This week, it's all about Mr. Ray Parker Jr. I first started paying attention to Ray's name on a Rufus record. Then he did some stuff on a Deniece Williams record & I also saw him on an old clip when he played with Stevie Wonder's Wonderlove band. I had to check this dude out! So I found the Rock On album on vinyl & fell in love instantly with You Can't Change That. I didn't know it was a hit for the group Raydio though; which consisted of Ray, Vincent Bohnam, Jerry Knight, & Arnell Carmichael. The song was a Top 10 hit, making it up to # 9 on the Billboard charts in 1979. His biggest hit was the theme song from Ghostbusters. Check out the clips below: The Ghostbuster Theme, I Still Can't Get Over Loving You & Raydio's You Can't Change That.
The video for Superhuman, yet another single off of Chris Brown's sophomore effort Exclusive: The Forever Edition was released to UK music channels today! The video, as well as the song, features Keri Hilson & was Chris' seventh video directed by Erik White. Enjoy! I must admit, Chris has been working pretty hard with this project!
The Gospel Music Channel's original series Front Row Live began it's new season this month with performances from blessed Mary Mary & Tye Tribbett. Front Row Live brings an intimate concert directly to your living room, bedroom & wherever else you have a television! Tye Tribbett's set actually aired this Sunday - look out for that post at a later date! Right now, it's all about Erica & Tina Campbell, the lovely Inglewood, California natives who are currently promoting their forthcoming album The Sound, which is set to drop October 21st! The ladies performed a few tracks from their last album, Mary Mary, as well as Get Up, The Sound, & I Worship You off of the forthcoming album! Watch these clips from the show & get ready for The Sound, OCTOBER 21ST!
Over the past couple of months, since the realese of his latest project The Fight of My Life, Kirk Franklin has been performing all over during his European Tour. Watch the clips from his Youtube Vlog as he takes you around the world with him!
The videos for Beyoncé new singles, If I Were A Boy & Single Ladies [Put A Ring On It], premiered online between Saturday & today! Watch the clips above & be on the lookout for more about Beyoncé's forthcoming project I Am.
Last week [10.9] at New York's Radio City Music Hall, Maxwell kicked of his tour & showed the world that he's back! Not only did he perform hit singles, such as Lifetime & Woman's Work, but he also introduced a few new tracks off of his forthcoming album, Black Summer's Night. Maxwell's opening act was none other than Miss Jazmine Sullivan! Check out these clips from the show & be sure to go see Maxwell & Jazmine within the next few months at a city near you!
" For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." [Psalms 30:5]
Don't forget to send in your reviews; albums, movies, concerts & more! Email us [addictedears@yahoo.com] your name, location, review & a picture of yourself, so that you too can share THE WAY YOU SEE IT!
If I Were A Boy & Single Ladies, the first two singles off of Beyoncé's forthcoming third solo album I Am, premiered on the radio & internet today! Single Ladies [Put a Ring on It] is a dance track & the other is a ballad called If I Were a Boy — two songs that show two different sides of the singer, as she suggested in the letter to fans last week, that we posted last week! Check out the singles [below] as well as a behind the scenes clip [above] from the Essence photo shoot & be on the look out for more on I Am, which is due to hit stores November 18th!
After quite a few pushbacks, Unexpected, the third solo studio album & first full length contemporary R&B//Pop album from Michelle Williams hits stores everywhere today! Unexpected features the hit lead single We Break The Dawn [which was written by Michelle, Solange & Andrew Frampton], We Break The Dawn Part 2 [Featuring Flo-Rida], as well as the curent singles The Greatest & Hello Heartbreak! Watch the clip [below] & be sure to pick up Michelle Williams' Unexpected!
The video for the first single, Love Lockdown, off of Kanye West's forthcoming fourth studio album, 808's & Heartbreak, premiered on Ellen earlier this morning, about an hour ago to be exact. 808's & Heartbreak is scheduled to be released on November 25th & also features Heartless, what has been confirmed to be the second single. Check out the Love Lockdown video above & be on the lookout for more on Kanye & this new album!
