The 2008 BET Awards show opened up with Usher giving an energetic performance to his hit song “Love in this Club.” If you read my review of his CD, you know that’s not his best song on the CD. I wanted him to mix it and come back with one of his slow jams. He did a lot of grinding up there on stage.

DL Hugley was this year’s host. His joke about R Kelly didn’t go over too well, but otherwise, most folks thing he did okay as a host. I miss Monique–can’t nobody top my girl hosting.

 Best Male R & B artist winner was Chris Brown.

I liked the song Young Jeezy performed.  It got the crowd hyped. I might have to download that ringtone.

Best Male Athlete award winner was Kobe Bryant. At least he won something this June (I know that’s wrong because I’m a Lakers fan.)

Keyshia Cole performed Sent from Heaven. I loved those boots she was rocking.  Lil Kim came on stage and almost took the spotlight.

It was like a Boyz N the Hood movie reunion with Cuba Gooding Jr, Morris Chestnut and Nia Long giving out the Best Female Hip-Hop Artist award (which Missy Elliott won).

I love me some Ne-Yo. I loved his performance but i might be a little bias.

Ladies still love cool James…well at least this one lady does. He just gets finer with age.  Him and Ashanti gave out the Best New Artist award. I wanted Estelle to win, but it was cool that The Dream won. I was actually expecting Flo Rida  or Soulja Boy to win.

 Alica Keys performed her throwback song “Teenaged Love Affair.”  That girl can sang (not sing, but sang). SWV showed up on stage with her singing “I Get So Weak in the Knees.” Alicia Keys performance was one of the best performances of the night. Just when you thought that was it, Envogue showed up performing “Don’t Let Go…” T Boz & Chili represented TLC with “Waterfalls.”

Niecy Nash has nobody’s sense. I won’t even repeat her skit. Funny though. She gave out the Best Male Hip-Hop Artist Award. Kanye West won this award; although I was thinking Lil Wayne had won when I saw him up on stage too.  

T Pain worked with a lot of artists this past year as you could tell from his performances with Flo Rida, Rick Ross, Ludacrious and more.

Video of the Year award went to UGK (R.I.P. Pimp C)

There was a gospel performance by Marvin Sapp. I need to download the ringtone for the song he sang “Never Would Have Made It.” He also won the Best Gospel Artist Award.

 Chris Brown always puts on a good performance. He’s all grown up. Him and Ciara performed Take U Down.  I thought they would have to bleep the stage for a moment.

The Best Collaboration Award went to Kanye West & T-Pain. It was going to be hard for T-Pain to lose since he collaborated with a few nominees. Kanye said, “I’m one of the kings in this game right now.” I’m really feeling Kanye right now. He seems more humble these days.

Al Green not only received the BET Lifetime Achievement Award, he turned the show out with songs like “Let’s Stay Together” and “Love and Happiness.” He showed the youngsters how it’s done. In fact, I think when I get off here, I’m going to listen to me some Al Green.

Rihanna also performed. I loved her hair, but no comments on the dress.

Queen Latifah presented Quincy Jones with the Humanitarian Award.

Ashanti introduced her man, Mr. Nelly.  A shirtless Nelly performed with JD and Fergie.

Lauren London and Sean “Diddy” Combs gave out the Best Female R & B artist award to Alicia Keys after declaring “Black is beautiful” (applause). Keys and others are hyped about the upcoming presidential election–Register to Vote y’all.

Lil Wayne closed the show out. 2008 is definately his year.

Overall, it was a good awards show.  My favorite performances were Al Green, his tribute performances, Alicia Keys, Young Jeezy, and Ne-Yo.

What did you like about this year’s BET Awards?

Paula Chase-Hyman is the author of the Del Rio Bay Clique Novels. Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, you’ll find the novels in the series entertaining.

7 Random Thoughts with Paula Chase-Hyman

Click here to watch Noel Gourdin’s “The River” video.

Noel Gourdin
Debut album After My Time available July 22
EPIC RECORDS
www.myspace.com/noelgourdin

BIO

A gritty, working class city outside of Boston, Brockton is best known as where legendary fighters the late Rocky Marciano and Marvin Hagler grew up. Unlike Detroit, Memphis, New Orleans or Philly, Brockton doesn’t spring to mind when name checking soul music’s breeding grounds. Yet it’s there that 24 year-old Noel Gourdin first fell under R&B’s spell and his hometown’s tenacity is the force behind his stunning Sony Urban Music/Epic Records debut.

Blessed with roughhewn, down-home vocals that hark back to when rhythm and blues repped for both those components, influences ranging from hip-hop to gospel and songs that are nakedly emotional and truthful, Noel Gourdin states his case on his refreshingly heartfelt debut CD. Featuring production from Kay Gee (Jaheim/Zhané), Raphael Saadiq (D’Angelo/Angie Stone), Mike City (Brandy/Sunshine Anderson), Dre & Vidal (Jill Scott), Butta (Usher), Eddie F (Heavy D), RLES and Trackaddix, Noel’s debut release is soul at its best. Speaking to the vibe he offers, Noel divulges, “It’s about the emotions of the average man. My intention is putting my feelings on the track and leaving everything I’ve got in the recording booth. I want people to think; this is a man that you can feel. That you can slow dance with, have a drink with and cry with. It’s real music that affects your life.”

