Friday, November 29, 2013

Justin Timberlake - TKO Remix ft. J. Cole Pusha T & A$AP (explicit)


Justin Timberlake and Timbo went rather explicit with the remix to their TKO record. They grabbed some of rap music's biggest names for the track. J. Cole who speaks on Kendrick Lamar's infamous Control record in his verse, followed by A$AP Rocky, and Pusha T. 

TKO is off of Justin Timberlake's latest hit album The 20/20 Experience (2 of 2). Check it out after the jump.

Evelyn Lozada confirms Pregnancy






I feel like I'm hearing a lot about babies and weddings lately, and I love it. Next up is Evelyn Lozada of Basketball wives. Rumors began to circulate this morning that the outspoken reality star and author was expecting a baby after images emerged online of her with a baby bump.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Amber Riley Wins Dancing With the Stars!



Glee's Amber Riley is a star on the show for her incredible voice! Turns out singing isn't the only thing the girl can do and do well. Amber entered into this season's Dancing With the Stars not too sure of what she could do herself, but she ended up beating out finalists Corbin Bleu and Jack Osbourne for the title.

"I did this competition because, I didn't know if I could do it and anything that scares me I wanna do, so I want to let women of all sizes out there know you can do whatever you put your mind to. It doesn't matter what size you are, what color you are, you can do whatever, whatever, whatever, whatever you put your mind to!"

Amber was so gorgeous last night and you could literally see the happiness and excitement on her face. She and her partner Derek Hough received a perfect score on their final dance together! I wonder what else Amber will prove to be great at! Go Amber!

Today's Kanye West Interviews With Sway & With The Breakfast Club




I have a lot to say about the interviews, it'll have to wait. In the meantime check them out for yourself.

Chad is In Defense of Rihanna's Doobie Wrap



I was never a big Rihanna fan until last night. Watching the American Music Awards I think I fell in love with her. Sure she has more YouTube views than anyone else-I haven’t really seen them. When her songs come on the radio, I usually change the station. You get the point. Robyn Fenty received the Icon Award at the American Music Awards on Sunday. However, a lot of the talk was not about her achievement, but the hairstyle she chose to wear: the doobie wrap.

For those that do not know what a doobie wrap is: it is part of a nightly ritual win which women comb their hair in a circular motion, secured by Bobbi pins, and a scarf is placed on top of it (preferably silk) to keep said lady’s hair straightened while going to bed. The hairstyle only lasts the night and is rarely seen outdoors, as it is combed out the next morning to give the hair that fresh out of the salon look. From time to time, it may be seen outdoors if a woman is running a quick errand or has get somewhere and it is raining outside. It is one of if not the most common hairstyles amongst black women from ages fifteen to fifty.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

World News: Pope Francis urges reform in Catholic Church


Pope Francis called for reform saying Catholics should be more engaged in helping the needy as he outlined his vision for the future of the Roman Catholic Church, according to news outlets. He is open to suggestions that can help make his ministry more effective, in the way Jesus Christ served the lost and needy.

Rihanna Helps UNICEF Kick off "There for the Philippines" Campaign







Today UNICEF- a charitable fund geared towards improving the lives of Children all around the world kicks off it's recent effort to assist the little people over in The Philippines. We're all aware of the horrible natural disaster that struck them recently. Many have died and many are still living under horrible conditions there in The Philippines. Among celebrities stepping in to help is Rihanna who donated $100,000 to the organization to help kick off their "There for the Philippines" campaign.

Doggystyle- 20 Years of Snoop Dogg



“I'm sittin' in the crib dreamin' about Leer jets and coupes/The way Salt shoops and how to sell records like Snoop”-Notorious B.I.G.

November 23, 2013 marked the twentieth anniversary of Snoop Doggy Dogg’s debut album ‘Doggystyle.’ Selling over four million records, ‘Doggystyle’ is his highest selling album and was the foundation that not only put him amongst hip hop’s all-time greats, but a pop culture icon.

After making scene-stealing appearances alongside Dr. Dre on ‘Deep Cover’ and throughout ‘The Chronic’ in 1992 there was much anticipation to Calvin Broadas’s first album. While receiving mixed reviews, ‘Doggystyle’ became both the highest selling debut album of all time and highest selling first week album sales until 50 Cent’s ‘Get Rich or Die Trying’ in 2003 and Eminem’s ‘The Marshall Mathers LP’ (all three as Dr. Dre prodigies). With whiney synths, slapping snares and claps, and George Clinton creating the G-Funk backdrop, Snoop made something that not only transcended nationally; it opened up the door for rap acts who were not from New York to do the same (word to OutKast’s debut that debuted five months later).

