The End of Another Year

Wellllll...it's the end of another year; the end of another decade; and time to start anew again. I'm really thankful for the chance to start this process over again (with a few changes here and there), and for the chance to see 2010. I know most people didn't have that chance afforded to them, and if they did, then they may not have been able to ring in the new year in as good as circumstances as I did.



Now this song is played throughout the entire country (maybe world), and I'm sure we've all heard it through and through (even though I'll admit...I don't know all of the words. lol). But there's a special meaning to this song, which is to forgive what happened in the past year, and leave it in the past. Which is true. I believe that some things should be left in the past, and not carried into the new year. A New year....new beginnings.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?

I'm not sure about you guys reading this, but I plan to ring in this year claiming it to be one of greatness and prosperity. I'm not gonna lay it out on the table just yet, but ya boy's got some BIG plans in store, and if the Big Guy upstairs says so, then it's gonna be on and poppin this year. I can't wait. It's gonna be a great time a'comin!

Now that I've got that out the way, here's the party anthem that's appropriate for ANY YEAR:



Celebrate Good times people......HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

How Good It Is?

Yeah I know it's been a minute since I last posted, but there's been a good reason for this: #1 being that I'm in my hometown and there's no internet connection at the parental units crib. (yeah I'm thievin...but don't tell nobody! lol) But onto the subject at hand...and that's to discuss the music of the moment.

For some reason, Erykah Badu has been on my mind heavy lately. I'm not sure why, because I've never been the biggest E. fan, but there are some of her songs that I get into. To me, she's always been good for the songs where you can sit down with that special boo, pop open a bottle of your favorite wine, listen to her music, and just enjoy the company that you're in. I'm actually gonna discuss my top 4 today...startin with this song:



Now this has been, and will always be my favorite song. She poured her heart and soul into this song, singin about her jealousy for a past love and his current lady. She's caught up in the game, and she can't leave. I've been there before and it's not a nice sight. But then again, ain't nothin you can do about it but wipe up your feelings and move on to the next one.

Next up:



I think it was one of my Twitter friends who put this song in my head (and if it was then *shakin fist at you*), but in a way, I'm glad they did. I didn't realize how tight this song is...and I had to go back and revisit it. Now that I've done so, this song has bumped itself into the #2 spot of my faves of Erykah. Hailing from her second CD "Mama's Gun", this was one of many bangers from this CD. I think that Erykah's best work was done on her first 2 CDs. Honestly, she lost some of her touch after Mama's Gun. Don't get me wrong, the ones after MG was ok to good, but not on the levels of Baduizm and MG.

Now let's move to my favorite song from Baduizm:



Have you ever had that one person that you was really feelin, but have the strangest idea that you two won't ever make it to that level? This is what E was singin about in this song. Now she's involved in a relationship, but she's really diggin this other dude. So because she can't get with dude, she says that they'll be together...next lifetime. Hopefully it'll work out for them next time when they are butterflies. LOL

And last but not least, This wasn't on any one CD, yet a soundtrack, but it definitely makes it onto my list.



This was around the time that Erykah was messin with Common (and even though she had him all kinds of open....but I digress..lol). But this was a very fun song, and this is a good dance song in the club, or even in the privacy of your own home. All I'ma say is quit frontin like the one you with ain't the one that you lovin on day in and day out. E didn't.

Let it Snow!

Today's post is dedicated to the weather...since here in DC, we're supposed to get at least a foot and a half of snow tomorrow. Seriously, I don't see that happening, BUT in lieu of it coming during the Christmas season (thank you Jesus), today will be about those holiday songs that bring out the Merry Ho Ho in us all.



This is one of quite a few songs that tend to excite the young lad in me. Honestly, music in general does this, but being as though I'm out on my own now, it's songs like this that remind me of my youth. I believe that Christmas is a time that you spend with your loved ones, and a lot of these songs, I've been hearing since childhood. You'd think that I would get tired of hearing em, but one can never get tired of things that bring joy to your life. (pause...)

With that being said, here are some of my favorites:

N'Sync - O Holy Night: Yeah I know....but these white boys KILT this version!

Donny Hathaway - This Christmas: God rest his soul. Nobody ever since has been able to do an edition of this song like he did.

