R&B's Fallen Angel: Aaliyah Video Tribute

Here are a few of Aaliyah's video's, Enjoy!

"Miss You"




"Rock The Boat"




"More Than A Woman"




"One In A Million"




Aaliyah & DMX- "Back In One Piece"




Aaliyah ft Timbaland- "Try Again"





Aaliyah feat Timbaland- "We Need A Resolution"




"If Your Girl Only Knew"




"4 Page Letter"



"The One I Gave My Heart To"



"Are You That Somebody"



Aaliyah feat Missy Elliot & Timbaland- "Hot Like Fire"




~Unique

R&B's Fallen Angel: Remembering Aaliyah

It's hard to believe that 8 years ago today we lost Aaliyah Dana Haughton in a terrible plane crash at the tender age of 22. I remember hearing the news on the radio while i was in the car with my cousin and couldn't what I was hearing. I grew up listening to Aaliyah's music so when I heard the news about her passing it felt like a lost family memeber, thats just how connected Aaliyah made you feel to her.


So its only right that we pay homage to this very beautiful and very talented singer that was taken from us way to soon.



Everyone was introduced to Aaliyah via her debut album "Age Aint Nothing But A Number." Which included hits like "Back & Forth", "Age Aint Nothing But A Number", and "At Your Best (You Are Love)."


Aaliyah's second album "One In A Million," was notable for being her breakout album and a major milestone in the careers of songwriter/producer Missy Elliot and Tim "Timbaland" Mosley. It featured smash singles like "If Your Girl Only Knew", "One In A Million", "Got To Give It Up", "4 Page Letter", "Hot Like Fire", "Choosey Lover", and "The One I Gave My Heart To".

ΛΛLIYΛH is the self-titled third and final studio album from Aaliyah, released by Blackground and Virgin Records on July 17, 2001. Singles on this album included "We Need A Resolution", "Rock The Boat", "More Than A Woman", and "I Care 4 U."

Time magazine named Aaliyah one of the ten best albums of 2001. The magazine wrote of the album, "A siren of subtlety, never wailing when a whisper would do, Aaliyah blended genres with alluring ease. For her, hip-hop/soul and muted alternative rock came together as easily as lovers interlocking fingers. A plane crash claimed Aaliyah's life in August, but on her last CD her soul is forever in flight."



"I Care 4 U", and "Ultimate Aaliyah" are two compliation albums that were later released by Blackground Records. Both of which contained all of Aaliyah's hits. "Ultimate Aaliyah" also contained a second disc which included several of Aaliyah's tracks that were included on both soundtrack albums and on studio albums for labelmate Timbaland, as well as interviews, special features, etc.


Aaliyah "Babygirl" you are TRUELY missed by your fans and family. And your memory will forever live in all of our hearts.


Below is a poem that Rashad (Aaliyah's brother) wrote for her:




~Unique

Fabolous- Loso's Way

Today Fabolous dropped his fifth CD entitled "Loso's Way." Until now Fabolous has kept his private life under wraps. Recently, though he changed his tune and got more personal on this album. Here's what he had to say about that:

"I just finally decided to tell my tale. I touch on some of the feelings surrounding the shooting and other trials and tribulations I've faced in my life on this album without beating a dead horse," Fabolous says. "People are getting a lot more personality and a lot more visuals. It's about time for me to do that. It's almost like I'm reinventing myself."

To help tell his story, Fabolous looked for inspiration in "Carlito's Way:"


"The concept of the album came from me watching 'Carlito's Way' and seeing how he was a guy who came from jail and wanted to do something bigger and better. I didn't come from jail, but I came from the hood, and in many ways I felt just like Carlito, because even though I'm still connected to the streets, I wanted to do bigger and better things too. There were a lot of parallels between his story and mine." ~ Fabolous

Songs to look out for on the album are "Everything, Everyday, Everywhere (feat Ryan Leslie & Keri Hilson)," "Makin Love (feat Ne-Yo)," "When the Money Goes (feat Jay-z)," "Last Time (feat Trey Songz)," "Stay (feat Marsha Ambrosius)."

As well as the singles "Throw It In the Bag (feat The-Dream)," and "It's My Time (feat Jeremih)." And check out the remix to "Throw It In The Bag" feat. Drake.

Here's Loso's new video for "Everything, Everyday, Everywhere":



Make sure you go out and support the Brooklyn MC.


