Cole Cole world

It's been months and I'm still playing his Friday Night Lights mixtape. I also still can't get enough of this song. glad it's a radio single with a video, enjoy kids.

Happy Birthday To Ya!

I sat at my desk today while enjoying an hour's worth of great Stevie Wonder Music (courtesy of 98.7 Kiss FM (NY). The musical living legend celebrates his 60th Birthday today! Here’s a famous quote from Stevie I love, and happens to be his living testimony in a nutshell: “Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn't mean he lacks vision”. Since I’ve already gotten a dosage of his genius today, I’ll leave you with one of his classics, and a personal favorite, enjoy! (video courtesy of youtube)

Alicia Keys- New Video for "Unthinkable"

Don't you just hate when you love a song and the video sucks? I know I do! So when there's a good one I have to give credit where it's due. Alicia Keys is one of my favorite artists and she hardly ever disappoints me anyway, but this video is a wonderful example of what the song entails. I must say,great choice for leading male role too, I love Chad Michael Murray!

Remembering B.I.G.

Every once in a while comes an unforgettable person who comes into the world to fulfill a purpose. In the short time he was here with us on earth, The Notorious B.I.G managed to raise the bar for Hip-Hop music and those who've followed him have since been competing with his spirit. “The best who ever did it” as they say, he meant a lot of things to a lot of people. To me, Biggie was the guy I had no business listening to at thirteen years old because I had no clue what he meant until I started watching Gangster movies and Shows like South Central on TV [too many gun and paraphernalia references]. However, once I “got it” though, Biggie became one of the most lyrically clever artists of my time, another reason I’m so in love with hip-hop and one of the best story tellers I’ve heard to date. R.I.P, B.I.G.

Music Fly - Monica is Back!!

Monica is back like she never left! In the middle of one of my straight VH1 Soul  for hours sessions I came across this video equipped with good music and can we say F.A.S.H.I.O.N.? enjoy my dears

Music Fly - Young Forever Video

Music Fly- I Digg ...

Ladies and gentlemen, I'm in love, with new music that is. R&B music has resurfaced and catapulted back in to the greatness that it once was and I couldn't be happier. Music lovers, have you ever anticipated an album so much and been disappointed? Sucks, right? Well, not this time! Honestly this has been one of the few times that I've purchased multiple CD's in a short period and has had a hard time deciding what to listen to because it's all so good!! This hasn't happened since the days of Carl Thomas, 112 and Donnell Jones. [Ahh…High School…sigh] Anyway, just thought I’d share my thoughts: Trey Songz – is ready for a Best Vocal performance Grammy, the end. Chris Brown- makes you want me want to graffiti “Back and better than ever” all over public property. Alicia Keys freely covers every element of love you can possible think of. Ryan Leslie has transitioned flawlessly from producer to singer to sometimes rapper while telling his story in song. If you haven’t already done so, go out and purchase these albums. I call it the "make it through the winter soundly” collection. If I sincerely like something I’ll always offer a positive opinion about it. These artists should cut me a check. [lol] Happy listening!

Music Fly- Anticipation Proclamation, December Edition

December is shaping up to be a good month for Hip-Hop and R&B music as I anticipate the release of these new albums! Alicia Keys. [Sigh] It's so serious that her name was the only thing I needed to say in that last sentence. Her talent is unparallel and there's no other piano playing, song writing, hip swaying, singer in her class. I'm a huge fan, and judging from the three new singles I've heard from The Element of Freedom [my favorite being "Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart"] I'll continue to be. I didn't doubt it; she had me at "I keep on falling". The Neptune affiliated rap Duo Clipse is back with “Until the Casket Drops” and while I can't say I’m their biggest supporter, I will say they're better than most artists out and I do like their style a lot. Sure they make a lot of paraphernalia references, but since they do it in the form of art, it’s all good. The multi-talented Chris Brown is making headlines with his third release Graffiti. His first album was a classic, the second one was just as great. I think the "I can transform you" single [and video] is one of the hottest out now and I am overtly in love with the song "Crawl". Glad to see Breezy's back, like he never left. What can I say about Robin Thicke? He's soulful, handsome, and has a great vocal range! I loved his second album Evolution so much I went on a mad hunt for the first one, you know, when he was sporting long tresses and a messenger bike? Yep. However, as of late, all the videos I've seen him in so far have me a little weary. I don't know man..."sex sells" but you're married to Paula Patton Mr., take it easy. I do suppose it makes sense though, considering the fact that the album is called Sex Therapy, right? We’ll see where this goes. The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul is here, Stronger than ever, you can’t deny the power of Mary J. Blige. She’s continuously been an artist that you can blindly trust with music. I know a bunch of people who feel like the music isn’t as good since she’s been drama free, but come on guys; you know we couldn’t handle TWO “Whitney Houston- like” situations, [insert screw-face here] so stop it.

