Throwback Video of the Day 5/30

Classic.. enjoy

Swatch Watch

I can't say for sure that black kids got into the Swatch phenomenon..but in elementary and middle school (back when I had white friends) I used to be on Swatch watches...shoot don't let me mess around and get a guard to go on it. I remember I had an all black one that had a insert that changed colors(I thought I was the man) Me and my pal at the time Jerry use to trade Swatches like baseball cards...lol...take a look

Cross Colours

I remember seeing this ad in many a YSB magazines(remember that mag?). I can't believe I ever owned this crap. I have a picture of me wearing some orange CC's ..........not a good look. Hard to imagine that CC was ALL the rage at one point. Gotta love the early 90's

Best Memorial Day Cookout Ever

I think yesterday was the best cookout I have EVER been too(shout out to Frat). I mean the music ,the food, the atmosphere, the weather,(it seemed like everything was working on all cylinders). I had a blast. If I ever throw a cookout I want to throw one like this. I forgot how much a party starter "Planet Rock" and "It Takes Two" were..... There were a few teens there and they got their "crunk on" for a second but the music was very hip hop center (late 80's early 90's) I played a small role in the music (fulfilled a lil of my secret dream to be a DJ). Of course for the few "older" folks in the crowd we had an Frankie Beverley set...LOL. But for the most part the majority of the people there were in their late 20's and early to mid 30's.
Let me address the food.... EXCELLENT.. Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Shrimp, Fish, Italian Sausage, Chicken(baked, fried and BBQd)Potato Salad, baked beans, deviled eggs. I threw my insulin to the side and ate like I was at the last supper. (of course I will be paying for it today when I get to the gym)

I really don't think I have enjoyed a cookout this much since I went to a Kappa cookout on campus circa 96.

I had a wonderful MEMORIAL DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Promises Promises

Classic stuff........pretty muthafukahhhhhhh....lol

Remember When?

Just some random thoughts.....

Remember When ...

Quarters in college were a hot commodity
Beepers were the ish
the requirement for video hoes was just to be fair skinned, beautiful, and dressed
rap music was an art form
singers could actually sing
every dude in the world had a Nintendo(the original)
It Takes 2 by Rob Base was party starter
Quiet Storm was the ish
Using a pencil to rewind cassette tapes
walkmans were the gadget to have
check no check yes love notes
trapper keepers were the bomb
everybody wore cross colours
TBS was the place for black comedies after school
Thursday night was held down by Martin, Living Single & NY Undercover
The Chronic T-Shirts were banned
you were mesmerized by Michael Jackson(I couldn't have been the only one..lol)

Please feel free to add more.......

Bart Simpson & Jingling Baby T-shirts were the jumpoff
Smurf glasses from Hardees(my H-town folks know about that one)

Pleasure Principle- TB of the Day

Centipede

Now this is a flashback..............This song and video is so funny to me. The lightning and her movements are too funny. But the thing that really cracks me up is toward the end of the song Rebbie does this growl and then attempt to wail.. I LOVE IT!!! I think with the right promotion/songs Rebbie could have had a decent career. Oh well we will always have Centipede

Throwback Video of the Day 5/24

This video is funny to me for so many reasons(the corny dancing, the lead singers outfit, the white women, the cheesiness) BUT this song is still the JAM!!!!!!!!!!
Enjoy peoples..

