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Mary J. Blige


Mary J. Blige was a artist that I didn’t particularly like when she firstcame on the music scene. To me she didn’t really have the chops, she sung off key to me. Her live performances really sucked, I saw hear perform on
the Grammy awards in 1997 she sung “Not Gon’ Cry” she was so off key I couldn’t stand it.

Mary J. was the second of four children her mother was a nurse and her father was a jazz musician. Mary J’s father taught her to sing, he should have given her voice lessons. Mary J. signed with Uptown record when she
was 17 years old, but her singing career consists of back ground vocals.

Mary J’s first debut was in the summer of 1992 on MTV, "What’s the 411?" album was released. “You Remind Me” was her first single it was alright, it sounded better on the radio, but it was something about her voice. When
Sean “Puffy” Combs hailed her as “the queen of hip-hop soul” I said really! Mary J used to be a Information Directory operator, that’s how "What’s the 411?", album came about. Her second album “My Life” was more painful and real, I don’t mean the singing but the lyrics in the songs,
like “Not Gon’ Cry”, “I’ll Be there For You” and “My Life”. Mary J later admitted that she dealing with a abusive relationship with boyfriend Ci Hailey of Jodeci, drug addiction, alcoholism and depression.

Mary J won her first Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for platinum single “I’ll Be There For You","You’re All I Need to Get
By”,  with Method Man. Mary J’s third album Share My World had five hit singles “Love Is All We Need” (featuring Nas), “I Can Love You”( featuring Lil’ Kim), “Everything”, Missing You”(UK only) and “Seven Days.” Mary J won a American Music Award for “Favorite Soul/R&B Album.”

I started liking Mary J Blige when her last six albums came out “Mary”,“No More Drama”, “Love & Life”, “Breakthrough”, “Growing Pains” and “Stronger with Each Tear”. Mary J won me over. Mary J’s will always be apart of history, with her performance at the Presidential Inauguration
Celebration performing “Lean on Me” and “Just Fine” was inspiring. Mary J Blige’s is a singer, producer, songwriter, actress and rapper. I can say since she has paid her dues she can be crowned the Queen of Hip-Hop.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_J._Blige

LM

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"Nicki Minaj"-- EYE CANDY and an EAR-FULL of talent!

If looks could kill, then 'Nicki Minaj' would be hard to live around, but, in fact....she's extremely difficult not to look at, having captured the sharp notice of rap enthusiasts, and music fans throughout America!

Still shy of releasing her first album, this Afro and Indo-Trinidadian beauty has still managed to liven up 'My Space' and 'You Tube' with sexy photos of her voluptuous body, and samples of a unique singing talent that has quickly vaulted Minaj to the top of the rap world.

Born 25 years ago in Jamaica Queens, New York, Onika Tanya Maraj grew up with an abusive, drug addict father who once tried to kill her mother by setting the house on fire.  After that, Nicki vowed to give her mom strength by proclaiming, "If I'm successful, I can change her life!"  By studying singing and acting, and then graduating from La Guardia High School in Manhattan, Minaj changed her own  life as well....forever.

First working as an administrative assistant, Minaj dedicated all her free time to music, and in 2004 she began singing background vocals and hooks for local rappers.  However, she wanted to "stand out" more than the average dime-a dozen female singer, so Minaj began writing and performing her own raps.

Upon branching out on 'My Space', "Dirty Money" CEO 'Fendi' noticed and signed her to appear on his label, and his new DVD "The Come Up'.  Soon afterward, rapper 'Lil Wayne' called 'Fendi' and negotiated a meeting with Nicki, who won him over with a fresh style and her independent writing ability.

As the new face of his "Young Money" label, Lil Wayne and Minaj cut mix tape style remakes of tracks such as "Sunshine", "Big Spender", and "Higher Than a Kite".