December 4TH a Star is Born...

Happy Birthday to the Jigga-man! If you’ve been reading this or any other blog I'm featured on, you know I'm sort of a “Hov-aholic”. It's no secret to anyone who knows me personally or comes in contact with me that Jay-Z's my absolute favorite rapper. I have every album; been to a bunch of his concerts, quote him regularly and partake in countless debates about which one of his albums are the best and "who killed who" on what record with my fellow fans. To be quite frank the guy is amazing. He has great lyrics, metaphors, story telling abilities, incredible flow(s) and not to mention, swagger out the wazoo. From Reasonable Doubt to The Blueprint III to every mix tape, collaboration and beef record in between, it’s been awesome to watch and listen to him evolve. He's also an incredible business man, who's not only invested in his talents, but in the talents of others making him a heavy hitter in the corporate settings of music. He's gone from a kid with a lot of ambition to a massive media conglomerate and living proof that anything really is possible. He's not just a rapper; he's a motivating factor.

Fly Music- A Star is Born

Sometime in the Spring of this year, a friend and musical soul mate of mine were at a social event, when he turned to me and said: "Yo, J.Cole is the future" and gave me "the face". Unfamiliar with the name, I paused, looked at him, and it was then that I knew, I had to know what he knew. You know? So I went on MySpace Music and discovered that I might have been "napping" for awhile. From ‘The Come Up” to “The Warm up” I eagerly listened to these mix tapes filled with classic tracks sampled by Gil Scott-Heron, Nas and even records produced by the artist himself. I'm no mix tape expert and I can say that before this brief era I hadn't listened to any mix tapes since all of Lil Wayne's mysteriously appeared on my ipod playlist courtesy of my big brother. I do however genuinely enjoy the concept of rappers/ emcees rhyming over previously released songs adding their own sixteens to the music. J.Cole's lyrics are anything but typical. He's not afraid to discuss his personal life experiences in college in his relationships, and association with people. Because of his flow he also doesn't have the stigma of a "typical down south rapper" either; of course I like to credit his time in the concrete Jungle for that. After being signed to Roc Nation he started to generate a buzz amongst hip-hop fans and people quickly compared him to newcomer, Drake. To me they're completely different rappers, so get over it people, listen to the music. I also dig his humility thus far: I read in XXL magazine once that he refused an offer to “hob-nob” with Diddy at a party because he didn't feel like he was at the level where he should be doing that yet, and rather just focus on the music. In that same article, he also said that he's aware folks wouldn't be so intrigued if he wasn't signed to Jay-Z's label. It’s all about the music for me, so on behalf of hip-hop fans all over, thanks for bring us this warm breeze, "Fayettenam". J. Cole him self makes the darkness [of hip-hop] seem so bright, and I'm Feelin’ like things gon be alright.

Award Show Fly- AMA Performance Outfits

I watched the American Music Awards the other night and my favorite part of the night was of course, the performances. Kelly Clarkson and Lady Gaga’s performances were the best vocally to me, but when it came to the outfits four people stand out in my head Fergie, Jennifer Lopez, Alicia Keys and Jay-Z. J.Lo made a come back with her new single “Dancing in my Louboutins”, unfortunately before she changed into her custom made “red bottoms” she fell on her bottom. But when you’re a forty year old mother of twins, dancing around in front of a boxing ring, leading a slew of muscle bound men, wearing a gold and black lace ensemble equipped with asymmetrical leather straps and sequin boxing shoes, looking fierce, who cares?!? Fergie joined her group the Black Eyed Peas in a melody of their many hits, wearing a black strapless shiny body suit with bootie accentuating ruffles, decorative fishnet-like stockings and knee high “Loubi’s”. [Can I get a Boom-Boom POW?!] Ok, so ever since Lil Mama ruined the first ever live performance of Jay-z & A. Keys' “Empire State”, I feel like I subconsciously anticipate this performance over any other at award shows. It’s lived up to the songs’ greatness every time so far, and this time because of the fashion. Ms. Keys was in a tailored backless black pant suit with gunmetal detailing and Jay-Z in a cream colored full tuxedo, black pants, black bowtie, and accessorized with a broach on the left side of his jacket, the two represented for Frank Sinatra very well. They were all class, all the way, all very New York, takes notes children.

