Rest In Peace Teena Marie

R&B soul singer, Teena Marie passed away Sunday at the age of 54. Marie was found dead in her home by her daughter and is said to have suffered a seizure last month but it is not known what triggered it.

On Christmas day, Marie tweeted on twitter stating to her fans: "May Gods Light always shine on you and your family! May you have the most joyous Holiday season ever! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!"

Facts about Teena:
Teena Marie was born Marie Christine Brockert. She rose to fame in the 70's and 80's when she signed with Motown and became  funk legend Rick James' protegee.

James produced her 1979 debut album, Wild and Peaceful, which went gold and featured her first hit single, a duet with James called I'm a Sucker for Your Love. 

Teena Marie's photo did not appear on this album, as Motown apparently thought black audiences might not buy it if they knew the songstress was white. But her second album carried her picture after fears of a rejection of a white singer proved unfounded.
She subsequently won a huge following in the black community, and was dubbed the "Ivory Queen of Soul" by black fans.

"Overall my race hasn't been a problem. I'm a black artist with white skin," she said in an interview with Essence.com last year. "At the end of the day you have to sing what's in your own soul."

In 1982, Teena Marie quarrelled with Motown over royalties and fought to be released from her contract. She sued the label, and the legal battle resulted in the landmark Brockert Initiative, named for her, which makes it illegal for record labels to keep artists under contract without releasing their music.

Teena Marie has garnered four Grammy nominations. She released 13 studio albums, six of which went platinum on the US R&B chart. She also had six albums to go gold. 

I recently saw Teena Marie at the Cincinnati Music Festival in August. This was my second time seeing Teena Marie live. The first time was when I was very young, so I didn't it appreciate it as much, but this time I had a ball! I knew all the words to the songs and Teena made you feel like you were just chilling with her in her backyard just hanging out jamming. It was such a good experience. Since Michael Jackson passed, I sort of have myself on a mission to see all the old school greats I can before they pass away. I had been trying to see Teena and Charlie Wilson when they came to Chicago but I missed them twice. So when I heard about them being in Cincinnati I couldn't let the opportunity pass and I am so glad I didn't. When I heard of her passing I just thanked God that I was able to see her talent first hand. 

Here's some Teena for you guys and God Bless.

 

The Experience with El DeBarge

Tonight I had the privilege of attending an event held at the Harold Washington Cultural Center in Chicago. The event was held to promote El DeBarge's new album "Second Chance." There was an interview that consisted of questions about his motivations for his previous work as well as the new. There was also a mini performance where El performed some of his hits from his days with DeBarge, such as "All This Love," "I Like It," and "Stay With Me." The night ended with a CD signing. This was my first time seeing El DeBarge live and I was very excited. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. El spoke of his faith in God that brought him through trials such as his drug addiction, which he stated started at the age of 25 just out of curiosity. He was very soft spoken and down to earth. He kept the crowd on their feet, especially the women, when he talked (quite frequently I might add) about how a man should treat a woman. Listening to him perform live as well as listening to the album as I write this moment, I must say that El is still quite blessed. His talents are still very apparent and he seems to be using them to the fullest. I have to say that I am glad El took advantage of the second chance he was granted, so that I was able to witness a talented artists that I admire first hand. If you haven't bought his album, do so. It's soulful, beautiful, and reflects the hard work that was put into it.

New MJ Album coming out in December

Epic Records and the Michael Jackson estate announced yesterday that the long awaited release of Michael Jackson's album will take place on December, 14th. The album is titled, Michael, and contains previously unreleased music. Also starting Monday, November 8th, michaeljackson.com will have the world premiere of the new single, Breaking News.  It will be available for a week on the site. This is very exciting news for die-hard MJ fans. Especially, with the release of the video game "Michael Jackson: The Experience," Epic and the estate will will be making a lot of money this holiday season. Above is the album cover for the new release and below is the teaser for the song, Breaking News. Enjoy!

Election Night and The Obama Rally!