That’s apparent on the richly moving “The River.” Produced by Kay Gee, “The River” conjures up vivid images of family, faith, tradition and the journey towards becoming your own man. “I had a track, and Noel and his co-writer [Balewa] said they wanted something that sounded like an old-styled ballad,” recalls Kay Gee of their seamless creative process. “I said, `Well, I have the perfect beat for you.’ So, I gave them the beat and they were like, `Alright…bet.’ Before I knew it, they had written `The River,’ which is a great record. A lot of people are scared to do one of those kinds of songs right now, so I think they took a chance and came up with something great.” “We wanted to make a modern-day Negro spiritual,” concludes Noel, of the song’s inspiration. “Both my grandparents lived in Mississippi about 3 hours from Biloxi and I spent every summer with them, so I really soaked up that atmosphere and history. My grandfather had just died and I was really thinking about him, and in the Deep South the river represents something spiritual. The song means a lot because it’s so close to home.”

Emotions also guide the jazzy “Hurts Like Hell”, produced by Trackaddix. “That’s a real pride record. He still loves her but it’s not working out. A lot of fellows wont admit it, but after they’ve broken up they say, `She’s not gonna see me crying.’ That’s real.” So too is the sultry “Summertime,” produced by Dre & Vidal. Featuring lines like “Just cause it’s cold outside/let’s make it summertime,” this is a soft and wet ode that Noel calls “just crazy. In some ways the vibe reminds me of `Let’s Get It On.’” There’s also a hint of a more contemporary singer – namely, D’Angelo — and Noel acknowledges the influence. “I hear the comparison; our voices are similar but you can tell us apart. I get inspiration from a lot of artists: Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke. There’s also a real big Prince undertone. I just filter it all through my own way of seeing things and hopefully come up with something hot.” Hot also describes the up-tempo “Clap 4 That,” produced by Butta. “That’s a `have fun party record’ that I loved doing it.”

The youngest of three kids, Noel grew up singing in church and fully absorbed his father’s classic soul and older brother’s New Jack Swing records. From Otis Redding and the Chi-Lites to Teddy Riley and Jodeci, Noel loved it all, so much so that in middle school he had begun to write his own songs, drawing from what he’d heard coming up. “Listening to so much music from so many different eras really helped me put my style together.”

By high school, Noel was performing in local talent shows, parties and events sponsored by the city. “We’d always keep it true, trying to put it down for the home town,” he fondly recalls. “It was a pleasure performing in Brockton. I did shows for the Boys and Girls Club to help keep the kids motivated.” It was also while in school that Noel hooked up with a local producer, who sensing his talent took Noel to a small studio. While the recording facilities might have been modest, the pay off was enormous as Noel recalls: “I had somewhere to get the music off my chest and after a year I had a bunch of tracks together, doing all the music and writing all the lyrics.”

Following graduation, Noel focused even more on music and further strengthened his commitment to his community by working at a local group home for battered kids. “It was a passion of mine, being able to affect a kid’s life and trying to be a positive role model.” By 2002, Noel and Stalin Entertainment owner Larry “Lucky” Fernandes had built their business relationship and sealed their artist management deal with a handshake. After a year of writing and producing new songs — following a club date in Providence, RI — Lucky introduced the Noel project to producer/artist Tommy Olivera, who, with songwriter Balewa Muhammad, now make up Noel’s production team. Tommy also had a wide range of industry contacts, among them former Naughty By Nature DJ / producer Kay Gee, who is best known for his production work for Jaheim, Zhané and Next. Within no time, Noel was working with Kay Gee at his New Jersey studio. In 2004, Kay Gee asked him to contribute a song to The Cook Out soundtrack; Noel cut “Family Reunion,” which by his own admission signaled a new musical direction. “Working with everyone had really opened up my horizons and I started looking at concepts and listening to music in a different way. I wanted to come up with something that wasn’t out there.” With that in mind, Noel kept writing and amassed close to an album’s worth of material, which he and his team sent out to taste-makers in the music industry. He also met with label executives, which resulted in an introduction to Sony Urban Music’s V.P. of A&R, Chad Elliott in June 2005. Armed with a slew of tracks, including early versions of “Hurts Like Hell” and “The River,” Noel caught Elliot’s ear and by the end of the summer a showcase was set up for the young singer/songwriter. By the fall of that year, Noel was offered a record deal. “Getting signed was unbelievable. I’m very family oriented, so to be able to make them proud meant everything to me. Plus, I think my deal showed other Brockton musicians that it’s not just a pipe dream.”

That dedication comes through on Noel’s emotionally-stirring debut CD, something his seasoned producers recognized early on and played up. “I know a lot of people say this, but I think he’s just a breath of fresh air [right now],” explains Kay Gee. “I think the fact that we haven’t heard singers like him in a while, mixed with the sound of his falsetto, lets us know that there’s something missing in the music industry right now. I think there’s a lane open for his sound.” Raphael Saadiq wholeheartedly agrees, adding, “Noel’s a young soul who can sing in all kinds of different areas. He’s from Mississippi but lives out in Boston, so he’s bringing a certain flavor from both places. His style is really soulful. He’s very competitive and cool, but also has that energy that you need out there in the urban world.” Asked to describe his soulful collection and Noel straightforwardly replies, “It’s emotional and vulnerable, but still strong and secure. More than anything, I wanted to make music that was real, relatable…and timeless.”

Watch the exclusive trailer on www.papajohns.com.

