Cool Link: Wahanda.com

For the last few weeks I have been seeing these Giant Posters during my commute to and from work, so with my interest piqued I visited Wahanda.com for specifics and it's a good thing I did.

Apparently it's a very convenient online directory of sorts, which lists salons, spas and health centres across the world, in addition to hosting expert advice on numerous Health & Beauty treatments and therapies, not only for women but for everyone.

The best thing about Wahanda.com though, is that they provide up to 70% in discounts for all types of treatments and also allow you to purchase gift vouchers for family or friends, which are redeemable at more than 2000 venues across the UK.

Most definitely worth taking a look at.  

Happy Birthday Shirley Verrett, Darryl 'D.M.C' McDaniels, Kenny Lofton & Reggie Yates!

Shirley Verrett

Renowned Mezzo Soprano Opera Singer

Darryl 'D.M.C' McDaniels

Rapper-Songwriter, Producer & Hip Hop Pioneer Who Became One Of The First Rappers To Earn Gold, Platinum And Multi-Platinum Certifications As 1/3 Of Run DMC

Kenny Lofton

Former MLB Outfielder Who Led The American League In Stolen Bases For 5 Consecutive Seasons From 1992-1996

Reggie Yates

British-Ghanaian DJ, TV Presenter & Blacktor

Music Review: Mariah Carey - 'Me I Am Mariah...The Elusive Chanteuse'

Named after Mariah's first and only self portrait drawn at 3 and a half years old, this album seems to have a recurring theme…and that’s nostalgia hunni!

Opening the album is the track ‘Cry.’ A beautiful stripped back ballad showcasing Mariah’s vocal range and proving that she’s still got it; setting the tone for what’s to come vocally as the album continues with songs seemingly influenced by music of the past all the way to the present.

For example, ‘Dedicated’, a track with Nas who fits in very well, is an ode to the old days of Hip-Hop, as the both of them reminisce about the good ol’ days of the genre. Production from Mike Will Made It and Hit-Boy sees Mariah bring the current day Hip Hop flava that makes me feel slightly ‘Gangsta’ for a few minutes, I can’t lie.

I noticed that all of the tracks with features have explicit content which isn’t usual of Mariah but, anyone who follows Mariah will know she is a genuine Hip Hop head and maybe she thought it was time to throw caution to the wind and let the rappers do what it do. I’m not sure it was needed though.  

Other notable songs are ‘You Don’t Know What To Do’ featuring Wale, which reminds me of Chaka’s ‘I’m Every Woman’ as it borrows from Jocelyn Brown’s ‘I'm Caught Up (In a One Night Love Affair)’, and ‘Meteorite’. Both tracks make me feel like I should be in a 1978 skating rink in a bikini top, go-go shorts and spandex!

Then there’s the amazingly CUTE track ‘Supernatural’ with DemBabies making their recording debut. They sound like such funny characters but Ms. Monroe definitely takes on a more prominent role. You can tell she is ever the little diva in training, and you can absolutely feel the love pouring from this song.

Following the staple inspirational track ‘Heavenly (No Ways Tired/Can't Give Up Now)’ to end the album like she always does, there’s the deluxe section, which features duets with Mary J Blige and R. Kelly, on ‘It’s A Wrap’ and ‘Betcha Gon’ Know’ respectively. Both are remixes of original songs taken from the ‘Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel’ album and though I liked both original songs, the Mariah and Mary collaboration has been a long time coming, BUT R. Kelly is NOT needed and should have been left on the cutting room floor, along with the last song ‘The Art Of Letting Go’. Although the vocals are on point, I still can’t get completely into this song for some reason. For the latter, K wants to revoke my Lamb Pass and send me to the chopping block!

Overall, I can say that this album was worth the wait, and I’m glad Mariah took an extra year to produce an album that was not only a quality piece of work but, true to her, whilst remembering the peaks and valleys of what made her who she is today. It seems like Mariah was feeling even more comfortable and confident in being who she wants to be on a record. The only criticisim I have is the tracklisting order. It feels like I’m spinning down a timeline of musical genres with a few curve balls thrown in along the way for good measure. That said, with Mariah Carey being Mariah Carey, I know there was a reason behind it. If someone can figure it out, or Mariah if youre reading this, PLEASE fill me in!

