Audio Diva Workshop: A Mini-Break Again...

Due to me being in the process of moving (again), I have had to put the blog on hold. Yeah, it sucks and here's some tissues to dab your eyes with. I'm taking a break, a itty-bitty break once again to recollect, recharge batteries and to hang onto to my sanity to have this move go as smooth as possible. My Internet connection will be down for awhile, so it proves the perfect time for me to slide out and take care of business outside of blogging. This is just a small reminder that I possibly won't be back until the early weeks of June. But I will be back, so just keep Audio Diva on your link dial and keep checking back for my return. More music and musings to come :)

Audio Vision: Janet Jackson Is In The 23-Year-Old Body That I Don't Posses

So someone won on American Idol last night...and it wasn't the person crowned as 2010's Idol champion that was the winner of the night. It was Janet Jackson. I'm interrupting this quasi-break I have been taking to draw your attention to Miss Janet and her performance on American Idol last night which felt like sitting at the Rock Witchu Tour all over again. The singer entered the stage with "Again" and then proceeded to go through her current song in performance motion, "Nothing" from the Why I'd Get Married Too soundtrack. Then she dove into a fiercely on point performance of her signature classic, "Nasty" decked out in a black cat suit and snappin' them fingers. You can't deny Janet Jackson and her ability to entertain a crowd, which she truly does here. From a glance, you'd think she was strutting around for one of her spectacle live shows, not the American Idol stage.

Though Janet entertained like nobody's business, the main attraction was clearly the stacked and fit silhouette figure that she was sporting, that basically screamed to all those would-be-pop-wannabes in attendance, "I'm the pop icon you wish you were, you minions...now bow to me!". Hot damn.

Janet's overall look last night made me come to the conclusion that the only way to get to even remotely looking like her is taking up fasting. *pushes cookies away*

The Tape Deck: GiveSoFreshLoveLetGoShampainSummertime

 Six songs that I am feeling right now...like always share your six songs of the week in the comments.

1. Give - Missing Persons

By now you should know that in my private music listening time, I love me some 80's New Wave. The beefier the bass and more strident the synths, the better. Missing Persons is a group I don't listen to often, but when I do, I never am disappointed. I'm weird, because I like Rhyme & Reason, their 1984 second album over Spring Session M, their 1982 new-wave classic which everyone and their mama likes. Not that I don't like it ("Words" is an excellent track), but I like Rhyme & Reason better because it sounds like it's from 1986, but it isn't. "Give" is just fun right down to the guitar licks and it's got a message wedged in their somewhere among the showcase of guitars and percussion, it's a hell of a good listen. Be sure to watch the video...it's kind of mind blowing and not all that funny how much Lady GaGa got her look from Dale Bozzio more so than from anyone else.

2. So Fresh, So Clean - OutKast 

I must not be the only one who wants OutKast to release another album, or am I? I know, I know, they are all doing their own thangs, Big Boi with his "Shutterbug" and Andre doing whatever he does best whether its a guest spot or production work. Still OutKast are the one of the only rap teams that I can think of that could put out a 2 disc opus and not be pretentious or come off as plain stupid. OutKast were getting to where Speakerboxx/The Love Below with Stankonia in 2000, and it was one of those albums at the time that if you didn't at least know one song off of it, you were banished to sit at the Losers Table (the one with the tater tots smeared on it) in the cafeteria at school. "So Fresh, So Clean" was my favorite, and I annoyingly used it as a catchphrase whenever my Mom would ask me if I was ready to go somewhere. The response was, "I'm so fresh, so clean, let's go, Mom". Suprise she didn't smack me. I can't believe that this song is 10 years old, but still it sounds 'so fresh, so clean'...sorry couldn't help it. 

3.  Fall In Love - Estelle 

Confession. I wanted to like "Freak"...but I just couldn't (we won't talk about that music video). It just seemed too moronic for me. But this, this freshly leaked track from Estelle's upcoming, All of Me effort is MUCH more my speed. "Fall In Love" came out quietly earlier this week, and yes it sounds a bushel a lot like "American Boy" right down to those squishy synths, but that doesn't strip of it's merits of being a nice laid-back 80's synth strut that puts Estelle back in good standing. No word on this is the follow-up to "Freak", but if this is to get people back into Estelle after that single fiasco, then she has a fool proof way of doing so.

