Beyonce, Kanye, and Prince...Oh MY: 2015 Grammy Awards

I took a year off from blogging to tend to my personal life and focus on my future. Now that I've handled those things, it's time to get back to blogging. And what better event to blog about (as a music lover) than the 2015 Grammy Awards? Here's the three things that earned a classic side eye from me.

Beyonce TRIED It!

• Let me just start by saying I am a Beyonce Knowles-Carter fan. I clearly stan for her husband more, but I love Bey nonetheless. HOWEVER, her version of the Mahalia Jackson classic "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" was mediocre at best. When I watch with my mother (CLEARLY the nicest woman in the world and a Mahalia Jackson connoisseur ) and have her giving major side eye with me, that's when I know it's a problem. Sure, I went into the performance already upset that Beyonce was performing in the 1st place, but I was willing to give her a chance. "Nope, nada, never, nah" pretty much sums up how I felt from the first note until the last. Normally when I hear some good gospel SANGING, I'm ready to throw a shoe, phone, or a small baby (I KID, I KID!). However, I sat there with a confused look on my face. Sorry, folks, but Beyonce is R&Bey all day, everyday. I don't get "gospel" from Beyonce's voice, but maybe that's just me. Beyonce's version of "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" left me feeling just like this:

WHERE?!?!?

Sorry, girl, but I just wasn't moved nor impressed. And I won't even get into the shady move that she pulled by calling up John Legend and asking to open up for him and my boo Common. But WHY?? Actually, let me stop asking questions and seeking answers before I'm really throwing the fiercest of side eyes at Mrs. Knowles-Carter. I want to still remain a fan...I guess.

Kanye, PLEASE Sit Down and Shut Up!

• Sooooo, when will the madness end with 'Ye? WHY can't I have back my "Late Registration" Kanye? I am not into the sometimes "Valley Girl" and all the time "Angry Black Man" Kanye. Who hurt you, boo? Just when I thought we were past the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards and the famous "I'mma let you finish but...." rant, Mr. West did it again last night. Well, not completely, but he did enough. After Beck beat Beyonce for Album of the Year, here come this thief in the night making his way onto the stage. Thankfully, we all assumed it was just a joke as he quickly left the stage. Oh but however, we quickly found out he wanted to do damage on the mic once again but saved it for a post-Grammy interview on E! In a nutshell, this dude said that Beck should give his Grammy to Beyonce. Girl, WHAT?!? A few quick questions, and I'll leave this alone. On which day of the week would Kanye do the same? Has he ever heard Beck's album to judge it? WHY is he such a fan girl for Beyonce? If she's not rushing the stage, then sir, I need you to find your way to the nearest bench and have several seats. Enough is enough at this point! Give me the old Kanye back, PLEASE! Just when I start rooting for him again....smh.

Prince was Prince

• Speaking of Beck winning Album of the Year, let's talk about the Purple One himself...Prince! That man gives me life and great laughter every. single. time he steps on a stage. Last night's outfit surely did not disappoint. He stepped on that stage and SERVED in all of his orange glory and slightly blown out 'fro. Werk, honey! Never mind that he looked like a WHOLE mess. He gave us what we needed last night and that was classic Prince.

  

All in all, I was underwhelmed with the Grammy's. Then again, that's nothing new. One day, I'd like to see more hip-hop, R&B and gospel on the televised portion of the show. But I guess that would be too much like right, huh? Whatever! But on a happier note, I'm happy for Sam Smith, and Common was fine and did a great job...as usual.

 

 

Repeat Worthy (TBT Edition): SWV "Release Some Tension"

Can we just discuss how incredibly dope SWV was back in the day? From the asymmetrical haircuts to the fly outfits, I loved them! So, of course I was extra excited when their reality show "SWV Reunited" debuted on WEtv last month. Since January 16, I have been planted in front of the television every single Thursday watching their drama unfold on camera. But what's even better than the drama is the chance to sing along to all of my favorite 90's songs by them and reminisce on my childhood. I'm convinced I hear "Weak" and "Anything" every single week, but I don't care. I dance and sing my heart out to both every single time I hear them perform.

