Singers Still Exist!

 It's been a long time and I shouldn't have left you with a good post to read. Sorry that I've been gone so long but it seems the past couple of weeks have been a stalemate in terms of finding good postings to provide so I wanted to hold off. But if you're back, thank you for coming back.
 Vh1 Divas Celebrate Soul was a wonderful program that I urge anyone who loves soul or pop music past or present will enjoy this program. It features people who don't need auto-tune (except maybe Travie McCoy) to sound good.
 The show was centered around cities that are hubs of soul music both past and present such as Philadelphia, London, Chicago, Memphis, and Detroit. And I really enjoyed the couplings of artists. The show opened with Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson and Mary J. Blige doing a medley of the Supremes and their own hits in Motown style. And from there it only got better.
 The only artists missing were probably Christina Aguilera who seems to be caught up with The Voice and denouncing rumors of a breakdown and Adele who is still recovering after vocal surgery. Other than that, I loved the performers there.
 Some standouts were former Floetry singer Marsha Ambrosius, neo-soul breakout Ledisi, and of course icons like Chaka Khan and Mavis Staples.
 I highly recommend watching or tivoing this program, you will not regret it.

A Rock and A Hard Place

 Nicole Scherzinger aka the only Pussycat Doll we can identify by name had to make a troublesome decision last night in the X Factor eliminations. However instead of making the tough calls, she acted more like Rachel Crow, the thirteen year old being eliminated.
Let me be clear, I haven't watched the X Factor beyond the clips and soundbites on the entertainment news shows. But I am well aware of the judges' constant bickering, contestants' attitudes and anxieties, and the general tepid nature of the show.
 Last night, Scherzinger decidedly didn't vote and the deadlock sent the decision to a higher authority who sent Rachel home. Rachel collapsed but ultimately knew this wasn't her end. Nicole, well. She continued to hear booing from the crowd and disappeared at the end of the show.
 This incident pretty much illuminates the core problems of shows like the X Factor. Judging is never easy or completely objective. The judges have to place themselves in the ears and expectations of the audience. And that's hard when these shows rely on judges who aren't complete household names in their own right.
 And it's not just Scherzinger who isn't that well known beyond the musically fickle youth. You can also lump Sara Bareilles a relatively new singer/songwriter in that category. Ironically enough she replaced Scherzinger on the Sing Off. Not that her musical insights are wrong, but let's be honest if we don't know the name of the person on the screen, it's harder to trust them. Now there is one show that did get it right. NBC's The Voice has the perfect combination of talented judges and a unique approach that sets them apart.
 But this latest happening only challenges the authority and insights of the ever-changing television landscape. They may have the money, but they don't always have the power.

Halftime Girl

 It's been officially confirmed that Madonna is serving as the Halftime entertainment for the upcoming 46th Superbowl this February. It's been rumored since October that the Material Girl would be doing the big show and now that it's confirmed, one has to wonder what the NFL is thinking.
 No offense but Madonna is not the first artist I associate with football. Up until a couple of months ago, it was Hank Williams Jr. But since his foot was formally introduced to his mouth, that's a no go. I know that the NFL wants to include as many demographics as possible, but Madonna doesn't sound like an artist most families or football dads can relate to.
 Well, it's obvious that we don't want to see a repeat of the 2004 nip slip seen around the world, it's also a brazen reminder that youthful ad demographics and football don't mix. I'm sure that previous acts were unknown by the biggest demographic until they were on the Superbowl.
 However, with Madonna she automatically carries an audience because she is such an icon. And in that, an icon known for wagging tongues with her controversial approach to her music and image. Well, we can at least know this won't be a boring set like the lean years post JJ and JT at the Superbowl.
 Here's hoping for a brilliant, not crazy nor drab expression of self and music at the Superbowl for once.

