Kanye West Performs New Song "All Day"

Kanye West performed his newest song titled "All Day" at the Brit Awards 2015, just over the pond at the 02 Arena in London, this past Wednesday, where his wife Kim Kardashian made the audience get on their feet to receive the new Yeezus tunes. 

When the beat dropped and I saw the flash mob of people on the stage immediately I thought to myself, "Oh yea, Kanye about to bring us back to what we've been missing!" 

However, after listening for a brief moment, I quickly understood that this wasn't the Kanye music I came to know and bond with, this was something different -- something that didn't seem like it took a while to put together. The lyrics weren't in story form but were random lines tossed out into the crowd that usually ended with the n-word being used -- repeatedly. I just didn't comprehend the meaning of the song other than the fact that it was attached to an amazing beat.

The "College Dropout" Kanye use to tell us stories and the stories often had a beginning, a middle, and an end -- coupled with a taste of a vintage remix sample that he threw additional dope beats too. 

It's what made me fall in love with Hip Hop to begin with; the fact that Hip Hop told a story and gave a meaning to a situation that allowed you to slow groove or fast groove to the heart pounding rhythms -- mastered by some of the hottest producers.

Don't get me wrong, I understand artists evolve and that everything can't always stay the same, but Kanye's latest artistry makes me wonder if he's really putting as much effort into his work like he use to, is he over-thinking his work too much, or simply cutting corners on purpose because he feels like he's "built" his brand up enough that we his fans should just accept whatever he throws at us?

Well, I've never been the type of person to just accept anything just because -- it isn't my style, and as much as I want to continue walking in the Yeezus light...I find myself drifting further and further away. 

BRING ME BACK TO THE LIGHT YEEZUS! BRING-ME-BACK-TO-THE-LIGHT!

2015 LA

A HOOD TALKS 2015 Grammy Award Highlights

The show opened with AC/DC rocking the house playing their "Highway to Hell" number, and seemed to get the audience in the mood for a good time. 

Watching Kanye perform his "One and Only" song was cool; the dark room with a single light fixated upon him gave a very stoic but dramatic expression, and the song seemed to sound better live than the actual video. 

Although the content and melody is lovely, the fact that in the video there was so much auto-tune with Kanye's vocals dragged out over long periods of time completely through me off -- therefore, not making me an immediate fan of the song. However, Kanye performing the song live made me like it a little bit more; maybe he should've released a live version of the song instead of a pre-recorded version? It was a heartfelt performance for sure, and I appreciated his musical truth.

Watching Madonna's performance, the first thing I thought was DAMN! She looks good! How old is she again?! 

Her words were empowering yet inspirational; strong. The song "Living for Love" was hot and extremely energetic -- a club banger for sure. Get'em "Material Girl!"

Ed Sheeran ROCKS-OUT! This man is simply soulful and fluid as the day is long, I just love his "Thinking Out Loud" jam! He is a-ma-zing! And his duo with Jeff Lynnes and ELO was stellar; these artist make you truly love music and appreciate the magnificent artistry that goes into making such masterpieces. 

Adam Levine (who had me from the hit "She Will Be Loved") and Gwen Stefanie (who had me from her hit "I'm Just A Girl"), I mean, there are just no words. These two are legendary to say the least, but singing together side by side? Well, that's just the cherry on top of the sundae for me. 

Annie Lennox (r) gave me the absolute CHILLS, as she sang with Hozier "Take Me To Church" and "I Put A Spell On You." Where has Annie Lennox been all my life?! Woooo! Hot Damn! That girl got talent! 

Pharrell's "Happy" Choreography and instrumentalist's were beautifully placed and performed lovely.

A strong and inspirational message was delivered by a domestic abuse survivor, who spoke after a PSA was shown of President Obama addressing the importance of artists speaking out about such treacherous issues. 

Following her strategic and graceful Superbowl performance, Katy Perry performed a beautiful ballad dressed in all white with a silhouette of dancers moving angelically behind her as she herself sounded angelic, crisp and passionately engulfed in her song "By The Grace Of God", in which she received a well-deserved standing ovation. The song was dedicated on behalf of domestic abuse victims.

Paul McCartney, Rihanna, and Kanye West gave a great performance. Their movements weren't coordinated and instead seemed to be free-styled, as they emotionally sang and rapped passionate feelings about "wailing out" on someone. The music was really good though, and Rihanna seemed to take over the stage with her strong and soulful vocals. 

