Monthly Archives: December 2008

Stepping Into 2009: Top Five Inspirational Songs

31 Wednesday Dec 2008

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2009

I have everyone has been enjoying the last days of 2008. I’ve been off from the 9-5 since December 22nd and have used the time somewhat wisely. I’ve spent the time reflecting on the year that has passed and preparing for what’s to come in 2009.

Overall, 2008 was a good year for me. Life is certainly better than it was in 2007. I did lose a couple of longterm frienships this year. But I don’t believe that everyone is meant to ride with you until the end of the road. I wholeheartedly subscribe to that whole reason, season , lifetime school of thought. While I have a far much easier time letting go that most people, I do take time to clearly identify the reasons that a particular person was in my life and why it’s time to let them float on.

I celebrated one year of blogging here back in September. Truthfully, I neve expected to make it to a year, which is the reason I started out on a free platform. I am amazed at the direction that this blog has taken and so very grateful for you, my dear readers, that come here to see what I have to say. Your comments both on and offline have really kept me going.  And it makes me want to go further.

Looking back at my 2007 blogging goals, I think I have tackled some of the most important ones.

  • Commit to a regular writing schedule
    Certainly more regular than I was when I started this blog. I actually get antsy if I haven’t written anything in a few days.
  • Continue strengthening my writing skills
    I think they’ve gotten better. I still got so far to go. For the most part though, I think ya’ll understand the words that are coming outta my mouth
  • Interact more with other bloggers in my niche
    My name is Vivrant Thang and I am a Twitter and Facebook addict. I do pledge to do more with Facebook and Linked In in 2009 though.
  • Attend Blogging While Brownand Blogher conferences
    Attended neither one. I blame that on my new job. I have my eye on a couple of conferences next year though. I also have my eye on new furniture and two vacations in 2009 as well. About that sugar daddy….
  • Move blog to it’s own domain with more of a “vivrant” design
    I’m glad that I didn’t proceed with this because I’m just now settling on a strategy for the direction I want to take this thing. It would have been a disaster to move ahead with a dot com without a plan. This will be done fist quarter of 2009.
  • Participate in more blog campaigns about important issues in the Black community
    I didn’t do anything this year outside of a few political posts and rants. I did capture my entire voting experience though, which is important to me.
  • Increase my readership and comments
    Done and done! I am thrilled with the developments and look forward to more in 2009.

There are some good things on the horizon for me in 2009. I’m in the process of starting a small business with a partner. I also have a column that should be debuting soon. I’ll announce it when it’s actually live. That last experience showed me to keep my trap shut until things come to fruition! I’m also working on a couple of other things that should increase readership here and on my You Tube channel.

You know with all good things must come a soundtrack. So I’ll finish out my best of  lists with my top five  inspirational songs of 2008. I hope that they move you into action the way in the same ways they have helped me.

Happy New Year my dear readers!

Jazmine Sullivan, “Fear” (read post about my fear)

Hil St Soul, “Life”

Reel People, “Anything You Want”

Eric Roberson, “Pave a New Road”
 John Legend, “If You’re Out There”

Old School Friday: Get Your Drank On!

26 Friday Dec 2008

Posted by in Feeding The Music Jones, Soundtrack of My Life

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I hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday season thus far. Mama Viv arrived in town on Wednesday and we’ve been having good times watching movies, cooking, and dranking! The martinis and wine have been plentiful and will continue to flow through next week as New Years Eve promises to be a good one for me this year.

Which brings us to the theme for this week: Songs You Can Drink To.

I immediately thought of my first choice, “Rather Be With You,” by Bootsy Collins. That song  just makes you want to kick back, put your feet up and sip something real slow. Or for those that like to get down in other ways, it’s the perfect song for that as well. Some of you may remember this from the Academy Award worthy  film, Baby Boy.

While we got our minds on Snoop, although I think this will be a popular choice for today, I just have to post “Gin and Juice.” I used to wear my  Doggystyle cassette out! Knew all the words. Mama Viv and I were just at the liquor store joking about how we were going to be sipping up on some gin and juice.

I doubt there will be a lot of posts today so would be a great time to visit some of the other Old School Friday participants. I would probably have taken the day off as well but I get antsy if I go more than a few days without writing something here. Enjoy the rest of your holiday! I plan to.

