Oldie Butta Goodie Bar: Jodeci – Feenin’

I told ya’ll I was working on my Jodeci

I was at the hair salon the other day when they started playing the Illest R&B DJ mix I’ve heard in a long time! I’m talking about all the classics – from the early 90s and on. I was thisclose to severing ties with my stylist and just theifin’ the damn CD right there – I would appreciate it more than she would! As would my readers!

Alas, the stylist and I are still on good terms: I instead made some mental notes of the songs I needed to follow up on and here we are. Feenin’ by Jodeci circa 1994 from their sophomore album, Diary of a Mad Band.  I love this song! The first thought that came to mind when I watched the video was: N’SYNC bited Jodeci with their video directly stealing Feenin’s concept. The second thought was: the song and video are both very sexy and raw. It reminds me of a time in R&B – post-NewJack Swing era, where it was still cool to sing with great emotion and conviction; to sing about what someone’s love does to you or means to you, without mentioning you purchasing them the Gucci or the Louis.  This video was directed by Hype Williams & Devante. I am now beginning to understand the allure of this Mad Band. After 26 years (young!) at that….Enjoy!

*Sidenote: Peep the Baron’s POV on what happened to Jodeci nowadays. Sadly, these guys are NOT lookin well…

Sweet Tooth: Jordin Sparks’ Battlefield

Now I do like Jordin Sparks voice, but as an artist, she tends to bore me. Maybe I should finally admit that I am affected by the over-saturation of the Music Industry and its ability to make me overlook an artist’s lack of talent for my general interest in them as an Artist. Or maybe I am reading too far into it. Nevertheless, Jordin has finally recorded some music that I am really feeling. I first heard Battlefield while watching one of my favourite Summer elimination reality shows: So You Think You can Dance. Contestants Brandon and Jeanine danced to a routine choreographed by Laurie-Ann “BoomKat!” Gibson, with such conviction and emotion. It was one of ‘those’ performances. The song really appealed to me as well, its lyrics painting a metaphor of falling in love being similar to entering a battle.  Jordin’s voice really delivers on this song written by The Runaways (Wayne Wilkins, Louis Biancaniello, Sam Watters) and OneRepublic’s frontman, Ryan Tedder (also wrote Bleeding Love and Halo). The song hasn’t been a big hit in the US (has peaked at #25 on Billboard back in May), but has been a hit overseas in countries like Britain, New Zealand and Germany. Jordin’s sophmore album Battlefield, was released last Tuesday, July 21st.

Jordin Sparks – Battlefield

Peep Jeanine & Brandon’s performance after the break!

ChokLit Fresh: Trey Songz – Best I Ever Had Remix

Photo via NecoleBitchie.com

Continuing to vye for the newly available title of the Remix King (I’m sure he will settle for Prince),  Trey Songz has hit us up with another remix to add to his repertoire. And I agree, it might be the BEST remix of Best I Ever Had I’ve heard thus far – including R.Kelly’s version. (*Side Note: if you haven’t heard R.Kelly’s version available on his mixtape, The Demo, you should download it here) Trey’s key to Success on this track: his harmonies (for the R&B heads) and his witty lyrics (for the hip hop heads) that reveal Trey’s effortless flow. He also reveals on the track that his forthcoming album Ready has been pushed back (!!) until September. He apologizes to his fans for the setback and calls them “the best [he] ever had”. I think the push-back is a good thing – Trey still doesn’t have that mainstream push he needs to garner the success he deserves. His mixtape was very well done and shows he is growing as an Artist and filling an empty spot in R&B music. Peep the track here.

Trey Songz – Best I Ever Had Remix

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Still in the W(Rapper): TheDream can’t wait to Hate You

The many informative peeps of TwitterLand had brought this music to my attention recently. Can’t Wait to Hate Youis a little demo TheDream recorded for Mariah Carey. It is likely to be a possible released single or at least a feature track on her forthcoming Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel. The album will be in stores August 21st. Can’t Wait to Hate You is a very somber broken-hearted love song about the dark period that exists right away after a break-up when one is trying to forget about their Ex-flame. The period where everything reminds you about them; her Marc Jacobs shades under your car seat, his empty Heineken cans he never did take for recycling, her mail that still comes to your address. It can be the worst feeling to be haunted by memories; that is when you secretly wish you could hold on to that feeling of anger for that much longer so that you will no longer have to feel the pain of loss. Not that I know anything about heartbreak

I must commend TheDream and his team on this one. I think this song will strike a nerve (in a good way) with listeners, especially once Mariah adds her melodic vocals to it. Perhaps it could be the next, We Belong Together? As long as they don’t give this song to CMilli. Please, no.

The Dream Demo for Mariah – Can’t Wait To Hate You

*Link Fixed!

Music News ROLO: G.O.A.T Season – Whitney Houston Makes a Comeback!