Last night's I Want To Work For Diddy finale left me quite curious; not about Diddy nor what will happen to "Poprah" but...Who is Janelle Monae? I only knew her from the Idlewild Soundtrack - So, I did a little research; a couple of youtube videos & The Chase Suite later & here I am! Janelle not only has great vocal abilities but a mean swag[ger] as well! She is the perfect mix between Bjork, Lauryn Hill & Andre 3000! Currently signed to Bad Boy Records, Janelle released the Special Edition of the once independent release Metropolis: The Chase Suite back in August & plans to release a full length album early 2009; in the meantime, check out the video for the hit single, Many Moons, as well as a clip from that Bad Boy showcase [circa April 2008] in which Janelle performs the classic, Killing Me Softly!
The video for Universal Mind Control, the first single off of Common's forthcoming project Invincible Summer, premiered last night on Common's Youtube Page! UMC features Pharrell & is one of the two Common singles released earlier this summer! Invicible Summer is now scheduled to be released on November 11th! Watch the Hype Williams directed UMC video[above]!
Essence Magazine revealed today that Beyonce will be featured on the cover of their November 2008 issue. In the interview she is said to speak about her marriage, her new music & new movies! In other news, she performed At Last for the second time; this time being last week in Bermuda - check out the performance clip [below]! As you should already know, Beyonce will be playing Etta James in the upcoming movie Cadillac Records. At Last, one of Etta James' most famous songs, will be performed by Beyonce & featured on the movie soundtrack! Be sure to pick up Essence Magazine for the interview & more pictures; also be on the lookout for more Beyonce posts in the very near future as the release date of her third solo project approaches!
Last Friday the Vice Presidential Debate was held at Washington University in St. Louis - in case you missed it, check out the full length clip [above]! Now that you're done with that - take a look at this hilarious clip [below] from this week's Saturday Night Live airing which spoofs Friday's Debate & features Tina Fey [as Senator Palin], Jason Sudeikis [as Senator Biden] & Queen Latifah [as Gwen Ifill]!
"...But only the redeemed will walk there, and the ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away." [Isaiah 35: 9-10]
So, if you keep up with [the addicted.] then i'm pretty sure that you remember Colin Munroe; & if not - you need to step your game up! Anyway - the video for Will I Stay, single off of Colin's forthcoming album, Don't Think Less of Me, has been released! Check it out [above] & keep it locked here for an exclusive remix COMING SOON!Also, in case you did miss it - check out [the addicted.] Colin Munroe Interview from back in March [here]!
I have no clue how I missed this, it must have been released during my brief summer hiatus but - PLEASE watch this genius clip [above]! The clip that I speak of just happens to be the latest video, Who's Gonna Save My Soul, from Gnarls Barkley's latest album The Odd Couple!
Earlier this week Oprah had Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, Queen Latifah & the rest of the cast of The Secret Life of Bees on her show to promote the movie, which is now playing in theaters everywhere! Not only did the ladies speak about the movie but Alicia also performed her current hit single, Superwoman, off of her latest album, As I Am! Check out the performance clip [below] as well as Ebony's November 2008 cover [above] which features Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys & Jennifer Hudson!
Don't forget to send in your reviews;albums, movies, concerts & more!Email us [addictedears@yahoo.com] your name, location, review& a picture of yourself, so that you too can shareTHE WAY YOU SEE IT!
