Retro Thursday - Aunt Bea's Party Songs

I remember before my Aunt "found Jesus", she had the best parties. She was VP of a bank and for the most part, the "events" were glitzy, but she was also friends with a Deejay so he would always be there with the newest hits(told you my life has ALWAYS been surrounded in music).

I remember because we were kids we were often "banished" to one of the bedrooms, but I didn't mind because that always meant that we were not too far from the Deejay. And as I lay beneath the window, not only did I feel the bass come through the floors but the music called out to me through the walls....Okay I'm being dramatic, but honestly with every party I left humming a new song and today during my "Retro Thursday" I remember a few of those tunes!


I think I sang this song everyday for a week...and it's still my life long dream!















I don't know how many of my readership can remember ANY of those songs but they take me back to days when life was just a backyard party away.

Until next time remember to ....

Long for your dreams, Live them out, Laugh at your heartaches and Love every minute of this life (Book of Ali) 

Artists Beware - Part 2 (Mind your Business)

So you want into the "Music Biz". Keep in mind like I said before as much as you love music, it is a "business". So you really have to take cafe of your business. From the moment you pen your first rhyme, sing your first hook you should be attempting to create your individual "brand". Don't understand what I mean?

Even though you make music, you as an artist are a PRODUCT! Simple as that! So, in the midst of your creative process you have to think "PRODUCT".

So when getting into the music business here it is

• Read the fine print, get a lawyer, and go over it again and again
• Understand that it's a business and take advantage of your opportunities
• Keep your head up.You never know when your opportunity is coming so stay prepared. Everything you do can be a stepping stone for something else.
• Create a market for yourself
• Beware of "bus riders" - these are the folks that leech off of your potential
• Have someone else around to give you an honest, non biased opinion and... LISTEN TO THEM! 
 

Next week we'll talk about music promotion. Until then remember ....

Long for your dreams, Live them out, Laugh at your heartaches and Love every minute of this life (Book of Ali)

New Music Tuesday

At least once a week on my social networks, with a sigh I exclaim, "I MISS MUSIC." My mother always said to me, "Just as the world is circular in shape, if it is to continue; everything in life must return to it's beginning!" It took me a while to understand that.

But I think I get it, Everything must come full circle if it wants to continue. So even though in it's current state of commercialism music has exasperated me to the hilt, because music is in motion it MUST return to it's unfettered beginnings.



If you don't know who RHYMEFEST is allow me to introduce you. Remember "Jesus Walks, sure you do. Well, Rhymefest had a hand in writing that! His style is unique, his lyrics are well orchestrated. He is the purity of rhyme that hip hop once was.

Rhymefest makes music that reminds me of why I fell in love with Hip Hop. Still don't know what I mean, check this out.






I'll admit that I've been following Rhymefest in "lurk mode" on twitter for some time now, but you can show him that you support good music.

Official Rhymefest Website

Rhymefest.com 

Follow Rhymefest on Twitter

Rhymefest on Facebook

RhymeFest on YouTube 

I support music! By now you should know this. This week I give you the music that hopes to become a hit in your heart, your ipod, ipad, whatever you use for music! Here we are with today's new releases...

Ice Cube - I am the West

This Legend deserves a great deal of respect and I expect a great album

Jeremiah - All About You

I hope all the R&B crooners don't think they could duplicate what I call the "Trey Songz Effect", I mean this is the "Birthday Sex" singer...with this new release let's see what young Jeremih has to offer.

Ben Folds - Lonely Avenue

I love Ben Folds, when he was with Ben Folds Five, I admit I had a small crush. But that aside, this multi instrumentalist never fails to please me.


So on this new music Tuesday pick up something fresh. download a mixtape, fall in love with music again!

Music Monday - Who's Next?

I hate Mondays! The only good thing about Monday is that Friday is now four days away. So to ease Mondays, Ali Cole In Print has decided to dedicate Mondays to New Artist. The obscure and unheard of artists that need a voice. It could come from anywhere...I'm a ustream, concert, blog, media junkie and sometimes I come across real good stuff. On Mondays, I share....

What do I like about this song? Truthfully, I think I fell in love with the "Habenera" track "(the song from Carmen)! It actually works for me! Anytime some can take a classic and create a marketable hit, they've got my vote!

So here's to creativity...



If you've got an artist that you'd like featured on Music Monday - Who's Next? Hit me up! You know how we do...It's all about the music!
Ali Cole In Print

We Want The Funk!

