Hip Hop Mixtapes

With me loving soul music, hip-hop in my opinion can be considered soul music. I feel that soul music is music that is real. In my opinion, hip hop used to be real. Now it seems like it's a gimmick. Hip-hop is really a big young voice for the young community, but it seemed to have lost it way. About a week, I listened to two mixtapes from different artists, that made me appericate hip-hop on what it used to be. A rapper from Detroit/Baltimore named Results and New York native named Q-City. These two mcees mixtape was definitely raw and real. Both of the artists didn't use any gimmicks to draw you in, they let their skills speak for themselves.

I am going to start with Results with his mixtape "16 Minutes"

Knowing Results since college does not take away my opinion's about good music. Even though this is not his first mixtape, I have to say I like it best. First, I feel that it is very creative because to name a mixtape 16 minutes and for the mixtape to be 16 minutes is great. This mixtape is not used from his own original beats. He used beats from Drake, J. Cole, and Wale to need a few. By the end of this mixtape, you wanted more from the Detroit naive.

This starts the mixtape off with Heisman which more like a intro to the mixtape. But in his verse he raps "this is not an album it's a demo", which I feel he opened the mixtape right. One of the highlights of mixtape is Bullshittin because he just goes ham on this. It's like he rapping for his life on this one. When I heard this for the first time, I didn't want this song to end. Track 3 he uses Wale's Lotus Flower Bomb where he spits about a girl that wants to be more than friends and what he will do for her. What stands out about this when he sings at the end "Oooh girl, I like to make you mine". Track 4 is titled, Motto this song reminds me of how he rapped on Bullshittin it was like Results is rapping for his life, which is where he shines. I'm A Boss is not one of my favorites but I understand why he put it on his mixtape because it definitely fits. With this Meek Mills beat, Results just explains he's a boss. Track 6, is his version of J. Cole's Lost One, but instead of the song being about him, it about a girl that lies to her man about wanting to be with him. Headlines by Drake is a song that I don't like, but Results does this song justice he raps that everything he does will make headlines including music and girls. The next track I will have to say is my best song on the mixtape is his version of J. Cole's Breakdown. This song is my favorite song on J. Cole's album, but Results keep the emotion going on this. With this song, you got to know Results on a more personal level. In this he raps about how he didn't have a father and how he dealt with it when finally met up with him. I think Results need to do more songs like this because this song is so real and you feel him on it. Why You Mad is a track where he raps about people hating on his life but he is going to keep doing his thing no matter how they keep hating. Finally, he ends the mixtape with a song dedication to this TruE members, with Drake's Crew Love.

Even though this mixtape is short, it still shows that Results has skills with the a pen and pad. In this mixtape, Results need to be heard by the world because he has no gimmick which is what hip-hop needs today.

Download here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=J8TYL4TX

Now to Q-City's "The Mixed State of Mind"

I meant Q-City through twitter because we are both knicks fans. But the rapper realize that I love music, so one day he asked me to listen to his mixtape and give him an honest review on what I feel about it. I must say when I listen to this album he is definitely representing for NY. 

