FameLight

Barack Obama is the president elect. BARACK OBAMA IS THE PRESIDENT. I CAN BECAUSE HE CAN! YES WE DID

noreply@blogger.com (Simone Says) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:04:00 +0000

I voted for Obama! I voted for the 44th president of the United States of America. He is the country's first African American president.

My first venture into supporting the election was participating in Walk Across America. With this even rapper/actor Bow Wow decided to travel to several states with Declare Yourself and Black Youth Vote to register voters 18-25 and encourage them to vote. In each state he traveled to he walked through cities and spoke to the young eligible voters.
When he came to NYC I walked with him. I had previously met Bow Wow before, so this was about getting out the vote more then his celebrity. Here is video from that day.

Why did I vote?

When I first heard people encouraging Barack Obama to run years ago I said I like this guy. Then I watched him. He gave me hope to live with an unselfish president. He gave me hope to see the economy be better managed, and hope for racial equality. He cares about prison and sentencing which is important to me due to what the rockerfeller drug laws do to drug abusers who need help not bars, at the same time he's passed laws to toughen up sentencing on VIOLENT crimes. And education. I went to one of those inner city high schools you see in movies, but we didn't have the "lean on me " principal. I'd I liked to think those under me can benefit from better higher AND early childhood education. He gave me the audacity to hope!

And I said, God I would love to see him in office. Something about him makes me feel so inspired. Whoever thought election day would feel like Christmas! Now I can look to the white house and see a great black family. How encouraging!

I woke up at 4:30 after going to sleep at 2am (like Christmas Eve..I just couldn't go to sleep despite knowing I'd be getting up early) went to the polls at 5:40ish and was home by 7.
In NY we have mechanical voting machines ( we have to pull a lever and switch) it was weird and I was so anxious/ nervous until I voted then I was overjoyed . Instant energy that lasted 24 hours.

I am a first time voter. MLK had a dream, and I just had a great night!

GO VOTE!

noreply@blogger.com (Simone Says) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:33:00 +0000

canivote.org if you still don't know where to go.

Go vote, just do it

I did!

CHANGE GON' COME

noreply@blogger.com (Simone Says) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:26:00 +0000

Love it
Great use of the Sam Cooke classic "a change is gonna come"
A new song by a few of hip-hop's ones to watch Charles Hamilton, Asher Rother, and B.O.B

As B.O.B. said..I had to blog about it. But, no I couldn't diss it!

And yes he is the rapper of the catchy song "Haterz Everywhere". He's quite dope. He also performed "On Top of the World" with T.I. and Ludacris at this year's BET Hip Hop Awards.

Check out his myspace for more of his tracks.
www.myspace.com/bobatl

For more on Asher Roth
www.myspace.com/asherrothmusic

And of course check out Charles Hamilton
www.myspace.com/hamiltonsmusic

New Nas video featuring The Game and Chris Brown

noreply@blogger.com (Simone Says) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:12:00 +0000

aka "the new young prince with Mike Jackson on the same track"
....Really Nas? Let's not gas his head up. He can be great at being Chris Brown, but the Micheal Jackson comparisons before the age of 21...ehhh hold that.

Nice. Good visuals. Everyone is sharp. I didn't like the song before. I like Nas, The Game, and Chris Brown , but didn't understand or care for a collaboration with them. The video definitely makes the song easier to listen too.

BOW WOW ENCOURAGES YOUTH VOTE THROUGH WALK ACROSS AMERICA

noreply@blogger.com (Simone Says) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 21:56:00 +0000

Good Speech, young man

Declare Yourself, you have the right to vote!

new video from Kanye

noreply@blogger.com (Simone Says) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 21:48:00 +0000

Love is a battlefield, and apparently their is a war in his mind.

Think of it that way, and it will make sense for you.

So keep your love locked down, or you lose.

