HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG!

I made the change from a common thief

To up close and personal with Robin Leach

And I'm far from cheap,

I smoke skunk with my peeps all day

Spread love, it's the Brooklyn way

The Moet and Alize keep me pissy

Girls used to diss me

Now they write letters 'cause they miss me

I never thought it could happen,

this rappin' stuff

I was too used to packin' gats and stuff

Now honies play me close

like butter played toast

From the Mississippi down to the east coast

Condos in Queens,

indo for weeks

Sold out seats to hear Biggie Smalls speak

Livin' life without fear

Puttin' 5 karats in my baby girl's ears

Lunches, brunches, interviews by the pool

Considered a fool

'cause I dropped out of high school

Stereotypes of a black male misunderstood

And it's still all good

Uh...and if you don't know, now you know, nigga....

May 21, 1972 - March 9, 1997

R.I.P BIGGIE

When will this be considered GENOCIDE?

R.I.P DOLLA

I had the pleasure of meeting Dolla last year while working at the BET Awards. As a matter of fact, I was assigned to escort Dolla through the radio room, thus allowing me to spend practically the whole day with him.

Many may not know who Dolla is because he only briefly attained success at minor levels. However, the person I remember was a bright eyed hopeful artist, ready for the success he knew was awaiting him. At the time, I hadn't realized who he was. I had played "Who the f*** is that" ft. Akon many times, and had seen the video a handful of time. But by the end of the day, and all of his radio interviews, I was grateful to have been assigned to him. He was nowhere near allowing the current fame (at that time, "Who the f*** is that" was blowin up) to get his head. He met all of his elders (including radio deejays) as Ma'am and sir. And before he made his exit, he thanked me graciously, hugged me, and left. The whole day, I felt as if I was kickin it with a homeboy. He made my job easy.

The brief memories I have of Dolla will always remain with me because I was impressed by him. It is also because it was the last time I heard of him, until yesterday. Im sure many of you know by now that Dolla was violently gunned down in the Beverly Center yesterday. At the age of 21, he was shot 5 times, at least 1 of the shots pierced his skull and took his life.

The circumstance of his death angers me, as it should anger you. He was only 21. Two years ago, some friends of mine buried a friend who had been gunned down at the age of 22, also shot in the head. I'm only 23yrs old and I can't even imagine my life ending so suddenly. I can't imagine my future being so drastically altered. I can't imagine how the lives of those around me would be affected. And with so many mothers losing their sons, babies losing fathers, brothers and sisters losing cousins and siblings, uncles, at the hands of so many other black men, I want to know when the problem will become big enough for people to start caring. THIS IS GENOCIDE PEOPLE! And I for 1, am sick of it!

Whatever the beef was, I'm sure it wasn't worth taking a life. And I pray that Dolla's family, and the families of so many other slain black men somehow find retribution and a place in their heart to forgive. Rapper or not, no young man, in the prime of his life, deserves to be cut down like an animal they way he, Sean Bell and so many others have been. Not by the police, and DEFINITELY not by his own people. I love black men to much to not feel the hurt in my heart when things like this happen. Why do we have to constantly be the lead story on the 5 o'clock news? Where is the brotherhood? Where is the pride?

Rest In Peace Dolla

Rest In Peace Marquise

Rest In Peace Sean Bell

And Rest in Peace to all the rest of the fallen soldiers of the ghetto

Sorry 4 the delay, but I'M BACK! Finally!

Well wut to discuss?? Well first things first, for those on twitter, follow me at TWITTER.COM/MIZZBELL