 

Can you feel it?? One of music’s few remaining Legends is gearing up to release her new album, I Look to You. The long-anticipated album will be her first in years and will be in stores September 1st! I am so excited and anxious for Ms Houston’s return. Obviously my readers must know I am a loyal Whitney fan so I’m happy to see she is on her way back on top once again. Her album cover looks very regal and mature – just what we expect from the Queen. The pictures below are from the album listening party that happened Tuesday night at Manhatten’s Jazz at Lincoln Center. Houston’s mentor, Clive Davis as well as celebs like Alicia Keys, Dionne Warwick and Marta Stewart were also in attendance. I’m sure Martha understands everyone needs a second chance. Now what I’mma need to see is my girl Wendy Williams and Whitney have another chat like their infamous radio interview years ago. Whitney looks beautiful and I’m so excited to hear what she has in stores. I Look to You will feature production and writing from Diane Warren, R.Kelly (YAY!), Akon, Sean Garrett (**side-eye**) and Swiss Beatz. I do hope they keep my Whitney pure!

Keep reading to see more pictures and the album’s tracklisting. Click here to listen to Whitney’s first official single, I Didn’t Know My Own Strength.

Hot ChokLit: Beyonce – Sweet Dreams Video

I am not sure when the video for Sweet Dreams was released, but I do know it is one of many videos from Beyonce’s current album, I am….Sasha Fierce, that she has made and are featured in her tour. I believe Beyonce has a video for every song on the album. I was a bit disappointed in her video for Ego, which was a favourite song of mine off the album. Sweet Dreams was originally a demo named Beautiful Nightmare that was leaked over a year ago to let the fans know what B was up to. The song had been renamed and re-mastered, but it is still good. Anyways, Beyonce is workin’ the dance moves in this video! Although the quality of the video isn’t the best, I really like the creative aspect and the choreography. A couple times in the video, Beyonce is actually krumping a bit to the track! Check it below.

Photo via BlazingSwarm.com

Melt in Your Ears: Chrisette Michelle – What You Do Video

Chrisette Michelle finally blesses us with the video for her second single, What you Do. In the video Pooch Hall aka Derwin from The Game plays her love interest whose actions speak louder than his words. The video, directed by Ray Kay, is nothing special, but it captures a nice feel of New York city nights, with Chrisette riding around town in a taxi cab or playing passionately on her piano. Chrisette displays another form of the shaved head-sides haircut that is all the rage with the hip female set, except hers is more feminine since it is not fully shaved. The video makes me appreciate the song more, although if feels like What you Do was released so long ago! Chrisette looks great!

Photo courtesty of Rap-up.com

Sweet Tooth: New Music from Priscilla Renea & Ciara

I was perusing Concrete Loop and found this video from a very talented young artist named Priscilla Renea who is currently signed to Capitol records. The 20 year old singer/songwriter has a beautiful voice and appears to be a breathe of fresh air in an industry that is obsessed with image. Her video below is impossibly cute, as is the song, called Hello Apple. Her debut album will be called Jukebox and should be released later this year. Priscilla apparently was discovered via YouTube where she posted videos of herself singing her songs. Respect the grind!

Also, you must check out this YouTube video she does covering Drake’s Best I ever Had. Very talent girl and such a cutie pie!

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Still in the W(rapper): Rihanna is Rated R + New Haircut Fierceness!

Yesterday this photo was released, supposedly being the proposed cover art for Rihanna’s new album, Rated R. I liked it right away, except for the blurriness that led me to assume it was a fake. It is still a hot pic. I assume it will need to be re-shot to include Rihanna’s new haircut she showed off recently while on the go. The pics below are recent ones of Rhi Rhi arriving at London’s Heathrow airport looking cue and casual.  I think the haircut looks HOT! Very few people can pull it off. Many celebrities (Cassie, La La, Nina Sky) are shaving the sides of their head for a punk-inspired look. I’m feeling most of the styles even though I think they might be a little butch..but maybe that is the look they were goin for!  Rihanna’s newest album is slated for a December release. If you haven’t heard her latest single, Te Amo, click  here!

Butta of the Week: Goapele – Milk & Honey

Goapele – Milk & Honey

I’ll admit, I have slept on Goapele for most of her career. I am not particularly familiar with her songs or albums. I am a fan of Closer, a ethereal, timeless tune that still gets a lot of play at clubs and lounges here in Toronto. Also any video I would catch of hers on Midnight Love (bring that show back Ms Debra Lee!!) Well Goapele is back with a new album and a new song, both titled Milk & Honey. The album is due later this year.

I just think this track is banging. The production is done by Bedrock. There is loud, hard-hitting production, but the music does not hide Goapele’s great vocals on the track. She sings with a seductive tone: “Just lay back, relax, let me blow ya mind (take our time)/ nothing like honey, it feels so warm inside” I’m feeling this sexy track and I’m sure many of you will as well.