Hmm, What if I Wrote Again

noreply@blogger.com (Simone Says) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 21:23:00 +0000

Tiffany Evans is coming back. New album is to be titled "Ponytail Krush". I love Tiffany Evans, but the concept boggles me.
but I get her ...from her blog

Well,Well,Well!

So what does my fam think? Are you liking the new effort?Well,I just wanna say that "Ponytail Krush" is not meant for just kids and its not meant just for adults. Its meant for the people,and also people who love music and fashion period. My Manager and I sat down and talked about the name for the second album and automatically "Ponytail Krush" popped up.
Honestly,Ponytails are very Universal...a guy can wear a ponytail a female can wear a ponytail anybody young and old can rock a ponytail.Its very universal,and instead of being limited on this album, I wanted to create something that is going to make a statement that everybody can relate to.Now the Ponytail is just the fashion side of things that were going to do...(and you will also see alot of different styles of ponytails throughout the shows that I do,videos,etc.)but as far as the songs go,it puts me in a different light that people will be able to understand. I honestly believe in this album and all the people that have been working to make sure this album is great(my manager,my a&r,Sony) they believe in it to. I truly believe that this is my time now. And regardless of what happens in my life GOD is still going to see his plans for me through.So no man can shut the doors that GOD has open for me.Im so excited!This is going to be a great album....WAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY BETTER than the last I promise you guys wont be disappointed.So look further in to see where we are going with this. I think you guys will love the creativity that we are putting forth.You will truly see the growth in me vocally,dance wise,lyrical wise,and just me becoming a YOUNG WOMAN.It is an Emancipating Experience for me.(Wink,Wink)I love you guys. new music coming soon.Keep GOD first.=))

Miss.Tiffany Evans.

P.s.Think big,dream big,work hard, be lazy once,be determined,Dream and come true. Chase your dreams!!

"When I sat down with my manager and the record label, I told them I did not want to be limited in the type of songs I recorded this time around. I want to make music for everyone. I describe this album like turning a radio dial and no matter what type of music the station plays, you can find a Tiffany Evans record on the playlist".

Her last album was actually pretty good, but Columbia Records sucks. I honestly planned to buy her record , but I didn't even know it was out...and I pay attention to entertainment news. Also people aren't buying "kids" records anymore. When I was Brandy, Aaliyah, and Monica were doing it at 14,15,16 they were well received. People feel they are too kiddy, but acting too grown. Monica's "miss thang" faced that problem, but she still got support.

As for Karina and Tiffany

Karina Pasian
First Love
Released: August 19, 2008
Chart positions: 57 (US)
U.S. sales: 15,039

Tiffany Evans
The album debuted at #134 on the Billboard 200 in April 2008 , selling 4,700 copies in its first week and #20 on the Top R&B/ Hip Hop Albums. It has went on to sale over 25,000.

This is Talent, Support. Go buy Tiffany Evans self-titled album and Karina Pasian "First Love".

Janet... Miss Jackson if you're Nasty... Pays Homage to Big Brother.

noreply@blogger.com (Simone Says) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:12:00 +0000

Janet Jackson, whose latest and 10th album, "Discipline" hits stores tomorrow is featured on "Vibe" magazine's latest cover. In one version of the cover she pas tribute to Micheal Jackson with an "Off the Wall" inspired shot.

If you're in the New York Area you can check her out at these locations.

"Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" Review

noreply@blogger.com (Simone Says) — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 20:17:00 +0000

Last night I went to Broadway. I sat close to the stage preparing to experience something I never had. Here on this stage Tony Award winning actress Anika Noni Rose would be playing Maggie the Cat from "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof". This was a play created by Tennessee Wiliams about a southern family's tale of lies, betrayal, , greed, and the dying. I took part in history, by being in the audience for a preview performance of this play featuring an African American cast for the first time. My eyes grew wide to see Terrence Howard enter the stage after hearing his character Brick, an alcoholic, talk to his wife Maggie off stage. The crowd also uproared in applause when the esteemed James Earl Jones and Phylicia Rashad arrived on stage. Much of the remaining cast was recognizable from their film and television role including Giancarlo Esposito ( "Fresh", "Homicide: Life on the Street" ) and Lisa Arrindell-Anderson ( "Madea's Family Reunion", "Clockers"), who played greedy husband and wife Gooper and Mae.