~Unique

Trey Songz, Anticipation (Mixtape)

At about 12:30am EST, Trey Songz posted the link for his Anticipation Mixtape. Fans everywhere have been anticipating its release for awhile now. Mr.Songz had twitter going completely crazy last night and into the early morning after fans got their hands on it.

"The creation of ANTICIPATION began after I presented READY to my label the first time. I just started recording on my days off and the music felt great and decided that I'd rather share the music than let it sit and be idle. This is music without politics, without creative boundaries."---Trey Songz

Most artists would have released their mixtape thru iTunes, Rhapsody, etc., so they could make a profit off of it. Trey shared this music with his fans because it was a way for fans to hear another side of him, prepare them for the release of "Ready" (August 4th) and show how far he's grown both vocally and musically. It was also a way for him to show his love and appreciation to the died hard fans that have supported him since the beginning and continue to "Go Ham" for him.


Trey Songz is one of the most underrated artists out right now and I hope with the release of this mixtape and his upcoming LP, "Ready", people finally catch on to this man's talent and what he brings to the game.


I can honestly say this is the first mixtape from an aritist that I was anxious to hear.


The entire mixtape is hot but here are some of my favorites, "Famous", "Scratchin Me Up", "Infidelity", "You Belong To Me", "It Would Be" and "Yo Side of the Bed."

You can download Anticipation through Trey's blog, "See Further Than I Am" (click title), if you haven't copped it already and be sure to follow him on Twitter at @SongzYuuup. Also, you can learn about the man behind the music at @troytaylor86. As well as, upcoming producer John McGee, who produced five tracks on the compilation including "Famous", "Does She Know", and "Infidelity". Follow him at @SKMusic.

~Unique

Do you believe Love Changes Things?

I would like to introduce you all to Ju-Taun, a group reppin my hometown of South Jersey. Here's some info on the guys:


Ju-Taun, (pronounced zha-tawn) derives their name from each member’s name: Jake and James Evans, Peter Garcia, and Samoeun Cheng. Inspired by the black velveteen voice of Marvin Gaye and the Motown sound of Stevie Wonder, and Micheal Jackson, Ju-Taun began their careers in 2000, performing in local venues and on their high school stage as teens, and making an everlasting mark on the music scene. Most notable for their exuberant, richly orchestrated, fusion of vintage soul and rhythm and blues, their upcoming album “Love Changes Things,” exemplifies how they’ve mastered this authentic style that cannot be duplicated. The ultra-romantic and gentle “Go Slow,” is the lead single on the exclusively written and produced album “Love Changes Things”, out June 30th, 2009.


Anyone familiar with the rhythmic repertoire of Ju-Taun, including classic tracks like “Let Me In”, “Beautiful”, their remake of Enchantment’s “Sunshine” and now “Go Slow”, brand these artists are true R&B royalty.


Ju-Taun has toured with the likes of noteworthy musical icons such as Bloodstone, Enchantment, Instant Funk, Rose Royce, SOS Band, and the world renowned Temptations. Ju-Taun has also performed live along with Ashanti, Avant, Jagged Edge, Mary Mary, 112, Tyrese and fellow New Jersey Native, Jaheim.


As you can see these guys have been working hard to make their dreams a reality. I've known these guys since 2003 and they have gone from selling CD's on the street, approaching people with a CD player and headphones in local malls, to competing on MTV's Top Pop Group (didn't win but were the runner up's). They are a prime example of what hard work and determination can get you when people in the music industry say they won't make it because people only want to hear ringtone music.



Make sure you show my boys some love and get their new album "Love Changes Things." It's available on iTunes. If you appreciate real music you will definitely appreciate what Ju-Taun has to offer.


I've listened to this album numerous times and still can't pick my favorite joint of of it. But here are a few songs to look out for "Go Slow", "Get @ me", "Let Me In", "Love Changes Things", "Is It Love", "Yes" and "Chemistry."

Here's a list of their other CD's, if you don't have them already make sure you grab them online:

"It's Been A Long Time"
"How Bad Do You Want It"
"Say It"

You can follow the group on twitter at @JuTaun, as well as individually at @MoonJuTaun, @JakeJuTaun, @JamieofJutaun, @petegarcia.

Click on their name at the top of the post to go to their myspace page.





Check out the video for "Go Slow"






~Unique

Chrihanna Trial Update

As I'm sure most of know, today the Chris Brown/Rihanna trial took place in LA. Here are the details of the plea deal that was reached in the singer's felony assault case.

