JumpinJack AJ

With the success of Musiq Soulchild's new album, Def Soul has re-released his 1st 2 albums with a bonus disc features 7 rare/non-album tracks from their respective era. Trust me, it's worth buying these new versions if u are a big Musiq fan. Here's the run down... AIJUSWANASEING 1. Just Friends (Sunny) (Masters At Work 12" Mix) This is an 8 minute house remix of the modern classic. It was only released on the 12" promo single and on an import version of the single. If u are familiar with MAW, this is their typical style (which is a good thing) and the things that made the original song are wrapped up in this mix. Lovin' this. 2. Just Friends (Sunny) (Masters At Work Dub) This mix will probably only be appriciated by fans of house music whereas the other will please any Musiq fan. Like most House/Dance/Club Dubs, the main focus of this is the music with vocal samples laced and played with thru' out the mix. This was apparently only available on an import CD single. 3. Just Friends (Sunny) (Beat Box Mix) This has all of the original vocals with mostly Musiq's beatbox as the only background. Just a bit of keys support his beatbox. It says this mix waz only on the 12 vinyl single...but i swear i've seen this on the import CD single as well. 4. Just Friends (Sunny) (E-Smoove's Soul Revival) This is another house/dance mix of the song. It runs over 7 minutes and provides a vibe just a bit different from the MAW remix. It was also on the 12" vinyl single and an import CD single. Good stuff. 5. Love (Instrumental) This is the instrumental to his hit "Love"...the gospel song disguised as a typical love song. If u aren't a fan of instrumentals or don't like 2 sing along, u won't care much 4 this. But the A Touch of Jazz production is flawless on this one and keeps the attention of any fan of the music. This was never commercially released...only on the promo CD single released 2 radio stations. 6. Aimewitue This song was on the only an import version of the album. I'm pretty sure this is the song Tim told me about years ago, saying it waz one of the best songs he did for the album and he waz disappointed it was only on the import...ha ha. I really do like this song but think that compared 2 Just Friends, Love, Mary Go Round, Seventeen, the song fits, but isn't the best. After all, the whole album is amazing. It's good 2 finally have this track tho.' Eric Roberson and Odyssey did work on this track 2! Anyone who has The Magnificent knows who they are. 7. The Ingredients of Love w/ Angie Stone This song was on Angie Stone's 2001 album "Mahogany Soul." The mid-tempo soulful track was produced by A Touch of Jazz vets Ivan and Carvin. The song's topic focuses on the a couple who are each holding the weight of their relationship and putting labels on what they are doing 2 make it work. I passed up on this album and always wanted it (infact, i think someone is getting this Angie Stone album for my b-day), and finally hearing this song is great. Late 90's/Early 2000's ATOJ is simply amazing. Great song!! JUSLISEN 1. Dontchange (Remix) This song puts a bit of an edge on the original and features the legendary Ron Isley. The sound of this remix puts it in competition with the popular R-N-B songs of the time. The vocal approach 2 this remix is totally different from the original. Musiq and Ron Isley just sound good 2gether. This remix waz only available on the promo CD single. 2. Halfcrazy (Remix) This is an interesting uptempo remix of the albums 1st single. The vocals again are totally reworked, making it nearly a whole new song. This rare remix waz only on the CD promo and 12" single. The best remixes are the ones that bring the whole song 2 a whole new vibe and both this and the "Dontchange" remix do just that. The musical breakdown in the middle of the song is kinda weird but it only lasts a second. 3. Halfcrazy (Summer Madness Remix) This remix is closer 2 the original version but with a "Summer Madness" flip 2 it. This slower mid-tempo remix keeps the original vocals in tact which take me back 2 a good place mentally, while the new sound keeps me hooked. This remix waz only one promo CD singles and promo 12" singles. 4. Beautiful Contradiction w/ Beverly Knight This James Poyser produced song was on Beverly Knight's "Who I Am." I've never heard of her before, but this song is great and i'll be checking her out. This mid-tempo song sounds like something u'd find on Musiq's album. The topic has them playing the part of a couple in love talking about how their differences make their relationship work. Just good early 2000 soul music. 5. Break You Off w/ The Roots This is the hit most of u will remember from 2003. This is probably the last Roots song that i REALLY liked and Musiq waz a big part of that. It says this is the LP Version of the song, but i remember the version on the album being longer than this 5 minute version. The credits say this LP Version waz on the promo 12" single...so i'm pretty sure i'm right on this. This version is better cuz i remember being annoyed that the album version waz longer with a musical breakdown that i felt only cheapened the song. 6. Break You Off (A Capella) Take the a capella for what it is...ha ha. Sure, the lyrics are good for simple subject matter, but i doubt many people will be excited that this track is on here. Oh well, it's better 2 have the track than 2 have a shorter bonus CD. After all, the only other place u'll find this is on the 12" promo single. 7. Dontchange (Pound Boys Main Mix) This 12 minute house/club mix takes the song 2 a whole different place...the dancefloor. The original vocals are placed over this upbeat remix, only available in an longer form on the promo 12" single. In all, this Special Editions are dope. If u are a fan of Musiq, u will happy 2 own these. I can tell u right now that i'm about 2 burn a dope Musiq mix CD with all this stuff worked around some other rare and classic Musiq stuff. The original (1st) disc of each set is untouched from it's original form, as are the CD inserts. Fall in love with Musiq's best albums all over again in these new packages.

