WHO IS JESSIE J ?

There are alot of artist out there that catch me head on and instantly I become a fan. I have to be honest that when I first heard Jessie , I wasn't paying much attention. Then I started to listen and her voice gave me chills. Jessie started her career writing songs for artist such as Chris Brown and Miley Cyrus.  Her debut album " WHO YOU ARE"  was released in February 2011 and debut at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart.  There is one song that Jessie sings that touches me and it's entitled " WHO YOU ARE". This song damn near had me in tears because it speaks of being you and learning to love yourself . I hope you enjoy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BARBIE HERSELF.....NICKI MI

Today is Nicki Minaj's birthday and in her honor I want to display some of my favorite songs and freestyles that she has blessed the game with. Today she turns 29 years old so if you are a Nicki Minaj fan sit back and enjoy the sounds.

FREESTYLE

TRAGEDY

DANCE ( BIG SEAN CAMEO )

ROMANS REVENGE

 

HEAVY D DIES AT AGE 44

Yes you have heard right the heavy weight lover has passed at age 44. I was riding home today and on the radio the announcement came through declaring that he has passed. I was at a loss of words because I never seen that coming at all. Reports say that the rapper was having trouble breathing and a resident called 911.  The hospital has not found a cause of death yet. I know this is so sad because Heavy really touched the game while he was here. He was the heavy weight lover who danced his heart out and gave you hot lyrics to bump to. He will be missed. Here is an old time favorite of mine from Heavy.

A ROUNDTABLE THOUGHT....I'M STILL HERE

In the words of the great Rakim " It's Been a long time, I shouldn't have left you , without some hot news to bless you". Well the last part was all me , but that is how I'm feeling at this time. I know many are wondering where the hell I been but I have been brewing on how I can make this Blog bigger and better for you to enjoy. This is a section of my blog to where I want to talk to you from my heart and this section is called a  ROUND TABLE THOUGHT . Today's thought is Jonosroundtable. When I first started this blog I wanted it to be about music industry news and much more , but I felt I need to stay in my own lane and to talk about what I know through and through , not just something I heard or read. I figured why not talk about the local music scene right here in my backyard. I mean Raleigh, NC to me is a slept on state as far as music goes and there is a lot of talent in these here streets. Many may not know this about me but I used to rap and write songs awhile back. I used to go to the open mics and perform with my  partner in rhyme Al Chauncy and see hungry up and coming artist go for what they know and that was music. I want to shine a light on these guys because they are all diamonds in the ruff.  The energy that I used to feel by going to these events was so raw that you immediately got drawn in and became a fan. This blog will walk into the journey of these inspiring artist and get the inside scoop on their motivations of creating their craft. I will still provide the industry news and hot topics but my main focus is my city and the hip hop world in it.

I also have my Thirsty Throwback Thursday and Inspirational Sunday days. Thirsty throw back Thursday is a day where I take it back to when music was good and post something  hot from the Golden Years of Music. Now many will argue that there is only one golden era but since I'm getting older I have created my own. I don't know about you but I'm still stuck in the 1990's area of music and I will pull from there. I love the 80's and all , but something about the 90's just had that edge. It was a time to where the music actually meant something and it was more than drugs, hoes , violence.  The 90's to me made  you laugh,  cry , dance, love , etc. I do not get that same feeling from music today. The Thirsty part of Thursday is where I showcase a certain brand of beverage. I know , WHAT!!!! but I want to open some minds to the people that drink. I have certain rules when it comes to drinking and the first thing first is to never drink bottom self. You will regret it in the morning. My second rule is to never drink any liquor that makes numerous flavors because that isn't good either. 

Inspirational Sundays. I know after reading the first part you are probably thinking that this fool is out of his mind. Don't judge me. I love the lord and I'm grateful that I am alive and able to have something to write  about. On this day I will have a song that I feel will represent my day . Kind of like an anthem for Sundays.

