Feeling PINK!

"Who Knew" is the very appropriate title of pop singer Pink's latest single to climb the charts. You remember Pink; the late nineties ultimate bad-ass pop diva circa "There You Go," "Most Girls," and "You make me Sick," all were chart toppers in there own right. Now, in 2007 Pink is finally getting the much deserved attention her 2006 album "I'm Not Dead" didn't really receive. In fact, the single "Who knew" was released last summer as the follow-up to "Stupid Girls." Now, the single is quickly climbing the Billboard Hot 100 single's chart. In part, Pink can probably contribute her re-entry into pop martyrdom because of Justin Timberlakes world tour this past year. She was his opening act. In addition, the club favorite "U and Ur hand" helped bring some much needed attention to her fourth studio album. I, for one am very excited for Pink, "I'm Not Dead" is a great album. The vocals are arguably the best I have ever heard her deliver. They are so rich and authentic on tracks such as "Who Knew, Nobody Knows, and The one that Got away." Of course, the standout track is the politically poignant "Dear Mr. President." This track could be a model for pop artist making political statements through their music. If you haven't heard "I'm not Dead" go out and get it right now.

MTV's 22 Greatest Voices in Music

I was doing a quick wikapedia search the other day and came across the following list. It is MTV's list of the twenty-two greatest singers in contemporary pop music.

They are ranked from 1-22; one, of course being the best voice. Mariah Carey is ranked number 1 and Bruce Springsteen is ranked number 22.

Greatest Voices in Music is a countdown of the greatest singers in contemporary music, by MTV and Blender Magazine.

Mariah Carey
Freddie Mercury
Whitney Houston
Bono (U2)
Christina Aguilera
Alanis Morissette
Kurt Cobain
Björk
Celine Dion
Tupac Shakur
Michael Jackson
Chris Cornell
Eminem
David Bowie
Alicia Keys
Steven Tyler
Jewel
Thom Yorke
Mary J. Blige
Michael Stipe
Sade Adu (Lead singer of Sade (band))
Bruce Springsteen

What do you think? Definitely some great singers on the list, but also some questionable ones, too. Well, let the debate begin.

This is all so rhetorical. The greatest voices in pop music, but based on what standard? Are we talking about vocal, actual singing ability; or are we talking about people whom use their voices to make profound statements in pop music. If we take the first definition, what the hell is Eminem or Tupac doing on the list. I like rap music, and I especially like Tupac, but you can't rank him among the greatest voices if you list a singer's vocal ability as deciding factor. Neither Tupack nor Eminem are singers. They rap. Rap has its' on set of criteria. Have they both used their music to awaken the public to some of the harsh realities of urban life? Yes! They both are great "voices" in pop music in terms of their lyrical content.

Nonetheless, the list is very diverse and eclectic, which I like. Although some of the artist on it are questionable. I don't know if I believe Mariah Carey to be a better vocalist than Whitney Houston or Chrisitna Aguilera, but that is just my opinion. Also, Micheal Jackson is the only Black male, aside from Tupac on the list. Don't get me wrong, I like Mike's music, but I could name about oh five other male vocalist who would put his voice to shame. Luther Vandross, Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye, James Ingram, Billy Ocean, and James Brown, just to name a few. Or what about my blue-eyed soul brothers like Micheal McDonald, Justin Timberlake, and Steely Dan. What about Patti Labelle, Aretha Franklin, Annie Lennox, Bette Midler, Anita Baker, Diana Ross, Cindy Lauper, Etta James and Tina Turner. Actually, the more I think about, the more I realize this list is kind of like a bad joke. Hmm...Let's all laugh and really think about the 22 greatest voices in contemporary pop music.

Black Folks and McDonald's

What is it about McDonald's and Black folks? Before I begin I should backtrack, this blog is not a critique about representation perse. I know African Americans in this country has struggled for years and years for a place, a voice, and positive images in mainstream media. So, we can all probably agree that Black folks have media representation to a certain degree. My problem really begins with the ways in which we [as a community of people who share the same skin color] are portrayed.

