Lil Jon Opens A School In Ghana

Image: Instagram

Atlanta native, Jonathan Smith, better known as rapper Lil Jon, has raised money to give back in an amazing way. Partnering with the non-profit organization, Pencils of Promise, which was founded in 2008 and has built over 400 schools, Lil Jon opened a primary school in eastern Ghana's Asuogyaman District.

In an Instagram post, the rapper dedicated the Abomayaw D.A. Kindergarten to the people of the community and his mother, Carrie Smith-Williams, who died from complications of diabetes in 2013. After her death, Lil Jon used his Facebook page to raise awareness of the disease and also used his TV platform to educate the masses on diabetes research programs during his time on Celebrity Apprentice.

In the past, Smith has also raised money for schools in his hometown of Atlanta.

The new Abomayaw school will give children in the Asuogyaman District a safe and stable place to learn.

In addition to being the King of Crunk, it's safe to say that Lil Jon has earned another title as well: King of Compassion.

3 Actors Whose Vocals Rival Their Thespian Abilities

Rotimi

Image: Instagram

Most prominently known for his role as the club-managing, drug-moving character, Andre, on Starz Network’s show Power, the Nigerian-American actor is also a formidable crooner. He’s a force to be reckoned with on the small screen, as well as the big screen -- starring in such movies as Black Nativity and Divergent, but his vocal skills are not to be undercut. With four mixtapes and an EP under his belt, he’s no newcomer to the music scene. If you’re a Power fan, try listening to Rotimi’s “Want More” & “Baecation” from his a debut EP, Jeep Music Vol. 1 (released in August of 2017), and you’ll [almost] forget how much of a prick his character,  Andre, is becoming on the show.  All jokes aside, dude’s got major talent – and sex appeal. Try listening to “Anything Goes” from his Royal Wednesday mixtape while simultaneously scrolling down his Instagram page and you might start to view him in a different light, seriously.

Demetria McKinney

Image: Instagram

Demetria McKinney is widely known for her recovering drug-addict character, Janine, on Tyler Perry’s House of Payne. McKinney appears on the show Saints & Sinners, which airs on Bounce TV as the network’s first original drama, and she has a recurring role on BET’s college drama, The Quad. Demetria takes on the role of the legendary icon, Whitney Houston, in the controversial movie highlighting the life of Houston’s late daughter, Bobbi Kristina, which is set to air on TVOne October 08, 2017 at 7 pm.  She also had a short stint on the popular reality show, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, and released a song titled “Unnecessary Trouble”, featuring castmate and fellow vocalist, Kandi Burruss, in late 2015. The song hits on the topic of staying out of our girlfriends’ relationship problems and it’s actually a banger. She released a few singles prior to her reality TV fame, including “Still Believe In Love”, featuring Musiq Soulchild, and “Work With Me” in which she requests compassion in dealing with her past relationship baggage. We see her beautiful face on our TV screens as someone’s mother or wife, but her music deserves just as much attention. Not only is the writing superb, her vocals are AMAZING. A favorite, “Easy”, which was released in early 2017, in which she proclaims her self-worth over a mellow beat, showcases her top notch vocals. To catch more of this multi-talented queen’s singing ability, try listening to “Is This Love” and you will be left feeling like you just stepped out of the 80s with some Deniece Williams vibes. Her debut album, “Officially Yours”, will drop on October 06, 2017.

Antonique Smith

Image: Instagram

Antonique Smith’s claim to fame was her role as R&B singer Faith Evans, the ex-wife of the late hip-hop artist, Notorious B.I.G., in his biopic, Notorious.  She was previously a Broadway star, with a role in the musical Rent, but Smith exited stage left to focus on film and music. Her striking beauty landed her in music videos for hip-hop artists such as Nas and Rick Ross, but Antonique is far more than an actress with a pretty face. This girl can SANG! Her debut single, “Hold Up Wait A Minute (Woo Woo)”, was up for a Grammy in 2015. Her album, “Love Is Everything”, showcases her vocals and the woman did not come to play. “Higher” is a favorite – serving vocals and lyrics! Hopefully, we’ll hear more music from Antonique in the future.

3 Underrated Musical Artists

In this era of reality show superstars and millennial obsession with absurdity and outlandish trends, true talent can get lost in the dust. As an avid fan of 90s R&B, when music had meaning and singers were true vocalists, I yearn to find some semblance of what I consider the soundtrack of my teenaged years. When I come across music that gives me flashbacks, I become kind of obsessed with it -- and its deliverer. With that said, here are a few artists who have kept my love of R&B music aflame... but aren't given the love they deserve in the music industry:

Sevyn Streeter

Image: Instagram

I fell in love with Sevyn when I heard "It Won't Stop" on the radio back in 2013 from her EP 'Call Me Crazy But...". When I tell you that EP was fire, please believe that I am not exaggerating one bit. I still get caught on it ever so often and play "B.A.N.S." on full blast so maybe my ex can hear it... wherever he is. She released two EPs and then her first LP studio album, Girl Disrupted, in 2017. Not only are her vocals ON POINT, she's also an amazing songwriter, which tells me that she's passionate... and passion makes for great soulful music - which she delivers impeccably. Sevyn's song "Anything U Want", from her debut full-length album, is amazingly reminiscent of a 90s SWV song. Her music takes me somewhere, and I love her for it. 

