Last week, Miguel released his 2nd CD, Kaleidoscope Dream to a strong sales week of over 50,000 copies. It’s the follow-up to his nearly 2-year-old debut album, All I Want Is You. You may have heard “Adorn” as far back as February as the first track on 1 of 3 “Art Dealer Chic” EPs. All of those EP tracks are featured on Kaleidoscope Dream, with a few new songs as well. But “Adorn” made so much noise that it was chosen as the lead single for the CD. I must admit I didn’t care for the song as much, until one day I gave it a chance and heard the whole thing. It has since really grown on me and I like the simple production on here. Plus, the Wiz Khalifa feature on this version makes it even better. In the background, Wiz Khalifa says “That boy can sing.” Miguel is no R & B ballad king, but it’s a sure thing he’ll gain an even bigger following with this one.
What do you think of the song?
*Check out my thoughts on the Kaleidoscope Dream CD at the end of my video for today’s earlier blog, “T-Boz Finds A New TLC”*
She’s the “Cool” one in the Crazy, Sexy, Cool trio that dominated the charts in the 90s. No other R & B female group has topped their record sales tally yet (over 40 million albums sold worldwide, not including singles). It’s hard to believe that it’s been 10 years since fans have gotten a new TLC CD. Their last project, 3D, was actually one of their best in my opinion but it was bittersweet without their most vibrant member’s presence, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes. Now Tionne Watkins, a.k.a. “T-Boz” is breaking the silence on her new reality show, “Totally T-Boz” (hopefully the name of the show changes). The news was just revealed last week, but T-Boz has kept somewhat of a low profile about it. And what better channel to air the show? TLC. She’s no stranger to reality TV though. Her and band mate Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas went on a search and destroy mission to find one girl to record a single with them and be featured in a once in a lifetime performance. But that was 7 years ago and a lot has changed since then.
Destiny’s Child enjoyed massive success from airing their dirty laundry with their hit single, “Survivor”. But TLC (especially T-Boz) were the real survivors who bounced back from more than a lineup change (the original “C” in TLC, Crystal, was actually the one who created the group and was kicked out to be replaced by “Chilli”). Bankruptcy, sickle-cell, fighting with group members, bitter divorce and most recently a life -threatening brain tumor, T-Boz has weathered more storms than most people encounter in a life time. “Totally T-Boz” will document her recovery from her brain tumor, which included her having to regain her balance, speech and walking ability again. She also just received the key to Atlanta, where they have proclaimed October 3rd as “T-Boz Day” (she has one with TLC as well). Plus, there’s supposedly new music with Chilli to support a possible soundtrack to TLC’s upcoming VH1 biopic. And there has been talk of a solo CD from T-Boz for quite some time.
Will 2013 be the year of TLC? Will T-Boz’s show be a success? Is there still an interest in the front woman behind the hits “Waterfalls”, “Creep” and “Unpretty”? I commend her for at least coming out with a show of substance. We have more than enough Love and Hip Hop and Housewives shows on the air waves. I’ll definitely be tuning in. Will you?
Lately I’ve been searching for new music that has a fresh style that’s not really out right now. Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy some of today’s popular and mainstream music, but I also like to listen to music most people may not initially try out. Speaking of popular music, my first time hearing Santigold was on Drake’s song “unstoppable”, which also features Lil Wayne. This song has been on my iPod for a long time and I because really interested in who the girl was singing the hook on the song.
If you remember the song, “Paper Planes” by MIA (also featured in the movie Slumdog Millionaire), then you have a taste of what Santigold sounds like. I found Santigold’s new CD, Master of My Make Believe on iTunes recently. It was only $7.99, and I liked several of the songs I previewed from the CD, so I decided to buy it. And I’m glad I did. Although some of the productions and lyrics are a little out there, I can respect that at least she’s coming with something different and refreshing to the table. Master of My Make Believe‘s first track, “Go!” featuring Karen O, is a highly addictive song that makes you feel like you’re inside a Legend of Zelda video game. This song is extremely catchy and very upbeat. Another interesting song on the CD is “The Keepers”. And if you thought the song was a little different from what you’re used to, check out the video below
Santigold is an artist who is an eclectic mix of many elements: some pop, some Reggae, some dance and some conscious. Only 2 CD’s in, she already has a confidence of a veteran artist. “Disparate Youth” is an inspirational track that’s one of the stand outs on the CD. It’s quite comical and interesting when Santigold reveals part of her raunchy side on the tracks “Freak Like Me” (I could easily hear Gwen Stefani on this track) and “Look At These H%$&”. However, “Freak Like Me” has a concept that’s a little different from what its title suggests. In one the verses, she says, “You want you never stop/You need the money/You look good in Photoshop/Sunny”.
For anyone that’s looking for some thought-provoking music with interesting production, you should definitely check out Santigold’s Master of My Make Believe. Also, make sure to check out the video at the opening of the post, where I’m discussing song lyrics and what they really mean, including a track from today’s review of Santigold.