I live in the south; I am sure the television commercials I see are geared toward a southern demographic. Therefore I should expect to see commercials that [advertisers believe based on qualitative research] are intended for communities in which they can sell their products. Having established that, I am still somewhat miffed at the abundance of fast food commercials, especially McDonald's commercials that depict Blacks enjoying this unhealthy _ _ _ _. Now, I am not trying to begin a fallacious argument here, I completely understand that my inquiries could be perceived as generalizations. Nonetheless, as a personal trainer and fitness junkie, I can't help but wonder if advertisers themselves are not relying on a the false assumption that Blacks are not very food conscious. I'll be honest there is a need in the African American community for greater health and fitness awareness in terms of our diets. For example, high blood pressure is a lot more common among African Americans.

I guess what really irritates me is that these commercials seem so culturally biased, almost as if McDonald's is floridly catering to one specific group, simply because they believe this group is not very well informed about their products. It all smells really disingenuous; and I know I have used that word in several blogs, but sometimes it is so appropriate. Maybe I am reading too much into it; am I over analyzing here? What do you think?

Music Review: Ms. Kelly, Kelly Rowland

Before I really critique this album, I think it is pertinent to sort of draw a clear description for what I like in a CD. In fact, it's not enough to just say, "oh that CD is great or good." I need to make concrete what I look for in "good" pop music. Of course, I'm am easy to please, my taste are very eclectic, but I tend to be a little harder on artist, whom I feel have the goods, but can't seem to deliver; I'm afraid that is where Ms. Kelly finds itself.

First, I hate monotony; I love diversity. I love when an artist plays with various sounds, but still manages to stick to a solid theme for the disc. Case in point, Christina Aguilera's last album, Back to Basics, it was brilliant. Her concept for the album from start to finish is very apparent. She was very meticulous lyrically, vocally, and musically.

Ms. Kelly, unfortunately is not the album it could be. It starts with the fun sort of playful sound of 'Like this' and keeps the same groove with the next track 'Comeback'. Yet, towards the middle the sound and intensity of the album seem to fade. Basically you'll get bored with Ms. Kelly real quick. The disk lacks diversity both musically and vocally. Kelly seems to hold back on many of the slower tracks, ones in which her soaring soprano should shine. Tracks like 'Every thought is You' and 'The Show' leave little to be desired. The bright spots on this disc appear toward the end with 'Still in love with my Ex' and 'Love' both tracks seem the most authentic, ones in which Kelly truly speaks from the heart. With such a sassy in your face title as Ms. Kelly, one would think that each track is going to show Ms. Rowland in a whole new light, contrasted with her DC image. Consequently, she doesn't seem to deliver what the title promises. This is not the self-actualizing and defining album she needed. I guess, I'll end with the words of a young diva, gone too soon, Kelly "dust yourself off and try again."

Download- Comeback, Still in love with my Ex, Flashback, and Love.

Beyonce "Roboho" or Sharpton "Mediawhore"?

Bootilicious Diva Beyonce Knowles finds herself, or better put, her wardrobe in somewhat of a controversy; the starlet's recent BET Awards performance has sparked some media attention due to supposed racist comments made about her performance outfit. Editors on TMZ.com called the robocop outfit a roboho costume. Now, Al Sharpton has come to her defense claiming the comments were racist and derogatory to women. Although I can to a certain degree concur with Sharton's sentiments, I do not believe the writers at TMZ were making a conscious effort to demean women, or Miss Knowles herself. According to Sharton,"Calling any woman a "ho" is demeaning and abusive and it should not be tolerated on any level. It is intolerable to think that TMZ.com would find humor in calling Beyonce -- someone who symbolizes the strength, dignity and uplifting of Black women [are you serious!] -- a "Roboho," and they should be denounced by the entire community for glorifying the continued oppression of women with this derogatory term. Racism in America is perpetuated by ignorance and hate and using one's airwaves or media entity to promote it is a blatant setback to civil rights and the advancement of equality."

