MY TOP 10: 90s/00s Pop/R&B Divo Music Video Jump-Offs – 3. Eminem “My Name Is”

So, it’s been a year since I started popolio.com and kicked it of with my first MY TOP 10 Countdown in September 2008.  Since popolio.com was jumping off, I kicked it off with MY TOP 10: 90s/00s Pop/R&B Diva Music Video Jump-Offs.  Well, this is the twelfth month, so I thought it would create nice symmetry if I presented the men as a bookend to that very first countdown before Year 2 officially begins.  This time around the Div-Os, or Divos, will get the spotlight.

Some things came up on the weekend, so I wasn’t able to post Number 3 and 2 then.  So, this countdown will end just how it began — with a three-fer.  Sit back, relax, and enjoy.

3. Eminem “My Name Is”
Whether or not you agree with what he has to say in his songs and how he does things, you can’t deny his talent.  His lyricism and dark comedic cynism connected with the masses straight out the gate (though he did have an independent album prior to his first official commercial release, but I’m not counting it).  And, that’s the difference between him and some of the other Divos on this countdown — It wasn’t after being in a boy band or on a sophomore album.  He’s also held off a few strong contenders from the Number 1 spot both on the album and single charts more than on one occasion.  This is why he’s Number 3.  In this video in particular he hinted at character acting chops.  I still want to see what more he can do hosting an episode of SNL or playing a character totally unlike himself.  The BONUS, “Lose Yourself,” from his acting debut, 8 Mile, showed new maturity and growth, both musically and contextually.

***BONUS*** Eminem “Lose Yourself”

 

Tuesday Tease

May 19, 2009

A popolio selection of today’s New Releases.

Tori Amos	Abnormally Attracted to Sin
Zee Avi	Zee Avi
Busta Rhymes	Back on My B.S.
Eminem	Relapse
Lakisha Jones	So Glad I’m Me
Luis Enrique	Ciclos
Method Man & Redman	Blackout! 2
Miss Kitten & The Hacker	Two
Georgia Anne Muldrow Presents	Ms. One
Po’ Girl	Deer in the Night
Lionel Richie	Just Go
Ruben Studdard	Love IS
Swing Out Sister	Beautiful Mess
White Rabbits	It’s Frightening

 

MY TOP 10: Music Video Cameos — 10. Gabrielle Union “I Love My Chick”

I’m a day late.  I should have started this countdown yesterday.  So, you get 2 videos for the price of 1 today! YAY!

* * *

I thought it would be fun to countdown MY TOP 10:   Music Video Cameos.  That is, music videos with cameos by non-musical personalities who are known for working in other areas of show biz.  My criteria were that:

1) the video be memorable, of course;
2) the featured personality not be another musical artist at the time (now if they became musical artists at a later point that’s another story; they’re still eligible);
3) the featured personality be known at the time (not be an unknown who became known later); and
4) the cameo be a worthwhile part in the video (not just a 2-second spot).

10. Gabrielle Union in Busta Rhymes’ “I Love My Chick” featuring Kelis and will.i.am

The original title and lyric is “I Love MY B!#@%.”  On a personal level, I don’t agree with the use of negatives as positives and the whole reclaiming words philosophy.  I think words have power and that you have to take responsibility for what you put into the universe.  I also think others  use it as an excuse to take it as permission to use the words as they see fit and that often is negatively.  On another level, though, what 2 consenting adults want to call each other is between them.

That said, it is a hot song and video.  Busta and Gabrielle recreate Brad Pitt’s and Angelina Jolie’s roles in Mr. and Mrs. Smith.  Now, it isn’t that recreating films in music video form is a new concept, but this one was done well in a clever and timely fashion.  Eminem, will.i.am, and Dr. Dre also guest in the clip.  Now, as to why Kelis, who’s voice is actually on the record, isn’t acting beside Busta is a whole ‘nother question.  Maybe Nas wasn’t having it. 

 

Soce, The Elemental Wizard pop quiz

As one of the most unique MCs in the film, Pick Up The Mic, Soce (prounounced “soh-say”), The Elemental Wizard brings hip hop that’s unabashedly nerdy and can be unabashedly sexual as well.  It’s an honesty that would almost hurt if it weren’t so intentionally funny.  Enjoy!

March 6, 2009

Name:  Soce, The Elemental Wizard
Genre:  Hip Hop/Rap/Pop
Forthcoming Release: Master of Fine Arts (Relevant Material Publishing ASCAP)
Release Date:  June 3, 2009

This, That, or the Other
1. Underground OR Mainstream? Mainstream
2. Maintain Artistic Integrity and Vision OR Make a lot of Money? (or both)??? I don’t need to make a lot of money… Just enough to live on.  I might as well have fun and feel good about myself.
3. Studio or Stage? Stage, until I need to start writing new tracks, and then studio.  I do at least 2 live shows each week, and then I try to squeeze in studio time when I’m not performing or socializing.
4. Spirituality OR Hedonism? Spirituality, although hedonism is much easier.
5. Make Love, Have Sex, OR %$*!? Make Love, Absolutely

Fill in the Blank
6. Music is my passion, and a great way to express myself and work through some problems.
7. I’m musically inspired by Ratatat, Eminem, TI, QN5, Tori Fixx, Aaron Carl, and Scream Club.
8. My favorite old school joint is “Passin’ Me By” by The Pharcyde.
9. If I was a super hero I’d be able to fly around and protect all nerds with my strength and coolness.
10. Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll should change to Smiles, Happiness, and Love.

Short Answer
11. I make music because:  I have all of these notes bouncing around in my head and I have to set them free.  I hope that what ends up coming out of your speakers is as good as how it began in my brain.   Also, I get to meet lots of cool people and do fun things!

12. I want my fans to: Believe in themselves.  We all have a story to tell.  Go out there and spread the word to the whole world!!  Each person has such amazing talents.  Some people have not discovered their true purpose yet.  Keep at it and you will!

13. If I could share one thing about myself it would be:   I am great at striking up a conversation by asking open-ended questions, yet despite my busy social schedule, I am also an introvert who needs to spend lots of time alone.

14. Wild Card!  In addition to walking the walk, I really enjoy talking the talk.  Some of the best moments to talk shop are at video shoots, performer parties, and way before or after a show.  I like to see what other performers are up to.

15. I want my musical legacy to be:  Someone who made people smile and dance with catchy melodies that they just can’t stop singing as well as intelligent lyrics that demand additional listenings to figure out.  Hopefully my music will inspire people to create their own artwork!

Here’s a taste of Soce, The Elemental Wizard on rap and all vocal parts with the track, “Moving On,” from the Homo Revolution Tour 2007 Compilation CD.

 

 

 

 

The upcoming project!  Check out his MySpace Page for more.

Soce, The Elemental Wizard’s favorite old school joint!
↓