It is said that the tongue is the strongest muscle in the body. But the tongue is much stronger than just the physical sense. Sure, we use it to eat, speak and drink, but its effects are lasting. The words we say when using our tongue can cut deeply. How could a muscle that is so small in comparison to the rest of our body pack so much power? The answer is within us. Yes, it starts as a generational curse so to speak that is passed down through generations, until someone is stronger than the tongue and breaks the cycle. Some people grew up hearing nothing but “You’re stupid. You’re dumb. You’ll never be anything in life.” While some are able to roll these words off their backs like water, others are pierced and stung by these words that have a lasting effect. The question is, do we love ourselves (and the people around us) enough to recognize the evil in this and stop the cycle before it continues?
Then there’s the circle of people we surround ourselves with. You can tell a lot about a person by the company they keep. It’s no secret that positive people tend to attract positive people, just like negative people attract those that are negative. But what happens when you slip up and let someone in your world that plants seeds of doubt, fear and jealousy in your mind? Could they be just bringing out our natural character? Maybe so, but maybe not. Friends and associates are just like food. Whatever we feed ourselves will eventually manifest itself in an external and internal fashion. Are you full of trash or substance? Deep down we really know the answer, but will we fix it is the questions.
Ok, so you may be thinking, “What if I can’t change my surroundings?” That’s when you have to dig into yourself to turn that tongue kiss of death into one of life. I think we all can agree that we are often our own worst enemy. We speak defeat on ourselves sometimes before anyone else ever will. We become what we speak, without ever realizing it. A lot of people know that TLC is one of my favorite singing groups. A few years before Left Eye died, she made the statement in an interview, “Sometimes I just hope a car hits me or something and takes me out of this mess so it won’t all be my fault”. As we all know her tragic ending, she was killed in a tragic car accident 10 years ago. Could this have possibly been a self-fulfilling prophecy? Maybe you’re not making statements that are that drastic. But even telling ourselves things like, “I’ll never be good enough for this job” or “I’m always broke” has a way of haunting us.
So what will you choose? The tongue kiss of life or death? It’s not easy, but let’s all make a conscious effort to be careful of the things we say to others and even to ourselves. This does not mean we should walk around with our feelings on our shoulders, but it does mean that we have a greater awareness of the power of the tongue. Use the strength of that muscle to build up, instead of tear down.
Proverbs 18:21 Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.
The evolution of music videos have really made an impact over the years. There’s nothing like watching a music video to a song you already like. Or if the video is extremely good, it will make you like the song even better. Today, at Peauxetic Expressions, I’ve decided to share some of my favorite music videos with you. All of these videos push the envelope of creativity, innovation, and trendsetting. There are so many videos that I love, but these are just a few that I can watch again and again. Hopefully these videos will make you reminisce on great times for this Memorial Day holiday. Feel free to submit your own list too!
Ok, so here’s my list of the 5 best music videos ever….in no particular order.
1. TLC: Waterfalls
“Waterfalls” is the song that really catapulted TLC’s career to superstar status. The song itself is already addictive, but the video makes you dive in even more. TLC proved that they were more than just Crazy, Sexy and Cool. With complete story lines to accompany the songs verses, miraculously doing weird dancing on top of water, and transforming into see through blob figures, “Waterfalls” still packs the same punch now as it did in 1995. Who knew walking on water in midriff tops and baggy dresses could look so hot.
2. Missy Elliott: Sock It To Me
It’s safe to say that Missy Elliott is probably one of the best artists when it comes to music videos. Her visuals are always over the top and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a music clip from her that I didn’t enjoy. But the one that sticks out in my head the most is from her first CD, Supa Dupa Fly. The concept of “Sock It To Me” (which also features Da Brat and an appearance by Lil Kim) is set in a futuristic video game fantasy world where Missy, Da Brat and Lil Kim fight off their enemies on floating motorcycles, dodging fireballs the whole way through. This video seems to have absolutely nothing to do with the song….but who really cares when it looks this cool???
3. Michael Jackson: Remember The Time
Most people would probably say that “Thriller” is their favorite Michael Jackson video and it’s one of my favorites too. But the one that really stands out to me is “Remember the Time”. The video was released in 1992, from the hugely successful Dangerous CD. Everybody from Eddie Murphy to Magic Johnson was featured in the video too. The slick and polished looking pharaoh themed ambiance, complete with a vanishing whirlwind of sand spin from Michael Jackson, makes this video just as captivating today as it was during its original release. At almost 10 minutes long, this video is worth watching every second.
4. Busta Rhymes Featuring Janet Jackson: What’s It Gonna Be?
Busta Rhymes always finds a way to deliver outlandish and quirky videos to accompany his high energy songs. And “What’s It Gonna Be?” is no exception. However, on this clip, his approach is more sleek and shiny than bold and gritty. Complete with rain drops in the shape of falling Busta Rhymes figures that land on Janet Jackson, this video is amazing. Not to mention the painted on leather suit Janet Jackson wears in the video. We also see Busta Rhymes change from human to metal armor clad water figure. One of the best Hip Hop videos ever made….hands down.
5. Korn: Freak On A Leash
I’m not a huge fan of Korn, but I must say, their “Freak On A Leash” video is one of the best ever made. The symbolism of the flying bullet and the slow motion shots was ahead of its time when the video was released in 1998. The song, which was lifted from their Follow The Leader CD, proves the group was leading the pack outstanding music videos. I love the mix of animation, slow motion and live performances here. They just don’t make music videos like this anymore. And it’s also good to see Korn is still together. See if you can spot the dinosaur cell phone featured in the video, lol. How times have changed….
Peauxetic Expressions 