"With music by our side, we can break the color lines"

The following videos all represent songs about social injustice. Whether the issue was poverty, child abuse, gang violence, or racism, a song promoting awareness existed within the popular music landscape. Although I am a fan of current pop music, rarely does a song move beyond sex, drugs, and rock & roll (pardon the cliche). Now, don't get me wrong, I do enjoy the frivolities espoused in popular music. Everything from Ke$ha's drunk texting to Gaga's Bad romance, but I do miss the more socially relevant songs. The songs that made you actually listen to the message. No passive engagement, you didn't simply nod your head to the beat.
Here are a few that clearly have a point to convey. What do you think; is pop music missing some of the late 80s to early 90s socially conscious music?

Expose- 'Tell Me Why'



Janet Jackson- 'Rythm Nation'

Phil Collins- 'Another Day in Paradise'


Suzzanne Vega- 'Luka'

Reviewing, Not Myself Tonight, Christina Aguilera

The 'Not Myself Tonight' video hit the all "tubes" Friday and the Facebook, Twitter, and Media commentary has not been all too positive. I think it's easy to dismiss the video because Christina expresses herself within the confines of sexuality as most mainstream female pop stars do.

"Not Myself Tonight' represents a multiplicity of meanings, too many to deal with in a blog post. I like the video, more than the song. The song is pretty generic in terms of production. The pulsating drum beat gives it some flair. But, it sounds like it may have needed another edit. Ok back to the video. The intertextuality of the video can be read on multiple levels. Primarily, I think it's the classic "Good girl" vs "Bad Girl" narrative that dominates the video. Although the video is a rather derivative play on sexuality, I do think the clear connection to the lyrical content of the song adds depth to the images as a whole.

In the video, the "bad girl role" is presented as fantasy, that one can step outside or away from everyday hetro normative experiences and play in the realm of taboo. For example the video, opens with a zoomed in close-up of Christina. The platinum blonde hair and softer make-up help to emphasize the "good" girl image. Seconds later that shot is contrasted with multiple images of Christina in S&M garb. I think I counted 13 total outfit changes. The cherry red lipstick, harsh make-up, leather, lingerie, fire, black and red clothing help to emphasize Christina as the villain, the "bad" girl. The video ends with the same close-up face shot. Christina's "look" or "gaze" turns away from the camera. The ending, oh so important, the "look" reveals that maybe she's not so afraid of being herself tonight.

Owning Style- Lady Gaga vs. Grace Jones

Is style really just a matter of taste? In pop music, however, style is everything, simply put, image is everything. Crafting, developing, and selling a contrived image is the foundation of most, if not all, popular culture's productions. Selling images that resonate within particular audiences, (young girls ages 12-17) is the sugar, refined, non-artificial, pure South Colombian cane that makes the product oh so sweet. Images that are provocative, fantastical, ostentatious, hyperbolic, and creative give consumers a meaningful product. Current pop music phenomenon, Lady Gaga, is no exception. I describe her as a phenomenon simply because her success, or the rise of her star, has seemingly happened over night and shows signs of lasting. In just two short years, Gaga, as she prefers to be called, has taken the pop music industry by storm. She's had multiple number Billboard hits, won awards, sold out stadiums, and produced album sales in the 6 digits, a true feat in these days of digital downloads. Subsequently, with fame, comes criticism and Gaga has had her fair share. In recent blogs, other pop divas have reportedly attacked Gaga, claiming she stole or jocked their style. Most noteworthy is Grace Jones, who says Gaga has ripped off her style. By style, I'll assume most of these complaints are based upon Gaga's fashion choices. But style can encompass an array of cultural meanings, image, aesthetic, even communication. The term itself is an umbrella term that in popular contexts comes to represent multiple significations. According to an interview posted on IDOLATOR.com, Grace Jones states, “Well, you know, I’ve seen some things she’s worn that I’ve worn, and that does kind of piss me off.” Apparently, Grace is mad as hell and she's not taking it anymore, off with the gloves--the girls are about to go toe to toe. Come on just picture it, Gaga vs. Grace the ultimate battle. Whether or not Grace Jones is truly "pissed off" isn't so important. However, what her statements reveal about style is for more interesting. Since, style is so amorphous in popular culture, no one artist can really claim ownership of a particular fashion aesthetic. While in the 80s, Jones was a provocateur of high fashion, avante-garde style. She was by no means its creator. Moreover, fashion inspires both women's "look". Like Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Janet Jackson, these women capitalized on an image that would propel them to the top. They captured an audience that felt empowered by their image because they seemed to resist the common cultural terrain for femininty. Still, most of these so called beefs are really about media attention. And I'll end with a line from Bonnie Rait, -"Let's give'em something to talk about." The kids are talking.
Enjoy the videos