The following is a statement from Sean "Diddy" Combs, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, Mary J. Blige & Kevin Liles: WE ARE IN A STATE OF EMERGENCY!!! YOU MUST REGISTER TO VOTE BY MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2008!!!!! We are only 31 days from the most important election of our lifetime. MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2008 IS THE DEADLINE. We are at war, banks are closing, people are losing their jobs and houses every day. It is our responsibility to protect our futures. Time is running out. You must register by Monday, October 6th. Barack Obama cannot win this election on his own; he needs our help. This election is about us. This election is about our children's future. If you have not registered to vote, you are disrespecting everyone that sacrificed their lives for you to have this right. You are also disrespecting your future. The time is NOW for us to use the voices with which God has blessed us. We need you to do all you can. Here is what we need to do: 1. Register to vote BY MONDAY, OCTOBER 6th, 2008 2. Get as many people as you can to register with you 3. Go to the poll and vote on November 4th
Barack Obama said it best: "Eight is Enough." No longer will we stand by and follow leadership with no regard for us and no accountability to us. We can be the deciding factor in this election, but you must register to vote to make your voice heard. Who are we? We are young America. This is our moment of truth. Are you registered for change? October 6th is only a few days away. Make sure that on November 4th, we are able to say that we did everything in our power to make sure that Barack Obama becomes the next President of the United States. We owe this to our children, our parents, our grandparents and ourselves. We need you to become a part of Team Obama. This is the most important election in our lifetime. REGISTER TO VOTE BY MONDAY, OCTOBER 6th and VOTE TO MAKE HISTORY ON NOVEMBER 4th!!!! Visit http://www.voteforchange.com/ to register to vote TODAY. It is our duty to make our voices heard. STOP what you're doing right now and let's REGISTER TO VOTE. Time is running out!!!!!!!!!
God Bless, Sean "Diddy" Combs Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter Mary J. Blige Kevin Liles
"I wanted to address my fans about my upcoming album. I have worked on this album for close to one year. I have taken the time so I can create my sound. Something that says who I am at this stage in my life. I have poured my heart and soul into it. It is my baby. It is the most time I have spent on any project since my first records as a member of Destiny's Child when I was 15 years old. I have recorded over 70 songs and have created a sound that reveals all of me. I am in a different place right now and I wanted people to see the many sides of me. The music is upbeat for the dance, fun side and it is reflective, passionate and serious for the personal side. I have taken risks here. I am not afraid and my music will explain it all. There is no label or tag on my sound. It's me and I am so excited to share it with the world on November 18. Love, Beyoncé"
SHE'S BACK! Beyoncé released this statement [above] & officially confirmed her return! Not only has she been working on this album but two films as well, Cadillac Records & Obsession. If I Were A Boy & Single Ladies, the first two singles off of this project, which will be her third solo album, are set to premiere this coming Tuesday!Fans, Haters & those in between - GET READY! While we wait - watch the clip of her perform Etta James' At Last from last month's Fashion Rocks Special!
Let me count it off by saying - THIS IS MY GIRL RIGHT HERE! She has influenced so many singers, male and female. Most remembered for her five-and-a-half octave range, Minnie Julia Riperton [the youngest of eight] was born November 8, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois. As a youngin' she dabbled in everything from ballet to modern dance, and also received operatic vocal training. While she attended Hyde Park High, Minnie sang lead in a girl group called The Gems [also known as Studio Three, Girls Three, and The Starlets]. They did session work for several acts housed at the Chess label, which exposed Minnie's talents to the music industry. After graduation, she enrolled at Loop College where she pledged Zeta Phi Beta Sorority before dropping out.
During this time she recorded under the pseudonym Andrea Davis, soon joining the eclectic group Rotary Connection. They went on to record six albums before she went solo with the Come To My Garden album. It is considered a masterpiece amongst music critics, but was not a success commercially. In the early 70's she sang backup with Stevie Wonder's band Wonderlove. Her album of 1974 Perfect Angel was executive produced by Stevie and contains her biggest hit Lovin' You.
