Music Video: Carl Henry “Dim The Lights”

This video just in to popolio.   Check it out!

 

MY TOP 10: 90s/00s Pop/R&B Divo Music Video Jump-Offs – 1. Tupac “Brenda’s Got a Baby”

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.

And without further ado, Number 1.

1. Tupac “Brenda’s Got a Baby”
Tupac was poetic and could be romantic as well as derogatory and offensive.  It was when he tapped into his political and equally rebellious and enlightening spirit that he was most potent.  He was an orator that was at the same time detached observor and emoting experiencer or participant. ”Brenda’s Got a Baby” is a brutal look at too harsh a reality.  It was his debut single from his debut album, 2Pacalypse Now. It would have been interesting to see what he would have grown into if he would have been allowed time and space to shed off the anger and stubbornness.  I think we would have had a  social-political hip hop leader who would have been the first of his kind.  The BONUS is from his sophomore album, Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z.  I always liked the gender twist in this video.

***BONUS*** Tupac “Holler If Ya Hear Me”

 

MY TOP 10: 90s/00s Pop/R&B Divo Music Video Jump-Offs – 2. The Notorious B.I.G. “Juicy”

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.

Two down; one to go.

2. The Notorious B.I.G. “Juicy”
Hip Hop became the dominant force in music from the ’80s and into the ’90s.     Hip hop today is “pop.”  Not that there’s a “poppy” sound there, but it is one of, if not the, dominant genres of mainstream popular music.  At the heart of its story are the Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac.  I heard Jamie Foxx refer to himself and KanYe West as the Batman and Robin of music on TV once.  I think the true Batman and Robin of hip hop were Biggie and Puffy.  Biggie could definitely rhyme and Diddy provided, arguably, some of the best beats in all of hip hop history.  Something about that pairing at that time worked and it started with this single “Juicy” from his debut, Ready to Die.   Now, when someone dies, it does seem to make them a deeper and faster legend than maybe they would have become.  Still, this represents a moment in time that can never be duplicated.  The BONUS, the posthumous ”The Notorious B.I.G” from Born Again, is a tribute to Biggie Smalls.  I was impressed when I found out the sample was from Duran Duran BITD.

***BONUS*** Notorious B.I.G. featuring Lil’ Kim and Puff Daddy “Notorious B.I.G.”

 

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”

 

MY TOP 10: 90s/00s Pop/R&B Divo Music Video Jump-Offs – 5. Justin Timberlake “Cry Me a River”

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.

5. Justin Timberlake “Cry Me a River”
So, though this was JT’s second single (the first was BONUS video “Like I Love You”) from his solo debut, Justified, I take it as his official jump-off  because it made quite the splash. It tackily interpolated his relationship with Brit-Brit, though.  Hey, this is just one editor’s opinion, but, I can’t deny the success of this video.  He was smart to enlist Timbaland to give his N’ Sync clean-cut boy sound a grittier urban upgrade. 

***BONUS*** Justin Timberlake featuring Clipse “Like I Love You”

 

MY TOP 10: 90s/00s Pop/R&B Divo Music Video Jump-Offs – 6. Jay-Z “Dead Presidents”

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.

6. Jay-Z “Dead Presidents”
Now, Jay-Z’s debut and evolution were more like a slow sizzle than an immediate explosion.  His debut album, Reasonable Doubt, got a lot of critical praise even though it wasn’t a super-fan-favorite straight out the box.  Historically, it stands the test of time.  Jay-Z is commended for his lyrical prowess on those early recordings.  The BONUS tonight, “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem),” from his junior album, Vol. 2…Hard Knock Life, which famously sampled Annie, is that mainstream crossover hit that many artists hope for and it was also his most successful single at the time.

***BONUS*** Jay-Z “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)”

 

Get on Lisa Lisa’s Personal Guest List by entering her ’80s Fashion Flare Photo Contest — San Antonio

Lisa Lisa just released her first album since 1994′s LL 77.  It’s called Life N Love.  And, she’s been touring non-stop for years.  Now, her shows will include not only the ’80s hits, but this new stuff, too.

San Antonio, you’re in luck (sorry, Austin   ; though, it’s not like we’re miles and miles away) — Lisa Lisa is hitting your town on Thursday, September 6, 2009, at The Industry Nightclub and you have a chance to get on her personal guest list. 

Now, Lisa Lisa’s ’80s Fashion Flare Photo Contest  is open to other cities, too, but air fare is not included in the prize. You’ll have to get your own booty there if you win and don’t live in San Anto.

Check the flyer for the details and click it to go to Lisa Lisa’s Official MySpace Page Blog about the contest.  The contest ends next Tuesday, September 1, 2009, and the winner will be announced the following day, Wednesday, September 2, 2009.

 

MY TOP 10: 90s/00s Pop/R&B Divo Music Video Jump-Offs – 10. Tyrese “Sweet Lady”

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.

This should have kicked off on Saturday, so, I’m trying to get you a three-fer today.  Bare with me and enjoy.