It felt good to hear Mary J. Blige's one-of-a-kind voice with new comer to the stage, Sam Smith. Sometimes, you never know how much you miss a person until you see and/or hear them -- such was the case with Mary, as she sang "Stay With Me" with Smith, a new four time Grammy award winner.

The artist formerly known as Prince, presented album of the year as he stated that "Albums...remember those? Albums still matter. Like books and black lives, albums still matter." 

As Prince introduced Beck as the album of the year winner, Kanye jokingly tried to defend Beyonce's honor...again, as he took to the stage to block Beck's award. It just wouldn't be Kanye NOT to pull such a stunt? 

Sia's "Chandelier" performance was extraordinary; all you saw was a great pair of legs on a woman whose back was turned to the audience during the entire performance, while two actors entertained onlookers with an emotionally charged choreographed dance as Sia sang her heart out. It was great.

Beyonce sang "Precious Lord" amidst some controversy that singer Ledisi, had originally been asked to perform her song "Selma" during that same segment. And although Ledisi commented that she was "disappointed" about the snub, she let it be known that she was nowhere near upset. 

The "Drunk In Love" singer dressed angelically in an all-white gown with matching sheer cape, as all black men stood behind her in all-white suits. An Organ played in the background -- assisting Beyonce with  her very soulful rendition of the church inspired gospel song. 

Singer John Legend and Hip Hop artist Common, took to the stage to close out the show after Queen Bey's performance -- sharing their academy award winning duet "Glory" with the world once again. The song sounded just as good as it did at the end of the film "Selma"; the words still as impactful and deep. It was beautiful. 

Art is a feeling, and oh how I LOVE to feel art. The 2015 Grammy's were incredible. 

2015 LA

The 2015 Grammy Winner List below: Congrats to all winners and those who were nominated!

RECORD OF THE YEAR
Stay With Me (Darkchild Version) - Sam Smith

SONG OF THE YEAR
Stay With Me (Darkchild Version) - James Napier, William Phillips & Sam Smith

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Morning Phase - Beck

BEST COUNTRY ALBUM
Platinum - Miranda Lambert

BEST R&B PERFORMANCE
Drunk In Love - Beyoncé Featuring Jay Z

BEST ROCK ALBUM
Morning Phase - Beck

BEST POP VOCAL ALBUM
In The Lonely Hour - Sam Smith

BEST SOLO POP PERFORMANCE
Happy (Live) - Pharrell Williams

BEST NEW ARTIST
Sam Smith

BEST POP DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE
Say Something - A Great Big World With Christina Aguilera

BEST R&B SONG
Drunk In Love - Shawn Carter, Rasool Diaz, Noel Fisher, Jerome Harmon, Beyoncé Knowles, Timothy Mosely, Andre Eric Proctor & Brian Soko

BEST URBAN CONTEMPORARY ALBUM
Girl - Pharrell Williams

BEST R&B ALBUM
Love, Marriage & Divorce - Toni Braxton & Babyface

BEST RAP PERFORMANCE
I - Kendrick Lamar

BEST RAP/SUNG COLLABORATION
The Monster - Eminem Featuring Rihanna

BEST RAP SONG
I - K. Duckworth & C. Smith

BEST RAP ALBUM
The Marshall Mathers LP2 - Eminem

BEST ROCK SONG
Ain't It Fun - Hayley Williams & Taylor York

BEST ROCK PERFORMANCE
Lazaretto - Jack White

BEST METAL PERFORMANCE
The Last In Line - Tenacious D

BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ALBUM
St. Vincent - St. Vincent

BEST COUNTRY SONG
I'm Not Gonna Miss You - Glen Campbell & Julian Raymond

BEST COUNTRY DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE
Gentle On My Mind - The Band Perry

BEST COUNTRY SOLO PERFORMANCE
Something In The Water - Carrie Underwood

BEST DANCE/ELECTRONIC ALBUM
Syro - Aphex Twin

BEST DANCE RECORDING
Rather Be - Clean Bandit Featuring Jess Glynne

BEST MUSIC FILM
20 Feet From Stardom - Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, Lisa Fischer & Judith Hill