Female Emcee, Where you at Girl?

In the past decade, what happened to female rappers? Where are they? I’ve searched high and low, not literally, but take a look at pop /rap music today. Of course, I could go on and on about the number of popular male rappers ad nuseum, but what about the female rappers? Where have the gone? In the late 80s and 90s female MCs were ubiquitous, whether she rapped the hook on a song, or played Bonnie to her male MC’s Clyde, female rappers were an undeniable force. Now, I am not an expert in all things hip hop and this blog isn’t an attempt to criticize or laud something that I may be slightly naive. Yet, as a fan of the female emcee's presence and persona, I have to question; is this a WTF moment in pop music? Rappers like Salt-N-Pepa, YoYo, MC Lyte, Lauryn Hill, Queen Latifah, Da Brat, Missy Elliot, Foxy Brown, Eve, and Lil Kim, all forged distinctive paths in hip-hop/ pop music. These women were pioneering as they broke barriers, while igniting, destroying, and reinforcing some stereotypes of what women could and/or should do behind a mic. Their messages were feminist [possibly arguable], pro-woman anthems that inspired and emboldened young women to own and claim their abilities to "rock the mic". Songs like Salt-N-Pepa's 'Tramp', Queen Latifah's 'UNITY', or Da Brat's 'Funkdafied, all represented jams that showcased women rappers gaining momentum in the emergent genre.







Currently, Nicki Minaji [who looks like the spawn of Lil Kim and Foxy Brown] seems to be the only viable female MC rapping. http://nickiminajfans.com
She’s appeared on tracks with Mariah Carey, Robin Thicke, Ludarcis, Ne-yo, and the list goes on; also, she has a solo project set for release this year. Still, I'm not too crazy about her subsequent guest appearances on any of the aforementioned established artist's records. She sounds more like a four year old girl playing dress up in her big sister's closet. She, for me, represents style over substance, granted that claim could hold for much of pop music these days.

Divalicious Moment # 4 SADE - Soldier of Love****

Since their February 9th release hit stores, itunes, etc...much has been said about Sade on various music blogs. And while I realize they are a band, the front woman, Sade Adu, for me, makes this band simply outstanding. Sade's smooth and yet powerful vocals will make you stop, look, and listen. Of course, the fact that Sade is exceptionally pretty may have something to do with it, too. However, I'm more inclined to believe it is the subtle richness or affecting vibrato in her voice and the mysteriously eccentric persona she's crafted over 25+ years. I can remember seeing 'Smooth Operator' Sade's first video, on MTV [yes way back when playing videos was standard], from her 1984 Diamond Life LP and feeling sort of hypnotized. I didn't really appreciate the band's music then, but now, as an adult, I can. Sade's music tells stories of romance, heartache, and pain. And, if you're in the right mood, a sentimental mood perhaps, Sade will pull at your heartstrings with vividly visceral lyrics and arrangements. Sade's latest album will debut at # 1 on the Billboard Hot 200 charts this Friday. It's a first for the band on the US charts. Soldier of Love is another consistent emotionally resonate album, much like it's predecessors, SOL is couched in love themes which speak to the melancholy,vitality, and triumph relationships often bring. Download these, 'Moon and the Sky', 'Solider of Love', 'Morning Bird', and 'Skin'.
Favorite Sade Songs
12. Hang on To Your Love
11. Feel No Pain
10. Smooth Operator
9. Paradise
8. No Ordinary Love
7. Your Love is King
6. Nothing Can Come Between Us
5. Love is Stronger than Pride
4. Soldier of Love
3. King of Sorrow
2. Sweetest Taboo
1. Kiss of Life

