Michael Jackson (1958-2009)

As I write this, I still cannot believe this is true. It feels like a piece of my childhood just died today. I remember dancing around as a kid to Michael's albums. He was iconic, he was a legend. And whatever shell of his former self he became in his later years, his accomplishments and contributions to the music industry are written in the history books.

I have to admit, I don't usually get choked up about things like this, but as the radio station played his hits, I found myself crying. And a little later when I had to pick something up from the store, I couldn't even remember my own pin number. This is such a loss, such a loss. I mean, who tops him? What male pop/r&b artist comes close today? If you ask sooo many people today about their careers, they will tell you Michael Jackson inspired them. The choreography, the music video, the dance breaks, all these standards were set by Michael Jackson.

My prayers go out to his family and his children. I am deeply sorry for their loss. Our loss as fans doesn't compare.

Beyonce in Washington DC

Last night, after a very long and eventful work day, I took my little cousin into the big city to see Beyonce. I had heard and seen from television performances that she puts on a great show. And it was a quite a spectacle. I was very impressed and felt like I got my money's worth. Unlike many acts today, she can sing and dance. She has got stage presence, charisma, and she just "puts it all out" on the stage floor. She works for her money. I was very impressed, and I feel like she is close to becoming that which she aspires to be: a legend.

I feel like there is a general lack of professionalism among artists today. And however bland it might be in her interviews, Beyonce is professional. She is composed when she needs to be and lets lose when it is appropriate. And where it may seemed contrived with a lesser performer, she makes you feel it, she makes you believe she is a superstar.

I don't want to spoil it for anyone who has it seen the show, but at one awesome moment, she walks on air...literally. She killed it, and she filled the huge Verizon Center here in DC. And if you hadn't heard, the First Lady brought Sasha and Malia to the show. If you have the opportunity, you should definately check out Beyonce's concert. It is worth the money. You will leave satisfied.

In light of the passing of Michael Jackson, I appreciate Beyonce's showmanship even more. She is a true talent in the same manner of legends before her. I appreciate her contributions to the industry.

Sade = classic. Somethings never go out of style and this sultry singer's smooth voice and sensual musical arrangements are "always on time." Sade is a band headed by the lead vocalist Sade Adu. She is the only female member of the group and appears predominantly as the face of the band in videos and album covers. Sade achieved success in the 80s, 90s, and lastly in 2000 with the release of the last CD to date, "Lovers Rock." The band is a blend of jazz, R&B, easy listening, and soft rock. The music is as poignant as it is sexy. So, whenever she sings about heartbreak, racism, social injustice, and love, it all sounds seductive and alluring. Below are a few of my favorites, though I basically like every song she has sung.

Aristocratic Music: Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday

"Don't Explain"

The irony is that it is when they are at their lowest and most tormented state that artists are able to deliver such emotionally poignant music. Painful, heartfelt, and tragic: Billie Holiday

Aristocratic Music: Duke Ellington

Duke Ellington

"In a Sentimental Mood"

This is one of my favorite compositions. It is smooth, sultry, and it puts me in more than a sentimental mood.

The New Renaissance: Erykah Badu

Music is an artform. I appreciate artists who set out to be bold, innovative, and uncompromising in creating the type of music they want to create. I am most moved by artists today who have the same rebellious spirit reminiscent of those folks from the Harlem Renaissance. In the same way that those artists refused to sell out and manufacture a perfectly packaged and marketed product, there exists today artists of a similar kind who will give you the truth. No matter how brutally honest or sharply poignant, there are artists today who will just give it you real.

Now of course, I don't have the monopoly on good taste, and all of this is my opinion. There were plenty of fun and even great music produced this year. But, after a year that belonged to Lil Wayne, Britney Spears, Beyonce, and Kanye West (among others), one sleeper masterpiece has been a constant on my Ipod. Twenty years from now, I predict, Erykah Badu's latest will be as relevant and timeless as it is today. "New Amerykah" takes you on a journey. It is a specific journey routed in self discovery, revelation, struggle, pride, dispair, and hope.