In 1997, they dropped the album Release Some Tension, one that I don't feel gets the recognition it deserves. That cd was amazing! I don't know why I was singing every song with so much passion at the tender age of 13, but that's neither here nor there lol. Not only were the songs hot, but they had some great features. One of my favorite slept on songs from that album is the title track "Release Some Tension" featuring Foxy Brown. LISTEN, this song still knocks. Not only was I a huge SWV fan, but Foxy Brown was one of my favorite female rappers back then. Therefore, it's no surprise that I still rock with this song. Many of you probably remember this song, but if you don't, prepare to dance in your seat as you listen.

My Thoughts On Super Bowl XLVIII

For the past two weeks, football fans (and those looking forward to wings and a good time) anticipated Super Bowl XLVIII. Although my beloved Chicago Bears were not playing, I was still very excited about the game. It was set to be a clash of the titans. The Seattle Seahawks' top-ranked defense was set to take on the highest-scoring offense in the league's history - the Denver Broncos. After reading so much nonsense about Richard Sherman's interview, I was just ready to put the focus back on what was really important...the game. So, I went to church, enjoyed dinner with my family, and came back and settled in for what was sure to be a great night of football. Boy was I wrong.

Let's just start with the fact the Seahawks scored a safety in the first 12 seconds of the game. That's right, 12 seconds - the fastest points ever scored in the Super Bowl. (Fun Fact: The Chicago Bears previously held that record from Super Bowl XLI when Devin Hester scored on a 92 yard kickoff return.) I guess that should've been a great indicator of how the game would go. But no, I tried to be optimistic and give the Broncos a chance. I figured they were just nervous and had to shake it off. Ummm, not the case. From there, things continued to get worse. By the time the Broncos FINALLY decided to score at the end of the 3rd quarter, it was too little, too late. By the middle of the fourth, I was ready for them to stop the game and hand the Lombardi trophy to the Seahawks. Just put everyone out of their misery please.

Eventually, the clock finally clicked to 0, and the Seattle Seahawks were crowned Super Bowl XLVIII champs, and Malcolm Smith was named the MVP. Coach Pete Carroll has now won a National Championship as a college coach and a Super Bowl title. Kudos to him. And congratulations to the rest of the team particularly Russell Wilson, who took me to church with his postgame interview. Also, congrats to the 12th man - their fans.  I feel bad for the Broncos because that had to be embarrassing. I also would have liked to see the 2013 NFL MVP Peyton Manning tie his brother with two Super Bowl rings, especially since this may be his last year. However, I was more so neutral and just wanted to see a good game. So, I'm happy for the Seattle Seahawks. As the old saying goes, "Offense sells tickets; Defense wins championships." I guess in this case, it's true. With the Seahawks being such a young team, it'll be interesting to watch how they grow in the future. We may be looking at the next dynasty.

 

 

In addition to the game, there were some other things that caught my attention. Broadway Joe Namath was one. That man was cleaner than the Board of Health, and I was here for him. Joe hit up Andriana Furs on Saturday to prepare for his big moment on Sunday. Little did he know the weather did not call for a fur, but he said who cares. I'm wearing it anyway. And oh, did he wear it. I gave him two snaps and a twist for not only that pimpalicious fur but also his botched coin toss. Listen, Joe was on his own agenda, and I loved it. Werk, sir, werk!

 

 



 

Also, Pam Oliver let us know she is not her hair. I respect all of the work that she has done as a sports reporter especially as a black woman, but I also want her to win in the glam department. Last week, she shot back at critics. She let them (well us) know that she is about her work, and that's what we should be focused on. And to prove it, she showed up with matted bed hair wearing yesterday's makeup. Girl, GIRL! I just can't with her anymore. But I think she's married. So, if her husband likes it, then I love it.