Well, it's been a while. A long while. So I figured what better way to update than with something I hold so near and dear to my heart. Music, to me is necessary for life. Good music. The kind that penetrates the soul and touches the very essence of who you are as a person, a performer or whatever you might be; The kind that allows you to just fall....fall into the melody, fall into the groove.....That's what music does for me. It expresses everything I ever think and feel without me ever having to speak the words. The pain, the joy, the hurt....it's amazing, its effect....so amazing it brings tears to my eyes. It happened the first time I heard Jazmine Sullivan's album. I was proud that in such a wreckless music world that we live in, people still respect the craft enough to still make GOOD music, not jus to make money, because it just comes from their soul. Well, it’s happened again: No....you're eyes are not deceiving you. Many may not know, but as a genuine fan of R&B, Day26's first album was surprisingly (and vocally) impressive (for lack of a better word). It took a couple of listens, but soon I was a lifelong fan. At first listen, the 90's influence is evident. I would even go as far as to say, with the legacy established in the 90's, Bad Boy was the perfect label for them. Diddy is truly someone who recognizes talent. He isn't Diddy for nothing. So while their 1st album continued to burn a whole in my cd player, the release date of their second album was announced. I must say, I was ecstatic, curious to see if they could repeat the cohesiveness they had vocally accomplished with their debut.

When April 14, 2009 came, history in the music world was made. The words I write hear may not be relevant or recognized for years to come because of people's lack of respect and genuine passion for good music, but I guarantee, music listeners, real music lovers, and researchers, connoisuers of music, WILL recognize that "Forever In A Day" was that needle in the haystack of countless (seemingly effortless) releases within the last 10 years. It's not easy to live up to a legacy such as Bad Boy's and the past artists he's had on his roster. But! This album has to honestly be, one of the best of 2009, and it will be recognized as a classic for years to come. It is with this album that Day26 was able to achieve a feat many artists are unable to accomplish. Something people like to call the "sophomore album curse". The second album is what makes or breaks an artist. If you can release a quality second album, while feeding your audience what they want to hear, and keeping your image in tact, you succeed in securing a fan base and having longevity in the music industry. Well I'm here to give credit where credit is due. I confess, that it is with this album that Day26 stepped out of the shadow of being considered a "tv group" (and not a "real" group), and into a REAL Male R&B group, with longevity potential that I hope will somehow someday be recognized.

While it is evident that to remain relevant in this industry, you must serve a certain mainstream audience, R&B artists must always be careful of not falling victim to the current trends of, let's say hip-hop. So while songs like the lead album cut, "Just Getting Started", the T-Pain lended track "Shawty Was Up", and their lead hit single, "Imma Put It On Her" attract a new (club) audience, and offer possible radio potential, the TRUE essence of R&B is it's soul. It is a soul that is ever present in the vocals. This is what sets R&B apart from the rest and makes it special. So needless to say, as an R&B group the songs that shined the brightest were the ballads.

The thing about Day26 that makes them special is that, well first of all, all the members can sing. There is no lead singer. There is no member fighting for the spotlight. They all just fall so beautifully and gracefully into their parts on songs. Not to mention, their harmonies are literally music to my ears! Need evidence, just listen closely to "Your Heels", "Bi-Polar" and my favorite, the Neyo cover "Then there's You" (by the way, Brian completely murders the end of "Then There's You". His voice brings me right back to the days of Jodeci, Sisqo and so many other that lent their talents to the 90's. Stand up Houston!) Anyway, got side tracked lol....

The production on this album is excellent! There are some points when the vocal production was a little off, but not enough to mess up the album. With the only disappointment on the album coming from Jermaine Dupri's "Need That", everything on the album is a banger. Especially the B. Cox joints that we all love! I mean, this album is so good, it makes me want to hear the tracks that didn’t make the album. I also wanna give props to Day26 for writing a lot of the songs on the album. Writing to me is what shows true artistry.

Anyway, if you don’t have the album yet, please go get it. They deserve the record sales. Don’t download it, don’t burn it, go buy it, asap! Holla

"God put this here for ME and YOU! Take advantage man...take advantage" - Smokey (from FRIDAY)

So I said I wanted to comment on the current debate of whether or not marijuana should be legalized and if so, would it stimulate the economy? I watched a debate about the topic tonight on Larry King Live on CNN, and if I didnt know before then, my answer to both questions is and always will be YES! The following are my reasons:

1. Marijuana is NOT a gateway drug - For those who swear that it has been proven that marijuana use leads to other, much stronger drugs is BULLSHIT. How has it been proven? Please show me the documented proof. Because I could've sworn that the decision for one to use "drugs" (I don't consider marijuana a drug) was based solely on one's own preference or doing. At the end of the day, u eitha choose to do or you don't. Marijuana does not choose for you. Don't blame marijuana.