In 2007, Nicki released her own mixtape called "Playtime is Over' where she posed as a 'Barbie' doll on the cover.  Then, in 2008, she put out a controversial mixed CD called "Sucka Free" which paid tribute to fellow rapper 'Lil Kim'....with Nicki pictured spreading her legs on promotional posters.

She also appeared in that year's July issue of 'XXL' magazine, and won 'Female Artist of The Year' at the "Underground Music Awards'. She would eventually receiver six 'BET Award' nominations in 2010.

Meanwhile, two other mixtapes "Beam Me Up Scotty", and "Barbie" followed before Minaj finally released her first single called "Massive Attack" this past April.  This exotically performed song is produced by 'Sean Garrett' and 'Alex Da Kid', and includes a cameo appearance by 'Amber Rose'. 

Its music video was shot in the desert near Lancaster, California, and has already premiered on BET.

"Massive Attack" will head up Minaj's much anticipated debut album, set for release this summer.  The album was scheduled for release three months ago, but Minaj didn't want to rush it, for quality's sake.

"I'm a perfectionist, and I want this buzz to surpass everyone's expectations, especially those who support me.  I don't want to disappoint them", she says.

Minaj's musical style is heavily influenced by 'Lauryn Hill', and 'Natasha Bedingfield', as well as the unpredictable rhymes of 'Missy Elliott'....and,  the sexually charged attitudes of 'Lil Kim' and 'Foxy Brown'.  She's also cited 'Jada Pinkett Smith' as a motivator for her desire to eventually become an actress.

As far as image goes, the Nicki Minaj of today seems to want to tone things down a bit, as opposed to the earlier "look at me" style of grabbing everyone's attention. "I think it's important for people to get accustomed to seeing the female rapper again.  I'm not sure where I fit into that spectrum yet, as I'm still trying to prove myself", she says.

"Before, people thought of me as a sex symbol or a wanna be sex symbol, but I don't want people thinking I'm up here trying to be cute;  I'm here to entertain, and entertaining is a lot more than exuding sex appeal.  I think watching someone try to be sexy is "wack", Minaj explains. 

"I'm trying to just show my true personality.  When I was in elementary school, I had a teacher who would stand up on a desk and just whisper, as we all turned around wondering what this lunatic was doing.  But, she achieved what she wanted!  She wanted us to stop talking and listen!"

"That is why I need to mellow things down, so people can really listen what I have to say", explains Minaj.

Somehow I don't think it will matter whether she's sitting down, standing on a table, dancing on stage, singing in a dessert, sitting by a pool, or basking on a beach, Rap audiences and audiences everywhere will all take time to watch, and listen...to NICKI MINAJ!

Thanks, and listen up for Nicki Minaj on Streetwise Radio's "Big Hop"

Sincerely, PeteCam4

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Charlie B.

Bio:19 year old singing sensation Charlie B, born and raised in the small town of Plainview Tx. Singing has been a passion of Charlie's since the age of 7 when he did his first major performance in front of a live audience of over 1000 students at a local university. Moon walking across stage, Charlie received a standing ovation. As Charlie grew older he began learning and working as a choreographer. He was worked with National talent G Spot Boys, 4way, M.O.D, as well as other local artists. As he has surrounded himself with talent & producers, agreat guideline has been provided for him to follow. At the age of 16 Brett Nevelle Collins AKA Charlie B lost his mother to a massive heart attack and stroke. This life altering event created an even bigger focus, and drive for charlie to succeed, and fulfill the dream that his mother had to see in him. She is his guiding light. Other inspirations are his stepmother, father, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Usher, and James Brown.
Charlie B is a new featured artist on 
Streetwise Radio. His song "Merry Go"
can be heard on the Streetwise Big Hop
& Streetwise Ultra Mix.
Charlie B's Fan Page

E.A.R.T.H. (E.verything A.round R.evolves T.hru H.iphop)

E.A.R.T.H. (E.verything A.round R.evolves T.hru H.iphop)

"We hope to get the masses influenced by our sound of hip hop. Many have come before and never will they be forgotten. We are the newcomers to a tradition that must be upheld" - E.A.R.T.H.
Since the formation of the group in 2002, E.A.R.T.H. (which stands for Everything Around Revolves Through Hip Hop) has been making noise in the southern California music scene. Comprised of four members (Write Words, NOE, Double Negative and Ro Tone) with different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, E.A.R.T.H. is a multicultural hip-hop group who is bridging the gap between different social and ethnic backgrounds.