As a marketing and advertising girl, I must mention the Super Bowl ads. I can pretty much sum it up in one word...Blah. I wasn't too impressed with what I saw. If I had to choose a favorite, I guess I would give it to Cheerios. Lately, I've loved their commercials, and it was their first year airing a commercial during the Super Bowl. How can you not like a commercial that promotes family while selling the product?

Lastly, I cannot forgot to mention Bruno Mars' halftime performance. Let me be the first to say, I was not looking forward to halftime. I planned on hitting the kitchen and grabbing some snacks during that time. However, before I could escape, Bruno appeared on my television screen getting it IN on the drums. From then on, he kept my attention. I am all for a great performer, and he did not disappoint. Before yesterday, the only songs of his that I knew and loved were "Just the Way You Are" and "Count On Me". After his halftime performance, I'll be adding a Bruno Mars Pandora station and checking out some more of his songs. Bravo to him on a job well done! In case you missed it, check out the video below. Now let's just hope for a better game, more intriguing commercials, a Joe Namath sighting, a new wig for Pam, and another great halftime performance for next year's Super Bowl.

This Week In Sports

I'm back like I never left (but I did). And what better way to start back blogging than to give a recap of the crazy things that have happened in sports in the past 7 days. Here's a few of the headlines that caught my eye.

Richard Sherman's Outburst

Unless you've been under a rock, I'm sure you've heard that the Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers to head to the Super Bowl. However, that has been overshadowed thanks to the Seahawks' cornerback Richard Sherman's postgame interview with Erin Andrews. If you missed it, then here you go.

 



 

I don't know about anyone else, but I was shaking my head and cracking up all at the same time. SIR! As a former athlete and a competitive person by nature, I totally understand that your emotions can sometimes take over. I just hate that it had to happen on national television with a white lady interviewing him. Erin Andrews has since said that she loved the interview and was not intimidated whatsoever. However, we ALL know that the media loves to create a big story out of nothing and has continued to talk about an interview that lasted less than a minute. Sherman has been painted as a thug, which is the furthest thing from the truth. He has even apologized since then. So can we all move on please? The 25 year old is an intelligent Stanford graduate who let his emotions get out of hand. It happens to the best of us. Let it go!

 

Darren Sharper is a Rapist?

 

This story broke my heart because Darren Sharper has always been my NFL crush. The former player is now (or was) an analyst on the NFL Network. This past weekend, it was reported that he was arrested in LA on suspicion of rape. Wait, what? Apparently, he is being investigated in connection with 3 separate sexual assaults. SMH! I wouldn't put anything past anyone, but I really hope this isn't true. A man that fine has to have women throwing themselves at him. Why rape someone? Again, I hope the allegations prove to not be true. Everyone is guilty until proven innocent, but I don't know about this one.

 

Vince Young Has Filed For Bankruptcy

 

Another day, another "broke" athlete. Of course, he probably still has more money than me right now, but he apparently has spent/lost millions. Maybe I'm crazy, but how can you make so much money and have close to nothing left only several years later? Athletes (and entertainers) have to do better with their money. I'll just leave it at that.

 

Luol Deng Faces the Bulls

 

That didn't even feel right to type. I'm still upset with the Bulls management for letting Luol Deng go for a number of reasons. Yes, I understand it will help us in the future, but I'm not okay with it right now. Tonight, we must face off against him for the first time as a Cavalier. I'll be pulling for my Bulls, but I'll definitely be cheering for Lu everytime he scores as well. He was a vital part of the Bulls squad for nearly 10 years, and he's just an all-around great person. So, I'll always cheer for him no matter what team he is on.

 

And that is just a few of the sports headlines that caught my attention over the past week.

So About Dark Man X...

Yes, you guessed it. DMX was arrested again this week. At this point, it’s like the movie Groundhog Day. Another day, another DMX arrest. His rap sheet reads like a Jerry Bruckheimer flick mixed with a tad bit of Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married, which is a question I’m sure his estranged wife Tashera has asked herself for years. At one point, I thought he was just doing what most rap artists do – drinking, cheating, doing drugs, and just living reckless. However, I now believe this man is mentally unstable, and he seriously needs to be treated.