Tracklising & My First Thoughts

1.    Cry: Beautiful, Classic, Strong Vocals & Range

2.    Faded: Makes me feel slightly Gangsta

3.    Dedicated (feat. Nas): Dedication to the good ol’ old days of Hip-Hop, Reminiscing

4.    #Beautiful (feat. Miguel): Phil Spector, Makes me want to shimmy and ‘Shoop Doo Wop Bop’

5.    Thirsty: Another Gangsta Mimi Moment

6.    Make It Look Good (feat. The Incomparable Uncle Stevie Wonder on Harmonica): O’jays Let Me Make Love To You

7.    You're Mine (Eternal): Makes me tear up each time, though not one of the strongest tracks is very emotion evoking

8.    You Don’t Know What to Do (feat. Wale): Up-tempo disco, Jocelyn Brown ‘I'm Caught Up (In a One Night Love Affair)’ and ’Somebody elses guy’,  Skating rink

9.    Supernatural (feat. DemBabies): Unconditional Love, Adorable, Diva and Divo in training

10.  Meteorite: Sylvester ‘ You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real), Skating rink

11.  Camouflage: Perfect  Vocal,  A+mazing Background Vocalists, Lyrics

12.  Money ($ * / ...) feat. Fabolous: Extravagance, Chefs with Hollandaise???

13.  One More Try: Can’t get into it

14.  Heavenly (No Ways Tired / Can't Give Up Now): Inspirational

15.  It's a Wrap (feat. Mary J. Blige): LONG Time Coming

16.  Betcha Gon' Know (feat. R. Kelly): NEXT

17.  The Art Of Letting Go: I still can’t get into this song!!!!

From Micky With Love

x

Happy Birthday Lincoln Theodore Monroe Andrew Perry, Gale Sayers & Gladys Horton!

Lincoln Theodore Monroe Andrew Perry

The First Blacktor To Become A Millionaire & The First To Receive Featured Screen Credit In A Film

Gale Sayers

IT Entrepreneur, Philanthropist & Former NFL Running Back Who Was A First Round Draft Pick Back In 1965

Gladys Horton

Motown Diva & Co-Lead Singer Of The Marvelettes, Who Provided Motown Records With Their First #1 Pop Hit With The Infamous Classic 'Please Mr.Postman'

Quoted: Maya Angelou

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

“It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.”

“The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them.” 

“All great achievements require time.”

“We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.”

“If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain.” 

“A wise woman wishes to be no one's enemy; a wise woman refuses to be anyone's victim.”

“History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.”

“Whatever you want to do, if you want to be great at it, you have to love it and be able to make sacrifices for it.”

“The more you know of your history, the more liberated you are.”

“I believe that every person is born with talent.”

“I think music is one of the hero/she-roes of the African-American existence.” 

 “Let us live, so not to regret years of uselessness.”

“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”

  

“When you know better you do better.”

“If I am not good to myself, how can I expect anyone else to be good to me?”

“This is a wonderful day; I have never seen this one before.”

“We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.”

“Let nothing dim the light that shines from within.”

"Have enough courage to trust love one more time. And always one more time.”

“If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.”

“Listen to yourself and in that quietude you might hear the voice of God.”

From Micky With Love

X

Remembering: Maya Angelou

Just as I was counting down the last 30 minutes of work yesterday, my work colleague checked her Facebook only to find out that Auntie Maya Angelou had collected her wings.

Not even 2 minutes prior had I reminded Micky that she needed to gather some of her favourite Maya Angelou quotes together so that I could post them on the blog, as I had asked her weeks prior but she didn't have the time to deliver. 

