I previously wrote a blog on Kanye West, wondering what happened to the deep rapper we all fell in love with years ago. I must say I am know wondering the same thing about Alicia Keys. I thought she had escaped the transformation (when an artist transforms from an deep, introspective musician to solely an entertainer) that so many artists go through. I remember when we had no idea what Alicia Keys skin looked like besides what was exposed on her face. I am not saying that there is anything wrong with being sexy or showing off the hard work you put into your body, however her change in style is very telling.

The same way Kanye went from wearing back-packs to all black exclusive designers, seems to be the same approach that Ms. Keys is taking. From the second I heard her new single “Girl on fire”, I knew we have probably lost the old “Falling” Alicia Keys. The new single lacks that emotion that she ALWAYS brings to her songs. Who is supposed to relate to a girl on fire? Yes she will say the same thing Beyonce says about all her songs that it is about female empowerment. That maybe true, but I am a female and I didn’t feel empowered, I felt confused as to what this song is about. I find it ironic that the more they (Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, etc) speak of girl power, and the equality of women the more clothes they remove. I can not take you seriously abut women taking control, and not letting men define what is sexy, when you are dancing in underwear. That last statement might apply more to her counterparts than to Alicia, but just wait. The funny thing is I saw Alicia as more powerful when she was fully dressed sitting behind a piano, but that’s just me.

I am sure many will argue, that it is about evolution, and that artists can not and should not stay in a box. I can see that point, but what I am having a hard time understanding is why does evolution and shallow music go hand in hand? Who do we have left for soul, Adele? And I mean that not as sarcasm, but rather posing it as a serious question. My ending point I guess would be, yes you can have a party record or a dance smash Alicia, but does that have to involve abandoning the core of your music, which used to give me goosebumps.

ON a side-note: More relative to this specific performance, were the festivities not held in Houston? Then why would you sing a New York anthem? Solely just because of my boyfriend I watched the super bowl. Now this is of course after the whole Beyonce lip-syncing controversy, so everyone would be singing live. Jennifer Hudson KILLED it, and I couldn’t wait for Alicia because I knew she was going to wow me with the national anthem. And well…..she didn’t. I never heard her sound like that before I felt she was off, and I noticed the same thing with this performance. Has Beyonce forced everyone to remove the veil, and now must sing live? Was she not singing live before because she sounds different to me?

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If you’ve never met the devil in the road of life, it’s because you’re both heading in the same direction….
Eben Gregory….

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When I first heard about The Houstons doing a reality show I vowed not to watch  because I felt that the very idea seemed disturbing. I mean Whitney had not been dead six months before they started filming so I can imagine how quickly they began negotiations. Before I get into my rant, let me first say that everyone grieves differently. I lost my mother a couple of months before Whitney Houston died, so I felt a great empathy for Bobbi Kristina because I was also extremely close to my mother. With that being said I shall began. So my boredom came face to face with an “On our own” marathon on lifetime. First and foremost, the title is a bit confusing. Everyone on that show (excluding Krissi) should have been on their own a long time before Whitney passed away. Another thing I found interesting for a show that is supposed to show them moving on was that, they are all referred to as Whitney’s manager, bodyguard, brother, mother, etc. SHE IS NOT ON THE SHOW!. I must admit I am judging big time here, I think it was wrong for them (all of them ) to do a show so quickly and riding off of Whitney’s name. Another thing I find wrong? The exploitation of Bobbi Kristina. Many people will say that Krissy is an adult and made the decision to be on the show, this is true. I however see a young woman who is devastated from the loss of her mother, and who is clearly using a little more than wine to numb the pain(allegedly). It was the wrong time for her to even be approached  about doing a television show during such fragile state. She should not have been put on TV under any circumstances. She is being used. The entire show isn’t based on them being on their own, it’s about how they have to save Krissi from going over the edge. If I am not mistaken Pat Houston (who seriously gives me the chills) has producer credentials on this show. I find it interesting the footage she allowed to air. While we are still on the topic of Krissi, her relationship with her boyfriend/brother is….different. I’ll leave it at that. Now that Pat Houston. Something is not right. I am not sure what or why but something is off with her. She comes off as someone who is very rehearsed and knows exactly how she wanted to come across on camera, as a martyr. She failed. For some reason I get a very manipulative vibe from her. On one hand she seems like she is trying to help Krissi, yet expose her at the same time, it’s all very intriguing. I think she needs to find a new role model, because Kris Jenner is not working out for her. If you really wanted to help your niece you would have never  put her on television in the first place, and would have ensured she received whatever type of help she might have needed. I don’t really have much to say about her mother and brother, except it would have been nice if one of them put a stop to this before it even began. If you guys did not have the privilege of doing a reality show  because you are related to Whitney when she was alive you should not do it now. Whitney has said Being Bobby Brown was a mistake she made, I don’t think she would be a huge fan of this.