In 1975, Leon Ware contributed to her third solo album Adventures In Paradise, which contains the sexy groove Inside My Love, later covered by Trina Broussard & Chanté Moore. In 1976, Minnie was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a radical mastectomy. The cancer had paralyzed her right arm. In 1977 Riperton became the first black female to serve as spokesperson for the American Cancer Society and to receive the Society's Courage Award from President Jimmy Carter. Her last televised performance was on an episode of The Merv Griffin Show, her right arm would remain in a fixed position during her performances. On July 12, 1979 in Los Angeles, California, Minnie died while in her husband's arms, listening to a recording of a song Stevie Wonder had written for her. She was only 31 - Can you imagine dying at 31? My [big] cousin actually remembers the day they announced Minnie died, she was in college and they played her records all that day! After she died, several artists contributed to some tracks that she had been working on before her death, and was released as Love Lives Forever in 1980. Her husband Richard had written a tune for her entitled Now That I Have You which she never got to record. He then gave the song to Teena Marie for her Lady T album of 1980. Her daughter Maya Rudolph [of Saturday Night Live fame] can also be heard on a spoken dialogue with Teena during the last track of the album. Minnie is no longer here in body, but she will always be here in spirit! Watch the late & great Minnie Riperton perform her hits Seeing You This Way & Inside My Love [below]!
FINALLY - [the addicted.]Throwback Thursday is back & better than ever! Allow me to re-introduce you to my boy Chri$, Louisiana soul singer whom we featured back in March! Chri$ will now be using his music knowledge & writing skills to work with [the addicted.] on each week's Throwback Thursday article! We hope that you enjoyed our Feature Presentation [the addicted.] presents Throwback Thursday: Minnie & be sure to keep it locked right here for so much more!
Earlier this week Jazmine Sullivan stopped by the Tonight Show with Jay Leno & performed the hit single, Need U Bad, off of her debut album Fearless! Check out the performance clip [above] & if you haven't already be sure to go pick up Fearless!
From American Idol in 2004, Dreamgirls in 2006 to now - Jennifer Hudson has come a long way & it all pays off today! Jennifer's self-titled debut album hits stores everywhere today! Jennifer Hudson features the hit single Spotlight, duet with Fantasia I'm His Only Woman, duet with T-Pain What's Wrong, the Ludacris featured Pocketbook & the gospel-driven Jesus Promised Me A Home Over There! Check out the performance clip below & be sure to go pick up Jennifer's album ASAP!
Yet another Chevrolet commercial featuring Mary J. Blige premiered on television this past weekend! The commercial features Mary from different time periods of her career & life riding in a brand new Chevrolet Traverse! Check out the clip of the commercial above & be sure to go see The Queen of Hip Hop Soul when she hits a city near you during her current Love Soul Tour!
Check out the video for Ne-Yo's She Got Her Own [Miss Independent Part 2],which features Jamie Foxx & Fabolous, & is actually a bonus track on Ne-Yo's latest album Year of The Gentlemen! This video includes cameos from quite of few beatiful black independent celebrity ladies, just as the original Miss Independent video did!
[|Don't Forget To Remember| - The Tri-City Singers W// Lalah Hathaway]
"Make sure you don't forget God, your God, by not keeping his commandments, his rules and regulations that I command you today. Make sure that when you eat and are satisfied, build pleasant houses and settle in, see your herds and flocks flourish and more and more money come in, watch your standard of living going up and up— make sure you don't become so full of yourself and your things that you forget God, your God." [Deuteronomy 8:11-16]
After formally studying music in Chicago, the then Paramount Records agent, Thomas Andrew Dorsey, put together a band for jazz singer Ma Rainey. After playing rent parties as Barrelhouse Tom, Texas Tommy && most famously Georgia Tom, Dorsey faced personal tragedy which led him to leave secular music behind. He then began composing and recording. what he was first to call, "gospel" music. Shortly after his first wife died during childbirth in 1932 along with his first child, Thomas wrote one of the most famous gospel songs of all time, Take My Hand, Precious Lord. Not only was the song a favorite of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., but it was also recorded by many artists including Elvis Presley && Aretha Franklin. Fast forward to now, over 70 years later and, the now deceased, Dorsey is known as the Father of Gospel music. Check out these throwback clips [below]; Thomas Dorsey discusses the beginning of Gospel music && performs Precious Lord.
