This week I was on a 90's kicks with the Cranberries and Mazzy Star.  I believe some of the best music came from the 90's, and these two songs are great representations of this.  Kelly Rowland has a great new song out called, "Commander".  If it wasn't apparent that I'm a gay male, then bopping to this song at the gym certainly solidified this fact.  I stumbled over Bryn Christopher while I was shopping iTunes one night for a similar artist, and boy am I glad I did.  This guy is nothing short of amazing as his "one-of-a-kind" voice hypnotizes you in "Taken Me Over".  You're certain to enjoy these songs, and the fantastic thought provoking lyrics that will make these your digital favs.   Buy these on iTunes and Amazon today!

1. Slash-Saint Is A Sinner Too
2. Kelly Rowland-Commander
3. Bruno Mars-Just The Way You Are
4. Beyonce-Smash Into You
5. Brandy-Come A Little Bit Closer
6. Cranberries-Linger
7. John Legend-This Time
8. Mazzy Star-Fade Into You
9. Olive-You're Not Alone
10. Bryn Christopher-Taken Me Over

I have no idea what kind of mood I've been in this week, but my mind's been all over the place, as are the musical selections I've hand picked for this week for you to get.  I revisited the 90's with Lauryn Hill, because I needed to hear about love as only she can deliver the message.  Madonna's, "Devil Wouldn't Recognize You" is simply haunting, and I LOVE IT!  When you want to dance, and just feel free, Lulu Hughs is going to "Give Some Love".  I promise these songs will please your musical palette.  ENJOY!  As always, these tune-rrific songs are available on Amazon and iTunes.

1. Lauryn Hill- Ex-Factor
2. Brazilian Girls-La territoire
3. Antoine Clamaran & Mario Ochoa feat. Lulu Hughs-Give Some Love (Klaas Remix Edit)
4. Hard-FI-Hard to Beat
5. Madonna-Devil Wouldn't Recognize You
6. Solange-Would've Been The One
7. Matt Alber-End of The World
8. Simian Mobile Disco-I Believe
9. Scissor Sisters-Invisible Light (Siriusmo Remix)
10. Rihanna-Good Girl Gone Bad

Hey buddy your music SUCKS! No really, the songs you're listening to lack any kind of musical integrity, talent, or creativity.  I remember growing up to the captivating and thought provoking music of Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and BoyzIIMen.  This is the type of R&B that will become classics, and will stand the test of time.  Oh and what a "Moment In Time" it was!  Songs like "If It's Over" by Mariah Carey, or "It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday" by BoyzIIMen will be as popular now as they were way back when.  Rap music by Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Common, and A Tribe Called Quest beckoned you to think about social issues and encouraged self respect.  What's more about all of these artists is the fact they either    sang, wrote, or rapped because of their love for music.

Now we move to the, uh, music (?) of today.  Wacka Flocka Flame; Soulja Boy; Gucci Mane?  I wonder if the notable house of Gucci is as uncomfortable with that reference as I am.  I beg you to listen to one of Soulja Boy's songs and pull anything thought provoking from his lackluster lyrics (hopefully he's kissing his career goodbye thru the phone).  What's even more sad is the fact that this pathetic excuse for an artist has a fan base.  I don't call that artistry, well not musical artistry; no a lot of today's rappers and singers have learned the art of conning the consumer.  Were you around the television when Ashanti received the "Aretha Franklin Entertainer of the Year" award and Best R&B/Soul New Artist at the Lady of Soul Awards over a year ago? My stomach remembers that lamentable moment well, as it churned in bitter anguish.  Ashanti can barely carry a tune, and she actually convinced individuals to purchase her albums that helped her attain undeserved titles.  

The problem is, artists are singing and rapping for all the wrong reasons these days.  Today my friends, it's all about the money, and nothing else.  You love your fans because your fan base equals revenue.  Music is long bereft of talent, you only need to attain a great beat, and then jumble a few words down or copy them from a bathroom stall, and record it over your incredible beat, and my friends you have a microwave hit! Of course great marketing doesn't hurt.  Remember that sex sells more now than ever before, and you will be the next best thing.  The saddest thing I saw was a gentleman defending Soulja Boy's song, "Pretty Boy Swag" on iTunes the other day.  In Soulja Boy's defense, the consumer replied to the horrible reviews by saying, "Respect Soulja's grind, hustle, and bussiness (consumer spells business wrong) because music he's making are becoming hits and many people are liking it Soulja is SUCCESSFUL." My advice to this clueless consumer -- get a reality check followed by a spell check; I'm sure your English teachers would be hurt.  Clearly someone that makes grammatical errors and can't spell would love Soulja Boy's music (I rest my case).  If this is where the next generation is headed, then I am very afraid.  However, I don't think it is, as many Gen Y'ers and Millenials choose more classic styles over what the radio is playing today (there is a God).  

The silver lining to this cloud includes such artists as Jazmine Sullivan, Chrisette Michele, John Legend, Alicia Keys, and B.o.B. to name a few.  These musicians clearly have a love for their craft, and perform musical pieces that will stand the test of time.  Another silver lining is the fact that Wacka Flocka, Nicki Minaj, and other artists that can't carry a tune, think Louis Vuitton is an Italian fashion house, or think Japan and China belong to two different continents will be long forgotten.  