MUMMY MADNESS BEGINS  

The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor First Full-Length Trailer

Available This Weekend Exclusively at Papajohns.com                                   

Are you a fan of the Mummy movies and can’t wait to get an exclusive sneak peek at the first full-length trailer for the new film?  For the next 48 hours, www.papajohns.com will be THE exclusive online destination for fans and consumers to check out the newest trailer for Universal Pictures’ upcoming epic adventure The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.  The trailer goes live as of 9:00 am (est) on Friday, June 20.

“The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor is going to be a huge summer blockbuster and Papa John’s is pleased to be part of the excitement leading up to the release,” said Jim Ensign, vice president of marketing communications at Papa John’s.  “Having the exclusive, first full-length trailer available at papajohns.com is just another way for us to bring our customers added value with a movie that’s sure to be hot news this summer!”

The blockbuster global Mummy franchise takes a spellbinding turn as the action shifts to Asia for the next chapter in the adventure series, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.  Brendan Fraser returns as explorer Rick O’Connell to combat the resurrected Han Emperor (Jet Li) in an epic that races from the catacombs of ancient China to the neon-lit streets of post-war Shanghai and high into the spectacular Himalayas.  Rick is joined in this all-new adventure by son Alex (newcomer Luke Ford), wife Evelyn (Maria Bello) and her brother, Jonathan (John Hannah).  And this time, the O’Connells must stop a mummy awoken from a 2,000-year-old curse who threatens to plunge the world into his merciless, unending service.

The first full-length trailer for The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor is available exclusively at www.papajohns.com through 12:00 a.m. (EST) on Sunday, June 22.  Papa John’s is a promotional partner of The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.

About Papa John’s

Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) is the world’s third largest pizza company.  For nine years running, consumers have rated Papa John’s No. 1 in customer satisfaction among all national pizza chains in the highly regarded American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI).  Papa John’s also ranks first among pizza companies in the 2008 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index and was named 2007 Pizza Today Chain of the Year.   For more information about the company or to order pizza online, visit Papa John’s at www.papajohns.com.

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TUMBLIN’ DOWN Audio streams: 

Windows Media

Real Player

BLIND MELON’S NEW SINGLE “TUMBLIN’ DOWN” 

IMPACTS RADIO ON JUNE 26th

 BAND CONTINUES  TO TOUR THE  U.S  IN SUPPORT  “FOR MY FRIENDS”

In recent years, the tale of Blind Melon has taken a dramatic turn – from an abrupt and tragic end, to a rebirth and reconnection with their legion of fans. On the road since February, the band have played to sold out audiences across the U.S. in support of their new CD For My Friends, their first studio album in over a decade. During this time the group have garnered countless fans and graced the stages of a number of festivals including Langaredo, Summer Camp, Jubilee Jam and Birmingham City Stages.  Blind Melon also performed on the upcoming NBC Special “For The Troops,” a tribute to the U.S. Troops and their families, scheduled to air later in 2008.

No matter how you slice it, Blind Melon was responsible for some of the most memorable and pure-sounding rock music of the ‘90s. And with their reformation in 2007 with singer Travis Warren, Blind Melon are poised to pick up exactly where they left off a decade earlier – as evidenced by their new CD.

On February 28^th Blind Melon began a five month U.S. tour, a continuation of what they built in the 90’s and the beginning of what they are building for the future. “We couldn’t have planned this and we certainly couldn’t have forced this.  It was meant to be and it was meant to be now,” commented bassist Brad Smith.  Guitarist Christopher Thorn adds,   “We weren’t waiting around for Travis to show up in our lives. But when we met Travis, we just knew Blind Melon had to reform and be a band again. We feel so lucky to have this second chance, this new beginning.”

Blind Melon originally formed in 1990 in Los Angeles, California, when five transplants from other states crossed paths - singer Shannon Hoon (from Indiana), guitarist Christopher Thorn (from Pennsylvania), and guitarist Rogers Stevens, bassist Brad Smith, and drummer Glen Graham (all from Mississippi). With a buzz created around the band, the group’s now-classic self-titled debut was released in 1992 and their song “No Rain” became a smash on radio and MTV.          

Unfortunately, it was around this time that Shannon Hoon’s drug addiction took a turn for the worse and he overdosed while on tour at the age of 28.  The four surviving members regrouped and issued an outtakes collection, 1996’s ‘Nico’ (named after Hoon’s then-baby daughter, and spawning such further Melon classics as “Soup” and “Soul One”), as well as the Grammy-nominated home video, ‘Letters from a Porcupine.’ At that point, an attempt to find a replacement for Hoon was abandoned, and in 1999, the group officially went their separate ways. Smith and Thorn subsequently formed a short-lived group, Unified Theory, as well as opening up their own recording studio (Wishbone), and becoming much-in-demand producers. 

In 2006, Smith and Thorn were asked to produce some songs for Texas-based singer/songwriter, Travis Warren, who also happened to be a diehard Blind Melon fan. While working with Warren in the studio, Smith jokingly said to Thorn that Travis “could sing Blind Melon songs in his sleep.” The idea was born. The four remaining members – who hadn’t been in the same room in years – came together to be reacquainted with each other, and to meet with Warren. Soon after, it had become apparent that they had finally located Blind Melon’s new singer. With Stevens and Graham reclaiming their spots as well, Blind Melon was back in business. Setting up shop at Wishbone, the reformed band spent most of 2007 writing and recording. But before issuing a new album, the group decided to introduce their newest member via a highly successful and completely sold out club tour in late 2007.  The tour elicited an overwhelming response from audiences and prepped both old fans and new fans for what Blind Melon has in store for 2008.

Robin Thicke is back with a new single “Magic” from his forthcoming and highly anticipated album Something Else due in stores September 9!

