Feel Good.

For 2012.. Making room for everything that feels good. Life is too short to hold onto things that disappoint or hurt you in the end. Hope you guys find those thing as well!
Be Well!!!!!

Lost Ones- Lauyrn Hill

Casonova Brown.

Today marks exactly one year since Teena Marie has left us. Her contributions to soul music may have not been mainstream, but it doesn't mean it wasn't felt. This woman goes down in history as one of the first white artist to crossover into a completely R&B and Soul realm, with many thinking she was black when she first hit the airwaves. She was first signed to Motown records, and she was also known as one of Rick James close friends (Once linked romantically). Not only could she SANG, but she also played the guitar, keyboards, congas, wrote and produced. CAN YOU SAY.. POWERHOUSE!!! In remembrance to Miss Lady T.. gone but not forgotten!

Music Lives Forever!!!

Casonova Brown

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.

#XMasSwag

- "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"- J5

NOH8.

DanaDot: It's All <3 NOH8!

DanaDot's Holiday Favs.

The holidays are vastly approaching! Now is the time that we get out the mistletoe, hot coco, and jam to our favorite holiday classics. In celebration of being #SuperFestive, I countdown DanaDot's (Me) personal favorite holiday songs! Did your favorite make the list??

#5. 'Nsync- Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays

Chances are if you were a pre teen during the 90's you were a NSync Fan. This holiday classic is sure to get you to "feel the love in the room from the floor to the ceiling". Who can forget the cameo from the late Gary Coleman (RIP) in the video.

#4. Justin Bieber feat. Boyz II Men- Fa La La

This is a new classic since the Biebs just released his Christmas Album, "Under the Mistletoe" which I listen to almost everyday! This song automatically drew my attention from it's R&B vibes and of course one of the greatest R&B groups of all time, Boyz II Men. Fa La La-Fa La La.

#3. TLC- Sleigh Ride

T-Boz, Chili, and Left-Eye make up the charismatic group TLC! TLC Always makes things fun and lively, and when it comes to Christmas there is no exception! I especially love the Left-Eye rap in this one! ;)

#2. Mariah Carey- All I Want For Christmas Is You

When you think of Christmas, you think of this song. This song is a staple of all Christmas songs forever and always. With a timeless voice like Mariah Carey, there is no denying this upbeat, playful song.

#1.Boyz II Men feat. Brian McKnight- Let It Snow

In my book this goes as the ultimate Christmas Joint. The sweet melodies of Mr. Brian McKnight and Boyz II Men, takes me there. The guys are singing their hearts out, and I can't help be reminded of one of my favorite Fresh Prince episodes when they performed this song. This is my absolute favorite holiday jam of ALL TIME!

Robin Thicke LIVE (Review).

I have been on the Robin Thicke bandwagon since  his classical/soulful debut  "When I Get You Alone". The video depicts just Robin and his bike singing and dancing on the streets of New York running errands. MY OH MY.. how far this man has come! Ditching the long hair for a shorter, clean cut coif. Dumping the jeresy and sweats for a more sexy model eqsue style.  

Friday night at the Key Club reassured me just how brilliant this man was. In the nights very intimate setting, he opened up with the Pharell produced banger "Wanna Love You Girl", which sounds 10x better live! Thicke serenaded us the whole night through doing all his hits like "Lost Without You","Sex Therapy", and"I Need Love", as well as some new material from "Love After War". 

Thicke was sippin on scotch on the rocks the whole night through (Maybe 5-8). You can tell he was really feeling himself and was having a good time. He enjoyed himself so much that he asked the Key Club to get the whole front row cups of champagne.. What a gentleman! There was also a point in the show when he fell into the crowd and let everyone hug him. Not only did he grab someone's phone and sang into it for a good 40 seconds, but he also signed autographs on stage shouting," I don't even know what the fuck I'm signing right now". LOL

 If you are wondering if he sounds good live.. the awnser is he sounds 100% better than he does on his albums that don't give his voice any justice. Robin as a performer, singer/song writer, and producer is ALL solified by his live performance. If he is playing sometime soon, I will be there in a heartbeat! He definitely gave us that sex therapy last night baby.