Monday, November 25, 2013

2013 AMAs Fashion- Who Had The Best Look!?


As with every awards show, all eyes are on celebrities not just to see who will win an award, but also who will look the best doing it. This year's AMAs was no different. The stars showed up in all sorts of ensembles. Ladies went glam for the most part. A few chose bright colors, but almost everyone stayed with black and white. The fellas were held down in my opinion by One Direction, who all had the black and gray color scheme, but not the traditional suit and tie look.

I personally loved Ciara's J. Mendel number, Rihanna rocking a pushy Jean Paul Gaultier set, and Naya Rivera's super sultry Michael Kors black dress. I also loved Jennifer Hudson's pick of color, and Katy Perry's classic black hair and red lip. Check out a whole heap of AMA's fashion when you read on.

Ariana Grande, Justin Timberlake, Kendrick Lamar, JLo & More- AMA Performances



This years' American Music Awards had some great performances. Along with the fan voted awards, artists hit the stage to deliver memorable sets. From Katy Perry to Kendrick Lamar, fans across America were treated to elaborated stages and great vocal performances.

A few of my favorites of the night were, Ariana Grande for SURE, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, and JLo's Celia Cruz tribute. Check the performances out when you read on.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Rihanna's Mom & Jay Z present her with the Icon Award + Her Did Her Look Work for You? (Video + Pics)



Tonight Rihanna received a special honor at the 2013 AMAs. The singer who's stats are undeniable was honored with the Icon Award at just 25. The AMAs made it extra special for her. The award was presented by Bill Maher & two very special people- Jay Z & Rihanna's mom, Monica Fenty.

Rihanna hit the stage to much of our surprise with her hair wrapped, and delivered her hit record, Diamonds in one of the best performances she's given. It was obvious that the 25 yr old took full responsibility of the title being bestowed upon her as she sang her heart out on stage. The vocal was spot on. She sang the beautiful record with the type of command and presence you'd expect from someone being honored as an icon. At one point it was almost as if she was going to take us to church. With the kind of pressure on Rihanna to live up to her hype vocally, one can only imagine how much that pressure tripled with this honor. I'd like to think per usual, she met the challenge.

Many of Rihanna's peers, family members, friends, & fans a like showered the pop artist with love on twitter and Instagram to celebrate her accomplishments. Her darling mother went on and on about how humble Rihanna is and how she's proud of her daughter just after being sure to thank Jesus for the moment. I fell in love with the lady and her adorable accent. I'm sure the words of her mother meant more to Rihanna than any stat they put up on the big screen. It was a sweet moment.

Watch Rihanna's tribute and performance when you read on. Also see pics of her rocking her doobie and Jean Paul Gaultier. Known for her fashion and hair, Rihanna's look for the night was almost as talked about as her receiving the big honor. As Jay Z said in the tribute video, she has lots more to give her fans, and it seems so odd that so much has been accomplished in such little time. Check out Rihanna's special moment when you read on.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Congrats! After All the Baby Talk, Kelly Clarkson is Pregnant!




Since the moment we learned Kelly Clarkson had decided to get married, we've been hearing her speak of wanting to be pregnant, and quick! Well, it looks as though her prayers were answered. The singer announced via her twitter page that she and her new husband Brandon Blackstock are expecting their first child together.

"I'm pregnant!!! Brandon and I are so excited! Best early Christmas present ever :)"


Just five weeks ago, Kelly used the same excitement to share that she'd married her love in TN.

"I'm officially Mrs. Blackstock :) We got married yesterday at Blackberry Farms in TN, the most beautiful place ever!"


I love how celebs use their twitter accounts to say what they need to. It's like getting everything straight from the source. Many people are questioning whether Kelly's last minute wedding as it seemed to the public, and her eagerness to talk babies was because she was already expecting. Who knows?! It doesn't really matter either way. Kelly and her husband seem very happy together, I couldn't be more excited for her. Congrats to them!

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

New Video: Kanye West ft. Kim Kardashian 'Bound 2'



We've come to expect dark imagery from Kanye West. It's sort of been his thing lately, but for this Bound 2 visual, he breaks that mode. Featuring his fiance' and his daughter's mom Kim Kardashian- Kanye goes for a softer and more sensual video this time around. The visual captures some beautiful scenery enhanced by how gorgeous Kim K is!