Magic Audio Stream 

ROBIN THICKE
Interscope Records
Myspace
Something Else IN STORES SEPTEMBER 9

TATTOO THE GAME: DESIGN MULTI-PLATINUM RAPPER THE GAME’S NEXT TATTOO  

The Game’s L.A.X. Album In Stores July 22!

(Los Angeles, CA) - The Game is undoubtedly one of the toughest, most controversial MCs in the music industry today, with raw lyrics and an appearance to match. From the infamous ‘star faced’ tattoo to the large “N.W.A.” tribute on his chest, Game’s body art is always recognized and talked about. To celebrate the release of the new album L.A.X., The Game invites fans to become a part of him-literally-by designing his next tattoo inspired by the album’s title L.A.X.

Amateur or expert, fans are encouraged to be as creative as they want; using any colors, fonts, and images they can dream up. By visiting The Game’s personal page on imeem (http://www.imeem.com/tattoothegame), fans can view special video messages from The Game as well as upload their tattoo image ideas in the Photos section (http://www.imeem.com/tattoothegame/photos/). The Game will select his final choice and get the tattoo shortly before the release of L.A.X.

L.A.X., the Game’s much-anticipated third studio album, is scheduled for release on July 22, 2008. He’s joined by top-notch producers- Kanye West, Cool & Dre, DJ Toomp, and Scott Storch to name a few- and collaborations with hip hop heavyweights like Lil’ Wayne, Ice Cube, Common, Ne-Yo and Ludacris. The album’s first single “Game’s Pain” featuring Keyshia Cole pays homage to all of the legendary rappers who have influenced The Game throughout his career and sets the tone for what will be his self described best album to date.

The Game has released two #1 albums and sold over 8 million records worldwide. His previous studio project, Doctor’s Advocate sold over 350k copies in its first week and received a 4.5 mic rating from The Source magazine. Outside of music, The Game has acted in several movies including Waist Deep in 2006 and Street Kings early this year.  The Game has also provided voiceovers for many video games including Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and Def Jam: Icon. The Game has partnered with Los Angeles car and lifestyle company 310 Motoring to create his own shoe line The Hurricane, which a portion of each shoe’s sale has been donated to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

 Imeem is a social media network that enables users to discover, interact and express themselves with media, including music, video and photos, and form connections based on shared tastes and interests. Innovative media expression tools, including custom music playlists, video channels, photo slideshows and blogs, enable the imeem community to share their tastes with friends and fans on imeem and across the Web. The community has attracted over 24 million unique users each month. http://www.imeem.com

Checkout last week’s A Dolla A Day Freestyle:

MTV SERVES UP SPECIAL EDITIONS

OF “A SHOT AT LOVE 2 WITH TILA TEQUILA”

When the race for love heats up, emotions get out of control with special editions of MTV’s “A Shot At Love 2” beginning June 24.   Every Tuesday, for three consecutive weeks, MTV will indulge fans with updates on contestants both reviled and beloved, reveal who Tila finally chose and look back at the ups-and-downs of the tumultuous season.

“A Shot At Love 2” special programming includes:

“A SHOT AT LOVE 2 REUNION: HAPPY HOUR”

Airs Tuesday, June 24 at 10pm (ET/PT)

Fans will get the inside scoop on what all eliminated contestants have been doing since they lost their “Shots at Love.”  Bringing back 30 of the most love-torn contestants from “A Shot at Love 2 With Tila Tequila” sounds like a good idea, but as we all know, nothing is uglier than a group of scorned admirers.  It’s the audience’s first chance to see Bo and Chad face off for the first time since the punch heard around the Valley and Jersey Jay will reveal how he’s feeling since his controversial elimination. 

“A SHOT AT LOVE 2” SEASON FINALE

Airs on Tuesday, July 1 at 10pm (ET/PT)

After narrowing down 30 suitors to 2, internet queen Tila Tequila is ready to make her final decision.  In this very dramatic conclusion, Tila finally chooses the person with whom she found love.  Will love work the second time around?

“A SHOT AT LOVE 2: ONE SHOT TOO MANY”

Airs Sunday, July 8 at 10pm (ET/PT)

In this special one-hour edition, Tila and the final two contestants make their first public appearance since the season finale.  Will Tila show up with her chosen love hand-in-hand?  Will bitterness from the unlucky contestant overflow?  Fans will see if love wins in the end.

“A Shot At Love 2 With Tila Tequila” is produced by 495 Productions.  Sally Ann Salsano serves as executive producer.  Scott Jeffress and Larry Hochberg are co-executive producers.  Liz Gateley and Maitee Cueva are the MTV executives overseeing production.

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JPL is currently performing across the country and will be starring in the
opening two weeks of Idols In Concert featuring 17 artists from Seasons I -
VI of the popular television show, American Idol. The concert series will
kick off July 1st  at the Razz Room in San Francisco.  Under the direction
of Michael Orland, pianist, arranger and associate music director for
American Idol, these hand-picked finalists will perform a combination of
popular and original songs with live musical accompaniment.  San Francisco
is the first city on a projected nationwide Idols in Concert tour.

WEEK OF JULY 01 - 06:  the summer tour will launch with three finalists from
American Idol:  LaKisha Jones, who placed fourth in Season VI; Jon Peter
Lewis, who placed eighth in Season III; and Anwar Robinson, who placed
seventh in Season IV. 