Madonna Superbowl

History of Hip-Hop

 I was really excited this morning to hear that there's an actual hip-hop sociology class at the prestigious Georgetown University focused on the one and only Jay-Z. This makes me wish I could pay another semester's worth of tuition just to take a class like that. When I was in college there was a course on hip-hop history as well as DJ history but since I happened to not receive the best registration time, it was an unfulfilled dream.
 However as much as I'd like to revisit the days of yore, I'm glad this class is being offered. Now of course some of you reading may have a disdain for hip-hop but let's face it, it's not going anywhere. And for all the criticism it endures, the same could be applied to other genres. Hip-hop is targeted mainly because it was a genre that broke the unwritten rules of music, but didn't rock and roll? Either way, how hip-hop has influenced our culture is very important.
 I will be honest and say, I'm not the biggest hip-hop head but I respect and appreciate it's finer points. There are so many things about it that give commentary to society and race that are fascinating. It also serves as a great way to have a good time. I mean who doesn't get happy to hear "Rapper's Delight?"
 Anyways, Professor Michael Eric Dyson used Jay-Z since he is considerably the greatest living rapper and a multi-media mogul who has transitioned into the mainstream due to his business savvy and his commitment to helping others in music and in life. I think Jay-Z is the best ambassador of new school hip-hop with old school ideas. I read Decoded over the summer and it is one of the most fascinating books you can read. Jay-Z talks about his rhymes as I would imagine Shakespeare mentioned his works.
 Word play, cultural references, and analogies frame his work and more importantly he says his rhymes are not all fact. Will this soothe the parents in middle America? I doubt it, but if you don't understand something, the best way to learn about it is to immerse yourself in it.
 The clip from "Today" shows kids at Georgetown doing just that, immersing themselves in issues they may not have experienced. While there are students who understand Jay-Z's raps from a personal standpoint, the class seems to open all of the students' eyes to the complexities of everyday life and how we're more alike than different. Now that's what I call higher learning.

Jay-Z Class

Dumb and Dumber

 If you've heard in the past couple of days Vinnie of Jersey Shore fame recorded a rap song (ear curdling scream #1) and in one verse talks about having sex with some poor drunk guidette "like he's raping it" (ear curdling scream #2). It was bad enough he insulted our musical intelligence by releasing music, it's even worse that he's mentioned something as horrible and sensitive as rape.
 Whoever gave him this opportunity needs to be slapped and so does Vinnie. When has rape ever been a popular subject? And if it has, is it ever appropriate to mention it in the same breath as consensual sex? Okay then, you see my point. Rape is a horrible experience that should never be compared to pleasure in any way.
 And furthermore, it is in bad taste to actually think you can change the public opinion in the confines of a rap song. No matter if you are a publicity hound like these cray-crays from Seaside Heights or Slim Shady himself, it's never going to work.
 My thing is this, it's bad enough we have to deal with these fools in reality television, but how about for once not letting them impose their stupidity in other mediums. There's enough stupidity from career musicians to solve that problem.

JB Aims for a JT

 Justin Bieber just released his Christmas album which debuted at number one on the Billboard charts. Now, he's readying his next release for early 2012. However, in place of "Baby", the vibe he's looking to attract is one of "Lady."
 Is it possible? Well, that depends on the appetite of the Belieber community and the quality Bieber is looking to give his fans. In a recent interview with MTV, he stated that he's inspired by fellow teen star turned adult megastar Justin Timberlake and his FutureSex/LoveSounds album. Not necessarily by the content, but the idea of a new sound.
 Unfortunately, I think it may not work unless he really focuses on being a pure expression of his life at the moment. What made Justin Timberlake's effort succeed was the fact that he was older and people saw him in such a way.
 When we (or maybe I) look at Justin Bieber, I think of the annoying kid I went to school with. However, to be fair that can be said for a lot of people in show business but I digress. Justin Bieber is part of another generation and to me, his image has been so managed and staged, that it's hard to know what he really wants to do.
 Now of course, I'm not talking about his charity efforts, I applaud the fact that he aims to give back and cherish his fans. But in terms of his musical persona, I can't see any real maturity.
 But then again, it might work to his advantage. He could surprise us or not. Either way, it'll be a water-cooler moment.

Bieber Wants to Grow Up

VH1 Divas is Back

Now with most of you thinking that there aren't any specials for those of us who actually like music that you don't need an urban dictionary app for, we're in luck. VH1's much acclaimed Divas is back and airs December 19th. But the real excitement is that the theme for this year is soul. And in particular soulful cities like Chicago, Detroit, Memphis, Philadelphia and London. It looks to be awesome.

 Featured performers include Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Estelle, and non-divas Boyz II Men and Travie McCoy. While every artist isn't a headliner, it looks to be interested and Divas is well known for dynamic twists on classic cuts, mash-ups, and great duets. And with the Roots is the house band, there's no reason not to miss this. I know I won't.

Divas Lineup

The Target Lady Scares Me

I used to think the Target lady that really scared me was Kristen Wiig's infamous incarnation of the bowl cut, word mispronouncing not employee of the year. But Maria Bamford's Rocky-esque character in the Target commercials takes the cake. She is cray-cray (super crazy) to the extreme.
Anyone who likes shopping this much has problems. And I say that with love and affection. Unfortunately I can't give you the number to a psychiatrist, but after you read this and still want to shop, please use Google to help yourself.
 I know some people say it's all in good fun, but it's too much for me. I know it's important to save money, but it shouldn't be more important than say a good meal with the people you cherish most. But this lady, well, let's just say I hope you act more like this:

Than This:

An Offer He Should Have Refused?