Just last year, DMX and Tashera appeared on VH1’s Couples Therapy. I have so much to say about that show, but I digress. Then, earlier this year, he and his oldest son Xavier appeared on the season two premiere of OWN’s Iyanla: Fix My Life. He was as high as a cumulus cloud on that show. It was hard to watch. He told Iyanla to “Shut the f*** up.” At that point, I just knew the Brooklyn was on its way out of Iyanla. However, she kept her cool because I think she knew it was much deeper than anyone could understand. During that episode, I realized that it was more than just drugs and alcohol. It’s so much deeper than that. Iyanla CANNOT fix what is wrong with DMX – only Jesus and a psychiatric hospital can truly help this man.

I would love to go back to my grammar school and high school days when I was rapping DMX lyrics and wishing that he had mentioned my name in “What These B****es Want” (PLEASE do not judge my former ratchet ways). I miss the DMX that rapped alongside baby girl Aaliyah on “Back in One Piece” and starred in several movies. I miss the DMX that would break out into an abrasive prayer in the midst of his concerts. Now more than ever, he needs someone to pray for him, and I am definitely doing just that. Iyanla can help “fix” many situations and people, but DMX is certainly not one of those people. I sincerely hope he gets the help that is long overdue in his life.

 

Repeat Worthy: Shaggy ft. Ne-Yo "You Girl"

If you know me, then you know that I absolutely LOVE reggae music. Maybe that's why I only have stamps on my passport from Jamaica so far. My love for reggae music (and jerk chicken and rum punch) is just that serious. I may move a shoulder or give a little leg and take it right back when I'm in the club listening to just regular hip hop and r&b songs. However, when the dj moves into the reggae portion of the night, CLEAR THE DANCE FLOOR! It gets serious lol. I drift off into a world of my own, and I dance like no one's around.

So, of course, it should come as no surprise that I tune into the hour long segment on VH1 Soul called "Island Soul." All reggae for an hour? Yes!! Sign me up. Normally, they play songs by artists that are not very well known, at least not here in the US. However, I look up the other day and saw Shaggy and Ne-Yo. Oh! What is this goodness that I'm hearing? Lo and behold, it's a song called "You Girl" that was released over a month ago. Now if you like to pon di river, you may not like this song. It is reminiscent of Ne-Yo's normal work but with a reggae/dancehall feel. I think of my favorite movie Love Jones and the scene at the Wild Hare when I listen to this song.

Now I'm not necessarily a Shaggy fan, but Ne-Yo has been a favorite of mine since he released "Stay With Me." So go grab your boo, head to the middle of the floor, and dance like no one's watching as you enjoy this song!

My Crazy and Emotional Personal Journey to Derrick Rose's Return

April 28, 2012. I remember like it was yesterday. My friend and I decided to hit the bar and celebrate the start of the Bulls postseason.  As far as I was concerned, we were on our way to the Finals in a few months. We just had to conquer several teams along the way, starting with the Philadelphia 76ers. Easy, right? We were the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference facing off against an overly confident #8 seed. According to Evan Turner, the Sixers were happy to face the Bulls since the Heat were a tougher team for them. Oh really? Well, let the games begin. That Saturday afternoon, they did.

Throughout the game, the bar would cheer for every massive dunk, every great defensive play, and every time a Bulls player connected from beyond the arc.  Although it was only Game 1, we were well on our way to winning this series. So, while finishing my second martini with the Bulls up by 12 and less than 2 minutes on the clock, you couldn’t prepare me for what would happen next. Derrick Rose was bringing the ball up the court and started to drive towards the basket. This was all normal. However, suddenly he went down. That could be considered normal as well during a physical game, as the defensive-minded Chicago Bulls are known to play. Only problem is, he didn’t jump back up and head back down the court. Instead the game came to a halt as did the city of Chicago. The United Center began to chant MVP as the trainers worked on Rose. At the bar, we all sat trying to figure out what could possibly be wrong. It would be a few hours before we would receive the official word….the 2011 MVP Derrick Rose had torn his ACL. Deep, long sigh.