As little Black girls growing up, knowing the story of Maya Angelou, whether through reading I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings or watching the movie of the same name, was something that was just second nature. Then, the older we became and the more we familiarized ourselves with her works, it was as if she were our third Grandmother or even a Great Aunt, due to the endless pearls of wisdom she so unselfishly shared.

Regardless of all of her titles; Author, Poet, Activist, Orator, Singer, Actress & Dancer, I would say the most important one is Teacher. With her most valuable lesson for the world being; aside from our actions our words are the most powerful tools we have with a duty to always use them responsibly.

A Shero to all women and one of the last true Gate Keepers of Our community, may you Rest In Paradise Miss Maya Angelou!

Happy Birthday Dr. Henry McBay, Rebbie Jackson, LaToya Jackson & Mel B!

Dr. Henry McBay 

Professor & Chemist Whose Research With Acetyl Peroxide Led To The Synthesis Of A Hormone Used In The Treatment Of Prostate Cancer

Rebbie Jackson

Singer, Blacktress & Eldest Sibling Of The Legendary Jackson Family

LaToya Jackson

Singer-Songwriter, Dancer, Author, Philanthropist & 5th Sibling Of The Legndary Jackson Family

Mel B

Award Winning Singer-Songwriter, Dancer, Blacktress & Author Most Known For Being 1/5 Of The Biggest Selling British Female Group Of All Time; The Spice Girls

Happy Birthday T-Bone Walker, Dr.Betty Shabazz & Gladys Knight!

T-Bone Walker

Singer-Songwriter & Musical Innovator Who Was The First To Use An Electric Guitar For Blues Music, Creating Jump & Electric Blues

Dr. Betty Shabazz

Civil Rights Activist, Educator & Widow Of Malcolm X

Gladys Knight

Singer-Songwriter, Blacktress, Author, Humanitarian, Soul Diva & Motown Legend

TV: 'Perspectives - Bruce Forsyth On Sammy Davis Jr' & 'Sammy And Bruce'

Over The Bank Holiday weekend ITV aired not one, but two Specials on one of the most important all-rounder Entertainer's of all time (who in my book shares the #1 slot with MJ); the Untouchable Sammy Davis Jr.

The first show, entitled 'Perspectives: Bruce Forsyth On Sammy Davis Jr', not only looked at Sammy's rise to stardom, exceptional talents, Hollywood friends and achievements, but also his many experiences with racism both professionally and personally, as well as his determination to overcome the physical effects of a terrible car accident that almost left him unable to tap dance to his own exceptional standard.

The second show, simply entitled 'Sammy and Bruce' is a Variety Show that originally aired back in 1980 and showcased the camaraderie and great chemistry between the two talents as they joked, sang and danced in front of a live studio audience.

For anyone unfamiliar with the Legend that is Sammy Davis Jr., these shows are a perfect introduction, so don't hesitate to download and save them via ITV Player;

Perspectives: Bruce Forsyth On Sammy Davis Jr

Sammy And Bruce

It's also a bonus to know that Bruce was a true friend who still has such genuine adoration for him!

Cool Link: Justiceforleon.com

For all those who have recently become aware of the story regarding Leon Ford Jr., who despite being shot and paralyzed by the police in Pittsburgh, USA is ludicrously facing multiple charges including resisting arrest, you can help support the movement for this Brother by heading over to Justiceforleon.com, which was recently setup by his family, and signing the petition.

The Struggle Continues...

Happy Birthday Miles Davis, Philip Thomas, Pam Grier & Lenny Kravitz!

Miles Davis

Innovative Musician, Composer & Trumpet Player Who Popularised The Fusuion Of Jazz & Bebop

Philip Thomas

Blacktor Most Known For His Roles As 'Ricardo Tubbs' In The Original 'Miami Vice' TV Series & 'Stix' In The Original 'Sparkle' Movie

Pam Grier

The Queen Of Hollywood's 'Blaxploitation' Era

Lenny Kravitz

Award Winning Singer-Songwriter, Musician, Producer & Blacktor

Happy Birthday Scatman Crothers & Maxwell!