Finally..."Gravity Ain't Nothing But Trouble" is making a comeback!!

One man can make a difference....and that man's me! ha ha

Ha ha....i think i get it now. FP just speaks what he's doing at the time 2 mentally prepare himself for what he's doing. He knews he's an emcee at heart who will not stop rapping until he feels he's way 2 old 2 do it...or that the people don't care anymore. He only says he's not gonna be rapping so that some people take him serious as an actor and so he mentally convinces himself that's he's focused 100% on movies. I don't even think he's playing games with the fans. He knows that they know he's gonna be dropping records for awhile. The other kinda-fans, they are the only ones who are following the yearly rollercoaster of what he plans on doing musically. Thanx for posting it. It was awesome.

By Jawn Murray, BlackVoices.com Gold-selling R&B darling Chante Moore has inked a new solo record deal with Peak Records. She will unveil her first solo offering since 2000's 'Exposed' when her forthcoming release, 'Love The Woman' hits stores on June 17. The set is being led by the first single, 'Ain't Supposed To Be.' 'Love The Woman' also features Moore's cover of the Minnie Ripperton classic, 'Give Me The Time,' the song that was played when she walked down the aisle during her wedding to R&B crooner Kenny Lattimore six years ago. The 38-year-old vocalist reunites with her longtime musical mentor George Duke (Anita Baker, Regina Belle) on 'Love The Woman,' in addition to her collaborating with Raphael Saadiq (Mary J. Blige, D'Angelo) and Warryn Campbell (Mary Mary, Jamie Foxx) on the CD. Best known for hits like 'Chante's Got A Man,' 'Love's Taken Over' and 'Its Alright,' the San Francisco-bred singer released two duets compilations with her husband. In 2003 the couple released a collection of their interpretation of R&B classics on 'Things That Lovers Do;' and in 2006 the pair delivered a double-disc called 'Uncovered/Covered,' which included one R&B and a gospel CD. Moore is currently on tour with jazz great Norman Brown and has dates scheduled through Sept. She appeared on a song called 'Feeling The Way' on Brown's 'Just Chillin' release. For details on the tour visit www.ChanteMooreOnline.com.