Best Female Singers of the last 40 Years

I was having a conversation with a friend of mine who was going on and on about how awesome a singer Beyonce is......any one who knows me knows I'm not a fan of Beyonce's voice. It make me think that I should just post compile a list of who I think the greatest female singers are.... I haven't heard every female singer in the world but I will give you my view and my list....It was hard to rank and I based this list off of voice and some credence to style)


1. Is there any doubt. I beleive that Aretha is the greatest female singer in music history. She's 4th on my list of all time favorite singers. No woman in history has sang with so much passion and power. She really knows how to bring you in and make you feel what she is saying. Mary J Blige owes her career to Aretha and almost all the women on my list credits her as their inspiration. The lady has conquered pop, rock, r&b, soul, blues, jazz, gospel and opera. She is a living legend indeed

2. Truly an icon in voice for so many singer after she debuted in 1985. Her impact and voice are still trying to be replicated to this very day. I really grew up on Whitney Houston. Having an older sister who couldn't hold a note in 3 buckets she knew all the Whitney songs which means I did too. I remember not being able to go to a cookout/family reunion/talent show and not hear the Greatest Love of All. My favorite Whitney song is surprisingly not a ballad but "Love Will Save the Day".


3. I think Gladys doesn't always get her props but she has one of the best alto voices ever. She is another singer who can really tell a story through song and sounds even better today. I love singers like her b/c they can get on stage and sing the hell out of songs without backing tracks because they came up in the era before all the music technology came along and replaced talent. My favorite Gladys song is "Neither One of Us"



4. The most successful female artist in music history. Mariah Carey is a vocal dynamo who burst onto the scene in 1990 and had the music industry on fire. I still remember the first time I heard Vision of Love in July 1990. I was floored and continue to be floored by her vocal ability. Imitated by many duplicated by none. She turned out hit after hit... 17#1 records. And she still doing it.. I LOVE MARIAH!!!!!!!!!! Early on thought to be a studio creation Mariah proved everyone wrong when she recorded a LIVE album and was STUNNING. Favorite Mariah Carey song.......SO Blessed and Vanishing........hell ALL OF THEM


5. Anita Baker. Changed R&B music in the 80's. I credit her with really starting the "Quiet Storm" movement. With an unbelieveable deep voice and rich singing style Baker brought back jazz into R&B. Her live version of God Bless the Child is AMAZING. I think she missed her jazz calling but the R&B world thanks you. Favorite Anita songs.. Fairy Tales, I Apologize, Good Love




6. Celine Dion........her English is terrible but her voice is powerful. No one belts quite like Celine. Not a huge fan but this list is about singers and she is an amazing one so this is why she lands in my Top 10

Favorite Celine song- Because You Loved Me



7. Not a Chaka Khan fan. But I respect the voice and I respect the props she gets from those who came before and after her. Sweet Things remain my favorite by her.





8. Patti Labelle. Contrary to all her screaming and yelling I really do like Patti. She is like a loud aunt who will be truthful to your face and not care about your feeling..but you know it comes from love so it's kinda OK. She has really endured through time. The voice is amazing (when she keeps it under control) but just don't sing with her b/c she will drown you out
My favs by her..Love Need Want You, Oh People, and If You Asked Me Too. I prefer her subdued

9. Not the most powerful singer in my top 20 but there was a quiet power behind her voice. Maybe it was her singing with Donny Hathaway that puts her here.......but no Roberta is a successful artist in her own right and with multiple grammys.. 2 for Record of the Year. She indeed deserves props. She was another singer who could make you feel. Fav Roberta song- Feel Like Making Love.




10. I love singers who can EMOTE.. no one did it better than Billie Holiday. I mean she really made you feel. I think it was her real life sadness that carried in to her songs and that made her brilliant without even knowing it. Pain was the name of the game for Ms Holiday. Not the best singer but with as much conviction as she sang with you never cared as much about "how" she sang but "what" she sang. Fav Billie song.. Strange Fruit

The rest of my Top 20 are as follows

11. Donna Summer- fav- Heaven Knows, I Will Go With You, Bad Girls
12. Regina Belle- -fav-This is Love, Make It Like It Was
13. Natalie Cole- fav- I'm Catching Hell, Our Love, Pink Cadillac
14. Taylor Dayne-fav- I'll Always Love You
15. Etta James- At Last
16. Christina Aguilera- Beautiful
17. Minnie Ripperton- Memory Lane
18. Phyllis Hyman
19. Lauryn Hill- Fav- The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
20. Shanice Wilson- Fav- I'm Cryin & Silent Prayer