Hi Everyone,

It's early Wednesday morning and votes are still being counted. I hope you took the initiative to vote yesterday like I did. Looking at the results, I feel that many people did not though and it saddens me. The republicans are back. This wouldn't bother me so much if I knew that  they wouldn't give Obama a hard time. I hope they will work with him. Anyway, as many of you know, Obama was in Chicago last Saturday and I had the privilege of being there. I have seen Obama twice before this, at the Democratic Convention, and the Presidential Inauguration. This time was different because I was blessed with a ticket and was able to be in the crowd that was around Obama's podium. I felt excited and blessed for the two times that I was in his presence, but not nearly as close. But this time being so close to Obama  was surreal for me. The crowd was so hyped, and a person could really feel  the support that people had for him. I wish more people would take the midterm elections seriously. I know that if the same amount of people who voted during the presidential election voted yesterday, the outcome would have came out differently. Anyway I took some great pictures of our President Barack Obama and I wanted to share a couple of them with you to show you just how close I was to greatness.

Happy Birthday to Shaggy

Shaggy was born Richard Burrell October 22, 1968, in Kingston, Jamaica. When he turned 18 he moved to New York. There he recorded singles that gained exposure in New York reggae dance clubs in the late 80's and 90's. In 1995, Shaggy's second album "Bombastic" won a Grammy for Best Reggae Album. In 2001 Shaggy became the first reggae artist since 1991 to top the U.S. pop charts with the single, "It Wasn't Me." For your listening and viewing pleasure here is the video to that song :).

Happy Birthday to Dizzy Gillespie

Dizzie Gillespie was born today in 1917. He would have been 93. Gillespie is known as a major figure in the history of modern jazz. He was a singer, composer, band leader, and is also recognized as one of the greatest trumpet players in the history of jazz. Gillespie has been called the "Ambassador of Jazz." Enjoy this clip of Dizzy showing off his trumpet skills and make sure you try to learn more about this jazz great.

S.K.P. is Coming Back to the Airwaves. Time to Get Inside The Musicbox.

Hey Everyone,

    Guess who will be back on the airwaves next week. Tune in to WRBC the Blaze, Wednesdays 3p.m.- 5p.m. Yes I'm back for two whole hours, so you better tune in. Keep checking this blog to keep updated with what's going on with music and of course what's going on with S.K.P. The Voice. So don't forget to get inside The Musicbox Wednesdays on WRBC.

EL Debarge is making a comeback!

During the summer the BET awards were held. There were some interesting things that happened. Like the Chris Brown emotional breakdown and all that jazz. What got me excited was when I saw El Debarge walk on the stage. I was so surprised. If you don't know who El Debarge is, here is quick biography. He was the lead singer of the group Debarge, which was made of his siblings. They were popular in the 80's and were signed to Motown. El is known for his tenor vocal skills and he broke out on his own in the 90's . After a few albums he disappeared, reappeared when he went to jail on drug charges and now he is back with a new album. For all the new school people you should check this guy out. Your probably singing one of his songs right now. Like Ashanti's song "Foolish," as well as Biggie's "One More Chance" samples "Stay With Me." See you learned something new. El's new album is titled, "Second Chance." He recently released a single by the same name. I really like this song. I knew it would be good because El is such a wonderful writer. Despite his downfalls, which everyone has, El is a wonderful artist so check out the new song below and I'm going to throw in one of his old school joints as well.

Michael Jackson The Experience Video Game Out In November

Remember when I told you guys about the MJ game being released in November. Now an official date has been set as well as a trailer made to promote the game. The official release date is November 23, 2010. Just around the time everyone starts shopping for Christmas (how convenient). I don't have to tell you how excited I am. This game is a must have for any MJ fan. Here's the trailer for the game. Enjoy! 

Gospel Stars Come Out For Jennifer Hudson Birthday Celebration

Sunday September 12th was my mother's birthday (yay mama), but it was also Jennifer Hudson's. My mother was talking about this concert all weekend and really wanted tickets, so we were blessed when some tickets fell into her lap. The concert was held at Christ Universal Temple and was completely sold out. Artists such as Walt Whitman, Kelly Price, and Shirley Murdock sang wonderful renditions of Gospel favorites. Jennifer Hudson looked very pretty with her new slim figure in a purple dress and she sang a couple of songs also. At the end of the show everyone came out and sang happy birthday to Hudson and presented her with a cake. It was a great birthday f or Hudson as well as my mother. Here are some pics for ya!