Smile.

If you smile

With your fear and sorrow

Smile and maybe tomorrow

You'll find that life is still worthwhile 

If you just...

SMILE. 

Strip.

I have been waiting for this moment so long!!! Let me tell you... I am NOT disappointed! This video is so HOTT and yet #superfestive for the holidays! HOTT men (Well Chris Brown + Kevin Mc Call), HOTT women+ and jacuzzi+ snow= Strip!!!!  The weather and half nakedness might not go hand and hand but it works for the camera!

Enjoy!!!!

Chris Brown feat K-Mac "Strip" from Riveting Entertainment on Vimeo.

Amy Winehouse: Lioness Hidden Treasures REVIEW.

Amy Winehouse's posthumous release Lioness: Hidden Treasures, dropped today and I immediately imported it into my itunes library. Music to my ears, I deiced to write a little review to the album. Overall it will make you miss the lyrical and vocal genius of Miss Winehouse. 


Peep after the jump for my track by track review.

Frida.

‎"I hope the exit is joyful and I hope never to return."

Otis (DanaDot Remix).

 I was driving on my way to Ralph's when "Otis" came on the radio. It was then that I thought to myself, "Why haven't I made a little remix to the track?" I know it has been out for quite sometime, but in preparation for the Watch the Throne Tour and the tracks HOTNESS.. I decided to put my own flavor to the song. Hope you guys like  it! ;)

"Otis (DanaDot Remix)"

Don't Be Tardy For the Party.

Origins of the Moonwalk.

We all know that Michael Jackson is amazing and is the greatest entertainer that ever lived, but did you know that even the MASTERS learn from the greats before them? Check out this awesome video of dance greats: Fred Astaire, Bill Bailey, Buck and Bubbles, Cab Calloway, Clark Brothers, Sammy Davis Jr., Daniel L. Haynes, Rubberneck Holmes, Patterson and Jackson, Eleanor Powell, Bill Robinson, and Three Chefs (only the feet). You can see where MJ gets his dance inspiration and the influence on his famous dance the moonwalk.

MJ has said numerous times that Fred Astaire was one of the greats that inspired his dance technique, this video is astounding to watch because this confirms how AMAZING Michael is and how he made all these styles his own. <3

It Will Rain.

This song is on repeat in my iTunes library right now. My questions is.. where is that boo to sing this to me? This song is so beautiful and haunting at the same time. Bruno Mars is definitely a talented brother and every song that he has came out with he hasn't disappointed.

I have yet to see Twilight though......

"Just like the clouds,my eyes will do the same if you walk away..Everyday it will rain,rain,rain"

Thinkin Bout U.

Justin Bieber has done it again... how is it possible for someone to have so much #swag? This is a Frank Ocean cover of "Thinkin About U" feat Jayden Smith. I love it.. and I think you will too!

Disney In Real Life.

I found this on the net and thought this was so awesome. A graphic artist named Jirka Vaatainen, a student at the Arts University College at Bouremouth in the UK, had the creative idea to bring Disney characters to life using photo manipulation. Vaatainen's interpretations of the eight Disney princesses and one villain were created by combining elements from using different photos of women who resemble the characters. He then made a compound of images though digitally painting them and using photoshop. The results are quite amazing.........

What do you guys think?

#Sidecomment

Princess Jasmin looks like Kim K, I'm sure he used her picture to get his idea look for her. And where the hell is Disney's first black princess Tatiana from Princess and the Frog? SMH!

Princess Jasmine

Princess Auroa (Sleeping Beauty) 

Pocahontas

Belle

Esmeralda

Ariel 

Ursula

Megara (Hercules)

Mulan

X Factor.

