I love the Grammys. I do. I'll tell you why - it's a chance to see once in a lifetime performances. I don't care that some people may be a little off - usually the Grammy's sound people suck - so I chalk that up to little rehersal time and sucky sound system.
Last night was the Grammy's 50th Anniversary.
They acted like it.
First off, any show that begins with Alicia Keys is a good thing. Period. And Alicia in that dress is God's way of blessing me - THANK YOU, GOD!!!! Then to have her singing with Frank - well - whooooweee. As for the actual performance, she seemed a little skittish but that's okay - old blue eyes will do that to you.
Then she wins the first grammy of the night and it's given to her by Prince. A good omen all the way around.
Let's get into it. The tribute to the Beatles was better than I thought it would be. Carrie Underwood needs to gain some weight - girl looked like she was hittin' the pipe (and yeah, I'll get to you-know-who in a moment...jeeeezzz). Personally I thought Kanye with Daft Punk put it down and while Kanye will never be Luther Vandross, his tribute to his mom was emotion filled and heart felt. His acceptance speech? I'm getting tired of his "I'm the greatest" deal but he was right - it was tacky to start playing music and the man is thanking his deceased mother. I mean, come on, have some class. I know time is a big thing but a little common sense, dontcha think?
The Foo Fighters kicked major ass (okay Ben - They Fuckin' Rock - alright?) and deservedly won Best Rock Album. Beyonce and Tina didn't impress me as much as it was hyped to, but you gotta give Tina her due - the woman is damn near 70 years old. But that outfit.... yeeeesh....
Alicia performed again - not bad, but not great. I personally dug Brad Paisley. Herbie Hancock and Lang Lang did a beautiful rendition of "Rhapsody In Blue". The Gospel Segment was cool but who picked out those clothes? Aretha looked like freakin' Big Bird and BeBe Winans - what was up with that jacket? Oy vey, my people, my people, my people.
Okay - Amy Winehouse. First off, I told you her CD rocked. Second, her singing on "I know I'm No Good" wasn't bad but she was visibly nervous and off with "Rehab" but with all she's going thru - that didn't surprise me. Her background singers/dancers - those boys are fire! Her acceptance speech for Record Of The Year was real. I loved it, especially when she thanked her "mum and dad" while holding mommy's hand....
Let's skip to Album Of The Year - YES!!!! I told all of you this was a great CD!!! Don't believe me - here - check out the Best CD's Of 2007 list. Yeah, I know what I'm talking about. 43 years since a jazz CD won album of the year. The last? Getz/Gilberto. Yep.
Some tidbits: Vince Gill telling Kanye he ain't ever get a grammy from a Beatle - bwahahahahahahahaha! Can someone stop Fergie from singing live? Please? She sounds wounded. Poor John Legend looked wounded...lol.
I'm so happy for Amy and esp. Herbie - well deserved. Not a great night, but not bad....
Rahsaan Patterson - Wines & Spirits: Ever hear an angel sing? No? Get this CD pronto. Rahsaan Patterson is the closest thing you'll hear to heaven. The purest voice in the game right now. And he straight steals "Stronger Than Pride" from Sade. He just gets better, if that's possible. His timing is impeccable and he uses tonality as subtle as a classical artist.
Angie Stone - The Art Of Love & War: The grown folks CD of the year. Leave it to Angie Stone to make a CD that only grown people would understand and admire. Songs of pain and joy, right and wrong, love and love gone foul, this is late night music that makes you cry, laugh, smile, reflect and ultimately respect.
Jill Scott - The Real Thing - Words & Sounds Vol. 3: The bookend to Angie's CD, Jill went thru it all in 2006-2007 and then put it on wax. The realest artist in the biz today. If you can't feel Jill Scott, you're dead inside.
Amy Winehouse - Back To Black: "You Know I'm No Good" was the set up. "Rehab" was killer but "Tears Dry On Their Own" is the song that let's you realize that this woman is the most tragic figure in music right now. If Amy gets her act together, she has enough material to follow up this one with another classic. To be that talented... There are no words to say how important this recording is.
Mario - Go: Mario slowly leaked single after single from this CD and let everyone get their shine before finally blessing us with what should be the new wave's blueprint male R&B CD of the year. "Music For Love" is the most innovative record anyone under the age of 25 has done in years. The kid's got a future in this game.
J. Holiday - Back Of My Lac': Say what you want, "Bed" was a smash across the boards but "Suffocate" is the track. Actually the kid has better chops than you think and the CD shows that. The youngins needed a love man for their generation, and in J. Holiday they found him.