There are many parts of me that few understand and I know there will be many who don't get my blog or what I want to display. Entertainment is in the eye of the beholder and I intend on shining light on what I feel is entertainment. Somethings I post may or may not be for you. All I ask is that you open your minds and hearts and feel what a brother is talking about. To conclude this ROUND TABLE thought I chose a song that I feel solidifies this moment and its called" I Know you got Soul" by Eric B and Rakim.

INSPIRATIONAL SUNDAYS

Today is INSPIRATIONAL SUNDAY. I thank God for waking me up this morning. If it wasn't for him , I wouldn't be able to see this beauitiful day. The song of  the day is Fred Hammond's Let the Praise Begin!!! I love this song . I hope you enjoy your day today.

T.I. DROPS BOOK " POWER & BEAUTY"

Yesterday I was in Walmart and I saw a book entitled " Power & Beauty" written by none other than the king of the south , T.I. I had to take a double look because I had no idea that the rapper was releasing a book. Other rappers such as 50 Cent, Styles P, Queen Pen have released fiction novels , so I'm excited on how this book is going to turn out. The book is  a fictional, coming-of-age tale of Paul "Power" Clay and Tanya "Beauty" Long, "set in the dangerous streets of Atlanta." The book was released on Oct. 18, 2011. If you are a book lover of urban literature , check it out. I plan to .

FASHION FRIDAYZ.......ADAM LEVINE IN RUSSIA VOGUE MAGAZINE

The head man of the rock group Maroon 5 Adan Levine posed in the new issue of Russia VOGUE with his model girlfriend Anna Vyalitsyna. The pair took some great shots in this issue that I just had to post here. I am a huge fan of Maroon 5 so it was only right . Here are the shots. Enjoy!!!!

The last picture is catching alot of controversy due to the fact that you can't really see Adam's full arm in the picture. Hmmmm photo shop maybe? Who Cares. It's still a fly lay out.

Speaking of Adam....Here is Maroon 5 hot new single " Moves Like Jagger" featuring Christina Aguilera.

BOYZ II MEN " WE'RE THE MOST POPULAR/UNPOPULAR GROUP IN THE WORLD

Boyz II Men is one of the most consistent male rnb groups in the game selling millions of  albums  but somehow has managed to stay out of the tabloids and blogs. Why? Wanya went on to explain that the group came up in a time to where artist development was key. That they were trained in the media to where one person was speaking , that the other members of  the group should look at the one speaking. Pretty much polishing the group and preparing them for stardom. Nathan went on to say that the group was boring. " We wore sweaters and dressed up , no one was interested in what we did , they just wanted us to sing". The group now consist of Wanya , Nathan , and Shawn. Micheal , the one with the deep voice has since left the group but they are still going on strong. Boyz II Men are gearing up for their album " Twenty" that should be released later this year. I think it's good that the group is still holding it down , because in this stage of the game there isn't alot of male groups to carry on the legacy. The game needs this , and Boy II Men are still here to delivery great music.

Here is a favorite of mine from the group

DOWN ON BENDED KNEE

SOULJA STILL DOESN'T GET IT .... ARRESTED ....

Seems like the rapper known as Soulja Boy still wants to make waves with the law. If you saw my blog about him disrespecting the army troops , I'm sure you will get a  kick out of this. So, our son( and I'm going to say this because these are childish actions) was arrested on gun and marijuana charges.  It was reported that yesterday  morning the rapper was taken into custody in Temple, GA at 3:15am. Law enforcement  pulled the rapper and his entourage over for traffic violations. The officers then found a substantial amount of marijuana and cash inside the vehicle. It was also reported that there was guns found in the vehicle as well.  The rapper is currently still in custody in Carrol County . Really Soulja? Did those troops really get to you to the point where you have to have guns and weed to calm your nerves? I do hope that this up and coming album sells well because clearly you are trying to get some attention. I do not understfand celebrities that have everything but still want to act like criminals. I'm not judging , Im just saying.