This mixtape starts off with The Block which gives me a Wu-Tang vibe, it's like RZA made this beat. This song could have been fit on Wu-Tang's 36 Chambers. Q-City explains about the the different blocks in NY including his of Strong Island.  Track 2, Crash The Party beat is crazy, I love it. This is a track where you can be ride with your friends with the windows rolled down yelling "Aint no party, once we crash the party". New York Minute is one of the highlights of the mix-tape. On this song, he definitely represented for every borough NY. The sample that DJ Gumba used  gives me a Nas "Illmatic" vibe. Q-City raps about great things in NY, which includes the Knicks, Yankees, and the Giants. I wish the song was longer because this song is awesome, the beat takes you to a great memory if you from NY. Then it goes into the song Haters which is an anthem for everyone. The chorus is so catchy "I gotta stunt for you haters, I make my paper haters". This song makes me go to a couple of people and blast this song in their faces. The next club inspired track is All Eyes on Me when you walk up in the club all eyes should be on you, another club banger.  Mr. Right Now is a song that the DJ plays in the club to get it hype. Mr. Right Now Q-City and his family is letting the ladies know that they are the hottest dudes out, no need to look at anybody else. The next track The World is Mine, is a definitely a mix-tape kind of track. On this track Q-City is just rapping about how the world is his and he's not going to give up on his dream because he was "born to win". Walking Through the Streets is another highlight, which he dedicates it to his fallen soldier "Poet Da La Noche". This beat is so emotional and he rides this beat to the end. I feel in this song he poured his emotions out and you can feel it. I love songs like this because it shows an rapper vulnerability which shows they are real. To add to the emotion, the next track Lunatic he raps about his life on the street, and he accepts that his life is crazy but the's not going to make him, he was "born to win". His realness continues on The Trife Life. The words that stand out is "so far is a dark tunnel but at the end there's life". Those words are so real. The NyteShift Anthem beat is very dark, which through me off but this is one of the songs that I would do without. Drunk With A Gun, gives me the Nas "Made You Look" vibe. On this song, his homies definitely represent Strong Island to the fullest. Q-City ends the mixtape with Criminal Slang which he uses a excerpt from one of my favorite Nas songs of all time "Ain't Hard To Tell". I wanted Q-City to come harder on this, but in all the song was good.

My clear of opinion of Q-City "Mixed State Of Mind" is he represents New York to the fullest. He has a couple of highlights on the mixtape, which is really where he shines. Songs like New York Minute, Walking Through The Street, and Lunatic is real and emotion. But Q-City doesn't forget how to party with songs like Haters, All Eyes On Me, and Mr. Right Now. But in all he gives you that Jadakiss & Nas vibe. This mix-tape is definitely a good listen which should be heard because it's real and honest.

Download Here: http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/qcity-the-mixed-state-of-mind-hosted-by-dj-gumba-mixtape.34951.html            

   DOWNLOAD GOOD MUSIC!!

Late 90s Pop (Battle of The Boy Bands)

Battle of The Boy Bands

(Backstreet Boys vs NSYNC)

Yesterday, my friends and I were listening to music and we got into a fun debate. We started listening to the late 90s pop which included Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, 98 Degrees, etc. But two groups still out in the era of teen pop the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC. These two group together owned this era. So obviously, we get to the question who was the better group.  One thing about my friends we like music we don't talk about how many records were sold, it was more who made better music. Even though, both groups were gimmicks but they made good songs for "teeny pop" era. 

If you didn't know about this two groups I will give you a little bit of history. The Backstreet Boys is a group that was formed in Florida in 1993 by Lou Pearlman. With hits like "All I Have to Give", "I Want It That Way", and "Larger Than Life", they have sold more than 130 million worldwide.  NSYNC was a group that was formed in Florida in 1995, with the same formula as the Backstreet Boys, but with hits like "I Want You Back", "Bye, Bye, Bye", and Gone, they have sold more than 80 million records worldwide. 

To everyone knowledge, where these groups were first introduced to the American public, they were not noticed so in order to build a fan base these group went overseas where they were a huge. Finally when they build a fanbase in Europe they were introduced to the US again and they exploded.

Backstreet Boy's first US single after "We Got It Goin On" flopped in 1995 - 

Quit Playing Game (With My Heart)

NSYNC first US single 

I Want You Back

First Question: WHO HAD THE BETTER FIRST SINGLE???

My Opinion: For me I think NSYNC had the best first single. The reason why I say that is because NSYNC first single makes you want to move, and many people that know me knows I like to dance. But Backstreet Boys first single was definitely better talent-wise. "Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)" showed that the boys had talent. It was a mid-tempo song that showed that this group's vocal ability. Meanwhile, NSYNC's "I Want You Back" was just a dance song that made you want to dance, even though the harmonies on this song was okay, but it didn't display their talents. However, I feel their first single was much better than Backstreet Boys.