PLEA DEAL DETAILS: Chris plead GUILTY to felony assault. He gets 5 years probation and must check in with judge every 3 months. Deal for Assault charge: 180 days of hard labor (like street cleanup) and ordered to stay completely away from Rihanna. He’s also been ordered to enroll in domestic violence counseling.

Chris Brown in now a convicted felony, which means this goes on his permanent record and he is unable to vote or carry a concealed weapon. He must stay 50 yards away from Rihanna for the next 5 years. If they happen to be at the same event, he must stay 10 yards away. And vice versa. Chris will serve no jail time.

I hope Chris is able bounce back after all of this and is able to move forward with his music and movie career because he is a very talented individual.

~Unique

MVPuppets

Okay, so today is Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the LA Lakers and Orlando Magic. The Lakers are up 3-1 and are bound to win it all if the Magic don't win Game 5 and send the series back to LA.

The Kobe and LeBron puppets commercials have been the highlight of the NBA Finals for me because I'm not a huge fan of either the Magic or the Lakers. But I do want to see the Magic win it all and send Kobe and the Lakers home without another ring.

Anyway, here are some of the new puppet commercials that have come out:












~Unique

Chrisette Michele Drops Epiphany

On May 5, 2009, soulful songbird, Chrisette Michele dropped her second album entitled "Epiphany." This is the follow up to her first album "I Am."


When you start listening to this album you can clearly hear the difference between the two albums.

“I felt like I was a little too shy and laidback my first time out,” “On my new project I wanted to raise the bar and step-out of my comfort zone. I wanted to make songs that were more edgy, youthful and urban." -Chrisette Michele


Tracks to look for off this album include the lead single "Epiphany," "What You Do (Feat. Ne-Yo)," "Blame It On Me" and "Porcelain Doll."

You will enjoy the entire album. Just pop the CD into your stereo (or whatever way you listen to your music) and let it play.

For those of you that are in the Jersey/Philadelphia/Delaware area you can check Chrisette Michele out at the Tower Theatre in Philly on June 23rd (along side Musiq Soulchild & Anthony Hamilton) or at the House of Blues in Atlantic City on June 6th.

If you live in or around NYC check out Chrisette's Album release Party:

~Unique

YOUTUBE.EDU

Ladies and Gentlemen I have found my College of Choice...

I know, Van Wilder will be graduating.  My School of Choice....

YouTube.EDU

People, I LIE TO YOU NOT...

I will now be able to say I am well versed in Harvard Business, University of Richmond, Yale and MIT.  About 200 Lecture-Based courses in History, Law, Literature, Engineering and more. 

$3500 SWAG SURFIN CONTEST!!!

CALLING ALL...

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Day26 Drops their Sophomore Album "Forever In A Day"!!

For all you Day26 fans the wait is finally over!!!

The guys of MTB4 are back and ready to claim their spot in the game!!!! On April 14, 2009, Day 26 dropped their much anticipated sophomore album “Forever in a Day.”


Fans had the opportunity to watch the group make their album during this season of MTB4. The guys had total control over the direction of the album and wrote a few records on it as well. On this album you’ll find everything from ballads, to club bangers, to up-tempo joints you can rock to in your car.



Their single "Imma Put It On Her" feat P. Diddy & Yung Joc is already blowing up radio stations.


Other records to look out for on this album are “Babymaker,” “Perfectly Blind”, “Your Heels” and “So Good” (The whole album is fire though).







They are currently traveling from city to city promoting their new album. Hitting up radio stations, colleges, clubs and performing for their fans at secret locations. They also will be going on tour with J. Holiday. So check them out when they come to your city!!



I love this album and have yet to stop playing it. Go out and support Day26 and buy a copy of their album!!! You won't be disappointed!!



"Imma Put It On Her" Video:




Til the next review,

-Unique

The iPhone chronciles part 1

So as many of you know FINALLY bought an iPhone last week (and yes Roz with my own money becauSe I
Miss independent now). Well idecided the iphone isn't always my best friend.
Fir starters it doesn't always spell check what I type.
Segunda it is a date killer. For Instance right now I'm in lucky strike in Chinatown on a date and I'm blogging. Before that i was playing spades with this app I downloaded. (NOBODY can see me in spades) but i digress. How can I really give him full attention when I have all these apps and this music and man I can check facebook and see what all my friends are doing. Then there is email and online shopping hmmm that sounds fun plus he is watching the game. Note to self dont play with iPhone on next date

American Idol Season 7: The Search for Mediocre Talent in America

First of all let me say that I have watched Idol since Season 1when Kelly Clarkson became the 1st winner. I will admit that after Jennifer Hudson (my fave Idol alum of ALL TIME) was voted off and that Hawaiian chick in Season 3 JASMINE TRIAS (*SHUDDER*) lasted I shunned away from the one thing Americans actually vote for. During my sabbatical from Idol I watched only the auditions just for kicks and giggles.