Constantly compared to the legends of Hip-hop such as; De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest and Outkast “These cats are crazy. You guys are incredible; definitely won’t be long before you guys can be heard with the rest of the hiphop cats such as Outkast. You remind me of De La Soul; Ya’ll are like the West coast De La Soul to me, that’s one of my favorite hip-hop groups ever in hip-hop. Ya’ll are dope” - Tim Kelley & Bob Robinson (6-time Grammy Producers)

As a group, we embrace poignant, witty, well thought out lyrics, which at times are positive and geared towards exciting everybody. We have mass appeal and we easily appeal to those who like underground and mainstream/commercial hip-hop music.

E.A.R.T.H. released our 1st album self titled in 2005. It had modest success however; the song "Feeling Good, Feeling Great" became an underground sensation voted top 10 songs of 2006 by Breakthruradio.com and became a featured group. "Feeling Good, Feeling Great" featured in many other internet radio sites and even an independent film.

Our sophomore album “Grass Roots: From The Ground Up,” was recently released in April of 2009 and have gained praised for its clever songs such as “Sexin’ After Textin” and metaphorical song about superheroes “Superman Lyrics.” With its “Feel Good Music” sound, no wonder listening to E.A.R.T.H. will make you “Feelin’ Alive” and “Get Off The Wall.”

mtvU Campus Invasion Tour in 2007 where E.A.R.T.H. shared stages with R&B singer Monica, Fabolous, Rick Ross, Crime Mob, Rich Boy, Shop Boyz and The Pack.

E.A.R.T.H has also shared stages with artists; Far East Movement (FM), Pacific Division, Copywrite,  E-Swift, 2mex, Sly Boogie, Nina Sky, Dirty Birdy, Twista, Killer Mike, Defari, Evidence, and many others. Recently Nominated for mtvU Woodie Awards 2009.

Recommended Tracks on the album Grass Roots: From The Group Up:

·        Track 3 – Feelin Alive

·        Track 4 – Sexin’ After Textin’

·        Track 7 – Feel Good Music

Myspace: www.myspace.com/earthcrew

Contact: Global Earth Music | Phone: (909)921-5307 | Email: globalearthmusic@gmail.com

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

Erykah Badu is a recording artist and actress who, until recently, was best known as "The First Lady of Neo-Soul" for her eccentric, musical mix of R&B, hip-hop and jazz. 

 Now, she has captured the entire world's attention by straying from her previously accredited high-fashion sense, to a fresher version--stripping naked in public to conclude her latest music video "Window Seat"  on March 17th.

The video is a one-take, slow motion stroll by Badu through the infamous Dealy Plaza in Dallas, Texas, at the very spot where President Kennedy was assassinated 47-years ago. Badu slowly takes off her clothes  while walking in front of adults and children, who are touring the hallowed and ill-fated path that Kennedy's motorcade took on Elm Steet before he was fatally shot in 1963.

Badu stands nude as the sound of a gunshot rings out, and her head snaps back violently. She then falls dead onto the pavement as the frame freezes on her sprawled nakedness--and you hear Badu narrate the closing words:

"They who play it safe are quick to assasinate what they do not understand.  They move in packs ingesting more and more fear with every act of hate on one another. They feel most confident in groups, with less guilt to swallow.  They are us.  This is what we have become, afraid to respect an individual.  A single person within a circumstance, can move one to change--to love herself...to evolve". 