Alicia Keys - As I Am: Musically it's her most complete CD yet. Single wise, not so much. Alicia channels Prince for "Like You'll Never See Me Again", gives you her power anthems in "No One" and "Superwoman" but her soul single is the awesome "Teenage Love Affair", a song dripping with sexual anticipation, she practically is begging you to take her to bed. Musically it's so complete, with Alicia finally learning the power of drums and horns. I just want to see her perform this CD live. That's how musical it is, so much like an old AOR joint. Still, there is no "Fallin", "I Ain't Got You" and "You Don't Know My Name" to be found. She went for the whole pie instead of a piece this time. There is no filler here, kids. Alicia is telling you in one powerful statement that she's here to stay.
Keyshia Cole - Just Like You: If Mary J. Blige is the Queen Of Hip-Hop Soul, then Keyshia is the Princess. No, she's not perfect and yes, her voice warbles and occassionally she'll hit a note that you will look at the speakers with that "WTF was that" look. But, it doesn't matter because ultimately, she bares her soul and leaves it on the table for all to see. She doesn't know how to not break your heart. She might not be perfect musically, but she's got raw emotion to make up for it. She's getting better though. Her duet with Anthony Hamilton, "Losing You" is so right you find yourself rooting for her and "Heaven Sent" makes "Love" look like she was just warming up. Guess what? She was. Still don't believe me? Check her third single, "I Remember". Yeah, that's what I thought.
Ne-Yo - Because Of You: Ne-Yo is gonna be this generation's Prince. I know The-Dream thinks it's him, but he has a way to go (everything sounds the same) while Ne-Yo has found the way to write and not use the same chords. He's the best young singer-songwriter in the biz right now, plus he understands the importance of writing at least two sure fire hits instead of one.
Tank - Sex, Love & Pain: The great thing about Tank is that he's far more talented than he's given credit for. He might be the last of the R&B guys that makes soul songs for men instead of crying into the mic, begging for some trim. Even when he makes a begging song like "Please Don't Go" he maintains his pride. The other thing he makes sure is that his music is real. Every person I know who's truly into soul music owns this CD. What I like is that the kids don't get it, while every adult in the room is nodding their head to every word the man sings.
Best Hip-Hop CD for 2007:
Jay-Z - American Gangster:And the winner is... Truer words were never spoken. The kids call him "Old Head" but say what you want, the game still needs Jigga. Who else can tell iTunes to kiss his ass and still sell? Granted he's not pulling the numbers he used to, but really who is? And Diddy is the main producer? Man, I would've voted this as my soul CD of the year, but too many folks wouldn't have got it. Listen to it and I'm telling you, Hov made the most soulful CD of the year with Diddy acting as point guard. Plus he made black superhero music and I can't hate on that...
Little Brother - Getback: I know you thought once 9th Wonder left, Little Brother was done. Well, you thought wrong, because they came back with what is probably their best CD to date. Pullin in the fam and another guest spot by Weezy on the phenominal "Breakin' My Heart", LB put it in the cut and cooked up that real shit. Phonte and Big Pooh are carrying the De La Soul tradition of showing everyone what true hip-hop is. It's about the flow and the skill and the heart. They came with the best pure hip-hop CD of the year and if Jigga didn't drop an epic, they had the top spot free and clear. Not a weak track on this bad boy.
Ghostface Killah - The Big Doe Rehab: I really wondered if I was gonna add this but at the last minute I had to. It's Toney Starks, baby and he's still one of the driving forces of creativity in the world of hip-hop. The game needs Ghost. What I love about this CD is it might be the most definitive Wu-Tang CD in years. The brothers got dirty on this one. Meth sounds hungry again. Rae sounds like his having fun again. It's a celebration, bitches. Truthfully? I don't believe Ghost knows how to make a bad CD...
Talib Kweli - Eardrum: With his most masses friendly CD ever, Talib comes thisclose to crossing over, and shows you he has learned from friends Common and Kanye West. Plus it doesn't hurt being one of Jay-Z's favorite MCs. Talib takes control and he has guest spots galore as Lyfe Jennings, UGK, Jean Grae (the best female MC in the game today), Musiq Soulchild, KRS-One, Norah Jones, and Justin Timberlake among others all check in to what might be Talib's most cohesive CD to date. He never forgets quality is job one and he knows how to do his job well.
