Pre-Thanksgiving Song: "Grace" by Bebe and Cece Winans

We've been playing this song non stop this week. It truly sums up everything that we're feeling in particular about this holiday season. Safe travel to the Central Coast today will prove the ultimate Grace.

Hide behind a painted smile; you lash out and sing while you’re spiritually down, yeah
There’s no need to sit in denial; He knows all about it and understands why (yes He does)
Oh oh oh grace (oh grace oh grace); what would I do without grace
Oh oh oh grace; where would I be, where would I be without grace

How can you love me still when I’ve done wrong (grace)
And how can I make it through this angry storm (oh grace)
Say oh oh oh grace; what would I do without Your grace
Oh oh oh grace; where would I be without grace (where would I be without grace)

If you haven't picked up a copy of Bebe and Cece's brand new cd "Still", get on board.... it's a stone cold winner!

Enjoy the clip and look for more Thanksgiving blessings throughout the week.

American Music Awards 2009: Favorite Performances

*watch the videos before youtube deletes them :)

Whitney Houston

Adam Lambert

Janet Jackson

Alicia Keys

Lady Gaga

Black Eyed Peas

Rihanna

Beyonce Covers "Sweet Love" by Anita Baker on Thanksgiving

 

We've been very careful to not overpost during Beyoncemania, but this had to go up on the site.

We just received this clip of Beyonce covering "Sweet Love" by Anita Baker on her upcoming DVD release. "Sweet Love" is one of our favorite songs from the R&B era. Anita is certainly one of our favorite singers. And Beyonce did the song justice!

"I Am.... Yours" DVD will be released on November 23, 2009. Be sure to watch Beyonce's Thanksgiving special on ABC Thursday at 9:00 PM/ET.

My oh my, Beyonce can sing... as if we didn't know that. Check out the clip and let us know what you think:

New Music: Toni Braxton feat. Trey Songz - So Yesterday

She's Back!

We've missed Toni Braxton and her deep velvet voice. This newest duet with Trey Songz is a stone cold winner. We love the lyrics and the anthem-like quality of the song. We've always been a Trey Songz fan... and we still like his music, but it wasn't necessary to add him to this track. It still works though.

 

The video is simple with some favorable looks on Toni's part.

Check it out... what do you think?

"So Yesterday"

Throwback Jam: "These Foolish Things"

 This is one of our favorite songs from the jazz/blues era.

The writing is unmatched... "a cigarette that bares lipstick traces/ an airline ticket to romantic places/....a fairground's painted swings/... these foolish things remind me of you"

This song is from the 1930s, but has so much transcendent soul... Etta's version is our absolute favorite, but Ella & Lady are close to it.

Check out three different versions from a few of our favorite ladies:

Billie Holiday

Etta James

Ella Fitzgerald

Disney Already Had A Black Princess.....

Does Brandy as Cinderella count?

We suppose by "Disney's First Black Princess" that the company means "animated Black princess". Nonetheless, we are excited to attend a private screening of the film.

The film is based loosely on two major literary pieces The Frog Princess by E.D. Baker and The Grimm Brothers' The Frog Prince. Princess is set interestingly enough in New Orleans and features a jazzed-up soundtrack. We are compelled to ask why Princess Tiana is a frog for much of the film? Yet in still, it will be exciting to hear some of our favorite voices including: Oprah Winfrey, Terrence Howard and Jennifer Lewis.

We will have all of the updates on this already controversial piece by legendary racist animation studio Disney. The film is directed by John Musker and Ron Clements who directed The Little Mermaid, Hercules, and Aladdin (all masterpiece films). The score was written by Randy Newman, who scored both Toy Story movies (featuring some of our favorite songs: "You've Got A Friend In Me" and "When She Loved Me".

Shout-out to Aureal who helped develop the character when she interned at Disney years ago... and princess Anika Noni Rose (who we will see tonight).

The Princess and the Frog debuts nationwide on Friday, December 11, 2009.

Check out the official trailer:

New Video: Alicia Keys "Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart"

Alicia Keys just released her video for the 2nd single off of her highly anticipated new album Elements of Freedom. We are absolutely enthralled in the video's concept of Alicia as a superheroesque charachter.

Alicia has been known to underly many of her works with concepts of feminism and this video has once again proved her viable in presenting the Black woman as a savior.

One day, we might possibly explore Alicia's catalogue and reminisce on "Superwoman", "A Woman's Worth", and so many songs which uplift womanity.

Check out the videos below and get ready to pick up Alicia's new album on December 15, 2009.

"Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart" Video:

"Dreaming" Snippet:

One Billion Starving People On Thanksgiving?

As we walked out of Ralph's Grocery Story this afternoon, a canned food drive was being held in the parking lot by a local car club chapter. We felt so obliged to drop our non-perishables in the bin and continue on throughout our day.

Later this evening, the United Nations launched an online appeal in which they noted that more than 1 billion people across the globe are affected by starvation. They have developed an initiative to help reduce this astronomical number:

The World Food Programme's "Billion for a Billion" campaign aims to reach 1 billion individuals.
"If a billion Internet users donate a dollar or a euro a week, we can literally transform the lives of a billion hungry people across the world," said Josette Sheeran, executive director of WFP.