Crisp 'N Fresh: Robyn 'Dances' With Herself

There is something about Robyn's "Dancing On My Own" that is bittersweet. It's so charging with electronic flavor that you don't notice the woeful exterior it has. Luckily, the video clip for it explains the whole context as we see Robyn feeling so alone, yet isn't alone, in a crowd of rambunctious club kids. Nuttin' terribly special about this video clip, because the focal point is truly the song which is the best off of Robyn's first installment of her Body Talk project (more on that at a later date). Yet,  no matter how depressed she may be dancing with herself, you can't help but want to a least be in Robyn shoes, it is Friday after all and I would rather be at a club dancing my brains out, than sitting at home, heating up leftovers and watching yet another episode of Snapped. But we all can't win. Actually I'm more ecstatic with the fact that Robyn will be joining forces with Kelis on a tour later on this year. The two concocted the idea right before our eyes on Twitter sometime this week and it's sure to be quite a spectacle when put into motion. See, 140 characters creates magic...

First Impressions: Amerie Creates A Buzz With "Who's Gonna Love U"

Round and round we go with Amerie, where she will find her niche...we'll never know. Even though there were some good intentions laid out on the singer's last effort, 2009's In Love and War the mishandling and misdirection of it was a bit obvious and jarring. Blame Deaf Slime Def Jam. Blame the fact that someone thought it'd be a bright idea for Amerie to channel every other R&B starlet out there. But whatever the case, I still applaud Amerie for not giving up...it's a slow clap, but a clap nonetheless, because even though she got nicely screwed over with In Love and War, she keeps on keeping.

On Wednesday night, Amerie's Twitter erupted with the premiere of a brand new track called, "Who's Gonna Love U ". The song is merely a buzz single for the singer's upcoming album, Cymatica Vol. 1 (Cymatics is the Greek word meaning the study of visible sound) and well...it's spunky and will make your feet happy with it's two-step abilities, that's the good thing. The bad thing is that it just feels a little hollow and a little mediocre for someone who we know is capable of more. Not to say the song is without the infectious shimmy n' milkshake nature that Amerie easily does on hits like "1 Thing" and "Take Control", but this song seems a bit same-old-same. Maybe Amerie should kiss n' make up with past producer Rich Harrison or at least find someone who can give her a sound that doesn't seem so redundant. Listen for yourself and make your judgment call.

Who's Gonna Love You

Crisp N' Fresh: Ghoulish Jazzercises With Goldfrapp

The freaks sure as heck come out at night in Goldfrapp's latest visual foray for single, "Alive" where we get to see what happens when you mix vampires, Olivia Newton John's "Physical" video and satanic creatures this side of The Crow. No joke. Alison Goldfrapp plays a Jazzercise instructor to a couple of ghouls, then with some magic, a handful of vamps join in the exercise and then well...things don't turn out so well. There is lots of glided vampire teeth, goblets of some purply glitter juice and synchronized aerobic exercises. Yes, I have taken my pills this morning so my head is on straight, you will see what I am talking about when you push play. While some were less than impressed with the duo's latest Head First, an album that a launched a 1,000 synthesizers, you have to admire them for truly spicing up the usual music video fare by really stretching the imagination with the plot lines. Or you believe that they are out right insane. It's really your call.

The Audio Diva Interview: Nikki & Rich

Two can really make it out of sight. Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell. The Eurythmics. Gnarls Barkley. Hall & Oates. Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway. All have been prolific duos in the music biz, and sooner or later we probably will be adding to the list the duo magic of Nikki & Rich. The two have gotten our attention with their Motown/60's Soul revival sound on singles, "Cat & Mouse", "Next Best Thing" and their addition to the Just Wright soundtrack, "Dreaming". Soon we will hear the full experience with the release of their debut album, Everything, this summer. Perfect timing, considering Nikki & Rich have a sound that is meant for basking in the sunshine and having the car windows rolled down, singing along at high decibels to the radio.