It's been a long time coming but it is now, North Philly native, Jazmine Sullivan's time! Her debut album Fearless hits stores everywhere today! As with much of her unreleased material, Jazmine's voice captivates the listeners throughout the whole project! Fearless includes the hit single Need U Bad, the second single Bust Your Windows, & quite a few other stand out tracks including In Love With Another Man, One Night Stand, Fear & bonus track Switch! Sullivan will begin touring with Maxwell next month, check out the tour dates after the clip of Jazmine performing In Love With Another Man [below] & be sure to go get Fearless NOW!
Oct 8 Boston, MA Opera House Oct 9 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall Oct 10 Wallingford/ Chevrolet Theatre Oct 12 Toronto Massey Theatre Oct 14 Cincinnati, OH The Taft Theatre Oct 15 St. Louis, MO Fox Theatre Oct 17 Indianapolis, IN Murat Theater Oct 18 Chicago, IL Chicago Theater Oct 19 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre Oct 21 Minneapolis, MN Orpheum Theater Oct 22 Omaha, OK Music Hall Oct 23 Kansas City, MO Uptown Theatre Oct 25 Denver, CO Paramount Theatre Oct 28 Oakland, CA Paramount Theatre Oct 31 Las Vegas, NV Pearl Nov 1 Los Angeles, CA Shrine Auditorium Nov 6 Houston, TX Verizon Theatre Nov 8 Dallas, TX Majestic Theatre Nov 10 Birmingham, AL BJCC Hall Nov 11 Memphis, TN Orpheum Theater Nov 12 Atlanta, GA Civic Center Nov 14 Greensboro, NC Coliseum Theatre Nov 15 Richmond, VA Landmark Theatre Nov 17 Washington, DC Constitution Hall Nov 21 Philadephia, PA Susquehanna Center
Mary J. Blige kicked off her Love Soul Tour last week & hit South Carolina, Virginia Beach, Virginia, Washington, DC & Raleigh, North Carolina! Opening up for The Queen of Hip Hop Soul will first be her very own artist once again, Dave Young. Following Dave Young is Lost Without You singer, Robin Thicke! Reviews so far have been great which is the norm when it comes to Blige's stage shows! Check out more clips from last weeks opening shows as well as the rest of The Love Soul Tour Dates below!
Friday, September 26 Philly/Camden, NJ Susquehanna Bank Center Saturday, September 27 Charlotte, NC Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Sunday, September 28 Detroit, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre Thursday, October 2 New York City Radio City Music Hall Friday, October 3 New York City Radio City Music Hall Wednesday, October 8 Baltimore, MD 1st Mariner Arena Friday, October 10 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Bank Atlantic Center Saturday, October 11 Tampa, FL Ford Amphitheater Sunday, October 12 Atlanta, GA Hi-Fi Amphitheatre Tuesday, October 14 Chicago, IL Arie Crown Theater Wednesday, October 15 Omaha, NE Qwest Convention Center Friday, October 17 Las Vegas, NV Pearl Theatre Saturday, October 18 Oakland, CA Sleep Train Pavilion at Concord Sunday, October 19 Los Angeles, CA Gibson Amphitheatre Wednesday, October 22 Oahu, HI Blaisdall, Arena
In 1968, a 17 year old Bootsy Collins formed a group, The Pacemakers, with his brother and some friends. Two years later, The Pacemakers became knowns as the J.B.'s once they became the backing band for the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. After Collins && Brown began to clash, Bootsy formed yet another group, The House Guests before meeting George Clinton in 1972 && becoming the lead basist for Parliament. Whether as a member of one of many groups or on his own, Bootsy Collin's bass guitar skills && comical yet groovy vocals helped establish him as one of the stellar leaders of funk. Check out these throwback clips [below]; Bootsy performs Sex Machine [with James Brown], Stretchin' Out, && I'd Rather Be With You.