I remember getting on Twitter when I first arrived back at home. Some Miami news source had taken to their Twitter page to report that Rose had torn his ACL. Ummm, how would you all know first? Although something told me it was true, I refused to believe them. The Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat DO NOT like one another and neither do the fans. Trust me, I know firsthand. So, of course I just knew this was a practical joke that stupid Miami press was playing on the Chicago Bulls fans. It wasn’t April 1, but it was still April. This HAD to be a joke. It just had to be. Then, I turned to Channel 5 news, and my heart sank as they announced that Chicago’s native son, Englewood’s pride and joy, little brother in my head Derrick Rose had torn his ACL. Once the Bulls announced it the next day, it was really official.

Yes, he had gone through injuries all season and missed 27 games, but I wasn’t prepared for this. If anyone knows me, they know my love runs deep for the Chicago Bears and the Bulls. I will defend my teams until the day I leave this earth. I remember traveling with my family down to Grant Park each time the 90’s Bulls would win the championship. My dad would come home with t-shirts, and I would wear them proudly throughout the year. I was already preparing for the Bulls to take the title, and then the unexpected happened. I still had faith in my team and continued to watch even without Rose, but we went onto lose the series to the Sixers in 6 games. Deep, long, dramatic sigh.

There was nothing to do but rebuild and prepare for Rose’s return to the court. During the offseason, we signed Kirk Hinrich again and added the loveable Nate Robinson. While no one can take Rose’s place, I must say we had a pretty good squad. But I, along with the rest of the Chicago Bulls fans awaited The Return. I watched commercial after commercial from Adidas hyping us up for Rose’s return to the court.  I know that’s not an injury to play with, and I definitely wanted him to follow the doctor’s orders. But I still waited anxiously. Then, came the day when we found out he was cleared to play. To say I was excited is an understatement. I just knew we would see him take the court after the All-star break, right? Wrong. Week after week, I would hear the rumors fly that this was the night that Rose would return. We were doing great without him, but there’s just a sort of je ne sais quoi that Rose adds to the team. His explosive, fearless play was definitely missed. Needless to say, after much hype and speculation, he never returned for the 2012-2013 season. After a hard fought playoff run riddled with sickness and injuries, the Bulls lost to the Miami Heat in Game 5 of the semifinals and were eliminated. Oh well, it was time to look forward to the 2013-2014 season and The Return.

On October 5, 2012, one day after his 25^th and 18 months after he went down and Chicago took a collective sigh, D. Rose returned to the court to face the Indiana Pacers. If this was someone’s first time watching him play, they would never know he had suffered a torn ACL. It was still the same Derrick driving to the basket, creating contact and finishing as only he can do. So, why was I smiling yet cringing on the inside? Even for his return to the United Center on October 16 to face the Detroit Pistons, I jumped around like a crazy fan at home as the crowd roared on the TV and the announcer introduced him. But I went back to cringing as the game went on. Yes, I have wanted to see Rose back on the court since forever. Now that he’s back, I can’t seem to handle it. Seeing him fall to the floor every time he gets knocked down takes me back to April 28, 2012. I know, I know. I need to get it together, but I’m a fan who takes every loss and injury to heart, especially injuries to my favorite players. He looks like the Derrick of the past as he plays, but I think of him as a fragile individual now. But again, I need to get it together and take my crazy emotions out of it. He’s out there playing fearlessly and with ease. He’s still the same Rose that all Bulls fans have grown to love. Therefore, I just need to sit back, relax and watch as he does work (maybe through my fingers and with a cup of chamomile tea to calm me down – don’t judge me lol). No matter what, I’ll still be tuned in to every game as he hopefully goes for an injury-free, MVP-worthy season and leads my Bulls to the Promised Land known as the NBA Finals. Let us pray, and let’s go Bulls!