The duo were kind enough to sit down and answer a few questions for me, in order to share with you guys all the in's and out's about their upcoming album, what they felt about their first TV appearance and if they could face off with any other famous singing duo who'd it be. All that good stuff and more after the cut. Also while you're at it check out the "brand new" interview page to view all the other interviews conducted on this here blog. Without further adieu...

Crisp N' Fresh: It's YahZ and the Hollagrams! And It's Truly Outrageous!

Who are YahZ and the Hollagrams? It's none other than YahZarah and the Foreign Exchange family (Phonte, Nicolay and Jesse Boykins III) as they wrap themselves in all the shocking neon elements that made the 80's awesomely great (or ridiculous...it's however you wanna look at it) for the visual to YahZarah's rambunctious single, "Why Don'tcha Call Me No More". In an insanely clever and hilarious nod to Jem & the Holograms, this video makes the spicy track even more potent, as it matches the energy that the song emotes right down to the Jheri curls, 80's video impromptu street dancing, replica of the Jem and the Holograms' opening theme, and YahZarah's killer heels. Love the fact that everyone looks like that had a great time playing around with makeup and costumes to make for an fun visual experience for fans. If you haven't gotten your paws on YahZarah's latest, The Ballad of Purple St. James, then get off your bumpkin and get to purchasing as the album is 'truly outrageous'.

Riddle Me List: 20 Years, 10 Of Mariah's Best Music Moments

While I was walking across the stage to accept my college degree last Saturday, Mariah Carey was celebrating a milestone of her own, and that is the fact that she has been singing for 20 years.Yep, 20 frackin' years of ballads, rap-pop collabos and short dresses. On May 15, 1990, Mariah released her very first single, "Vision Of Love". It took a little time, but it reached #1, and brought a brand new diva to the battlefield, where competition was steep considering that Whitney Houston was ruling the roost, with Celine Dion and Toni Braxton waiting in the wings.

Sure, Carey hasn't been much of a page turner these days. As we know that Carey's latest, Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel tanked faster than the Titanic, the Angels Advocate Tour was a box-office bust, and that Mariah wears clothes smaller than any five year old, I know, but bah!, who cares? Mariah has a plethora of musical moments from the past two decades to make up for the wayward state her music career is in right now. So instead of scrutinizing what Mariah isn't doing right now, let's look back at what she has done. So here are 10 musical moments that I feel are some of her glory moments (MTV Unplugged, not included, but that is too damn easy). This is in no way meant to undermine Mariah's other performances, as she has a gabillion, so calm down you crazy Lambs, and just enjoy for the sake of celebrating Mariah having a career that has spanned 20 years, hopefully, with 20 more years of tunes to come.

First Impressions: Christina Aguilera 'Bionic' Mixed Bag Of Tricks

Christina Aguilera continues to get people talking about her, though it has been more about her image than the music itself. From all those shoddy n' weak Lady GaGa comparisons (so the last ten years of Christina didn't happen? Right.), to how her naughty girls need love too music video, "Not Myself Tonight" got compared to every female pop star in the book right upon arrival. Still I have a bit more faith in what Aguilera has prepped for Bionic, even though "Not Myself Tonight", the song, was pretty much a cough and cricket noise for most.

So from the Aguilera camp there have been three new leaks, the title track, the Le Tigre collab, "I Hate Boys" and the Sia composition, "You Lost Me."All are pretty much distant cousins to one another.

"You Lost Me" no doubt is a showcase for Aguilera's supreme vocals, and if you like Sia and her music, you'll take an instant liking to this. The title track is feels like Santigold-lite, not a bad deal, because it is infectious and shows Christina out of her comfort zone, taking on a more hip-hop lean. In fact, it's better than "Not Myself Tonight". The worst of the lot is "I Hate Boys", and though I don't like judging snippets by their cover, the song clearly is a moronic mis-step with chants that seem 2000 and late. Christina sure is keeping us guessing with what she has in store with these three varying sounds. At the moment, nothing has really been "wowie wowzers" to me, but maybe she's saving the best for last? We'll soon find out come June, when Bionic hits store shelves.