Scatman Crothers

Musician, Singer & Blacktor Who Voiced Animated Characters In Various Shows Including 'Transformers', 'The Harlem Globetrotters' and Disney's 'Aristocats' 

Maxwell

Smooth Crooning Singer-Songwriter & Musician

Mags On The Stands: May Covers

The Elusive Chanteuse...

Our Fave Twins...

House Husband...

Chocolate Beauty...

3 Naturalista's...

What's On: Afro Hair & Beauty Live

If you're looking for something interesting and fun to do over this Bank Holiday weekend, then check out the annual Afro Hair & Beauty Live show, on either Sunday 25th May or Monday 26th May.

The day will host a plethora of events that include Pampering, Stage Shows, Competitions, Exhibitors, Seminars and Workshops. Not to mention some of the Hair |& Beauty industries best hairdressers and make-up artists will be at your disposal.

The event will be held at The London Business Design Centre, London N1, 0QH and showtime will be 10.00am to 6.00pm.

For more information simply visit Afrohairshow.com

Music Review: Michael Jackson - 'Xscape'

To be perfectly honest, when it was announced that a 'new' MJ album was to be released I, like alot of other fans, was not all that excited. Not only because those involved didn't do a great job on 2010's 'Michael', but also because the suits running the music industry will do anything to make a quick profit off of anyone. For those reasons alone I purposely avoided listening to any preview snippets of the reworked tracks and even ignored the official release of 'Xscape'...until Monday, when Micky decided to check it out and encouraged me to take a listen for myself. 

Surprisingly I actually liked the new mixes upon first listen and have had the the Deluxe Edition in rotation all week!

Where the producer's on 'Michael' kind of went a little too far left on contemporary lane, I feel as though with 'Xscape', Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins & StarGate carefully used each demo version as a blueprint. Building upon the tracks so to speak, in order to preserve the uniqueness of each song, with the end result (for those previously unfamiliar with these unreleased tracks) being, that it's still quite easy to identify which tracks belong to certain era's.

My only critique however, is the feature of a certain Culture Vulture added onto the 'Love Never Felt So Good' Remix. Not only was it unnecessary to do a Remix of a Remix (catch my drift?) but, just because someone comes off of the product assembly line of 'MJ Knockoffs', it doesn't mean they have the legit capabilities to hang with The King Of Pop. Personally I would have preferred a real Jackson featured ala Janet or 3T, as opposed to a Jackson Wannabe, so L.A Reid n 'em get the side eye from me on that one!

Lastly, I can understand the point of view of fellow fans who don't approve of unfinished material being released because, if it wasn't perfected by the man himself, then that should be respected but on the other hand, it's always evident that what wasn't considered perfect by MJ, pretty much is when compared to the vast majority of other artists best works. Ironic case in point: despite each producer associated with 'Xscape' putting their best efforts forward in order to meet MJ's standard, his Demo's are still superior to the new mixes and are perfect as is IMO. Especially the vocals. Proving in Micky's words "the man just had Super Human Talent".

All that aside though, whether you're an MJ fan (of any degree) or simply a lover of good music, I recommend purchasing the Deluxe Edition of 'Xscape' because there really is something for everyone to enjoy;

Deluxe Edition Tracklisting

1. Love Never Felt So Good

2. Chicago
3. Loving You
4. A Place With No Name
5. Slave To The Rhythm
6. Do You Know Where Your Children Are
7. Blue Gangsta
8. Xscape
9. Love Never Felt So Good (Original Version)
10. Chicago (Original Version)
11. Loving You (Original Version)
12. A Place With No Name (Original Version)
13. Slave To The Rhythm (Original Version)
14. Do You Know Where Your Children Are (Original Version)
15. Blue Gangsta (Original Version)
16. Xscape (Original Version)
17. Love Never Felt So Good - Michael Jackson & Justin Timberfake

DVD

- Xscape Documentary (L.A. Reid And The producers Discuss Their Experiences On This project)

- Xscape Documentary Outtakes

Poster

Exclusive Mr. Brainwash Poster

And to the lame MJ haters, all I have for you is this;