The play was entertaining, and I was very pleased to see the show. The story itself is one that that you will go on talking about after watching. Brick is a former football player whose athletic dreams are gone. His one "great good true thing", was his friendship with a fellow teamate named Skipper. Their friendship had come before his college girlfriend, who became his wife Maggie. She believed it was much deeper then a brotherly friendship and slept with Skipper to try and prove her thoughts were wrong. It ruined Skipper's life and Brick can never let it go. After the death of Skipper he became an alcoholic. This is how we meet Brick, as an alcoholic. He drinks thorought the play and Terrance Howard does a fine job playing a southern, cynical, alcoholic. His wife talks to him, but he never listens. He can't communicate with anyone.

His mother, Big Mama (Phylicia Rashad) wants him and his wife to have children like her son Goober and his wife Mae. Mae has five children (one of these children is played by Terrence Howard's real daughter Heaven). Maggie has none, and now Brick won't even sleep with her. Mae knows this as a nosy woman, a few characters note how the walls have ears. These characters live in Big Daddy ( James Earl Jones) house. He's a millionaire with lots of land, and even more surly then his son Brick. The parrallels between the two characters is a very interesting thing to watch. The cruel way they talk to other characters, especiall their wives. The things they laugh about, it's all about of their character and Big Daddy and Brick are similar characters. How James Earl Jones and Terrence Howard play in scenes together is amazing and beautiful to watch.

The characters are layered, and the acting is great. They were all convincing of the characters they played from the loudness to the tenderness of their voices. My only complaint was it did seem long. It was three acts with two intermissions. The first act with Maggie's talking was funny and made you understand her character, but after a while it got long. Honestly it was hard to tell if James Earls Jones talking in circles so much was all Big Daddy or a Mr Jones flub. This was a preview show. The official opening night is in March, so by then the kinks will be all worked out. At first I thought the acting was amazing, but the story was limiting. After leaving the theater talking to those I had seen the show with I realized the subtext, the things they didn't say was just if not more powerful then what they did say. This made me realize that the play itself was awesome :)

The story itself has to be thought about to truly enjoy what you've witnessed. Is Brick a repressed homosexual? Why or when did Big Daddy stop loving Big Mama? Did he stop, or never really start. What would happen after the play ends?

I'm definitely glad that I did go see this. I reccommend it to all theatergoers, and even non-theatergoers just for the experience of seeing these actors work together. The director if this show is the acclaimed Debbie Allen, and she put together a wonderful piece of art. It makes you laugh, and makes you think. It kind of makes you want to see it again. It's a strictly limited engagement, so if you're in the New York area in March, put it on your schedule quickly! Tickets can be found on telecharge.com

From the Website, "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" Summary

In CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, a powerful Southern family gathers at a birthday celebration for patriarch Big Daddy (Jones), who does not know that he is dying of cancer. In a scramble to secure their part of his estate, family members hide the truth about his diagnosis from him and Big Mama (Rashad). Front and center as tensions mount are alcoholic former football hero Brick (Howard) and his beautiful but sexually frustrated wife Maggie "the Cat" (Rose); as their troubled relationship comes to a stormy and steamy climax, a shockwave of secrets are finally revealed.

http://www.cat2008onbroadway.com/

Does Beyonce know the words to "R.E.S.P.E.C.T?

noreply@blogger.com (Simone Says) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 23:31:00 +0000

After a month long hiatus, I'm back at it again. Why wouldn't I be?

I could discuss the Grammy's. Although I don't agree with all the winners or even the nominations 2008's Grammy Awards Show was a watchable one. So much emotion and spirit. Yet, I don't want to go into it. I don't want to go into the after party headlines either.