Divalicious Moment # 3 Vanessa Williams

It has been a few months since I posted my last divalicious moment blog. I'll try to post a diva moment at least once a month. Funny, most of my blog topics are diva moments, considering that I generally post about female singers. However, these diva moment blogs are more pointed, primarily old school diva's. And so on to the next one, Vanessa Williams is my divalicious moment number 3. I'm sure most of you are aware of her rise to fame, stardom. And, if not, here's a brief overview. In 1983, she won the Miss America title, becoming the first African-American to win the coveted crown. Unfortunately, nude photos of the young starlet surfaced, and scandal ensued. (http://diaryofahollywoodstreetking.com/vanessa-williams-penthouse-photo-shoot-uncensored/)
Still, Vanessa emerged stronger than ever. In the years that followed, Williams released several albums and appeared in countless movies and television series. Currently, she appears on ABC's 'Ugly Betty'.
Aside from being striking beautiful, which wins you major points in pop music, [suppose Susan Boyle is throwing a slight wrench in that equation, given her recent success] Vanessa Williams is a remarkably multi-talented.
As a recording artist, Williams first album was light-hearted and contemporary. She captured the late eighties vibe on singles like 'The Right Stuff' and 'Dreamin'. Her second album, 'The Comfort Zone' was her biggest selling album to date. And, it's my favorite. Every song is rich and layered pop music. Vanessa's vocals shine on songs like 'Save the Best for Last' and 'Just for Tonight'. She knows her limits and sings so well in her range. Reportedly, she is currently in the studio working on a new album, with a summer 2010 release date.
Favorite Top 10
Freedom Dance (Get Free)- The Comfort Zone
Dreamin - The Right Stuff
Goodbye - The Comfort Zone
The Way that you Love Me- The Sweetest Days
Happiness- Next
Save the Best for Last- The Comfort Zone
Running Back to You- The Comfort Zone
Oh How the Years Go By- Next
Comfort Zone- The Comfort Zone
The Right Stuff- The Right Stuff

Katharine McPhee- A talent worth Consideration

Back in the Spring of 2006, American Idol rolled out it's 5th season and Katharine McPhee made her debut, singing that is, covering the Billie Holiday tune 'God Bless the Child' in the San Francisco audition. Since, McPhee has made several television and movie appearances and she released her first studio album in 2007. The self-titled disc boasted minimal success, 'Over it', which was a top 30 Billboard hit, and 'Love Story'. McPhee's album landed at the number two spot, reporting sales of 116,000. Shortly after, about a year later, her record label, J records dropped her, after what they considered disappointing single and album sales.
Now, Katharine McPhee has released a new album with Verve Records titled 'Unbroken'. Could this title be a affirmation of the starlet's will to survive in the here today, gone tomorrow world of pop music? Maybe. But, does the disc live up to the implied promise? Depends. If you want a sleek, clean, and just all around good album, then look no further. Katharine's vocals are appropriately soft and powerful, when needed. She has impeccable control, knowing when to hold back and when to let it loose. The technical side of the craft [singing] really shows on 'Unbroken'. Unfortunately, the disk debuted on Billboard at # 27 with 15,000 in sales reported. Unlike her first disk, in which McPhee appeared to be another in a long line of tit's and ass sell music pop stars, 'Unbroken', is more refined and polished, possibly the singer-songwriter type artist McPhee is. It's not all roses, definitely some bland filler, but overall the better songs are worth a listen. Download "It's not Right,' 'Had it all,' 'How,' and 'Unbroken.'