Now I have returned to determined to watch the show in its entirety


This season I have noticed a few things and I want to point out especially tonight:


Idol has become a show with mediocre talent


Paula is definitely DRUNK! She is slurring her words and her eyes are GLAZED... DRUNK! What's in the red Coca-Cola cup... Rum & Coke?
I googled it and well there were over 300,000 results so I can't be the only one who sees this.

WTF? Did they say that Kris Allen is helping the other contestants. That says one of two things:
a. He thinks that the other contests are NO MATCH
b. He doesn't realize that he is a competition


Oooo WAIT! That's right it's just a few people singing really good karoake Right? No... say what? They are competing for a contract worth how much





ANOOP! So not only do we have the judges making up their own rules by making him the 13th finalist... Now they are showing signs of regret admits Simon STRAIGHT UP!...

Did anyone else notice that idol is feedin all of us SOB stories? SERIOUSLY!

As said on VH1s Best Week Ever just because Scott is blind does not mean America has to be DEAF! Seriously... he can't sing that well.

Megan actually has great vocals but was her sob story neccessary?

ALEXIS... is AMAZING! She has an amazing range

I also noticed that almost every female on the show has a KID!

Those are just my thoughts on IDOL

BSC Bowl Bid Weekend

NCAA Football fans please stay glued to your seats this weekend. When it comes to BCS Bowl bids, nothing is written in stone, until the final whistle blows.

ANYTHING can happen on BCS weekend.

In 1992, the first year of the BCS, #2 UCLA lost its season finale in a 30-6 rout to Arkansas, while #3 Kansas State went down in the Big 12 championship game. Because of their shortcomings, neither team was able to compete in the National Championship game vs. Tennessee.

In 2001 the Volunteers were ranked #2 and on their way to playing Miami for BCS title. In the SEC Championship game, Tennessee was upset by LSU 31-20. The #1 Miami Hurricanes ended up embarrassing Nebraska, 37-14, in a controversial Championship match up. The Cornhuskers did not compete in the Big 12 Championship game that year; it was a shocker that they had an opportunity to compete in the Big game.

One of the most shocking momenments came in 2003, when Oklahoma lost the Big 12 Championship, but kept their #1 ranking, despite #2 USC coming off of a dominate win in it's season finale, who than fell to the #3 slot. Sneaking into to the #2 spot was LSU, who had just came off of a win at the SEC Championship, leaving USC left out in the cold.

Heading into the final week of 2006 Ohio State had a #1 ranking with no game to play. At the time, #2 USC was eliminated from the BCS Championship after losing to unranked UCLA; meanwhile #3 ranked Michigan was idle. The #4 ranked Gators ended up winning the SEC, and resulted in the leapfrogging of Michigan and USC on their way to a National Championship.

In 2007 a major rollercoaster took place when number #1 Missouri lost the Big 12 Championship, ironically, that same night #2 West Virginia went down. #3 ranked Ohio State who was once again idle faced off against a previously ranked #7 LSU, who entered the game as a surprise after winning the SEC Championship in the final week.

Most Likely BCS Bids:

Penn State
Cincinnati
Florida
Alabama
Texas
USC
Utah
ACC Champ
Big 12 Champ
The winner of Boise State and Ohio State ??????????

S. Ballah

December 4th,

December 4th is a day that I get to reflect about a man that has meant a lot to the generation I am part of and most recently to society as a whole.  

Hustler, Rapper, Mogul, "The Business" Man...

All these monikers are for one person.... Jay-Z, Hovah,  Shawn Carter...

Happy Birthday and in tribute, here's the track that explains it all....

Well, this is a snippet of the making of the song...

Hope you enjoyed it.............

