R.G.'s Female Crush Of The Moment

Brilliant and stunnamazingly gorgeous NBC New York news anchor Jummy Olabanji.

2018 Oscars a success despite ratings drop

So many historic, entertaining and all-around awesome moments occurred on Sunday, March 5, 2018 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California. Everyone looked quite good in their outfits and accessories - of course. For the second consecutive year as host, late night TV funny dude Jimmy Kimmel was in vintage form doing what he did throughout the entire telecast. The expressions of defiance against the policies of President Donald Trump - as well as the Women's Rights #MeToo movement were brought to the forefront by the various creatives in attendance. 'The Shape Of Water' won four Academy Awards, including capturing Best Picture and it's Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro winning Best Director. Jordan Peele became the first African-American male to win the Oscar for Original Screenplay to his debut, ground-breaking film 'Get Out.' Recently retired and future Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant became the first former NBA player to win an Academy Award for his animated short film, 'Dear Basketball,' et cetera, et cetera. So why were only an estimated 26.5 million sets of eyeballs tuned in this year in comparison to last year? Well, for one thing, the Academy Awards are the only ceremonies that gives out awards to every single category live, therefore it tends to run for about four hours, max. Personally, I think giving out all the awards on TV will actually inspire many to push hard with their dreams - that the ones working behind-the-scenes get rewarded and acknowledged for their important works. So for me, the 90th edition of the Academy Awards was incredible, 'can't miss' programming in spite of the 20% decline in viewership.

A big 2017 for Adult R&B/Soul music

To the pessimists who insisted that the state of traditional R&B/Soul music is on a downward spiral towards irrelevancy has proven to be false here in Chapter 2017. Yes - I know and I got it that album sales aren't what they used to be, but you cannot deny the incredible quality of work that's been put out this year by super-talented newbies such as Kevin Ross, Yuna, La'Porsha Renae, and multi-faceted actress/singer Demetria McKinney - just to name a few. But for me, what's been amazingly impressive in 2017 has been the vibes released by the legendary O.G.s of the game like Mary J. Blige, Keith Sweat, Charlie Wilson, Joe, Leela James, Chante' Moore, Musiq Soulchild, Will Downing, Bell Biv DeVoe, Johnny Gill and so many others that have quietly slayed it majorly on the Urban Adult Contemporary radio airwaves, giving hope for the truly 'grown and sexy' demographic that 'Real R&B/Soul Music' performed by truly talented, top-quality, real R&B/Soul recording artists are still in vogue, and is showing 'zero' signs of slowing down going into year 2018. No disrespect to the artists doing the 'Urban R&B/Hip-Hop' thing, but the Adult/Traditional vibe is STILL winning in my book. Oh, and who could forget the big reunion of Kandi, Tiny, LaTocha and Tamika - aka multi-Platinum-selling vocal quartet Xscape?

Kendall and Kylie Jenner Deserve A Ton Better Treatment.....CEASE THE HATE!

 

As I was thoroughly enjoying much of the 2K15 edition of the BILLBOARD Music Awards, which was well-hosted by both Christopher 'Ludacris' Bridges and the oh-so-fine and quirky Chrissy Teigen last night, one thing absolutely bothered me - the mistreatment of both Kendall and Kylie Jenner (who both looked amazing as always) by way of a smattering of boos from the crowd as they were introducing their mega-talented brother-in-law Kanye West on stage at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

I get it. The vast majority of the general public here in the U.S. of A. are sick and tired of seeing or hearing about ANY of the Kardashian family members on TV, radio, or online every single day, but don't penalize two young, lovely, impressionable ladies who are not doing any harm to anyone. Being under the shadow of their mega-famous dad - 1976 Olympic Decathlon gold medalist Bruce - who is already dealing with so much mess from the media in regards to his current transitioning into a woman - plus their older step-sisters Kim, Khloe and Kourtney is hard enough as it is, but I think both Kendall and Kylie have blossomed very beautifully - both internally and externally - and have carved their very own niches and are doing so well for themselves thus far as supermodels, TV personalities and budding entrepreneurs with the potential to be extra-phenomenal in the very near future. The credit largely goes to the bosstress mom Kris - who I admire greatly for all that she's endured in her life in raising her kids after her husband Robert, Sr. passed away. Kris will forever get lots of love from me because I think she is a FANTASTIC MOTHER - first and foremost - PERIOD!