Top Ten Songs Of 2008 That You’ve Likely Also Had In Constant Rotation

22 Monday Dec 2008

Posted by in Feeding The Music Jones

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by vivrant thang on Top 10 Songs of 2008

We’re nearing the finale of of my year-end countdown. For those just joining us, here’s what you’ve missed.

Next  up, are my ten favorite songs (plus some honorable mentions) that you’ve likely had in heavy rotation as well.

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1.Erykah Badu, “That Hump”

I was one of the few that dug New Amerykah from first listen.  There were many standout tracks for me. However, once I heard that slow, thumping bass line  of “That Hump,” I knew it was a song I would have on repeat. Many a day over the past year, I was right there with her. I look forward to what’s in store for Part 2. If you want a sneak peek you must follow her on Twitter. (And yes, it’s really her). If nothing else, you will be thoroughly entertained.

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2. Eric Roberson, “Let Me Know”

I first heard this song on the radio late one night and nearly lost my mind. Is that Erro?! I heard he had a new song out but had no idea it would have a soulful house flavor to it. It’s hard to sit still when this one comes on, as evidenced by my very shaky video of his performance this past summer. I won’t even bother to try to capture it when he comes to DC for Inauguration Weekend. I’m just going to let my hair down and follow his command and “shake it!” I hope we see more of  this on Erro’s next project.

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3. Jazzanova f/ Leon Ware and Dwele, “RockinYou Eternally”

This entire project would be on this list if I had the room. However, this remake of this 1981 classic by Leon Ware featuring Dwele drew me in from first listen. When this comes on, I have to just sit back, close my eyes and just groove. I dare to say it surpasses the original for me. I have said it before and I’ll say it again, Dwele needs to stick to guesting on other’s projects and step away from the solo material for a minute.

I would also encourage you to take a listen to Leon Ware’s new project Moon Ride. Like Al Green’sproject, it’s simply good ole classic soul that doesn’t seem dated. Both projects would make great stocking stuffers for that seasoned person in your life who is still hip but has no use for what’s on the radio.

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4. Al Green and John Legend, “Stay With Me (By The Sea)”

This was another album that you could just let play through. Classic Al, but it didn’t feel dated. That’s what happens when you get Questlove involved (who is also on Twitter here and here – and yes, it’s really him. Ya’ll better get it while it’s hot!). There were so many outstanding collaborations but there was just something about John and Al that made the perfect combination. Or maybe I’m just a big ole romantic at heart.

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5. Q-Tip, “Life Is Better”

I had about four different songs here as my top pick from Renaissance. “We Fight/We Love. ” “You.” (I had to give this one an honorable mention). “Gettin Up. ” “Manwomanboogie.” They have all been in constant rotation since I got my hands on this album. However, Norah Jones’ sound (which I wouldn’t have recognized had I not looked at the liner notes) and the hip hop history lesson made this song a must-add. However, what pushed me over the edge was re-watching my videos from the concert last month. This song just begs for live instrumentation.

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6. Foreign Exchange, “Sweeter Than You”

Another album where it was absolute agony trying to choose my favorite. This is also my album of the year.  When I saw the live performance of “Sweeter Than You,” I felt like I was transported back to the 1920s and 30s, one of my favorite eras. I could picture myself sitting in one of those jazz clubs dressed to the nines and smoking those skinny cigarettes. Phonte on the mic crooning and then the band comes in. Watch and you’ll see what I mean.

Now that I think about it, this should have been an easy choice. Sweetness has been a recurring theme throughout my year end list:  Hil St. Soul’s “The Sweetest Days” and Angela Johnson and Julie Dexter’s “How Sweet Life Is.”  Hmm…may be something to ponder for the ’09.

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7. Eric Benet, “You’re The Only One”

I’m glad Eric released this as the first single on his album. In my opinion, this is the standout track on an otherwise so-so album. This is vintage Eric, taking me back to his first two releases which still remain in constant rotation to this day. It makes me feel sexier than “Chocolate Legs”  does (although I must say his acapella version and explanation makes me rethink that statement. Hell nobody said the man couldn’t sannnng any woman’s granny panties off. No dispute about that!) Overall, this album, sans this simply beautiful song,  just didn’t do it for me.

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photo credit: tamara dulva

8. Raphael Saadiq “Oh Girl”

It was love at first listen. It’s the track I keep going back to on this album. It you don’t want to throw this on and grind real hard with your boo, something is wrong with ya! I had to include the live performance with this one because the choreography only enhances the listening experience. And looking at that picture, that is one seasoned gentleman I wouldn’t mind getting down on one knee and crooning to me!