Throwback Video 5/22

Not quite "old school" but this is one of the BEST Outkast songs ever. Andre and Big Boi flow nicely on this track and Slick Rick gives it that extra something. The chorus is the ish. I always feel better when I hear this song... Enjoy peoples

Oprah's Legends Ball

I watched this program about 10 minutes in and I really must applaude Oprah for putting on this event, honoring strong women (mostly black). You could just feel the history through the television. It amazes me with all the foolishness that goes on in the world today particularly with African American, we still have a lot of history in our lives. I would have been all over this event talking with the legends. The legends that were profiled were all great women(yes including Maya Angelou...lol) in almost every endeavor and they have really made contributions to the world through their talents and being strong women through it all. The Sunday service was particularly moving (minus BeBe Winans..ugh). Although I hated when Patti decided to go overboard and dominate a song with all her theatrics.

Just a few comments/observations
Nancy Wilson the epitome of class
Cicely Tyson...epitome of grace
Angela Basset is getting more beautiful each passing year
Sidney Poitier just screams legendary
Leontyne Price was so regal
Alicia Keys really impressed me as she seemed genuinely overwhelmed

Susan Taylor's hairline or lack thereof scares me though

Kudos Oprah and giving diamonds to all the honorees was a REALLY nice touch...

New Car ????

I want a new car......I have narrowed it down to 3. Hopefully in the next few weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wish me luck

Throwback Song of the Day-5/19

This is one of my favorite hip hop joints. Brand Nubian giving "real talk" in this song. Note Mary J Blige on the backgrounds...

Eastpak(Throwback Item of the Day)

Ahhhhhhhh.... "memories.. misty water colored memories"....LOL.. I think I went through about 6 of these between elementary school and college.. IceColdBrotha was not down with "carrying" books in hand. Mt very first one was just like the pic above (a much darker blue though) I remember in middle school I had a black one with black leather at the bottom.. you couldn't tell me NOTHING!!!. During my nerdy stage (middle school) I use to bring all my books home (regardless of homework). It felt good having an Eastpak on my back. All the cool kids had an Eastpak. Sure the zippers broke constantly and my back strap was ripped apart(from carrying it on one shoulder) but the Eastpak Co would certainly fix it for you. It's amazing the things that made you feel good when you were growing up. I'm not even sure if they make Eastpak anymore but I certainly enjoyed my experience with them.

Throwback Video of the Day 5/16

Old Dudes knew how to get down. Classic from 1988-89

Bill Cosby At it Again.....

Bill Cosby is at it again... ranting and raving.

I truly believe he has good intentions..but I really need Bill to stop making these sweeping generalizations. Telling a crowd, especially a group of graduating women from Spelman College, that ""You have to know that it is time for you all to take charge," Cosby said. "You have to seriously see yourselves not as the old women where the men stood in front and you all stood behind, because the men, most of them are in prison." .........What a damaging and INACCURATE statement. There is no way that most black men are in prison. I will never believe such a stupid statement. So no men will be available for these graduating women huh... give me a break. There will be no men b/c women standards for what they want in men has changed and they are excluding many and then crying foul that there are no men.. (I'll save that rant for another day).

Then I throw up in my mouth a little when he says this..."Cosby said when a Spelman graduate in the 500-member class of 2006 accepted her diploma "there's no time for you to fool around anymore." "You've got to because our race depends upon you and your sisters graduating all across the United States to realize that what's left is you," he said."..........how are the THOUSANDS of black men who GRADUATE suppose to feel about this comment......Bill has been reading too many issues of Essence. If all the black community has left is women (per Bill) then we are failing by leaps and bounds cause I'm not seeing all this "black woman power" in the neighborhoods. I just want Bill to think more about the message he is giving and I find his statements equally as damaging as the hip hop records he profess is being learned by all of the black men who drop out of high school.