*Personal memo to Kendall and Kylie: Whenever you hear 'boos' directed at the both of you, just look at it as the crowd respecting the good things that the both of you are currently doing. ALL of the GREATS have been booed because a small portion of the general public CANNOT handle their GREATNESS, and only WISH they could be in their league. I love the both of you gorgeous, awesome and career-driven ladies and just continue being the BEST that the both of you can be with all that you love to do. Keep up the great work, stay positively focused, and most importantly, BE BLESSED WITH GOD'S L-O-V-E because the both of you young ladies DESERVE A TON BETTER TREATMENT from both the media, general public and yes, the hounding paparazzi!

Follow Kendall: www.instagram.com/KendallJenner; www.twitter.com/KendallJenner
Follow Kylie: www.instagram.com/KylieJenner; www.twitter.com/KylieJenner

Red Carpet Feature: MONET MERCHAND

 

Bronx, New York City-born and current Harlem USA representative Monet Merchand has been honing her craft as a Rap music artist since the early 2000's through hard work, perseverance, and the inspiration of her cousin and mentor - the late Andre 'Huddy 6' Hudson, who was instrumental in the careers of Platinum-selling artists Ma$e, Cam'Ron and countless others. But the twenty-something beauty of Dominican/Filipino/West Indian extraction to this point has been able to expertly build her own brand through the experiences of working behind-the-scenes and acquiring knowledge of the music business, and is primed to explode in a huge way in the Entertainment arena.

"Music is my 'drug,' my 'natural high,' and my main focus right now." said Merchand during my recent phone interview with her. "I just have the confidence and self-assuredness that I can do it. I know I am talented, and soon enough, everyone will be familiar with my name and how hard I put in work." Not only is Monet hot, on-the-rise rapper, she is also proactive as an actress who's been featured in popular VH1 network reality TV series such as 'Basketball Wives' and 'Love & Hip Hop: New York' thus far. With her hard grind, unbridled confidence, and immense business saavy, MONET MERCHAND will be a brand name that'll resonate within the global community for years to come!

Look for big things from the vivacious and eccentric Libra going into 2K14 with hot new music, more small screen projects, as well as on the big screen, and with her incredible looks and curvy physique, you can also anticipate potential layouts in some of the top men's magazines as well!

*Sending out a big THANKS to publicist ERNEST JACKSON of MNS Media Group (www.twitter.com/StricklyForTheP) for the opportunity to interview the intelligent, passionate and beautiful Monet!

www.twitter.com/MonetMerchand
www.instagram.com/QueenMonetMerchand
www.youtube.com/MonetMerchand
www.soundcloud.com/MonetMerchand

Red Carpet Artist Spotlight: SEVYN STREETER

Most of you might not know that she's written hit songs for the likes of her mentor Chris Brown, Brandy and Alicia Keys over the last couple of years to date. Some of you may know and recognize her from the R&B group RichGirl. The vast majority of you have definitely seen and heard her voice on Chris Brown's smash hit single and video, 'SHE AIN'T YOU.' For what I've heard and witnessed thus far, I think that singer/songwriter Amber "SEVYN" Streeter is primed for big-time success here in 2K13 and beyond, and if her sizzling-hot new club-bangin' single and video for 'I LIKE IT' is a true testament to her incredible talent as a solo artist, then lovers around the world of R&B/Pop music are in for a very special treat from this amazing and stunningly gorgeous lady from Florida!

www.sevynstreeter.com
www.twitter.com/Sevyn

Red Carpet Spotlight: HEART TO HEART - A SISTERHOOD EXPERIENCE

The Date: Saturday, 11/17/2K12
The Locale: World Famous SYLVIA'S Restaurant, Harlem, New York City