Now that there first single was released, now we go into their first albums. I am giving you my three best songs from their first albums.

Backstreet Boys (1997)

"All I Have To Give"

"As Long As You Love Me"

"I'll Never Break Your Heart"

*NSYNC (1998)

"Tearing Up My Heart" 

"Thinking of You (I Drive Myself Crazy)"

"I Want Back"

Second Question: WHO HAD THE BETTER FIRST ALBUM???


My Opinion: Now my opinion, I liked NSNYC's first single but to me Backstreet boys gave me that talent on their first album. NSNYC had me moving but when they gave me nothing but dance songs. I wanted to hear them blow and I only got that on "I Drive Myself Crazy". I feel Backstreet Boys first album was better in my opinion.




After both groups first album, their second albums move into places in history. Backstreet Boys 99's "Millennium" sold 1.1 million copies in the first week, which singles like "I Want It That Way" & "Larger Than Life" that album was the biggest album of 1999. NSYNC 2000's "No Strings Attached" sold 2.42 million copies in the first week. No album has sold that in the first week since then. 

Backstreet Boys's  Millennium

"I Want It That Way"

"Larger Than Life"

NSYNC No Strings Attached 

"Bye, Bye, Bye"

"It's Gonna Be Me"

Third Question: From these two singles which group had the best 2nd album???

My Opinion: When Backstreet Boys' "I Want It That Way" hit the radio everybody was singing that song. But when NSYNC came with "Bye Bye Bye" everybody was moving their to "Aint No Lie Bye Bye Bye", like they were doing in the video. I got so used to Backstreet Boys making the ballads, when they released songs like "The Call" & "Larger Than Life", I wasn't really impressed. Even though they were okay songs, but they are better at ballads in my opinions. Like "Show Me The Meaning of Being Lonely" was an awesome song. But when NSYNC released, "It's Gonna Be Me", I was going crazy. Then the video came out, I wanted to learn the dance moves. Then they came out with "This I Promise You", on "No Strings Attached", you got more vocals than just dancing, which I like. After this "No Strings Attached" NSYNC had more of an edge than Backstreet Boys.

After both groups released their third albums "Black & Blue" & "Celebrity". Each album for the groups were blockbusters on the billboard charts. But after "Celebrity" NSYNC broke up and Backstreet Boys is still together. I always thought that Backstreet Boys had more talent than NSYNC, which in the end talent conquers all.

Last Question: Who was the best group???

My Opinion: Backstreet Boys was always more talented as a group in my opinion, but I think NSYNC had better music. Even though, they are sold to the world in the same way, NSYNC just has better stage presence and that "thing", not taking anything from the Backstreet Boys, but NSYNC was better in my opinion.

Here's some more Backstreet Boys & NSYNC songs!!

"Shape of My Heart"

 

"Gone"

"The One"

"Pop"

"More Than That"

"This I Promise You"

ANSWER THE QUESTIONS IN THE COMMENT BOX

(Don't act like you didn't listen to the Backstreet Boys & NSYNC)

My Life II: The Journey Continues

The album of the year is FINALLY here. Mary J. Blige's My Life II: The Journey Continues is the sequel of her classic 1994's My Life. Mary realized that this album can't be remade, but this album is her life now as she continues her journey to find peace. As a big fan of Mary, I was really worry about her calling this album My Life because that album is very close to my heart and I didn't want her to disappointed me and mess up the My Life legacy. But as I listen to the album The Queen of Hip Hop Soul didn't disappoint.

