Channel Surfin' | Listen Up

I'm sure you've all seen the following commercial: And thought, what a wonderful concept...until you think; if I enhance my hearing in the mist of a busy room, won't I hear everyone's conversation. It would be like being Jean Gray in X2: X-men United or Matt Parkman on Season 1 of Heroes. (Botht he best installments of those works.) Major flaw. And isn't that the guy in the Snuggie commercial:

PBP | This is why you were in a GROUP

112 - Peaches & Cream -Solly4Life-
Uploaded by folarera

112 > solo attempts New category of post I like to title Point.Blank.Period, I state an opinion, nothing more and nothing less, that speaks for itself.

'94 | one-hundred per-cent

My dad is a big jazz/R&B/instrumental music buff, so we had it all from Stanley Clarke to Soul II Soul to The Brand New Heavies. I distinctively remember jamming to this single by Crystal Waters. Better known for "Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless)" which I remember from "In Living Color", my personal fav was off of Storytellers - "100% Pure Love."

BaM | Bounce

Probably my favorite track off of Timabaland Presents Shock Value. Right after "Oh Timbaland." 0:34 is the dope show!

'00 | There You Go...

Awww, 2000. I like to characterize 99-2004/05 as TRLra. And no one comes to mind more than the artist known as Pink. Hearing her debut single, "There You Go", on the radio I could have sworn she was black, or Hispanic. Then to see her video I acknowledged her blue-eyed soul/rock persona, like a Teena Marie for the millennium. Out of all the pop stars hitting the charts at that time, she (and Xtina of course) I feel were the best vocally.

Pink - There You Go
Uploaded by atlony

? | Right Round

I am sure rapper Flo Rida is an intellegent guy. He speaks rather well in interviews and seems to enjoy his newofund fame. He even looks like he is having fun; his songs are always club-heavy hits that echo having a good time. BUT was he serious when he decided to sample that 80s song for his "hit" "Right Round?" I mean....? I know we are trying to trandscend beyond the ghetto with hop-hop, dipping our fingers in different music Kool-Aids.....BUT I cannot bring myself to enjoy this song as much as I loved "Low." (Until it was everywhere instead of just the song everyone was dancing to on YouTube) And the video....smh....I just can't rock to it. If we're trying to recapture the electro-pop hip-hop possessed in the mid-80s, than let's go back and do our research. I mean with a different beat, this song could be good....BUT......?

'09 | Cupid vs. The Dream

My library on shuffle, I cam across the first track off of Cupid's Time for a Change. "Work," with its sensual oohs, aahs, and a touch of southern snap, is a hot track. Other than his dance hit, his genuine R&B sound is what drew me to liking him. With the chance to release this or "The Let Out" as a single would have been great for his career, if it hadn't been for the retro monster that was "Shorty is a Ten." In a way The Dream sorta of stole Cupid's recipe, and added his own 80's thug swag. Love/Hate was a great album, and The Dream knows how to sell a record, but I just wondered what could have been. As a bonus check out another hot track off of Cupid's forgotten album I Love Me ft. Foxx

'89 | Spread!.......Heart!

One of my favorite songs by Troop, "Spread My Wings," off of Attitude. R&B music pure and simple. Great lyrics on top of classic new jack swing beats, and they killed the choreography in this video.

8709 | Classic

I don't know about you'll, but i still buy albums. I admit I appreciate certain other sources of music, but I love the feeling of tearing the wrapper, opening the case, and reaching for the liner notes. I was able to visit a record store today, that's right they still exist, and bought two classic albums.

Heart Break, New Edition - 1988 I may have only been a year old, but "If This Isn't Love" remains my favortie NE song. The video was classic, and nothing says eighties R&B more than Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

New Edition - If It Isn't Love Uploaded by UniversalMusicGroup

New Beginning, SWV - 1996 One of the hottest R&B groups of the 90s, SWV took the industry by storm with their new jill swing heavy debut It's About Time. For the second round, they examined a more smooth R&B sound. My favorite track here is "Use Your Heart," which was written and produced by a then unknown Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo.

'97 | Rather not...