Of course, I can agree; there are derogatory words in our society that are used with malicious intent to harm and degrade people in our society, whether the intended group is apart of a minority culture is irrelevant to some degree. Yes, Mr. Sharpton racism in America is perpetuated by ignorance and hate, but educating people about racism and it's pervasive effects on a progressive society, such as the United States [ or at least I'd like to think so] is the key, not censorship. I would like to think you are interested in seeing an America that is motivated to love and respect differences in our culture as apart of the social fabric that holds us together. Nonetheless, when you live in a democracy, a place in which free-speech is protected as a right in the Constitution, you have to have the impediment to protect it. Mr. Sharpton I don't believe you do. As a social activist, I believe it is your duty to call attention to crisis in our society that really seek to demean women, men, children, anyone. If you truly believe in equality for all Americans then stop pandering to a false belief that every word out of someones mouth should tow some political line. Yes, I do believe people whom have a voice in mainstream media have a responsibility to speak with intelligence and respect, but let's be honest; free speech is often hateful; it's a part of what makes our nation great. You and I both have the right to express our opinions. But, when you degrade or disrespect people, you will have to pay the consequences for your actions. Yes, call attention to the way women are portrayed in the media. Inform people about the double standard performing artist face in a male driven industry. Let's get to the root of the problem; don't gloss over the real issues by using a comment made about an outfit to advance your own agenda, whatever that may be [you're sort of all over the place Mr. Sharpton]. Why do women in the pop music industry especially, feel the need to sell their bodies as a way to sell their music? Why do we accept Rap artist calling women "hos" and "bitches' and don't speak out against the blatant misogyny embedded within the music? Women are not objects, but when artist such as Beyonce and Britney parade around in their own videos as if they are; how can you condemn someone for calling them a name that seems to represent the behavior? Maybe this is where you should begin. Finally, Mr. Sharton you do not seem to know a lot about Ms. Knowles career in the music industry, which speaks to the disingenuous nature of your remarks. Check out her past two albums, Dangerously in Love and B-Day. On the first album, the song entitled 'Naughty Girl,' Beyonce boast about being some guy's naughty girl. On her second disc, she has a song called 'Freakum Dress.' Now, what self-respecting, strong, dignified, and uplifting Black woman lauds about being freaky in bed and wearing her freakum dress to clubs? Hm mm....I don't know many. Yes, Beyonce is very popular and I'm sure many young girls admire and look up to her. But, she is not necessarily, given the many sexualized images she invokes, the woman you claim you're defending. Similarly, I am not saying women cannot be sexy and dignified; I do believe together they are hard to project.

Missed the Mark....My Favorite Female Recording Artist

This past Tuesday Kelly Clarkson released her third studio album. Although the cd has not been welcomed with rave reviews, I offer Kelly this blog topic as a reminder that even the most iconic female singers have had a stumble or two in their careers. Kelly, if this album is not the commercial success that you hoped; don't worry; you are simply following in the footsteps of many female recording artist who have fallen victim to the artistically great album, but not too well received publicly. Case in point, Janet Jackson, Madonna, and Mariah Carey, the albums were 2004's Damita Jo, 1992's Erotica, and 2001's Glitter. Lyrically, I think these albums are great; some the production maybe questionable, but I believe these three albums really capture the true character and vulnerabilities vocally of each artist. Unfortunately, circumstance clouded the public's response to each one of these albums. First, in 1993 Madonna released her infamous SEX book. The book was so over the top and lude that it recieved a lot of negative public attention. Consequently her album sales suffered as a result the the backlash to SEX. Given the time frame the album was released, it was probably Madonna's most ardent statement about feminine sexual power. Take these lyrics for example, "Once you put your hand in the flame You can never be the sameThere's a certain satisfaction In a little bit of pain I can see you understand I can tell that you're the same If you're afraid, well rise above I only hurt the ones I love." Like so many female recording artist today, Madonna is placing herself in the driver's seat. She is in control of her sexual wants and desires, not men. Another notable, but widely overlooked track on this album was the song 'Why's it so Hard'. Here we see Madonna giving the world her insights on racism. For example, "What do I have to do to be accepted/What do I have to say/What do I have to do to be respected/How do I have to play/What do I have to look like to feel I'm equal/Where do I have to go/What club do I have to join to prove I'm worthy/Who do I have to know/[Chorus:]I'm telling you brothers, sisters/Why can't we learn to challenge the system/Without living in pain/Brothers, sisters/Why can't we learn to accept that we're different/Before it's too late /Why's it so damn hard / I believe this songs is one of Madonna's best. She makes a poignant and especially relevant political and social statement. In 1992 the exigence for a song such as this one was so needed, given the outcome of the Rodney King Trial, affirmative action cases were taking national precedent, and it was an election year. So, this song came at a time when [we] as Americans were questioning our social institutions, seemingly the fabric that holds us together.