World News: Two dead, dozens feared trapped at site of collapsed South African mall


Rescuers have been working in the dark to find and free dozens believed trapped under a collapsed mall in South Africa, according to news outlets. Two people have died.

Monday, November 18, 2013

Chris Brown Releases New Mix tape "X Files" + Flies Under the Radar to Help Victims in the Philippines



This past weekend so many relief efforts continued to assist the people of the Philippines. After such a tragic natural disaster, they need all of the help they can get.

As many people around the world came together to give, a familiar name & face joined them. Chris Brown stopped by to help his friend Dom DeLuca and a few others load trucks full of supplies for victims of the typhoon at the LA Brooklyn Projects location. Chris sent out a tweet saying how good the turn out was, but most of us had no clue what he was talking about.

Blended Families: Can we all just get along?


We live in a time where families aren't the nuclear version we were raised to achieve. In 2013 families are blended officially and unofficially and that goes for celebrities as well. They are regular people just like us and are not exempt from the behaviors we share. A couple of weekends ago I saw a photo of Ciara posing with her soon to be sis-in law and two of her fiancé's children's mothers. Being a "baby mama" out of three, I saw this and thought that was great to see. Of course in the comments section there were those who felt the opposite of my positive feelings, which definitely rubbed me the wrong way.

Friday, November 15, 2013

New Video: Rihanna -What Now



Finally the visual for Rihanna's much loved new single, What Now is here! Though it's only been one week since it was confirmed to be released today it felt like forever for many fans. The song What Now is one of the best on Rihanna's No. 1 Unapologetic album if you ask me. Lyrically it deals with something many of us know too well, that numbness that heart break and heart ache can cause over time. Due to the emotionalism in the song, Rihanna and team decided to go against the grain with the visual. As Rih described in the teaser released a couple of days ago, she didn't want to get too boring or predictable with the video because it could easily go that way.The visual is dark and eery, but Rihanna as always brings some beauty and sex appeal.

Rihanna's ability to play this role so well is crazy! The video tangos between distorted and dark images of a possessed Rihanna to a really soft and helpless Rih. The contrast is incredible...and necessary for such a dark video. It's quite befitting on some weird level. Love is something that possesses you somehow, rendering you the most helpless feeling ever. When it's good it's great, but when things turn sour they often turn dark and hopeless, sort of like this video

Jhene Aiko Celebrates Album Release With Family & Friends- James Fauntleroy, Chris Brown, & Others


Jhene Aiko celebrated the release of her new album, Sail Out last night in LA with a group of family and friends. Fans have been waiting for a long time for this song bird's project to be released. When we interviewed her, it was obvious that she'd been waiting even longer for the right time, or right fit.

Last night was the culmination of all of that for the singer/songwriter who's sound has become synonymous with her name. Surrounded by industry pals, family, and friends she got to take a break from touring with Drake to celebrate her major accomplishment. Sail Out is reminiscent of her highly praised mixtaped Sailing Souls released a couple of years ago. I'm still jamming that mixtape, and the new cd compliments it so well.

The album has received love from peers and critics alike. Jhene is one of a very few artists who have been able to fully maintain their identity and sound right off the bat. She explained in our interview how important it was to her to be able to be herself, even in her early years. This may have caused a bit of a delay in her actually releasing an album, but in the end, it's paid off tremendously.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Rihanna Receiving Icon Award At This Years AMAs



Fresh off of her hugely successful World Tour, Rihanna is- like many of her peers gearing up for the American Music Awards. While her peers are hoping to grab one award, Rihanna who is also nominated quite a few times can breathe easy. The pop diva is said to be receiving arguably, the biggest honor of the night- the Icon Award. One might question how this Bajan princess at 25 is receiving an Icon award and as LA Times broke it down, the answer is simple. Rihanna has accomplished as much (and in many cases more) in her few years in the industry as anyone we consider iconic. Kudos to Rih!

Rihanna's Navy has been waiting and hoping she would at least attend the AMAs, they can now take a sigh of relief. They've also been waiting patiently for her next video What Now. The record is a touching rock ballad that so many fans and peers have come to love. Rihanna set off this weekend with full promo for the release of the video this Friday. She released a few photos setting the mood for what appears to be a pretty dark video to match the songs heavy emotional content. The Navy responded with their own campaign of sorts, just to let her know they ware ready for the visual to drop.