Bionic

I Hate Boys

You Lost Me

Audio Vision: Janelle Monae Tips On The 'Tightrope' On Letterman

Please, do yourself a favor this week. Break the piggy bank, postpone the rent check, steal a friend's wallet...just find a way to get some money and purchase Janelle Monae's latest, The ArchAndroid. Why? Because come in a few months, you'll look a little ridiculous when all your friends are bumping this album throughout the summer, and you'll be out of the loop, sitting in your shame, and wishing you had listened to the Audio Diva. Aside from my little advertising tactic, be convinced of my preaching by checking out Monae's appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman last night as she blazes through "Tightrope", doing a little homage to James Brown himself, complete with a cape. There is really no need for me to explain this woman or her performance. She's one of those artist that you just push play and watch as they take over the stage, which she does, saddle shoes, tux and all. Get on the good foot with Monae, if you already haven't.

Album Watch: Bruno Mars' Short (But Sweet) EP Treat

By now, Bruno Mars isn't "some dude who singing on those B.o.B. and Travie McCoy songs", Mars is slowly, but surely, coming into his own as a solo artist, and well, we are getting to know him, all about him, like Deborah Kerr did with the children of Siam in The King and I. Especially with his four-song EP, It's Better If You Don't Understand.

The gist of an EP is clearly a reference that gives the listener a taste of what the artist is capable of creating, and Mars' short musical display does just that. It's a great tactic, especially in this age when people have short attention spans and want something quick to wet their whistle too. In four short songs, It's Better... does indeed get to the point right away and then some. This Hawaii native surely does have the right stuff to contend in the R&B market and all the evidence is here...

First Impressions: Always 'Touched' By Natasha's Presence, Dear

Seems that everybody has contracted dance-pop fever this year, and Natasha Bedingfield is hopping on the glitter wagon, waving her glow stick in the air. In a surprise twist, a new single from the singer/songwriter's upcoming album popped up on iTunes yesterday and it's simply called, "Touch".

Instantly, we hear this sort of late 90's pop-dance vibe, mixed in with a celebratory feel that is so Lionel Ritchie and "All Night Long"...yes, that is what I'm hearing. It's jubilant, spirited and follows in the vein of Natasha's other warm chicken soup feel good songs. "Touch" does ride on the crest wave of that surging pop beat that has taken Kelis and Kelly Rowland captive, and it shows Natasha taking a break from the homegrown pop sound we're used to from her and taking it to the dance floor.

The new track on the block isn't a "Pocket Full of Sunshine" (thank goodness), and it's on a different continent than everything that was on her 2005 debut, Unwritten, but that doesn't mean it's not worthy of a listen. No word on if other leaked track, "Shoot From The Stars" will be on this upcoming effort, but at the moment, "Touch" seems to show the speed at what Natasha is planning to make her upcoming album...take a ride after the cut.

Remember The Time: The Three Degrees Let Their 'Star' Power Shine Bright

Oh, they don't have girl groups like this anymore. The glamor. The poise. The synchronized hand motions. The matching dresses. All that and more is featured in this performance from The Three Degrees. The trio are most known for the saccharine sweet grocery store intercom staple 1974's "When Can I See You Again". Not that that's a bad thing, since the song is a Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff classic, but there is always more music to be found than just a singular smash hit. This is the case with "Starlight", a smoldering slow jam off of the ladies 1979 album, 3D. The album featured production by Giorgio Moroder, who we all know worked disco magic with Donna Summer, and he does the same for the Degrees. This music arrangement reminds me of something Earth, Wind and Fire could've produced (it's the horn arrangement in this that is very "Can't Hide Love"-esque), but it's the voices of these three ladies make it special. A lost classic that is found again.

Buzzy Wuzzy: Wednesday News Feed

A whole mess of news...