Tamar Braxton

Image: Instagram

Diva extraordinaire, Tamar Estine Braxton, grabbed my attention on her family's reality show, Braxton Family Values. She is outrageously hilarious and her original taglines took the world by storm. I was a fan of her beautiful sister, Toni Braxton, long before the reality show first aired in 2011, but Tamar won me over with her authentic absurdity! Then, I heard her sing and... I became a Tamartian. I was oblivious to her debut self-titled album, which debuted in 2000, but once "Love and War" dropped in 2013, I was SICK. This album dug up emotions within me that I thought were irretrievable! Real words with real vocals. Her song "Pieces" leaves my emotions in shambles every single time I hear it. Like a true, classic R&B artist, she released a Christmas album. Then came "Calling All Lovers" -- such a true masterpiece from start to finish. 'Broken Record' and 'Never' always get special playback. Her fifth LP is set to release later this month and she says it will be her last, which is utterly unacceptable to me. Either way, I'll keep her albums in heavy rotation eternally.

LeToya Luckett

Image: Instagram

Yeah, the girl who was kicked out of Destiny's Child. I think people get so hung up on that fact and forget that she's actually a very talented singer. She's also a great actress and showcases her talent in her long-form visuals for her most recent album, "Back 2 Life". She caught my attention back in 2006 when 'Torn' dropped from her debut self-titled album. 'Obvious' was on repeat all throughout 2007! She came back in 2009 with her second solo album, "Lady Love", which was pretty much created a true fan out of me. I played that album into the ground. Earlier in 2017 when I heard "B2L" (from her latest album of the same title) and peeped the video, her talent once again slapped me in the face. I listened to the whole album and she stays true to what real music should provide -- a relatable story. So 90s of her! I love the visuals behind the album... very well put together and entertaining. Love her.

These artists have loyal fanbases but are still very underrated in my opinion. I hope they keep giving us real R&B fans what we need, not what we're used to *LeToya Luckett voice*. 

Why we should stop comparing Rihanna to Beyoncé.

Beyoncé & Rihanna: two black women at the top of the music game. Both artists have been in headlines recently regarding new music and upcoming tours. Beyoncé caused a stir a few weeks ago with her controversial performance at Super Bowl 50, which pretty much added a little more history to Black History Month.  Everything the woman does is epic.  Rihanna definitely holds her own as well and is one hell of a hit maker, recently breaking Michael Jackson’s (yes THE Michael Jackson) record for most number one hits while unleashing another smash with a ridiculously infectious beat, “Work”. Slaying all up and through the music video for “Work” she dropped this past Monday, February 22, 2016 - looking absolutely scrumptious and twerking for her life. These two fabulous women certainly keep a buzz on social media. Their fan bases, the #BeyHive and #RihannaNavy, often go to war in the comment sections of your favorite gossip blog’s social media accounts. Whenever Rihanna is exalted, Beyoncé is denounced, and vice versa. However, to compare these two women is like comparing apples and oranges.

From being discovered by Jay-Z in the 2000s, Rihanna has transformed throughout her career and has ascended above most to become a mega star in the music game. When I say the woman can drop a hit, the woman can DROP A HIT. Her voice is unique, which makes her stand out. She comes off as the relatable girl from around the way who is cool as hell; kind of like the girl who befriends you in the bathroom at the club on Saturday night. She gets lit, twerks like a true Bajan goddess, and sets trends. Rihanna is an absolute fashion icon; she can wear anything and make it look hot. For these reasons and many more, her fan base is die-hard loyal. Millennials rock with Rih-Rih. She is also a businesswoman and brand ambassador and she has even taken a stab at acting in a movie or two. With all that being said, the very thing that makes her so popular amongst millennials is what could hinder her growth as a legendary artist: her turn up could turn down her vocal ability and work ethic. Not to say she can’t slay a hit song or stay booked, but it takes a lot to be at the very top of the game. She has an AMAZING team behind her and that is what has boosted her to where she is today - and she owns it.

Beyoncé was pretty much born a star. From talent competitions to girl group rehearsals, her parents pushed her from a very young age to hone her talents, which is the basis for her hard-core work ethic. Her level of perfectionism is obvious in everything she does. From her public persona, to her marriage, I’m pretty sure she has it all mapped out. She can come off as “programmed” to some, but she was simply groomed to be a star. In this age of social media, everyone feels entitled to know every detail of a superstar’s life and when access is denied, the bashing begins. It’s all a waste of thumb-thugging because Beyoncé never responds to rumors and backlash online. While many celebrities will “pop off” with Twitter fingers, Beyoncé simply dedicates a line or two in a new song to address the slander. Everything we know about Beyoncé is what she wants us to know; reminiscent of the pre-social-media-era where celebrities’ personal lives were vehemently kept under wraps. Classic Superstar 101. Whether or not people want to admit it, