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.

All 4 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 my 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 in lieu of this), issues in the Jackson family (not going there), 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. Have their been some sub par moments over the course of the last three albums? Yes. But lackluster production, poor marketing, no radio 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, sing, 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 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—at the least expected moment—when their prominence is solidified again. Whatever happens—Janet's got my support. I'll be rocking with Janet for life!

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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