As I stated, I am a big Mary J. Blige fan, so I had to listen to this album as blogger and as a fan. So, here's my review

Mary begin's the album with an Intro with her talking to Diddy(Puffy..whatever), about how he thinks he feels about her making a My Life II. Cleary, Mary felt that she had include him because he was not invovled with the making of the album, when she is naming the album "My Life II" out of respect she had to include him. Then it goes into Feel Inside with Nas, which this song was a great way to open the album. This song is a certified banger. This song was leaked that included Nicki Minaj, which I was not happy with. Nas definitely was the right person to put on this track, you can tell his verse dedicated to his ex-wife Kelis. Next is Midnight Drive, where Mary's alter ego Brook Lynn is rapping on the track. The song is a song that only Mary J. can get away with because she is the Queen of Hip Hop Soul. Then we go into Next Level with Busta Rhymes this track is fun, if you going to a club or party and you need a track to ride out to in your car, Next Level is the song that will definitely get your ready for a good night. Busta Rhymes of course makes the song into a party record, just like Look Me Now with Chris Brown. Follow by this  Mary's cover of Chaka Khan's Ain't Nobody. Mary's vocals are great, but Darkchild's production was a lackluster. I felt as though Darkchild could have used made a better beat then the one he used. Next is the album's first single 25/8, when I first heard this single I loved it. It's just so Mary because it has so much meaning. If you had an extra hour in a day or extra day in a week what would you do. One of the big highlights of the album is the track Don't Mind. This track to me is such a laid back track that you can vibe with Mary on this track. This song gives me I Love You from the My Life cd. This song makes makes you want get your "dougie" on. One my favorites from the album. No Condition is a classic Mary song to me, Mary is a artist that sing about pain this song is no expection. She sings " I am in no condition to love you no more". This is gave me 2011 version of her 1995 anthem Not Gon Cry. Next is the second single Mr. Wrong with Drake. When I first heard this song, I liked it but when I listened to it again I realized that it reminded me of Kelly Rowland's Motivation. Then I realized that the person that produced Kelly's produced Mary's. To me it's like Rico Love recycled the beat. That bothered me, I feel that Mary doesn't deserve a recycled beat. Even though Mary and Drake did great, the song is a lackluster to me. Another highlight is the song Why with Rick Ross. This song gives me that My Life vibe, Mary and Rick Ross on this 70's sample is classic. I love how the hip hop community embraces Mary as the Queen. Love A Woman is a duet what was in the making between Mary and Beyonce. In this duet the harmonies are awesome, you can tell in this song that Jay-Z & Kendu are doing things the right way, they clearly know how to love their wives, great duet. Irreversible is an album filler, which a song that I could do without, but I like how Mary rides this beat with her vocals, so that was a plus. Empty Prayers is a such an emotional song, Mary sing for anyone that prays for someone but the person still walk out of their lives, "Begging God for you to love me". Need Someone is my favorite song on the album. Every album Mary has a song that speaks for me and explains what's going on in my life. With Need Someone, Mary hit my life dead on, "I just need someone to love me." Then what I love about this song is she has the country vibe with shows her versaility. Next song is from the movie "The Help", The Living Proof.  This song is crosses all barriers, this song explains that any bad situation you go through you can make it, so else but Mary could sing a song like this. This song is definitely Oscar worthy. I am happy as a Mary fan that Miss Me With That made the album because I thought this song was just going to be thrown to the side. This song is a classic Mary song, in this song she sings that don't come to me with the lies, "Miss me with that". Get it Right is a bonus track with actress/singer Taraji P. Henson, this song gives you that Floetry vibe. I like the song, but I wish instead of Taraji rapping on it, she would have sung because we all know she can sing.