Rih took their little campaign photos and made them her header on twitter. She has the cutest relationships with her fans. Now, she's giving them even more to look forward to by dropping this Behind the Scenes footage of the video which is sure to be a fan favorite. Check it out when you read on.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

The Playlist: Jarell Perry- Braindead



Jarell Perry may be somewhat of a new name for many of you, but you may want to change that asap. Jarell is one of the most buzzed about new alt-R&B artists in the game right now. I first learned of him from my old MTV TJ boo Jose. I trust Jose's musical taste, and he was spot on with Jarell. His smooth and effortless vocals have crooned their way into many playlists and hearts alike already. The LA artist seems to be releasing jam after jam. His latest, Braindead is a midtempo groove about those awkward moments when words just won't come in relationships.

Jarell explains:
It's really me just tapping into this experience of miscommunication with someone you love, when you can't ever seem to get the right message across

Well, if you let me tell it, this record gets the message across perfectly. Jarell's voice compliments the track in the most perfect way as he tells his story through song. I've been jamming this record since I got it this morning. Braindead is the second release from Perry's upcoming White EP. The up and coming singer/songwriter is really making moves as he gears up to become a household name in music. Along with his new EP, he'll be hitting a few stages this year! Check out JarellPerry.com to find out where you can see him next!  In the meantime, read on to hear Braindead.. and as always.. Update your playlists.

Chad Debates In Defense of Kanye West



Kanye West wants to make you uncomfortable. Whether you’re a paparazzo, an unassuming teenage pop/country singer, or a casual listener; his mission is to provoke and open up the door for conversation. Using shock value, Yeezey has found ways to spark dialogue and debate on a myriad of issues since stepping into his own as a solo artist ten years ago.

We championed Kanye when he said what most of Black America was thinking about George Bush and we secretly enjoyed him taking Taylor Swift’s thunder do defend a video that was superior. Why are people so quick to jump on Yeezus all of a sudden for stirring up controversy?

Kanye has let the whole world know that he is in love with Kim Kardashian. During an interview with Ryan Seacrest on October 29, the court of public opinion has been treating Mr. West like he is having delusions of grandeur. He bucked at the proverbial system for Kim K being deemed ineligible for a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame because she is a reality star, thumbed his nose at Vogue for being classist snobs, and then said that the mother of his child is more influential than Michelle Obama.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

World News: Jamaican students learn life lessons through dominoes


This is a pretty neat find for our readers, especially those who love playing dominoes. Students from some of the toughest neighborhoods in Jamaica's capital are learning domino strategies through a government program. Teens and 20-somethings hope it will keep them from becoming crime statistics or give in to despair at a time when youth unemployment is at 38 percent, and better opportunities are scarce, according to a report by the Associated Press.

Solange Knowles Brings Out the Fresh in Music with New Saint Heron Compilation



Solange Knowles happens to be one of the most captivating artistic beauties in the game to me. She's a beau of a different breed, always going in the different direction. Solange recently  started what I'd like to consider a whole movement of good music, and great energy in the form of her new company St. Records. Allowing for other incredibly fresh artists the opportunity for more exposure, Solange has made a compilation album featuring some of the best the industry has to offer.

The project entitled, Saint Heron puts the spotlight on some really great talent. The record features the likes of India Shawn (who is no stranger to this site), Jhene Aiko, Kelela, Star Child, Cassie, and more. The music on this project is something like a complete melodic journey. Mountains and valleys of pure soul and rhythm pull listeners in to every song. Music lovers are discovering artists they never knew existed thanks to this ingenious move on Solange's part.

The whole Saint Records movement didn't start with this project alone. Solange has created a webspace dedicated to the whole energy of good music and light that she embodies. The site's blog features short odes to artists who have impacted her and other creatives in major ways. She's shown love to artists like Brandy, Kim Burrell, and Aaliyah for their heavy influences in music. Solange is making sure to develop a platform that highlights the new and fresh sounds of today, but also tributes the ground breakers of yesterday, tis' why I am so here for it all.

Be sure to get Saint Heron now and pay close attention to what Solange is doing. This is gold. Solid.

Monday, November 11, 2013

Oh Just Another Post to Make Your Heart Smile: Happy Veterans Weekend!



 I won't say much. I just love these posts because they remind us that there are good things happening in this world! I also love this because I think so many people walk by the homeless as if they aren't even there. Even if I don't have money or food to give at that time, I always make sure to say "hello", and "goodbye", or "how are you?" I'm always intrigued by the fact that they are people, with stories, and families.

Many of them are battling mental disorders or addictions. This post made me think about my habit of acknowledging the homeless. I'd hate to feel invisible to the world, but many of them do. I wonder how many people would ignore this man before his transformation, but engage him after..considering nothing about him having served our country or being a human being has changed.