From what I gather based on various articles and her personal Twitter texts, Badu was trying to overcome her own individual fears, while combating what she calls the "Group Think" style of modern society. "I will not express my opinion if it opposes those I love and fear", she states. 

Badu admits she was petrified while shooting this video, but that lliberation began to set in, and she conquered many fears in those few moments. "I hope it will encourage others to do the same in their own way, and  I wasn't embarrassed by my nudity... because I was too busy looking for cops", she said. 

In fact, Badu was lucky not to have been arrested for indecent exposure, however, no one reported her-- and she also broke the law by filming without a permit. 

While escaping prosecution, Badu did not avert strong criticism from the press, and strong public outcry from nation-wide audiences...as well as those who saw it in person. Adult tourists were heard shouting: "This is a public place. You ought to be ashamed--put on your clothes".

All in all, I feel Badu showed poor taste and dis-respect, not only for common public decency, but for what's become a sacred public landmark (Dealy Plaza) that has marked time, and become a focal point of our national growth..

Perhaps I'll include more on Erykah Badu the 39-year old musical artist and actress in future blogs, as her successes include six albums and five film appearances--including her role as Rose Rose, an incest-victim daughter in the movie hit "The Cider House Rules".(One of my favorites)

But for now, Badu is the woman with the hottest music video around (a true 'walk on the wild side'), that was intended to overcome fear--and instead inspired controversy, along with a quantum-leap in fame.

You can also catch Erykah Badu on Streetwise Radio by logging on to www.Streetwisesd.com.

Thanks, keep reading and listening.

Sincerely, PeteCam4

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GTO

GTO IS THE NEW BAD BOY!!!
PURPOUSLY LITTLE IS KNOWN ABOUT

GTO EXCEPT THAT HIS MUSIC IS

CREEPING THROUGH THE MUSIC

INDUSTRY…
THE MAIN AND OFTEN ASKED QUESTION

IS WHO IS HE???
WELL TO PUT IT SHORT, HES THE

NEWEST, HOTEST RAPPER HITTIN THE

AIRWAVES. HE SMASHED ON TO THE

SCENE WITH HIS FIRST SINGLE “GET ER

DONE”, AND THAT’S WHAT THE SONG

DOES IT GETS IT DONE. WITH A HARD 808

SMACK, MIND BLOWING BASS LINE, AND

HARD ROCK RIFFS THIS SONG IS OUT OF

THE ORDINARY, BUT WHEN GTO STARTS

HIS RAP LINES THE SONG TRANSFORMS

INTO A MASSIVE WORK OF ART. IF THAT’S

NOT ENOUGH ADD A LITTLE CHORUS

FROM
THE WELL KNOWN SINGER “RAY RAY”,

AND THIS HIP HOP SLASH ROCK SONG

BECOMES A CHART SMASHING HIT.

SO DO YOU THINK GTO IS TO SOFT AND

JUST MAINSTREAM?
WELL THAT’S WHERE A FEW MUSIC

CRITICS MADE THEIR MISTAKE, AND GTO

HAS MADE THEM PAY. HE HIT THE BOOTH

AND CREATED A MIND GASHING FOLLOW

UP SINGLE CALLED “THAT’S MY DUDE”.
THIS SONG SCREAMS OUT ALL HIP HOP

FANS I AM THE ONE YOU’VE BEEN

WAITING FOR. WHATEVER YOUR FLAVOR

HIP HOP SWAG, WEST COAST GRIMMY,

OR DIRTY SOUTH CRUNK YOU WILL

SUBMIT TO THIS THUNDEROUS TRACK.