10. Tyrese  “Sweet Lady”

He was the nice kid with the sweet voice in the memorable Coca-Cola commercial.  So memorable that it launched his singing career.  Now known more as an actor, believe it or not, he was trying to do his singing thang’ WBITD (that’s Way Back In The Day for those who don’t know).   This is actually the second single from his  self-titled debut.   The first was “Nobody Else.”  But, this is the one that set it off and cleverly used his Coca-Cola commercial as a jump-off.  Something they should have done from the gitty up.  So, officially, I take this video to be Tyrese’s jump-off.  Check it out.

***BONUS*** 1994 Coca-Cola Commercial featuring Tyrese

 

Coolooloosh pop quiz

August 21, 2009

Name:  Coolooloosh
Genre:  Hip Hop /Funk /World/Rock
Latest Release:  Elements Of Sound (Self-Released)
Release Date:  November 2008  

 This, That, or the Other
1. Underground OR Mainstream? Underground
2. Maintain Artistic Integrity and Vision OR Make a lot of Money? (or both)?? Both – Hopefully.
3. Studio or Stage? Stage – We love the live.
4. Spirituality or Hedonism? Spirituality
5. Make Love, Have Sex, OR %$*!? Make Love 

Fill in the Blank
6. Music is our purpose.
7. We’re musically inspired by life.
8. Our favorite old school joint is “Who Got Da Props” by Black Moon.
9. If we were super heroes we’d be Silver Surfer.
10. Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll should change to Sex, Drugs, and Beats.

Short Answer
11. We make music because:  We have no other choice; it is as important as Air to stay alive.
12. We want our fans to:  To grow and duplicate themselves as many times as possible.
13. If we could share one thing about ourselves it would be:  WE stopped drinking Coca-Cola 4 years ago; we can’t promise anything else.
14. Wild Card!  No Answer
15. We want our musical legacy to be:  Remembered for not being scared and for exciting the audience.

Listen to “People Of The Street ” from Coolooloosh’s latest release, Elements Of Sound.   Go to their MySpace Page for more.

Coolooloosh’s favorite old school joint!

 

Los Bad Apples [Anita Benner] pop quiz — Premios Texas Artist

Univision’s 5th annual Premios Texas 2009 take place next Thursday, August 13, 2009, right here in the ATX.  In celebration and anticipation of the event popolio is hosting a ticket giveaway (read more about the show and the popolio giveaway here) as well as featuring nominated and/or performing Premios Texas Artist pop quizzes as a weekly countdown to the event EVERY WEDNESDAY.

Third up are latin hip hop it band and Austin’s own, Los Bad Apples, fresh off their songs, “Pobre Corazon” (listen below), being featured on the June 23rd episode of MTV’s Paris Hilton’s My New BFF and, “Luxury,” on yesterday’s season finale.  Representing for the group is lead vocalist Anita Benner.  Like VALLEJO, they are nominated for Best Austin Band. Good luck choosing between the two.  You can vote here.  Bet they are performing, too.  And, I gotta’ say Anita’s got some taste.  “It Takes Two” is one of my big time all-time favorite old school jams, too.

Week 1 VALLEJO pop quiz
Week 2 Bobby Pulido pop quiz
Week 4 Makano pop quiz

Name:  Anita Benner [Los Bad Apples Lead Vocals]
Genre:  Latin Hip Hop
Debut Release:  Los Bad Apples (Self-Released)
Release Date:  March 1, 2009

 This, That, or the Other
1. Underground OR Mainstream? BOTH!
2. Maintain Artistic Integrity and Vision OR Make a lot of Money? (or both)?? BOTH!
3. Studio or Stage? BOTH!
4. Spirituality or Hedonism? BOTH!
5. Make Love, Have Sex, OR %$*!? BOTH BOTH BOTH!!!

Fill in the Blank
6. Music is my one addiction.
7. I’m musically inspired by other great artists/music/performers.
8. My favorite old school joint is “It Takes Two” by Rob Base and DJ EZ-Rock.
9. If I was a super hero I’d be Linguilady (just made that up) = my superpower would be to speak all languages.
10. Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll should change to Love, Laughter, and Passion. 

Short Answer
11. I make music because:  It brings me the same intense joy that I imagine a mother feels when she holds her newborn for the first time.  Of course, sometimes babies come out kinda’ scary-looking, but you love them equally knowing they’ll grow up to be beautiful!
12. I want my fans to:  Know how much I appreciate them. 
13. If I could share one thing about myself it would be:  In my fantasy world I’d have a theme song playing and a bunch of backup dancers following me everywhere I went…shamon!
14. Wild Card!  The secret to good songwriting is to stay up all night singing Michael Jackson tunes while b*boys break dance to the music.  I wrote the best song of my career the next morning!
15. I want my musical legacy to be:  Vini.  Vidi.  Vicci.

Listen to “Pobre Corazon” from Los Bad Apples’ self-titled debut.  Check out their official site for more.

Anita Benner’s favorite old school joint!