The Temptations - Silent Night: Christmas just ain't Christmas without them wailing this song out over the radio waves.

Vanessa Williams - What Child is This: I love this version because it's very soulful and chill. But then again, when have you ever really known V. Dubb to be extra krunk.

Whitney Houston - Who Would Imagine a King: This lady has PLENTY o' Christmas hits I coulda said...but this one just stands out as it describes the REAL reason for Christmas.

Nat King Cole - The Christmas Song: This is one of my FAVORITE Christmas songs...everytime this song comes on, I'm goin IN!

Alvin and the Chipmunks - Hula Hoop: If anything is indicative of one's childhood, this would be it.....old school video and all.

Eartha Kitt - Santa Baby: One of the sexiest songs ever sang about Kris Kringle. LOL.

Listening to these songs always put me in a good mood. What are some of your favorites?

The NEW Robin Thicke

The title to this post has a double meaning to it. Yes it is about the new Robin Thicke joint that just came out today, but it's also in meaning to a new person. A new Robin Thicke if you will. As you read on, you'll see what I mean by the double meaning.

Sex Therapy is pretty much not what I thought it would be, classic Robin if you will. A bunch of ballads and lounge songs that made RT known for what he is. I know that many people (myself included) thought that it would be like albums from the past: a bunch of kick back and relax, enjoy the breeze in the sunset, ride along in your car on a hot summer day type songs. But Robin had another thought in mind for all of his fans.

This is where the new Robin comes into play. Sure enough, he's done duets with rappers (one of my favorites being Shooter w/ Weezy), but even in those, he's always stayed true to his form....a singer. Never has he tried to take on the role of the person that he's doing the song with. Well I guess this is a new era...a new decade....a new Robin. Cause on the first half of the cd, that's all it is...the hip hop, "rappin" Robin. IMO it's a different look on him, but given some more practice, one that the world could (and would) get used to. Now I will admit, I think he ran into some writers' block on those songs (see Shakin It 4 Daddy, and Meiplè), but they introduce a more upbeat, fun Robin w/ looks from Hov, Nicki Minaj, and the Doggfather himself, Snoop. Even Kid Cudi makes a hot track with Robin in Elevatas.

Now that's not to say that classic Robin doesn't come out...cause on the last half of the cd, that's when true to form, what we're used to Robin shines through. "Jus Right" is a personal favorite from this part of the cd, and even "Mona Lisa" does it for me. Let's not forget the song that put this CD on the map in the first place: Sex Therapy. That song just drips all kinds of sex from the first intro to the end. Honestly, it's a look that Robin should never COMPLETELY stray away from, cause it's what created who he is, and it'll continue to bring him success in life.

But all in all, even though it seems like 2 separate cds from the first half to the second half, I still think it's a pretty good cd in all. I'd give it a B+, simply because he still needs to work at the "new" Robin more before I can give him an A on that type of effort. But as of right now, I like it, and I give it my stamp of approval.

Good job Robin!

We Must be in Love

This post is actually dedicated to one of my B.L.A.C.K. brothers who is gettin married this weekend (congrats M. Moore...do it big homie!). As he and I had a conversation about the whole marriage deal, it made me think, which songs would define my wedding? Now I know that there are PLENTY o songs out there that could convert as wedding songs, but I believe that wedding music should be specific to the couple that's getting married.



Now I know that I'd have to compromise some things, because my tastes aren't going to always directly line up with my wife's; but there are some songs that are MUSTS in my wedding. Now everything is not going to be all slow dances, and tearjerkers. But these songs are those that I would recommend in ANY wedding (now the reception..thats' a whole different post right there.

In my opinion, music for the wedding should fit the occasion at hand. A serious moment where you and your bride (or groom) to be are about to join as one under the eyes of God. Me personally, I don't think that coming down the aisle to some uptempo beat (insert any of the millions on deck) should be incorporated into your ceremony. You may get a few side eyes from the guests, and definitely the evil eye from the mothers. lol. Not a good way to start off relations with your new in-laws. LOL

But below are some songs that I would love to have in my wedding (if I ever have one...I'm still prayin on that one. lol)

Boyz II Men - I Do: This song is definitely a wedding song. I mean, if you listen to the lyrics, they pretty much give you the vows to say. LOL

Kenny Lattimore - For You: Classic wedding song. If you really love this woman, then this song will show everyone through song.