THE TRACK SPEAKS LOUDLY FOR ITSELF
THREE DIFFERENT BASS DRUMS ERIE

PERCUSSION SOUNDS JAGGED RAP

FLOW, AND A CHANTING CHORUS MAKES

THIS THE PERFECT UNDER GROUND

THUMPER SLASH RADIO SMASH.
TO PUT IT SIMPLE GTO’S GOT FLOW!!!

http://www.myspace.com/gtohiphop

The great LL Cool J

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

LL Cool J entered the world on our nation's 2nd Super Bowl Sunday, January 14th, 1968.  While legendary Vince Lombardi was in Miami enjoying his final coaching victory with the Green Bay Packers, another pioneer was born in Queens, New York--and would someday soon change the hip-hop music world forever!

James Todd Smith, better known as LL Cool J  popularized romantic ballads such as "I Need Love", "Around the Way Girl", and "Hey Lover"...while paving the hip-hop path through the '80's and '90's with hits like  "I Can't Live Without My Radio", "I'm Bad", "The Boomin System", and "Momma Said Knock You Out".

From 1985 until the present, LL Cool J, which stands for "Ladies Love Cool James", has released 12 hit studio albums and one greatest hits compilation....the majority of which, sold well-over a million copies each.

 He's also acted in several motion pictures and television series'(32 projects total), helped launch sportswear lines 'TROUP' and 'FUBU', as well as his own clothing line called "Todd Smith", writtin four books, founded three record labels, captured nearly 50 music awards(including 2 Grammys), and maintained a solid family life with his wife and four children.

At 42, LL Cool J has accomplished more than most do in ten lifetimes, yet he's also been able to keep things real and normal, in a way most audiences can appreciate--while still being there for his family. Perhaps this makes up for what he didn't have growing up.

LL's parents divorced when he was four, and he was raised by his grandparents.  By the age of nine he'd begun rapping and performing in the church choir, had joined the 'Boy Scouts' and delivered newspapers.

Then, one day his grandfather bought him a mixing table from 'Sears', and LL used it to produce and record demos which he sent out to record companies--including 'Def Jam Recordings'.  They would release LL's first hit, a single called "I Need a Beat", which sold over 100,000 copies! Soon afterwards, LL dropped out of highschool to record his first album.

In 1985, 'Radio' received critical acclaim as LL Cool J was one of the first rappers ever to use conventional song structure to make pop-oriented rap.  Singles "I Can't Live Without My Radio", and "Rock the Bells" helped the album go platinum with 1,500,000 copies sold!

Albums 'Bigger and Deffer', 'Walking with Panther', 'Mamma Said Knock You Out', 'G.O.A.T' and '10' would also reach platinum status over the next 15-years. However, through it all, LL felt the need to broaden another horizon.  His first acting part was a small role in a highschool football movie called 'Wildcats'.

 In 1995 he landed his own T.V. sitcom 'In the House', where he played an ex-L.A.Raiders runningback who's financial troubles force him to rent out his home to a single mom and her two children. From there LL landed starring roles in films like 'Halloween H20', 'Deep Blue Sea', 'Any Given Sunday', the 2002 remake of 'Rollerball', 'Deliver Us From Eva', and 'S.W.A.T'.

LL has also guest starred on the 'Fox' medical drama 'House', '30 Rock', 'Sesame Street', and CBS's 'NCIS:Los Angeles', where he currently plays Special Agent Sam Hanna, an ex-'Navy Seal' fluent in Arabic and a specialist in West Asian culture.

It was only a few months ago that LL wrote a song dedicated to the NCIS series now available on iTunes, and based on his experiences as Agent Sam Hanna. "It's a musical interpretation of what I felt after meeting with NCIS agents, experienced Marines and Navy Seals", LL Cool J said.  "It represents the collective energy in the room.  I was so inspired that I wrote the song right here on the set".

It's safe to say that over the past 25-years, LL Cool J has well-represented the "collective energy" in millions of rooms, providing "inspiration" to a variety of audiences throughout the nation, and the world.

Thanks, and tune in to "Big Hop" on Streetwise Radio!

Sincerely,  PeteCam4 

 

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