illlist* | aaliyah

Her name said it all; the best; exalted. In her 22 years on this earth, Aaliyah Haughton mastered the art of a potential triple threat; singer, actress, entertainer. Her albums remain R&B classics, with her 2001 Aaliyah showcasing true artistry. There will never be another one like the A-a-l-i-y...a-h.

Top Ten

• I Care 4 U
• Never Givin' Up
• Are You That Somebody
• One In A Million
• Come Over
• Rock the Boat
• Street Thing
• I Can Be
• It's Whatever
• At Your Best (You Are Love) Remix

*illlist: (ill+list; pronounced illest) the best to do the damn thing; game-changers; originators

? | Who..MIKE JONES...WHO!?!...MIKE JONES.......

.......WHY!?! Back in the day (or just a few years ago) I could rock, and still do, to "Still Tippin'." Its probably my favorite Mike Jones song, and most likely the only one I know. Nowadays it seems his career, as well as himself, have changed. More power to the new look and upcoming album (?), but folks are still asking who?

'97 | Shhhhhhh!

My most distinct memory of this song is riding to some district youth choir rehearsal for church, and every 8-15 year old singing along to the radio. If I knew what film this song derived from, and what exactly they were talking about, my parents would have deemed it unfit for my ears. But it was "the bomb baby/bomb baby" and remains to be a party-banger. And I know I would never have seen this video; and I never did. This Time It's Personal - Somethin' for the People

'09 | The 'Day' is approahcing

After weeks of monumental tantrums, texting betrayals, and tears of forgiveness, MTB4 stars Day26 will release their sophomore album Forever in a Day. I bought their last album to support the group of talented artists and R&B music. But recent antics definitely had me on pause mode. I hit up the Leak at MTV.com and was impressed with certain songs.

• 4-Think of Me
• 5-Stadium Music - a thumping track; i believe will be their next single
• 6-Bipolar - the experimentation musically intrigued me
• 7-Perfectly Blind - beautiful harmonies
• 11-Then There's You - ode to the love of their life

I saw growth in the lyrics and appreciated the different sounds. I felt there were more solid tracks; not as much filler. It is a lil' long though, but we will see what happens.

P School | Naaa-na-na-naa-na!

Direct. Straight to the point. Still makes a statement today. Respect Yourself - The Staple Singers

? | Where is Cindi Mayweather

Last year a select few were captivated by the futuristic tale of free will that a Pompadour-laden cyborg constructed. Janelle Monae's story unfolded in a bigger-than-life video for the single "Many Moons," starring a vast array of characters and messages of past and present injustices. This and her EP Metropolis: Suite 1-The Chase were just a taste of what I hope comes sometime this summer. I pray with all my might that Bad Boy does not let this talent become another casualty.

Check out a tone-downed "Sincerely, Jane."

PBP | I'm Your Puppet

How many want to bet this was her idea? Cuz I don't!

? | Who watched MTV's Spring Break '09?

BET's Spring...nevermind

'09 | Goo-Goo 4 Gaga

People may dismiss the Xtina look alike, Lady Gaga, for her overall Solid Gold dancer-on-acid persona, but the chic has found her niche. I have to admit I thought "Just Dance" was a nice record, but her debut album's track list boasts songs that make "Dance" look like a mere jig. Beautiful Dirty Rich - Posh and raunchy @ the same time; as if she re-created Fiona Apple's "Criminal" at a haunted house. Poker Face - Gaga's recent single; seems more radio friendly, such as "Just Dance" Love Game - Reminescent of MJ's "Bad", choreography is sick.

'93 | Free Willy

Adorable animals + adorable kids = box office success in the 90s. From Monkey Business, to Dunston Checks In, and even the forgotten Andre, animals and kids were just as popular as kids and sports. No other film had such an impact that it garnered a song by Bubbles the chimp's owner - Free Willy. The delinquent child facing life's hardships finds himself through the friendship and freeing of a killer whale. Although it produced two sequels, the original etched a place in viewer's hearts and a spot in pop culture.

'09 | New New Pts. 1 & 2

Created these mixes about a month ago; best played in order. Just represents what I was digging at the time. New New Pt. 1 - R&B by thomasboi New New Pt. 2 - Hip-Hop by thomasboi

'09 | Geek to the Beat

Don't know much about Zion I, but I've heard previous work and this right here is nice. Love the concept and feeling the choreography. Video via HipHopDX.

'09 | New New(?)

I think. I don't know how I missed this track, but thanks to Blind I. April 2oth cannot come any sooner; well my ticket could show up prior. Don't disappoint Ticketmaster! Wale - Pat Your Weave

'96 | Don't Want Nobody Else

There is no way in 1996 you could escape these four brothers and their sophomore album, Another Level. Blackstreet dominated R&B with such classics as the Bill Withers-sampled "No Diggity" and the ballad "Don't Leave Me." But it's another ballad, "I Can't Get You (Out of My Mind)", that stands out to me. Apparently the remix appeared on the soundtrack of the worst movie ever, but i digress.

'00 | Single, Sexy & Sweet

Fear of Flying erupted in 2000 and sent R&B artist Mya to the top. She was our equivalent to Janet; nice vocals, a style of her own, and killer choreography! The girl could dance her behind off! Why she can't seem to get an album out now is beyond me. If Bad Boy can push this, than Mya should definitely be seen and heard. "Free" was her third single and was featured on the Bait soundtrack.

MYA___FREE
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