Mary clearly proved why is titled of the Queen of Hip Hop Soul with My Life II: The Journey Continues. I understand why she called the album My Life II, because the Journey will always continue, I feel that the title could have been just the The Journey Continues. 9.0/10

STANDOUT TRACKS

Feel Inside

Don't Mind

Why

Love A Woman

Empty Prayers

Need Someone

The Living Proof

Aretha Franklin

THE QUEEN OF SOUL

Now that I have been getting into church more now, The Amazing Grace album by Aretha Franklin I listen to EVERY day. It's like a daily routine for me now. And when I am not listening to Amazing Grace album and I listening to her live performance or album. Yesterday I just brought the Aretha Franklin catalog that consisted of 22 albums by the legend that included her live album such as Aretha in Paris and Live At Filmore West. From listening to these albums, Aretha was always in my top 5 singers of all time, but with this catalog I fell in love with her even more. However, many of these albums I have that included one of my top 5 albums of all time I Never Loved A Man-The Way I Loved You and my 2nd favorite soundtrack of all time Sparkle. These albums shows why Aretha Franklin was voted the number singer of all time by Rolling Stone magazine. So take this musical journey with me.

In addition to me listening to a lot Aretha Franklin, I knew that she was sign to Columbia records. During that time, they didn't know how to market or use Aretha. As a result they had her singing more of jazz and bluesy like. Check out these two performance, but as you can tell "THE SOUL" was always in her.

Now that you have a taste of what Aretha could so back before Atlantic Records, here's where Aretha is SANGING a popular Shoop Shoop(It's In His Kiss) cover which her version become my favorite, check Darlene Love in the background(any of you Shindig fans):

Now that you got Aretha during the Columbia era, here's the Aretha Franklin WE all know when she moved to Atlantic Records, the song that launched Aretha's idol career.

This album is such a classic because this album showcased Aretha at her best. But my favorite song from this album is "Drowning In My Tears"....check it out. 

I am taking you on the Aretha Franklin journey, I want to fast forward to 1972, when Aretha Franklin in my opinion recorded the best gospel album of all time Amazing Grace she took it back to her gospel roots. One this album my favorites are "God Will Take Care Of You" and "Mary Don't You Weep"

I had to put some gospel into this, now let's fast forward to 1976, when Aretha teamed up with the great Curtis Mayfield to produce the classic soundtrack Sparkle. This album has many memory with me because this album along with Claudine, which was also Curtis Mayfield produced, was the first soundtrack albums that I feel in love with. Check out my favorites of Sparkle

By the end of the 1970's into the 80's. Aretha wasn't creating the hits that she was for to years but her live performances made up for it. Check this live performance in 1978, when she is performing this cover of Marvin Gaye's & Tammi Terrell's classic "

In the 80's Aretha Franklin had surface back in to the mainstream with his like "Jump To It", "Freeway of Love", one of my favs "I Knew You Were Waiting" (For Me) with George Michael.  Listen to this classic 80's record

In the 90's Aretha Franklin surfaced back with songs like "It Hurts Like Hell" & "A Rose Is Still A Rose". But in 1998 at the Grammys, Aretha Franklin made the best performance that I have every seen in my life time, her version of Luciano Pavarotti "Nessun Dorma". Everytime I hear or see this performance tears start rolling down my face. Watch this GREATNESS, this performance showed why she is ONE of the greatest of all time.

Now I know there are many songs and live performances that I miss, but I wanted you to take a short Aretha journey with me. You have to R.E.S.P.E.C.T the Queen!

Happy Birthday Shelley

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ONE OF THE SWEETEST PEOPLE I KNOW

SHELLEY DENISE HAWKINS

With me knowing you for 5 years, you have become one of my best friends. In this short time, we have gone through happiness, pain, and differences. But one thing about you and I, we can definitely talk it out and go back to normal. With this, I know you will be in my life forever. Me and you are so alike in many ways. We are both victims of being the one child, we love music, and we are very sensitive. Being around the female the version of me is weird sometimes, but honestly that's what I love about you. Being around you makes me smile because you are just a happy person. Even though, sometimes I want you to be mean, but that's not in your character. Shelley I know right now is a little struggle, but I will continue to pray great blessing for you because you deserve it. Lastly, you know I will always love you to the death of me. And I am glad to have you as a part of my family. In closing, babygirl I want to wish you a GREAT 31th birthday and many more.