WEEK OF JULY 08 - 12: this week’s crop of budding talent will include Gina
Glocksen, who placed ninth in Season VI; and a reprise of Jon Peter Lewis
and Anwar Robinson. 

To purchase tickets to all performances, visit www.therrazzroom.com
<http://www.therrazzroom.com/> .

The debut single and title track ‘Break The Silence’ on radio now, is
available online everywhere including iTunes.
<http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=275496733&s=
143441>   The album will be released on Cockaroo Entertainment / Adrenaline
Music Group July 22nd.

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Myspace Music Phenomenon Set To Release Album “What About Bob?” Summer 2008

(Los Angeles, CA) – Jean Rah Fya Records announces the signing of Bobby Tinsley, who will be releasing his highly anticipated album, “What About Bob?” Bobby explodes onto the scene with the video of his compelling lead single, which is also entitled, “What About Bob?” The video is scheduled to debut on BET J’s popular show “Morning Cup and Soul Sessions”. 
 
Bobby Tinsley has earned praises for his soulful and positive sound, on records like CCHR Top 40 Charter, “Addicted” and his underground internet favorites, “Missing you” and ”Never Give Up On Love”.  Tinsley is back in the studio, putting the finishing touches on his sophomore project, “What About Bob?”, which the singer primarily wrote and produced. In addition, the admired R&B singer introduced his soulful sound to the world of MySpace back in May of 2006 and has since accumulated over one million (1,000,000) profile views. 
 
Tinsley is an accomplished songwriter who has worked with R&B, Pop, Hip-Hop and Gospel artists including the multi-Grammy Award winner BeBe Winans, Chani, Urban D, 3:16 and the production duo the Insomniax, who has worked with famed artists such as Jordan Sparks, Jojo and Boyz II Men. His emerging success inspired him to form his own music production company (More Than Hype Productions), which spawned his underground release in 2004 entitled “Page 1″. This musical gem then caught the attention of Jean Rah Fya Records label executives Doug and Jackie Christie.

“Bobby Tinsley represents the traditional R&B sound, which are the harmonies, rich melodies and lyrics that express true emotions, and ‘What About Bob?’ displays honest song writing, beautifully arranged music and vocal wizardry!,” said Doug Christie. 
 
Bobby grew up listening to R&B greats like Boyz II Men and Brian Mcknight. On “What About Bob?,” his smooth, mid-tempo first single” Tinsley expands on his sultry, classic R&B sound reminiscent of a “feel good” Marvin Gaye or Isaac Hayes record, where Tinsley explains “Young people from all backgrounds are dealing with the same relationship struggles and temptations. It’s important that they have music that talks about those things.” 
 
Tinsely’s single “What About Bob” is slated for release on June 26, 2008. 
 
About Jean Rah Fya records: Established in Dec 2007, the label owned by NBA Star Doug Christie and his business savvy wife Jackie Christie is the home to some of the hottest young talent. Jean Rah Fya records goal is to promote positive artists with unique vocals and electrifying sounds. This new label, the pioneer of “The Positive Youth Movement”, is quickly making headlines in the music industry. The label has an array of talent on their roster including: Chani, Small Change, Alexis and Bobby Tinsley.

About BET J: BET J (previously known as BET on Jazz and later BET Jazz) is a spin-off cable television channel of BET (Black Entertainment Television), created originally to showcase jazz music-related programming, especially that of black jazz musicians.

BET on Jazz later became BET Jazz. On March 1, 2006, the network re-branded again, this time as BET J. While jazz music still remains the primary focus, programming has been expanded to include a block of Caribbean programs as well as some R&B and neo soul music. 

 
For More Information: 
http://www.myspace.com/bobbytinsley  
http://www.jeanrahfyarecords.com 

Hey folks, what’s up.  Just stopping by for a minute to give my take on what’s going on in the entertainment world and beyond.  And remember, it’s MY take, everyone has an opinion.

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Lil’ Wayne’s new CD “Tha Carter III” sold 1 million copies in the first week!  See, he can brag after all.  Good for you Weezy!  I have it and believe me when I say that every song on that CD is either very good or excellent except for maybe one.  I have read a couple other bloggers say it doesn’t live up to the hype, but I wholeheartedly disagree.  There are guest appearances by Robin Thicke, Jay Z, Babyface and Bobby Valentino and they all deliver.  Lil’ Wayne is extremely talented and he really shows it on his latest CD. Unfortunately, a dark cloud hangs over this shining moment for Lil’ Wayne because of the impending criminal investigation concerning him and a handgun in New York City.  NYC prosecutors are going full force trying to prove that he fired the gun or whatever.  Again, another black person forgetting that “the right to bear arms” does not apply to us – that part of the Constitution is only for non-people of color.  Did Weezy miss the meeting?

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As you all should know by now, R. Kelly was found NOT GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS!  When it was announced I swore I heard a big sigh of relief coming out of Chicago.  LOL!!  Apparently, prosecutors did not and could not prove that was R. Kelly on the tape.  Lets see if he has learned anything from what he has been through; dude could have been writing songs from a prison cell.  No more young girls and sex tapes! 

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I just want to say….Mariah Carey looks good!  Fabulous!  Mimi and Madonna – two bitches that know how to stay on top!  Loving them!