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9. Estelle, “No Substitute Love”

Another outstanding release where it was hard to pick a favorite. I need at least one island flavored track on my list each year and Estelle does that so well. Besides, the sentiment was one I had to express a little too often this year for my taste. Here’s hoping for a better 2009 in that respect.

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10. The Roots f/Chrisette Michele and Wale, “Rising Up”

In the words of DJ Stylus, it’s plain and simple. This. Joint. CRANKS. Impossible to sit still on this one. That go-go beat, over which DC native Wale represents, is infectious. Even if you don’t get down with go-go, there is no way this track doesn’t move your body. Except if you live in Baltimore. They were stiff as hell when The Roots performed this at the show up there back in May. I can’t forget my girl Chrisette Michele who is absolute perfection on this track (come back soon!).

Very Honorable Mentions

Erykah Badu, “Master Teacher”

John Legend, “I Love, You Love”

Anthony Hamilton “Please Stay”

Q-Tip “You”

Musiq Soulchild, “SoBeautiful”

Robin Thicke “Sidestep”

Avant,”When It Hurts”

As always, share your favorites in the comments.

Old School Friday: A Hip Hop Christmas

19 Friday Dec 2008

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by vivrant thang on old school friday

It’s the most wonderful time of the year indeed! Tis my favorite season, although I’m always conscious that this time of year is rough for so many – my family included.

My favorite Christmas song ever is Donnie Hathaway’s “This Christmas” followed by “Silent Night” by The Temptations and “Let It Snow” by Boyz II Men and Brian McKnight tied for second. I figured we’d see a lot of those songs today so I decided to go a different way and present a few of my favorite classic hip hop Christmas songs.

Kurtis Blow, “Christmas Rappin”

Run D.M.C. “Christmas in Hollis”

TLC  “Sleigh Ride”

Enjoy more Christmas music with the other OSF participants.

Wishing you and yours a joyous and safe holiday season.

Top Ten Live Performances I’ve Attended In 2008

18 Thursday Dec 2008

Posted by in Best Of Lists

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It seems you all have enjoyed the first of my best of lists for 2008. We started out with the best songs and albums that you probably never heard to give you a break from some of these best of lists that are starting to look a bit like carbon copies of each other. This is definitely not a bad thing. Just proves that were a few albums that were indeed the creme de la creme – essential for any true music fan to have in their collections. I’ll be adding my two cents to that discussion very shortly.

Before we get there, since I am also a very amateur videographer and live for my  concert-going adventures,  I have to throw those into the countdown fray as well. By year’s end, I will have attended exactly thirty live performances by some of the best artists in the industry today. I’ve also supported up and coming underrated artists who are trying to make a name for themselves. For those just joining us, you can find video from all of these shows and more on my You Tube channel which has grown leaps and bounds this year.

In 2007,  I shared my top five shows. I look back at that post and smile because back then, I was averaging about one show a month. My how we’ve grown! So this year, there was absolutely no way I could limit it to five.

Reminisce with me for a minute.

(in no particular order)

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Maxwell, Landmark Theatre in Richmond, VA  11/08

My my my my.

Maxie, don’t do me dirty now. You turned on the oven now you better be cooking something over there! I look forward to round two in 2009. In which time I should also have an album that I can cradle close to my bosom and play until my ears bleed.

Read my review of the Maxwell show and watch live video I captured of the performance. The review and videos ended up on several Maxwell fan forums and websites including The Latest Maxwell News, all Maxwell, all the time. Such serious stanneration  dedication. Gotta love it!

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Jill Scott, The Roots, Chuck Brown and Estelle, Merriweather Post Pavilion Columbia , MD 8/08

Even if I wanted to forget about this summer superfest, Jill fans won’t let me. I get several comments a week on the videos I captured from this show. This was my second time seeing Jill in 2008. The first was at home in Philly and that show was then aired in a television special. Raheem Devaughn and Musiq were on that bill. I was iffy about going again since I had plunked down a nice piece of change and traveled a couple of hours at that. I had also seen The Roots several times this summer already. I am so very glad I went ahead and spent my grocery money on a ticket to this show. Those PB&J sammiches I had to eat for the rest of the month were SO worth it.

Read my brief review of the Jill Scott, Estelle, The Roots and Chuck Brown show  and watch live video of the performances on my You Tube channel.