 Just watch this video. Love to Dove!

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Giving Back: Sevyn Streeter Visits Boys & Girls Club



CBE Recording artist and hit songwriter Sevyn has a lot to be thankful for this Holiday season. She is one of the most sought after songwriters in the game having written hits for Chris Brown, Kelly Rowland, Ariana Grande, and more. She's absolutely a super talented singer, and taking over radios left and right to prove it. Her hit record with Chris Brown, It Won't Stop is forever spinning somewhere. The singer is currently touring with K. Michelle and gearing up to release her debut solo project, Call Me Crazy, But..

So, needless to say she has a whole lot of good stuff going on, but also a whole lot of work to do.  So what do you do when you've been extremely blessed? You do what Sevyn did yesterday and make time to give back. That's right, stripping off the "celebrity" sexy diva look, Sevyn took some down time to hang out at the Boys and Girls Club with some bright stars of tomorrow.

Balancing Act: How Do You Prioritize Parenthood?



We only have one life to live, and what dictates how great it can be are the choices we make every day. And while we wear multiple labels, it doesn't mean that we always wear them well. Some folks wear them and fly under the radar silently, while putting in work to make sure that label shines brightly when inspected closely. Then there are others who brag loudly that they are this or that, but don't do any work that backs up just how great they are at doing their job. Why is it that the work doesn't always match up with the assigned label? Daily choices my dear, daily choices.

On the subject of parenthood, there is no good reason as to one may slack off or be a deadbeat parent. Granted there are cases where children are brought into the world to parents who weren't 100% ready, it doesn't mean that they are excused from doing what they are supposed to do. It doesn't matter how the pregnancy happened. Two people made a choice to have relations and since they made that choice together, they can continue to make the daily decision to do right by their child- whether they wanted it or not.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Jay Z and His Baby Girl Blue Are ADORABLE




As a huge Jay Z fan, I know that there's nothing he's more proud about right now than his baby girl. From the outside looking in, one could assume that Jay Z is just a thug who made it big, and decided to move into other business ventures. That is true, but a look deeper into his music and interviews over the years will tell you that he's much more than that as a person. Jay has always honored and looked forward to the role of a father.

Since Blue's birth we've watched him share some of the most adorable moments with his babygirl. The most recent (the above photo) shared by his wife Beyonce on her Tumblr page is almost a classic shot. It captures the pure joy I'm sure he feels when he's with his mini me.

BTS: Celine Dion and Babyface record "At Seventeen" Video



Celine Dion AND Babyface ..together!!!? Yes! Today Celine's crew released this amazing video of her working with Babyface. The video shows the two legends collaborating on Celine's latest album, Loved Me Back to Life. Amazingly, this is the first time these two have collaborated in all of their years in the industry.

It's really great to see both of them in awe of one another while recording the classic, At Seventeen. The lyrics reign true for both of these artists and many of us. Celine opens up about how unhappy and awkward she was as a teenager, and how she knows it's probably even more difficult for people to feel beautiful today.

This is such a classic collaboration. You don't get to see the greats working together like this often. It's really wonderful how Babyface made this record sound like Babyface, Celine, and the original. The guy is a genius.

 

World News: Pasta maker Barilla tries diversity after anti-gay scandal


Italian pasta maker Barilla has experts helping the company overhaul its image and promote diversity in ads after its CEO sparked outrage by saying he would never use gay couples in commercial, according to news outlets.

Yesss!! Get INTO This Remix! Michelle Williams ft. Fantasia- If We Had Your Eyes



Yesterday on Instagram and Twitter, Michelle Williams teased us with a bit of this remix. Man, listen. First of all, Michelle is doing her GOOD SINGIN on this record. For those of you who don't know what that means, it just means she sounds amazing.

As you all know I shared the original's video a bit ago because I just LOVE this record. Now, here comes the remix with one of the most recognizable voices of our generation- Fantasia. Listen, these ladies are delivering this powerful record about looking at life through the eyes of compassion and love, basically through God's eyes.

Their raspy voices compliment each other so well, and what a message! Get this incredible new record today, If We Had Your Eyes ft. Fantasia.