• The BET Comedy Awards got jokes...Justin Bieber can't possibly be nominated. *sigh* Let's all collectively blame Usher for this. [BET]
• Can't get enough of Miss ArchAndroid, Janelle Monae? Hear her thought process in a new interview [PBB]
• Maroon 5 are to be back in stride come September, with a new single in June [WAPS]
• Maxwell adds new tour dates with Erykah Badu and Melanie Fiona [ST]
• Sia is tired of fame, and plans to quit the music business. Say it ain't so! [TO]
• Oh, Idris Elba is rapping in a brand new video? Didn't notice, was too busy staring at him... [JZBL]
• An open letter to Christina Aguilera [MELM] 
• Check out Leela James' webisode in prep for her upcoming album, My Soul [HCM]
• Chris Klein cannot be serious with his Mama Mia! audition tape...oh, lawd, he is. [FOD]
• Wanna hear more bad singing? Hear The Dream cover Aaliyah's "One In A Million". Yikeabee. [SB]
• Celebrate Grace Jones' 62nd Birthday by indulging in iconic photographs...lots of photographs [FYGJ]
• Paloma Faith and Marina Diamandis (of the Marina & the Diamonds namesake) become mannequins for a day [OKM]

First Impressions: 'The ArchAndroid' Has Regally and Ambitiously Landed

Janelle Monae isn't messing around. She is steadfast and genuine with her execution of this entity called music. She's passionately intent on separating herself from other pop droids and R&B queen bees and formulating a style and persona all her own. All this evidence and more is presented here on The ArchAndroid, and the verdict is now out. Janelle Monae has achieved a higher high with her ambitious manifesto in the form of her official debut, and all she's basically waiting on is for us to catch up to her thought process.

Following up her the little musical bullet that could, 2008's Meteropolis EP: Suite I, Janelle Monae finally has released her first full length album, The ArchAndroid: Suite II and III, and it's been a long time coming since she's been sitting in limbo in Diddy's Bad Boy world. Now Janelle has been let out of her cage and we might not be ready for her, but buckle your seatbelts please, as tripping the funk fantastic with Monae is a thrill ride indeed.

First Impressions: Kylie Minogue Spirits Ahead With 'All The Lovers'

Ready for some euphoric Kylie Minogue magic on your Friday? You bet your snuff you are. Aussie's Queen of Pop stirs it up quite smoothly on the Jim Eliot produced single, "All The Lovers". In fact, she is up to her old tricks again, as the track features just about everything that Kylie is known for doing in a song. Checklist, if you will:

• Dreamy melodic vocals.  Check.
• Kylie demanding you dance. Check
• An anxious build-up in the beginning, marking that something is around the corner. Check.
• Swells of synth excitement bubbling up to the chorus. Check. 
• Synths that sound like pelting rain beating down during the instrumental segment. Check. 

Kylie truly hasn't lost her footing as the track is sparkling and lush. I'm usually not fond of Kylie's usual first singles for new projects (example "Two Hearts" and "Slow"), they usually are always growers with me, and it's to be the case for this particular track even though I took to it better the prior first singles. I even appreciate it's whimsy and quasi-likeness to merge of 2008's "The One" (which was fantastic during the X Tour) and 2006's "I Believe In You". There is still much to look forward too from Camp Kylie, as we've seen the mountain of flesh direction the "Lovers" video is to be and the tracklisting and personnel for Aphrodite has been unveiled. Kylie love will surely be spread all around this summer for sure. 

All The Lovers

Buzzy Wuzzy: Mary J. Blige To Step In Nina Simone's Shoes For Bio-Pic, Skeptic I Am

You've heard the news by now. As after much speculation and rumors, it is now confirmed that Mary J. Blige is going to step in the shoes of Nina Simone in a bio-pic feature film. The film, which script was written by Cynthia Mort (The Brave One), is to be entitled, simply Nina, and focus on the Jazz legend's life on stage, and her relationship with her manager husband, as well as her civil rights advocacy. 