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Guess who got beef?!  Clint Eastwood and Spike Lee.  Stop laughing, would ya?!  While at the Cannes Film Festival, Spike made the following comment regarding Clint’s two war films: “Clint Eastwood made two films about Iwo Jima that ran for more than four hours total, and there was not one Negro actor on the screen. If you reporters had any balls you’d ask him why. There’s no way I know why he did that. That was his vision, not mine. But I know it was pointed out to him and that he could have changed it. It’s not like he didn’t know.”  Well, I guess Clint got mad and said “a guy like him should shut his face“.  Spike didn’t like that comment so now it’s on!  They are both great movie makers so they need to stop acting like boys.  You can read the full battle between Clint and Spike at www.blackvoices.com.

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A judge has told Fifty Cent that the house that he….er….someone burnt down to the ground cannot be unloaded and Fifty is to put all insurance money from the fire in a trust until his fight with ex-girlfriend and his baby mama Shaniqua Tompkins is resolved.  Perhaps he will be forced to do the right thing.  My advice to Fifty:  Bro, just buy the chick and nice house, give her a couple hundred thousand and call it a day.

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Have you guys heard anything about Rihanna and Amy Winehouse doing a song together?  If yes, please hit me up.  I absolutely adore both of those women but I don’t think that would be a good idea for Rihanna.  Sorry, Amy, you’re too dirty right now – a great singer, but a crack-head in need of long-term rehabilitation.

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Britney’s little sis Jamie Lynn Spears had a baby girl.  In case any of you care.  Another child having a child.  Not cute. 

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Arsenio Hall is coming back to T.V.  He’s the host of a new reality series on MyNetwork TV called “Funniest Moments”, which will air this fall.  He’s a likeable guy so good for him, buy who needs another reality show?!  For those that don’t know Arsenio he had his own late night show from 1989-1994 called “The Arsenio Hall Show” and he’s also hosted other shows along the way.  I wish him well but we’re sick of reality shows!  Wait….what was that?  Oh, just the sound of crickets because apparently none of ya’ll give a damn about corny ass Arsenio Hall!  LOL!!

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The Beautiful evangelist Juanita Bynum her husband Thomas Weeks are divorced.  I was hoping they would be able to save their marriage but that did not happen.  It’s hard to stay with a man once he has kicked your ass.  I hate a man that hits a woman so adios Tommy boy!  J

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What’s going on with Whitney Houston?  Where is she?  I think I’m going to start a “Whitney Watch”.  I hate when celebs disappear.  Do something damn it!  I need some food for my blog! 

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Soul Train has been an important part of my life.  When I was a teen getting up on Saturday mornings to watch Soul Train was one of the most important moments in my life!  And creator and long-time host Don Cornelius is a legend in my eyes.  To have a show on the air for 37 years is amazing!  Everybody from back in the day brace yourselves – the Soul Train franchise has been sold!  Don Cornelius no longer owns it - he sold it to Madvision Entertainment Inc.  Another Black institution gone. L

Listen  - I gotta go - talk to ya later!

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ARTIST OF THE MONTH

BEYONCÉ KNOWLES

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Every now and then God plants among us someone special who shines brighter than everyone else.  That’s how I think of June’s Artist of Month, superstar Beyoncé Knowles.  Ms. B, as we fans affectionately refer to her, is not your average R&B-pop singer – oh no, far from it.  She is an extraordinary entertainer who sings, dances, writes, produces, acts and designs clothing and continues to look gorgeous while doing it all.  She is certainly a rare breed. 

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles was born September 4, 1981 to  Mathew Knowles, a successful African American record manager and Tina Beyoncé, an American costume designer and hair stylist of Louisiana Creole descent. Knowles was baptized after her mother’s maiden name, as a tribute to her mother and to prevent the name from becoming obsolete, since only a few of the Beyoncé males carry the name.  Her maternal grandparents, Lumis Albert Beyoncé and Agnéz Deréon, were French-speaking Louisiana Creoles.  She is the older sister of Solange Knowles, a singer-songwriter and actress. 

As a child Beyoncé studied dance including ballet, jazz and tap.  Rumor has it that her singing ability was discovered by her dance instructor who was humming a song and Beyoncé finished it hitting all the high notes.  She was a shy child but came alive when she hit the stage.  By age seven, Beyoncé had entered her first talent show, singing John Lennon’s “Imagine”. She won the contest and was honored with a standing ovation.  A seven year old child wowing folks.  Isn’t that something!  She attended Parker Elementary School, a music magnate school in Houston, where she performed with the school’s choir and she also attended the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston.  And, like most good Black singers, Beyoncé was a soloist in the choir of her church, St. John’s United Methodist Church.  But she only lasted in the choir for two years because she was focused on her budding career.  At the age of eight, Beyoncé met LaTavia Roberson while in an audition for a girl group. They, along with Knowles’ cousin Kelly Rowland were placed into a group that performed rap and dancing named Girl’s Tyme.  With Knowles and Rowland, Girl’s Time attracted audiences nationally. Arne Frager, a west coast R&B producer, flew into Houston to see them. He eventually brought them to his studio—The Plant Recording Studios—in Northern California, with Beyoncé’s vocals being featured because Frager thought she had personality and the ability to sing.  As part of his efforts to sign Girl’s Time to a major label record deal, Frager’s strategy was to debut them in Star Search,  the precursor to American Idol.  They lost the competition because the song they performed was not good, as Beyoncé herself admitted.  Beyoncé had her first “professional setback” after that defeat, but regained confidence after knowing that then-pop stars Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake had also experienced the same fate. 