I do need to mention one part of the show, you may hear about later. Now, when I watched the Grammy Awards I was looking forward to seeing Tina Turner. Beyonce was to be a part of the performance. I wasn't sure how, because I was sure she'd performed all her "B'Day" songs and wouldn't have any material to present. Somehow, Beyonce, who I usually refer to as Psych Ward B, because I'm confused she's a few crayons short of a box. It's like the "Ring the Alarm" video and her twitches at her concerts aren't acting. Her alter ego Sasha..... Yes. Well you know what? Let's hope for Beyonce's sake that Sasha was totally responsible for Beyonce's performance at the Grammy's. As I watched Beyonce come out introducing Tina Turner I thought two things. 1.) What is she talking about, her music doesn't encompass all those legends. She's not that versatile. And 2.) Did she just call Tina Turner , THE QUEEN?

When did Aretha Franklin lose her title? She didn't right? I'm sure Aretha Franklin is the Queen of Soul. Michael Jackson is the King of Pop. Mary J Blige is the queen of hip hop soul. R.Kelly is... or Bobby Brown is.. well nevermind. Still, there are titles you just KNOW. Somehow Beyonce didn't know. She didn't know on the same stage that Aretha Franklin herself would soon grace. Aretha Franklin..the queen who sung opera in Italian at the last minute for a Grammy Show filling in for the now deceased Pavarotti, and she KILLED it.

In Beyonce's defense, she didn't specify what Tina was queen of. Tina has loosely been referred to as the Queen of Rock n Roll and headlined a concert with that title. But then again I can't defend Beyonce now. It's too late, because Miss Aretha Franklin herself is ticked off about the matter. In a statement to the Free Press, Ms Franklin stated “I am not sure whose toes I may have stepped on or whose ego I may have bruised between the Grammy writers and Beyonce, however I dismissed it as a cheap shot for controversy."
She went on to state, “In addition to that, I thank the Grammys and the voting academy for my 20th Grammy and love to Beyonce anyway.”

Now, I can't agree with that exactly. I don't think it was meant to start drama, but if the Queen feels disrespected, then that's the bottom line. Her highness has spoken. Sasha just lost her mind again, can we really blame Beyonce. We have to watch who we place blame on these days. Poor Clifford Harris remains on house arrest for something T.I.P obviously did. It never ends.

Brandy will not appear...in jail.

noreply@blogger.com (Simone Says) — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 01:00:00 +0000

"After conducting a thorough investigation, which included consulting with some of the top accident reconstruction experts in the country, city prosecutors concluded there was insufficient evidence from which a jury could find Ms. Norwood guilty of such a charge beyond a reasonable doubt,"

- statement from the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office

The fatal collision occurred on Dec. 30, 2006, when the Grammy-winning star slammed her 2007 Land Rover into the back of a 2005 Toyota Corolla at 65 mph, setting off a four car pile-up.

Aboudihaj's car hit another car, and then crossed into oncoming traffic, where it was struck by the fourth vehicle. Aboudihaj, a married mother of two, died the next day.

Brandy was said to be distraught and was reported to have run out of her own car in a frenzy. She offered condolences.

The civil suits are still pending. One including a $50 million suit from the victims parents. Another suit was filed by the husband on behalf of the children who were in the car and suffered injuries.

The Grammy Award winning singer has been currently working on a new album and tv show. Her own child should be about 5 years old.

Hopefully everyone moves forward the best way possible. There is no true compensation for the deceased, but God Bless the dead.

Famelight Found: Christina Milian

noreply@blogger.com (Simone Says) — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 21:58:00 +0000

Christina Milian has discovered that know one wants to hear her singing. She didn't know how to market her music too well. One minute it's pop, then it's dance, then it's R&B. One minute she's sweet and the next sultry. Her music style changing like her hair color...just fitting the new trend. No one likes a wannabe" (Coincidentally, she use to host a show called "MTV: Wannabe". I attended once to dance "warm up" between breaks with a group. She kept screwing up the lines, but she seemed nice). Her mixed image and music couldn't find supporters on BET or MTV with the flip flopping. I think she sounds best doing ballads, and would've found success doing a video for a slow song for once. But hey, I'm not her manager/A&R/PR person...things of that nature.

