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.
Going a little ahead, he fell to the ground and prayed for a way out: "Father, you can—can't you?—get me out of this. Take this cup away from me. But please, not what I want—what do you want?" [Mark 14:36]
During this summer, famed New York radio host Wendy Williams made her daytime television debut! The Wendy Williams Show aired in New York, Dallas, Detroit, and Los Angeles for a test run & has now officially been picked up by Fox to be aired in July 2009! For those of you [like me] who were unable to watch the test run season, here are a few clips of the show including interviews with Michelle Williams, Aubrey O'Day, Master P & Romeo, & the infamous Omarosa!
Since August 26th, the release date of the #1 R&B album on iTunes [right now], Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams, Solange has been performing EVERYWERE! Here is just a recap of the performances that we missed during our little hiatus! ENJOY! If you don't have this crazy dope album yet - go cop it ASAP!
Back in June, the Sundance Channel kicked off the second season of their acclaimed original music series Live From Abbey Road with The Queen herself, Mary J. Blige. Not only did she perform but she also discussed how she...does what she does; her extraordinary way of combining hip-hop & soul! Check out the performance of Come To Me [above] & Family Affair & Just Fine [below]!
Check out the video for Get Up, the first single off of Mary Mary's forthcoming project, The Sound. The Sound is the ladies' fifth release which is set to drop September 30th in the UK & October 13th her in the US! Take a listen to the title track, which leaked earlier this week, here & be on the look out for more from Mary Mary as we await this new release!
This will definitely add fire to the fuel; Check out this clip of Diddy performing his hit single Last Night at the E-Talk Festival party, with the lovely Dawn Richards [of Danity Kane]. Although I love the performance & I am a fan of Danwn's, this definitely would make the rumors, that Dawn has been secretly working with Diddy on her solo project, seem quite true! Either way, do your thing D - with or without Danity Kane!
Check out this trailer for the forthcoming movie, Soul Men, which stars the late Bernie Mac & Isaac Hayes as well as Samuel L. Jackson! In the movie, Jackson & Mac play the two remaining members of 70's Soul band The Real Deal taking a road trip to the Apollo Theater for a musical tribute to their recently deceased member! Soul Men hits theaters everywhere on November 7th!
Earlier this evening all of the network television channels broadcasted the Stand Up 2 Cancer special which featured a live performance of the Star-studded track Stand Up, which is now available for download on iTunes. Mary J. Blige, Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Rihanna & many more artists came together to perform the song & did a wonderful job! Be sure to catch Fashion Rocks this Tuesday, to catch the ladies perform once again! Check out the performance clip below & be sure go to www.standup2cancer.org for more information about cancer & the Stand Up 2 Cancer campaign!
Earlier this week, Tuesday, September 2nd to be exact, Deitrick Haddon released his latest project, Revealed. Following the 7 Days [Haddon's last album] treatment, the bulk of this album was produced by famed R&B producers Tim & Bob & includes hit singles Love Him Like I Do, which features Ruben Studdard & Mary Mary, & I'm Alive. Check out these behind the scenes clips [below] of Deitrick in the studio & be sure to pick up a copy of Revealed ASAP!
A few weeks back Monica announced the release of her forthcoming studio album Still Standing, via her brief reality series The Single: Monica. Since then the album has been pushed back to early 2009, but the first single Still Standing has been released. Check out this clip of Monica & Ludacris performing the single & title track earlier this week. I am definitely feeling this track & looking forward to hearing more new material from Monica!
Last month Epic Records announced the release of Human, Brandy's fifth studio album. “Human is my most personal album to date,” Brandy said. “I have grown so much since my last album. Being able to express myself and my journey through my music is a feeling I can’t describe. With this new chapter of my life it feels good to have Rodney [Jerkins], a familiar face, by my side again. He brings out emotions in me like nobody else.” Brandy reunites with Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins for Right Here [Departed], the first single off of this project, as well as a large portion of the album. Check out the video for Right Here above! Be on the lookout for more from Brandy in the near future; Human is set to drop this November!
Beyonce covers the October 2008 issue of Marie Claire Magazine. Inside this issue Beyonce speaks about being a role model, her alter ego Sasha, Future President Barack Obama, & much more! Make sure to pick up a copy of this month's British Marie Claire! Also, we here at [the addicted.] would like to wish Bee a Happy Birthday! Check out more pictures from the magazine as well as Beyonce, herself, singing Happy Birthday!
[We've been gone for minute, now we back with the JUMP OFF!]
This summer I had to get on my grind heavily to make sure that I'd be able to maintain the college student status. CLASS OF 2011 STAND UP! So - long story short I was unable to fully maintain the blog, but guess what? WE'RE BAAAAACK! I know you missed it; cuz... NO ONE ON THE NET HAS SWAGGER LIKE US!
Since we've been gone; Nas' Untitled dropped, Solange dropped her highly anticipated Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams, Michelle William's Unexpected album got pushed back again, Jazmine Sullivan shook the world with her sick vocals on Need U Bad, Mary J. Blige planned a new tour, & everybody now awaits the rest of the new projects that are set to drop this year, including Virtuoso Intellect, the new Beyonce album!
GET READY PEOPLE! [the addicted.] is definitely BACK!
![[the addicted.] - ♫The Way You See It¡♫](http://i35.tinypic.com/axjkm1.png)
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!
![The Views GONE LIVE:[the addicted.] Radio!](http://i38.tinypic.com/snnps3.png)
