by Soulja Boy ft. Sammie: One of my best friends, Crystal, suggested that I listen to this song a few days ago. I’ve N-E-V-E-R liked Soulja Boy. Therefore, my initial instinct was heck naw, but she insisted that I listen! I must admit that I have had this song on repeat all day because it is extremely catchy! This is a groundbreaking moment: I actually like a Soulja Boy song! Sammie definitely adds an x-factor that makes me like the track because the chorus is the only part I listen to. I believe this is the only song Soulja Boy has released that does not have an accompanying dance move. High five to Soulja Boy for growing one year older and learning the importance of lyrics And…If you listen really hard you can catch Soulja Boy’s number – not that you want it! – 678.999.8212
By chance I turned to An Evening of Stars: A Tribute to Patti Labelle this evening and I was immediately hooked. There were numerous performances including those by Fantasia, Wayne Brady, LeToya, and Yolanda Adams but undeniably, my most favorite performance was Brian McKnight’s rendition of If Only You Knew. It is remarkable that Patti has been singing for 40+ years and has had notable success with countless singles. Patti Labelle is the depiction of who a female artist should aspire to emulate. Not only is she a fabulous singer with natural talent but she is a mentor to numerous individuals as they call her ‘Momma Patti’ and she has always given back to her community. I’m glad that Patti continues to leave her mark on the world and people have realized her contributions while she is still alive versus people typically recognizing one’s influence on the world after they pass away. Today we will celebrate the life and accomplishments of Patti Labelle and we wish her continued success. Say her name: Patti! Patti!
With the new year starting, I envisioned myself writing more. I have to stay focused to write and I think writing about all the music that I encounter on a daily basic will help! I’ve had a bunch of series but it’s time to implement a weekly profile of an influential historical artist or group that includes a song as some form of information that can be learned by all. By historical I do not mean early 90s! Yet, I will focus on artists from the 50s-70s that created what I consider “real music” and through their singing laid a foundation for others to follow.
I heard a song earlier today and it made me start singing oooooo oooooo ooo ooo oo and I couldn’t think what song it was for me to save my life. That didn’t last too long! I sang that melody about 6 more times to realize that was the beginning of Baby I Need Your Lovin’. In my mind, I reminisced about groups similar to the Four Tops that harmonized, incorporated synchronized dance moves, and wore matching suits = the perfect formula for a Motown act! I’ve always loved the Four Tops because of the group’s baritone voice as a lead and I will always have favorite songs performed by the group because their production include sounds from a real band instead of a keyboard that todays artists use. I love this song below, Reach Out (I’ll Be There) because of the powerful lyrics and its dark sound with the incorporation of the flute – hey! I played in highschool; but this is also the Four Tops biggest hit!
When I read that the Universal Music Group retained the rights to all of the Four Tops albums after 1963, I immediately knew that would be my one interesting fact. 45 years has passed and these group members do not own a single right to the music they created, except for the album Indestructible. This group’s contract made me realize the significance of ownership based upon the emphasis of time. As many hits as the Four Tops have had, I wonder what the fine print of Motown contracts consisted of. I would have loved to live in the Motor Town during this era!
by Beyoncé: Traditionally, I was not a Beyoncé fan as she turned Destiny’s Child to Beyoncé and Friends. However, with each solo album that she releases I like her music more and more. My good friend over at hair-sugar sent me the link to this video earlier, and I tell you it broke me down! I heard the track on Bey’s album, I Am…Sasha Fierce, and I liked it, but I believe the video takes the lyrics to a new level! Everytime I watch this video it makes me cry. The first time I watched it was at work and it had me with tears pouring by 1:37 in! The video reminds of the relationship between my boyfriend and I and is such a great depiction of love, friendship, admiration, and respect. If I wanted to put my two cents in I would suggest the chemistry between Michael Ealy and Bey is amazing. I couldn’t even imagine Jay Z in this video, and I definitely don’t envision him as the sensitive supportive husband type. If you are a female, sensitive in the least bit, and madly in love – I would say you need a tissue before watching She also released the video for Diva, but I felt this track was worthy of a solo post!
by Mark Ronson ft. Lily Allen: My boyfriend and I were recently riding together listening to Common’s album and specifically the track Drivin’ Me Wild. My bf asked who the featured artist was and the answer was Lily Allen, who happens to be one of my favorite artists. I have her first album Alright, Still that includes hits such as Smile, LDN, Everythings Just Wonderful, Friday Night and Friend of Mine. Allen worked with Mark Ronson who produced numerous songs on her album, and she returned the musical courtesy by lending her vocals for a track on Ronson’s second album, Version. The song on the album, Oh My God, is my favorite song that features Lily Allen as it has powerful sounds from the saxophone and drums. The video includes Lily Allen as a cartoon character and I think it’s pretty hot! Also, be on the lookout for Lily Allen’s new album, It’s Not Me, It’s You, to release in the US on 2.10.09.
by 50 Cent: I have a lot of new ideas for the direction of where I want to take 6inchvinyl in 2009. As time progresses you will see new information daily that spans all aspects of music, from those who make the music behind the scenes to what’s the hottest song from a movie in Japan, while also continuing with the original purpose of the blog – to provide a destination to hear unreleased and/or newly released tracks. I began my work day, like I normally do, with listening to the newest mixtapes. The first mixtape I listened to had an intro of If I Can’t by 50 Cent featuring Jay-Z. Now I wasn’t feeling Jay on the track, but the original is a track on one of my favorite albums, Get Rich or Die Trying, and undeniably 50’s best work. I have not really listened to any of 50 Cent’s latest work as his most recent singles are not comparable to his first singles released and I knew it would be difficult to create another great album such as Get Rich or Die Trying. While this track never gained popularity as a viable single, it is marked in my book as a good riding, pre-club song that is guaranteed to get you hype! Be prepared to turn your dial to increase the volume while bobbing your head.
In my world, Tuesdays provides a weekly celebration that celebrates new album releases. Christmas was last Thursday and this Tuesday arrived with no new releases on my mind. I assume artists wanted their albums purchased and wrapped before Christmas instead of after; as people spend most of their money before the holiday. Looking ahead to next Tuesday, January 6th, there doesn’t seem to be any additional albums to be released that intrigue my ear. When I glanced at the remainder of the January album releases, one album by Lisa Lopes caught my eye. Eye Legacy is the first album to be released after Left Eye’s tragic passing. The album was originally going to be released on October 28, then November 11, and now January 27, 2009. The first track to be released is Let’s Just Do It that features Missy Elliot, which reminds me of the numerous TLC hits with Left Eye’s raps. Even though I like the track, I’m not so sure I would have this as a first single. While I celebrate the release of new music from Lisa Lopes, I only hope these are not unreleased TLC tracks that didn’t make the cut. Make your own conclusion…
And…If you listen really hard you can catch Soulja Boy’s number – not that you want it! – 678.999.8212
She also released the video for 