While it will be a neat feat to see Simone's life come to focus on the screen for fans and those who want to educate themselves more, I'm a bit skeptic.

The Tape Deck: UptightComputerTimeVooDooAgainKing

Six songs I'm feeling at the moment...like always dish about your songs of the week in the comments.

1. Uptight (Everything's Alright) - Stevie Wonder 

Oh, my! It was Stevie Wonder's 60th birthday yesterday! The obvious gesture is to play the man's music, and that I did. There are times I wish I had been Denise Huxtable (fictional character be damn), especially when she got in a fender bender with Mr. Wonder, where he, in return, invited her whole family to a recording session. If that had happened to me it would've been so "jamming on the one" (couldn't help it). Seriously, I would love to even see Mr. Wonder work magic on the keys in person, alas, I ain't lucky, or a Huxtable. While there are many many many Stevie Wonder songs to adore, "Uptight (Everything's Alright)" is one of my favorites because it is so gleeful with those spirited horns and Stevie's exuberant voice bouncing all over the place. It's a song that clearly does make even the most cruddy of moments truly alright and "out of sight".

2. Computer Love - Nabhia

I dished about Nabhia last week, and since I liked what I heard, I decided to have the full experience with her debut, Cracks. The album is MIGHTY good. In fact, her album is what I would like all R&B vocalists to model after as it was effortless and it didn't scream bloody "Look at me!! I'm trying hard!!!" as it was original and the production didn't drown out Nabhia's soulful wail. Refreshing to say the least. Oh, and this song off of Cracks, sizzles. No it's not a Zapp & Roger remake, which I was kind of curious at hearing at first, but it's just as good, if not better as this song beeps, jabs and electro-shocks you throughout.

3. Next Time (Just Wright) - Common (ft. Queen Latifah)

Been skipping around on Skeptic Street concerning the new Queen Latifah and Common flick, Just Wright, which hits theaters today. Why? Because I want it to be a great romantic comedy since the concept of rom-coms for all (meaning guys don't feel like they are being dragged into seeing them) finds itself on a dead end street, and lost on a lonely highway. You should know the two film stars by now, and they have also come together in song for the sake of the Just Wright soundtrack. This laid-back groove thang is perfect right down to Common's lyrical spill (love the little nods to School Daze and Sandra Bullock) and Queen's crooning in the background. Sadly, the Queen wasn't flowing rhymes alongside Common, but at least we get these hip-hop royals in a track together. And a great one at that. The song is also featured on Common's upcoming greatest hits album, Go!: Common Classics, coming soon later this month. 

First Impressions: Yahzarah Rocks & Reels On Her Kind Of 'Ballad'

Who is this girl? Maybe you know her or don't. After hearing this particular 'ballad', you will be familiarized with who she is and what hand of cards she's playing. And it's a good hand.

A year ago, Yahzarah was quite the mystery, to me at least, even though she isn't a stranger to the music scene as she's been in the game now for almost a decade. So a hop skip and a catch up into the future, with the conscience aware of Blackstar and The Prelude, two of the native's earlier recordings, it's clear that Yahzarah is one to watch, and with producing family, The Foreign Exchange in tow, the sounds of Soul shift gears for those that want something to really gnaw on.

From the album cover alone you want to know who Yahzarah is as she's poised, in killer heels, silently stating that you should know her, and know her you shall as with one listen of The Ballad of Purple St. James, Yahzarah's fourth installment, you get a sense that she isn't a run-of-the-mill R&B/Soul singing sista, as she tends to bend the plastic a bit. And yes, the skip button on your media player is pretty much obsolete with this. How so? Let me count the ways....

Buzzy Wuzzy: VV Brown Comic Book Venture To Take Us To 'The City of Abacus'

Who says pop stars and comic books can't mix? VV Brown, who we all know can tear up the stage with her wacky ensembles and infectious pop steppers, has decided to delve into another passion of hers, and that is comic books.