 Francis Ford Coppola, legendary Hollywood director now admits he shouldn't have made the "Godfather" sequels in the years after the iconic debut of the franchise. And nearly several years after one of the most acclaimed sequels in "Godfather" 2, it seems like a statement of regret.
 I've never seen any of the "Godfather" films. And that is partially because of the violent nature of the films as well as the deeply entangled plot about the Mob. It's not that I think all movies with violence are bad. I did see "The Departed", but it took me a while to get over the gross amount of violence featured in the flick.
 But as much as the average guy loves "Godfather", there's much to be said for the unnecessary appropriation of sequels in modern cinema. There isn't a "Casablanca 2" or a "Gone with the Wind: It's Still Blowing Kinda." It ended when it ended. And maybe what Coppola is trying to say he should have left with a bang than go out with a whimper. However as much as he'd like to change the account of the past, he can't rewrite the script that made him an icon.
Only One Godfather?

Jenny from the (Fiat) Block

 Perhaps the most talked about performance of last night's American Music Awards (AMAs) was Jennifer Lopez's bodysuit clad, Fiat endorsement of a performance. This was supposed to be a comeback celebration, but I doubt anyone wants J Lo to comeback from anything but selling out. The Fiat located on the middle of the stage, essentially was the other star of the performance.
 Now the question at hand is, Is it okay for celebrities to blatantly endorse products? Yes, but it's not okay for it to be incorporated in such a way that people are insulted. The early days of television were primarily sponsored by companies like GE. But did they sit on top of a GE washer while actually in the show? Well, I'm not sure but people weren't upset.
 I understand why celebrities, especially musicians want to endorse a product. The music business is no longer based on sales, but touring and if you don't tour regularly, well that money's got to come from somewhere. Unfortunately for J Lo, she's not only a musician but an actress and an entrepreneur so this makes her look even worse. She not only has a steady income, but she also has a well-paid gig on American Idol as the new Paula.
 But then again she is going through a divorce. And about to enter the murky world of single motherhood, so maybe we should give her a break. Okay, maybe not but let's at least admire the fact she still wears flesh tones on live television.

TV Heartbreak

 If you saw the drama of last night's "How I Met Your Mother" it was heartbreakingly real. Real in the way that we haven't seen from a television couple recently. And while Barney and Robin aren't a couple, they were and in some ways are more of a couple not together than they were together. But with the infidelity that occurred between them highlights a bigger dilemma.
While I did appreciate Nora for taming Barney, it was Robin that stole his heart and I don't think he'll ever get it back. Robin, on the other hand, doesn't feel the same way and walked away more confused. She stayed with her boyfriend/ex-therapist Kevin, but we know she did it out of guilt and obligation. If she followed her heart, she would have stayed with Barney.
 But what we've really seen from this episode is that Ted's story is very much not the focus. But how much his story ties into that of his friends and how their relationships represent what he truly wants and what he has to do to really grow up. And while we know that involves Barney, Robin and Ted moving on from being the best of friends, it also means the show will continue to show us that growing up is a lifelong process.

In Memory of Heavy D

 By now I'm sure you've heard the shocking and tragic news about the man who called himself the Overweight Lover. Best known as one of the most influential rappers of the early 90s, Heavy D was one of the rappers to embrace the party rap style by not making music laced with profanity, sex, or drug use. He just rapped about everyday life.
 As a kid, I appreciated his music because it was one of the few times I could listen to rap and understand clearly what was being said without asking my parents. My personal favorite song was, "We Got Our Own Thing" but his biggest hit was a rap remake of "Now That We Found Love" featuring Aaron Hall. He also contributed the theme song for most seasons of the now classic "In Living Color."
 His rap career cooled in the mid 90s with the official takeover of gangsta rap, but he forayed into acting quite successfully. In addition to a guest stint on "Living Single" he also guest starred on shows like " A Different World", "Bones" and "Law & Order: SVU." He also appeared in films like "Step Up" and the recently released "Tower Heist."
 But the real mark of his impact was the major respect he received from rappers of all kinds in the past few hours. There were no negative words, just memories of laughter, love, and support. But it just goes to show that no matter how you live your life, all that matters is who you touched and how you impacted the world around you.