Here's an article from AOL's Black Voice. I have no idea why each sentence is seperated when i pasted it. Anyways, here it is... ----------------------------- Reunited: Dawn Robinson Returns To En Vogue For Tobago Performance Posted Apr 29th 2008 10:10AM by Jawn Murray Filed under: BV Buzz By Jawn Murray, BlackVoices.com 90's R&B girl group En Vogue had its original members reunited for the first time since 2005 at the Plymouth Jazz Festival in Tobago. The female quartet, made up of Terry Ellis, Cindy Herron, Maxine Jones and Dawn Robinson, performed for the near-capacity crowd on the beach front festival just before headliner Shakira took the stage on the second day. Wearing animal print tops and fitted denim jeans, the Funky Divas started the show with their hit, 'My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It).' Though anticipation for seeing the reunited originals was high before the group hit the stage, crowd reaction was lukewarm upon realizing that they had opted to perform with music tracks in lieu of bringing a live band. Not having musicians was a major faux pas at a festival of that magnitude, particularly since En Vogue had to follow the energetic reggae band Steel Pulse in the show lineup. Overall, the group's harmonies were flawless and stage presence was solid. The crowd had warmed up to them by the time Ellis brought the house down by singing lead on their closing song, 'Hold On.' Backstage, organizers held a brief press conference where the ladies discussed their appearance in Tobago. "Just all of our personalities come out when we are back together again. It's always the same way. We're like sisters not seeing each other again coming back together," said Robinson about the experience. "It's natural! Very natural," Jones chimed in. When probed about why the group originally split and had they resolved their previous differences, things got a little tense. Robinson spoke first. "Uh, it was a little complicated," she began. Ellis interjected: "There was never a breakup. Dawn wanted to go solo and we were all pursuing different things at the time. That's just what it was." In 1995, Ellis released a solo CD called 'Southern Gal.' When Robinson left En Vogue to pursue a solo career in 1997, the newfound trio released 'EV3' that year and later 'Masterpiece Theater' in 2000 before being dropped by Elektra Records. In 2001, Jones departed the group to spend time with her family and was replaced by a singer named Amanda Cole. The revamped En Vogue then released a holiday CD called 'The Gift of Christmas.' After the CD bowed, Cole vacated the group and was replaced by singer/actress Rhona Bennett, who was previously signed to Epic Records and was a recurring cast member on 'The Jamie Foxx Show.' Around the same time, Robinson – having been ousted from the R&B collective Lucy Pearl by its founder Raphael Saadiq – released her solo self-titled opus, which basically went unnoticed. In 2004, the Cindy-Terry-Rhona combined En Vogue released an independent CD called 'Soul Flower.' Jones returned to the group sporadically around this as well. The original foursome reunited for the first time in 2005 when the recorded vocals for Stevie Wonder's song, 'So What the Fuss,' on Wonder's 'A Time To Love' release. That year they also performed 'Whatta Man' on VH-1's 'Hip Hop Honors' as a tribute to honorees Salt-N-Pepa. Robinson did not remain with the group after what appeared to be a rekindling, but the group remained a quartet with Bennett still onboard. With Robinson now back in the picture, where does that leave Bennett? "Rhona is also still with the group," Herron offered. "She will be working with us as we need her. It's all about balancing everything. We have to work our shows into our family life. But balance is the key." The group was unable to provide any insight as to whether they will record again or if this reunion was just a trial situation. "We'll take it from here. We'll do the show for now I guess and take it from there and see how things go," explained Robinson. "Right," Ellis confirmed. "We're blessed to be together right now," Robinson closed.

I would love 2 see Mary J. Blige do her thing live. I almost did back in 1995. Maybe one of these days...

I'm not the biggest fan of Marvel heroes but i'm definitely gonna see this. The animated movie kinda disappointed me. I took a girl 2 see Made of Honor this weekend and it waz a really good romantic comedy. Better than i expected. I chose not 2 see Iron Man as my way 2 not support any other summer flicks that would compare with Hancock. If i can help it The Dark Knight will be the only BIG movie that i see it's opening weekend. I'm glad 2 hear the good reviews.

Ha ha...Amen 2 that!!

USHER + BEYONCE - Love In This Club Pt. 2 Here I Stand (2008) Man, i put this song up on my Myspace a week ago. This is the 1st time i listened 2 it the whole way thru'...Lil' Wayne is ruining this version like Young Jeezy ruined the original. I pray 2 God there's a Radio Edit without rap version of this also.

If he's a crappy superhero...how about "SuperZero"?

Yeah, there was no upgrade in the title-change. I'm still a bit bitter about The Last First Kiss. I can't sleep at night.

LEVERT - Kiss And Make Up Bloodline (1986) I finally have the legendary and impossible 2 find album...ha ha. Classic!

I read this. It's hard 2 imagin them as a couple...much less married so soon. I think that it could work tho.' I guess we'll find out.

I like that he's supporting this. I was gonna post the article on this awhile ago but desided not 2. I give props 4 this!!