Fly Music- Buzz Worthy Barbie

What do you get when you mix pink lipstick, an animated personality, edgy lyrics and a touch of raunchiness together? Nicki Minaj of course. After I decided to click on a link from one of my beloved social networking sites I finally got an understanding of who or what the "hype' was about. Ms. Minaj had been floating around in random conversations all over the internet on some of my favorites sites before then; and I hadn't stopped to pay attention at any point yet. But after I listened to about four tracks off the “Beam Me Up Scotty" mix tape, I was in. The now Young Money affiliated rapper hails from Jamaica, Queens, and was discovered on her MySpace page. We can thank Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art for setting her in motion, which is actually the same school the movie "Fame" was inspired by. How do you like that? So far she's been featured in Urban DVD magazine, The Come Up [not to be confused with the J.Cole mix tape that we'll get to soon enough ;-)] mix tapes with Little Wayne, a remix with T.I. and is also on Robin Thicke's new single, "Shakin It For Daddy". Seriously folks, that's the name of the song, promise. But in any case, my opinion is that her freestyle ability, risqué wardrobe and material girl attitude are all a force to be reckoned with. Up against a group of men during the freestyle segment on the BET Hip-Hop Awards she proved just that, here's an excerpt from that freestyle: Call me Dracula 'cause all I do is count tricks/ your money mini and I ain't talking 'bout the mouse trick/ these girls running like I just threw the bouquet/ they know I'm headed to the top like a toupee," Minaj spit. "Now all the bums is wondering where I bees at/ you ain't a Barbie, it's none of your freakin' beeswax!" - cute & clever... Nice!

Fly Music - Like it straight. No chaser.

It’s October! No, that isn't enthusiasm you hear, its shock. I mean, we hardly had a summer here in New York, everyday we were sort of “hoping for the best but expecting the worst”; this season truly dropped the bomb on us. However, G.O.O.D music is here with some heat for the fall season. Many of you are probably wondering who this random blonde guy in the car is so let me tell you. He is Ben Mclldowie and [his band] goes by the name of Mr. Hudson. If you were familiar with Kanye West's last album Heartbreaks & 808's he is on the track entitled Paranoid. His most recent collaboration is on BP3 with Jay-Z on Young Forever. Recently I did a Google search to find some more music from this band before I went ahead and blogged about it. I’d never want to Co-sign something for the hype or because it seems cool. I even have a three single rule for new artists; I have to love your first three singles or three tracks I’ve heard in order for me to purchase your cd. It is what it is. I’m no expert at detecting talent, but so far I like what I’ve heard. And at the risk of putting him in a “British pop band” from London box, the music reminds me Cold Play [alternative rock] with a jazz like edge. If you’re into any of those genres of music, you’ll dig it too. If not, open your mind, you never know. Mr. Hudson’s first single ‘Supernova” off their second release Straight, no chaser is out now featuring boss Kanye the album is in stores Tuesday, the 5th of this month.

A Dash of: My Maxwell experience

Ok, its taken me long enough to write this. On Monday night my girls and I clicked our heels and headed to Madison Square Garden to see the Black Summer's Night Tour featuring Chrisette Michele, Common and starring Maxwell. Unfortunately we missed Chrisette due to a parking situation in NYC (Story of my life) but had the absolute pleasure of seeing the talented, rapper Common perform some of his hits along with R&B artist Bilal {remember him?). Common certainly did his thing I especially enjoyed the great tribute to hip-hop he did! Then, after the crowd got amped up to Jay-Z' & Alicia Key's Empire State anthem... the sexy, beautiful, Illustrious half Haitian & Puerto Rican man walked out in a heather grey, double vented suit worn with a crisp white shirt and simple a black belt and shoe combo. But do not be fooled, just because he was dressed straight out of a GQ magazine advertisement didn't stop him from putting on a heart stopping show. The outro to his CD played as images of him surfaced on the screen and he appeared, as you can imagine, immediately Victoria Secret panties magically turned into slingshots!! He did all of my and your favorites! I'm talking all of them, from Fortunate, to Lifetime, to Woman's Work and almost everything on his new release Black Summer's Night. His voice is incredible and his band in one word Phenomenal. I’ve literally been waiting to see Maxwell in concert for like ten years and it was worth the wait. This was one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to and that’s definitely saying a lot. There's nothing like live music.