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Foreign Exchange, Black Cat in Washington, DC 11/08

You already know. Phontigallo (the man of the year) in his good clothes getting his serious croon on. Yazarah styling on everybody in the baddest solid gold dress I’ve ever seen. Her and Muhsinah (the woman of the year) flowing so melodically over Nicolay’s  (the producer of the year, RECOGNIZE) beats. There’s nothing better than youuuuuuuu indeed.

Read my review of the Foreign Exchange concert and watch live video of the performance.

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Rock The Bells, Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD  7/08

I think I may still be high from this show – literally and figuratively. Rock the Bells was probably one of the best shows of this magnitude and with this caliber of line up that I’ve ever been to. As I rode home that night (and almost crashed my car cause I had a contact high), I put on the CD sampler because I just couldn’t get enough. Me and h.e.r got a thang going on and I can’t wait to get some more in 2009.

Read my Rock the Bells concert review and view live videos of the performances.

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Legends of Hip Hop, Pier Six Pavilion in Baltimore MD, 8/2008

Although I had a few critiques about this show, it made the list because of the lineup. Strictly for the thirty and over crowd. Just as I like it. It’s not often that you’ll see Mc Lyte, Chubb Rock (!!!), Slick Rick, Big Daddy Kane, Doug E Fresh, Rob Base, and Kool Moe Dee (!!!) on one stage. On a warm summer night by the water, I was throwing my hands up in the air and waving them like I just didn’t care. Real hip hop was definitely in the building.

Read my review of the Legends of Hip Hop Concert and watch the videos of the live performances.

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Raphael Saadiq, Black Cat in Washington DC, 9/08

This was the show where I probably should have just gone up on stage took the mic and sang because apparently I felt I knew Raphael’ssongs better than he did. At times, I’m all you hear on the videos! Not a good look but definitely a testament to my long standing love for him as part of the Tonys and as a solo artist. He has provided the blueprint for how the Motown sound should be done and his stage show was the perfect compliment.

Read my review of the Raphael Saadiq concert and watch live video of his performance.

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Amp Fiddler, Tortured Soul and Fertile Ground, 930 Club, Washington DC, 2/08

See that look on Christian of Tortured Soul’s face? It’s because of all that funk he created up in the 930 club back on that cold February night. I’ve seen many performances there but never have I seen the place turn into an all out party. I had to check to see if I was at a club. (I wasn’t or there wouldn’t have been any dancing. It’s DC). I left that show seriously considering following the tour bus up the road to NYC for their next gig. Turned out!

Read a very brief review of the Tortured Soul, Amp Fidder and Fertile Ground show and view my video of the performances on my You Tube channel.

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Q-Tip, 930 Club in Washington DC, 11/08

In which Vivrant Thang is still swooning over the fact that she met her muse and got to preview the hotness that is Renaissance. After seeing him with ATCQ this summer at Rock The Bells,  I couldn’t wait for him to get back to the area to give it to us live as only a true emcee can. I almost didn’t make it to this show and I would have hated myself the morning after if I hadn’t. There is nothing like the live versions of these songs.

Read about Vivrant Thang getting up with Q-Tip and watch live video of the performance.

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THE FIRST Annual Roots Picnic and Pre-Picnic Jam Session in Philly, 6/08

I was at the first annual Roots Picnic and I got the t-shirt to prove it. Heh. I think I am still scarred by how brutally hot it was out there that day. However, I hung in there because the energy and the performances were nothing short of amazing in spite of the heat. I’ll never forget how cool Binky Griptite of The Dap Kings looked out there in a suit. I don’t think I saw a bead of sweat roll down his face. I am so glad that The Roots will continue to put this on despite “retiring” from touring. I know that I will get a eclectic group of artists and make some new discoveries (like Santogold and Esperanza Spalding who both ended up on my best of 2008 lists).

Read my review of The Roots Picnic and watch live video of the performances.

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Can A Sista Rock A Mic?, Washington DC, 10/08

Look at that bad mamajama right there!

Yazarah performed on the third night of this multi-day festival showcasing the best in underrated female soul and hip hop artists. It was out of this year’s festival that my underrated female soul singers spotlights were born. I’ve profiled some of the performers including Jean Baylor, Tamara Wellons, and Liv Warfield. Stay tuned for more. I look forward to the talent this festival will bring to the area next year.

As you can see, it’s been a damn good year musically. Remember you can view live video from each of these performances over on the You Tube channel. Subscribe. There’s much more to come.

Have you been to any great shows this years? Share with me in the comments.