Do Better Bill

Top 30 American Idol Performances

I have been watching this show since the first season and I think its time to do my Top 30 Greatest American Idol Performances!!!!

1. Summertime-Fantasia Barrino
This is the greatest performance on any season of AI. Fantasia took this standard and made it emotional and soulful. I think this was the moment that Fantasia pulled ahead of the pack and clearly made her case for the crown. I still get chills listening to her performing this song. The judges nor the audience could deny her powerful rendidtion

2. A House is Not A Home- Tamyra Gray
Tamyra was singing from some special place when she unleashed this in the 1st season on AI. Paula was reduced to tears, I was clapping and cheering... magic was made.

3. Stuff Like That There- Kelly Clarkson
This is the performance that put Kelly on the radar. It was Big Band Night and she came out and NAILED this song. It was playful and powerful and boy did she deliver. Chills.. I LOVED IT

4. Minnie the Moocher- Tamyra Gray
Tamyra nailed another one. She looked great and she made Cab Calloway proud.

5. Unchained Melody- Clay Aiken
I always knew Clay could sing but he just wasn't my cup of tea but on this night he came out and literally sang the hell out of this Righteous Brothers classic. He even hit the high note.. this was my favorite Clay performance

6. What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life- Fantasia Barrino
She wowed us with Summertime and she did it with this song too. I think I like Fantasia when she's more subdued and not sreaming all over the place

7. Rain on My Parade- Latoya London
Probably the best singer in all the seasons of AI and she proved it with this broadway classic. Too bad she only had 1 more week in the competiton after this performance

8. Inseparable/New York State of Mind- Kimberley Locke
The most improved of Season 2 and she came full circle with this Natalie Cole & Billy Joel classic. Powerful, beautiful, delivered with class.

9. Alone- Carrie Underwood
This was the coming out of Carrie on Season 4. She got away from the country and toatally rocked this Heart classic. She became the front runner at this point and never looked back

10. Superstar-Ruben Studdard
Ruben totally nailed this during the audition rounds. You knew he was gonna be a star afterwards. I still believe Ruben can be the heir apparent to Luther if he chooses but I hope he gets his health issues under control

11. Weekend in New England- Jennifer Hudson
12. Don't Leave Me This Way- Vonzell Solomon
13. Incomplete- Nikko Smith
14. Georgia on my Mind- Nikko Smith
15. Fever- Paris Bennett
16. Natural Woman- Kelly Clarkson
17. Love Will Keep Us Together- Trenyce
18. In a Dream- Bo Bice
19. How Can You Mend a Broken Heart- Ruben Studdard
20. Always on My Mind- Fantasia Barrino
21. Don't Cry Out Loud- Diana DeGarmo
22. You Don't Have to Say You Love Me- Nadia Turner
23. Aint No Sunshine- Christina Christian
24. Trouble- Carrie Underwood
25. Baby Grand- Trenyce
26. Take Me To the Pilot- George Huff
27. What a Wonderful World- Anwar Robinson & George Huff
28. God Bless the Child- Mikalah Gordon
29. It Might Be You- Ricky Smith
30. Sin Wagon- Amy Adams

Class Night 2006

Last night I went back to my high school for the Class of 2006 Class Night. It was such a weird experience being back at high school. I hadn't been there since June 6, 1994, 12 years ago(geez..lol). Times have really changed. Kids have really changed. One of my former classmates is now the head guidance counselor at the school and I ran into several other classmates while I was there. Several things I noticed about the class of 2006 was that most of the girls were NOT afraid of stilleto heels and the guys were not afraid of wearing shades and medallions, some didn't even dress up for the occasion(that pisses me off). One dude actually had on a tie while wearing a polo shirt(too much). Parents were "next level" on the applause when their child's name was called for an award(even if they were asked to hold their applause...but I can excuse that. I think..lol) This was not so much the deal in 1994..lol.. CLEARLY IT'S a NEW DAY...lol