2. Marijuana is HARMLESS - When have you ever heard of someone over dosing on weed? Better yet, when have you ever heard of someone dying of cancer (i.e. cigarette smokers) from smoking weed? Even better, when have you ever heard of someone dying of liver and/or kidney failure (i.e. alcoholics) from smoking weed? NEVER! THERE ISN'T 1 DOCUMENTED CASE OF SOMEONE SUFFERING FROM OR DYING FROM A MARIJUANA OVERDOSE or complications from marijuana use! Marijuana is one of, if not thee most harmless drug in the existence of the world. Besides sum minor short term memory loss (lol), that is the only side effect. Now of course, you run the risk of breathing problems, but that has to do with the act of smoking, NOT the marijuana itself. So, why then is cigarettes and alcohol, 2 things responsible for a million deaths a year, legal? And why is America content on taxing both, but not marijuana?

3. Marijuana comes straight from God's green earth. If it wasn't meant to be here, it wouldn't be...naturally. And like Katt Williams said, it comes from the earth. And if you just so happen to set it on fire, there are some effects! lol

4. Amsterdam, best known for its decision to legalize marijuana and sell it in coffee shops etc, have reported one of the lowest crime rates...that in itself is self explanatory.

5. Legalizing marijuana would open doors for medicinal marijuana research and possibly offer some advances in the medical field. Granted, people will take advantage of it, but thats likely in everything you do, so that idea cannot be used as an excuse not to legalize it. The lives of sick people are in jeopardy because of the ignorance and stubborness of American legislation. On CNN, talk show host Montell Williams spoke about the American Government has distributed amounts of marijuana monthly to 25 people for the last 30yrs, for medicinal purposes. To date, the number of people being served has dropped to 5 people. If that is the case, the government must know that marijuana does have some kind of relevant medical purposes. So while serving these now 5 people, why is the government so hell bent on the rest of the millions of sick people wanting the same treatment? It makes no sense. Economic benefits? Of course, if marijuana is legalized, the government will tax it. Thus consumers would have to pay taxes, however, those taxes would be inherited by the government and its economy, thus not only boosting the economy, but also creating jobs in the process. Now America is known for being a money driven society so why it's running from the billions of dollars that could be made from an advancement such as this, I have no idea

6. The legalization of marijuana would lead to the decriminalization of marijuana law offenders - As result such as this 1 would be GREAT! Why? Well because with the overcrowding of our prison system, it is possible that all non-violent drug offenders would be released, providing more room for the real criminals. The rapists, murderers, child molesters, etc. The prison wouldn't be overcrowded, if there wasnt a million men and women locked up for bullshit such as possession or distribution of marijuana.

SO NOW, I'VE PRESENTED MY ARGUMENT....WHAT DO YOU THINK? I'D LIKE TO KNOW.....HOLLA!

There's Two Sides to Every Story: YRF Speaks Back

After the slight controversy this week bought on by my previous blog entry, I was happy to finally get a chance to speak to YRF, the group stuck in the middle of the whole situation. Anxious, they were ready to defend their honor, and determined to get me to understand what's at the root of the growing trend that is, YRF. It was my priviledge to speak with Neesin "Y.C." Williams, one half of the upcoming West Coast rap group.

As we began to chat, it was evident that YRF had been a little perturbed about my blog. When asked how they felt, Williams responded with, "I don't think you quite get us." I said, "Ok, well help me get you....what's going on?" Williams proceeded to explain, that what bothered him the most in my post, was the fact that I said YRF had no substance. To him, that meant YRF and the music they make has no purpose, no meaning. He strongly protested my claim, stating that YRF takes what they do very seriously. They idolize legendary artists like Prince, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, and the Stylistics, among others, so to say they have no substance was a slap in the face. Especially because it's something he'd heard before. Unfortunately, he felt that sometimes people don't give them a chance, and base their judgments on a closed minded approach to the progression of hip hop. "The reason we do what we do, the reason YRF makes music is to make YOU feel good," he explained fanatically. "We really make music that we feel good about and that makes you feel good. I feel like sometimes, people take Hip Hop too seriously. It used to be about fun, and people forgot how to have fun. " But to what extent is that fun worth?