Legendary soul singers Meli'sa Morgan, Alyson Williams, and the 'Triple Threat Diva' Ms. Melba Moore, along with the mega-talented veteran recording artist Monifah, entertained their adoring female fans with their timeless music and thought-provoking, humorous dialogue in a preview showcase for the upcoming HEART TO HEART: A SISTERHOOD EXPERIENCE Tour, which will hit the road in 2K13. 'We are promoting A SISTERHOOD EXPERIENCE to empower and uplift our Black women.' said Ms. J, who is the brainchild of this amazing venture, and also has aspirations to become a recording artist herself due to her undying love for classic Soul music.

Meli'sa Morgan - in addition to her being one of the performers on the tour - also serves as the Talent Coordinator, which means with her pedigree that you can most certainly anticipate some of the top female R&B/Soul recording artists past and present - to come on board and bless the stage with both their immense talent and also their sharing of words of widsom and encouragement to all Black women from city to city across the U.S. of A.!

For more information on this upcoming and sure-to-be-incredible music experience, please call 1-718-297-8888.

Platinum-Selling Singer/Songwriter/Producer AL B. SURE! Sharing His Random Thoughts

* On his early grind to success in the music game......

'It's been such a blessing to be afforded the opportunity to actually have the vehicle of music in the first place. I'm a cat from Money Earnin' Mount Vernon, New York - 4 square miles - everybody's about their hustle and grind, I remember being in the hallways of Mt. Vernon High School writing songs on the back of my notebook, on the back of lunch bags and whatever, and all of a sudden - BOOM! - I'm in Japan in front of 10,000 Japanese citizens and they're singing my songs! And for me, it's all because of the love I have for the music and nothing else. I didn't do it to be famous.'

*Al B.'s advice for aspiring recording artists who want to succeed in the music biz.......

'I look at it like this and it's the same thing I tell my sons.....If you don't love the woman you are with, leave her alone. Same thing with the music industry: If you are not doing this for the right reason, LET IT GO....DON'T DO IT. Basically, the advice is don't do this unless you respect and love the craft because it will beat you down if you try and come in the wrong way and it will tear you apart. That's why you see a lot of cats jumping off buildings, doing drugs and whatever. This industry is not made for human consumption. Just imagine the highs and lows you have to deal with: Being No.1 and then not being No.1; Getting all the accolades and Grammys, and then all of a sudden you're 'zero' on the Billboard charts. People will treat you crazy and I've been through it. The reason I'm still here and that I can still work in several countries around the world 25 years later, is because I did this for the right reason!'

*Al B.'s thoughts when Barack Obama was elected President for 1st term......

'When Barack Obama was elected U.S. President, I was in the barbershop in the hood with some cats, and it was so nice to see some of the young guys walk in and say "This is incredible! This makes me wanna pull my pants up, put on a tie and get dressed up!" How wonderful was that to hear from the young guys who just felt inspired?'
'When I was younger, my dreams and goals were different. I want to be the president of a record company and a Boy Scout. Now, our young people's dreams have no ceiling. Our young people can now say "I want to become President of the United States." How crazy is that?'

www.albsure.net

(Late June 2K9, Joe's Pub, New York City)

WHODINI honored, Future Stars shine at 10th Annual Underground Music Awards

The Date: Sunday, 8/19/2K12
The Locale: BB King Blues Club & Grill, New York City

Pioneering rap trio Whodini - the first hip-hop artists to achieve Platinum record sales - the first hip-hop act to incorporate dancers in their live shows - the first hip-hop 'sex symbols' - were honored with the Icon award for the incredible body of work that they've produced throughout their legendary career. Doctor Ice, the honorary fourth member of the group due to his long-time association as one of their dancers during their successful run in the 1980's, made his presence felt by spitting a mean dancehall reggae verse for the enthusiastic crowd during the award presentation. 'The only thing that's ever made Whodini strong and stand the test of time in the Hip-Hop game is that we've always had the love of the people. That's what carried us through this long and that's what's gonna take us to our graves.' said group member Ecstacy. A well-deserved honor from the underground music community!