As you can tell I LOVE MUSIC! I remember when my godmother bought me a walkman for Christmas. I saved my allowance, went through my dad's pockets, I went without lunch so that I could walk to the music store and buy one cassette every Wednesday while my mom tutored kids!

Every week I'd make a purchase and make a selection for the next week, I was on a first name basis with the store owner DJ Scooby-Doo (RIP). He soon would let me listen to mixes that he was working on and for me it was magic.

I love R&B but one day DJ Scooby, as he sometimes did, introduced me to something new. He said it was called FUNK. I my attraction was instant. Who's idea was it to combine such an excitement of sound? Who decided to give the brass section of the band, the chance to explore such musical heights? I was in love!

Of course I've committed many a musical infidelity by exploring other musical genres (Don't forget my endless love affair with Hip Hop, no matter how it disappoints me I always return) Funk has always remained faithful! So today, I pay homage to FUNK! From Parliment Funkadelic to George Clinton, from James Brown to Prince!

For making us dance, shake, shimmy, and bop! For making us slide across our mama's newly polished kitchen floors singing into a broom. For allowing us the inhibition to dance in our underwear all through our houses...I honor you!

Ladies and Gentlemen TGIF Thank God It's Funky!!

Long for your dreams, Live them out, Laugh at your heartaches and Love every minute of this life (Book of Ali)

Retro Thursday

Regular readers know that every so often I take it back to the hit that had our heads rockin'. Long before we even gave the Harlem shake, national acclaim...before we were "Bebliers" and "Barbies". So here it is a little of what made me fall in love with music!


I still jam this in my car...




I had no idea what he was talkin about...but he sounded so good saying it!!!



You know you loved this...



My theme song in high school...they said it not me!



Whenever you get down, remember the music that made you happy, that brought a smile to your face...After all, music is your life!

Long for your dreams, Live them out, Laugh at your heartaches and Love every minute of this life (Book of Ali)

Artists Beware - Part 1

Today, I take a break from my regular music updates to write a PSA! The music game has a wonderful lure. But whether you're getting into the music business because you love music,or because you think it's just a non stop party, BUYER BEWARE! Well you know what I mean.

I think if I were to chronicle the many stories of misrepresentation,false promises and just outright cons that I've heard about in the industry I'd have at least a three part book series. It's sad how honest people with real dreams and wide-eyed aspirations end up with hopes destroyed,dreams shattered and a jaded view of the industry. No, it's not all glitz and glamour but some unscrupulous characters can destroy what happens to be a pure art form.

But don't despair, as fun as your music is to you, and as much as you enjoy making music; the music business is just that, BUSINESS! It's work that you enjoy!

Here's a few tips to avoid some pitfalls:

Rule One: DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

Listen, you don't have to live in New York or Atlanta or Houston (smirk) to get music information on record deals, labels and industry professionals. There's a tool called "the world wide web" and guess what folks it's not just for pornography, it'll surprise you how much information you could get if you look deep enough. Use the Better Business Bureau website. Find out if who the people you are dealing with ARE WHO THEY SAY THEY ARE!!

Rule Two: WORK YOUR BUSINESS!

You want it, you gotta work for it. Once again, use the internet. You don't have to quit your 9 to 5 and hire a manager just yet. Get your name heard. Start local and create a buzz around whatever you bring to the music scene. If you're good and can get a following, believe me they'll work harder and CHEAPER than any manager ever could.

Rule Three: GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING!

Yes, even when you're working with friends. Even when there is no money involved yet. Beyond the financial reasons, a contract is a good way to clarify working relationships and responsibilities. You'll be able to get things done a lot more effectively if everyone knows where they stand and what is expected of them. Even if it's just, "I'll pay you $50 to sing at my birthday party". Get it on paper!

You know I'm far from done...let's just say To Be Continued

Special Thanks to Queen_TK and WrapStacks Follow them. Great women. REAL people!


Now Playing Charlie Wilson "There Goes My Baby"

In Stores Today

Today is New Release Tuesday, another week of releases. In stores this week




Zac Brown Band “You Get What You Give”







John Legend & the Roots, “Wake Up”






Paula Cole “Ithaca”







Santana, “Guitar Heaven: The Greatest Guitar Classics of All Time”



After the numbers came in this week, last weeks album sales leader was Trey Songz "Passion, Pain Pleasure" with 166,065 units a considerable 30,000 unit margin over second place Linkin Park. It's understandable. Songz has been a marketing powerhouse over the last year gaining a following by being EVERYWHERE and on everyone's hook. Let's see if any of this weeks releases can dethrone him.

