Urban Music Festival

Here's a clip of my performance at the Urban Music Festival. Other acts were Latoya Luckett, the Sugar Hill Gang, Boyz II Men, and Cameo.

So Sweet

I love it when I see an East Coast chick rockin shoes or any kind of gear the right way. Check these new shoes from Pastry called the Sugar Rush Plum Hitops. You can match them with just about anything, and will defintely get everyone's attention.

BET Awards

Okay, okay. Yes I confess, I was one of the many thousands of people on twitter giving a play-by-play on what was going on at the BET awards. (shouts out to @djmerkmusic and @dorroughmusic for actually being there) The night started off right with Jamie Foxx acting up every time he got on stage, but after Beyonce's outfit, the jokes just poured in. Let me name off some of my concerns and opinions for last night.



1.)Why in the hell did they have a teleprompter 20 feet away from Don Cornelius in size 12 font?


2.) Did Jamie Foxx REALLY have to wear his little cousin's pants all night? I mean, I understand a tribute, but don't sacrafice your balls in the process.

3.) WHO IN THE HELL LET THESE BABIES ON STAGE WITH WAYNE!?

4.) Why did all the washed up R&B artists (except Trey Songz) have to speak between intermission? (Were they subliminally throwing punches)

5.) Doesn't Trey Songz look like Michael Andrews little brother?

6.) Does T-Pain feel threaten after Jay-Z performed DOA?

7.) Shouldn't there have been more Michael Jackson tributes?

8.) Aren't we all waiting on the Skank Robbers film?

9.) So pretty much, every R&B artists should hang it up after Maxwell did a spilt in his performance?

10.) Have you seen this man?

Do Your Own

I've looked at all the old music videos of Michael Jackson and realized that this man has set many many trends. From the jackets that Lupe Fiasco wears, the belts that Jim Jones rock, and the hats that you see Mos Def wearing. Even the moves that Lloyd, Justin Timberlake, Omarion, Mario and even Marques Houston perform every night. He has inspired artists such as Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, Missy Elliott and countless others. What this man's legacy has brought is something that no one will ever be able to immulate. Its crazy how now I see where the sneaks with the fat tongues, the velcro and studded belts, the vest with the white tees and the suites with the sleeves rolled up came from. The only thing that Michael didn't invent was the fitted hat. But then again, how could you with your hair constantly being wet from giving once-in-a-lifetime performances all the time. I just wanted to take the time out to thank Michael Jackson for not only his constribution to style, innovation, and music, but also to man kind. Michael has done a LOT of philanthropy work in his time and has really been one of the few to really make a difference. I tip my hat to him, and I'm glad to have lived to see what amazing truly is.

Fan's Appreciation

Some fan art from one of my people's, Rachel B., from Colorado.

Kobe IV

Since we're talking about walking in the footsteps of giants. Decided to give a shout out to one of my favorites

Walk in the Footsteps of Giants.

When I went to SXSW (south by southwest), I read up on Quincy Jones. I've always admired his work and wanted to find a little bit of literature on him. The more I read up on him and his quotes, the more and more I felt as though I was ahead of the curve. I went to see him speak at the festival and he was giving some great advice, he said that every musician and artist should take ten of their favorite artists, put them on a cd then listen and immulate them until you have their style down pact. Now I know as emcees we are taught to never bite another man's style (or woman's), but what Quincy was saying was that it would help us develop our own unique style. I agree that this works a lot because I have been listening to a lot more Jeezy, Lupe, Chamillionaire, Kanye, Lloyd Banks, and Royce da 5'9" since then. My style has completely changed, and my flow has gotten better. What Quincy was stating was that we should "walk in the footsteps of giants." I guess that's how Kanye felt when he was chasing his Big Brother. Now its time for us to do the same. So fellas, its okay to sing your favorite rapper's chorus out loud or flow like them for a little bit, besides

......its just practice