Shirley Murdock

Kelly Price

Jennifer Hudson

Mary J. Blige Tour Coming Your Way Soon!

Mary J. Blige is going on tour. It is titled:  "Music Saved My Life." (Ain't it the truth!) The tour starts in Atlanta October 2nd. On tour with her will be Jazmen Sullivan (love her!), El Debarge (love him!), and Miguel (he has a song I like). For all you Chi-Town people, she will be here Saturday, Oct. 17th. I like Mary's songs and I think it will be a great show, but I'm not sure if I am going yet. I'm not a huge fan, but I do think she is very talented. I would really like to see El Debarge and Jazmine Sullivan though.  I lost my mind when El was on the BET Awards. Anyway, I believe tickets are on sale, so if you love you some Mary you might want to get them soon.

EL Debarge

Miguel

Celebrity Birthdays That Are Today!

Hey Everyone, I thought that I would start giving you info on two celebrities who have a b'day on  each day I can update. Today I have picked actor Chris Tucker, and British Musician Van Morrison. Chris Tucker was born in Georgia on August 31, 1972. He is known for his roles in Friday, the Rush Hour series, and his friendship with Michael Jackson. Tucker started as a comedian on Def-Comedy Jam and never looked back. He is said to be staring in a movie entitled, Mr. S: My Life with Frank Sinatra, which is to be released this year. 

Van Morrison was born on August 31, 1945. Also known as Van the Man, Morrison started his career in the late 1950's. In the 1960's he was the lead singer of the band Them, but he later became a solo artist. His hits include the songs, "Brown Eyed Girl", "Domino",  "Wild Night," and "Someone Like You."Morrison plays a variety of instruments such as the guitar, harmonica, and keyboard. He has won six Grammy Awards, and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame. 

I found some videos of these two guys. I hope you enjoy!
Source: Wikipedia

Happy 52nd Birthday Michael Jackson!

Today is Michael Jackson's birthday. Being the fanatic that I am, you know I had to do something to celebrate. Last year that consisted of seeing the impersonator Michael Firestone (who was awesome!) This year, I went to Dusable Museum. There they had a play called "Expressions of MJ." It consisted of various skits which led into Michael Jackson or Jackson 5 songs. The cast was made up of elementary and high school students, and they did a superb job. You could see they put a lot of time and effort into this production. I sat directly in the front row and though I didn't personally know any of the cast, I yelled like I was related to them. There also was a guest appearance from the local Michael Jackson impersonator Rico. His big finale was the song Thriller which he performed in a werewolf mask, complete with claws. I was really pleased to see youth putting their time into something so positive. They perfected intricate choreography and said their lines like professional actors. I know MJ would have loved to see a production such as this. Below is a video from MJ's 1997 History tour. In it he is doing smooth criminal. This is one of my favorite segments from this tour, so enjoy! Happy B'day MJ! We love You!

Transformers 3 in Chi Town

I'm sure many of you have heard that Transformers 3 is being filmed right here in Chi Town. I was walking to Navy Pier the other day and stumbled on a vacant parking lot that looked like a disaster area. It dawned on me that this probably had something to do with a movie. I asked a guard who was watching the lot if my suspicions were true and he confirmed them. So I got out my handy dandy camera (which I've been taking everywhere with me lately) and snapped some pics to share with you guys. Some of my friends have even been lucky enough to see the Bumble Bee car and even Shia Lebouf so keep your eyes peeled if you are headed downtown anytime soon.