Music Makers - Charlie Wilson

His parents named him Charles Kent Wilson. Snoop calls him "Uncle Charlie". It works for me. But even if you're unfamiliar with Rapper Snoop Dogg's music, if you've ever heard the GAP BAND you know who Charlie Wilson is.

My parents were deep into gospel music. (Preachers) But I grew up around that Gap Band sound. For me Charlie Wilson was hot and smooth all at the same time. Sure he's old enough to be my father but I'm musical so a good set of vocal pipes will entice me quicker than any lame pick up line or set of chiseled abs will.

I actually own Charlie Wilson's Charlie, Last Name Wilson. I was ecstatic when Uncle Charlie came out in 2009.

I'm sure if you were to ask them today; singers like Guy, Aaron Hall, Keith Sweat, R. Kelly and even more recently R&B crooner Trey Songz can attribute parts of their style to Charlie Wilson!

I thought about "Uncle Charlie" this weekend and just knew that today's blog post had to be dedicated to him.

So from "You Dropped A Bomb On Me" to "There Goes My Baby"... Thanks for Bridging the Gap!

You Dropped A Bomb On Me



There Goes My Baby

New Music Tuesday

Today's offerings of new music is quite varied!



Linkin Park brings us "A Thousand Suns" Check out "The Catalyst," "Waiting For the End" and "Wretches and Kings."



Robert Plant offers "Band of Joy" If you were a Led Zeppelin fan of course you know who Robert Plant is. He's a legend. It's worth the buy.


Mavis Staples delivers "You Are Not Alone" Mavis "I'll Take You There" Staples, if nothing else it'll be sure to uplift you!




And R&B crooner Trey Songz shows us his Passion, Pain & Pleasure...and it's all there in that one album!!! Believe Me!


Trey Songz - Unusual (ft. Drake) |

Making Music

2007 Grammy Award for Best R&B Album -- The Breakthrough (producer award)
2007 Grammy Award for Best R&B Song - Be Without You (songwriter award)
2005 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album -- The Emancipation of Mimi (producer award)
2004 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album -- Confessions (producer award)
2004 Year End Billboard Hot 100 producers
2004 Year End Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks Producers
2003 SESAC Songwriter of the Year 2000-2003
2001 Billboard #5 Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Producer of 2001

So many times hit-makers take a backseat to STARS....

Sounds strange huh?

But what I mean is that people that are behind the scenes often get overlooked and not properly lauded for their efforts and gifting to bring to "life" the final product that the public sees!
So today I honor the man....

Haven't heard of him, yes you have! You just don't realize it....

Did you hear Usher's Confessions; You heard B. Cox!
Did you hear Mariah's "We Belong Together"; You heard B. Cox!
Did you hear Jagged Edge's "Walked Outta Heaven", "Let's Get Married", & "Where the Party At"; You heard B. Cox!

Whether he's Oceans 7 own "The Texas Ranger" or Blackbaby, Inc head man ....He's Bryan Michael Cox, if you didn't know, now you know!!

Now Playing

	Usher - Burn .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

The Music YOU Want

This an excerpt of a message I wrote to a well known music producer after having read comments addressed to him regarding one of his more popular artist. The comments left me thinking about the way superstars are made.

I begin to wonder if these people actually are listening to the music or just regurgitating stuff they've seen on the blogs.

I, for one have been aching for music that is being made for more than just to sell albums and make label heads happy. But we've been so programmed to love the popular, until even down to having an honest original opinion of what happens to be the sincerest and most widespread form of expression (music) is left for others to tell us what our opinions should be.

Most people don't even realize that the only reason they love most of the music they love is because it's been forced down their throat so much that they THINK they love it!

I want some of these people to give me an analysis of the quality of the music that they hear instead of just repeating the garbage they hear the bloggers say...but sometimes I expect too much from ROBOTS! After all they can only do what they've been programmed to do!

Most of what we deem POPular music is really music that has been marketed to the highest degree until we ourselves believe that it's the best thing! Listen to your mp3 player today what percent of the songs would you have played if you weren't bombarded with it by popular media outlets. The next time you download the "next big hit", here's a consideration....

Do I really like this music, or am I just a product of a brilliant marketing scheme?

