Soapbox: Hip Hop and Respect Worth Singing About

I wouldn't necessarily call myself a generic fan of hip hop -- hip hop meaning rap and contemporary urban.

However, I think hip hop is a viable form and style of artistic expression, and I have found several gold nuggets I really dig. Despite people's common riffs against the genre, it is a style of expression that can be, at times, transcendent, a mouthpiece for good, and quite fun. I cringe when I hear the retort, "Rap is crap."

My own disinterest in hip hop comes when it is used as an outlet for disrespect -- disrespect for oneself and others, whether in sexuality, violence, or extreme substance consumption. To be honest, my interest in any art form and style is compromised when disrespectful tones are used and glorified -- be it in country or pop music, paintings, films, and whatever else. I bring it up in hip hop, though, because it seems to be a perpetuating overt theme that often defines the genre. (And only recently, I realized it to be the root of my general hip hop disinterest).

- Sexuality -

Now, it's very nice that the boys go after your big booty, but girl! that seriously cannot be your best asset. And if it is, we definitely have some work to do! Please, respect yo'self (and yo booty) by realizing that there's more to you than that and that all your goodies --physically, mentally, and emotionally -- the entire ensemble of you -- are topics worth singing about. They are precious. You are precious. Respect them; respect you. Also, respect your man by making him live a higher standard than getting you simply cuz he like yo booty! Bring him up with you. If he don't, kick him to the curb. You deserve better, and believe me, better is out there. You will find the respect you deserve.

Likewise, I think it is dazzling and just delightful that you pimp them hoes like no other, but dude! Live it up in LOVE, fool -- true love! Love is scary -- we all know. But, ah, it's worth it, I'm sure, even if it ain't yo style. If you have the power and charm to sweep the ladies off their feet to want to serve and please you, use that power and charm to teach them their true value and true self-respect in who they are as women -- every aspect of them. Give them the respect they deserve. Teach and help them to respect themselves. And by all means, be respectful to yourself by seeking an honest love and then respecting that relationship. These are worth singing about.

- Violence -

As for violence, I'm pretty sure we all can agree there is a higher road. If you think violence is the answer for your situation, take a deep breath, count to 10, walk it off -- whatever. Just don't blow it out of proportion. We get it -- something was important to you and now you want revenge. Pretty sure bustin' a cap in anyone, even the popo, is not a respectful (or honorable) way of getting what you want. Let's sit down, talk it out, get you into college, get you a job, put your life in some respectable direction -- there is a world beyond your hurt, even for you -- there is a world out there for you. We hear you. You're hurt. We validate you. As with any hurt, true healing is possible when you look for it. Grieve it in a healthy outlet. Draw a picture. Go fishing. Watch the sunrise. Anything of peace and beauty. Or, maybe physical activity -- go for a run, pump iron, kick balls around -- anything to let off steam. Now, let's get out there and do some good, fun things today! No guns, knives, or fists necessary. Redemption and healing are worth singing about.

If you really want to talk about violence, perhaps war would be your cup of tea. Yeah, war! War is an awesome subject in the category of violence. We have wars all around the world; wars in history; wars in our own streets. Even, wars in our own homes. Shoot, let's throw them all into a song or rap and share their parallelisms in a way that will blow everyone's minds. We only have us here on this planet. We're all here together. Is it really worth fighting our brothers overseas, or even here at home? Is there really a situation worth that? Again, come on, let's not blow this out of proportion. Where is the respect and honor in war? Surely, that is something worth exploring and, surely, something worth singing about. Spread the love, y'all.