Drake's Album Leaks

 If you haven't heard, the sweater-loving Bill Cosby of hip-hop, Drake, has had his latest album Take Care leak. Drake himself isn't offended or upset. This is probably because he knows this will only build anticipation for the official release by offering a sneak peak of the tracks.
With this leak, there is a listing of lyrics from various tracks were again he mentions Rihanna for the thousandth time. I would just like to understand why he wants to keep bringing this up? Is this his version of hip-hop or is he just trying to attract attention from the public? Either way, I don't think it's necessary. Mainly because his relationship with RiRi wasn't even that long. It's one thing if they had a years long love affair like some of music's other famous couples. But also because it's just irritating. It would be like me lamenting about the fool who stole the lock on my locker in 7th grade. I understand his need for closure but how about doing it with the help of a therapist?
No matter what happens, this only serves to help build Drizzy's profile as one of the elite of hip-hop's new class. And that isn't a surprise considering he's being mentored by my favorite Gremlin, Lil' Wayne. While he continues to redefine his career by rapping and singing in  such a way that gets our attention. Whether or not it is good is highly debatable.
 But what I do find interesting about Drake is that he's honest about fame and what it has done to his life. Unlike many rappers who boast about swag and girls, he seems to understand the fleeting nature of it all. Hopefully he will continue to do this in such a way that keeps us all listening. But once again I ask, if you are going to talk about an ex-girlfriend, go to therapy first.

Kermit and Crew Back Again!

 I usually don't get excited for rehashes of pop culture greats and I'm not just talking about recent flicks like The A-Team and Charlie's Angels. I was gravely offended when Ferris Bueller himself thought he could out gadget the original Inspector Gadget in the late 90's. But "The Muppets" is coming back with help from none other than Jason Segel.
 For those of you who don't know who he is, Jason Segel co-starred in this summer's "Bad Teacher," co-wrote and co-starred in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" back in 2008 in addition to being one of television's all-time best husbands Marshall Erickson in "How I Met Your Mother." And I'm predicting that if he re-energizes the brand of Kermit, Ms. Piggy and company, he'll become a real threat to become a movie star once "How I Met Your Mother" ends soon.
 The previews for "The Muppets" look awesome. Segel costars with the lovely Amy Adams and Rashida Jones makes a cameo which is even better. In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, Segel mentioned that there will be a new muppet added to the gang named Walter. While the premise is not knew, the fact that Segel decidedly wanted to help push the Muppets into the 21st century is great for several reasons.
 I hate to say it but cartoons and children's programming nowadays aren't the same. Either they are exclusively aimed at young, developing preschoolers or way too advanced for their age tweens. There's no quirky middle ground. Even back in the 1990s when I was growing up there was great programming on both Disney and Nickelodeon that you could watch and not get bored or offended by watching.
 "The Muppet Babies" cartoon was one of them. It featured Fozzie, Gonzo, getting into various situations and acting a fool but they learned a critical lesson at the end. Parents could also appreciate the fact that they didn't sneak in strange innuendo like "Spongebob." It was good, clean fun.
 And hopefully with a new sensibility, we'll being seeing more of Kermit and company.

Muppets Redux

Turkey or Gaga?

 If you haven't heard the artist formerly  known as Stefani Germanotta has an upcoming Thanksgiving special airing on ABC on Turkey Day. It will feature an interview with Gaga and Katie Couric. This special follows in the vein of several concert specials featuring artists like Britney Spears, Beyonce, Taylor Swift and Jusitn Timberlake airing on various networks over the past few years.
 And while I don't know the ratings on all of these specials, they have definitely raised the profile on many of these artists. However, by the time these specials aired, it wasn't really necessary because many people had already knew who they were through other mediums. But it does add a nice treat in response to the ridiculous amount of football games that air over the weekend.
 What I really would like is a concert special featuring the various charity concerts many celebrities put on, but due to pricing and geographical issues, most of us can't see them beyond a grainy YouTube post. For instance, Alicia Keys hosted her 8th annual Black Ball to support AIDS treatment worldwide and Justin Timberlake put on his annual Shriners' Golf Tournament and Concert for Shriners' Hospital. While it was great fundraising, it would have been better to air it to a national audience who might be willing to donate.
 Now I know some of you little monsters want to see Mother Monster, but I prefer my uncle's fried turkey rather than her sociopolitical eggs.

Soul of the South or Another Big Mouth?