Well, she's found something that might work for her acting. "Love Don't Cost a Thing," "Pulse," and "Be Cool" weren't star vehicles at all. Now she's trying her hand in television. If the show works it should keep her busy for a while.

"Eight Days a Week" featuring ... a bunch of former TV actors will start as a midseason replacement airing 13 episodes on the CW11 early next year.

Tonight, you can see if finds her fame light rising on ABC Family's premiere of "Snowglobe" @ 8pm et. She stars as a woman finding out she has been magically transformed to a perfect life in a snow globe that belongs to her grandmother.

If this note finds you after this airing it reairs
Sat. Dec. 15 10:00 PM FAM
Tue. Dec. 18 8:00 PM FAM
Sat. Dec. 22 1:00 PM FAM

If you do check it out, leave a comment here. If you don't want to check it out you can comment on the reason why too. I'm sure it would be just as interesting.

O....

noreply@blogger.com (Simone Says) — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:47:00 +0000

I just don't understand what made Omarion think this is appropriate. Does he not realize how high on the gaydar he is already? He can be gay, fine, just come out the closet ( but leave that scarf in there). You're singing about girls and talking about girls. There was your good friend Rihanna who you mention even when she isn't mentioned in some interviews. You dated co-star Jennifer Freeman. Stop playing. Just be gay, straight or admittedly bi-sexual.

Oh Omarion, I'm convinced that you're a straight m-. See that's the other thing. Personally, my spidey senses don't believe he's gay. Still, they are having a very ..EXTREMELY difficult time trying to find his masculinity. Not saying O's not an ok talent. I'm sure he's pretty entertaining. I actually like "Face Off", but I've accepted that him standing next to Bow Wow makes Bow Wow that much more mannish. Nope, can't explain that one...

He has on the tight skinny jeans that he likes, because they show off his figure. He really said that. Then he has his hair out looking like the lion from "The Wizard of Oz" ( while performing on 106&Park he tilted his head back and shook his head,and I'm pretty convinced that he was trying to roar.) And the icing on the fruit cake (pun always intended :) ) he's wearing that scarf. This bold fashion statement might be considered artsy in some circles , but he's already so questionable. It's just the wrong time to test this whole creativity thing out. Wait until after the album charts. You have a career to think about. Sitting around deciding to look like Snoop Doog 3000, what was his publicist/stylist/mother/Terrence or Rocsi thinking?

Yes, a career to think about unlike Bow Wow, who has decided to not release another album until 2010. I would hope the life experience he might gain brings his rapping more depth. Then again, I'm sure many just hope he's not lying about leaving the rap world for a moment.

On that note "Face Off" is in stores now. :)

Health with Bow Wow

noreply@blogger.com (Simone Says) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 02:11:00 +0000

Reported days ago rapper/actor Bow Wow was hospitalized and forced to cancel shows. With lack of factual information rumors popped up. It was said that he suffered from exhaustion and stress. Then it was reported that before he was rushed to the hospital he threw a temper tantrum over Chris Brown's attention on their Up, Close and Personal tour and destroyed his own dressing room in a rage.
....Right. The real? An unbiased attendee of Bow's first and only concert appearance to date chimes in:

I went to the Cincinnati concert, the first stop on the tour, sat 3rd row from the stage and heard exactly what happened. Bow came out, did a few songs, and then stopped to announce why he had his right hand bandaged up (4 fingers with his thumb out)--it's true that he was "wylin out" backstage, but only because upon their arrival, he learned that part of his set was missing--not only that, most of his effects weren't going to be used in the show. He said he punched a mirror, and truly lost his temper. The screens (the ones placed on the side of the stage) during his set weren't working, he wasn't allowed any pyro, and his original entrance of him flying in (not sure if he was being serious--or joking) was scrapped. He said he was just frustrated 'cause he wanted to put on a good show, especially for his fans in Ohio, (because) that's where he's originally from. He announced that he would have to get stitches but didn't want to miss the show.