BEST MUSIC VIDEO
Happy - Pharrell Williams

BEST FOLK ALBUM
Remedy - Old Crow Medicine Show

BEST SURROUND SOUND ALBUM
Beyoncé - Elliot Scheiner, Bob Ludwig, and Beyoncé Knowles

BEST REMIXED RECORDING (NON-CLASSICAL)
All Of Me (Tiesto's Birthday Treatment Remix) - Tijs Michiel Verwest

BEST SONG WRITTEN FOR VISUAL MEDIA
Let It Go - Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez

BEST SCORE SOUNDTRACK FOR VISUAL MEDIA
The Grand Budapest Hotel - Alexandre Desplat

BEST COMPILATION SOUNDTRACK FOR VISUAL MEDIA
Frozen -Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez, Tom MacDougall & Chris Montan

BEST MUSICAL THEATER ALBUM
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

BEST REGGAE ALBUM
Fly Rasta - Ziggy Marley

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR (NON-CLASSICAL)
Max Martin

BEST COMEDY ALBUM
Mandatory Fun - "Weird Al" Yankovic

BEST SPOKEN WORD ALBUM
Diary Of A Mad Diva - Joan Rivers

BEST TRADITIONAL POP VOCAL ALBUM
Cheek To Cheek - Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga

WILL ACTIVISM RETURN TO MUSIC?

During rap artist Nicki Minaj's Rolling Stone interview, she was asked why more black artist's aren't speaking out with regards to #BlackLivesMatter.

Minaj responded, "But look what happened to Kanye when he spoke out. People told him to apologize to Bush! ... Because how many times can you be made to feel horrible for caring about your people before you say...it's not worth it..."

It's sad that black artist's are made to feel their careers will be jeopardized should they decide to involve themselves with activism.

When Kanye spoke out about the racial strife in New Orleans during the Hurricane Katrina catastrophe, he was applauded by many but made to feel inadequate by a few -- that few made him meet with George W. Bush, to issue a public apology for calling the nation's leader a racist.

But Kanye West honed his activist genes honestly, with a professorial mother and aerial photo journalist father, who educated him on the racial epidemic that long plagued their existence -- teaching their son how to survive as a black man in America; Kanye brought his education into his artistry.ALL THESE PEOPLE DERIVE FROM A POLITICAL PAST THAT COULDN'T BE IGNORED WHILE MAKING STRIDES TO PENETRATE THE ENVIRONMENT THAT PURPOSELY KEPT THEM OUT, THEY HAD NO CHOICE ON WHETHER OR NOT ACTIVISM SHOULD-BE EXERCISED BECAUSE IT WAS CRYSTAL CLEAR TO THEM THAT IT WAS NECESSARY.

Artists are natural activists, because many artists' stepped into their careers on the strength of activism.

Ruby Dee, Lena Horne, Pam Grier, Diahann Carroll, Eartha Kitt, Ossie Davis, Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, Langston Hughes, Paul Robeson, Alice Walker, Henry Louis Gates Jr., Lorraine Hansberry, Public Enemy; all these people derive from a political past that couldn't be ignored while making strides to penetrate the environment that purposely kept them out, they had no choice on whether or not activism should-be exercised because it was crystal clear to them that it was necessary.

Moreover, because activism has always been apart of the arts in one way or another, it would seem easier for artists to use their ever-present platform to shine a bright light on the places where injustice lies. After all, if minorities from the past challenged the status quo when racial violence was at its most extreme, then why wouldn't minority artists seek to challenge it now since the load has been made somewhat lighter, due to the efforts of those whose shoulders we now stand upon? Is it really fear of being blackballed? Fear of losing profit? Fear of losing fans?

And if an artist can use their artistry to shock people's nerves through the form of nudity, foul language, improper conduct with regards to murder, weaponry and illegal drug trade, why is it then more difficult to influence art in a positive and progressive manner using ingenious activism to responsibly affect the livelihood of people versus negatively?

Is seeing the naked body doing much to progress society, unless it supports a particular cause? What about foul language -- is it a great tool for youth to have? Do gangs, guns, killing and the use of harsh drugs serve a positive purpose for humanity? Then why push these topics on our children more so than the tools that'll help them to live?

Yes, art can be explained as the unexplainable and anyone can deem their work of art to be just that, but in hindsight given the precarious past that has brought us into the present moment of #BlackLivesMatter and the #ICantBreathe movement, doesn't it almost seem obligatory for not just minority artists...but for all artists to join in solidarity with the people?

On a side note: Hip Hop artist Q-Tip, recently broke down the fundamental understanding of where Hip Hop came from and what it really means to be an artistic activist.

2015 LA

Beyonce's 'Yours And Mine' Doc Is Dope

Beyonce ('Yours And Mine' footage)

Beyonce's 'Yours And Mine' visual video was so dope -- so on another level...but so true.

I appreciate the positive messages throughout the entire and very personal short documentary, and I appreciate the way she re-humanized herself to the public; like hey...I'm not a robot...I'm a person!

Her fundamental comprehension of real love -- true love, self-growth through joys and pains, choosing happiness on purpose and finding complete solace in her artistry which she has total control in defining for herself...seems to sum up her life from the beginning to the present moment.

Very authentic and insightful Queen Bey.

2014 LA

Samuel L. Jackson Issues Protest Song Challenge In Wake Of Police Brutality

Samuel L. Jackson (Time.com)

Regarding the more frequent and ever growing protests over racial inequality that resulted in the deaths of unarmed black male and females within America, actor Samuel L. Jackson decided to put out a video calling on all celebrities to take on a challenge of singing a special protest song -- using their platform to illuminate the ongoing oppression and racism that's still deeply-rooted in our country's foundation. 

Although I'm not considered a "celebrity" -- I am however an American citizen and have been all my life, and I greatly relate to the racial inequality stories as I have also lived them. 

With that said, I decided to follow suit and sing the protest song started by Mr. Jackson, and I can only hope that more people join in solidarity while continuing to use our voices for the greater good.

#ComeOnNow #Peace #AllLivesMatter #JusticeForAll 

2014 LA

Why Was Queen Latifah's Show Cancelled?

Queen Latifah courtesy of People.com

The second time talk show host Dana Owens known as Queen Latifah, had her talk show cancelled on Friday, although repeat episodes will continue to play until Spring of 2015.

Apparently, the cancellation wasn't a surprise to the mega Hip Hop star and actress, who wrote a personal thank you note on her Facebook page, "Dear Dana," she began, addressing herself. 

"Just a little note to say Thank You…Thank you for your strong work ethic and great effort in getting The Queen Latifah Show off the ground and running. Your dedication and sacrifice was crucial to the entire team, and in the face of intense challenges, you displayed 'True Grit!' Your Family, Partners, Staff and Crew showed up with you every step of the way. Be very proud of that! Not everyone can say the same."

"You can also say you have been a blessing to and been blessed by amazing guests and incredible audiences for this show," the Oscar nominee continued. "We truly changed people's lives for the better. So… STAY POSITIVE, STAY STRONG, and most importantly, STAY OPEN… There is so much more God has in store! Lovingly, You!"

She went on to address her colleagues and collaborators, writing, "P.S. This letter is for me, my staff, my crew, and everyone who was by my side for this incredible journey. The most important thing in life is that you wake up every single day and take chances. No matter what the outcome… believe in yourself and continue to fly."

Sony Entertainment Pictures also released a formal goodbye to Queen Latifah's fans as well as the show, "We want to thank Dana, the producers and the entire staff of The Queen Latifah Show for creating a program that we are all very proud of," Sony said in a statement. "Thank you also to our terrific station partners and advertisers who supported the show."

Personally, Queen Latifah is an amazing talent who seems to excel at everything that she does; she excels at rapping because she speaks her truth with passion, she excels at acting probably because she's been through so much emotionally -- that acting is an easy seg-way to express her feelings, she excels at singing because it's naturally apart of her, she excels at modeling because she's a beauty, and she excels at hosting because she has a dynamic and charismatic personality.

However, regarding why her show may have been cancelled; talk shows can be deeply personal and can almost demand that one be completely vulnerable to ones audience -- this appears to be what Queen was lacking. She seemed to have a hard time being vulnerable while walking in her truth and yes, her show helped many people financially and physically -- and she even had a long list of celebrity friends to make surprising appearances...but it still wasn't enough for the ratings which left me wondering, did she officially/unofficially come out of the closet in order to boost her ratings? 

Did she finally allow cameras to get a sneak peek of her personal life as a last attempt to hang onto her show? 