The British starlet is getting ready to release a graphic novel series that she has written, entitled, The City of Abacus, a project that she has collaborated on with illustrator Emma Price and video director, David Allain. The storyline of 'Abacus' revolves around a city being ruled by a corrupt king and queen and an avenger who is out to set things right. Each novel in the series (the first one is already out in stores) will have a song download to accompany it, and the full album will be available once the series wraps up.

Check after the cut to hear VV discuss in depth about her love of comics and her new venture as well as links to further adventure seeking for those who like to delve in the comic unknown.

Crisp N' Fresh: Alicia Keys Tackles Interracial Relationships With Visual Grace

After a wait and a tease, Alicia Keys has released the visual for her fantastic single, "Unthinkable (I'm Ready)" and she has risen to the occasion as the visual is just as equally impressive as the Drake produced track. Keys tackles an interracial love story through the decades in a West Side Story-esque plot line, where she plays the Maria to Chad Michael Murray's Tony. It's all mapped out in a moving storyline and with the song brooding in the background, it makes the track (which is one of my favorites off of The Element of Freedom) even much more potent. Keys, as we all know, is the product of an interracial relationship, and she delivers a classy video that hits close to home, as well as gives us all something to think about in the name of love.

Recycle It!: Which 'Rapture' Would You Rather Be Caught Up In?

Toe to toe dancing very close...From that opening line, Debbie Harry has already seduced you into further exploring "Rapture", the song that brought Blondie a #1 hit in 1981. The song is quite an important piece of musicship as it was one of the first (if not the first) rap oriented songs that brought mainstream awareness to the underground movement of rhymes and MC's, something that is all too common now. We've had the debate on which came first, Teena Marie's 1981 "Square Biz" or Blondie's "Rapture", with "Rapture" taking 1st place as it was released two months earlier than Lady T's rap ode to hot water cornbread and Nikki Giovanni. Still, no matter who did it first, "Rapture" is a part of how hip-hop became a chart contender and a culture that everyone wanted to latch onto. Plus who couldn't resist those jangling guitars and jazz minded horns? Now zip over to 2010, and we've got a popular fixture in hip-hop music turning out her own rendition of the track....

First Impressions: Sara Bareilles Gives Us The Kiss-Off Song Of The Summer

When a song is described as "a f*ck you song", undivided attention is needed, and undivided attention you shall give to Sara Bareilles's newest song, "King Of Anything" because it's made of awesome sauce. 

Bareilles has been burning the midnight oil working on her follow-up to 2008's impeccable, Little Voice, as addressed last month. Kaleidoscope Heart is to wiggle it's way into stores this September, but for now Sara is teasing us with the first single, and what a single it is.

"King of Anything" is possibly the most jubilant diss that will grace your ears as Sara spits out over the bouncy piano chords salty lines like "let me hold your crown" and "who cares if you disagree" and well, she is one miffed lady. It's no "Love Song" (which will be the comparison of choice that will haunt Bareilles forever), but it's just as sweeter and just as highly infectious as her debut single. In fact, I rather enjoyed hearing that poppish piano beat, that biting lyrical wit and Sara's vocals robustly chiming in. That combination gives me some relief that Miss Bareilles is going to come out guns blazing for her next effort, and I can't wait to hear the results. Check after the cut (since the media players are being wonky this week) for a listen at "King of Anything" and feel the angst.

Crisp N' Fresh: The (Many) Faces Of Rox

It's been awhile since we've heard from Miss Rox, Britain's newest soulful import, and well, here she is serving up another video as a reminder that her debut album, Memoirs, is on the horizon. The video for peppy single, "I Don't Believe" is visually nice with Rox showing the many facets of herself. Nuttin' fancy (yet if you're a clothes maven like myself you'll enjoy the costume changes), but still you can't help but snap those fingers to the song and get a little anxious for what musical concoctions are going to bubble out of Memoirs.

Album Watch: John Legend and The Roots To 'Wake' Everybody Up With Collaboration

Okay, so maybe Evovler wasn't your cup of vanilla chai tea. You want want John Legend to quit with the synthesizer-'technotronic'  shenanigans and go back to basics. Well, Legend hears you and is making up for all that as he's prepping to release his next effort, this time with a little help from The Roots, because let's face it, the collective musical force called The Roots are magicians of sound.