Saturday night I decided to indulge in a mini movie night with my sister, her friend, and my cousin. We did not have many choices so we decided to check out some old films we had not seen. 1) Sipke Lee's Jungle Fever; and 2) the little known black film Hav Plenty. I had seen the end of the comedy romance on Encore, but wanted to see the rest. Maybe it was just me, or a 90s thing, but this film was awful...so awful it was good. I got the premise and the attempt to be a different black film, but this seemed like a high school play. I cannot find the words to describe, so I'm allowing a guest writer, my cousin Brandon. THIS WAS AWFUL.... i mean usually i'm able to figure out and understand movies but this one just did not make any sense. The scenes didn't flow with each other, the whole plot was super confusing, and the acting was pretty dreadful as well..... If anyone is a fan of this movie....well good for you ha.. (SBS)

411 | You got me sittin' here.......

@ the Red Light?!? So i lied about that being my only post. Saw this story on Yahoo News, but did not check into it; just peeped on ESPN. First there were the New Year's Eve trilogy, and now this. I know it happens all the time, unannounced to the public, but really?!?

8709 Special | Back in the Go-Go

*Long post today because I will be out most of the day...enjoy*

If your search for new music travels beyond the limits of FM radio and television, you've probably come across the following artist. Wale hails from the DMV, (D.C., Maryland, Virgina area) and is ready to take the industry by storm. His Seinfeld-inspired mixtape, The Mixtape About Nothing, garnered spots on many lists as one of the best in 2008. April 29th he will release his highly-anticipated Back to the Feature with 9th Wonder. He recently released his first single, "Chillin" feat. Lady Gaga which will appear on his debut LP Attention Deficit (summer release). Despite his apparent lyrical skills,Wale's most defining attribute is his use of the D.C.-born Go-Go music. The horn-heavy band music has been what's hot in the capitol for years, but has never seen much mainstream success. Most notables would be music producer Rich Harrison, who propelled the career of Amerie ("Why Don't We Fall in Love") and, while many try to deny it, Beyonce's solo career ("Crazy in Love"); and, of course E.U. who hit it big with '88's "Da Butt", which was featured in Spike Lee's School Daze. I've provided some of his Go-Go heavy hits as well as my favorites, so in the words of Clinton Sparks...GET FAMILIAR.

DA BUTT - E.U.

Yea E Yea E - WALE 100 Miles and Running Breakdown Warming Up Cane Hate is the New Love She Not Mine Freaks

411 | Optimistic

Today our favorite rapper turned hip-hop role model Clifford "T.I." "Tip" Harris will receive his sentencing for his involvement with purchasing weapons. As much as I hate to see him go, I do appreciate his outlook on this opportunity to reveal truth in acknowledging it was time for him to grow up. Live Your Life T.I....this song is for you.

'81 | I'm Willing & Waiting...

This is clearly before my time, but I love the song nonetheless. I first heard it sampled in Mary J. Blige's "Willing & Waiting" off of Love & Life. It would be a few years later when I would hear the actual song on Sirius radio. "When Love Calls" appeared on Atlantic Starr's album Radiant.

LOL | Its The Real

I need to add these guys to my shout outs. If you ain't up on ItsTheReal, you are definitely missing out. Peeped this @ Nah Right 900 Dollars and a Dream from jeff on Vimeo.

'09 | Comic Relief?

We all know the unfortuante incident that transpired hours before the Grammys this year, and how the media amplified the "turth" to the 'nth-power. No matter your POV, it is an ugly situation and you just want the best to occur for the both of them.There is a bright side to this unfortunate event, YOUTUBE. Parodies ran a muck days following the media frenzy, and do not act as if you did not get a "you won't Chris Brown 'em" here and there. So enjoy my top three favorites:

Bust-a-Move

I strongly enjoy dancing, and one of my past times is watching others dance. YouTube definitely enables my addicition, and I am glad to share some of my favs with you. These posts will be called Bust-a-Move. (BaM) Below is a lil routine done for Snoop Dogg's Candy.

G101.3 | Chains

Being from Richmond, IN, surrounded by the R&B/Hip-Hop heavy radio stations from Dayton (z93), Cincinnati(Mojo 94.9), and Indianapolis (106.7 TLC), my sis and I were somewhat disappointed with our meager choices:country's KICKS 96 and the best of 80s 90s and now...G 101.3. Well as they say if you can't beat them join them. I came to appreciate 101.3 for their pop pleasure from both the past and present, and came to love artists such as Celine, Hootie, Huey Lewis, etc., and so on. This is one of my favorite songs from the 90s. I always heard it but never knew who sang it. Tina Arena's Chains was always haunting with its intricate lyrics and I loved the climatic ending.

