R.I.P. Michael Jackson (1958 - 2009)

Legend.
Icon.
Innovator.
Trendsetter.
Humanitarian.

You were truly gifted.
An inspiration to many.
You were the greatest entertainer in the world.
Touched so many of us with your heart, soul, and spirit.

There will never be another like you.
So we are grateful that God kept you here as long as he did.
We are sad that you had to go so young.
But it was time.
You were called.
And now peace is finally yours.

You will truly be missed.
Your music and legacy will continue to inspire, uplift, and shape us all
You will never die.
You will always live on.
We will always love you, Michael Joseph Jackson!!!

~ BuddahDesmond

The Death of Subtlety

Is Burger King blowing your mind with their new sandwich or are they blowing something else?
Check EW.com's article about Burger King's latest ad: http://tinyurl.com/n6gurx.

Janet.

I'm finally sharing some of my artwork online. And what better way to start by showing a picture of Janet Jackson that drew almost 12 years ago. She's one of favorite people to draw. And it's more than obvious at this point that she's one of my all-time favorite entertainers. Growing up, I was inspired by and adored her music, style, and presence. I must say though, I miss seeing her on the scene.

It seems like Discipline was released so long ago - though it was only last February. It debuted at No. 1, "Feedback" became her first top 20 pop hit since 2001's "Someone to Call My Lover," and then like that - it was all over. Yeah, there was the tour (the show was EXCELLENT!!) but - you know what happened with that.... Aside from the Superbowl Incident (I still say she was blacklisted because of that incident), issues in the Jackson family (not going there either), and record labels who have no idea how to promote her (anymore) - her musical career seems to be at a crossroads.

She's accomplished more in the last 27 years than most artists will in their entire careers. She's done it all. She set the tone. And you can see that with many of today's hottest female entertainers. The influence is unmistakable. But her music just hasn't "hit" the way it used to. I don't think it's because the music is bad. It's definitely had however, some sub par moments over the course of the last three albums. But lackluster production, poor marketing, no airplay, and minimal label support have all played major roles in the downward spiral of Janet's musical career.

Now, the lady is BAD!!! Always will be. She can grace the stage - not say or do a thing - and the audience will go wild. Nothing can take away her talent or the history she's made. But it's time to hit 'em hard. Hit 'em with something they'd least expect. Or go back with Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. The chemistry they have in the studio is magical. And last I heard - they were talking of going into to the studio to work on the next album. Great news if it comes into fruition. Cause one thing's for sure - I won't be unhappy if JD isn't producing on the next album. No offense - I love his work. But it's just not for Janet. It may work for Mariah and Usher (to name a few) - but not for Janet.

All the greats have periods where they hit that brick wall or their music slumps. And most usually return to the top spot better than ever. It's usually when everyone has counted them out - when you least expect it - when their prominence is solidified again. Whatever happens - Janet's got my support. I'll be rocking with Janet 4 Life!

Check me out on Twitter!

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Now playing: Janet - Can't B Good
via FoxyTunes

Sade Returns to the Studio!!!

What wonderful news, ain't it? I was so GLAD to hear that Sade has returned to the studio to begin work on their new album. I CANNOT WAIT!!! It's been 9 years since the release of their last studio album, Lovers Rock, and 7 years since the release of Lovers Live.

Sade never disappoints. Each album is a masterpiece in its own right. Sade's style, voice and lyrics, the band's instrumentation and production - all the elements always seem to come together so well. The music is timeless. It never sounds dated. And that's what sets them apart from so many of their peers.

You know, it doesn't matter how long the wait is for a Sade album. Because the quality always prevails. They take their time to create music. If the feeling isn't right in the studio when they convene to make the next album - they leave and come back another time. It's a method some of their peers need to follow. Unless you got it like that - take your time between releases. There's no need to be in everyone's face every five minutes - especially when the music leaves something to be desired. I'll take quality over quantity anyday.

It's rumored that the record may be out before the end of the year - but we'll see. There's just joy in knowing something good is coming....

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Now playing: Sade - No Ordinary Love
via FoxyTunes

Whitney - "The Voice" Returns....

Well, well, well.... The time has finally come. Whitney Houston will be returning with her first studio album in 7 years on September 1st. The as-yet-untitled release is being hailed as her comeback album. The new album will feature the production and songwriting of will.i.am, Sean Garrett, and Akon. It was rumored some time back that Ne-Yo, John Legend, and R. Kelly were writing and producing for the album but I guess we'll just have to wait and see if they made the cut.

This is definitely news.... I still don't know how I'm feeling about it though. Because if the duet Whitney did with Akon, "Like I Never Left" was any indication of what to expect - they can keep it in the studio. That song was horrible. You don't give a track that whack to someone like Whitney Houston. Maybe to one of these newcomers who need to prove themselves but not to one of the world's best-selling and most influential vocalists of all time.

I just hope and pray she's able to move forward into the next phase of her career clean and drama free. It would be really sad to see her go down the tubes. We've lost too many greats that way.... It will be great to see her return to the stage and the top of the charts again.

Have a great weekend folks! Be safe. Enjoy!

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Now playing: Whitney Houston - Run To You
via FoxyTunes

Inherent - A Throwback Poem

What's goin' on folks?! Hope you had a happy, safe holiday weekend. I'm good, or shall I say better. I just got over a two-week illness this past weekend. I had an upper respiratory infection and acute pharyngitis. It was no fun. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. And the antibiotic made me feel worse. I'm sorry but I will never be a fan of medicine that makes you feel worse in order to make you feel better. Can I get a natural remedy instead? LOL! But luckily - all is well. I'm so happy this happened now as opposed to next month when I have to travel for business or during vacation later this summer. Anyway, I've been reviewing some of my poetry for a few upcoming projects. And I thought I'd leave you with a poem I wrote back in 1998 entitled, "Inherent".

Have a wonderful week!

Inherent

For so long I
Breathed your love
Drank your air
Digested your breath
Tasted your feelings

For so long I
Savored the kiss of your lips
Devoured your kindness
Enjoyed the flavor of your touch
I lived inside your heart

For so long you
Gave so much
Maybe I didn’t give enough
But I’m inherent to you and your
Love
I live you
And oblivious of this you are not
And maybe these feelings are ambiguous
But I’m inherent to you and your
Love

~ BuddahDesmond

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Now playing: Christina Milian - Dip It Low
via FoxyTunes

If I Was A Ho...

Of all the dreams I could have
One is kind of off and raunchy
Not anything you’d expect of me
But hey, one can dream...
If I was a ho…

If I was a ho
I’d be slaying muthafuckas day and night
I’d have my regulars
And my one-nighters
And there’d be no overnights
Do the do and get out

If I was a ho
I’d make ‘em work for it
You will be treating me right
And treating me well
And you won’t be stopping by empty handed
Or unannounced

If I was a ho
I’d acknowledge that I was a ho
There’d be no lyin’
No frontin’
You ask, I’m gonna tell you
Straight up
If you have a problem with it – STEP!

If I was a ho
I’d make sure that I was getting
Tested on a regular basis
And demand the same from my conquests

If I was a ho
You would respect me
Cause I ain’t that type of ho
Thinkin’ you can get at me
Whenever you want and treat me like shit
Oh no
Not me
Ho or otherwise

If I was a ho
I’d give it a new name
Some grace and some class
I’d bring new relevance
To the jump-off
And show that even hoes
Got it goin’ on

But I ain’t a ho
As I could be one
I can’t bring myself to do it
It’s crazy out here
And it’s just easier to be
In a committed relationship
Or at home with a porno flick jerkin’ off

So no, I’m not a ho
And have no plans of being one
Anytime soon
But if I was – I’d be number one

~ BuddahDesmond

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Now playing: The-Dream - Rockin' That Thang
via FoxyTunes