Now you know your brother had to leave you with some music

PATTI LABELLE- YOU ARE SO BEAUTIFUL TO ME

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MrfCvooScU

Stronger: Standard Version

The Queen of American Idol is back with "Stronger". Kelly Clarkson has been giving her fans quality music ever since her first album "Thankful". As a long time fan, I was expecting another "My December". I thought this album would be "Breakaway" & "My December" put together. But it's more of a fun album like "All I Ever Wanted", which is not a bad thing. I think this album will definitely give Kelly Clarkson continued success. Even though demos of the songs were leaked it still didn't take away the good of the album. 

The album starts with the albums' first single 'Mr Know It All'. I feel this single wasn't the best single to start the album with but it's still a great song. In addition, I wanted Kelly to really give me more adlibs at the end, but other than that the song is cool.  The second track in my opinion should have been the first single. But I understand that it was leaked, so she and the label felt they had to go with a song that wasn't. But 'What Doesn't Kill You' (Stronger) is an anthem for everyone. Her vocals on this song makes the song so much better. When I first heard this song in July, it became my favorite song of 2011. If you want an anthem like 'Since You Been Gone', 'What Doesn't Kill You' is it. The third and fourth tracks 'Darkside' & 'Honestly' gives me that "My December" vibe. 'Honestly', Kelly is singing her heart out especially when she says "Listen to the truth if it breaks me...if you hating me do it honestly". I can feel her when she sings that. The fifth track is entitled 'You Love Me', which I understand is the reviewer favorite song. Clarkson explained that she was in a dark place when she wrote this song and this song was her way of getting all that pain out. In my opinion, this song is an for anyone that experienced a bad breakup. Track six is another song that leaked entitled 'Einstein' (Previously 'Dumb+Dumb=You'). When I heard this song when it leaked, it became my ringtone because I liked it so much. This song you sing to a person that really hurt you and you are yelling this song to them. I love Kelly's emotions on this song you can tell she is angry but she seems happy to get all the pain out. Another leaked song 'Standing In Front Of You', I love this song as soon as I heard it. But I like the demo and little better than the album version. It seems that the added music takes away from the emotion and rawness of the demo. But the words are beautiful and Kelly's vocals are great as usual. The eighth track 'I Forgive You' was also leaked. This song was produced by Rodney Jerkins(Brandy, Beyonce, and Whitney Houston). I was surprise that Jerkins did rock music, but his sound and Kelly's voice shines on this song. This song give me a 'Walk Away' vibe, very soulful rock. 'Hello' is the ninth track, which I loved when I first heard it. This is song gives you a reminder of "Breakaway", this song gave me the song 'Gone' vibe. I love her vocals on this, when Kelly adlibs it sends chills up my spine. Now, my favorite song on the album has to be the tenth track 'The War Is Over'. This song gives me 'Hear Me' part 2. 'Hear Me' is my favorite song from her, but this song does something to me. The words to me applies to a situation that I experienced and this song tells it all. You know that person has a hold on you, but sometimes you have to let it go. When she sings "I won't let you pull me in because I know you gonna win, but the war is over and I won't fight you anymore, I never been so sure", it speaks to me so much. The next track is 'Let Me Down' which is a classic Kelly Clarkson song, great vocals and rocky. Another favorite of mine is 'You Can't Win', this song is for anyone that feels like that can't shine at anything. When I heard this song for the first time, it made me think of Barack Obama, because he can't win at anything with Congress. 'You Can't Win' is definitely another anthem for everyone. The last track on the album is called 'Breaking Your Own Heart' definitely goes back to Kelly's country roots. When I first heard this song, I cried because it's such an emotional song. This song really gives you that Patsy Cline's 'I Fall to Pieces' vibe. Kelly's vocals are extraordinary on this song. When I heard this song, it brought back memories of my mother and I on the road with my father and hearing country music at the truck stop.  