To fast forward, in 1995 Beyoncé’s dad, Mathew Knowles, resigned from his job as  a medical-equipment salesman in order to manage his daughter’s career.  He dedicated his time and established a “boot camp” for the group’s training.  The move reduced the Knowles family’s income by half and Beyoncé’s parents separated because of the pressure.  Rehearsing in Tina’s salon and their backyards, the group continued performing as an opening act for other established R&B girl groups of the time; Tina contributed to the cause by designing their costumes, which she continued to do throughout Destiny’s Child era. With the continued support of Mathew, they auditioned before record labels and were finally signed to Elektra Records, only to be dropped months later before they could release an album. 

Taken from a passage in the Book of Isaiah, the group changed its name to Destiny’s Child in 1993.  They performed in local events and, after four years on the road, the group was signed to Columbia Records in late 1997. That same year, Destiny’s Child recorded their major label debut song, “Killing Time”, for the soundtrack to the 1997 film, Men in Black.  The following year, the group released its self-titled debut album, scoring their first major hit “No, No, No”. That album established the group as a viable act in the music industry, amassing moderate sales and winning awards.  However, the group rose to bona fide stardom after releasing their multi-platinum sophomore album “The Writing’s on the Wall” in 1999. “The Writing’s on the Wall” sold more than seven million copies, essentially becoming their breakthrough album.

In June 2003, after a series of commercial successes with the group, Beyoncé released her debut solo album, “Dangerously in Love”. The album became one of the most successful albums of that year, spawning the number-one singles “Crazy in Love” and “Baby Boy”, and earned Knowles FIVE Grammy Awards in a single night in 2004. The formal disbandment of Destiny’s Child in 2005 facilitated her continued success as a solo artist. She released her second album, B’Day in 2006, which spawned the UK number-one singles “Déjà Vu” and “Beautiful Liar”, as well as the worldwide hit, “Irreplaceable”.

The success of her solo albums has established her as one of the most marketable artists in the industry. However, she has also added acting and endorsement deals to her repertoire. In 2006, she starred alongside Steve Martin and Kevin Kline in the comedy The Pink Panther, and that same year, scored the main role in the film adaptation of the 1981 Broadway musical Dreamgirls. Beyoncé launched her family’s fashion line House of Deréon in 2004, and among her many lucrative commercial deals are Pepsi, Tommy Hilfiger, and L’Oréal. Ms. B has been with long-time boyfriend Jay-Z since 2002, though they were very discreet about their relationship. After much speculation, they married on April 4, 2008.

At the age of 27 Beyoncé Giselle Knowles is at the beginning of what is more than likely going to be a very long and rewarding career.  With all that she has already accomplished, what is she going to do next?  Whatever she does I know it’s going to be spectacular! 

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To the left, to the left

To the left, to the left

To the left, to the left

Everything you own in the box to the left

In the closet, that’s my stuff

Yes, if i bought it please don’t touch

And keep talking that mess that’s fine

But, could you walk and talk at the same time

And, it’s my name that’s on that Jag

So come move your bags, let me call you a cab

Standing in the front yard

Telling me how I’m such a fool

Talking ’bout I’ll never ever find a man like you

You got me twisted

You must not know about me, you must not know about me

I could have another you in a minute

Matter of fact, he’ll be here in a minute, baby

You must not know about me, you must not know about me

I can have another you by tomorrow

So don’t you ever for a second get to thinking

You’re irreplaceable

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Smooches!

Live life ya’ll!

Introducing Dondria By JoJo

I attended a press conference for Jermaine Dupri’s newest artist on So So Def Records Dondria a/k/a Phatffatt.  Music mogul Jermaine always has his ear to the streets and never fails to bring us the best in music.  Well, he has done it again!  Dondria is poised to be the first R&B star plucked straight off of YouTube.  Dondria’s voice is fresh, soulful and simply beautiful. 

Hailing from the small town of Sachse Texas, Dondria is on the verge of what a lot of young girls from big and small towns alike dream of – music stardom.  Her story sounds a bit like a fairytale but it’s all true.  Dondria says she didn’t even know about YouTube until a friend asked her to watch a video on it.  Thereafter, she put a video on YouTube of her singing.  She got responses.  Then she put another video on, then another, and another until girlfriend reached one million hits and created a big buzz.  One million hits!  Word was spreading about this young singer with a great voice.  Music man JD saw Dondria’s videos on Youtube, loved her voice and personality and set out to get in contact with her. 

But getting in touch with Dondria was not an easy task.  JD kept calling her cell phone but, like me, she does not answer her cell if she doesn’t recognize the number.  So she simply ignored the calls.  JD was leaving her voicemails but she didn’t believe it was the “real” Jermaine Dupri – music mogul.    Something struck a cord because Dondria finally believed it was the real JD.  They met, he signed her, and now we are about to get blessed with the voice of an angel.

When I arrived at the press conference Dondria had already been working for a couple of hours but she was still excited and very gracious to the many music journalists that wanted a moment of her time.  Dressed in jeans, t-shirt, flip-flops and a baseball cap, Dondria is a very pretty, petite young woman.  She said she’s a size zero!  Most women would look like a whale standing next to her!  LOL!!   During the press conference a few journalists asked her to drop a few verses on us which she did with grace.  Luvs, sista’ needed no music, back-up singers or fancy outfits – this girl can SANG ya’ll!  J   

I had a chance to chat with the young star-in-the-making and found her to be down-to-earth, friendly, sweet and determined.  Here’s a bit of what we talked about.

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Dondria, I absolutely love your voice!  Your diction is excellent.  That stands out to me because a lot of young singers don’t realize how important diction is but it seems to be important to you.  Where did you get that from?