Then he went on to say how he's doing it for his fans, that he'd come out in a wheelchair if he has to and still tear the house down--even though his show wasn't going to go how it was originally planned.

He did a good job, too! We all rocked to his old hits, the ones that made him famous and etc.

So, after the concert, early in the morning, my friend texted me sayin' that Bow was still in Cincinnati at the hospital and that her cousin was his nurse. She said they came in originally for his hand and then he started throwing up and they decided to keep him--his exact diagnosis? that i don't know, but it wasn't over no Chris Brown jealousy crap!

His exact diagnosis as he later confirmed on Detroit radio and Bet's 106 and Park was an infection on his appendix. Before reaching his next tour site he fainted and was rushed to the hospital. It was more wrong with him then blood loss from his hand. His low blood cells were high. The blood loss from cutting himself, then the rush of the stage caused him to pass out, and as stated he began throwing up in the hospital, so his blood was tested. Luckily his appendicitis was discovered. Usually if let untreated, the infection will cause the appendix to burst 1-3 days after the symptoms start. Once it does burst it leads to pain in the stomach, high fever and in some severe cases organ failure and potentially death.

Bow Wow is planning to wait until after touring to have it removed. Until then it can be treated with IV fluids and/or antibiotics. He says of the rumors he heard the "exhaustion" part bothered him the most, because he is never too tired for the fans although he admits he was stressed from the album release and UCP tour with Chris Brown. Yes he did spazz out behind the scenes, but after selling about 10 million records missing set pieces will bother you!

Hopefully Bow recovers well and puts his health first over the album, the tour, and even the fans. No one is above a health scare. Not even someone considered as cocky or rich as Bow Wow. He's just a 20 year old human being. Sometimes people lose sight of that. So, yes. Shad "Bow Wow" Moss got stitches in his hand, and he will have an appendectomy.

2pac - Dopefiend's Diner [NEW] unreleased

noreply@blogger.com (Simone Says) — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 08:01:00 +0000

...Unreleased until this year. This track featuring the talented Amel Larrieux appears on the latest 2pac album, "Best of 2pac Part 2: Life". This song tells a story expanding on the technique of the song it reworks. Suzanne Vega recorded the original version a cappella in the early 1980's . Her song , "Tom's Diner" was remixed by several artists and producers. I'm sure it would sound familliar to you.

2pac - Dopefiend's Diner [NEW] unreleased
Video sent by jds2pac38

Rapper Pimp C of UGK has passed away

noreply@blogger.com (Simone Says) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 01:58:00 +0000

Chad "Pimp C" Butler was found dead in his room at the Mondrian Hotel in California. The cause of death has not been released. UGK were very influential to rap duos and southern music as whole. Recently they had their biggest success when their album UGK(Underground Kingz) debuted at number 1 on the Billboard charts led by the hit single "International Player's Anthem" featuring OutKast.

He was only 33 years old.

Lyrics excerpted from UGK's "Heaven"

[Chorus: Pimp C]

I wonder if it's a heaven up there for real G's ,
For all the n***** in the game that be sellin cheese
I wonder if it's a heaven up there for real G's
For all the n******in the game, in the game -

[Pimp C]I wonder if I'm gon' ever see Screw again
One foot in the street, got one foot in the pen

[Bun B]Got me wonderin if it's a heaven for them d-boys
Cause if it is then I better get on my knees boy

[Pimp C]I got cheese boy, I'm sellin n***** sneeze boy
I'm playin in the candy torture rim with TV's like my Roy

[Bun B]I'm wonderin if it's a heaven for MC's
Like the Freaky Tah's, the Big L's and B.I.G.'s