In all "Stronger" is a good album. Kelly vocals are extraordinary and the song contents are great. She definitely gives you a little bit of each of her albums, but it channels "All I Ever Wanted" because when through she gives you a memories of her older albums, Kelly seemed 
to have fun with this album like "All I Ever Wanted". (8/10)

STANDOUT TRACKS

The War Is Over

What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger)

You Can't Win

Breaking Your Own Heart

You Love Me

Happy Birthday "Grindaddy"

ERVIN LEE WASHINGTON 

(OCTOBER 6, 1942- NOVEMBER 24, 2010)

This is the first year that my couldn't spend my grandfather's birthday with him, I miss him so much. When I went to South Carolina to my aunt's funeral was really when I felt his presence absent. I had to shed a few tears privately because I miss him so much. It's like when he left, I feel like something is missing from my daily life. I owe my "grindaddy" so much because he is the reason for my love of music. He was the reason for my mother knowing and loving so much music. My grandfather used to buy a record (45s) everyday. But his favorite artists included Joe Simon, James Brown, Sam Cooke, and Jackie Wilson. I felt for his birthday I need to play his favorite artist he would really like that. "Grindaddy if you are listening Happy Birthday, I love you and miss you very much. I am trying to hold down the folk for you, meaning I am watching grandma making sure she's behaves. (Had to laugh at that one)."

These are for you!!!

Sam Cooke- A Wonderful World

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VF6JMotbHYM

Joe Simon - A Chokin Kind

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xk-kFUDT6IM&feature=related

Jackie Wilson - Lonely Teardrops

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nEfuE8Pw4U

James Brown -Sex Machine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ajzpd-ONOdo&feature=related

I LOVE YOU "GRINDADDY"....HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Adele vs. Joss Stone

AWESOME UK ARTISTS

It seems that the UK artists are really crossing over in America. The artists include the late Amy Winehouse and Leona Lewis. But in my opinion there are two artists that stand-out which are Adele & Joss Stone. These two artists' voices are awesome, not disrespecting Amy Winehouse but these two are great. Today, I was listening to Joss and Adele and I felt that I should compare both artists and at the end chose which artist, I feel is better.

Joss Stone, I was introduced by mother. Even though, my mother forgot how she discovered her. I can recall my mother saying "We have to get this white girl Joss Stone album because she sounds black, and Betty Wright discovered her." So, I went to Best Buy and purchased "The Soul Sessions" after listening to this album, it became one of my top 20 albums of all time. Every since Joss Stone has become one of my favorite singers. Her voice is so soulful, which is what I can respect about her. Joss has that voice that can make me cry, which in my eyes is what a soul singer is.

Adele, I was introduced by one of my twitter followers. The only thing I knew about Adele was that she won the grammy for best new artist, but I didn't know her music. March of this year on twitter a lot of my followers was talking about her new album "21". So, I thought that I would ask one of my followers about her. He told me just get her album "21" and the rest speaks for itself. When that album finish, I thought to myself "why didn't know about this girl". Her voice was so heavenly and smooth, but it has a little soul to it. Then another one of my twitter followers told me her first album "19" is better. When I first listened to "19" it was more "bluesy" than "21" so I wasn't into it. Until one day I was home listening to music, and finally I gave it a full listen, I have to agree "19" is better because it a lot more raw. 

Contrast

Joss Stone voice is a lot more soulful than Adele. Joss Stone voice is more aggressive than Adele. I can't see Adele singing a song like 'Spoiled' while having the same soul as Joss. In contrast, I can't see Joss singing a song like 'Someone Like You' and have the same smoothness that Adele has on the song.  Adele has more of a crossover voice than Joss. Adele voice is smooth that can crossover to the mainstream world. Joss Stone's voice is too soulful, she has been out longer than Adele, Adele already has more hits than Joss. Adele writes her own music, Joss Stone didn't start writing her own music until her 3rd album. In my opinion, Adele gives me more of that Motown (Supremes, Martha Reeves, Mary Wells) soul and Joss gives me more of a Stax(Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, Sam & Dave) soul. But both, Adele and Joss have different voices that go well with the music they make.