If it was...she went about it completely wrong; my suggestion would've been for her to come out on her talk show -- to make an entire show of her coming out and maybe have on guests who also had difficult times coming out as well. This action would've showcased her vulnerability as well as her personal truth, and let's keep it real who doesn't like a great story?!

Queen is already a self-made brand all on her own and millions of people would've flocked to her talk show as a means of relating to her story. 

Wendy Williams and Ellen DeGeneres are two people that have amazing talk show ratings because both are vulnerable in their truth with (Wendy's dramatic truth and Ellen's humorous truth), as people like when they can relate to someone on various levels. 

But if you only skim the top of the surface without attempting to delve into the core, eventually people will notice and become bored -- as we all appreciate when someone or something can hold our attention long enough to pay attention.

Dana probably doesn't think of this cancellation as a failure (and rightfully so), but simply a lesson on how to get it right the next time.

Thanks for the effort Queen. 

#Onward #Upward

2014 LA

Jean-Paul Goude's History With Kanye Wests' Women

Grace Jones;Amber Rose

Recently, I've come across more art-form photography by artist Jean-Paul Goude, the Parisian artist now known for the most recent nude spread of Kim Kardashian. 

Goude is best known for his decades of work capturing model/actress Grace Jones, in captivating photo shoots -- many that are deemed controversial in nature as well as borderline racist.

The recent photos uncovered are another recreation of Goude's past work which showcased his then muse, model Grace Jones; model Amber Rose, Kanye West's former girlfriend was apart of Goude's recreation as she re-enacted similar poses as Grace Jones. Rose's photos were indeed taken in 2010, the same year the former couple were actually a couple.

The Yeezus rapper seems to have a fascination with this particular artist and his works, as he keeps using this same visionary for his artisan projects. 

It's obvious that Kanye's spouses become his muses and he already admitted that the reality star had become his new muse, but will she continue to let Kanye make art with her body just as Goude did with Grace Jones?

On a side note: Kanye is recreating the past; art that becomes art again. Art often imitates life but it's interesting to see that Kanye prefers art to imitate art. Will the 'Cold' rapper try to innovate new art with his art pieces, or simply continue to pull from the past -- much like sampling vintage music?

2014 LA

Solange Knowles Ties The Knot With Alan Ferguson

Solange and Alan Ferguson arrive for their wedding. (Patriot Pics/SBMF/FameFlynet)

On Sunday November 16th, Beyonce's little sister -- DJ and mama to her 10 year old son Julez, Solange Knowles, finally tied the knot with her 51-year-old longtime video producer beau Alan Ferguson, who she's been dating since 2009.

Solange and her new hubby married in their residential home town of New Orleans; riding vintage style bikes to their ceremony instead of the traditional limousine and/or horse and carriage transportation. The dazzling bride had a basket filled with flowers that attached to the front of her bicycle.

Again, instead of following "tradition" -- that the only person to wear white should be the bride, the 28-year-old seemed to knock that trend and instead opted for her entire bridal party to wear white; the bridal party also wore their own style of shoes. This picture shows Solange's bridal party in all-white -- standing very stoic and militant in style; singer Janelle Mone' broke the militant pattern as she smiled broadly displaying her excitement for her friend.

The new Mrs. Ferguson stood in the middle of her bridal party looking like the leader of the pack, with sister Beyonce to her right and Mama Knowles to her left. Solange looked ravishing in an all-white gown and cape by Humberto Leon for Kenzo. Her all-white jumpsuit that plunged low in the front, seen above in the first photo is designed by Stephane Rolland. 

She had her signature Afro hairstyle and red lips to give a tinge of boldness -- along with two gold cuffs that adorned both her wrists, which resembles to me jewelry worn by African Queen Nefertiti. In the portrait, she is the epitome of a super soulful chic sistah; very down-to-earth with an old soul and knowing exactly what she wants. 

Solange and her 10-year-old son Juelz who she co-parents with her ex-husband Daniel Smith, whom she married at the tender age of 17-years-old, performed a sweet mother and son choreographed dance routine to the song 'No Flex Zone' for all the wedding guests in attendance.

Overall, the wedding appeared very intimate, stylish, down-to-earth, and strictly family and close friends based. Congrats to the new Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson!

On a side note: Was the bride given away by her father, Matthew Knowles? Was he even in attendance?

2014 LA