- Substances -

And last but not least, if your weed, crack, meth, booze, slutty partying, or whatever is all you enjoy and look forward to doing, we have got to get you some new hobbies. The world is big, yo! No matter where you live. Get up and see and experience. Go and do. Respect yourself. Respect your life. Make great memories. Make great friends. Make great cookies! It doesn't matter! Just get off your flat, lazy butt and sober up. The days are a-countin'. What will you have done with them? Are you enjoying them? A great, active, full life is worth singing about. Whatever situations you are avoiding with your addictions, face them. Correct them. Correct yourself. Respect yourself by fixing them and moving on. You are not alone. Support and love is there, no matter where you've been or what you've done. You are not as far gone as you think. Get out there and truly live it up! Honest recovery is worth singing about.


I respect hip hop. I really do. There are some gems out there -- gems that explore true love, that dishonor and explore domestic violence, that are a voice for mental health, and much more. But there are also some real poopers that praise doing a short and unfulfilling number on yourself.

There is power in positivity. Personally, I would find more respect for hip hop if true respect were more implemented in its tradition. Then, it would be worth singing about.

"Run Away With" Carly Rae Jepsen in Teenage Dream 2.0

I've only been halfway there with Carly Rae Jepsen's recent releases, but this is the one!

On Friday, Jepsen released her new single "Run Away With Me" to rampant praise by critics -- some referring to it as "Teenage Dream 2.0," with its youthful, dreamy call.

It's nowhere near the infection of "Call Me Maybe" but holds more broad appeal than lead single "I Really Like You" from upcoming album E.MO.TION.

The accompanying music video fittingly follows Jepsen journeying through Paris, New York, and Tokyo. Though the vid is fairly generic, it has its fun and is an enjoyable look, especially with a great deal of the footage being candid. Regarding the filming, even, Jepsen has commented, "I didn't even know we were making a music video until about halfway through it."

In all, the catchy pop tune is a sweet, fun, danceable summer jam. Check it out!

Album Review: "Sound of a Woman" by Kiesza

Sound of a Woman, by Canadian dancer, singer-songwriter Kiesza, pushes the debut star to become a signature electronic-dance act. The set is respectable, laden with hook-heavy tunes, as worldwide smash "Hideaway," though the twenty-five-year-old newcomer seems caught between commercial pop success and what she may deem as scholarly presentation.

There certainly is a 90's feel to Sound of a Woman. The production recalls deep house of the era, such as Haddaway's "What Is Love," which is actually covered on the album, but as a hauntingly beautiful ballad, with Kiesza's performance highlighting the intention of the lyrics through the backed-off production. When the album isn't holding to its house influence, it takes hold of Kiesza's jazz expertise to ride into the realm of 90's R&B, recalling Madonna's R&B flirt Bedtime Stories, though Madonna's effort holds more true to a dance-pop root than this release.

The entire album comes with good production, vocals, and songs. However, it's hard to hand out strengths to the set when its sound isn't unified. We begin with heavily dance-influenced "Hideaway" and "No Enemiez" but then veer into R&B land, only revisiting the deep house near the end of the set. Versatility is good on an album, but it sounds like we are listening to tracks that belong on two separate releases. Since the album's more danceable tracks have been released as singles for its promotion, it appears Kiesza is attempting to market as an electronic artist, in which case, the album would benefit from a full ride in that genre. Instead, its R&B, which is most of the album, backs too far from its dance tracks. That said, what is on the album is nothing to sneer at.

Kiesza's talent is definitely a highlight surrounding this album. She isn't shy to show off her range and clear vocals, and she certainly doesn't hold back her dance ability in her music videos. She is a trained professional and intends to use her talent to get where she wants to go. The biggest drawback to this, though, is that she is all skill. There is little here with actual personality, despite having written all the songs herself.

Standout tracks include worldwide dance hit "Hideaway," its sister follow-up "No Enemiez," and ballad cover "What Is Love."

Would I recommend it? If you're a fan of the defining sound of "Hideaway," you'll have to keep an open mind with this one. It's not exactly what you'd expect its parent album to sound like. Still, if you're a fan of female R&B, you might really take to the deeper selects of the release.

Kiesza definitely has potential within her. Hopefully, with future releases, she and her producers remember to allow each track its unique personality while not orbiting too far from a focused center.

