Soul Fixin'

A. Keys 'Late Show' Performance
The object of my affection, songstress Alicia Keys, stopped by the 'Late Show with David Letterman' to perform one of my personal favorites, 'The Thing About Love.' In case you don't know, A. Keys has re-released her last album. As I Am: The Super Edition includes 3 bonus tracks, 'Saviour,' 'Doncha Know (Sky Is Blue),' and her 007 duet with Jack White, 'Another Way To Die.' A bonus DVD is also included in the set and features a live performance in London.

Soul Fixin'

Aretha Tops Mag's '100 Greatest'Who is the greatest singer of all time? According to Rolling Stone magazine, Aretha Franklin is. The Queen of Soul ranked # 1 in a poll conducted by the iconic magazine dedicated to music. Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding & James Brown pulled in enough votes to occupy space in the Top 10. Rolling Stone recruited a gang of singers, editors, producers and music-industry insiders, which included Clive Davis, Alicia Keys, Etta James, B.B King & Mavis Staples - to name a few, to compile the list of 100 Greatest Singers. Mary J. Blige reflected on Aretha in a testimonial, "she is the reason why women want to sing." The 100 Greatest Singers of All Time issue, which includes four covers, hits newsstands Friday.

Soul Fixin'

Mary J. & Corporate America
Mary's career has skyrocketed with the release of two multi-platinum albums, The Breakthrough & Growing Pains, a slew of awards and accolades, high profile appearances, sold out tours including an outing with Jay-Z, and a multi-million dollar promotional deal with Chevy. The Queen of Hip Hop Soul has now teamed up with financial conglomerate Citibank to help pitch the brand new CitiCard. CitiCard holders are eligible to win an opportunity to take 5 friends to watch MJB record and mix a new album, round trip airfare, hotel accommodations, a spa day, autographed merchandise, and $5,000 spending money. MJB Fans can check out stories.citicards.com to play games with Mary's lyrics and watch behind the scenes interviews.

Video Soul

"my sunshine has come

and I'm all cried out
and there's no more rain in this cloud"

Soul Fixin'

Will.I.Am Declares 'It's A New Day'

Support for President-Elect Barack Obama has come from all corners of the globe and all arenas, from Hollywood to sports to music. The latest wave of support comes from Black Eyed Peas frontman Will.I.Am, who recorded the track 'Yes We Can' earlier this year. In the wake of Obama's historic election, Will.I.Am created a follow-up to 'Yes We Can,' 'It's A New Day.' The video features cameos from noteworthy Obama supporters and footage from Obama's big moment in Chicago. While 'It's A New Day' captures a historic moment in our nation's history, we can not allow ourselves to live in that moment and became complacent. We have to turn that moment into a movement. A movement for CHANGE. A portion of Dr. King's dream manifested itself in the election of Obama. It is now up to us to make sure the rest of his dream becomes a reality.

Soul Fixin'

A Celebration of Soul
In the wake of releasing The Way I See It, an album that pays homage to the sounds of Stax, Motown, Chicago and Philly, Rahpael Saadiq and his band took a trip to BlackVoices.com for a soul infused jam session. Saadiq & crew perform 'Big Easy, 'Just One Kiss,' 'Oh Girl,' & 'Love That Girl,' and an amazing tribute to Shalamar. Raphael Saadiq also sits down for a Q&A session. Check out the video here.

Video Soul

"I remember when I walked out.
I remember when I said I hated you.
but somehow deep inside I'm still loving you.
so sad and lonely..."

Soul Fixin'

Is This A Joke?
Please tell me Bobby Brown is responsible for this cruel joke. Then again, Whitney' has recently collaborated with Akon, so this isn't too hard to fathom. I came across the cover of Whitney Houston's comeback album at Crunk + Disorderly. Has Whitney lost her mind? I can't imagine Clive Davis giving his seal of approval for this foolishness. Why is Whitney dressed up like a super hero with a horrible weave? Hopefully, the historic election of Barack Obama as President will inspire Whitney to make a CHANGE. 

Soul Fixin'

Plies Is The 'Future' According To VIBE
While others have dismissed VIBE as a mere shadow of it's former self I still love the magazine dedicated to urban culture. I took a peek at the cover of the upcoming issue and my side eye reared it's ugly head. I was shocked to discover that VIBE has declared Plies the 'future of rap.' If Piles is the 'future of rap,' T-Pain must be the 'future of rhythm & blues.'  It seems like frequent late night bust it baby action has gotten to VIBE's head. Has Plies released a critically acclaimed debut album? No. Is he at the forefront of a new movement in hip-hop? No. Is he in the process of resurrecting hip-hop? I doubt it. While we all enjoy hearing his commercial, run of the mill music in the club, no one in their right mind would go out and cop a Plies album or consider him to be the 'future of rap.'  What criteria has Plies met to be labeled the 'future of rap'? I'm dying to get my hands on this issue and find out.There was a time when rappers such as Jay-Z, Nas, Scarface, or Common could have easily been described as the 'future of rap.' Plies doesn't fit the mold. VIBE has got some explaining to do.  Am I wrong? Is Plies the 'future of rap.'? Is VIBE becoming a shadow of it's former self? Speak on it.