Legend disclosed that he has '99%' of his brand new album, Wake Up Sessions completed. What's going on with the 1%, John? Oh, he's mixing it and the album should get to us in September. Nice. It also seems that Melanie Fiona and Common are to be featured on this new set in addition to The Roots. Extra nice.

The piano man has been prepping for this release as he recently recorded a concert special with The Roots for A&E, that is to coincide with the release of Wake Up. Want more proof that this Legend and Roots collaboration is something to look forward to? Let's recall the stunner of an appearance at the NAACP Image Awards last month performing, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes classic, "Wake Up Everybody". Bet you two dollars and a bag of Swedish Fish, that this is going on the Wake Up Sessions album.

Buzzy Wuzzy: Monday, Monday News Feed

A whole mess of news, from last week backwash to some new ish...

• Get a whiff of My Life, Mary J. Blige's fragrance [WWD]
• Glee should give Candy Slice a deal...their rendition of Ludacris' "My Chick Bad" would make a great addition to the show [YT] 
• Christina Aguilera was on Oprah singing "Not Myself Tonight"...well, you can't really sex it up on Oprah [MuM]
• Madonna looks slamming in these shots for Interview...who cares about the interview? [INTV]
• Usher slams TV talent shows...even though he was once a Star Search contestant [UNTV]
• For those who appreciate No Doubt's Tragic Kingdom album [JZBL]  
• Hear snippets of the Nas and Damian Marley collaboration album [RUp]
• Jermaine Dupri feels unappreciated. Hark! I hear the smallest violin crescendo ever! [DS]
• Rick Astley is back...and no the link is not to a Rick Rolling [PJ]  
• Justin Timberlake may pop in for season finale of SNL...just join the cast already [NYP]
• Remember Kem? Well, he's back and he's getting intimate for all the grown folk music lovers [ST] 
• Pop Panel is back...and they discuss that Ciara "sex-ercise" and Toni Braxton's desperation [PTA]

Heavenly Choir: Lena Horne (1917-2010)

Actress and singer, Lena Horne has passed away at the age of 92. May she rest in peace.

Artist Watch: Nabiha Is One You Shouldn't Let Slip Through The 'Cracks'

Have a foreign (music) affair, with the latest import from the Danish music market who is bridging the gap between infectious pop anthems and soulful struts. Her name is Nabiha, and she's worth your while.

The balance between sugary pop and sweet back soul is a little tricky to master, and Nabiha urges the merges of these genres making a sound that is effortless. Her soulful wail seasons the pop blueprint, and it doesn't lose it's foot-holding. She's got a vibe that is in limbo with VV Brown and Shingai Shoniwa from The Noisettes, and if you dig them, you'll dig into this. 

Instantly I took to the singer's rant on not enough slumber time, "Deep Sleep", which cropped up on the Danish music charts last year and trust me, it's an addicting little song. In February, the singer released her debut, Cracks, and it has been slowly gaining some buzz. Hopefully, we'll get to see and hear more from Nabiha on North American shores, because she's a much needed jolt of caffeine right now.   

Interested to venture further? Sink your teeth into some goodies after the cut, the music video for "Deep Sleep" and a live version of the spitfire funk-pop single, "The Enemy".

Crisp N' Fresh: Sade Makes Doing Chores Look Like A Joyous Experience

Whenever I do household chores, I usually don't wear a lovely dress with a cute apron and a smile on my face, wind blowing my hair every which way. Nor do I have little children laughing and dancing outside my window, with me singing along. Yeah, the Audio Diva name is deceptive, my life is not all that glamorous and that's because I'm not as cool as Sade and I don't have a great little song and video as "Babyfather". This summery Reggae groove wiggles perfectly into gearing up for those months where the summer sun beats down and all you want is a little breeze a strawberry flavored paleta from a vendor in your hand. Sade gets it right again by showing us how summer should be done in this visual. Lovely.