Music to Trip To

With Labor Day fast approaching, many will plan last minute road trips to see family, friends, chill out at the beach or finish out that season pass at a beloved amusement park. These waning summer days remind me of my many trips up and down the Eastern seaboard in search of summer adventure. In addition to my trusty, multicolored (lime green and blue) backpack, I always had my MP3 player providing the soundtrack for my trip. Everything from Chris Brown to Maroon 5 to Panic at the Disco! would rock my headphones. On car trips I often played DJ, and my friends always had a very eclectic set list to set the mood.
With the release of so many mixtapes and much anticipated albums this summer *cough cough* Watch The Throne *cough cough*, what are the songs or albums you're using to create summer memories this year?

Gay Money

I read an article recently on Yahoo's music blog, The Amplifier, about Lady GaGa weeping at her concert in Poland. Apparently she's been disappointed with other female artists waving their "freak flags" after she's made her career on being the biggest kook of all time. She calls out Pink, Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry and Ke$ha on cashing in on the plight of "freaks" everywhere, especially the gay community. Ironically, I was just talking to a sorority sister about the exploitation of the gay/freak/fringe fan base not too long ago, and we both agreed that them screaming: "this music is for you, buy my album!" is tactless and off-putting.

Its no secret that the music industry is suffering. Its been about a decade since P2P file sharing, and downloading music has nearly replaced buying an actual CD. Labels and artists are loosing out big time on the CD dollar, and are scrambling to fill the void using other avenues. A clever way to do this is to push out a crop of similar artist, and have them cater to a fan base that's center stage in the media. At this point, that niche would be the gays community. Lady GaGa was made at the drag and caberet shows of Manhattan, and she's even come out as bisexual. I personally don't believe GaGa is exploiting the audience that made her, and I kind of agree with her outrage.

It took her years of having people slam the door in her face, writing her off as a club/novelty act and mocking her persona (albeit a kooky one). Yet she's always stayed true to her freakdom, even evolving into a Queen Freak over the years. Fly-by-night artist Ke$ha, and rap chick Nicki Minaj haven't been so convincing with the waving of their freak flags. Ke$ha is just weird and comes off as a GaGa/Katy Perry mash-up with meaningless lyrics. Minaj, playing off her built in gay male Hip Hop fan base, alludes to possible encounters with females but doesn't confirm anything. Personally, Pink has always been the rocker/punk/R&B influenced freak, but with her fan base getting older she's been trying to find ways to reach out to fresh faces by using the oldest trick in the book: "my best friend is gay!"

Its really bothersome to think that people would look to make money off of the struggle of another group of people. Yes, Pink and Katy Perry donated their celebrity to the It Gets Better Campaign, but at what cost? To sell albums? Give me a break! And the industry wonders why 90% of music listeners under the age of 30 download music for free instead of feeding the machine. Make authentic music, you fan base will follow.

When I grow up

Why do I want to be a writer?   How does one really answer that question? I don’t think Michael Jordan ever asked, “why do I want to be a basketball player?” It was something he enjoyed and had fun doing. So I guess the real question isn’t why do I want to be a writer, but how am I going to become one?

Sure, I blog and write articles here and there, but I want a consistent outlet for my ramblings; a central theme on which to base my experiences, reactions and suggestions.

Music has been an integral part of my life since birth. I realize how lame that statement may sound but it’s true. You can name any song within the past twenty-seven years and I can recall the exact moment in my life when I heard that song.  Don’t believe me? “Passing Me By” by the Pharcyde opened up a whole new world of Hip Hop for me.  The year was 1994 and I was sitting in my usual spot on the living room floor, watching the opening scene to New York Undercover (one of the only “adult” shows my mom let me watch, only because it wasn’t too far off from my daily real world exposure), being seduced by the in-the-pocket rhyming and soulful horns. After that I consumed as much mid-90s Hip Hop as I could, learning how to sharpen words that would later become the lyrical swords I’d used to slay the bullies on the playground with.  The first time I heard the Supremes, was on a hot summer’s day licking ice cream cones at a picnic with my grandmother. I want to be the person that writes about life’s soundtrack, attaching it to memories or events that you carry with you throughout your lifetime. Sure there’s much more to writing about music than capturing the moment, it’s also about giving life into the artist, letting the “average Joe” into their world even if it is for only 500 words. It’s not necessarily about the notoriety, but more about being able to capture the moment and making you feel it.

I want to make people feel what I write, prompting them to turn the page in anticipation of what’s to come. Being able to tell a story is a critical part of the craft that I will continually build on as I get more proficient with my style and how I pitch, but I feel ready to take that shot and score big.