I give Sound of a Woman 3 out of 5 stars.

Grammy Nomination Picks 2015

Ta-da! Here is my list for whom I think will be nominated for this year's Grammy Awards. The official nominee list will be released on the morning of December 5, with the Album of the Year nominees revealed that evening during the one-hour television special "A Very Grammy Christmas" at 9 - 10 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

In selecting, there were very few standouts, followed by a lot of above average choices, making narrowing them down fairly difficult. I put nominees in more categories than I have previously (34 categories this year).

NOTE: I am not a member of the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and this list is in NO WAY official or reflective of their attitudes. Typically, there are five nominations in each category, but I've left some blank. Nomination eligibility period was October 1, 2013 to September 30, 2014.

Record of the Year

"Dark Horse," Katy Perry, Juicy J; produced by Dr. Luke, Max Martin, and Cirkut

"All About That Bass," Meghan Trainor; produced by Kevin Kadish

"Shake It Off," Taylor Swift; produced by Max Martin and Shellback

"Stay With Me," Sam Smith; produced by Jimmy Napes and Steve Fitzmaurice

"Happy," Pharrell Williams; produced by Pharrell Williams

"Reflektor," Arcade Fire; produced by James Murphy, Markus Dravs, and Arcade Fire


Album of the Year

Frozen Soundtrack, Various Artists

Beyonce, Beyonce

The Marshall Mathers LP 2, Eminem

Reflektor, Arcade Fire

Platinum, Miranda Lambert


Song of the Year

"All About that Bass," Meghan Trainor; written by Meghan Trainor and Kevin Kadish

"Let It Go," Idina Menzel, Demi Lovato; written by Kristin Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez

"Chandelier," Sia; written by Sia Furler and Jesse Shatkin

"The Monster," Eminem Featuring Rihanna; written by Marshall Mathers, Bryan Fryzel, Bebe Rexha, Aaron Kleinstub, M. Athanasiou, Robyn Fenty, and Jon Bellion

"Pretty Hurts," Beyonce; written by Joshua Coleman, Sia Furler, and Beyonce Knowles

Best New Artist

Iggy Azalea

American Authors

Meghan Trainor

Sam Smith

Aloe Blacc


Best Pop Solo Performance

"Happy," Pharrell Williams

"Stay With Me," Sam Smith

"Chandelier," Sia

"Birthday," Katy Perry

"Pretty Hurts," Beyonce

"All About That Bass," Meghan Trainor


Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

"Love Runs Out," OneRepublic

"Bang Bang," Jessie J Featuring Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj

"Love Never Felt So Good," Michael Jackson Featuring Justin Timberlake

"Do What U Want," Lady Gaga Featuring R. Kelly

"A Sky Full of Stars," Coldplay


Best Pop Album

In the Lonely Hour, Sam Smith

ARTPOP, Lady Gaga

PRISM, Katy Perry

Ultraviolence, Lana Del Rey

1000 Forms of Fear, Sia


Best Traditional Pop Album

Cheek To Cheek, Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga

Partners, Barbra Streisand


Best Dance Recording

"Wasted Love" by Steve Angello Featuring Dougy

"Hideaway," Kiesza

"Grab Her," Disclosure

"Break Free," Ariana Grande Featuring Zedd

"Lay Me Down," Avicii


Best Dance/Electronic Album

Do It Again, Royskopp & Robyn

while(1<2), deadmau5

Trouble in Paradise, La Roux

True, Avicii

Best Rock Performance

"Magic," Coldplay

"Warriors," Imagine Dragons

"Believer," American Authors

"Reflektor," Arcade Fire


Best Rock Song

"Reflektor," Arcade Fire; written by Arcade Fire


Best Rock Album

Ghost Stories, Coldplay

Reflektor, Arcade Fire

Turn Blue, The Black Keys

Lazaretto, Jack White

Hypnotic Eye, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers


Best R&B Performance

"Partition," Beyonce


Best Traditional R&B Performance

"All of Me," John Legend

Best R&B Song

"All of Me," John Legend; written by John Stephens and Toby Gad


Best R&B Album

Love, Marriage & Divorce, Toni Braxton & Babyface


Best Contemporary Urban Album

Beyonce, Beyonce

Trigga, Trey Songz


Best Rap Performance

"Rap God," Eminem

"White Walls," Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Featuring ScHoolboy Q and Hollis