Definitely my high school and college vocal teachers.  All of them were great teachers and taught me a lot about diction, control and breathing. 

What are you looking forward to most in your budding career?

I love being in the studio creating the music.  I just love it.  That’s my favorite part.  Getting in there singing the songs, creating the songs.

Are there any artists that you would like to work with?

Of course Beyonce!  And Chris Brown because he’s my age and he has a great voice. 

(To say Dondria loves Beyonce is an understatement.  She mentioned Ms. B several times throughout the conference.  I certainly hope her dream of doing a duet with Ms. B comes true.)

What’s on your CD player or IPOD right now?

Chris Brown, Beyonce of course, Christina Aguilera.

Fashion is such a big part of the music industry.  Do you have a vision for your look?

I’m the type of girl that wears Abercrombie & Fitch, Aeropostale – stuff like that.  So there you go. 

Dondria’s CD – Dondria vs. Phatffatt - drops July 29 but if you can’t wait until then to hear her beautiful voice, go to YouTube, put Dondria in the search line and take a listen.  But still buy the CD when it drops.  J

Usher’s “Here I Stand” is for the grown and sexy. I wasn’t sure Usher could deliver songs that could compare to his previous CD “Confessions” but in my opinion it’s better. The first single was a club banger “Love in this Club.”  If you’re not into his uptempo songs, don’t sleep on Here I Stand because Usher delivers some sensational slow songs.

As Usher says, the song “Something Special” is “for the lovers.”  Love You Gently is by far my favorite song on the CD. It should be called “foreplay.” I also like the song  Appetite and can see it being a single. The music for the song Here I Stand sounds like a throwback to the 70’s. It has a groovy melody.  

There are other uptempo songs on the CD like What’s Your Name and Best Thing with Jay Z.

Here I Stand’s best offerring is the slow jams or what I like to call “slow grinds.”  The music is slow enough yet fast enough to have folks rocking their hips; whether they are dancing with their loved one or singing along solo. ~ Shelia M. Goss, entertainment writer and national best-selling author of Double Platinum and My Invisible Husband

Streaming audio for first single “Dancing”

Steaming audio for “Rainbow”

The official Elisa site: http://www.elisatoffoli.com 

Elisa on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/elisaus 

Italian-born singer-songwriter Elisa, already a multi-platinum, award-winning superstar in her native country, makes her North American debut this month with her new full-length album, Dancing (Sugar/Universal). The album, which powerfully showcases the genre-bending artist’s emotionally resonant pop-rock sound, premieres at iTunes on June 17 (including a bonus track, Elisa’s cover of the Stones’ “Wild Horses”) and will be released at physical retail and other digital outlets on July 15.

            Dancing builds on the love that Stateside audiences have been feeling for Elisa ever since the title track was featured on Fox-TV’s hit show So You Think You Can Dance in June, 2007. Immediately following Lacey Schwimmer and Kameron Bink’s breathtaking routine, “Dancing” shot into the Top 20 on iTunes (the only place it’s currently available), and has since amassed more than 75,000 paid downloads, still selling briskly at 600+ downloads per week. On YouTube, organic audience reaction to the song has also resulted in more than one million views of the SYTYCD clip, making it the all-time most-viewed dance from the show online.

            Fans of “Dancing” will feel in sync with the richly textured album’s other songs including “Rainbow,” an ethereal and hypnotic ballad that’s another lead track. Highlights also include the delicate yet passionately soaring album opener “The Waves,” the spare and aching “Broken,” the rock-flavored “Stranger” and Elisa’s gorgeous, almost elegiac take on Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” the album’s one cover. Throughout, her emotional intelligence and soulfully immediate – and intimate – lead vocals make for a spellbinding musical journey.

            “My songs are centered on emotions,” said Elisa, whose work has drawn comparisons to artists including Leona Lewis, Alanis Morissette and Corinne Bailey Rae. “I describe states of mind, and my dynamic involves creating tension, building it and then releasing. It’s like a rubber band, I try to stretch it as much as I can.” GRAMMY^®-winning producer Glenn Ballard, who worked with Elisa on her internationally released, top-selling ‘best of’ compilation Soundtrack ’96-’06, said: “When I first met Elisa, I was very impressed to find a true and real artist. In the noise and fast-pace of today’s culture, we need real artists who are able to express things we don’t even have time to talk about.”

            In her extraordinary career to date, Elisa has had the opportunity to express herself on many remarkable world stages in the company of a host of global music legends. Most recently, she performed “Dancing” and dueted on “La Voce Del Silenzio” with Andrea Bocelli in Lajatico Italy – both songs are features on the 2008 DVD Vivere: Andrea Bocelli Live In Tuscany. Previously, she has dueted with Luciano Pavarotti at the final session of Pavarotti & Friends, sung a gospel version of the Italian National Anthem at the closing ceremony for the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics and recorded the song “Teach Me Again” in tandem with Tina Turner. Her many accolades include five awards from Italy’s prestigious Festival di Sanremo, an MTV European Music Awards Best Italian Artist honor and a Tenco Award for Best Debut Album for 1997’s Pipes And Flowers.

            An acclaimed and commanding live performer, Elisa will tour North America in support of Dancing in late 2008 (to date, she has only played one show in the U.S., an April ’08 gig at NYC’s Joe’s Pub). She is excited about coming to America, and experiencing a whole new world of audiences. “The important thing for me is to get out and play,” she says, “and to connect with people. We’re all the same, we share the same emotions. The world is one place.”