Now Playing

	Goo Goo Dolls - Iris .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

The Music of Passion

About ten minutes ago, I realized I had been listening to the same song for two and a half hours. I smiled because first of all, I'm none to fond of the artist. I mean he's wonderful vocally. But I've grown tired of the boy band soloist kind of artist and I've been seeing that a whole lot lately.

The funny thing about this song is that, I actually woke up to it playing in my head... The also happened to express EVERYTHING I had been feeling the night before. I didn't even realize I knew it melodically enough to have it jukebox itself into my subconscious. I shouldn't be surprised, after all I think that was the original design of music to inspire and evoke a feeling.

It just so happens that the feeling that I had was passion! Whether you create music or just listen to it, today find a song, something that makes you feel alive, or happy and even angry. Play something with passion and see where it takes you.

Now Playing Mario - I Choose You

Velvet Teddybear

I remember exactly where I was on January 14th when my brother told me Theodore DeReese Pendergrass had died. He knocked on my door and before I fully opened it he blurted out, "How come you ain't told me, Teddy died?" For a moment I was lost, I had a friend named Teddy and I was pretty sure he didn't know him.

"Teddy who?"
"Teddy P." he responded.
"Really?"
"Yeah, how old was he?"
"In his 50's." I sat staring at the floor.

I was shocked. I started thinking...Michael and Teddy died basically within six months of each other. I mean Michael Jackson's global influence may have been more widespread but Teddy was partially responsible for a lot of people being here. *wink* Even I feel a little sexy when I hear "Close the Door" and that wasn't even my generation's music.

We tend to forget easily; human nature I guess. But I'll always remember, for songs like "When Somebody Loves You Back", "Hold Me", "I Can't Live Without Your Love", "Come Go with Me", "I Want My Baby Back" for leaving the mystery in your love songs.... I honor Teddy “The Velvet Teddy Bear” Pendergrass.

What Happened To the Music

I wanna go back to a time when the music touched your heart and soul....

Gladys Knight



I've said it before "I miss music!"

I mentioned in a recent post how when I hear certain songs I get transported mentally to a different time and place where the scenery is so vivid that sometimes I wish to stay. But that's because the music that I loved still existed. Now I'm forced to swallow the "popular" and never get to the depth of it.

I remember my first formal music lesson in college, the instructor said, "Music has to evoke an emotion, otherwise its just words to a melody". I think she was trying to tell us, anyone can make a song, but your feelings make it music.

Lately music has been made just for the dollars. They say it's for the people, but lets be honest, the people will take whatever you give them, so we've taught them about money and pleasure; forgotten about feeling and passion.

I've been hearing a whole lot of artists lately talking about taking it back to the "real" music. I await the conclusion of this matter...I don't think it'll happen but I would welcome it. Maybe the labels will let artist feel again. Maybe the artist will say "the hell with it, I'm recording this song because this is how I feel." Maybe bloggers, writers and reporters will leave their personal views out of their reviews and just breakdown content and quality of the music....

Maybe it can all happen; but this comes from a woman that still believes in love...MAYBE!

The Soundtrack Of Your Life

I just heard Jermaine Dupri rap to Christopher Cross' "Sailing" with his "Take Me Away" song on his recently released "I Think I'm Berry Gordy" mixtape. Download from his Global 14 blog here. Aside from JD's obvious message to the record and entertainment industry (touches how the industry has changed), I smiled at his choice of music. I smiled because at the very beginning he says, "A lot of you ain't gonna understand this....". I believe it's true.

I felt JD's heart on the whole thing, but more so listening to the track I was transported to a point in my life where things were altogether much more simple. It made me extremely nostalgic. I began to think how much music has played such an important part in my life. So much that there are certain songs that when played it's as if I'm physically in that moment of time.

I remember singing, "I Want to Know What Love Is" on the day I was almost struck by lightning at seven years old, and every time I hear it now I smile! "Man in the Mirror" was playing when I had my first kiss... and more recently, "Tears in Heaven" played in my mind when my grandfather died.

Other songs that would definitely make the Soundtrack of my life would include:-
Up On The Roof - The Drifters
Shape of My Heart - Backstreet Boys
Lately - Divine
Didn't We Almost Have It All - Whitney Houston
Unchained Melody - Righteous Brothers
Papa Don't Preach - Madonna
True Colors - Cyndi Lauper
Saved the Best for Last - Vanessa Williams
Iris - Goo Goo Dolls

So what does your soundtrack sound like? I like the sound of mine...I think I'll go make a mix CD and call it, In the Key of A - The First Act.