Feeding 1 billion people might seem like a challenge, but small donations can make a big difference, Sheeran said.

"Year in, year out, governments have supported WFP in its mission to feed the world's hungriest people, but they cannot be expected to do it alone," Sheeran said. "It's time for members of the public to act."

The campaign comes on the eve of a summit planned for Monday by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization. The agency called for a daylong global hunger strike to highlight the issue. (CNN)

It is so sad to know that people are still hungry in masses, even though we now have access to more food resources and greater technology to dispense food. 

Some people are displaying empathy through various means.

"Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon plans to fast for 24 hours to show "solidarity with the planet's 1 billion people who do not have enough to eat," said Marie Okabe, his spokeswoman."

I would rather adopt a family for the holidays or give time to a local shelter on Thanksgiving Day. Yes. I believe I will. Part of our thanks is giving away what has been so graciously given to us: the will to serve.

***As I make my list of Thanksgiving Soul Food, it's so ironic that many Americans are looking to eat less and take diet pills while so many are hungry across the globe.

If we all do our parts, we can decrease this number and help to restore humanity to the globe.
WE are those 1 billion starving people. WE are responsible to help affect change.

Whoa... it makes me wanna holler! This ain't livin'.

Check out Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues" and do something:

Try This: Bikram Yoga!

We've been a staunch believer in the power of healing the body through natural and wholistic treatment.

This past year, we upped our yoga game by attending a weekly session of Bikram Yoga. Each 90 minute session begins with full body air release - opening up the oxygen chamber and releasing the hardships of life.

The room is a blazing 105 degrees with a 40% humidity level and helps to cleanse the body of impurities, toxins and overall nastiness. :)

The 26 Asana (poses) range from 45 minutes of standing postures to 45 minutes sitting.

Bikram has been a blessing on our body and nerves. Check out a session near you ... bring towels, water and stamina!

Check out the video below.

Rihanna Releases Video For "Russian Roulette"

We are completely enthralled by Rihanna's newest video "Russian Roulette". Great writing... excellent cinematography... classic song. Check it out.

Whitney Houston To Be Honored At American Music Awards!

Legendary vocalist Whitney Houston has just been confirmed to appear at the American Music Awards 2009 at the Kodak Theatre here in Hollywood.

Whitney has been a staple at the American Music Awards since her 1985 debut. She has won a staggering 21 AMA's of 37 nominations in her career... distinguishing her as the female artist with the most wins and nominations in the award show's history. 

The American Music Awards are distinguishing Whitney by granting her the International Artist Award.

This award comes at such an important time where we see Whitney blazing trails across the world with her #1 hit album "I Look To You". Whitney will also perform "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" on that evening.

AMA producer Larry Klein stated:

“We’re honoured to have Whitney Houston back on the AMA stage after 10 years."

“She has won the most AMAs of any female artist in history and is without a doubt an international superstar so it’s only fitting we honour her with the International Artist Award this year at such an important time in her career.”

Other show highlights will be: Janet Jackson's opening greatest hits performance, Rihanna's "Rated R" debut, The Black Eyed Peas Mary J. Blige, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Jay Z, Alicia Keys and Beyonce's historic performance.

The 37th Annual American Music Awards will broadcast on Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 7:00 PM PT.

Check out this performance of "I Loves You Porgy/And I Am Telling You" from the 1994 AMA':

Then see Whitney's last AMA performance "Until You Come Back/My Love Is Your Love":

Remembering the Veterans

What an absolutely humbling Veteran's Day. We have never been patriotic, but we are proud of the men and women who have given their lives over the year. We are also proud to finally have a president who looks like us and shows common brilliance at every opportunity.

As we watch Spike Lee's Miracle at St. Anna, we can't help but give thanks for the struggle of all the nameless-faceless wo/men associated with the military.

We would like to personally thank our grandfathers, uncles, cousins and all of those shipped off to war for America. Thank you.

 

Now, enjoy a clip of our favorite voice (Whitney Houston) singing the National Anthem:

Alicia Keys - The Element of Freedom Album Cover Released!

We are in heavy anticipation of the release of Alicia Keys' 4th studio album entitled "The Elements of Freedom". Alicia has been a part of our growings-up since 2001 (sophomore year in high school).


We just received a copy of the newest album cover and it is a stone winner! First thoughts upon seeing the cover is that it is vaguely reminiscent of a crown adorned by Rachel Maron (Whitney Houston) in 1992's The Bodyguard. This homage would make complete sense given Alicia's recent production of Whitney's smash hit "Million Dollar Bill".

We have purchased everyone of her albums and expect nothing less than brilliant writing and staging on this newest record. The lead single "Doesn't Mean Anything" is already a Golden Machine favorite.Check out the video below!

Look out for the newest from songwriter Alicia Keys debuting on December 15, 2009... just in time for Christmas gifts.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Announces His Fight Against Leukemia

Legendary sports hero Kareem Abdul-Jabbar announced this morning that he has been diagnosed with a very rare type of Leukemia. Broderick Turner from The LA Times discusses:

NBA Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has a rare form of leukemia, but the Lakers legend says his long-term prognosis is very good.