But on a positive note the total amount of scholarships given out over the night was over 800K dollars. It was also good to see a young black man get a full ride to Harvard University and a young black female get a full ride to a school in England. Several other black students received full rides to Fayetteville State Univeristy, Elizabeth City State University, NC A &T State University. Nine of the students belonged to my church and two actually got full rides to the college of their choice. All will be continuing post secondary education except two and the other two will be enlisting in the armed services. I can only hope and pray that they continue their education and stay on the right track. The Senior class president gave her address and could hardly keep it together, she paused several times trying to keep her composure. A few other female students were crying too. I don't recall my class night being so emotional, but anywho, it was good night for the class of 2006.

Congrats the Class of 2006

Donny Hathaway

This blog wouldn't be complete unless I dedicated a post to one (if not the) greatest singer of ALL TIME!!

DONNY HATHAWAY

Any one who knows me knows I LOVE THIS GUY!!. There hasn't been a singer since his passing that has held a candle to his vocal genuis . Most people are familiar with only two solo songs (A Song for You, This Christmas) and his duets with Roberta Flack(Where is the Love, The Closer I get to You). Donny's catalogue goes much deeper and if you like the aforementioned songs then you will NEED to buy all of Donny's albums. Donny was gospel, R&B, jazz, pop, and soul. Which is why I almost threw up in my mouth a little when Justin Timberlake claimed Donny as an influence.. clearly he was lying..

Donny was the premier soul singer. He wasn't just some studio singer as his live albums are better than his studio recordings. Donny also recorded the theme song to the 70's hit show Maude. Donny was also a member of ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC

Donny epitomized spirit of one of his songs: "Young Gifted & Black"

Standout Donny tracks: EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM

Check the Discography Below

1994 part 2.. My First College Roommate

Picture it... Summer 1994...lol

I was already accepted at UNCG and all I was waiting on was my housing assignment.. since all my homies were going to other schools and no other guys from my high school were going to UNCG(at least not that Fall) I didn't know any fellas there..but knew all of the 20,000 girls from my high school who would be there....LOL so having a good roommate was crucial. I kept wondering prior to receiving my assignment if my roommate was going to be black or white (yes it mattered). Lo and behold the day came. I opened the letter and I was assigned to Moore/Strong dorm(my first choice b/c it had A/C) and I had a sophmore as a roommate. Cause I ain't scared I'm calling him by his government name.. Johnny Leon Hopkins was going to be my roommate. I grappled with if he was black or not.. but I went ahead and assumed he was black because I don't know any white Leon's.

Well move in day approached and boy was I nervous. I was finally on my own.. I WAS IN COLLEGE!!!!(albeit I was terrified when my family pulled off and I was standing there waving at them). Well being that Johnny was a sophmore I didn't expect his arrival for another week so I proceeded to set the room up and pick out my bed, hook up the TV and other miscellaneous things..even got up with a friend from back home (shout out to Quad). Quad was going to be living with another classmate of ours from high school(who I didn't care too much for at the time but we became and still are good friends).

A few days later as I was entering my dorm room I saw a suitcase on the other side of the room. I read the tag and it was my roommate he had finally arrived. I was excited and nervous, I even stayed around in the room all day. Fast forward...the dorm had a fire drill. While I'm standing outside I notice a poor pitiful weird looking black dude on crutches.. In my mind I giggle cause he's funny looking. We go back in from the fire drill and who walks into my room......................yep the weird guy on crutches.... that was Johnny Leon Hopkins. I jumped up and introduced myself and I got a cool response. I knew at that moment we wouldn't be friends. I kept talking to him just to make conversation but he was giving one word answers and not really interested. So I was like cool I give up. He wants to act shady that's cool.. cause our beds were bunked and I had the bottom so he could take that limp leg of his and scramble to the top bunk or sleep on the floor for all I care.