LIFE AFTER WITH GINUWINE

Life After is a show which chronicles artist on their success and where they are going afterwards. Last night's episode featured the artist known as Ginuwine. Now I will be the first to say that I'm not a die hard fan , but it was good to get a little insight on where he is from and where he is going in the future. Ginuwine was originally born in Washington, DC . Heavily influenced by the late great king of pop Micheal Jackson , Ginuwine knew what he wanted to do in life and that was to entertain the world. I learned that DeVante Swing from the 90's group Jodeci discovered the young talent and moved him to New York City to begin working on his debut album with the likes of up and coming producer Timberland. He then went on to release the smash hit " Pony" who's suggestive lyrics at that time set him in a lane all by himself. Along with G's success also came tragic when he lost both of his parents within one year each other. Ginuwine began to use drugs and even contemplated on taking his own life because he felt that there was no need for him to be in the game.  With the help of his wife Sole, who was also a female rapper he overcame his depression stage and went on to drop 6 albums. His latest work to date is the album entitled " Elgin " which is set to be released in August. After watching the show I grew a little more respect from the entertainer due to his work ethic and his love for his family. I also learned that Ginuwine is not a quitter and that working hard always pays off. His last statement was that after his releases his seventh album he wishes to venture in to  managing up and coming acts in the music enetertainment. Good luck G!!!!


Since this is Thristy Throw Back Thursdays , it is only right that I have a throw back from the one and only Ginuwine. Even though I'm not a die hard fan,  here is one of my favoirite Ginuwine tracks.

SAME  O G.........

This blog is dedicated to a dear friend of mine by the name of Jimesha Kent , who had the pleasure of meeting her favorite singer Ginuwine. This is for you girl. LOVE YA!!!!

THE QUEEN IS BACK....LIL KIM

The Queen B is back in the building with her new song " Spend A Mill". I have to admit that this joint sucks. I'm used to the girl from Brooklyn that gave it raw and said shit that no one dared to say. She created the lane of the barbie,sex,money wanting ,dope boy loving lane etc. I'm disappointed because I expect more from the heiress of Notorious B.I.G. throne.  This song is auto tuned out which is played out if you ask me. I want her to take it back to the Hardcore, Notorious K.I.M and even the LaBella Mafia days. I'm sure to many people , they might say that she has nothing to prove . To me she does because there are up and coming female rappers that go harder. Note to Lil Kim: let us know why we still label you as the Queen B of this rap shit . Please!!! On another note she is hard at work on releasing a book entitled " The Price of Loyalty". I do want to hear her side of the Mafia accusations and her views on how she was cast in "NOTORIOUS". I hope it's a good read.

Here is the song. Yall tell me what you think of the bullshit. Im just saying.

LIL WAYNE KEEPS GOING AND GOING.....DRAKE'S COMING FOR A SECOND ROUND

Looks like Lil Wayne is dropping not one but  TWO albums to follow " The Carter 4". Wayne is now in production to make a sequel to the  rock album, entitled Rebirth and a follow-up to 2010′s I Am Not a Human Being LP.  Mack Maine, Young Money's  VP stated that during the creation of Rebirth2 , Wayne went above and beyond saying that the rapper used no boundaries when creating the follow up to the rock album. As of yet, there is no release date to share , but I will keep you posted.  I have to tilt my hat off to Wayne due to the fact that he keeps coming with material  that seems to touch all audiences. He is not staying in the box and to me this will take him very far in the industry.  I look forward to hearing more tracks from the Young Money boss. Go in Wayne!!!!


And speaking of Young Money.......


DRAKE is Coming back with his sophomore release " Take Care"

Rapper Drake is set to release the album " Take Care" in November . So far he has completed 19-tracks for the album but is running into issues with clearing samples , which is the reason why we waiting until November. That sucks!!!  The picture above is the featured album artwork and the rapper explained his vision stating " I used to stare at this world through a glass window, and like two to three years later , I become a king in that world". Ahhh okay , I get it Drake.

WHO IS NITTY SCOTT MC ?