Jaheim - Forever: A nice ghetto swing to it...but still appropriate for all age limits.

Intro - Ribbon in the Sky: Now I know folx will not feel me on this one, but guess what, I think that Intro's version was better than Stevie's. *shrugs*

Beyoncè & Luther - The Closer I Get to You: Now I tried to get away from Luther, since we all know that the majority of his slow ballads were wedding/baby makers lmao, but hey, we gotta give the man props when props are due.

Brian McKnight - Never Felt This Way: This here...coupled with a beautiful bride, will have not a DRY EYE in the building if played while she's walking down the aisle. Alicia Keys did a wonderful version of this song as well, but only as an interlude.

and even this one:

will work out what you want to say to her, especially if you can't figure out the right words for her. Just listen to Jesse....he can give you some pointers (as long as you don't plaigarize his song).

The way you walk
the way you talk
the way you say my name, your smile
The way you move,
the way you soothe me
the way you sing softly through the night
Every morning you rise
and open your eyes
I just wanna be with you baby
I just wanna be yours
From this day forth.

Do You Know What Today Is?

It's our Anniversary.....made for you and me

This post is dedicated to those dudes that I like to think created what we now know as the "Neo-Soul movement". From back in the 80's these three guys known as Tony! Toni! Tonè! set out the movement of songs that could make you bump your head, or just feel it in the setting of a dimly lit room with the one you love (or was crushin..lol). The song posted above was one of my favorites for a multitude of reasons...1 of em being that the album that it was listed on, was the first CD I had owned...so you know it got madd play from me. But the lyrics let you know that he was excited that it was another year (or month or whatever) for them, and he was glad to be able to experience it with her.

The pleasure's all mine, we have seen good times
It's our Anniversary
Victoria won't be no secret at the end of the day
It's our anniversary
A small cup of tea
and YOU can have me
it's our anniversary


Tony! Toni! Toneè! (or as I call them, the 3Ts) had a number of hits spanning over about 10 years or so, and every time they released a new album, it always had a different style to it, but the best part about it, is that all the styles had a unique yet similar look to them. It was like you'd expect the 3Ts to fit into each style...they never tried to be something that they couldn't be.

Although they had a bunch of hits between the 3 of them, here are some of my favorites right here:

Slow Wine: Another banger from the Sons of Soul CD


Little Walter: One of their early hits...talkin about the ultimate horrid roommate situation. And Sinbad as the roommate was hilarious.

Whatever You Want: This is probably my favorite song by them.

It Never Rains in Southern California: Who lied to them?! LOL

Thinking of You: Using that old Al Green sample, but they brought a 90s feel to it.

Ask of You: Yeah I know that this was Raphael by himself, but he was still a member of the group at that time!

Just Me and You: From the Boyz in the Hood Soundtrack...definitely a banger.

Feels Good: Jams from the early 90s.

House Party (I Don't Know What You Come to Do): Don't act like yall ain't wanna be up in the Pajama Jammy Jam watchin that movie! LOL

1 and 2 and 3 and 4

Get them sit ups right and
Tuck your tummy tight and
Do your crunches like this...

Today's post is dedicated to those who like the workout plan...both the Jane Fonda and the Kanye style. LOL. I worked out this morning, and as I sit here feeling the effects of said workout already (lol), I thought I'd post somethin a lil light and airy in the wake of all that's goin bad. This is dedicated to those who like to do that "workout plan":



This song was one of my instant favorites from "College Dropout", which wasn't hard to do since CD was my favorite 'Ye album. Now I did one from Late Registration as well (see here), so it was only right that I had to do CD some justice too. This was one of those songs from CD that broke the serious tones that 'Ye produced on other tracks such as "Through the Wire", "All Falls Down", and "Spaceship" (which by the way was another instant favorite as well).