Fly Music- Damn it, You Need This!!!

If you are going to purchase two things for your entertainment this September these two things should be it. I've never been more serious in my life. Okay, maybe I have,[lol] but the point is, you need this. Blueprint 3 is Jay-Z's 11th album. I don't know if I'll ever be able to say that I purchased that many album from one artist and have always at least liked every single one. I mean, let's just be serious, this man is the best rapper alive; challenge that statement if you dare. I don't know why everyone is so timid about saying that aloud, anyway. The album is excellent. The flow, content, production, guest apperances, all of it is crazy. And no, I'm not just saying that cus I'm [more than] a fan, I'm just saying you will not regret this $9.98 at Target. Also If you're a mass transit commuter like me, do your self another favor and pick up the XXL issue as well. Pick it up if you're not too, obviously... Ninety percent of the magazine is Hov. It features breakdowns of his Blueprint album(s) and a great photo shoot in honor of Rocawear's 10th anniversary, the shoot is styled by none other than hip-hop's & my favorite stylist June Ambrose. You're sure to enjoy the pictures shot like scenes from some of his videos, my favorite is the "Excuse me miss" depiction. WHO IS that male model?!!?! Damn. - well, ENJOY! Definitely share your opinions about the album too, I'd love to know what you think as always.

Music Fly- I Digg ..

Name Five Albums that Shaped you & Why?

I stole this idea from Vegas who stole it from China on twitter,its a simple question but I took it and ran with it.Anyway these are my answers:


Put God first in all that you do and he shall see you through. This is by far one of the Best Gospel Albums I've ever heard in my life! Lyrics are everything.These melodies really are from heaven, no lie. Makes you reflect, makes you want to correct some things,makes you grateful. Say what you want to me about Kirk Franklin, but when he wants to get a message across, it gets done.

MAN! All I know is, I was 13 years old and felt like I had been on the biggest, most powerful,soulful, most enlightening emotional roller coaster ever! And I STILL feel that way when I hear this Album.It's as timeless as the artist her self.

After mispronouncing his name several times while reading all his credits on everything Rocafella, I anticipated and fell into this album easily. Not only because every beat was contagious and excitingly atypical, but because this guy was talking about dropping out of college, overcoming adversity (the car crash we never stop hearing about)following his heart, taking chances. He was stepping outside the box and making a home there for himself-I loved it. As corny as it sounds his story always reminds me of just how far being comfortable with yourself can take you.

The talent. The singing. The rapping. The heartache. The love. The regret. The anger. The pain.The experience.Before I even fell in love I knew what it could do to me. Can't say she didn't warn us, right? this album is THE TRUTH.

When the Streets Is Watching movie came out I was listening to this(on the Low cus I wasn't aloud,and way too young for both the movie& album LOL)and I really understood where this guy Jay-Z was coming from, not because we had similar experiences, but because he painted a picture so vivid I felt like a piece of the art work myself.All I did that Summer was make rap tapes for my Walkman from my older brother's CD collection. In doing so, I got open- went back listened to the first one,AGAIN, and became a serious believer what I like to call "The Hov'ery"- when he said "they didn't really appreciate it til the Second one came out" he was talking about me [Hov voice] HA-HA:-/

Kid Cudi

I wish I had the links to all that I've heard from this Kid so Icould share with you but I don't. (sad face) However, this video is pretty cool & I think Kid Cudi is the future. He gives me G.O.O.D Vibes -Just putting it out there, do with it what you must.

Feeling like this today

Music Fly- New Cassie & Diddy joint- Fire

This is mucho Fuego, Thanks for the heads up Angie baby...