Archive » September 2008

A Soulful Noise

Jennifer Hudson Is Thankful for 'Jennifer Hudson'

What a month it's turning out to be for Jennifer Hudson. Let's see, she got engaged on her birthday and has a new movie (The Secret Life of Bees) due next month. Hmm, what else? Oh yes, her highly-anticipated, self-titled album dropped today! And she's ecstatic about it. Woke up in tears of joy, actually. Check what she had to say on her MySpace blog this morning:

"ITS FINALLY OUT ! I MADE IT. MY VERY FIRST ALBUM IS OUT TODAY! EVERY TIME I REACH A GOAL [OR] ACCOMPLISH A DREAM, I GET EMOTIONAL. I CAN'T BELIEVE I DOWNLOADED MY ALBUM OFF OF ITUNES AND I'M GOING TO BUY IT IN THE STORES. I JUST WANNA GO SEE IT ON THE SHELF. LOL THANK U GOD FOR THIS TIME AND ALLOWING ME THIS ! I HOPE U GUYS ENJOY MY ALBUM, [WHICH IS] IN STORES NOW AS OF TODAY,THANK U ALL FOR FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND PATIENCE."

--JENNIFER HUDSON

Congrats to Jenny on everything that's going on in her life. Bees hits theaters on October 17th.

Jennifer Hudson [Official]
Jennifer Hudson [Amazon][iTunes]

Harlem  |  09/30/2008 at 4:00 PM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

'Another Way To Die'? Watching This Video.

Maura Johnston over at Idolator sums up this video perfectly by saying "Alicia Keys and Jack White Stand Around in the Desert and Yell A Lot." The collaboration between Keys and White is interesting in theory, the song itself is semi-listenable, but the video is nothing remarkable at all. In fact, it's kind of a mess. All it really does is unsettle by giving visual representation to the juxtaposition of the two artists as they try to top each other's boringness against some uninteresting backdrops. It's uncomfortable to watch and does nothing to compliment the song or anyone involved.

Ro  |  09/30/2008 at 3:00 PM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

A Soulful Noise

Could 112's Slim Be Bringing Us That Long-Awaited Faith Album?

Am I overstating with the whole "long-awaited" bit? Perhaps. But honestly, when it comes to R&B delivered by a female over 30 with a touch of Hip Hop that isn't Mary, Faith Evans fits the need perfectly. Today's rumor (until verified via press release, mind you) comes from the folks at Milk Magazine, who state that Slim is ready to sign Faith to his label. If this turns out to be true, it's a fantastic look for the both of them. As stans of Golden Age Bad Boy know, the Faith & 112 collabs were legendary. The group did some backup on her debut, and Faith returned the favor by appearing on "I Can't Believe." 112 penned her "I Just Can't" from the High School High soundtrack and they both showed love on each other's sophomore releases with "Caramel Kisses' and "For Awhile." Faith more recently appears on Slim's own "So Gone." Regardless of the group's official status, a move like this at the very least channels a bit of welcome nostalgia, along with the promise of the same magic they brought us years ago, without the involvement of you-know-who. [Milk]

nOvaMatic  |  09/30/2008 at 2:48 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

People Under The Stairs Dream of Expat Status In 'The Wiz'

ill Mami  |  09/30/2008 at 2:00 PM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

Industry & Culture

How Many Mary J. Blige's Can You Fit In A Chevy?

Last night I was watching VH1's 100 Greatest Hip Hop Songs countdown and during one of the commercial breaks I caught Mary J. Blige's newest commercial for Chevrolet. This time around MJB is riding around with her girls in a shiny new Chevy Traverse with her very first release "Real Love" playing on the radio. But these aren't any just any old girls Blige is sitting on chrome with -- there are a carload of Mary's in the whip representing the singer at various stages in her life/career. Despite having to pay for gas, 2008 Mary is smiling behind the wheel, while sullen My Life Mary is riding shotgun. Reflective Breakthrough Mary is behind the driver and don't-want-no-hateration-everybody-dancerie Mary is kicking it in the back next to what looks like "Not Gon Cry" Mary although I couldn't really make her out. But my favorite Mary -- the happy, young, fresh-faced, hat to the back having, Hockey jersey rocking, mini-skirt and big black boot wearing What's the 411? Mary -- is the last to get picked up and when she enters the vehicle she daps her future selves up and off they go. When current Mary stops the car to unload some luggage I wondered if she was making the space for yet another Mary, but instead she offloaded the bags onto the curb during a voiceover that said: "The space to take everything with you. The wisdom to leave the baggage behind." Well played, Chevrolet. Well played.