That was how we were introduced. This was my very first time having a roommate. This was probably our best day in the room. Our living situation got worse as the days went on.. it was mean tricks right after the other... this dude never changed his sheets ONCE during the time I stayed with him, he only got one haircut the entire time, and he just placed his soap on dresser(yes the soap he showered with). It reached a fever pitch one night he straight YELLED at me and told me to turn my radio off now....I did out of fear cuz Johnny was a bio chem major and I didn't want to some mysterious illness to befall me. So I had to think of the best way to get back at him..I'm not into destroying personal property so that was out. THEN IT HIT ME!! I knew Johnny never took his room keys with him when he goes to take a shower so I knew that was my golden opportunity.... so I got up really early one morning and took my shower and was dressed by the time Johnny got up and true to form he grabbed a towel and his soap and left his keys.. I waited about 5 minutes then I left and LOCKED THE DOOR.

At about 8pm that night all of a sudden Johnny open the door and stands their and shouts at me.. I stayed cool though.. I advised him that we could have been robbed had I not locked the door and I thought he had his keys.. he continued to rant until I told him to shut the fuck up.. I didn't want to hear and to keep his keys at all time... He stared at me for like 15 minutes before he finally stormed out. It was an intense moment but I was sitting beside a pair of scissors and wanted him to jump.

The final straw was when i found "Playgirl" magazines in the room. I knew it was time for one of us to go. He ran a powerplay and told the dorm director that I was a hindrance to his learning environment. So in a meeting the dorm director tells me that "my personality is a little too strong" for Johnny's liking. I was like so.. get over it... Johnny makes me sick and what are you going to do about it. Both of us wanted to keep the room and since Johnny was a sophmore they felt more inclined to move me than him..but the good news was that I got to move to the other side of the dorm and I had a room to myself. That move actually turned out to be a good thing b/c that was where I met my homeboy and we became best friends(although it wasn't instant..lol)

I would see Johnny on occasion around campus and in the cafeteria and he WENT OUT OF HIS WAY to avoid me...but I just laughed. I realize now that Johnny was just an introvert and slightly crazy. We never spoke again and if I ever see him again I'm sure we won't speak then.

**I think this is the most I have typed since college** ROTFL

Throwback Item of the Day

This is a clip of one of my favorite Martin episodes
(you may want to turn up the sounds)

1994 Part One

I think I needed to break this ode up into several parts..lol.. this was a great year. I was a senior in high school and a freshman in college. I'll kick part one off with songs that made 1994 a great year. I refuse to rank these as I'm not sure I could...lol


Never Seen a Man Cry- Scarface

This is one of the best rap songs EVER. The delivery and imagery in this song is chilling. Scarface is at his best on subjects like this. This video captured the essence of the song. 10 out of 10 for me. I also liked the fact that Scarface just commands respect regardless of region



Zhane- the whole album

This was released in 93 but it got the most airplay in 1994. I think they were neo-soul before it became a genre. There really is no weak tracks on this album at all. "Love Me Today" is the standout. Along with "For a Reason" and "You're Sorry Now" and "Hey Mr DJ" made this album fantastic



At Your Best(Remix)- Aaliyah

Her remake of the Isley Brothers classic was risky considering her voice but she made it work (on the original) but shined on the remix. R. Kelly did his thing on the production side of things too.



Be Happy & My Life
Probably the BEST ALBUM of 1994. This one one of those rare albums that EVERYBODY and their Mama had. This album while sample heavy really allowed Mary to showcase her joy and pain. Easily her best album ever. Mary has yet to recapture the greatness of this album and I suspect she never will...........1994 was just a great year.



SWV- You're Always on My Mind

This was the album that just kept going and going. Released in 1992 it was still spawning hits in 1994. You're Always on My Mind was a great song and got my play my senior year. I had a small crush on Lee Lee.. (the one who didn't sing)...lol



Body and Soul- Anita Baker

Who would have thought that Anita Baker would hold it down in 1994. Being a huge Anita fan I can declare this is her best vocal on song next to her live version of God Bless the Child.