When I first heard about The Houstons doing a reality show I vowed not to watch  because I felt that the very idea seemed disturbing. I mean Whitney had not been dead six months before they started filming so I can imagine how quickly they began negotiations. Before I get into my rant, let me first say that everyone grieves differently. I lost my mother a couple of months before Whitney Houston died, so I felt a great empathy for Bobbi Kristina because I was also extremely close to my mother.

With that being said I shall began. So my boredom came face to face with an “On our own” marathon on lifetime. First and foremost, the title is a bit confusing. Everyone on that show (excluding Krissi) should have been on their own a long time before Whitney passed away. Another thing I found interesting for a show that is supposed to show them moving on was that, they are all referred to as Whitney’s manager, bodyguard, brother, mother, etc. SHE IS NOT ON THE SHOW!. I must admit I am judging big time here, I think it was wrong for them (all of them ) to do a show so quickly and riding off of Whitney’s name. Another thing I find wrong? The exploitation of Bobbi Kristina.

Many people will say that Krissy is an adult and made the decision to be on the show, this is true. I however see a young woman who is devastated from the loss of her mother, and who is clearly using a little more than wine to numb the pain(allegedly). It was the wrong time for her to even be approached  about doing a television show during such fragile state. She should not have been put on TV under any circumstances. She is being used. The entire show isn’t based on them being on their own, it’s about how they have to save Krissi from going over the edge. If I am not mistaken Pat Houston (who seriously gives me the chills) has producer credentials on this show. I find it interesting the footage she allowed to air.

While we are still on the topic of Krissi, her relationship with her boyfriend/brother is….different. I’ll leave it at that.

Now that Pat Houston. Something is not right. I am not sure what or why but something is off with her. She comes off as someone who is very rehearsed and knows exactly how she wanted to come across on camera, as a martyr. She failed. For some reason I get a very manipulative vibe from her. On one hand she seems like she is trying to help Krissi, yet expose her at the same time, it’s all very intriguing. I think she needs to find a new role model, because Kris Jenner is not working out for her. If you really wanted to help your niece you would have never  put her on television in the first place, and would have ensured she received whatever type of help she might have needed.

I don’t really have much to say about her mother and brother, except it would have been nice if one of them put a stop to this before it even began. If you guys did not have the privilege of doing a reality show  because you are related to Whitney when she was alive you should not do it now. Whitney has said Being Bobby Brown was a mistake she made, I don’t think she would be a huge fan of this.

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What happened to this Kanye? Don’t get me wrong Mr.West is still one of the best lyricist ever, but he has changed. I like to call this the transition period, every great (and not so great ones) go through. I was having a music conversation as I often do, about why such great rappers who have such deep content matter at the beginning of their careers begin to become a superficial shell of themselves. I guess one could assume they rap about their lives, and now that they have all the money in the world and are able to rid themselves of the every day to day worries, they also lose their social consciousness. Maybe this speaks to a bigger point that people that have less or at least are not millionaires have a certain type of connection with life and emotions that people of affluence will never get.

 I digress. Kanye West has always talked about money and designer clothing, but when he first appeared on the scene it was coming from a place of trying to understand why we need these things, or at least think we do. And he seemed to have a pretty good insight as to why. He went from, “the prettiest people do the ugliest things on the road to riches and diamond rings”, to “can’t a young nigga get money anymore, tell PETA my mink is dragging on the floor”. This makes me think of that old adage, “Money is the root of all evil”. Struggle builds character, it fosters compassion, and it forces resilience. Opulence seems to breed entitlement and disdain for any one who is beneath you on the totem pole of riches.

I remember not too long ago coming across some tweets that Mr. West posted on his disgust for certain people’s fashion choices while riding around in NYC. Some of Kanye’s distastes included but not limited to cargo pants and trench coats. I find this a little ironic since Kim Kardashian has made some very questionable fashion choices, since being styled by her lyricist boyfriend.

