) - Common and Kelly Tsai
* TI, Young Jeezy, Akon - 8pm @ Love the Club

Monday, January 19, 2009
* Kids Inaugural Concert @ Verizon Center (Doors open 5pm, Event starts 7pm) [Disney Channel, Radio Disney and Disney.com will telecast live at 8pm EST] - Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Bow Wow, Billy Ray Cyrus, Keke Palmer, and Usher
* Common - 8pm @ Love the Club

Tuesday, January 20, 2009
* Swearing in Ceremony @ 11:30am @ West front of Capitol Hill - Barack Obama, the United States Marine Band, The San Francisco Boys Chorus and the San Francisco Girls Chorus, Aretha Franklin, John Williams, Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, Gabriela Montero and Anthony McGill
* Inaugural Parade @ 2:30pm @ Penn Ave
* Neighborhood Inaugural Ball @ 7:00 p.m. @ Walter E. Washington Convention Center [ABC will telecast live at 8pm EST] - Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Faith Hill, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Shakira, Stevie Wonder and Nick Cannon (as DJ)

More celebrities and performers will be around, so you may get a chance to see the following also:
Dionne Warwick, Ludacris, Yolanda Adams, Big Boi (Outkast), Chaka Khan, T-Pain, Monica, Athena Cage, George Clinton, Cedric the Entertainer, Fantasia, Marvin Sapp, Kirk Franklin, Jalen Rose, Smokie Norful, The Temptations, Howard Hewitt, Chuck Jackson, Nancy Wilson, Peter Paul & Mary, Jason Taylor, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, The Caravans, Isaiah Washington, Taraji Henson, David Banner, Bella Steez, Goapele, Tracey and Alonzo Mourning, Carlos Pena, Tito Puente Jr, Bootsy Collins, Eve, Mya, Spike Lee, Fall Out Boy, Jessica Alba, Oprah Winfrey, Citizen Cope, Beastie Boys, Jack Johnson, Macy Gray, LLCoolJ, Russell Simmons, Halle Berry, Ashton Kutcher, Rihanna, etc.

For more official Inaugural activities, visit pic2009.org

2009 with a bang

Happy New Year!!

Sorry for the lack of updates :(. Been so busy with the holidays and job hunting that I haven't had time to write anything.

So briefly here are my thoughts for the past couple weeks.

1. JenBabe got me a signed copy of Soulchild's new CD (yay me!). Listened to it, not so awesome, but still has some nice jams, and it's signed (so can't complain here).
2. "Dead & Gone" by TI ft. Justin Timberlake - Heard the song when the album was released, now it's finally out on the radio. So hot. Request it on your radio!
3. Soundtrack to The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - So touching and moving = Great in my book.
4. Got a chance to see Traffik perform "Hercules" on NYE at Destiny Nightclub in Orlando. I have heard the song before (very catchy, dirty, and ridiculous), but it was NYE so I don't remember the performance that night.
5. Notorious, the movie, coming out January 16th. Movie about Biggie, can't wait to check it out.
6. Will come up soon with my top hits/playlist of 2008.

Now wish me luck on the hunt! I need it!

Peace out! ^_^