Nas- It Ain't Hard to Tell

No commentary needed this was on one of the best hip hop albums in history by one of it's greatest MC's. Also the MJ sample set this track off..





Flava in Ya Ear- Craig Mack

Club banger of the Year.. the remix is the BEST ever




Tootsee Roll- 69 Boyz

"The buttafly uh uh that old..let me see you do the Tootsee Roll"





Cease and Seckle - Born Jamericans

I played this song to death.. me and my boys rocked this all day after graduation





I'm getting lazy now inserting images so I'll just list some...lol

Player's Ball- Outkast
Back in the Day- Ahmad
Before I Let U Go- Blackstreet
Thuggish Ruggish Bone- Bone Thugs
Funkdafied- Da Brat
Murder was the Case- Snoop
Brotha/Sister- Brand New Heavies
Nappy Heads- Fugees
Your Love is a 187- Whitehead Brothers
Creep- TLC
Part-Time Lover- H-Town
I'll Make Love to You- Boyz II Men

Mama's Boy

2006 has been a very rough year for my family due to the health problems that my mother has been facing since January. While she is making progress toward normal health I have had time to reflect a bit on my reactions. I have come to the always known but now accepted fact that I am a mama's boy. I never realized how emotionally dependent I am on my mother and how much I actually loved her until she went through a sickness. Thoughts of death and extended illness permeated my mind where she was concerned. I was not emotionally ready. Watching her laying in the hospital barely breathing shook me to my core. Usually when I go through things I could always use her as a sounding board(whether I needed or wanted her feedback). This time I had no one to express my feelings too. Sure I had friends I could have called and spilled my guts too but it wouldn't have been the same. So many things went through my mind.. would she ever see me get married?, would see ever see my children?, would she see my nephew grow up?. In all of my 29 years I don't think I ever thought about things like that b/c I assumed such was a given and we would experience such things.

While she is improving and it appears she will recover those thoughts still linger. In some ways I feel like such a loser for being so attached but seeing her go through her trials I praise God for that attachment because I had the chance to tell her exactly how I felt and she knows without a shadow of a doubt that I LOVE HER.

I take comfort in knowing that I have lived through 2 Corinthians 12:10 which states that "Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong"

Moral of the story..... I'm a Mama's Boy and damn proud of it.

Friday's Throwback Video

Sure they all look like crackheads now but in the early to mid 90's, JODECI was the group. This is one of my favorite songs by them. Enjoy and Happy Cinco De Mayo

Throwback Video of the Day

The Year was 1994 and I was a freshman in college and this was the jam all day everyday. This is also one of the best remixes EVER!!!

Watching this makes me want to write an "Ode to 1994"...hmmmmmm...lol

Gold's Gym

Today after much consideration I decided to join Golds Gym today. My old gym just isn't cutting it anymore(its borderline bootleg)... I must admit Golds is like a palace. This is the year I turn 30 and want to try my best to get in shape. I can do it from the workout side but the diet side is what kills me. I am a Chik Fil A addict and becoming a Quiznos addict also. My trainer continually tells me that it won't work until I make a lifestyle change. While I know this to be true it easier said than done.

I went on the gym tour and you wouldn't believe the muscle they got walking around in there(male and female). I feel intimidated already. These people are SERIOUS in this gym. Hopefully I learn from a few people in there.

10 Esssential New Jack Swing Era Albums

I LOVE the New Jack Swing Era!! It was a great era that produced some of the best R&B in history. It is also the music of my tween/early teenage years and most if not all of my memories of that time are tied to this era and these albums. I consider the New Jack Era from 1987-1991. Take a trip back with me...................

1. This album for me is the essential New Jack Swing album. Released in 1987, this album really established the "sound" of the era. Was he a great singer...not at all.. but his songs are timeless. Keith Sweat is beyond earnest in his singing and I like that. Standouts on the album: ALL OF THEM. Just press play.