Music Sundays--Good Music Edition

Here are a couple bands you should be listening to right now:

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals- REAL rock band from Vermont. Crazy guitar riffs, outstanding vocals and real lyrics.



Phoenix- You've heard their songs in commercials and on TV shows....did you know they're from France?!

Whip My Hair

Willow Smith, daughter of Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith released a single called "Whip My Hair". Willow is 9 years old and just signed with Jay-Z's Roc Nation Label. If you haven't had the pleasure (and I use the term loosely) to preview the single here it is:



Is this the future of music? I hope not! While I can appreciate Willow's tween approach, and typical radio-hard beats, we don't need another Soulja Boy clogging up the airwaves with meaningless fads and dance moves. Commerical Music is not about substance, its about money and the movement of product. Willow has definitely teamed up with the right man and has the machine behind her to make a ton of money very quickly....and then fade away.

I much rather prefer artists like Martha Ambrosius (Floetry's former 'songstress'):



Martha's revenge anthem is a sure fire R&B classic. Money making pop machine vs. talented songwriter/singer....really there is NO competition.

A Kid Named Mars

There's this kid, maybe you've heard of him. They call him Bruno Mars. Well, I think he's one of the most diverse and talented artist/producers in the game. He's currently featured on 2 singles (the catchy "Nothing on You" by B.o.B, and the heatseeker "Billionaire" by former Gym Class Heroes frontman Travie McCoy) that are blowing up radio. Mars is scheduled to drop an EP this month entitled It's Best If You Don't Understand.

Quick History Lesson: EP stands for Extended Play. Back in the day there were these large round things called records, commonly referred to as vinyl (because of the covering on the actual disc). EPs served as precursors to a full albums, referred to as a LP or Long Play. EPs contain more than one single, but not enough songs for a Long Play.

After perusing his Myspace page, and listening to what he's been cooking in the lab, I've become a big fan of this half-Filipino, half-Puerto Rican, 23 year old from Hawaii. He's written for the likes of Sean Kingston, Adam Levine, and Flo Rida, as well as B.o.B and Travie McCoy.

Yes, his songs are catchy and poppy, but they tell a stories of kids from the '90s generation. Somewhere in Brooklyn explores the typical pangs of a "maybe love", while ballads like Talking to the Moon take you through the journey of your first heart beak, and that feeling of utter loneliness. He's also recorded with the likes of Cee-Lo, which lets you know the kid has a WIDE range of musical influences. From 60s-70s rock, Hip Hop, Folk, and Pop, Mars ties all genres together through simplistic rhymes, creating an audible storybook. Insert your pictures here.

The Pink Elephant

Today, international Latin pop star Ricky Martin FINALLY came out of the closet admitting that he's gay. As if we weren't tipped off by the adoption of twin boys who were born via a surrogate mother, or his impeccable style, charming good looks and lack of a long-time female companion. Yep, Ricky is finally out and I couldn't be happier for the man. As he says he's "fortunate" to be who he is and live the life he does. Honestly, who wouldn't want to be Ricky Martin! He's got it all! Fame, fortune, kids, throngs of women.....and men who throw themselves at him. But what about the musical artists who have not yet reached Ricky's life peace? The one's still trapped in the glass closet. This blog is for them, the other pink elephants:

Flo Rida

Flo Rida is "homothug" 100% The hyper masculine persona, the infectious pop/dance music, the color coordination and the grooming...how can he NOT be gay?! Ja Rule...who?

Alicia Keys

Coveted as the top lesbian trophy wife for nearly a decade...A. Keys' androgynous beginnings helped fuel her rumor mill. From AG to Femme, she's come a long way, and man oh man is she sexy! She's not fooling me with this whole "Swizz Beatz" thing, or Common.


Queen Latifah

I love me some Queen Latifah. Cool, calm, sophisticated, funny, tough, caring....never lands a man in any of her films....yep, I think she qualifies! lol. While she was every Studs role model in Set It Off, the Queen has since matured into a PowerLesbian, one of the highest positions a gay woman can attain in entertainment. Keep it up Queen, you're an inspiration to thick lesbian women everywhere.

Tyler Perry

Its clear that Mr. Perry's sensitivity to family issues of abuse, poverty, and faith has given him the tools to empower Black religious gays all over. You can tell he's paid attention to the world around him, and is always at an internal struggle with God and the flesh. I applaud you're abilities to tackle tough issues Mr. Perry, but please show God-fearing Christians that's its okay to be who you are....no exceptions!