Soul Fixin'

History In The Making
In the aftermath of a historic election, a Jay-Z track titled ' We Made History' has hit the net thanks to Kanye West. The track is a subtle ode to Barack Obama's victory. On the Kanye produced track Jay spits " Where are you victory? I need you desperately/ Not just for the moment, to make history." "We Made History" is expected to be on Jay's upcoming project The Blueprint 3.

Video Soul

"read more learn more change the globe
ghetto children do your thing
hold your head up little man
your a king
young princess when you
get your wedding ring
your man is saying "She's my queeeen""

Soul Fixin'

A Change Is On The Horizon
While others said 'no we couldn't,' I knew we could. Yes We Can is now Yes We Did!!! Last night was surreal, I couldn't believe it. This morning as I sat at my computer desk and the gospel song 'Never Would Have Made It' bellowed through the speakers and tears streamed down my face the reality of it all began to sink it. I know the ancestors, especially those who built the White House, are rejoicing. I know Medgar Evans has joined hands with others who bled, suffered, and died to give us the right to vote and are singing that old negro spiritual "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'Roun'."

Video Soul

"it's been too hard living but I'm afraid to die
cause I don't know what's up there beyond the sky
it's been a long, a long time coming
but I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will..."

Soul Tracks

At the core of Obama's historic campaign is a single word, CHANGE. Obama's run for the nation's highest office has birthed a slew of songs from artists representing a wide range of musical genres. However, hip hop and soul artists are at the front of the Obama movement. But no song embodies the campaign of Obama quite like Sam Cooke's 1963 epic 'A Change Is Gonna Come.' Inspired by Bob Dylan's protest song "Blowing In The Wind," and two life-altering incidents; a conversation with sit-in demonstrators in Durham, North Carolina and the death of his infant son, Cooke composed the highly emotional tune. In the years that followed, "A Change Is Gonna Come" became an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement. Today's Soul Tracks features Aretha's 1967 reading of the song. Aretha paid homage to her friend and musical icon on her '67 Atlantic debut, I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You, considered to be one the greatest soul albums of all time. Forty one years after Aretha wrapped her gospel drenched vocals around the landmark song, I found myself anxiously anticipating a change. I know it's been a long, a long time coming but I know a CHANGE gonna come.

Soul Fixin'

Celebrating The Legacy of Motown
'Baby Love,' 'I Heard It Through The Grapevine,' 'I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch),' 'Tracks of My Tears', and 'My Girl' - to name a few, are all hit songs associated with the sound of Motown. A sound that transformed the musical and racial landscape of America. As the famed label reaches 50, it will be the showpiece of Vanity Fair's annual music issue. Writer Lisa Robinson is given an oral history of life at Motown by those who lived it and she uncovers what really happened with Diana, Mary and Flo. Famed photographer Annie Leibovitz rounded up Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Berry Gordy, Lionel Richie, Martha Reeves, and other Motown alum for a historic portfolio. Be on the look out for Vanity Fair's December issue. Speaking of Motown's 50th anniversary, planned commemorative projects include a series of compilation albums and a definitive Motown documentary, years in the making by Gordy Suzanne de Passe. Other plans have yet to be finalized. Duke Fakir of The Four Tops said in a Detroit Free Press article "nobody has said what's going to happen, they're just preparing the world for something major."

Soul Fixin'

Tonight Is The Night
A few hours ago I voted for Barack Obama. If you have yet to do so please go and make it happen. We are on the verge of making history and it feels so good to be apart of it. Forty three years after African Americans were given the right to vote, I, a young black male and descendant of Southern slaves, was able to cast my vote for a black man. The feeling was overwhelming. I walked away from the polls with a renewed sense of energy and a tremendous amount of pride. It was obvious that many of my neighbors felt the same way. I can feel it in the air. Barack Obama will be our next president. I hope you mark this poignant moment in history with a celebration. We deserve it.

Video Soul

Soul Fixin'

Barack The Vote!!!
Tomorrow is the big day. A day many have been waiting for since George Bush was elected to a second term. Countless more Americans have been anticipating Tuesday November 4 since Barack Obama announced his run for the White House. As we reach that big day, numerous polls show Obama ahead of the competition. However,now is not the time to become complacent. We've come too far to slow down and give up. We are on the verge of making history, the kind of history that will change the way the world looks at us. The kind of history that will change the way we look at ourselves. We need to act as if Obama is behind in the polls. He needs every single vote. I know it sounds cliche but every vote counts. Please go vote tomorrow and encourage those around you to do the same. Tomorrow may prove to be the ultimate test, some of us may face a few obstacles getting to the polls and once we get there the lines may be much longer than expected. Make preparations now. Stick it out and exercise your right to vote. Tomorrow is a our day. It's a celebration. Let's make it happen. Let's put Barack, Michelle, Malia and Sasha in the White House.

Video Soul

"brown as the sand, you’re soft as the shore
you’re leaving me hungry, I’m crying for more..."

Saturday Soul

Common Talks Politics & Obama [OP]
The Latest On Chrisette Michelle [Brown Sugar]
Check Out Lil Wayne's New Video...Ms. Officer [VIBE]
MJ Won't Be Apart of J5 Reunion [SR]
Levi Stubbs' Grand Farewell [Detroit Free Press]
One Night With Leon Ware [VIBE]