Abdul-Jabbar, 62, revealed during an interview Monday that he has Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that produces cancerous blood cells.

The disease was diagnosed in December. But Abdul-Jabbar said his condition can be managed by taking oral medication daily, seeing his specialist every other month and getting his blood analyzed regularly. He said he expects to lead a healthy life.

Abdul-Jabbar acknowledged he was scared after visiting his doctor and learning of the diagnosis.

Abdul-Jabbar has been a staple in the Hip Hop Generation by presenting at many conferences including the National Hip Hop Political Convention. Our prayers are with him and his family for a full recovery.

Attn: Black Men - Please get prostate and colon exams regularly to catch cancer before it's too far along.You can also visit The Ralph Lauren Center for great resources and advice on cancer prevention. Check out the promo below featuring Abdul-Jabbar.

Flashback Video: Cissy Houston "Deep River" @ Luther Vandross Funeral

Michael Joseph Jackson

This morning, we were listening to Luther Vandross and became overcome with grief - thinking about all of those loved-ones and icons we've lost.

 Luther Vandross

 

Gerald Levert

 

August Wilson

 

Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes

 

Aaliyah

 

 

Tupac Shakur

This clip of Cissy Houston belting out "Deep River" for her dear friend Luther was comforting to say the least. 

This video is dedicated to the victims of the Ft. Hood massacre. God Bless... and enjoy.

A former Lafayette man wounded in a shooting rampage at Fort Hood says it was the most harrowing experience of a military career that included 13 months in Iraq in 2003 and 2004.
Army Cpl. Nathan Hewitt tells the Journal & Courier he had received vaccinations Thursday he needed to deploy to Afghanistan when the shooting began. He says he was shot twice while trying to flee.
Hewitt says the shooting was a "tragedy no one could have anticipated."
Army Staff Sgt. Justin M. DeCrow, who formerly lived in Plymouth, was killed in the shooting.
Authorities accuse Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan of firing more than 100 rounds in a soldier processing center at Fort Hood, killing 13 and wounding 29 others in the worst mass shooting on a military facility in the U.S.

Rihanna Makes A Surprise Appearance At UCLA

We don't usually support Jay-Z at The Golden Machine due to his domestic violence tyrades, but we had to mention how excited we  were to see superstar survivor Rihanna join him on stage at UCLA yesterday to perform "Run This Town".

She also did a performance of her newest single "Hard". Rihanna is such an incredible artist and we are highly anticipating the release of her new CD "Rated R" on November 23! Her lead single "Russian Roulette" is already buzzing up the charts!

Beyonce Gives Thanks With Thanksgiving Concert and DVD

Beyonce is giving thanks to all her fans with a special televised concert set from her record-breaking "I Am Yours... Tour". The promo video below has Beyonce explaining the concept behind the Thanksgiving Special recorded at The Wynn in Las Vegas.

In this exclusive performance below, Beyonce gives a snippet of the DVD to be released nationwide on November 23. Her performance of Halo cements her place as the #1 artist of the decade.

Beyonce is the consummate performer.... receiving accolades from her idols Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin. Even her contemporaries (Kanye West, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Jennifer Hudson, Amerie, Alicia Keys, Usher) agree that she's running the entertainment game.

God Bless Beyonce.... thank you... she's finally OURS!
 

 

Throwback Joint: Whitney Houston - My Love Is Your Love

We are feeling the need for some uplifting music...

The first artist we turned to was Whitney Houston (our favorite singer ever!)

Randomly, My Love Is Your Love blared through the speakers and we knew it was time to spotlight the song again. This video version is Whitney's most recent live performance of the song a Good Morning America in September. It features Bobbi Kristina on vocals.

We're so glad that Whitney is back with another platinum album!!

Enjoy!

"Precious" Debuts Nationwide Today!

If you haven't heard of the Lee Daniels masterpiece film Precious yet, you must be on a lone island.

We were invited to private screening of the film a few weeks back. The reviews have been outstanding from a remarkable cast including Paula Patton, Monique, Lenny Kravitz and Mariah Carey. Perhaps the biggest schock is that Mariah can actually act... maybe it was the absence of makeup which gave her a boost.

It is still the breakthrough performance of Gabby Sidibe as Precious which propels the film to Oscar-worthy heights. She brilliantly embodies Sapphire's abnormal character and pulls on the heartstrings of all viewers. Accompanied by Monique's award-winning performance, Gabby fearlessly breaks through Hollywood's image barrier.

The film has already claimed 6 Indie Film awards including the top 3 honors at Sundance Film Festival.

We will be at Arclight Hollywood tonight and hope to hear feedback from everyone who attends!

For now, check out the film's official trailer below :)

Why Did I Get Married Sequel Promises To Be Better Than The First

Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too is finally finished and ready for an April release. The first film was an upgrade for Perry and he promises that this newest film will deliver far beyond the last.

The original cast is together again, but with a few surprises... i.e. cheating (a la "Angela") and a smashing performance by Janet Jackson (Patricia)!!!

We cannot wait for this film to premier. Check out the clip and let us know what you think... does it look interesting?