Secondly in 2001, we witnessed a very public Mariah Carey breakdown as she lost a few of her marbles due to overwork and stress. Or at least that is what her publicist would like us [her adoring fans] to believe. Once again the album was great, classic 80s sound, especially when the 80's throwback sound was so popular. Yet, Mariah's venture into 80sdom was not well received. Her public meltdown, in part may have been a consequence of her movie, Glitter's, poor, poor reviews and her bizarre public antics contributed to this albums downfall. Once again, great album, but bad timing. Lyrically the album was not a departure from Maria's typical song arrangements. Her songs usually build to an explosive ending. If that was not a good description, consider these songs from some of her previous work, 'Vision of love, Love takes time, Can't Let Go, Without You, One Sweet Day, Butterfly, My All, and Can't take that Away,' they all have the same melodic sound that intensifies until Mariah hits that glass breaking high note.

Finally, we can't forget Nipplegate. Yes, it was this monumental moment in Superbowl history that re-shaped Janet Jackson's career. Three years ago Janet or should I say Justin revealed Janet's nipple to the world. In the mist of all the Nipplegate controversy, Janet decided it would be a great time to release her next studio album entitled Damita Jo. Hmm...not such a good idea Janet, although the album was good, it didn't get the attention it deserved. Notable tracks include, 'Spending Time with You,' 'Island Life,' 'I Want You,' and 'R&B Junkie'. What was so great about this album is that it was pure Janet. She has always been able to infuse a nice mixture of really pop and r&b into her music. This album was not making any political or social statements like Rhythm Nation, or revealing any personal turmoil like The Velvet Rope, but I do believe it captures Janet's sensual, fun, and passionate side quite well. Unfortunately, Nipplegate overshadowed any potential this album may have had.

Well, Kelly don't fret. If My December doesn't perform as you might have expected, then just remember; the women before you have bounced back from poor album sales and so can you.

Ann Coulter, 2007's Grendel Award Winner

In keeping with the current theme established in the Paris Hilton blog, I must return and try to decipher the irrelevancies of yet another blonde five letter word. Yes, it seems that the she's at it again, that vile, despicable, monster-who likes to call herself Ann Coulter is rearing it's ugly head again. I know; such harsh language, and I am afraid that it still may not be enough to truly capture the essence and lack of character Coulter displays in most interviews and her very desperate ventures into political commentary. In a recent interview on the news program HARDBALL, Coulter received a phone call from Mrs. Edwards, presidential nominee John Edwards wife. She [Mrs. Edwards] candidly requested that Coulter stop making personal attacks against John Edwards and other political candidates. She said "if you want to discuss issues and debate, that is fine, but please refrain from personal attacks." Hmmm...seems like a reasonable request. Seems like the kind of discourse two intelligent people should be able to engage. However, we must remember whom we're dealing with- Ann Coulter. I don't believe she could even begin to know the meaning of the word reasonable. She lives for personal attacks. Everything she writes is an attack. I think she might believe she is very caustic in her delivery. Well, Miss Coulter since you are so fond of fallacious argument tatics-what do you think of mine? You are a the most nasty, venomous, repugnant, being-comparable even to Grendel in the Beowulf tales. In fact I believe you are Grendel, the most loathsome and lowest creature. I support Mrs. Edwards as Beowulf and you are the disgusting Grendel. And, I believe most people know how that battle ended. Oh yeah, get rid of that freaking out-dated cocktail dress. Your attempts to be sexy are about is ridiculous and unnecessary as your political comments.