If you saw the 2011 BET HIP HOP AWARDS, Im sure you caught the cypher with the lady rapper  better known as Nitty Scott MC. Nitty is a rapper that was born in Michigan and now resides in Brooklyn, New York. the 21-year old first started rapping at the tender age of 14 , while going to school as a creative writer major.  When I first heard Nitty, my first comparison was to the great MC Lyte.  I know it's bad to compare but she has a delivery like no other , same as Lyte. You couldn't put Lyte in any category but her own and when it comes to Nitty she is in a lane all by herself. With the drought occurring in the female hip hop category , the game needs a breath a fresh air and Im sure Nitty will blow the world away. As a matter of fact she is on her way by the cameo of the BET , and her Monster freestyle that is taking the internet by storm. So if you are looking for a new female mc to take you away from the Nicki Minaj madness, check out Nitty Scott MC.

Here's a taste of what she can do

INSPIRATIONAL SONG FOR THE DAY

This song is my them song for the up coming days. The words are so empowering and it  puts me at ease knowing that the storm will past. I command you to move today... ENJOY MY INSPIRATIONAL SUNDAY!!!!!

NICKI MINAJ ENCOURAGES BOOKS FIRST,MUSIC SECOND

When you were growing up did your parents ever tell you " You better know them books, like you know them songs?" Nicki Minaj encourages books first and music second to Sophia Grace,  a 8-year old   that covered her smash hit " Super Bass". This was inspiring to me because it shows that Nicki is so much more than a crazy rapper who is always animated. A  couple of months ago Sophia was on a Youtube video singing the song and everyone in the world was so touched. The little girl had some vocals on her and it looks like if she keeps it up  she will have a bright future ahead of her. TV host Ellen, brought the little girl on her show so she can meet the hip hop artist Nicki Minaj.  Nicki encouraged that girls that school is the most important thing in the world and to stay in those books.
Gotta Love Nicki for this.

Here is where it all started......

Meeting the Super star on Ellen.....

THIRSTY THROWBACK THURSDAY

DO YALL REMEMBER......

Color Me Badd was  an R & B group that was formed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S. The original members of the group were Bryan Abrams , Mark Calderon , Sam Watters and Kevin Thornton . The group sold 8.8 million records worldwide. Their biggest hit to date was " I Wanna Sex You Up". I used to love this jam because it was soooo hot back in the day. There wasn't a lot of R & B urban interracial groups out there in the game around this time . They paved the way for other groups such as All For You as well. So her is the classic " I  Wanna Sex You Up". Enjoy your THROWBACK

 HAVE YOU TRIED THIS.......

                                                    THE   RUM   THAT   INVENTED   RUM   !!!


Now I know what you are thinking , Mount Gaye? Get your heads out of the gutter because this rum right here is definatly top shelf around these parks. This rum comes from  Barbados and is the oldest brand of rum in existence.  So if you want a top shelf rum besides Bacardi ( if you in the club that is the lowest you ever want to go fyi) try this. The first bite is harsh but after that it's smooth as silk.LOL


Visit the Link to learn more

www.mountgayrum.com/

THE JOURNEY OF CHLOE CASSIDY

Show business is not for everybody. You have those who only dabble in the act and then you have those who are actually born to do this. And Ms. Chloe Cassidy is defiantly born to do this.  Chloe is an entertainer at Legends Night Club & View  here in Raleigh,NC. She has shown great promise including becoming Legends Drag Race winner of Season 2 and also a winner of  the EOY ( Entertainer of the Year ) award.  When you watch Chloe perform you are instantly drawn in to her magnetic energy and unlimited excellence as an entertainer. Though she is fairly new, she gives off the aura that she has been here before.  I had the pleasure of speaking with the diva on her goals , aspirations and where she would like to see herself on this exciting journey.

Jonosroundtable:  Who are your Inspirations as far as entertainers go?

Chloe Cassidy :    I  have many many diverse areas of entertainment in which I get inspiration from. One of the most important areas I get my inspiration from is theater. Phylicia Rashad, Debbie Allen, Jennifer holiday, Donna McKenzie  also as many people know the one and only BEYONCE is a big inspiration as well as Ciara and Kylie Minogue.

JRT:  When you tried out for Legends Drag Race Season 2 , what were your thoughts going in ?

