Sunday, February 29, 2004
50 for Town Councilman?
Rap superstar 50 cent has expressed an interest in running for town council in his new hometown of Farmington, Connecticut. 50 recently purchased the 18-bedroom estate from boxer Mike Tyson, which features a nightclub, health club, movie theater and an indoor pool. The former crack dealer has decided that is he's going to live in Farmington, he may as well get involved in running it. In a recent interview with reporters 50 stated "If Arnold can do it, why can't 50?" He of course is referring to actor Arnold Schwarzenegger's new role as Governor of California.
While 50 was probably joking when he recently discussed this with reporters, one local newspaper, The Herald of New Britain, says the head of G-Unit should consider getting serious. Staff writer Bill Larkin wrote an editorial last week urging last year's top selling musical artist to get involved in local politics. He believes that 50's run for office would fire up the community and inspire young people to pay closer attention to politics that affect them directly: "Do you really think public participation would be a problem if Curtis Jackson (50 cent's given name) was the first speaker on the agenda?"
In my opinion 50 is simply trying to push people's buttons. Neighbors in the town are far from thrilled that he going to live in Farmington and 50 is aware of this. What better way to get even more of a rise out of his new neighbors than state that he's going to run for a public office and help run the upscale community. I will be very surprised if we see him getting this involved. After all, with all of his touring and promotion responsibilities for his current album, along with a future one slated to be releaseded later this year, how much time will he really be spending in the area?
Rap superstar 50 cent has expressed an interest in running for town council in his new hometown of Farmington, Connecticut. 50 recently purchased the 18-bedroom estate from boxer Mike Tyson, which features a nightclub, health club, movie theater and an indoor pool. The former crack dealer has decided that is he's going to live in Farmington, he may as well get involved in running it. In a recent interview with reporters 50 stated "If Arnold can do it, why can't 50?" He of course is referring to actor Arnold Schwarzenegger's new role as Governor of California.
While 50 was probably joking when he recently discussed this with reporters, one local newspaper, The Herald of New Britain, says the head of G-Unit should consider getting serious. Staff writer Bill Larkin wrote an editorial last week urging last year's top selling musical artist to get involved in local politics. He believes that 50's run for office would fire up the community and inspire young people to pay closer attention to politics that affect them directly: "Do you really think public participation would be a problem if Curtis Jackson (50 cent's given name) was the first speaker on the agenda?"
In my opinion 50 is simply trying to push people's buttons. Neighbors in the town are far from thrilled that he going to live in Farmington and 50 is aware of this. What better way to get even more of a rise out of his new neighbors than state that he's going to run for a public office and help run the upscale community. I will be very surprised if we see him getting this involved. After all, with all of his touring and promotion responsibilities for his current album, along with a future one slated to be releaseded later this year, how much time will he really be spending in the area?
Sunday, February 22, 2004
Graduation with Honors
The liner notes to Kanye West’s album, “The College Dropout,” read like a high school yearbook, complete with the senior pictures of the graduating class. The class being all the rappers and technicians whom had a hand in the making of the album, most notably Sean Carter, also known as Jay-Z, and Dante Smith, better known as Mos Def. And last but not least, down at the bottom corner sits Mr. West himself, who has been voted “Best Dressed” and “Most Likely to Succeed.” Whether or not these distinctions were actually bestowed on West as a teenager is not certain, but it stands as a perfect metaphor for his underdog status throughout the album, which details his rise from a misguided and aimless student to his current position as on the of today’s premier figures in hip-hop.
Unlike most debut albums that garner attention because of a previous guest spot on an established star’s album or a demo that’s produced an underground buzz, West took a different path to stardom. He made a name for himself as a producer, leaving his mark all over the airways on such hits as Jay-Z’s “Izzo” and Alicia Keys’ “You Don’t Know My Name.” He quickly became a top gun over at Roc-A -Fella records, and earned himself a place on the short list of the most coveted producers in hip-hop today.
The question is can he rap? The answer is a resounding yes. “The College Dropout” is a concept album, a long and winding tale that touches upon West’s scholarly struggles, his cocaine dealing for financial stability, and his near-fatal car crash in October 2002, which he rap’s about in the first single of the album, “Through the Wire.” The song is an impressive display of his cleverness with lyrics, as he rhymes dessert and syrup by pronouncing them in a slight Snoop Dogg style as "dizzert" and "sizzurp."
The musical styles that West utilizes come from all over the map: soul, blues, gospel, etc. The previously discussed track, "Through the Wire" samples Chaka Khan's "Through the Fire." He continues to amaze us yet again when it comes to his ability to take an older piece of music and make it his own, while still retaining the passion and feel of the originals. The most impressive blending of musical genres comes on the track, “The New Workout Plan.” The song’s first half is carried by the sound of violins laid over a beat, but then the song makes a surprising, yet smooth transition into electronica.