Earlier this month Fantasia & Jennifer Hudson among many others performed at the 30th Anniversay An Evening of Stars event to honor Pattie LaBelle! Fantasia performed LaBelle's famed hit Lady Marmalade & Jennifer performed Somewhere Over The Rainbow! The show will broadcast nationally on January 24 & 25, 2009 [BET & WGN]! In other Americal Idol ladies news, as the release date for Jennifer's self-titled debut album gets closer, more tracks have been leaking to the net; including Pocketbook which features Ludacris, What's Wrong which features T-Pain as well as I'm His Only Woman. I'm His Only Woman was rumored to feature Jazmine Sullivan but the version that leaked earlier today features Fantasia! Check out clips from An Evening of Stars as well as I'm His Only Woman & keep on the lookout for more about Jennifer Hudson's forthcoming album!
Now playing on [the addicted.]; the second single from Musiq Soulchild's forthcoming Atlantic Records release On My Radio, If U Leave featuring The Queen of Hip Hop Soul herself, Mary J. Blige! Remember you heard it here first!
After four years, Raphael Saadiq is back with the retro soul-driven The Way I See It, his fourth solo project! The sound of The Way I See It induces nolstalgia & takes you back to the days of Motown & the likes of Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Tempatations, Al Green & The Four Tops, as some would say Solange's Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams does! As I am currently on my fourth continuous listen, I must admit that I love this album! The Way I See It includes the first single Love That Girl, Sure Hope You Mean It, Just One Kiss with Joss Stone, Never Give You Up with Stevie Wonder & [Saadiq's artist] CJ Hilton, as well as the remix to Oh Girl which features Jay-Z. Watch clips of Raphael Saadiq performing Love That Girl & Sure Hope You Mean It earlier this month [below] & go get The Way I See It ASAP! Also, we want to know they way YOU see it; so, be sure to email us your review of this album along with a small picture of yourself!
Ne-Yo is back with his third studio album, Year of The Gentlemen, which hits stores today! Year of The Gentlemen includes the hit lead single Closer, the current single Miss Independent but no featured artists! But bonus tracks that have been released along with the album include In The Way, What's The Matter & She Got Her Own, which is the remix to Miss Independent & features Jamie Foxx & Fabolous! Check out the Closer & Miss Independent videos below & be sure to go get Year of The Gentlemen!
For the first time since the infamous trial, R. Kelly sat down & talked with BET. In other controversial interview news, Donnie [Klang] decided to try to boost his album sales this week by speaking out about Aubrey [of Danity Kane]. Check out both of the clips [above & below]!
Solange stopped by The Tyra Show on Friday & sat down to talk with Tyra Banks as well as performed her current singles off of her latest album, Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams! Check out the Sandcastle Disco performance [above] & clips from the interview [below]!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and don't lean on your own understanding. In all things acknowledge him, and he shall direct your way. [Proverbs 3:5, 6]
I am looking forward to the future of [the addicted.], new things & additions to come; but I wanna know what you like & want to see on here! So - we will soon begin the The Way You See It feature, the name being a spin off of the forthcoming Raphael Saadiq project, The Way I See It! [Post on that coming soon//The Way I See It drops 9.16.08] Anyway, email us [addictedears@yahoo.com] brief but detailed album, concert & movie reviews with a small picture [of yourself], if you would like to be featured!
Also, feel free to email us with feedback at anytime! We're definitely looking forward to hearing from you! Much love!
Janet Jackson's Rock Witchu Tour kicked off earlier this week in Vancouver! The rave reviews poured in the morning after the opening night; word has it that Janet went all out for this tour, as she usually does! No matter what people may try to say about Janet & her last few albums, she has always been able to put on quite a good show! Anyway, check out this exclusive backstage clip [below] which was released via Jermaine Dupri's Youtube page & be sure to go see Janet when the Rock Witchu Tour hits a city near you!
Kanye West was arrested early yesterday after an incident at LAX airport; check out the video clip below [Source: TMZ]! Both Kanye, as well as his assistant, was arrested & is now currently free & back in the studio, according to his latest blogentry!