CC:   When I  first went out for  Legends Drag Race, I  wanted nothing more than to learn about the art  of Female Impersonation. I've  always had the theater arts and performance aspect , but i wanted to enhance the outside as well as  the inside of  being a performer.


JRT:  What keeps you entertaining in show business?

CC:   What keeps me going is the thought that  practice makes perfect, and my mother always reminds me that "no one is perfect".  I love performing and being on stage. Loving what you do just makes you work harder and that's  all i need.




JRT: Okay, Lets talk goals. What is your ultimate goal being in the entertainment business? How far do you want to go ?




CC :  My ultimate goal in the entertainment industry is prove to myself that i can do anything i set my mind to, and go on to spread the message that you should never settle for less. Be whatever you want to be, because you were born that way. In the long run i want to enter the pagentry system for a bit and maybe end up on Rupaul's Drag Race or even Movies and Theatres!

Now that sounds like a plan to me. I do see Ms. Cassidy going very far in the industry to where she will end up on Rupaul's  Drag Race , and I even predict more titles with her name on them in the near future. If you want to witness the Chloe Cassidy Experience , you can catch her here in Raleigh at Legends Night Club & View. Sky is the Limit Chloe , so continue to fly and face your destiny

You can follow these links :

http://facebook.com/jadorecassidy

youtube.com/thechloecassidy.

This performance from Chloe Cassidy was epic. Everything from the lights, music,stage presence and energy was pure genius.

2011 BET HIP HOP AWARDS

Last night was the premier of the 2011 BET HIP HOP AWARD SHOW that was hosted by comedian Mike Epps.  Award shows have been so watered down lately. I don't know if it is the music or the actual show, but the around award show experience has lost it's luster. BET however, has tried to live up to the essecene of award shows but having great host, live performances and star studded acts that leave viewers at home on the edge of their seats. Last night was full of surprises . The show started off with a live Young Jeezy performance with the return of the King of the South T.I. closing the number. Dmx and Heavy D returned to show that they still had a place in hip-hop today. Rick Ross and his MMG camp blazed the stage with their hit records " That Way , Imma Boss". The only downside about this performance was the fact that El De barge came out and did Jeremiah's part. I was actually looking for the Birthday Sex crooner to hit the stage. The Cyphers this year were the highlights for me because old and new rappers blazed  this year. You had Busta Rhymes, Machine Gun Kelly, B.O.B. ,  Reek Da Villian , Blind Fury , Skilz, and the hot female spitter Nitty Scott MC. The sleeper though was Chris Browns verse in the cypher. Chris showed great promise regardless if he is an RnB singer or not. His flow was witty and edgy. Overall the BET award show was a good one and it left me wanting more , also to keep my eye open for the up and coming rappers that are soon to take the world by storm.

HERE IS THE CHRIS BROWN CYPHA....YALL TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK HOW HE DID....

AND THE AWARD GOES TO...HERE ARE THE WINNERS!!!!

• Chris Brown ft. Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes - "Look at Me Now"
• Reese's Perfect Combo Award (Best Collab): Chris Brown ft. Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes - "Look at Me Now"
• Best Live Performer: Lil Wayne
• Lyricist of the Year: Lil Wayne
• Video Director of the Year: Hype Williams
• Producer of the Year: Lex Luger
• MVP of the Year: Nicki Minaj
• Track of the Year: Wiz Khalifa - "Black and Yellow" (Produced by Stargate)
• CD of the Year: Kanye West - "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy"
• DJ of the Year: DJ Khaled
• Rookie of the Year: Wiz Khalifa
• Made-You-Look Award (Best Hip Hop Style): Nicki Minaj
• Best Hip Hop Online Site: WorldStarHipHop.com
• Best Club Banger: Waka Flocka Flame - "No Hands" (Produced by Lex Luger)
• Best Mixtape: J. Cole - "Friday Night Lights"
• Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse: Busta Rhymes - "Look at Me Now" (Chris Brown ft. Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes)
• Hustler of the Year: Jay-Z
• Verizon People's Champ Award (Viewers' Choice): Chris Brown ft. Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes - "Look at Me Now"
• "I Am Hip-Hop" Icon Award: LL Cool J

I'm Loving this Cee-Lo Track " I'mma Fool"

Something about this song moves me. I was very impressed with Cee-Lo on this one. I was even more excited to hear that Melanie Fionna was on the track as well. C had me thinking that it was Monica on there. I have to admit that I''m not a big fan of Melanie, but my eyes are now up and I'm looking for more material from the songstress.