411 | Welcome Back...

I was obsessed with this group as a child. I recorded VHS performances, cutout magazine advertisements (Diet Coke), and followed their TV cameos from Roc to A Different World and even The Wayans Brothers. It had been a long rumor ever since the BET Awards last year, but it is official.....En Vogue is reuniting! Celebrating their 20th anniversary the original Funky Divas - Cindy, Maxine, Dawn and Terry - are touring as we speak.The ladies graced March's JET cover. Inside they detailed the tour, a reality show in the works, and an album later this year. Their influence on groups after them is irrefutable and it's great to have them back. In honor I list my top five favorite tracks: 5: "Falling In Love" Masterpiece Theater | This album went unnoticed spawning a video for the single "Riddle." But it is this track that captured the ladies vocals the best, and reminded listeners why they loved En Vogue. 4: "You're All I Need" EV3 | This album unfortunately marked the departure of Dawn Robinson. This song sticks out to me because of the early 90s feel of young love and fun. 3: "Runaway Love"

En Vogue - New Music - More Music Videos

Runaway Love EP | This track is probably one of the most sensual. The harmonies are exquisite and the gospel choir-like vamp will definitely take you higher and higher. 2: "Part of Me" Born to Sing | Beautiful song with a beautiful message. I remember them singing this on BET with Donnie Simpson in all black dresses similar to the ones worn in thier debut video, and my obvious #1 pick.... 1: "HOLD ON"Born To Sing | This track was fire! No other song that year possessed the attitude and finesse that was En Vogue or R&B. I memorized the choreography to a "T", and the Smokey Robinson intro is still to this day one of the smartest. Enjoy....En Vogue - hold on

SICK | Stronger

How sick is this....Kanye graces COMPLEX issue

? | Double Take

Is it me or were they separated at birth?

'09 | Channel Surfin' | "Taking the Stage"

As we all know television is not what it used to be. Ever since the tribe spoke on the first "Survivor," viewers have been seduced to relentless reality shows that depict the drama of "real life." Though the pleasure of watching others sorted lives is not an old trick (soap operas, People's Court) there is a wrong and right way. Those that do it right, unfortunately, is MTV. Despite their lack of music, they know how to tell a story with True Life, Made, and the short-lived Juvies. They encountered new territory with "Taking the Stage", the story of five high school students who attend a school of performing arts in Cincinnati.

Taking The Stage - MTV Shows

I was honestly excited, !black people! You know real regular students of middle class, upper middle class households. But that excitement was premature. It moved so predictably and was a little depressing, especially when they started dancing. I understand the technial ability needed for ballet, but the hip-hop dancers as they were called wouldn't even make it on 106's W.O.W. I enjoyed singer/songwriter Mia's story the most. Maybe I am naive and it's too early to judge, but for right now I'll pass.

'09 | New New

Young Chris, Wale, Bun B, and Señor Kaos - “Searching For An Outlet” Posted using ShareThis Via TSS

'99 | "Girl You Knock Me..."

Actress/singer Tatyana Ali is probably best known as lil Ashley Banks from "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." But I do remember her stint in the music industry. No not on the show, in the real world. Kiss the Sky was her debut album and it spawned the top ten hit, "Daydreamin'." But my personal favorite was the title track.

'09 | Jungle 'Magic'

Princess of Crunk & B, Ciara, has released her new video for the single, "Love, Sex, & Magic" ft. Justin Timberlake. Love Sex Magic from Necole Bitchie on Vimeo. Despite the visual stimulation, the song sounds like a "SexyBack" reprise. Big ups to Necole Bitchie

'09 | Right About Now....

Allow me to introduce myself. 80sbby90skd here to take you back, way back, back into time, to relive & recount the past. 87|09 chronicles the music and times of my past 21 years, as well as future experiences. It is crazy to think that the music I listened to is now considered old school. Don't believe me, catch the sample in Bow Wow's new song. So I'm hear to make sure the new jack swing, R&B, freestyle, soul, funk, hip-hop and pop isn't forgotten. So join me on this journey to the past...because IT TAKES TWO