Now, I'm not saying that the above mentioned artists are in fact, gay. I'm simply stating my opinions as a gay person. I've been deep in the lifestyle for years now, and when your gaydar goes off you listen. A large part of me wishes some of these uber talentened and influential people were gay (excluding Flo Rida). It would show America, and various minority communities, that it doesn't matter who you love or how you live your life, as long as its the life you want to live. Life is too short to be continuously judged and degraded based on concepts that one cannot change.

"Life is too short to live closed up, guarding what you say,''--Ricky Martin

Turn off the Lights...

Last week the music world lost a legend. Teddy Pendergrass died at the age of 59 on Wednesday, January 13th. Teddy was a great musician and singer who started his career with a Philly based group called the Cadillacs. Later he joined Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, and as the lead singer helped propel the group to stardom in the early '70s. They enjoyed a string of hits with Philadelphia International Records, including: "Wake Up Everybody" & "If You Don't Know Me By Now". Teddy left the Blue Notes in the mid-70's for a solo career that turned him into a sex symbol, and made him one of the most recognizable voices in soul music.

I remember being introduced to Teddy's music at family BBQs, and long rides home as a kid. As a music lover and resident Philadelphian, I am sadden by his loss but ever grateful for his music. We'll miss you Teddy.

A perfect example of how Teddy's music will forever be timeless...

Random

Not enough time to post a FULL blog but here are 2 things to check out.

1. www.DJPHNX.com This guy is a BEAST! Support him and download "We Make Party Vol. 5" he gets it in!!

2. This is what's hot in the streets of Jamacia.....and its sad :(
Daggering

Kid Cudi/Greekstand

One of the freshest, hottests artists out to me right now is Kid Cudi. The Cleveland MC puts a fresh spin on midwest Hip Hop. He's different and not afraid to show it. My fav tracks include; "Day N' Nite (Crookers Remix)" and "Man on the Moon", the latter being a recent personal anthem. I'd love for some of Arm's artists to collaborate with Cudi! Personally, I'd like to meet the newest addition to Kanye's G.O.O.D. label and pick his musical brain.

Follow me on Twitter @Agent_Fresh!!! Hit me up if you want to book any of Arm's artists! 3,2,1...GO!

On a lighter note: One of Greek Life soulmates, Raul San Miguel, has tapped into something truly ingenious... funny para for Greek lettered organizations! Not only does Greekstand.com poke fun at its main audience (Latino & Multicultural Greeks) but also Historically Black organizations. There's also a part on the site for you to create your OWN sayings & designs. If you know me, my line is all venom, I hate on everyone! lol. Don't take the site so seriously and just enjoy! Greekstand is defintely the new wave in Greek para.

Arm Management Group Inc.

Arm Management Group was created for Models, Actors, Artists, and anyone with talent. ARM’s services encourages and strives to have talent be paid for what they are worth and extends their “arm” to serve as an agent while doing whatever it takes for talent to succeed and further their careers!

Arm Management Group was found by Reyna Alvarado and Duronn James aka "Justis". Arm is professional and strives to maintain their professionalism while conducting business in the utmost respect for their talent. Arm is based out of Phoenix, AZ, however, the company has contacts and talent throughout the United States. Arm will be expanding ALL across the World in 2009.
The company’s motto is:“WE HAVE THE ARM THAT YOU NEED” Better believe it- ARM really does have the “arm” you need! From services extended to models, actors, fashion directors, dancers, photographers… if you have talent- ARM has the “arm” to help you!

Everyone at ARM LOVES what they do here and has a true Passion to give their “arm” to anyone who needs it!

And that's the company... in a nutshell.

The Artists:
DJ Yoshi- Blowing up NYC! The official Boost Mobile Tour and Hot Import Nights DJ is playing the Gramercy Room and will be resident DJ @ Touch Fridays in Times Square!
www.myspace.com/djyoshi

Bella M.-Currently accepting dates on the West Coast for her "Art of Change College Tour" Her art evokes the sign of the times. From portraits, to live paintings this artist truly pours her soul into her work.
www.myspace.com/womanthatis

Shalon Delgado- Currently Shalon is a member of "Ladies of the DMV" in Washington, D.C. promoting events and keeping parties hott!
www.shalondelgado.net

Aaydo- Currently accepting dates for shows all over!! This prolific MC is in the studio working hard on the solo album. She's opened for the likes of Wyclef, Schwayze, and many others! Oh, did I mention she's also host of Da Block on KRCK 97 Hits??!! (p.s.-she's NICE on the MIC!)
www.myspace.com/aadyo