Cincinnati Music Festival

Charlie Wilson

Teena Marie

Teena Marie

Charlie Wilson

Cameo

This summer I went on a mini vacation to Cincinnati for their annual music festival, hosted by Macy's. This was my first time going to the two day event and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The acts were Melonie Fiona, which I am sad to say I missed her, so you won't be seeing any pics of her. Sorry, but traffic was a mess! We left an hour early, but I mean when you have a concert and a baseball game the same day and time, and the arena's are literally side by side, and there is no one on the streets to direct cars, that's what happens. We were so distraught about the trouble to get to the parking that we didn't even consider going the next day. We drove all the way to Cleveland instead and went to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and yes a four hour drive was better than waiting in that traffic.  A plus was that parking was only ten dollars. Ok now where was I. Oh yes, the acts were Melanie Fiona, Cameo, Jaheim, Teena Marie and Charlie Wilson. The second day was K'jon, Raheem Devaughn, Erykah Badu, En vogue, and Frankie Beverly and Maze. I wasn't to bummed about the second day because honestly the only act I wanted to see was En vogue and that's because I saw Frankie Beverly and Maze recently (they were terrrific). But I was determined to go the first day of the festival because I wanted to see Teena and Charlie so bad. I had never seen any of the acts except Teena, but that was when I was like in elementary school. I was anxious to see her again. 

Jaheim

Cameo

The first night was so good. I don't see how the second night could top it and from what I heard it didn't. Everyone did their thang! I was also pleasantly surprised by Jaheim. I like the songs they play on the radio, but I wouldn't call myself a fan. I have to say though, he put on a good show. His voice sounded wonderful, so I have much respect for him. The highlight of my night was Teena and Charlie though. These veterans were in great form as I knew they would be. They know how to put on a show. I had to get up and dance when Teena got on stage. She knows how to party. Well of course she does, being buddies with Rick James and all. She also did a touching tribute to her close friend, singing "Give It To Me Baby" and "Fire and Desire". Charlie Wilson was awesome as well and announced how proud he was of  being the first headlining act to sell out the Macy's Festival and it was also his first sold out concert with him headlining. It was a fun night and I can't wait to see who will be there next summer. Enjoy the pics!

Musiq Soulchild Concert

So you read correctly. I went to the Musiq Soulchild concert this summer!  (Hate on me all you want) Musiq Soulchild came to the Country Club Hills Theater and if you haven't been to that venue you really need to go there next summer. It is an outdoor theater in Country Club Hills, which is a suburb of Chicago. The theater is fairly small which makes it great! You can see from anywhere because you are so close to the performer. There are regular seats as well as lawn seats. And the ticket prices are very affordable compared to how ticket prices have been running lately. Anyway, back to Musiq. This was my first time seeing him perform and I just have to say I wasn't disappointed at all. Musiq's voice is equivalent to the cd recording, which ,lets face it, is a rarity. I had such a great time. I sang the whole concert because I have all of his albums. To me Musiq is a gem. He makes genuinely good music and I just don't hear that on the radio anymore. Nowadays, you basically get brainwashed into liking a song because radio plays it so much! It gets sickening sometimes. Sorry, just had to get that off my chest. So here are some pics I took. I got some really good ones too! I want to post some of the video that I took, but I'm scared that is like copyright stuff and I'll get in trouble, so for now just enjoy the pics.

June 25th Remembering Michael in Gary

Ok, in case you didn't notice I am a Michael Jackson fanatic......hint......he is EVERYWHERE on this BLOG! Anyways, on the first anniversary of his death I went to Gary to their celebration of his life. It was a nice affair and now that I am typing this blog I am realizing that I did not share with you any pictures from my first trip to Michael's home town last summer. Soooo, I figure I will dig through some stuff and share those with you as well. Back to this years trip to Gary. Katherine Jackson, Michael's mother, was in Gary to unveil the monument that Gary has put up at the Jackson's old home on their front lawn. A couple of celebrities  such as Judge Greg Mathis and Eddie Griffin attended the event as well. They also had some local talent there to perform. I personally was really excited to see Mrs. Jackson in person. Michael was an extraordinary person and I figure the person who gave birth to him couldn't be any less than that as well. I took a couple of pictures...well more than a couple but only a couple came out well. I got one of Mrs. Jackson, but unfortunately it was one of the pictures that didn't come out to well. I got like the top of her head. I still cherish that picture though. I mean it's the tip of Michael Jackson's mother's head! But, it's going to stay in my personal collection. I will also post the pics I mentioned earlier that I took a year ago that shows the love Gary has for MJ..... Enjoy!