GANGSTA,GANGSTA....IMMA TALK ALL ABOUT IT

I know music isn't selling like it used to  but this one here is too funny. According to HHW, rapper Warren G has signed an endorsement deal for the Male Enhancement drug  called Affirm XL. Many other rappers has had deals with Liquor, shoes, cologne and many more but male enhancement? Really G. According to the rapper it was more on the financial point than on  a sexual point. Hmmmm ok.  Warren was even quoted saying" I don't need it, but I tried it and it works".  Well I hope those enhancement checks will enhance your placement in this here game G. Im just saying.

In other news, rapper THE GAME is in yet another beef  with rappers Ice Burgundy and JoeMoe that spilled over into Fox Hills Mall in Culver City,CA. Reports say that the altercation between the trio started from a Tweet from Burgundy to the Game saying the streets does not feel the rappers upcoming album R.E.D.  More words were exchanged and a location was agreed , for the trio to hash out their differences. However, that never came due to the fact that Burgundy and Moe ran into Game at the mall while he was with his son.  Heated words exchanged again and a fight broke out in broad daylight. After the incident , the Game went right back on Twitter to say that nothing happened. I dunno I 'm getting the feeling that Twitter is a gadget that can write checks that people can not cash. Word to the wise Game, don't pop shit on the internet and think that nothing is going to happen. Stick to the music, that's why you are here in the first place. Ya Dig!!!!

MARY J BLIGE AND BEYONCE COLLABORATION IN THE MAKING?

Reports are saying that the two divas Mary and Beyonce are getting ready to collaborate on the song entitled "Loving a Woman " for Mary's latest album "MyLife 2" that is due out this November. Now if you are a fan of these two could you imagine all of the emotions that will be displayed on this  track? Individually they are great in their own right, but together I think that is going to be ground breaking , better yet legendary. Mary also enlist other talents such as Nas, Rick Ross, production from Danja, Jerry Wonda, Stargate, and Swizz Beatz. Look out RnB the Queen is Returning.

THE SOLDIERS AND A BOY

Seems like the artist known as Soulja Boy is plotting for a comeback, but while doing so he is catching heat from the U.S. Troops. The rapper released a song entitled " Let's Be Real" where he raps " F.... the FBI, and F.... the Army troops....fighting for what? B....be your own man".  Shortly afterwords  the rappers apologized, but the damage was already done. The U.S. Army has expressed that they would like to have Soulja Boy's music banned from playing overseas . Some D.J.'s are even vowing to stop playing the artist music. Instead of taking the shots that were fired , a military rap group called N.E. J. P. ( No Excuse Just Produce ) have fired back with their song entitled " Soldier Boy Tell Em".  Franc a member of the group stated " I think he did that for just the attention." He did that to boost his own career." I couldn't agree more , because until now no one has thought about the guy. I mean I can't knock how he got into the game , but there are lines that shouldn't be crossed. Why throw pebbles at the Army when they are keeping you free. I guess we can chalk this up as Soulja being a child that hasn't really grown up ,  and the group N.E.J.P. is giving him a lyrical spanking. LOL. Check the group out.

EVICTION NOTICE....IT'S HERE

Today marks the release of the fifth installment of the Hood Rat series by author Kwan entitled Eviction Notice. For those of you that have been living under a rock , Kwan is a force to be reckoned  with as he paints vivid pictures in his stories that actually make you feel as if you know the characters  personally. The first book of this series is entitled Hood Rat followed by Still Hood, Section 8, and Welfare Wifeys.  This series is a must read if you like  page turners that keep you on your seat begging for more. If you want to know more you can visit this amazing author at these sites to purchase your copies today.

• http://www.kwanfoye.com
• http://www.blackdawnbooks.net