MUSIQ SOULCHILD - dontchange (remix) w/ RON ISLEY juslisen (Special Edition) (2002/2008)

Cosby is reminding me of myself. U can only be Mr. Niceguy for so long. As some point, after u are sharing info that is intented 2 improve the lives of others, and they continue 2 do stupid stuff, u gotta just tell them they are wrong. It's not really the right way 2 be, but what is someone's excuse for living the wrong way with no desire 2 upgrade? I can relate 2 the frustration. ----------------------------- Cosby brings 'blunt' message to community leaders AP Posted: 2008-05-01 18:38:25 NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - Bill Cosby told several hundred people at a conference of community associations Thursday to stand up and confront the ills facing black Americans. Repeating a mantra that has angered some black leaders who have accused him of downplaying the effects of long-term discrimination, he exhorted the audience several times to "stop looking for somebody to blame." Characterizing his own words as "blunt, but not harsh," the 70-year-old comedian criticized a culture in which "babies are wearing $40 sneakers while their mothers are feeding them Oodles of Noodles." Cosby deemed some of his critics "intellectual panhandlers" who enable destructive behavior by staying silent or blaming racism. "You've got these idiots who've got these degrees and some of them are ordained ministers and they say, `Bill, you're picking on the poor,"' he said. He then drew laughs by adding, "Well, so did Jesus then. Jesus was always telling someone, `Go ye.' Jesus was always telling people to go somewhere. And `don't do this again or don't do that again."' Wearing a sweater with a Yale University logo in honor of Newark Mayor Cory A. Booker, a Yale Law School graduate, Cosby saved some of most pointed words for radio stations that play music that he called "pro-murder and anti-women" and said adults are equally complicit if they fail to speak up. "I haven't seen the demonstrations saying, `I'm not allowing my children to listen to this," he said. "It's killing us. We're not talking about it, and we're not beating it down." The longtime performer, whose sitcom "The Cosby Show" was top-rated in the 1980s, has recorded a hip-hop album set for release next month. "Cosby Narratives Vol. 1: State of Emergency" blends his concepts and stories with a hip-hop, pop and jazz soundtrack. Thursday's conference was hosted by Family Intervention Services and Newark Now, an organization formed by Booker. The mayor called Cosby "a critical voice right now in the American context" and praised his willingness to speak out on issues without bowing to political correctness. "This is a time for candor - we can't beat around the bush," Booker said. "We've got large percentages of our population that are underachieving. He's speaking to the heart of the matter, and he speaks to the realities of what a lot of folks are experiencing."

MUSIQ SOULCHILD - halfcrazy (remix) Juslisen (Special Edition) (2008) I'll be posting about this Musiq Soulchild special editions real soon...they are great!!

Some of her songs come on at my work. I would honestly listen 2 any of her stuff over this crap any day. Besides, she at least has a chance 2 be making music 5 years from now. Alot of these guys won't be.

I believe it will happen. Just not sure when. I remember getting that Jive sampler back in 2004 when i went 2 B-more and waz hyped for a new album. Since it hasn't constantly been on my mind, it doesn't seem like it's been that long. But u better believe i've been wanting it. Hip-Hop needs Tribe right now.

If Hannah Montana did a song for "the hood"...it would come out something like this....except she has some talent. Is this a post for sharing bad music? Turntable bringing you songs you hate to hear...

Thanx! I like this alot. What better way 2 shake off some of your problems by overshadowing it with a dope song and video. I think LP waz a lil' under commited on executing the chorus.

GERALD LEVERT - Answering Service (Heavy D Remix) Answering Service (CD Promo) (1995) I didn't even know this existed. Great remix...i just wish Heavy D dropped a verse on it 2.

MADONNA - Voices Hard Candy (2008) I know there are a few Madonna haters in here. Half of this album is pretty average...the other half (mostly the middle and end of it) are drop. Madonna, Timbaland, The Neptunes, and Justin Timberlake came up with a good danceable, pop/hip-hop project.

I got The Roots new album. It sucks. I will never buy a new Roots album again unless they go back 2 their sound of the 90's. The beats are so awful i don't even care what the lyrics say. Jazzy gets no love in the credits either.