By the time the album is completed, West has essentially told his entire life story through vivid narration, skits, and interludes. West has proven to be successful indeed, with “The College Dropout” as a testament to his current musical fame. It’s hard not to agree with him when he boasts, “I swear this right here, history in the making.”
The liner notes to Kanye West’s album, “The College Dropout,” read like a high school yearbook, complete with the senior pictures of the graduating class. The class being all the rappers and technicians whom had a hand in the making of the album, most notably Sean Carter, also known as Jay-Z, and Dante Smith, better known as Mos Def. And last but not least, down at the bottom corner sits Mr. West himself, who has been voted “Best Dressed” and “Most Likely to Succeed.” Whether or not these distinctions were actually bestowed on West as a teenager is not certain, but it stands as a perfect metaphor for his underdog status throughout the album, which details his rise from a misguided and aimless student to his current position as on the of today’s premier figures in hip-hop.
Unlike most debut albums that garner attention because of a previous guest spot on an established star’s album or a demo that’s produced an underground buzz, West took a different path to stardom. He made a name for himself as a producer, leaving his mark all over the airways on such hits as Jay-Z’s “Izzo” and Alicia Keys’ “You Don’t Know My Name.” He quickly became a top gun over at Roc-A -Fella records, and earned himself a place on the short list of the most coveted producers in hip-hop today.
The question is can he rap? The answer is a resounding yes. “The College Dropout” is a concept album, a long and winding tale that touches upon West’s scholarly struggles, his cocaine dealing for financial stability, and his near-fatal car crash in October 2002, which he rap’s about in the first single of the album, “Through the Wire.” The song is an impressive display of his cleverness with lyrics, as he rhymes dessert and syrup by pronouncing them in a slight Snoop Dogg style as "dizzert" and "sizzurp."
The musical styles that West utilizes come from all over the map: soul, blues, gospel, etc. The previously discussed track, "Through the Wire" samples Chaka Khan's "Through the Fire." He continues to amaze us yet again when it comes to his ability to take an older piece of music and make it his own, while still retaining the passion and feel of the originals. The most impressive blending of musical genres comes on the track, “The New Workout Plan.” The song’s first half is carried by the sound of violins laid over a beat, but then the song makes a surprising, yet smooth transition into electronica.
By the time the album is completed, West has essentially told his entire life story through vivid narration, skits, and interludes. West has proven to be successful indeed, with “The College Dropout” as a testament to his current musical fame. It’s hard not to agree with him when he boasts, “I swear this right here, history in the making.”
Monday, February 16, 2004
Biggest Night in Music Overshadowed
Last Sunday's presentation of the 46th annual Grammy Awards, which was on a five-minute tape delay, remained tame yet drew the biggest TV audience the award show has had in three years. In my case, as I am sure for any others, I tuned in to the event not to see who won, in fact I really don't even remember who won, but rather who would show up and what the night's antics would be. To my disappointment, the show lacked the excitement that I was looking for. Mind you, I didn't want to see another artist's breasts but I want to see if any of the musicians would rebel and speak out against the intense criticism Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake have received.
What I did see, along with the 26 millions of viewers that watched was Timberlake apologizing for his involvement in the previous Sunday's Super Bowl halftime show scandal. I question the sincerity of the apology considering CBS demanded it from him if he wanted to be on the program. Seeing that he took part in three of the night's performances I guess this was a no brainer for Timberlake. During his apology I noticed that he really doesn't see to accept his own fault in the breast-baring incident, but rather believes that he too is a victim and was falsely told of what was supposed to happen after he tore the black leather bustier off. He is simple passing the blame to Jackson and her crew.
Jackson meanwhile opted not to show, but was in spirit throughout the night, most notably when Christina Aguilera took the stage to accept her Grammy award. Aguilera, who was wearing a gown with a plunging neckline, commented: "I don't want to have the same thing happen that Janet had done." As long as she stays away from Timberlake, it's a safe bet she's all set.
Last Sunday's presentation of the 46th annual Grammy Awards, which was on a five-minute tape delay, remained tame yet drew the biggest TV audience the award show has had in three years. In my case, as I am sure for any others, I tuned in to the event not to see who won, in fact I really don't even remember who won, but rather who would show up and what the night's antics would be. To my disappointment, the show lacked the excitement that I was looking for. Mind you, I didn't want to see another artist's breasts but I want to see if any of the musicians would rebel and speak out against the intense criticism Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake have received.