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Dope….Ciara really goes in when she performs. Rihanna could take a couple of notes..just sayin’

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Wow.Wow. First of all anyone that laughs like that you should know they are a pimp. When are people going to realize that most religion is big business. I am a believer in God, but I have never understood the point of poor people giving their money to churches who put in big screen televisions and podiums in place, and gators on their pastor’s feet. In my opinion if members of a church put money together it should go toward improving their neighborhoods, or to help out members who can’t pay their rent that month or afford to feed their families. But hey, what do I know. Don’t even get me started on Creflo the almighty Dollar.

What perplexes me is that this man is dancing…dancing on their money and instead of walking out, they put more money up there! And that’s not even the craziest part, I’m sure after he dances and blesses the money, he will be the one to keep it. I once read somewhere that the founder of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard said, “if you want to be a millionaire, start a religion.”

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If you ask God to protect you from your enemies, you might start losing friends….
EbenGregory

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I have to say with all the reality television occupying my time, finding a intriguing new scripted show has proved to be rather refreshing. Nashville has pulled me in, and I love it!! Before even scratching the surface with the drama, the music is incredible. I have never been so into country music in my life, it’s a raw, and not to mention the actors are actually singing. Speaking of the actors, this is an impressive cast..every single one of them. The irony of my love for this scripted drama is that I feel like I’m watching reality tv. That may say something about reality tv. Every week they manage to add a new layer to each and every one of the characteres. Not since Mad Men have I been so impressed with the writing and acting of a series.

I have to say with all the reality television occupying my time, finding a intriguing new scripted show has proved to be rather refreshing. Nashville has pulled me in, and I love it!! Before even scratching the surface with the drama, the music is incredible. I have never been so into country music in my life, it’s a raw, and not to mention the actors are actually singing. Speaking of the actors, this is an impressive cast..every single one of them. The irony of my love for this scripted drama is that I feel like I’m watching reality tv. That may say something about reality tv.

Every week they manage to add a new layer to each and every one of the characteres. Not since Mad Men have I been so impressed with the writing and acting of a series.

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With all the complaining that has been going on about the negative depictions of Black women on television, with shows like Basketball Wives, I am very pleased  that R&B Divas is on the air, after a view episodes I can say I am a fan. I find all the ladies likable (although Niccci does rub me the wrong way at times), and fun. The thing that I appreciate most on the show is that these are truly talented women who are trying to navigate the difficulties of real life. The real refreshing part is that these women support and want the best for each other. Along with Hollywood Exes, and Tia & Tamera it’s nice to see a positive change on television especially when it comes to the African American cultute.

With all the complaining that has been going on about the negative depictions of Black women on television, with shows like Basketball Wives, I am very pleased  that R&B Divas is on the air, after a view episodes I can say I am a fan. I find all the ladies likable (although Niccci does rub me the wrong way at times), and fun. The thing that I appreciate most on the show is that these are truly talented women who are trying to navigate the difficulties of real life. The real refreshing part is that these women support and want the best for each other. Along with Hollywood Exes, and Tia & Tamera it’s nice to see a positive change on television especially when it comes to the African American cultute.

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Bad company corrupts good character….
Anon

After watching last night’s Real Housewives of New Jersey, and then Watch What Happens Live I felt compelled to write about Andy Cohen…..again. I found this picture from an old Perez Hilton article, it was so fitting so I had to borrow it. Andy Cohen is a funny guy, and he clearly knows how to create good TV, but he is one of the most passive aggressive vindictive people I have witnessed. His vengeance against Teresa Guidice and her husband is really getting out of control. I’m a blog roamer and I love the Real Housewives franchise, so I often check out the recaps and a lot of the comments, Bravo TV’s own blogs included. It is very clear that the viewers favor Teresa and can not stand the other housewives, especially Caroline Manzo. That being said, I find it very interesting that whenever Teresa is on Watch What Happens Live the “viewer” questions she is asked seem to be negative against her and try to paint her in a bad way. It seems however that when Caroline or Jacqueline are on the questions are, “Why are you still friends with Teresa”, or “you are my favorite”, where are they finding these people? Judging by Bravo’s own website, not a lot of people feel this way, so I find it amazing they always happen to be the ones who get through. Watching the rapport last night with Jacqueline and Andy was interesting, he seems very at ease with her and throws her a lot of soft ball questions. When Teresa is on he cuts her short, gives her the nastiest looks, and often calls her sweetie (that may be my own pet peeve, I find it very condescending). Considering Jacqueline did not show up to the last reunion, and her mother tweeted that Bravo asked her to make Teresa look bad, one would think he would be calling her sweetie.