 

In Defense of Pebbles



On October 15, VH1 aired their highly anticipated biopic CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story, chronicling the successes, trials, and tribulations of the highest selling female R&B group of all time that consists of T-Boz, Left-Eye, and Chilli.  From 1992 to 2003, the group has sold over 23 million records, ten top ten singles, four number one singles, five grammys, and made every girl at one time or another learn the choreography to at least one of their videos.  In ten years, the group had faced a myriad of adversity which not only made for good television, but a story of perseverance.  
Every good movie needs a memorable antagonist.  Since the movie first aired two weeks ago, there has been lots of talk, jokes, and memes vilifying Perri “Pebbles” Ried, platinum selling artist who was married to co-owner of LaFace records Antonio “LA” Ried (Giving You the Benefit was my favorite song in 1991).  Pebbles founded and managed TLC.  While that’s all well and good, she has caught a lot of backlash over the last seventeen years since T-Boz, Left-Eye, and Chilli first publicly announced that they were still broke in the midst of selling ten million albums. Pebbles has been the one to blame because of a contract that was fiscally fruitful for her, and took advantage of TLC. 

Press Play: Nivea- Loud Blunt



It's been a minute since we've heard anything from Nivea. The hilariously funny and well loved singer has been in the cut for a bit, raising her children and making other moves. Finally, fans are getting some new material in the form of this new release, Loud Blunt. I was searching one of the blogs I frequent and ran across it this morning.

The smooth track is produced by Bobby Skywalker, and it's a rather chill record. From the title, you know exactly what Niv is talking about to some extent, but you probably weren't expecting it to be a ballad about being intimate with the one you love. Niv's vocals are still just as sweet and sultry as they were back in her Laundromat days.

Maybe we'll get a new project from her this year. Maybe, but in the meantime hear her new record below. Love her voice.

Monday, November 4, 2013

Black Girls Rock 2013 Performances



This show has to be one of the best on television. Black Girls Rock comes on once a year and it highlights the beautiful women of color who are forces for good in their communities. It's always a great show not just for the charitable efforts and honorees, but it's just great to see so many talented and committed women celebrating each other.

The performances are always on point as well. This year, Janell Monae, Amber Riley, and Ledisi were some of my favorites. Also hitting the stage was Kelly Rowland and Sevyn Streeter who definitely did their thing, Jennifer Hudson, Alice Smith, and of course the lady of the night, Ms. Patti LaBelle!

Friday, November 1, 2013

Mary J. Blige-Music Industry Bosses Will Sacrifice Artists Health & Lives, They Only Care About Money



 Mary J. Blige is one of the most recognizable names and voices in r&b music. She pretty much ran the 90s with her  raw voice and lyrical content. Known for being 100 about the everyday struggles women face in life and relationships, Mary recently opened up about a different struggle she's all too familiar with- fame.

Though she's seen much success over her career, she also accuses the people who ran her career of sitting by and watching her fall to pieces- so they could get money. Mary is candid about this being a trend in the music industry. Execs will sit back and allow artists to fall into drug use or even depression if they can still make money off of them.

While chatting with The London Evening Standard Mary drops a few names we all know too well to back up her claim, making it even more real. This is a sticky subject because many of us sit back and watch the people we love and admire in the industry fall off personally while their career seems to be in full bloom. I feel Mary on this, it's the reason I'm always encouraging fans to pray for their favorite celebrity when they think to. The fame life can be such an empty life when all of the pleasures of the world are at your feet, but there is no sense of peace inside. See what she had to say below.



"She (Whitney) was such a gift from God, such a star -- her voice was like no other. Same with Michael Jackson: two such amazing gifts. And no one was there for them. You have thousands of people around you because you're this big star, but no one around you really cares. I saw a tragic situation coming for me and I looked around and saw that nobody cared, not really. They were happy for me to suffer, to drink myself to death, as long as they were getting what they needed. The industry makes its money on people's demise. The way I was living, I should have been dead. ... All the money and fame in the world couldn't change what was going on in my heart. That's how messed up I was, and how depressed I was. I was drinking, I was doing drugs, so I couldn't even feel or see anything, and that made it alright for the moment, until I had to come down and look for some more."



TLC Sparks Conversation about Longevity & Music




While watching TLC's bio pic, and finally listening to their albums (not just the singles I heard growing up) I wondered will there be more artist like them? Will today's music continue to slip into a black hole where it has no meaning and be slapped with the "garbage" label? Better yet, will music artists eventually be tossed in those same piles because they just don't know when to stop? I'm a huge lover of music, and I know that when it comes to (self) expression and creativity we the consumer don't have the right to tell an artist what to do. However growing up during the 90s and being blessed to hear great tracks, from artists we can now call legends, am I wrong to want the same for my daughter who loves music? Who one day may go down the path of creating music?