Some of the most talented, up-and-coming artists rocked the stage, such as female R&B group Main Girl out of the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area, Hip-Hop acts QuesFire from the Bronx, New York City and Move Nation, a talented and energetic male duo out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, just to name a few. R&B/Pop singer Cocoa Sarai, rising hip-hop male artists N.O. and D.Chamberz, and talented femcees Kitana Blade and Sonja Blade (not related...lol) were among the big winners at this year's ceremonies. The night also featured a fantastic fashion showcase of the Bag Lady Inc. Collection, modeled by the gorgeous women of Blue Ice Entertainment. The fashion show was sponsored by Soul 2 Soul Music Buzz ( a division of Urban Threshold), which recently launched its debut website, www.soul2soulmusicbuzz.com. Urban Threshold/Underground Music Awards CEO/Founder Jesse Atkinson and his team continue to do amazing, inspiring work in helping talented individuals that don't get the mainstream accolades the recognition that they deserve for their hard work and dedication in putting out the best quality product out to the masses who appreciate their grind and unique musical direction. DJ Swerve did his thing on the 1 and 2s supplying the music throughout the evening, and the talented and lovely Ms. Chia Schonberg did a great job as the hostess! All in all, the 10th annual Underground Music Awards was yet another success across the board! For the complete list of winners, log on to www.undergroundmusicawards.com.

Red Carpet Music Spotlight: International Recording Artist JHAYEE (Pronounced J.E.)

Repping the country of Guyuna, located in the northern part of South America, Jhayee is a musical talent to be reckoned with all around the globe. Having been in the game for a while and performing with the likes of Brian McKnight, Ray, Goodman & Brown and Najee, just to name a few, Jhayee is primed and ready to conquer the world with his own unique, eclectic brand of musicality. His current hit single, ' MOP IT UP' is rapidly becoming the hot, new dance craze by club-goers in such places as his hometown Guyana, Jamaica, England, Miami, New York, etc. Mel Holder, who produced the catchy tune, told me recently that it took only a mere three days to complete the recording of the song! Jhayee's primary goal is to keep the world dancing, one step at a time, so BE READY TO JAM!

www.Jhayee.com

Hip-Hop Icon LIL KIM Rocks The Paradise Theater Stage In The Bronx, New York City

The Date: Friday, 5/18/2K12

The multitalented, legendary, sexy and gorgeous Queen Bee put on a very entertaining show, blessing her enthusiatic fans with all of her classic hits and collabo features that she's put out over the past 17 years in the game to date. Kim even invited her good friends Eve, Missy Elliott, Sandra 'Pepa' Denton of the legendary female rap duo Salt N Pepa, Drita D'Avanzo from the hit reality series MOB WIVES (also a talented rhyme-sayer), Juelz Santana and the Bronx's own Fred Da Godson and Will Traxx to rock out on stage with her to perform their head-bangin' hits. Sexy and gorgeous model/recording artist/reality TV star Somaya Reece, DJ Kool Herc (The Originator of Hip-Hop Music), super-talented hip-hop artist Papoose, Mr. Cheeks from the legendary hip-hop group Lost Boys, and the lovely Tashera Simmons (wife of hip-hop legend DMX) were among the other notables in the building who lent their support for Kim on her big night in the Bronx, NYC! Big kudos go out to publicist Jennifer Seley of Rubenstein PR for extending the invite to me to cover the event. It was my first time ever attending the legendary Paradise Theater for an event, and for me, it was an overall amazing, fun, nostalgic evening!