New Amerykah: This album is pure soul music. There is a conscious message. There is something funky about it. It's a little sixties and a little modern R&B. As some points, you even think she may be high but that does not distract from the powerful imagery she creates with her shrill and soulful voice. You can listen to it from start to finish with skipping a track. The CD was a pleasant surprise as "Honey" (the most commercial of the tracks) is not like the other songs on the record. And with the election of Barack Obama, and the current debate and civil protests surrounding the same sex marriage issue -- accompanied by the release of Gus Van Zant's powerful and deeply moving "Milk" -- there seems to be a renewed sense of political activism as we all, all of US begin to take back our democracy in hopes of reclaiming the contract with the American Dream. This dream entitles us all equally to the pursuit of happiness. This message is clear in Erykah Badu's "New Amerykah." For this and so many other reasons, "New Amerykah" is my favorite album of 2008.

These Two Will Own the Fall

Beyonce: I wrote a prediction for her album based on initial impressions from her lead singles. I was not overwhelmed, but her latest videos for the singles really sell the music. Like a Boy is a great soft balad reminiscent of Irreplaceable. It is a solid song and it will probably be a smash hit as her fans will eat it up. But my video of choice is for the Single Ladies single. Again, the song was a bit lukewarm. The video is pure heat. Beyonce can dance, and she executes these HBCU drill team moves like the best of them. She looks sexy, and the simple concept of the video seems to intentional to showcase the high octane dancing these girls are doing. Beyonce gives it 100% everytime, and though not always original, she manages to always execute things a step up from the old artists she "samples" from. Beyonce will have a career as long as she wants it.

Kanye West: "Love Lockdown" is a great song and the video is equally as provactive and thought provoking. I don't have a complete grasp of the concept of the video, and the fact that I have to think about what the video means speaks to the effort and work that went into its production. I think Kanye West is an incredible artist. He is such a throwback to original hip hop. His music, I think, is cutting edge, innovatice, and always remarkably well thought out. Kanye West, and Beyonce, are two artist that will be discussed for years to come. We will be dancing to their music when we are 45 years old trying to re-live our youth at family reunions!

New Fall Music

This Fall, there will be plenty of new albums dropping from some of our generation's preeminent musical artists. The above are some of my pics based on consistency, past performance, and their latest singles. Robin Thicke's Something Else was released Septemeber 30, and from first listen it's true to form and definately worth having around the house for the grown-up nights. Here's the rundown

1. 808s and Heartbreak (Nov. 25) Kanye West: Always innovative and exciting in both style and arrangement. While others in hip-hop are living in the shadow of Jay-Z, Tupac, and Big, Kanye, like any good student, takes his knowledge and love of hip-hop (past and present), and propels us into the future with unique sounds and amalgams of different musical genres. As his latest single, "Love Lockdown," demonstrates, you never know what Kanye will produce, but you can be sure that the sound, style, and presentation will be something different than your mainstream 4-count, whisper, and snap rap music.
2. Something Else (Sept. 30) Robin Thick: smooth and aristocratic. A staple in the tradition of any of our great R&B artists. Like Jill Scott, Mary J., and John Legend record, it is just good to have a Robin Thicke CD in the collection. It's not groundbreaking, but he doesn't disappoint. Consistent artists do have longevity.
3. I Am (Nov. 18) Beyonce: I personally prefer Beyonce's first solo album the best. It was solid contemporary R&B. However, Beyonce is an artist for women, and her music speaks to a certain demographic as evidenced from her last album and her latest singles, "Single Ladies" and "Like a Boy." She seems to be continuing the "Irreplaceable" and "Get Me Bodied" type of music with these releases. But, none of that is to take anything away from Beyonce. She is our time's Tina Turner. I think she will have a career as long as she wants it, because regardless of what any critic says, at this point, she can't do any wrong in the eyes of her fans.
4. Universal Mind Control (Nov. 9) Common: I was disappointed with his last album. The lead singles "I Want You" and "The People" were the best on the whole CD (subjective). Coincidentally, his last album was his first number 1! Common is not as consistent as other hip hop artists, but he does manage to draw intrigue. And his latest single "Universal Mind Control" is great! It's classic hip hop updated for 2008.
5. Evlover (Oct. 28) John Legend: His latest single, "Green Light," is a bit of a departure from John Legend's usual. And it is surprisingly well-produced, and Andre 3000 is a nice addition. Like Robin Thicke, John Legend has not produced an album I don't like. Hopefully "Evolver," won't disappoint either.