 For those of you keeping count there are currently four major networks devoted to programming for African Americans and all of them claim to keep the interests of the black community in mind. Now another network is being developed to be debuted in May 2012 called Soul of the South which is targeted at blacks in the south.
 Will this be an improvement? Let's hope so. While BET is the longest running, it is the one I watch the least. Centric is an offshoot of BET, aimed at adults but is really just a bunch of reruns. Bounce has only been on the air since September but is nothing more than a bunch of reruns of Soul Train as well as some really bad movies. Finally, the best out of the bunch is TV One with interesting original programming like Life After and Unsung but unfortunately when those shows aren't on there isn't much worth watching.
 The problem isn't within the premise, it's more of an error of execution. The networks all get our attention by trying to produce quality program but for the most part settle in a rut of reruns and poorly made reality shows. If they really wanted a real viewership, they would aim for documentaries, specials, and original programs that actually tackle real issues and deep concerns within the community.
 I hope Soul of the South really does do this or at least makes a valiant attempt because goodness knows we don't need another network full of Jeffersons and Good Times reruns.

The Movies Love ODB

 There's great news for those of us craving an original movie in Hollywood. There are talks to produce a biopic on ODB, the late rapper most famously known as a cutup and a member of the infamous Wu Tang Clan. Tracy Morgan and Eddie Griffin are competing for the role.
 I'm very excited about this because ODB, although not the best decision maker, was one of the most colorful rappers in the pre-Kanye era of hip-hop. He wasn't so much boisterous so much as awkward, interrupting awards shows saying things like, "ODB loves the kids." While this might have been disturbing coming from someone else, it was pure comedy gold coming from ODB.
 And while we can still go back like babies and pacifiers in song, we don't know the whole story of his journey with the Wu, his problems, and his music. Let's just hope nobody messes up the soundtrack by trying to cover his classic jams like "Shimmy Shimmy Ya."
 I look forward to this and as ODB would, say, "This one's for the children!"

Kung Fu For You (Not Me)!

 If you haven't heard the latest retro thing to get the remake/reboot/recycle/re-stop it now please treatment is Kung Fu. Yes, I said Kung Fu not Dong Fu, Wong Fu, or To Young Fu but Kung Fu. Kung Fu was a cult classic that featured a very white person (David Carradine) playing a very Asian kung fu master. It was perhaps the most famous instance of yellowface in pop culture. 

 Why is this becoming a movie? People need a paycheck and unfortunately the people that cut those checks can't possibly find a way to create an actual 9-5 for you and me but decidedly make a movie that may waste more time and money than a "Kardashian Wedding."

 Bill Paxton is in talks to direct and I hope for his sake he says no. And we should all say no. Enough with these bad ideas for rehashing the past. I'd like to look forward to a movie for once. Not say, " I wouldn't even watch that on FX on a Friday Night."

 I'm sure some poor sap will watch this movie and some sap will get a nice check. As for you and me, let's hope we can just get some kind of laugh out of this thing in about a year when it flops.

Kung Fu

BW Hits Primetime

 Brian Williams has to be one of the funniest people in television whose job does not explicitly include making you laugh. From his funny appearances on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, nobody "Slow Jams the News" quite like our man BW.
 He hosted "Today" this past Friday in place of good friend Matt Lauer and gained instant laughs just by complaining how he missed the World Series. BW also is very funny when giving the news, giving some of the more frivolous headlines a breath of fresh air.
 Last night, his newsmagazine "Rock Center" debuted to okay reviews and ratings. It was NBC's last-ditch attempt to reconcile the disaster that was "The Playboy Club" and it just might work. Williams has enough contributions from fellow journalists like Kate Snow and Richard Engel and he even got props from the realest fake anchor around, John Stewart.
 I have yet to personally watch the show myself, but if it's like anything else BW does, it'll be worth at least one try.

A Queen Returns to Daytime

 Now from the title I'm guessing your mind is going to Oprah. No, sorry folks. The Queen I'm talking about is all  about UNITY and respect, but of a different generation. Queen Latifah herself is giving daytime another shot in 2013.
 For those of us who remember she hosted a brief syndicated outlet from 1999-2001. I'd like to hope she injects a new flava (get it?!) to the genre. Ellen has taken over for nice talk shows, Anderson is trying to bring his journalism to the genre, and Rosie.. well uh I haven't watched her yet. Anyways, I hope Queen Latifah brings her personality to the genre as well as her insight.
 However, I will warn you getting excited about Queen La's return to daytime. If you happened to watch the 2010 BET Awards you know what I mean. While everyone loves Queen Latifah, unfortunately it didn't translate to the event.
 Hopefully she can do a lot better with this new opportunity!

Latifah Daytime