If you guys have been keeping up with X-Factor you will know 22-year old Simone Battle. Simone who was clearly one of Simons favorites since the beginning,leaving the other judges and myself wondering why she even made it to the first round. I am now retracing my initial thoughts. There is no doubt about it that Simone is HOTT and has an amazing sense of style, but when compared to the other contestants she lacked vocal capabilities in my eyes. Now I know when making an "X-Factor", it's not about having an amazing voice at all! All you need to have is an out  of this world persona, an awesome fashion sense, and some what capabilities to sing and dance and your in!

I was so pleasantly surprised when I finished watching "He Likes Boys" video, it is the formula for a pop single success! It reminds me totally of a Katy Perry song, easy to listen and sing to and the concept is fun and makes you giggle. Katy Perry is actually another perfect example of someone who is an X-Factor and not a singer and she is running all the way to the top of the charts and more. Simone good shit... sorry I doubted you. I get it!!

What do you guys think X-Factor worthy or not???

We Like to Party.

"Party" is my absolute favorite Beyonce track from the 4 album, and I have been waiting on this video for the longest! This joint makes you want to have your cup in one hand surrounded by your friends waving your hands from side to side saying "HEEEYYYYY HEYYYYY HEEYYYY" on the dance floor. I was a little disappointed by this "REMIX" though. Don't get me wrong, we all love J Cole and think he is the answer to this Hip-Hop being dead thing, but can someone tell me why in the hell he replaced Andre 3000 with his mediocre verse? Andre KILLED this joint x 3000. Anywhoo Beyonce looks amazing of course, I'm loving the colors, and cameos by Solange and Kelly.


Question is which one do you prefer??

"Party" (Audio) feat Andre 3000

"Party" (Music Video) feat. J Cole

Melanie.

Beautiful, talented, and most DOWN TO EARTH singer Melanie Fiona came into my work today and she was definitely a refreshing soul! I have interviewed celebs and came across a few and I will most definitely say  Melanie has got to be the most pleasant. The Canadian born and raised  came by to talk to Styleblazer.com about her fashion, growing up in Canada and her new projects coming up. 

You may all be familiar with Fiona from her HIT Grammy nominated song, "It Kills Me". Melanie's  voice is soulful and distinctive and her songwriting is KILLER. Her single "Fool For You", with singer Cee-Lo is HEATING up the charts right now! Look out for this BRIGHT STAR! Good times today.. thank you Melanie!!! :)

"It Kills Me"

"Fool For You"

NOH8 (Video).

Today I FINALLY had the chance to participate in the NOH8 Campaign photo shoot. The NOH8 campaign promotes awareness for Marriage Equality and anti-discrimination WORLD WIDE. I decided to share my thoughts and experience in the video down below. 

NOH8

Role Model.

Justin Timberlake is rapping! Yes you read correctly, JT is rapping! Not bad... not bad.. I'm still asking Justin to bring back that future sex love sound that we LOVE so much! JT is at the point in his career where he has nothing to prove and is having fun, I get it. "Role Model" is from Free Sol, a hip-hop/soul/rock fusion group  who is signed to JT's label Tennman Records. Free Sol is fun, new and different sounding. I like.

Can JT Flow?

We Found Love.

Rihanna is NO stranger to controversy, this video shows her CRAZY in love but for the WRONG reasons. Pretty Intense. Fun song for a slightly disturbing video. LOL

Sampled.

It's no secret that Kanye West is known to sample others on his beats. Who can forget  the track"Through the Wire",  originally a beautiful Chaka Khan song became Kanye's first single off of his groundbreaking debut "College Dropout". Did you know exactly how much Kanye has actually sampled though?Check out this video I came across. I personally never knew how much he has "musically borrowed."

Some people may say that he is a thief. I say he is musically a GENIUS. These staples that he made sound like completely new songs, and he showcased just how he can paint one picture to a completely new beautiful piece of artwork.