DJ Jazzy Jeff - The Return Of The Magnificent: Hands down my second favorite CD of the year. It's just fun to listen to. "My Soul Ain't For Sale" featuring Raheem DeVaughn is perfection. Just pop in the CD and let it play. It will soothe your mental.
Kanye West - Graduation: He beat 50 in sales, made the celebatory song of the year with T-Pain in "Good Life" while recording one of the best singles of the year with "Stronger". He wins, nuff said.
UGK - Underground Kingz: Some leave too soon. Such is the case with Pimp C. This was his 2nd coming party. Well respected in the game, this tour-de-force double CD finally after all these years, made UGK household names. As it stands now, it is a final testimony to one of the greatest rap duos in history. Rest in peace, Pimp C, you are missed, brother.
Common - Finding Forever: Is it better than "Be"? Personally, I say no but it comes damn close. While Common has been destroying MC's lately, it says something that his greatest hits CD finally comes out and it's miles better than this. You can hear the hunger in young Common's (then Common Sense) voice. I wish he'd get that back.
Black Milk - Popular Demand: With all the new kids on the block, Black Milk got less love from the masses but more love critically than any of them. Personally, to me it's more it changes, more it stays the same. The kid will kick out about two to three more CD's and then flip his style and become loved by the masses. Only Hurricane Chris comes close to skill level. All you need hear is "Shut It Down" and listen to how he rides the beat like a jockey.
Pharoahe Monch - Desire: The best pure MC in the game blessed us with a complete CD. For that alone, he makes the list. Besides, anyone who can remake "Welcome To The Terrordome" and do it justice must be praised.
Best CD for 2007:
Jay-Z - American Gangster: And the winner is... Wait, I said that already, right?
Rahsaan Patterson - Wines & Spirits: Pure soul on a CD.
Herbie Hancock - River - The Joni Letters: I love Joni Mitchell. It seems so does Herbie Hancock who teams up with his old compadre from "Da Quintet" days, Wayne Shorter, to bring back memories of greatness once again. Two old friends who happen to be on top of their game paying homage to one of the greatest American songwriters ever. As an added blessing, guess who shows up to sing one of her songs ("Lay Down Your Arms")? As cool as that is, it's Tina Turner's understated jazz vamp on "Edith & The Kingpin" that blows your mind on the vocal level and "Solitude" that just blows your mind.
Little Brother - Getback: Best pure hip-hop CD of the year
Angie Stone - The Art Of Love & War: see above
Amy Winehouse - Back In Black: see above
Maroon 5 - It Won't Be Soon Before Long: More alternative than "Songs About Jane" which had a more pop/r&b feel, this one is musically miles ahead. And it sounds like they were having fun recording it. It's the type of CD where you just hear the guys thinking, ..."we can play this song all night long on stage". And mean it.
Ghostface Killah - The Big Doe Rehab: see above
Lyle Lovett - It's Not Big, It's Large: Lyle Lovett is so much more than a country singer. He's a songwriter first and a damn good one. Blessed with a unique vision, a unique voice and a mastery of music, if you play this late at night and don't feel this record, you're dead inside. Lyle's 50th birthday present to himself and he shared with all of us. Thanks, Mr. Lovett.
Deborah Cox - Destination Moon: Canada's R&B import never showed that she had range like this before. But Deborah Cox flipped the music world on it's ear by doing a big band tribute to the legendary Dinah Washington and in the process, invited us along for the ride as she found her true calling. All the hype years ago about how Deborah Cox had the voice and she was the only newbie that could stand toe to toe with Whitney finally bore fruit. Dinah is smiling on ya, Deb....
Honorable Mentions for 2007:
1. 50 Cent featuring Diddy & Jay-Z - I Get Money (Forbes 1, 2, 3 Remix) - Okay, so Kanye bodied him, album wise. But, 50 released what might be the strongest single of his career and then found a way to improve on it. First off, his verse is a blazer and then, surprise of surprises, Diddy has the best verse of his career. Then the greatest rapper alive smokes them both as he drops metaphors like meteors and ends it by laying waste to everyone declaring he still runs New York. You can play this song on repeat and it doesn't get old. It just makes you want to dance.
2. Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings - 100 Days, 100 Nights - Who said old school is dead? The Dap Kings provided the music for Amy Winehouse's CD and shows you how to do it with the ever young Sharon Jones. This is pure soul music that will remind you that real singers have pure power. Ain't no whining on this CD. Listen to the woman show you how to sing. This CD should be required listening for every new vocalist out there.