Similarities 

You can tell by the their styles of music, both artists were influenced by soul music. I feel that both artist can tell a story with their voices. Joss and Adele voices definitely sound like each of them have been through heartbreak and pain. Both of Adele's albums are about heartbreak, which shows in each song. Joss's songs like 'Spoiled' and 'Killing Time', a personal favorite of mine are about heartbreak and you hear it in her voice. These women are very known to heartbreak and they both sing themselves out of it.

My Pick

As much as I like Adele, I think Joss Stone is a little better to me. I love her soulful voice, she can sing anything to me. I can see her doing a duet with the soulful divas that include Aretha, Patti, and Gladys. Joss and one of these divas can definitely "get down" in a duet. But Adele could definitely write a great song for them. Adele makes great music about heartbreak, but when I hear a song about heartbreak, I want aggression not smooth, and that's what Joss Stone gives me. Surely, not taking anything from Adele because she has a beautiful voice, but Joss just bring out more soul to me. 

Live Performances

Joss Stone Spoiled
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utKqlPwDkFo


Adele Someone Like You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qemWRToNYJY

WHO IS YOUR PICK: JOSS OR ADELE

(Comment & Tell Me Why The Artist you choose is better)

Songs For Moment...Just A Feeling Part 6

25/8-Mary J. Blige 

The Queen is back. The wait is FINALLY over. Mary brought the heat with this one. This song gives me "What's The 411" kinda feel, with this song I can't wait until the album comes out.  MY LIFE II: THE JOURNEY CONTINUES


FEEL THE GROOVE Y'ALL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2ODKhgGcqM


Mirror-Lil' Wayne & Bruno Mars



Even though I am not the biggest Lil' Wayne fan but this song with Bruno Mars is deep. This is one song that I can understand from Wayne. This song is very deep, he rides this beat while Bruno nails it with the vocals.  This beat is so angelic!


AS WAYNE SAID IN THE SONG "LET THIS SONG TAKE YOU TO MARS"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzWSe9QaH3c


I Survive- Mary Mary



With this song, I had Mary Mary's album when it first came out but I never listened to it fully. So one day to listen to it while I was at work. I got to this song and I began to cry at work. This song speaks to because the things in my life that I have survived. Actually my favorite song right now!!!


LISTEN TO THIS INSPIRATIONAL SONG
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9hyJDuIc1s

Father In You

A Letter of Hope

After I watched Mary J. Blige's "Behind The Music"...sometimes you think that a situation can't resurfaced, but it can. After the documentary was over, I couldn't stop crying because I realized that I have this hurt in my heart for my uncle. My uncle was my inspirational as a little kid. In addition, he is also my GODFATHER. He was the man that I looked up too. But when I turned 18 things begin to changed. My uncle had his own life, but he started to forget about me. When I was younger, my uncle always took time with me. I really looked at him as my father, because he gave me the love & attention that I wanted from my dad. But during my first college experience, I dealt with a terrible situation. With situation I thought my uncle would be the one that would have my back, but I was wrong. It caused my him to lash out on me; which caused our relationship to become violent. After our violent encounter, it caused our relationship to crumbled. For 6 years, our relationship has been very limited. I thought I could just move on with it, but my uncle was such a father-like to me that it's not easy to let go. It's like I been raised around women, which cause me to be very sensitive. There are MEN things that I would like to discuss with someone, but I can't. But I wish it could be my uncle. I want to get close with him again because I feel that we need to, but only GOD knows the right time.


MARY J. BLIGE - FATHER IN YOU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3ER0JuuczI&feature=related