http://www.paradisetheater.net/
http://www.lilkimzone.net/

Red Carpet Article/Q&A: Grammy Award-winning jazz drummer TERRI LYNE CARRINGTON

Drummer/producer Terri Lyne Carrington has been doing amazing things in the world of Jazz music for just over two decades, collaborating alongside luminaries such as Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Patrice Rushen, Stevie Wonder and Al Jarreau, just to name a few. Her Grammy Award-winning fifth album, THE MOSAIC PROJECT, is 14 scintillating tracks of abstract and beautiful music artistry that exclusively features some of the most gifted female jazz musicians on the planet, such as Esperanza Spalding on bass, legendary percussionist/drummer Sheila Escovedo, trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, pianists Geri Allen and Helen Sung, saxophonist Tineke Postma and vocalists Cassandra Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Nona Hendryx. The album was her first under the Concord Jazz label imprint, and received high marks from music critics around the globe. Fans of top-quality, live music imstrumentation will absolutely appreciate and fall head over heels in love with THE MOSAIC PROJECT! I had the chance to briefly interview the super-talented and gorgeous Ms. T.L.C. during her time of rest and relaxation.

RG: How long did it take to record THE MOSAIC PROJECT?

TLC: The album took about a month to record, and afterwards about an additional couple of weeks as far as the mixing process was concerned.

RG: Define the 'Terri Lyne Carrington' brand of musicality.

TLC: Eclectic, jazzy and funky!

RG: What does 'performing live' mean to you?

TLC: To me, when performing live, you have the three essential connections: your instrument, the other musicians you are playing with, and of course, the audience. Also when you're performing live, you can play with a carefree, reckless abandon onstage and worry less about being perfect, compared to being in a more contained setting in the studio, where every aspect of the recording process has to be executed perfectly for the most part.

RG: What's the best piece of advice you can give to a talented young female musician who aspires to become a success on the professional level?

TLC: Of course, as a female, you are going to go through the common struggles, but if you are sincere, possess a great talent, and is continuing to hone your skillset, the rest will work itself out.

RG: In your words, define 'being in the spotlight.'

TLC: To be in the spotlight, you have to do your very best at whatever your passion is to be. I think it's a pretty big responsibility to shine in the spotlight if you take what you do seriously.

http://www.terrilynecarrington.com/
http://www.concordmusicgroup.com/

R&B/Soul Male Vocal Group AMBIENT (Boston, MA)

Dwight Burgess, Sean Miranda, Travis Fountain, Jay Greer and Delin Green make up the very talented and musically versatile vocal group AMBIENT. Together, they bring their unique brand of good-quality, throwback-style R&B/Soul music with a gospel-feel and Hip-Hop flavor to audiences of all ages and ethnicities around the world. Formerly known as THE SUPERIORS back when they started in the mid-to-late 1980's, the group is currently unsigned, but have recorded with both Motown Records and Columbia/SONY Music in the past. Their harmonies are intricate, soulful and smooth, reminiscent of legendary groups like The Temptations and The Dramatics, and the lyrics to all of their original songs speak positive truth about everyday life experiences, family values, and for the urging of men to love, honor and respect the Queens of the Universe - our WOMEN, which is somewhat a rarity in the majority of today's popular R&B and Hip-Hop music. The talented quintet briefly shared with me their thoughts on a few things relating to the current landscape of music.

RG: How long have you guys been together as a group?

AMBIENT: We've been together for over 20 years, and we officially released our first album back in 1990.

RG: Do you guys get along well?

AMBIENT: For the most part, we do get along, but we fight like hell at times! (Laughs)

RG: Define the 'AMBIENT' brand of musicality.

AMBIENT: Realistic music in its purest form.

RG: You guys are currently unsigned. How important is it for you all to get a new record deal?

AMBIENT: To be honest, if we get a deal, then so be it. We will make it happen one way or another with God's blessing.

RG: In your opinion, what do you guys think is lacking in the current landscape of R&B music, plus the fact that there aren't too many authentically talented male vocal groups today compared to years past?

AMBIENT: 'Acutal singing' is missing. To be honest, the music industry has changed over the past few years. The society of today, particularly the younger generation, doesn't always appreciate 'true artists,' both lyrically and vocally for whatever reason.

RG: What does 'performing live' mean to you guys collectively?