3. Michael Buble - It Had Better Be Tonight (Meglio Stasera) - A pure salsa feel mixed with an old-school James Bond theme-like pop sound, Michael Buble knows how to use that wonderful voice. The real star here is the band though, as they seemlessly flow between a pure salsa cooker to movie soundtrack 60's style action music. It sounds insane on paper, but it works. And the song is a three minute high intensity workout. This should be a must play for all gym rats. Doesn't hurt that it's one of the sexiest songs you'll ever hear...
4. Fabolous featuring Ne-Yo - Makes Me Better - How to make a smooth hip-hop song that's danceable? This is the blueprint. You know you have a hit on your hands when both old and young people are singing the song at the same time.
5. Trey Songz - I Can't Help But Wait - I just kept playing the damn thing. The hook is sick.
6. Kevin Michael - Kevin Michael - You want to hear the future? Do you? Here it is. "Liquid Lava Love"...good Lord, the kid is the future of R&B...
7. Robert Glasper - In My Element - Right now, there is no other pure jazz artist that can incorporate elements of 'Trane with J.Dilla.
8. Robin Thicke - The Evolution Of Robin Thicke - Hall & Oates and the rest have nothing on Robin's blue-eyed soul. The boy got D'Angleo chops and that "Lost Without U" was pure music crack.
9. Mark Ronson feat. Amy Winehouse - Valerie - How I wish Mark would've let Amy put this on her CD. Amy actually sounds like she's having the best time of her life on this track. It's fun and makes you want to bounce around the house in your drawers acting stupid. Plus it shows the power in Amy's voice.
10. Mya - Ridin' - When she's on, she's all in there. The track is fire and Mya sounds like she's ready to rise to the next level.
11. Michael Brecker - Pilgrimage - The last CD from a legend. Leave it to Brecker to make his last one his best CD ever. R.I.P. brother...
12. Tyrese - One - The new proposal song. Tyrese did it right.
13. Chrisette Michele - I Am - If only for "If I Have My Way" which is one of the best songs of the year. Good thing she bought more than that to the table. A nice debut for an artist that we'll be hearing alot more from.
14. Rascal Flatts - She Goes All The Way (feat. Jamie Foxx) - Probably the best I've heard Jamie and it's on a country record. Still, it's one of the most loving, beautiful songs you'll ever hear. Rascal Flatts is slowly making it's way to creating the perfect country-pop hybrid album.
15. Jaheim - Never: Jaheim's new album isn't out for another week or two but if the first single is any indication, the love man with the Teddy Pendergrass-like voice has returned to bring 2008 in as his year.
16. Daughtry - Over You: A message song from probably the best of the American Idol kids. Figure it this way, if he's this good on his debut, imagine what he'll be like three albums in. Say what you want, Daughtry kicks ass.
17. Playaz Circle - Duffle Bag Boy feat. Lil' Wayne: Weezy was all over the place in 2007, but this was the song that moved me for him because his flow is so sick on this one. He sounds like he's ready to go to church, you can hear the soul oozing out of him. The self-professed best rapper alive put his foot in this joint right here. Damn song is so infectious, I found myself humming the damn thing while walking down the street.
18. Lifehouse - Broken: One of the most beautiful songs of 2007. When I heard it, it just stopped me in my tracks. If this song doesn't touch you, you have no soul.
19. Nickelback - Rockstar: Guilty pleasure of the year. Yeah, you were singing it too, admit it. Besides, I saw you on the youtube tryin' to get your Rockstar on...
20. Justin Timberlake - Until The End Of Time Remix feat. Beyonce: Yeah, I know. I'm sick of both of them too. They both need to fall back a little but who knew they would sound so good together? This might be Beyonce's best performance of the year simply because she's not all over the place. It's her most controlled and subdued performance still showing her power. I forgot she could sound this good.
Now for those who think I'm absolutely nuts, before you lose your damn mind, peep the link below.
I was going to write a brief blog about doing my annual best of lists and how, once again, the studios and record companies wait until the very end of the year to release some absolute crack that makes me revise my list. I did my normal and visited my fave blogs and then saw this about Pimp C on Nahright's site. I thought, nah, can't be. Must be a mistake. Then I went to TMZ and saw this and was all fucked up. For those who just want the info, here's what TMZ reported:
Pimp C, real name Chad Butler -- and one half of the rap duo UGK, was found dead in a hotel room this morning. He was 33.
L.A. County Fire responded to a 911 call at the Mondrian Hotel, located on trendy Sunset Strip in Hollywood. They arrived to his sixth floor hotel room to find him dead in bed.
