Jamie Foxx is finally getting ready to put this new album out! Can’t wait!
Here’s the new video for “Just Like Me” featuring T.I. – with a pretty cute ending! I just adore Taraji Henson!
Just Like Me ft. T.I. – Jamie Foxx
I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving! I had a good time with friends, and spoke with my mom and my sister -- and of course my meal turned out lovely. Thanks to Rachael Ray’s show for the carving tips on the turkey -- for the first time I was able to clean the whole bird off with just a few skillful cuts!
In case you missed it, here is Barbara Walters’ full interview with Barack and Michelle Obama from the November 26 episode of 20/20. What a beautiful couple! He is going to be our flyest President ever!
It was officially reported today that John Forte’s sentence was commuted by President Bush. I’m pretty psyched for him, since I think he’s going to have a lot to offer the music community upon his return to the big city. He’s been making music while he’s been locked up, and even though I haven’t communicated with him since around ’05, I am quite sure he’s got some sort of master plan to put out his new stuff.
I first corresponded with John back in ’97/’98 when he had his music site, and his message board was quite the rage. This is the board where I first met the people who would eventually lead me over to Okayplayer.com in 1999. John also came through Seattle with Wyclef and Canibus (who eventually got stationed at Fort Lewis by my house when he joined the army – that’s a whole other story), but I never spoke to him that time.
Through my crazy posts on his music site, John and I began conversing via email – generally about music, life and a bunch of nothing really. He was funny and smart, and I was absolutely shocked when I learned about his arrest. I couldn’t even believe it!
The first time I ever visited New York in September 2000, John was the person who convinced me to make the trip – despite the fact I had just left my job, had no money and no real plans for my future. He told me I HAD to come and see the city, and he let me stay at his mom’s house in East New Brunswick (talk about a five million mile cab ride!). He was on house arrest at the time, and we spent one day watching the first season of Sex & The City on DVD with one of his friends. He made sure that I got into the city to hang out with my Okayplayer friends in Brooklyn, and it was one of the greatest memories of my life.
Because of that trip, I fell in love with NYC, and finally moved her in 2004. Isn’t it funny how your life can change meeting just one person? Much less all the dozens of people who have inspired me along the way… oh, I have stories…
I’ll be eternally grateful for John’s kindness, and I hope he finds happiness as he comes back home to his family. Finally George Bush did something I approve of!
John Forte
I just got the word that Michigan Hip Hop pioneer MC Breed passed away in his sleep last night. Breed had been battling with a kidney failure he suffered a couple of months ago, and had been making new music with groups like The Bake Up Boyz. Blessings go out to his family and friends.
I remember back in the day how hype we would get when “Ain’t No Future In Your Frontin” came on in the club… my Seattle pal Sonny Bonoho just told me via Twitter that he remembered me dancing to that song back in the day. Good times.
Breed, thanks for the memories, and may your soul rest in eternal peace.
Here is a pretty thorough “Best of MC Breed” tribute
And here is The Bake Up Boyz 2007/2008 single “Now I Can Do That” (f/ Jim Jones) video with Breed in the cameo. The Bake Up Boyz’ album has yet to be officially released, but Breed had some features and was a mentor to the group.
MC Breed with The Bake Up Boyz in 2007
I met this kid HollieWood at J-Hatch’s Faces in the Crowd Showcase a few months back, and instantly fell in love with his energy. He has his own thing, and it was just about finding that right song. I got this video link tonight for “No Sleep Til Brooklyn (2008)” and I’m all over it!
The Gap has always stayed ahead of the TV ad fun-curve with their musical dance numbers, but I think they’ve outdone themselves this year! The full “Merry Mix It” mash-up has been circulating the net this week, but I think the individual ads are all fantastic! Which is your favorite? Take a moment to cast your vote below!
Trey Songz and Flo-Rida “Jingle Bells”
Selma Blair and Rainn Wilson “Baby It’s Cold Outside”(Kath & Kim and The Office just happen to be two of my favorite shows, so LOVE IT!)
Janelle Monae and Jon Heder “Winter Wonderland” (this is a funky blend of weird)
The Dixie Chicks and Sandra Bernhardt “Deck The Halls” (Ok, maybe I don’t like this one that much…)
Romany Malco, Jason Biggs and Freddy Rodriguez “We Three Kings” (wish they would have bboyed in this one too!)
And finally… the full mash-up!
Looks like our girl Mya is coming out again, but only in Japan this go-round. This is a smart move for her. Lord knows the Urban Pop market is pretty flooded these days, and at 29-years-old she might not be able to grab the same young fans who like Rihanna and Danity Kane. Regardless, Mya’s longtime fans should appreciate the effort! The song “Paradise” was written by Ne-Yo, and her album Sugar & Spice is coming to the Japanese market in December via Manhattan Records. Good luck!
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