Earlier this week Solange stopped by the Jimmy Kimmel Live Show; not only did she sit down [below] & talk about the album, her God-Given Name comparisons as well as the infamous Fox interview, but she also hit the stage & performed I Decided, the hit first single off of her sophomore project Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams! Check out the performance clip above!
NOTE: For the month of September, all Throwback [Thursday] posts will be repeats from the portion of the summer that the site was actually running! Enjoy; while we work on the future Throwback [Thursday] posts!
Back in 1962, Motown CEO Berry Gordy took a chance a signed a twelve year old boy, then known as Little Stevie Wonder. His first hit single Fingertips [Part 2], which featured Stevie on bongos, vocals, harmonica as well as another young cat named Marvin Gaye on the drums, hit #1 on the U.S. pop charts and began the successful career of a then very young man.Within the past 45 years, Stevie Wonder has released over 30 albums && received many accolades, but more importantly inspired many singers, writers, && musicians, including myself. Check out these throwback performance clips [below]; Stevie sings Don't Know Why I Love You [Introduction by a young Diana Ross], My Cherie Amor && For Once In My Life.
Last night CBS aired this year's Fashion Rocks special. Once again Beyonce came through & showed out; performing by herself as Etta James [above], with Justin Timberlake as well as with the All Star Stand Up 4 Cancer line up! Mary J. Blige also performed with the Stand Up Ladies as well as along with Kid Rock as a part of the Motown Tribute! Other performances included Solange, Chris Brown, Rihanna, Duffy, Mariah Carey, Timbaland, Pussycat Dolls, Black Eyed Peas & quite a few more. Check out just a few of the performance clips from last night's broadcast [below]!
[|I Decided| - Solange]
[|Mercy| - Duffy]
[|Motown Medley| - Justin Timberlake, Mary J. Blige & Kid Rock]
[|Ain't Nothin' Like The Real Thing| - Beyonce & Justin Timberlake]
UPDATE [9.10.08; 4:00 P.M.]: Listen to the studio version of Love Lockdownhere!
Finally! - Information about Kanye West's upcoming project has been released. Word has it that the album, which will be Kanye's 4th effort, is entitled 808's & Heartbreak & will feature the infamous Auto-Tuner throughout the entire project! Kanye premiered the first single, Love Lockdown, at the MTV Video Music Awards earlier this week! The audio from that performance is now featured on [the addicted.], you should hear it right...now! I don't know about anyone else but I have had this track on blast since the performance & I can't wait to hear the great music that this project will bring! In the past year Kanye has lost his mother & broke up with his fiance; in his own words, it's time to turn tragedy to triumph yet AGAIN! So while we wait for the official studio version of Love Lockdown to leak, watch Kanye perform the track on the VMA's [below]! 808's & Heartbreak is set to drop December 16th!
Last night the 25th Video Music Award Show was broadcast on MTV! I don't know about anyone else - but it left me with a sour taste. It was great to see Britney Spears back on her feet but did the Peice of Me video really deserve those awards & where was Mary J. Blige, Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson , Michael Jackson, Madonna; where were all of the "surprises"?! Anyway - check out the best performance of the night [IMO]; Kanye West performing his new single Love Lockdown [above], as well as the rest of the performance clips [below]!
Urban missionary & Christian Hip Hop artist The Ambassador, member of The Cross Movement [along with The Tonic, Phanatik, & T.R.U.-L.I.F.E.], has a word that he would like to share with you; thus, here is his very own column on [the addicted.]! The Chop Chop; From Milk To Meat!
Let’s “chop it up.” Let’s put a weighty matter on the table and dissect it until we can digest it, digest it until we possess it, and possess it so that we reflect it. Who talks like this; who welcomes this kind of thinking or this kind of activity? Paul said that “the mature do,” they embrace the idea of straining and agonizing to take hold of maturity (Phil 3:15). Welcome to my new syndicated column “The Chop Chop” where we advocate unpacking meatier matters of faith and culture for the benefit of our souls.