Yes, hip-hop was about having fun, to a certain extent. Emerging from the basement of house parties as a creative, uplifting response to urban surroundings, Hip hop started out as a vocal engine. It was a way of coping, creating a bright light at the end of a dark tunnel. Lyrically, you had to be on point because there was a message to be conveyed. Poetic and unforgiving, people began to recognize its monetary value resulting in its commercialization and exploitation. Soon the exciting, often deceptive fashion in which it was displayed seemed to lessen the importance of its original purpose. Thus birthing (in my opinion) what I consider to be the sub-genre of hip hop known as rap music. Rap, in my opinion is the business side of hip-hop; the commercialized, less politically sound version of hip hop. But at its foundation, Hip Hop has always been meant to serve a purpose. And even today, that purpose still holds true though overshadowed today more and more by green paper with dead presidents on it. So just having fun? Just having fun has presented a decline in the craftmanship of the art. Having fun keeps the bills rolling in for a short period of time, but respect and polished craftmanship keep the bills rolling in long after you're gone. Hip hop has been and always will be about more than just having fun.

Simply having fun doesn't contain passion, and passion and respect go hand in hand. While knowledgable of the hip-hop history that came before them, YRF feels people may need to just move on. Its 2009, 30 years after the birth of hip hop. And while I explain that in my opinion, this "popcorn rap" fad is a result of new generation rappers lacking the respect for their elders and the movement that came before them, Williams presented the question, 'does the quality of todays rap/hip hop stem from a lack of respect for the game and its history, or could it just be evidence of a change in generations (usually represented by a change in the course of present day music)? I must admit, he may have stumped me. It was very good, thought provoking question. But I want to present an even better one. Williams was quoted as saying earlier in the interview, "hip hop has always been the voice of the youth." My question to you is, "what exactly, is the youth trying to say?" While you still haven't sold me quite yet Neesin, I can still respect the hustle. Get ya grind on young brah's...

The Legends Meet the Future: YRF & De La Soul @ the Key Club

It's obvious that all the Souljah Boys, Bow Wows and the 50 cents (yeah I said it lol) of the rap game have brutally offended REAL hip hop. Yet, contrary to Nas' belief, hip hop still aint dead. Jay-Z, T.I., Jeezy, Weezy (and the list can go on) are evidence of that. But trust me, its sufferin from a broken rib, black eye and busted lip because of all the dance crazes, and lyrically challenged rappers with no creativity, no talent, and no respect for the art. So needless to say, I'm definitely not a huge fan of popcorn rap. I must admit though, that I was pleasantly surprised when I checked out upcoming West Coast rap group YRF's myspace page this morning(http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=329950847)

Upon first listen, the songs they have featured on their page were fun to listen to. I admit, I caught myself bobbing my head and bouncing to the music. But that's just it. It was fun. Fun is only temporary. Fun has no substance. As I continued to listen to both the production as well as the lyrical content, I realized that YRF's sound is very similar to the "mainstream rap" blazing airwaves and billboard charts today. While some may wonder why that's a bad thing, it's definitely not necessarily a good thing. There is no distinction between them and the millions of other industry hopefuls striving for that hit record. There's nothing that sets them apart that tells me I should be paying attention to them. On top of that, they have (like most today), also tried their hand at the ever tiring fad of autotune that T-pain now probably wishes he had never resurrected (not created...get that shyt straight yall). Lyrically, like most commercial/mainstrean rap acts, they need work. But hey, who listens to lyrics anymore ::rolls eyes:: . Now, I'm not saying they don't have potential. The potential is there, evident in the video performances from the Key Club featured on their page. For an independent group, the stage presence was great. They were very entertaining, and seemed to have the audience eating out the palm of their hand. And any independent artist will tell you, when you're unknown, getting a strong audience response is a difficult task. However, the creativity needs to match the stage presence in order to receive and maintain longevity.

