Throwback Friday: Usher "Burn"

I really wanted to bring back Throwback Thursday's however, I didn't make it to Thursday so we'll substitute with Friday for now. As I thought of a song to reminisce on I thought of going to an artist that is currently making headlines. The artist I came up with is Usher, after the recent passing of his stepson Kyle Glover, being a new judge on The Voice, and recently releasing an album this summer I thought Usher Raymond made an amazing candidate. I haven't done a throwback post in a really long time, but it's something I've been thinking of for a minute. This weeks song is "Burn" off of Usher's Grammy Award winning album Confessions. I believe this has to be one of the best albums Usher has released throughout his entire career. One thing that has added to the success of this album is the controversy that had been surrounding the truth about the albums inspiration at the time. Around this time Usher and Chili had just broken up, so many people did believe that he did cheat on her and that he did get another woman pregnant. Although none of that had not been true it did make good press for the album, and has helped make this one of Usher's best album.   

New American Idol Judging Panel

This past week there has been lots of controversy surrounding American Idol as they began their new season. Right before the season began the official judging panel was revealed after many rumors and speculations. The final judges of the show were Mariah Carey, Keith Urban, Randy Jackson and Nicki Minaj. Long story short everyone is wondering why is Nicki Minaj a judge. Some people thinks she has no real talent so why is she trying to help seek talent. Then others believe because she is a rapper she isn't qualified. Others believe she has lost her touch as a rapper over the years and she isn't even a real artist. When I first heard that she was being considered for the job I wasn't sure if it was even true. It sounded like a story that could of been made up, so I didn't really put too much thought into it. However after it was confirmed I didn't know what to think or even wanted to express my opinion. I'd rather hear from others and  find out whether or not people think she is worthy or not for the position. Apparently these contracts are worth a lot, so once she was offered the position she accepted the job.

What are your thoughts?  

Frank Ocean: SNL & "Pyramids" Music Video

Last week Frank Ocean went on Saturday Night Live and also released the official music video to his track "Pyramids" off of his debut album Channel Orange. While of SNL he performed his songs "Thinking About You" and "Pyramids". Both songs were accompanied by John Mayer on guitar. It actually turns out that John Mayer is the original guitar player for "Pyramids". Both performances just proved that Frank Ocean is greatly talented, the music video shows many different visuals that only Frank Ocean can get away with.

Frank Ocean - Thinkin Bout You - SNL 9-15-12 by IdolxMuzic

Frank Ocean - Pyramids - SNL 9-15-12 by IdolxMuzic

New Missy Elliott Music: "9th Inning"/ "Triple Threat"

This past week Missy Elliott dropped two new tracks "9th Inning" and "Triple Threat" to let everyone know that she was back and didn't take a permanent leave from the music scene. Both songs sound like classic Missy and I can see her upcoming album Block Party becoming an instant success. Both uptempo tracks just prove that good music is on it's way back to the industry. She and Timbaland went over to the Breakfast Club Morning Show on 105.1 in New York City where she premiered her two new tracks. She explained that her absence from the music scene was due to her being diagnosed  with Graves Disease. One of the yearning questions during their interview was whether or not if her and Timbaland would be involved with the new Aaliyah album. The both of them denied any involvement with the album in order to respect the wishes of her family not wanting there to be another Aaliyah album released.

New Music: "Clique"/ "The Boys"

The first new song comes from the G.O.O.D Music family, "Clique" is one of the many singles that has been released from the groups upcoming album Cruel Summer, which is dropping later on this month. The song features Kanye West, Big Sean and Jay-Z. This is yet another hot single that is being played all over the radio, which is only making the album even more highly anticipated. 

The next new single is from Nicki Minaj, her new single "The Boys" features Cassie and will appear on a re-released version of Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded. I can honestly say I don't know what the song is about, but if I had to guess I would say it's about guys not loving properly. Nonetheless I found myself liking the song, especially Cassie's part. It makes for a good club track, and the song has already reached the top of the charts on iTunes. With this being a YMCMB and Bad Boy mesh up I can see a real glamorous video coming real soon.

New Video: Ciara "Sorry"

Ciara is back with her first single "Sorry" off of her upcoming studio album One Woman Army. The video was directed Christopher Sims, with a nice back drop and her dance moves Ciara expresses her love for an ex. There are many speculations that this specific boyfriend she may be referring to is either Bow Wow or 50  Cent since each song on this album is personal. Many people are doubting Ciara this time around since her previous album didn't do so well, but I believe this single is a great start. It kind of gives me the same feeling of when she released "Never Ever". The switch from Jive Records to Epic Records might have been good, as long as she continues to release the right singles. 

Feeling the video?

9/11 Eleven Years Later

2012 MTV Video Music Awards Recap

By now I'm sure you all have seen the 2012 MTV VMA's and I must say I wasn't impressed not one bit. I usually try my best to find the good in things, but I found the show to be quite boring this year.

The only performance that I found to be good throughout the entire show was Frank Ocean's. He performed his track "Thinking About You" which was released last year. He had the perfect and the best set up that matched his song. I listened very closely to his vocals, and I loved how he switched up the track. Of course him being bi sexual came about various times throughout the night, but that didn't take away from the fact of how talented he is. 

Rhianna was one of the main performers I was looking to see, but I just don't think she delivered. I don't know if it was last minute planning or what, but I was really hoping for more out of her performance. Most of all I hate to be the one to judge another's vocal ability, but those weren't on point that night neither. How ever she did take home the award for video of the year, and she looked simple and stunning while doing so. 

Wiz Khalifa & Amber Rose announced that they would be expecting their first child together 6 months from now. Although she was spotted the week before, but I think they were going for that Jay-Z & Beyonce moment.

Alicia Keys did her first televised performance for her new single "Girl on Fire", and for a hot song I found the performance to be kind of boring. She had Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglass part of her performance, but it still didn't give it that "umph" that I looked for. 

New Music: "Special Delivery"/ "All of Me"

I love posting about new music and this week I've come across new music from Roc Nation's Bridget Kelly, and Lloyd who is currently signed to Interscop/Zone 4. 

If you remember last year I introduced you all to Bridget Kelly, she was the one Frank Ocean wrote "Thinking About You" for. However, his version received more recognition than her's. Nonetheless the song made it on to her mixtape Every Girl. Other hits from that mixtape included "Seek & Destroy" and "White Lies". I'll admit that I did think she would have gotten more exposure by now, but because she is a talented singer and writer I'm positive that definitely by next year she will be more known. Until then she has been on the cover of a few magazines, such as Honey Magazine and Edge Magazine. A new single "Special Delivery" was released on the web, and it's another song dealing with breakups. However this song gives an empowering outlook to a breakup situation, it's gives off a chilled out afternoon type vibe. 

Update:  Bridget Kelly performed "Special Delivery" as well as her first single "This Love" off of her debut album at this years Essence Music Festival back in July.

Lloyd has also released new music, his new single "All of Me" features Wale and it's expected to be on his upcoming mixtape. The track was produced by Cassius Jay, along with his upcoming mixtape Lloyd is expected to release his 5th studio album under is own label, Young Goldie Music. Stay tuned for more new music from Lloyd.