Sampling= Hip-Hop

What do you think?

Love On Top.

Love Love Love Is everywhere and in the air it seems. Beyonce brings her A game (when doesn't she?) with her top notch dancing backed with her all male dance crew, in the "Love On Top" music video. B definitely borrowed from New Edition's, "If It Isn't Love" music video from back in the day. She is looking all kinds of beautiful and the song/video is definitely a feel good joint that everyone can enjoy! :) 

Good Job B!

Love After War.

It's no secret that I LOVE Robin Thicke and I think he is amazing! He doesn't disappoint with his new single "Love After War" off of his 5th studio album, with the same name. The new album drops Nov 15th and I'm sure he won't disappoint with that either. 

Who doesn't like a little lovin after a fight? hehe.

Hit the Road.

Blac Heat and Jesse the Facts are bringing the HEAT, with all of these music videos! I was honored to play Blac's loving (haha) girlfriend, in the "Hit the Road" music video. We had a blast on this one and some may say me playing a psychotic girlfriend chasing her boyfriend with a bat isn't such a far stretch from reality. What do you think?
Shout out to Blac, Jesse the Facts, Alphonz, and Micah your a fool for this one! 

Mommy In Chief.

Take a look at one of our websites, MadaeNoire.com's Official trailer for the new original webseries called, "Mommy In Chief". It stars Kayrn Parsons, who you may all know as "Hilary" from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. 

“Mommy in Chief,” is MadameNoire's latest original web series that explores the ups, downs, and everything in between of being a modern mom. The series offers a fun, inspiring, and practical take on parenting for mothers in a variety of life stages and child ages.

*You might hear yours truly voice over (ME) hehe as Kayrn's Aide...haha.
Take a look!*

Empire State of Mind.

Yes they say NYC is the city of dreams, and I can definitely see why. Everyone there walks like they have a purpose in life and I love it. Though I was only there for a couple of days the city has already left a great impression on me.

While being in the lovely city/state, it made me want to work hard and push myself to the limit. Always stay confident. Never let any dream seem unattainable.

I know the question is.. would I ever live there? I most definitely would maybe want to try it out for 6 months - 1 year. You know what they say, if you can there.. you can make it ANYWHERE. The only CON is a keeping fresh press is out of the question. 

Haha.

#NYC.

Biggie Baby Babbayyyy.

Central Park.

Apple Store Steve Jobs Tribute.

Yes Steam in the streets are 4real.

Time Square view from my room.

Be More Heroic.

Phoebe Prince.

Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover.

Ryan Halligan.

Megan Meier.

Alexis Pilkington.

What do these names all have in common? Bullying was the cause of their demise. In this current day of technology bullying is becoming easier by just the click of a button. Rather it's verbally,  through text, or cyberspace, bullying can cause unfortunate consequences and lasting effects.

Come join the movement "Be More Heroic". Which coveys the idea that anyone can be a hero. Be More Heroic is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring individuals and communities to stimulate positive, proactive and courageous action in their daily lives.

I immediately received goosebumps when I watched this powerful music video. It showed the harms of continuous bullying, but also showed the effects of "Being Heroic". We all can be heroic in times of need. Please spread the word for this wonderful cause and for more information check out: www.bemoreheroic.com and it's Facebook page here: Be More Heroic.

Justin Chase and Dani Shay cover "Pumped Up Kicks"

Bossip.

So excited that one of my company's websites, Bossip.com is up for a 2011 BET HipHop Award for favorite Hip-Hop website. Although Bossip.com isn't known as solely a "Hip-Hop" website it is known to bring that in your face humor in black celebrity gossip and entertainment news. Think Henny without coke. Bossip gets about 50 Million pageviews a month alone. Even Kim Kardashian is an avid reader.

"You won't believe how many celebrities read Bossip, you guys are so funny..."

- Kim Kardashian

Marve (CEO of Bossip) Talks about Bossip.com Being Nominated