I know we all laughed when listening to this song, especially the testimonies of the breezies who "benefitted" from the workout plan. I know my favorite was Ellie Mae from Mobile, AL, who was able to pull a double wide and ride a plane. *dead* I just love this song because it's light and fun, and brings a good laugh to everyone's demeanor. I mean, we all need that sometime. Now I'm waitin on some breezy to tell me this:

Thanks to Kanye's workout plan
I'm the envy of all my friends
See I pulled me a baller man
And I ain't gotta work at the mall again.

*dead*

Dirty Diana

Tonight's post is goin out to the one who was one of very few people who EARNED his "King" title. This man seemed to get more fans each and every decade, and probably the ONLY person who got more fans once he passed away. I'm not sure how he did it, but then again, Mike was always the man. This post is about one of my favorite songs by Michael Jackson: Dirty Diana.



This song always gets me krunk whenever I play it. The fact that Mike was so serious about not gettin with this girl who smashed all the celebrity homies made it that much more believing. I mean, the fact that he KNEW she smashed the homies, and still beat it....trips me out. But I'm jus sayin...sometimes it beez like dat. We fall prey, even though we know we ain't sposed to.

But this beat tho....goes HARD. The guitar is the best part about this song. It is matchin the emotion that MJ is puttin into this beat for beat, note for note. But clearly MJ takes it home with these words:

Diana walked up to me
she said "I'm all yours tonite"
and then I ran to the phone
sayin "Baby I'm alright,
But unlock the door,
cus I forgot the key"
She said "he's not comin back
because he's sleepin WIT ME!"

Dirty Diana.....she was a bad broad; nobody could resist her....not even MJ.

We Major

Who remembers when Kanye was known for his flow rather than his eff ups? For showin his skills lyrically as opposed to showin his ass on stage? For gettin people not to sip the kool-aid instead of him sippin the henn? I know I do. Ever since he dropped "Through the Wire" as his first single from "College Dropout", Kanye always had a fan in D. Mitch. To this day, I still bump that CD like it fell off the truck yesterday. But this post isn't about any song off of that CD, but the one after that "Late Registration".



This was Kanye's sophomore album, and to be honest, this CD went as hard as College Dropout did. There will always be a battle against true hip-hop heads as to which CD was better...me personally, I always say that College Dropout was bangin on Late Registration, but I can see why others would say the converse is true. He had madd hits (and skits) on both albums, and they went tit for tat, track for track. But one thing that me and others alike will all agree on, is that "We Major" is definitely one of the best tracks from the 2nd joint.

Coupled with the imaginative and lyrical genius of Prince Nasir, this easily is one that will be stored in the archives for generations to come to enjoy. This is one of those tracks that one can just put in the ride, let it play, and everyone who's listening can sit back and enjoy. Kanye gets 5 stars for this track, and if you know me, then I don't say that about many songs.

Now...if we could just get THAT Kanye back on the scene, the world would start to ease back toward a happy medium.

Bug a Boos

Have you ever had that one person, that you told to leave you be (no matter why the reason), but they can't seem to get it out of their heads that you don't want to be bothered? I know that Dave Hollister did, and he told the world in his first single dropped as a solo artist "My Favorite Girl"



Dave had just left the group Blackstreet to pursue his own career as a solo artist. He dropped his first CD named "Ghetto Hymns", and he definitely established himself with this track.

The girl he's singin about can't get him off her mind. The problem is that he's moved on, and that he's not tryin to deal with her anymore. The even bigger problem is that she's not letting him go anywhere, even when he is tryin his damnest to get away. She shows her serious stalker side in these words:

"Leave me alone....
callin me and hangin up cus wife is home
How'd you get my number in the first place?
The shit ain't even listed under my name!"

I seriously believe Dave was singin about someone that was stalkin him for real in this song. And if he ain't...then someone who is currently goin through is feelin him. But then again, that entire CD was full of real life situations and themes that those from the hood (and otherwise) could deal with. Even when you tell her this, if she don't get it through her head then you might have "a thin line between love and hate" on your hands...lol

You callin me and ya tellin
cause you wantin me
and you needin me
cause you lonely
and you can't see
how I can be
with another B-I-T-C-H
and that she could never be
my wifey
Why can't you see
it wasn't meant for
you and me to be?

Yikes!