Hall of Shame (TOP 10 ARTISTS THAT SHOULDN'T BE)

1. NICKI MINAJ
2. WACKA FLOCKA FLAME
3. SOULJA BOY
4. GUCCI MANE
5. ASHANTI
6. DRAKE
7. GS BOYS
8. SHAWTY LO
9. ROSCOE DASH
10. JUSTIN BIEBER

GOOD MUSIC: (R&B)

 

WTF MUSIC: (R&B)

GOOD MUSIC: (HIP HOP)

WTF MUSIC: (HIP HOP)

Chris Brown released Graffiti late last year after the "Rihanna" debacle.  If you guys don't remember, and I'd question how you could forget (it was on just about every news station), Chris Brown pleaded guilty for the charges filed against him for physically beating Ms. Ri Ri.  There were reports of choking, punching, and biting in this incident (I even think there was a report of an umbrella-el-la-eh-eh print on the victim's face).  Bottom line, Chris Brown "went in" during this now-separated couple's argument gone wrong.  Shortly thereafter, Chris Brown extended a public apology that wasn't well received by people.  Most believed it would have been better for Chris to go on a hiatus, do a bit of community service, and then attempt to make a comeback.  Well, the route Chris Breezy took echoed in his poor album sales.  Graffiti (which I must admit has some great songs), blacklisted from certain stores (i.e. Wal-Mart) reflected pretty disparaging numbers in its first week -- a bit more than 100,000.  In response to these sales, Chris Brown got fired up again (the hard headed never learn) and responded on his Twitter fan page:

im tired of this sh*t. major stores r blackballing my cd. not stockin the shelves and lying to costumers. what the f*ck do i gotta do...

WTF... yeah i said it and i aint retracting shit

im not biting my tongue about sh*t else... the industry can kiss my ass

thx again to my real fans. u dont go unnoticed .love y'all

Now here we are at the BET Awards on Sunday June 27, 2010.  Chris Brown performed a tribute to Michael Jackson by singing and dancing to some of the late pop star's greatest hits ("Smooth Criminal", "The Way You Make Me Feel", "Do You Remember", etc.).  And oh, how appropriate, "Man In The Mirror" begins to play, and Chris breaks down in tears.  This either touched some or made others laugh.  Whatever it did for you, I hope you realize it was a publicity stunt.  Chris has to find a way to gain the favor of former fans and the people in general after he lost it over the Rihanna incident.  So, on national television, Chris decides to use this as his moment of glory to display his regret, hurt, and shame for his past transgressions (again during the very appropriate song, "Man In The Mirror").  I say it's all too convenient.  Chris my friend, don't try so hard.  Instead, why not entertain the thought of seminars against domestic violence, or perhaps begin a domestic violence campaign to show your remorse.  Instead of trying to do it on a laughable awards show which only caters to a certain target group, make a real attempt that will grab the heart strings of a larger audience.  SMH


Burnthecloset would like to know your thoughts on the matter.  Please comment, or email comments to 
burnthecloset@gmail.com!

Rarely am I impressed with the radio any longer...until now.  Just the other day on my way home from work I heard three extraordinary songs back to back.  The songs promise to be very thought provoking.  I truly enjoyed, "Worry About You" by 2AM.  It spoke to a lot of relationships I've been in.  Catch these hot songs on iTunes and Amazon!

1. 2AM-Worry About You
2. Mike Posner-Cooler Than Me
3. Taio Cruz-Dynamite
4. Madcon-Beggin'
5. Justice-D.A.N.C.E.
6. David Guetta feat. Fergie, LMFAO, & Chris Wills-Getting Over You
7. Bruno Mars feat. Cee-lo-The Other Side
8. Nas feat. Kenny Loggins-We Will Survive
9. Corbin Bleu-Speed of Light
10. Brandon Beal-Electrocuted

OMG (is that still a "trendy" phrase?), I was on my way to meet a couple of friends at Cabo Fish Taco (it's amazing must try their BBQ Mahi Mahi Tacos and their Lemon Grilled Shrimp Tacos, yummy!) when I heard a tune that had me dancing underneath the restraints of my seat belt (buckle up!).  It was a song titled "Freak" by Estelle featuring Kardinal Offishall.  Wow! I was pumped.  In about two weeks I'll be back to the grind at the gym, and I MUST have this song incorporated in my workout music.  I could do 8 hours on the elliptical listening to this.  In addition, I have some other music that has me pumped:

1. Estelle feat. Kardinal Offishall - Freak
2. Chrisette Michele- Fragile
3. V V Brown- Shark In the Water
4. Jess Penner- A Little Bit Crazy
5. Sneaky Sound System - UFO
6. B.o.B. feat. Hayley Williams - Airplanes
7. Timbaland feat. Justin Timberlake - Carry Out
8. David Rush feat. LMFAO, Pitbull, and Kevin Rudolf -    Shooting Star
9. Paper Tongues - Strongest Flame
10. Diddy feat. T.I. - Hello Good Morning

Get these great songs NOW at iTunes and Amazon!

1.    Bruno Mars-Somewhere In Brooklyn
2.    Train-Hey Soul Sister
3.    B.o.B.-Don't Let Me Fall
4.    Alicia Keys-Love Is Like The Sea
5.    Keane-My Shadow
6.    Seal-Love's Divine
7.    Christina Aguilera-Not Myself Tonight
8.    Black Eyed Peas-Rock That Body
9.    Ricki-Lee-Can't Touch It
10.  Lady GaGa-Alejandro

Check out these songs at Amazon or iTunes today!