What I did see, along with the 26 millions of viewers that watched was Timberlake apologizing for his involvement in the previous Sunday's Super Bowl halftime show scandal. I question the sincerity of the apology considering CBS demanded it from him if he wanted to be on the program. Seeing that he took part in three of the night's performances I guess this was a no brainer for Timberlake. During his apology I noticed that he really doesn't see to accept his own fault in the breast-baring incident, but rather believes that he too is a victim and was falsely told of what was supposed to happen after he tore the black leather bustier off. He is simple passing the blame to Jackson and her crew.
Jackson meanwhile opted not to show, but was in spirit throughout the night, most notably when Christina Aguilera took the stage to accept her Grammy award. Aguilera, who was wearing a gown with a plunging neckline, commented: "I don't want to have the same thing happen that Janet had done." As long as she stays away from Timberlake, it's a safe bet she's all set.
Sunday, February 08, 2004
Breast in Show
While there may have been a dramatic finish to last Sunday's Super Bowl, everyone has been talking about what happened during halftime. The closing number, which featured Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake, left many asking, what were they thinking? While performing the hit song "Rock Your Body," Timberlake sang the line "I'm going to have you naked by the end of the song" and then proceeded to rip off a portion of Jackson's top. Her right breast briefly flashed millions of viewers. The FCC has been handling thousands of complaints from angry viewers, which has prompted a wave a statements from everyone who is feeling the heat.
CBS and MTV both claim they knew nothing about the removal of Jackson's leather bustier. Meanwhile, Timberlake stated that it was an accident, blaming the incident on a "wardrobe malfunction." The only one who really seems to owning up to the incident is Jackson. Earlier this week, she took full responsibility for the mishap and admitted that no one knew of the planned strip tease, but also backed Timberlake's statement by stating that her breast was not supposed to be exposed but rather a red lace bra that was underneath, which apparently "collapsed." This still has not let her or everyone else involved off the hook. Later in the week, a Tennessee woman filed a lawsuit
against Jackson, Timberlake, CBS and MTV on behalf of all the American's who witnessed the incident.
While I agree the stunt was in bad taste, especially considering the Super Bowl is considered a family event, I'm not so sure as to why everyone is in shock by it. First of all, seeing Britney Spears writhing around on stage a couple of years ago with her butt hanging out, dry-humping the stage, is far more offensive than seeing someone's exposed breast, with the areola covered by some silver body jewelry. And let's not forget last summer, when Madonna kissed Britney Spears at the MTV Video Music Awards, the bar was raised even higher for this kind of moment on a TV event. I have to say to CBS, Viacom, and the NFL, that when you ask MTV, who has always produced provocative entertainment, to produce the halftime show, this is what you are going to get. These companies and corporations want to be hip and cool yet also want to appeal to families, but you can't have it both ways.
While there may have been a dramatic finish to last Sunday's Super Bowl, everyone has been talking about what happened during halftime. The closing number, which featured Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake, left many asking, what were they thinking? While performing the hit song "Rock Your Body," Timberlake sang the line "I'm going to have you naked by the end of the song" and then proceeded to rip off a portion of Jackson's top. Her right breast briefly flashed millions of viewers. The FCC has been handling thousands of complaints from angry viewers, which has prompted a wave a statements from everyone who is feeling the heat.
CBS and MTV both claim they knew nothing about the removal of Jackson's leather bustier. Meanwhile, Timberlake stated that it was an accident, blaming the incident on a "wardrobe malfunction." The only one who really seems to owning up to the incident is Jackson. Earlier this week, she took full responsibility for the mishap and admitted that no one knew of the planned strip tease, but also backed Timberlake's statement by stating that her breast was not supposed to be exposed but rather a red lace bra that was underneath, which apparently "collapsed." This still has not let her or everyone else involved off the hook. Later in the week, a Tennessee woman filed a lawsuit
against Jackson, Timberlake, CBS and MTV on behalf of all the American's who witnessed the incident.
While I agree the stunt was in bad taste, especially considering the Super Bowl is considered a family event, I'm not so sure as to why everyone is in shock by it. First of all, seeing Britney Spears writhing around on stage a couple of years ago with her butt hanging out, dry-humping the stage, is far more offensive than seeing someone's exposed breast, with the areola covered by some silver body jewelry. And let's not forget last summer, when Madonna kissed Britney Spears at the MTV Video Music Awards, the bar was raised even higher for this kind of moment on a TV event. I have to say to CBS, Viacom, and the NFL, that when you ask MTV, who has always produced provocative entertainment, to produce the halftime show, this is what you are going to get. These companies and corporations want to be hip and cool yet also want to appeal to families, but you can't have it both ways.
 |