Now, of course my assessments are only based on cloudy video images of the performance. Why? Well, I happened to be invited to the Key Club performance about 2 weeks ago. The show would feature YRF and the legendary De La Soul, so you can guess that I was excited at the invite. And even more so after I was asked to blog about the performance. Unfortunately, at the last minute I was informed that I wouldn't be able to go. The reason? Because I'm unknown. You can't google my name and come up with results. WTF? Now mind you, this was the explanation given by the person in charge of YRF's PR company (who shall remain nameless), and who is also very obviously, ::drum roll:: an UNKNOWN! Talk about an ego. Smh. In my opinion, that was a wreckless move. As a PR exec, you should know and understand that any PR is good PR, whether on a local, national or international level. So to rob your group of a PR opportunity is bad management in my book. Now that's my take from a business perspective. From a personal standpoint, I felt disrespected. If you don't know me, then get to know me. Isn't that your job? To invest time into finding out who your associates are and could be? ::sighs:: People never make it with attitudes like that, anytime pride can get in the way of a SMART business decision. You can never be sure of who one might know. And in a world where success is a result of taking chances, all anyone ever needs is 1 chance. In PR, it is your job to put your artist in the position for that 1 chance....What if that chance just passed them by? Well, I guess thats why I just heard from a little birdie that YRF has already inquired about finding better PR with more established Atlanta based PR company called Starlit PR (shoutout to Starlit). Now, don't quote me, but that's a good move. Because of the potential they do possess, YRF needs a PR company that has their best interest at heart. Not one who decides through personal agendas what is and is not best for the group. Cuz at the end of the day, that one decision can make or break an artist....i'm out :)

Making His Band?

So, yesterday, Diddy had the "Making His Band" auditions out in LA. They auditions were for him to form the band that will play behind him on his upcoming "Last Train To Paris" tour. They will also be featured on the upcoming show, "Making His Band", which I'm assuming is the next installment of his "Making THE Band" series. Now, we all know Diddy is the ultimate business man. And you can't knock the man's hustle. But i'm jus a little concerned with this upcoming project. Previous seasons of the show featured actual artists that Diddy was trying to promote. Therefore we had albums and tours to look forward to. We had money to go out and spend, thus keeping our attention geared toward the show and the artists being featured. Well, I'm curious to how many of us are actually interested in seeing Diddy's background band, have a show of their own. Now, I'm sure he's just using the show as a marketing tool to promote his "final" album. But the question still remains, are we even that interested? I love Diddy just as much as the next man, but I don't know if i'm willing to watch him make an album and go on tour. Anyway, I'll def watch the premiere tho, cuz it was sum interesting people that came out to audition. Diddy was auditioning for musicians and background singers. The LA audition had a nice turn out, and surprisingly, an interesting mixture of musicians. There were some rockers, some goths, and of course lots of us Black folks. What was probably the most interesting however was the fact that because Diddy is debuting a new sound he calls "Train Music", he provided a strict songlist of about 6 songs he wanted people to audition with. Those songs? "All This Love" - Debarge, "September" - Earth Wind and Fire, "Rehab" - Amy Winehouse, "American Boy" - Estelle, A Blink 182 song that I forgot the name of, a Police song that I forgot the name of, and of course, "Last Night" by Him and Keyshia Cole (You know he had to throw himself in the mix lol). Now while I have no idea what "train music" is, I kinda got an idea based on the song choices he made. Obviously, everyone cant sing those type of songs, so I'm a little curious as to how and if he will pull this off. But I have faith. He hasn't let me down so far....except for maybe some of the Danity Kane/Day26 situation...thas a whole nother post in itself tho. And if you're wondering if I auditioned? I didn't. Those songs are not my cup of tea, they dont compliment my voice, I knew none of the lyrics to none of the songs, and I did NOT wanna be on tv (singing that is) lol.....well anyway, this post has gone long enuf. I'll be baq later....I havent forgot about Chrihanna lol ;)