Getting It Together

Hello Hello! I missed updating you guys. I really haven't done it at all this summer, which is really bad on my part because I've done some exciting things and I should I be sharing them with you. Sooooo, the next few posts I will be updating you on all the wonderful things I did this summer. I hope you enjoy. I also plan to start doing this more. I know, I know..... I am always saying that, but seriously I'm going to stop procrastinating as much as I do about this blog. I think I neglect it so much because I think no one cares, but ya know what, one day someone might find this blog and like it so I am going to start taking it more seriously. Oh and hopefully the show will be starting up pretty soon.

New MJ Video Game in November

Sony has made a deal with Ubisoft to make a MJ video game that will be released this coming November. The game doesn't have a title yet but it is going to be on the xbox 360, playstation 3, and wii consol's. The game is supposed to coincide with a new MJ album with unreleased music!

I personally can't wait for this game and the new album to be released. More MJ stuff makes me feel closer to him. I know it's been said a lot but I truly wish he was here to see all of this. I hate that now he is gone and people appreciate him more, but that's how it always goes.

I have been personally down lately because in  2 weeks it will be the anniversary of his death. It doesn't feel like a year, it feels like yesterday. I know people think that all these companies are making money off of MJ and are just using his name to sale their products, but I look at it as his kids are benefiting, people are being reintroduced to him, and his legacy is living. He is beginning to be known more for his music again and that's how it should be. Ok I'm done with my rant.
Like I said MJ album and game coming soon!!!! Yay e Yay!!!!!!!!

Janet Has A New Haircut!

Janet has recently cut her hair very short. I like it, but of course I love Janet. She looks beautiful as always.

MjTunes - Michael Jackson Radio Station

MjTunes - Michael Jackson Radio Station

Janet's B'day!!!!!!!!

Today is Janet's Birthday! So I just want to take the time to wish my girl J a Happy Birthday. Also, in July Janet will be at the Essence music festival and it is said that she sold out in minutes, so you GO GIRL! Here's a little Janet for yaw.

Marvin Gaye Biopic Maybe?

There are talks of a new movie based on the life of the great soul singer Marvin Gaye. Terrance Howard would portray him in the movie. Nothing has been made definite, but there is a big possibly since the movie has already been okayed by Motown founder Berry Gordy. I personally, would love for this movie to happen. This generation needs to be introduced to those who have paved the way for the musicians and singers of today. Although, to me they aren't even close to Marvin Gaye and are headed in the wrong direction...... but that's another story. Anyway, let's cross our fingers and hope this movie happens. And just to wet your appetite here is a video of Marvin Gaye singing live.

Lena Horne God Rest Her Soul

Lena Horne has passed away today. She was 92 ( a year younger than my grandmother, who is still leaving). Lena Horne was a pioneer for African American women and African American's in general. She was in one of my favorite movies, "Stormy Weather" and here is a beautiful clip of her singing the song by the same name.

Last show until the summer schedule starts!

Hi Everyone,
Man I really should update more lol. Well next Tuesday will be the last show until the summer schedule starts. Just a little note..... I'm graduating soon, but I will still be around so don't worry, you will still be able to listen to S.K.P. The Voice. I keep saying I will update more but I really do plan once the summer starts. Make sure you tune in this Tuesday to listen to last show of the semester at 4:00pm on WRBC The Blaze.

We Are The World Youtube Version

A group of unsigned artists came together on youtube and did their own version of We Are The World. I have to say that it puts another version that is out now to shame! Although both versions were made to help those in Haiti, I felt the sincerity and emotion from the artists in this version and it seriously made me cry. I think Michael Jackson would really be proud of this version of his classic song, so I wanted to share it with you.

Returning to the airwaves

Hi Everyone,
The wait is over! I will be returning to the airwaves tomorrow. So check out my show The Musicbox on a new day and time, Tuesday's 4:00pm-5:00pm on WRBC The Blaze. Streaming live at http://legacy.roosevelt.edu/wrbc/.