Best Song: Make it Last Forever, In the Rain, Right and A Wrong Way


2. There is not much to say about this album except that it's great. I used to "let my tape rock til my tape popped"(tm- Biggie Smalls). Aaron Hall carried this album vocally and Teddy is genius on the production(not sure what Damian's role was). Aaron is truly underrated. While there were 1 or 2 tracks that I skipped, this was a great album. "I Like" is THE track on this album. Other notables include "Piece of My Love", "Goodbye Love" and "Teddy's Jam".


3. Bobby shocked the world in 1988 with this album. Bobby proved with this album that he was a force to reckoned with and gave the proverbial middle finger to New Edition. I am not a Bobby fan but I give props to this album and his becoming a superstar. With great production and writing. Don't Be Cruel is a a must have. The album title is THE standout track. Other notables: "Roni" and "Rock Witcha". My Prerogative will the most popular but I thought it was the WORST track on the album


4. In middle school I played "Off On Your Own" constantly. This was another great New Jack album. His remake of Killing Me Softly was a quiet storm staple. The stand out track on the album was "Nite and Day". Although Al B. Sure's career survived into the early 90's he never quite got back to the basics that made this album great.






5. THE BEST R&B GROUP OF THE 80's and 90's. NE Heartbreak marked the return of New Edition in 1988. This is their best album EVER!!. "Can You Stand the Rain" was the standout on this classic album. Ronnie, Johnny, Ricky, Mike, and Ralph proved they could do it without Bobby and they proved that they were no longer sugar sweet and pop. This album is full of great tracks. "If it Isn't Love", "NE Heartbreak", "Youre Not My Kind of Girl", and "Crucial". Johnny Gill also joined the group with this album and he really help to mature the NE sound. Great production


6. This album contains my favorite song of ALL TIME. "Spread my Wings". I actually went through 3 copies of Attitude. While the album was good I stayed primarily on 3 tracks. Spread My Wings, I Will Always Love You, and All I Do Is Think Of You. TROOP was half doo-wop, half new jack and the result was stunning. This was a major improvement over their first self titled album. "I'm not Soupped was another standout track




7. When NE took a hiatus in the early 1990, who would have thought that these three would have the most success. Bell Biv Devoe came up with a new sound that was drastically different from anything NE had done. It was "hip hop smooth out on an R&B tip with a pop feel appeal to it". Everybody and their mama was singing "Poison". I wanted to be a dancer in their video something terrible..lol... Other Standouts were Do Me, I Thought it Was Me, and When Will I See You Smile Again(if you haven't heard the live version you need to)



8. While they released their debut in 1988 and that debut spawned several hits.. it wasn't until 1990 that they made their biggest impact. Tony Toni Tone's Revival was a great album. While their biggest hit off this album was "Feels Good" it was "It Never Rains in Southern California" that sealed the deal with me. Raphael Saadiq vocally soared on this track and props to Dwayne Wiggins for singing "Whatever You Want". Other notables on this album: "The Blues" and "All The Way"



9. Born to Sing is accurately titled for these 4 beautiful ladies. EnVogue set the blueprint for ANY and EVERY girl group that followed them. Sadly, no one has measured up since. I fell in LOVE with Terri Ellis. Anyways harmonies(check), looks(check), great music(check). Hold On was the most popular from this album but one listen to "Part of Me" and you should be an EnVogue fan for life.



10. That's right. Keith is the King of New Jack Swing and he deserves 2 spots on the Top 10. This album picked right up where Make it Last Forever left off. Make U Sweat (the ish), the title track (and the REMIX...oh my goodness), Merry Go Round. No sophmore jinx for the Sweatman.




Honorable Mentions
Hi-Five- Hi Five
Boyz II Men- Cooleyhighharmony
Troop- Troop
Guy- The Future
Tony Toni Tone- Who?