AMBIENT: It means everything! We believe in that 'never do in the recording studio what you can't do on a live stage.' A 'true artist' will always perform everything live with real singing, keeping the audience entertained, and most importantly, having the accompaniment of an incredibly talented band.

RG: What's the best piece of advice you can give to a young male vocal group who has great talent and wants to take things to the next level?

AMBIENT: Learn the business aspect of the music industry and always treat it as a business, which we feel is very important. You can possess all the talent in the world, but if you don't understand the business side of things, you will be taken advantage of and robbed blindly.

*BIG shout-out goes out to the group's head street team promoter KEVIN GRAY from Boston, MA for allowing me the opportunity to Q&A these five positive and super-talented gentlemen!

www.facebook.com/Ambient Superiors
http://www.reverbnation.com/; Ambient Superiors

KOOL & THE GANG - Article and Q&A with founding member ROBERT 'KOOL' BELL

With over 70 million units sold worldwide throughout their long and illustrious career, Kool & The Gang have endured both the highs and the lows in the ever-evolving music industry, and succeeded to become one of the most uniquely versatile bands to ever do it both onstage and in the recording studio. Whether it's the jazzy flow of their hit songs 'Summer Madness' and 'Too Hot,' the raw funkness of 'Jungle Boogie' and 'Hollywood Swingin',' to the eclectic, global sounds of 'Celebration,' 'Ladie's Night' and 'Joanna,' these mega-talented brothers from Jersey City, New Jersey have touched everyone around the globe with timeless, classic music that will forever resonate within our consciousness for generations to come. The group's founding members - Robert 'Kool' Bell, his brother Ronald Bell (now known as Khalis Bayyan) and Dennis Thomas were honored by Fame-Wall (http://www.fame-wall.com/) for their lifetime achievements back on July 7, 2011 in New York City. Robert was kind enough to briefly share with me his views on how one can succeed in the current music industry, and well as offering up his thoughts on what it means to be in the spotlight.

RG: What's the best advice you can give to musically talented young men who strive to one day become successful in the current music industry?

RKB: Well, I always like to say that they need to try and be creative in their own right and have a distinct identity, which is kind of hard in today's popular music landscape with everything sounding so much alike. A lot of major record companies don't like to take risks like they used to in the past. It's also very important to learn about the business side of things in terms of how copyrights work, learning about publishing rights, lawyers handling the legalities of your contract, accountants managing your finances accurately and things of that nature. But the main thing for me is to never give up - if recording music professionally is what you really want to do because it's not always easy. There are always going to be hills and valleys along the journey, so you've got to make sure that you can weather the storm when it arises.

RG: Define 'being in the spotlight' from your perspective.

RKB: I guess 'being in the spotlight' is the fact that people recognize who you are and appreciate what you do. But also while you're in the spotlight, there is a lot of responsibility that comes with that to stay in the spotlight, because at any given moment, if you're not careful, the lights can go out, and you might no longer be in the spotlight (chuckles), so you have to continue to work hard to maintain a relevancy in the spotlight, especially in the music industry!

http://www.koolandthegang.com/

CelebrityDom: Stressful or Worthwhile?

Being a popular celebrity that's always in the spotlight has got to be one of the more daunting tasks in the history of civilization! Constantly navigating thru the throngs of annoying, aggressive paparazzi & crazed, yet adoring, autograph-seeking fans on a daily basis has to be ultra-stressful to deal with. There's zero privacy, even during downtime, & you're always protected by bodyguards 'round the clock. You are most likely to be deemed by the general public as being "untouchable" & "unapproachable" for the most part. I, still learning the nuances of the media game, find "celebrity-dom" fascinating in so many aspects. How were the late King of Pop Michael Jackson and legendary groups such as the Beatles, Rolling Stones and The Temptations able to maintain their sanity? How do current popular celebs such as Justin Beiber, Lady Gaga, Johnny Depp & Angelina Jolie cope with all of the madness?

And so I pose this question to you all: If you were in the public eye as a well-known celebrity, how would YOU handle the fame & newfound fortune? Would "celebrity-dom" drive you crazy or keep you humble?