After watching last night’s Real Housewives of New Jersey, and then Watch What Happens Live I felt compelled to write about Andy Cohen…..again. I found this picture from an old Perez Hilton article, it was so fitting so I had to borrow it. Andy Cohen is a funny guy, and he clearly knows how to create good TV, but he is one of the most passive aggressive vindictive people I have witnessed. His vengeance against Teresa Guidice and her husband is really getting out of control. I’m a blog roamer and I love the Real Housewives franchise, so I often check out the recaps and a lot of the comments, Bravo TV’s own blogs included. It is very clear that the viewers favor Teresa and can not stand the other housewives, especially Caroline Manzo. That being said, I find it very interesting that whenever Teresa is on Watch What Happens Live the “viewer” questions she is asked seem to be negative against her and try to paint her in a bad way. It seems however that when Caroline or Jacqueline are on the questions are, “Why are you still friends with Teresa”, or “you are my favorite”, where are they finding these people? Judging by Bravo’s own website, not a lot of people feel this way, so I find it amazing they always happen to be the ones who get through. Watching the rapport last night with Jacqueline and Andy was interesting, he seems very at ease with her and throws her a lot of soft ball questions. When Teresa is on he cuts her short, gives her the nastiest looks, and often calls her sweetie (that may be my own pet peeve, I find it very condescending). Considering Jacqueline did not show up to the last reunion, and her mother tweeted that Bravo asked her to make Teresa look bad, one would think he would be calling her sweetie.

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I haven’t really blogged in a while, but I still enjoy reading them. What does that have to do with Jay Z?…..Well I was reading diaryofahollywoodstreetking and came across this quote from Jay Z… “Occupy Wall Streets demonization of the rich was un-American. I think all those things need to declare themselves a bit more clearly because when you just say, ” the 1 percent is that”  that’s not true.” WOW…and that is not a good wow. If you have read my blog before you are aware that Jay Z is my favorite rapper. I am however very, very disappointed in this statement. For one the grammar is very confusing because if this is correct, I think he called the people of OWS protest things. Second I don’t think they were “demonizing” the rich, people have been rich in this country since it was established. I believe the point was, that Wall Street played a vital role in the economic crisis, yet they got billions of dollars in bailout money and got to keep their bonuses, while tax payers had to eat that. If they were protesting the rich I’m sure he would have seen them in his Tribeca neighborhood, or in Greenwich CT (Where I’m sure a lot of those bankers and brokers live). Also I think what is great about America is the right to protest, whatever you want, fortunately…..and sometimes unfortunately. The thing I find the most ironic is that if this happened 20 years ago, Jay Z would still have been in the 99% of the population that OWS set out to represent. In the words of Jay Z, “no matter  where you go you are you are player,you could try to change, but that’s just the top layer, man you was who you was before you got here…..”

I haven’t really blogged in a while, but I still enjoy reading them. What does that have to do with Jay Z?…..Well I was reading diaryofahollywoodstreetking and came across this quote from Jay Z…

“Occupy Wall Streets demonization of the rich was un-American. I think all those things need to declare themselves a bit more clearly because when you just say, ” the 1 percent is that”  that’s not true.”

WOW…and that is not a good wow. If you have read my blog before you are aware that Jay Z is my favorite rapper. I am however very, very disappointed in this statement. For one the grammar is very confusing because if this is correct, I think he called the people of OWS protest things. Second I don’t think they were “demonizing” the rich, people have been rich in this country since it was established. I believe the point was, that Wall Street played a vital role in the economic crisis, yet they got billions of dollars in bailout money and got to keep their bonuses, while tax payers had to eat that. If they were protesting the rich I’m sure he would have seen them in his Tribeca neighborhood, or in Greenwich CT (Where I’m sure a lot of those bankers and brokers live).

Also I think what is great about America is the right to protest, whatever you want, fortunately…..and sometimes unfortunately. The thing I find the most ironic is that if this happened 20 years ago, Jay Z would still have been in the 99% of the population that OWS set out to represent. In the words of Jay Z, “no matter  where you go you are you are player,you could try to change, but that’s just the top layer, man you was who you was before you got here…..”

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If you marry a man that cheats on his wife, you’ll be married to a man that cheats on his wife…..
EbenGregory

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