This is only possible because God has provided everything we need to live a quality life of godliness (2 Pet 1:3). What could be worse than someone with abundant resources who produces little or nothing? It’s like the person with an in-home state-of the-art gym who never displays one ounce of fitness. Although they have everything needed to get results, they don’t produce. This could be said of the believer in Jesus Christ who has been granted the power of the indwelling Spirit, the Scriptures—which are able to make one wise—the community of faith—which provide support and accountability—an eternal inheritance that can’t be stolen, and the promise that the God of heaven and earth is for them—yet they never mature.
My forthcoming third album The Chop Chop, implores listeners to follow the exhortation of the writer to the Hebrews who encouraged wavering believers to combat their spiritual flightiness and flakiness by leaving the elementary teachings of Christ and going on to maturity (Heb 6:1). Similarly, “The Chop Chop” column is purposed to encourage and equip us to move from milk to meat, as we counter-culturally opt to tussle in the study and in the “prayer closet” as a sign of our commitment to know our God and be like Him.
Like Paul had a unique burden for his people, Israel, I have one for the urban context (especially the hip hop generation). As a student of culture, I have become convinced of the need for a paradigm shift. By watching the ebb and flow of hip hop history I have seen every coast, region, style, and vibe have its time to shine and lead the culture. I can remember when almost everyone in the hip hop community looked to New York City for their marching orders, today it is arguably Atlanta. Similarly, intellectual hip hop transitioned to “gangsta rap,” party rap, “crunk rap,” and now “clap and snap” rap. Complexity gave way to simplicity, and social conscience surrendered to sensual seduction.
As a missional Christian laboring in the urban mission field, I nearly salivate at the prospect of an increased appetite for theological weight approaching. I believe that many of us are being provoked to desire a more substantive era in music and art. Palates are maturing and hunger is developing for a more meaty diet of spiritual nutrition. Naturally, babies go from desiring a bottle, to what is on their parents’ plates, and I believe this is a spiritual reality as well. Therefore, I welcome you to “The Chop Chop,” where truth is broken down, rather than dumbed down, so that its nutrients can benefit our inner most being.
The phrase, “chop it up” or for short “chop chop” presupposes: The need to “chop” itself is an admission that some things we need are too much for us until they are broken down. Peter admitted this about the writings of Paul which he referred to as the Scriptures in 2 Pet 3:16. Also, the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:30-31 wrestled with a passage from the book of Isaiah, before realizing his need for guidance in understanding the text. Likewise, we admit that what we need is sometimes too much for us based on where we are at that time.
The understanding that all Scripture is God’s word, and is profitable for holistically preparing us for every good work (1 Tim 3:16). Rather than avoiding what challenges us and making a b-line to the simple things, we must do what Acts 2:42 reveals the early Christians did—devote ourselves to what is being taught, and like Psalm 1 meditate on it, day and night. In the title track “The Chop Chop,” the second verse opens up: “lets get a cypha, I’m hyped because the Bible’s coming out/ I know you’re crunk but do you know the God you’re crunk about?”
Wouldn’t this encourage the hearts of parents, pastors, and peers alike? Rarely do you see the Scriptures as the center of the party and the after party. Usually, we are ready to close the book and get on with the “real” fun. In fact, I have been to countless churches where an unopened Bible was the norm. But, I have seen—and foresee—a shift taking place! The Scriptures are no longer something we “get out the way” but the foundation we build even our extra-curricular activities around. Can you imagine teens and young adults spending more time in libraries than in front of the Xboxes? What would happen in a world where we prefer God-honoring music to the “soft porn” of pop culture? I envision ruff-necks in a circle discussing our historic faith and its current relevance. I see men and women who want more than just a “shout” on Sunday, but extended time in the Scriptures chewing the meat, breaking down the bone to savor the marrow. Come with me and let’s intentionally grow from milk to meat.
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