Butta  |  09/30/2008 at 1:00 PM  |  Comments (10)  |  Permalink

Crowd Participation, Media Watch

Barack Obama and His Affinity for Hip-Hop

A few days ago MTV posted an article about Sway speaking with Presidential Candidate Barack Obama about how hip-hop culture affected his life. In it Obama discusses how he missed the curve on being a part of the hip-hop generation and wisely avoids disclosing his pick for Greatest MC of All Time. Aside from the awkward presence of Vice Presidential Candidate Joe Biden, who chuckles along uncomfortably and who's clearly out of his element, the video is fairly harmless. Seeing how MTV was once about music, it makes sense that some questions coming from them would be about the first letter in its acronym. He thoughtfully reflects on his appreciation of the entrepreneurship hip-hop has inspired and diplomatically discusses his hope that its practitioners become more socially-minded. Considering the fact that even as apolitical as much of hip-hop culture has become it still remains a topic of political discourse, it's an interesting move for the potential President of the United States to show love for hip-hop. Watch the video after the bounce.

Read more...

Ro  |  09/30/2008 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

First Spin

John Legend Slows It Down With 'Good Morning'

Another week, another leak from John Legend's album Evolver, which is due next month. The track, entitled "Good Morning," finds JL in chill mode, taking it back to the slow jams that populated most of his last album, Once Again. Not that there's anything wrong with it, but truthfully, I'm hoping this album is filled with more songs of the "Green Light" ilk. Maybe it will be. We'll see. If you're a true Legend fan, you'll probably love this song. Either way, I can't wait for more leaks the album to drop to see what else John has in store. Enjoy.

John Legend: "Good Morning"

Harlem  |  09/30/2008 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (12)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Here's My Number And A Dime

• Usher's "One Night Stand" tour dates have been announced. [SR]
• Looks like the late, great James Brown's estate is finally nearing settlement after almost two years.  Sheesh. [TS]
• The trailer for the latest Will Smith heart warmer, Seven Pounds, is ready for viewing. [BH]
• Janet had to cancel her Montreal show last night after falling suddenly ill and being rushed to the hospital. [OMG]
  
• Fox Searchlight wants your help in choosing the movie poster for Notorious. [NR]
  

Harlem  |  09/30/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Comments (1)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

DJ Stylus & Phonte Cut Up 'In The Artist's Studio'

For those of you fortunate to witness Phonte and Zo! perform live in Washington D.C. last week at the "Inside The Artist's Studio" event, you were treated to something genuinely special. Not only was Phonte in rare form by showcasing his comedic skills while being interviewed by DJ Stylus, but he also performed grown-man style and brought the sexiness to being grown by showing up in a suit à la supper club style. Ever wondered Phonte's preferences regarding Freddie Jackson  vs. Jermaine Jackson, Debbie Allen vs. Phylicia Rashad, or wangs vs. ribs? The answers are all below after you press play. And because we love you, there's a little something special after the clip.

Read more...

ill Mami  |  09/29/2008 at 2:35 PM  |  Comments (4)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Anthony Hamilton Is One 'Cool' Cat

Raise your hand if, like me, you've been waiting for a new album from Anthony Hamilton. Just as I thought. Well, I'm here to tell you that our wait is almost over, as Mr. "Mama Knew Love" is on his way back this quarter with a project entitled The Point of It All. The album, originally slated to drop this past June, features the first single, "Cool," which recently hit radio. Here, we get to see some behind the scenes footage from the California shoot, which features a n appearance from rapper David Banner (who seems to be everywhere these days). Check out Ant as he discusses his latest collaborations. Now, of course we knew that he laid it down on Al Green's album, but did you know that he was also singing country duets? Yeah, Mr. Hamilton is just too cool for school. Stay tuned for more information about The Point of It All as its release date nears.

Harlem  |  09/29/2008 at 12:00 PM  |  Comments (3)  |  Permalink

Video SoulBounce

Janelle Monáe Shows Us 'Many Moons'

What's so fantastic about Janelle Monáe is that she manages to flesh out the creativity in her music without sacrificing any of its wildly fantastical elements. Even though the back-story is complicated, the music is enjoyable even without having to take Metropolis 101. That said, the video for "Many Moons" supplements her vision of a futuristic world amazingly well. In it Cindi Mayweather performs at the chic Metropolis Annual Android Auction with more energy than the electric organ and punching drums backing her. There are some cameos (was that Big Boi as Sir Lucious Leftfoot?), but mostly it's Monáe as multiple stylish robots. It's a great deal of fun to watch her android alter-ego work herself to the point of transcendence/malfunction-- and boy can she move. "Many Moons" is a gloriously high concept, sleek, futuristic good time.

Ro  |  09/29/2008 at 11:00 AM  |  Comments (10)  |  Permalink

Morning Soul

Morning Soul: Can Tell You Wanna Boogie

ill Mami  |  09/29/2008 at 10:00 AM  |  Comments (2)  |  Permalink