[Pimp C]I wonder if they got a heaven for the convicts N***** doin life,
I saw old men in that bitch

[Bun B]I wish today that the Lord take me away
I'd get to see my old man and I wonder what he would say

[Pimp C]I feel that, I miss Munroe too
If I could bring him back I'd give up all this s*** fool

[Bun B]But on the cool you know what else I hope is trueThey got a heaven for me and got a heaven for you, too

RIP Pimp C, maybe there is "a heaven for a G"

Beat and Tattoos:Chris Brown "With You"

noreply@blogger.com (Simone Says) — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 05:49:00 +0000

By now if you're a fan of Chris Brown or just have a tendency to notice new music videos then you've been made aware of singer Chris Brown's latest video. Ask someone about the video and you'll hear, "it sounds just like Beyonce". Chris Brown's "With You" and Beyonce's "Irreplaceable" were both produced by Stargate. Now, producers should have a defined style. "That's a Timbaland track". "I know that Swizz Beats made that song." But how can you determine if a song is stylistic or repetitive. Did you feel that Timbaland's "My love" and "Anonymous" sounded too much alike. When one song starts and you're ready to sing the other maybe it's too far. Personally Chris and Beyonce's song sound different enough to me, because of the tone of the song. One's singing about leaving the other is singing the opposite, so the beat doesn't get in the way. Maybe everyone has listened to "Irreplaceable" too much. Then again Stargate produced "Hate that I love you" does not sound as similar. Maybe as the rumor goes Beyonce's song was given to Chris with an instrument added and a slower tempo. You be the judge.Now let's get into the video. I have to say I like the song. I hated it for awhile, but it grew on me. Even after growing to appreciate it I wouldn't have picked it for a single. Off of his album "You" or the rising radio hit "Picture Perfect" served better as next singles. In all of Chris Brown's 2007 interviews he mentions balancing the young and mature parts of himself. "Kiss, Kiss" and "Wall to Wall" spoke to a young audience. "With You" is sweet pop. Good song, but is this what he's trying to do? Stay cheesy? I don't think so. The transition to manhood in the music business has to be slow, but it still has to happen. The video is still nice, and compared to his goofy antics in "Kiss, Kiss", this video is more mature. It's artistic. The transitions and editing create a beautiful picture. I like.

When watching the video there's this one odd thing I notice. THE TATTOO. Chris fans are aware of the tattoos on his arm, hand, etc. The tattoo under his ear has become known (This tattoo location is getting pretty popular across the US). Yet, a new tattoo has emerged on his neck. Only in the video. Recent television and live appearances show no sign of that new tattoo. The video itself tries to conceal it with nearly all shots shown from an angle that the tattoo can't be seen from. We know that the tattoo was several different sized stars. Someone might want to explain his new fascination with stars to me...

I've managed to capture some stills. Not an easy task considering so few shots feature this odd tattoo. Odd, because it doesn't really exist. We must assume that he got this tattoo temporarily through Henna or airbrush. He got a fake to test it out, but didn't like how it looked so he got rid of it, but not before shooting "With You." As a co-director of the video he made it a point to not filmed from that side.
Check out the whimsy "With You" collage below. The photo that has been included bottom right is from a recent premiere of the film he stars in now in theater, “This Christmas". It's not from the video; it's just there to serve for comparison :)

Doesn't matter Chris. We see it all. Everything that happens outside of the spotlight gets caught on the Fame Light ;)

All Hail The Queen

noreply@blogger.com (Simone Says) — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 03:30:00 +0000

In October I went to see Queen Latifah in her Trav'lin' Light concert.
She sang well and was a definite crowd pleaser at the House of Blues in Atlantic City. She performed covers of Donny Hathaway with"Gone Away" as well as an upbeat Nina Simone number. Highlights of the show included the reflective song from "Hairspray", called "I Know where I've been". On songs like "Baby Get Lost" and the beautiful "Georgia Rose", with inspiring lines such as , "don't be blue 'cause you're black" her range and spirit shined through. We have some idea of where Queen Latifah has been. I can't say that when I first watched her old classic video for "U.N.I.T.Y" or her urban heist film "Set it Off" I knew she would become a Jazz, pop, and soul singer starring it hit film adaptations of musicals.