Making A List & Checking it Twice: Great Gift Ideas Part 1

Since the Holidays are upon us I thought this would be a perfect time to put out some gift ideas:

1. For the recent graduate, college student or ultimate college fan (MALE & FEMALE) $300- $3,000

Class Watch offers an array of watches that are personalized with your university. These aren't just cheap watches but well recognized brands: Lacoste, Oakley, Baume-Mercier, Movado to name a few. You can personalize the watch including:

• style of watch
• college logo
• male & female

The website let's you design your watch the way you like..

Every school is not available at this time but they are constantly adding schools. The company also tours various campuses so you may see them near you!

A long time coming, OJ Sentenced

OJ was sentenced Friday, December 6, 2008 (today) to at least nine years in prison after being convicted on all charges related to a Las Vegas incident last year. OJ cannot apply for parole until 2018. Simpson and company were convicted of conspiracy, burglary, kidnapping, robbery and assault. All crimes were committed in attempt to recover items the NFL Hall of Famer claimed were his personal property.

O.J.’s October conviction came 13 years after he was acquitted of the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown and her friend, Ron Goldman.

Today, before sentencing, O.J. told the judge he was “sorry” and added “I didn’t want to hurt anybody. I didn’t know I was doing anything wrong.”

Jurors were convinced that Simpson and five accomplices robbed two sports memorabilia dealers at the Palace Station Hotel and Casino, while the defense team argued O.J. was only trying to steal back personal items and that he had no knowledge two of his people were armed.

New Black City Hosted By Mick Boogie and DJ Woof

Here is one of the more anticipated mixtape releases of the season, New Black City. Hosted by Mick Boogie and DJ Woof, NBC features production from the likes of Illmind, Nottz, Khrysis, J Dilla, Just Blaze and DJ Babu. The mixtape also features collaborations from Skyzoo, Rapper Pooh, Chaundon and more!!! You do not want to miss out on the debut of one of the most lyrical and charismatic emcess of the new school.

Here is the direct link to download the mixtape:

http://www.zshare.net/download/52127069ea1fdfed/

Track listings:

1. New Black City Intro (proud by Paul Triz)
2. New Black City (prod by Babu)
3. Payin My Dues feat Kaydn Velez (prod by Matik)
4. Hard Times (prod by D-Black)
5. The Come Up feat Skyzoo (prod by Illmind)
6. It's D-Black (prod by Just Blaze)
7. You Already Know feat Chaundon (prod by Illmind)
8. Funky Fresh (prod by Mark Rytch, cuts by Dj Nomesky)
9. Top Of The World feat Rapper Big Pooh (prod by Nottz)
10. Dollars Circulate (prod by J Dilla)
11. Queen To Be (prod by Nottz)
12. Hate 2 Love (prod by D-Black)
13. Give It Up (prod by D-Black)
14. Keep It 100 (prod by Krysis)
15. Love Don't Live Here (prod by Matik)
16. Paranoia (prod by Illmind)
17. Three Feet (prod by J Dilla)

DC Metro Joining in the Fight Against Obesity

I reside in the DC area as you may or may not know. I frequently take the Metro (thats the subway for you non-DC residents) be it to work or for pleasure.

Mr. Talented and I have noticed an alarming trend...

AT LEAST ONE ESCALATOR IS BROKEN AT EVERY METRO STATION

We could only come to one conclusion... Metro is fighting the good fight... No I don't mean terrorism... I mean the fight against OBESITY

Despite the fact that the Examiner.com (DC Examiner) cites that escalators "have been performing better in recent months and are now reaching or surpassing Metro’s performance goals"

WHAT KIND OF LOW EXPECTATIONS DOES METRO HAVE??? Or wait they must not have any at all...

Look at this list of stations with non working escalators that I have experienced in the past:

Capitol Heights Metro

- I have used this Metro station almost everyday for the past 3 months and it has NEVER worked!

Metro Center

-3 out of 5 days of the week one of them is broken

Stadium Armory
Pentagon City

-was out this weekend

Gallery Place Metro Center
-4 times in 2 weeks

The only explanation is that Metro is secretly working with the government to end obesity...

Can we sue Metro? Some of these are really high... i mean look at Dupont Circle

Some people are struggling so hard they just stop to take a break...

So if you want to work out then I suggest hop on the Metro instead of taking your car.

Hell that's what I've been doing... lost a few lbs already...

Metro is the New Workout Plan!

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween

So tonight, I'll most likely be Barack Obama - Yes We Can at Love in DC....

For those that are looking for Costumes, you might want to check some of these Celeb Get Ups.

I guess all in good fun...

Enjoy the Night.......