Best Rap/Sung Collaboration

"The Monster," Eminem Featuring Rihanna

"Fancy," Iggy Azalea Featuring Charli XCX

"Drunk In Love," Beyonce Featuring Jay-Z

"Dark Horse," Katy Perry Featuring Juicy J

Best Rap Song

"The Monster," Eminem; written by Marshall Mathers, Bryan Fryzel, Bebe Rexha, Aaron Kleinstub, M. Athanasiou, Robyn Fenty, and Jon Bellion

"Rap God," Eminem; written by Marshall Mathers, Bigram Zayas, Matthew Delgiorno, Stephen Hacker, Douglas Davis, Richard Walters, Dania Birks, Juana Burns, Juanita Lee, Fatima Shaheed, and Kim Nazel

"Pills N Potions," Nicki Minaj; written by Onika Maraj, Lukasz Gottwald, Henry Walter, and Ester Dean


Best Rap Album

The Marshall Mathers LP 2, Eminem

The New Classic, Iggy Azalea

Mastermind, Rick Ross


Best Country Solo Performance

"Automatic," Miranda Lambert

"Something in the Water," Carrie Underwood

"That Girl," Jennifer Nettles

"Invisible," Hunter Hayes

"Shotgun Rider," Tim McGraw



Best Country Duo/Group Performance

"Somethin' Bad," Miranda Lambert Featuring Carrie Underwood

"Rewind," Rascal Flatts

"Meanwhile Back at Mama's," Tim McGraw Featuring Faith Hill

"Sweet Annie," Zac Brown Band


Best Country Song

"Automatic," Miranda Lambert; written by Nicolle Galyon, Natalie Hemby, and Miranda Lambert

"Something in the Water," Carrie Underwood; written by Chris DeStefano, Brett James, and Carrie Underwood

"Invisible," Hunter Hayes; written by Hunter Hayes, Bonnie Baker, and Katrina Elam

"Meanwhile Back at Mama's," Tim McGraw Featuring Faith Hill; written by Tom Douglas, Jaren Johnston, and Jeffrey Steele

"I Hold On," Dierks Bentley; written by Brett James and Dierks Bentley


Best Country Album

Platinum, Miranda Lambert

Out Among the Stars, Johnny Cash

Everlasting, Martina McBride

Storyline, Hunter Hayes

Sundown Heaven Town, Tim McGraw



Best Gospel Album

Anomaly, Lecrae


Best Comedy Album

Mandatory Fun, "Weird Al" Yankovic

Obsessed, Jim Gaffigan

Best Musical Theater Album

If/Then

Aladdin

A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

The Bridges of Madison County

Beautiful: The Carol King Musical


Best Song Written for Visual Media

"Let It Go," from Frozen; written by Kristin Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez

"Ordinary Love," from Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom; lyrics by Bono; music by U2 and Danger Mouse


Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for Visual Media

Frozen (Deluxe Edition), Various Artists


Best Recording Package

Turn Blue, The Black Keys

Hypnotic Eye, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Beyonce, Beyonce

Best Remixed Recording

"Waves" (Robin Schulz Radio Edit)," Mr Probz

"Baby, Baby (Dave Aude Radio Edit)," Amy Grant


Best Music Video

"The Writing's On The Wall," OK Go

"Pretty Hurts," Beyonce

24 Hours of "Happy", Pharrell Williams

"Chandelier," Sia