UGK is best known for appearing on the Jay-Z track "Big Pimpin'" in 2000, and more recently with Outkast on the song "International Player's Anthem (I Choose You)." Pimp C had just performed with fellow rapper Too Short at the "House of Blues" in L.A. on Saturday night.
They recently added an update:
UPDATE: Jive Records has issued the following statement regarding Pimp C's death:
"It is with great sadness that Jive Records announces the passing of Chad "Pimp C" Butler, a member of the celebrated rap duo UGK (Underground Kingz). Jive Records' President and CEO Barry Weiss states: "We mourn the unexpected loss of Chad. He was truly a thoughtful and kind-hearted person. He will be remembered for his talent and profound influence as a pioneer in bringing southern rap to the forefront. He will be missed and our prayers remain with his family and Bun B. I've known Chad since he was 18, and we loved him dearly and he was a cherished member of the Jive family."
Born in Port Arthur, Texas, Butler's father was a trumpet player who played professionally with Solomon Burke. Outside of his father, the 33-year old rapper's influences varied, ranging from Bobby Bland, Jimmy McGriff, the 1960's Motown artists to Run DMC. Butler met his inseparable partner Bernard "Bun B" Freeman in high school where they formed UGK. In 1992, the duo signed to Jive Records and went on release a total of eight albums for the label. They earned their highest achievement earlier this year when their most recent album, UGK (Underground Kingz), debuted in the number one position on the album pop chart. According to the New York Times, UGK "helped inspire a generation of Southern hip-hop stars, from OutKast to Lil Wayne."
Bun B is not available for comment at this time."
Finally, just to make sure, I went over to Miss Info's site (one of the most reliable sites out there - love Miss Info, btw...) because I knew she wouldn't write anything until confirmed and there it was.
Damn.
My condolences to his family, friends and especially his P.I.C., Bun B. True legend in the game, Pimp C will definitely be missed.
You have to understand that for true hip-hop fans, this is beyond tragic. While he might never be mentioned in standard media with the likes of Biggie, Pac, and even Big Pun, Pimp C in our community, the hip-hop community, was as relevant and important as any of them, trust.
And to think, I was feeling good listening to Ghost rip a new one with his new cd. Now, I'm gonna have to listen to UGK's CD on repeat for a while.
While I'm still waiting on Deacon to finish up his segment for the official part one for the Slade Wilson Vampire story, I've been checking out the entertainment scene.
Yes, the writers are on strike and it looks more and more like the fall season is about to go belly up, but there is a bright side....
The music scene is flourishing with some quality stuff out there. While listening and watching some of this stuff, I've been hit with some thoughts:
Alicia Keys' new single "Like You'll Never See Me Again" has her chanelling Prince like a mutherfucker. Don't believe me? Check this out:
Uh huh - Nice, right? Ummmm - now check this out....
I wanted to find Prince's "Adore" , or "Diamonds & Pearls" (you really hear it then...) but you get the idea. It's just that nowadays, Prince got the web so shook about using anything of his, it's some hard to find shit. I wish he would just go after these bastards trying to make a profit off him and not people doing it purely for the love, but I understand that when you gotta protect what's yours, everyone falls under suspicion, but still....sigh...
Meanwhile, the one of the greatest mc's alive is trying to tie Elvis for number one albums. Jay-Z is going all in for this one. He recently did VH1's "Storytellers" and BET's "106 & Park" and tore both out the frame....
A killer live band and Hova in full soul mode.... "American Gangster" might be the best soul record of the year. And to think we have Diddy to thank for it...
Yeah, I said Diddy. As in Sean "Puff Daddy"/"P-Diddy"/"Diddy" Combs.
Most of the production is done by Diddy and the Hitmen.
Mind-boggling, isn't it? This is the Diddy I remember when he first hit the game and he could make up some killer hits and not blatant re-do a song. This is Diddy on his creative tip with one of the most creative and lyrical artists alive today.
Anyway, I would advise y'all to check out stuff like what Radiohead is up to (it's radical, y'all...), Alicia (as I said before - she's coming like Wonder Woman to save the freakin' day...), Keyshia Cole, J Holiday (who's CD I'm liking more and more), Chris Brown's newest joint where he's truly showing some growth (always check the love songs - that's the barometer), Angels & Airwaves, and a host of others. The music scene is making a major move right now, and it's timing couldn't be better.
Me? I'm going to fire up the iTunes and finally try to catch up on some blog reading....