Her band was great and the presence she had on stage marks as a true performer. Talking with the audience and bringing her father onstage marked her as a true Queen. When the show had ended the audience erupted into loud cheers and a standing ovation as she exited the stage. Of course the Queen came back out to sing!

Holi-daze part II

noreply@blogger.com (Simone Says) — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 01:17:00 +0000

Greetings Readers,

I hope your holiday went well. It's only natural to stuff your belly in November and December then wish the weight off as a New Years Resolution. For my Thanksgiving I woke up to watch the Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. There is a lot of labor wars affecting the arts. Most of Broadway appears to be on strike. This years parade catered to those in dire need of sing-a-long worthy songs with jazz squares and kick ball chains. Songs were performed by the cast of "Xanadu", "Legally Blonde: The Musical", and "Young Frankenstein among others. I like my Broadway on the stage. I do not like my Broadway on MTV ( "Legally Blonde: The Musical" ) The live theater experience is amazing and the Parade was all about lip syncing. It was nice to see the band Good Charlotte, American Idol winner Jordin Sparks, and tween' favorites Ashley Tisdale and the Jonas Brothers, but it would've been better to hear them. It would of been better to hear some of them...

Also in attendence "singing" on a float was R&B singer/songwriter Ne-yo. Although I appreciate Ne-yo's music it was not great to see him. He was very overdressed. Neyo is from the west coast, and may have heard that recent New York City weather was in the low temperatures, but on Thanksgiving morning it was sunny and warm. Just looking at him on the TV screen made me hot. Ashley Tisdale's coat and hair bothered me a bit, but Ne-yo...wow. Did you need the hat, the scarf, AND gloves??

I'll have to assume that Ne-yo is a little confused. After being dropped off of the R. Kelly tour for no sane reason I can see. R.Kelly's people say Ne-yo didn't sign a contract. Ne-yo rehearsed,promoted, and produced consistency on the tour. He deserved more then that. I'm not going to bring up R.Kelly's diva behavior on the tour. I will say that Ne-yo was getting better reviews then R.Kelly. For some reason be it ego or delusion R.Kelly was under the impression that people wanted to see him perform. In reality fans jumped at the opportunity to see Ne-yo, Keyshia Cole, and J.Holiday in concert. R.Kelly just came with the package. Unfortunately his songs were popular so it's easy to find yourself singing along to an R.Kelly son. It doesn't mean we have to like it! We don't have to like him. His concert-goes obviously didn't and Ne-yo caught that wrath. It doesn't matter Ne-yo is an artist in every sense of the word. Not the greatest artist, but an artist nonetheless. Waits for a Neyo featuring ________ concert. Who should fill in the blanks...

Holi-daze

noreply@blogger.com (Simone Says) — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 05:47:00 +0000

I don't have to type that this is the first entry, but I suppose I just did.

I've had it in my mind to blog before I knew what it meant to weblog. I've always been interested in learning information and sharing information. For friends, families, and associates I've acted as a tv guide, news reporter, talk show host, and tabloid writer. It's pretty easy to read the latest new. I believe people ask me about things they could find out for themselves, because it's easier. More importantly because it's my perspective on "fame". Reality blended with commentary for interesting thoughts and humor. Fame. light. - The introduction

November 22, 2007 is Thanksgiving Day. It is a day stripped of it's traditional origin like many present day holidays. With that being said, Happy Holidays! It must mean something to you be it togetherness, feast, or vacation. TVONE is airing the 1997 film "Soul Food" for the majority of the day starting at noon. How's that for tradition :)

Welcome to my blog and stick around if you can. I've got a lot to say!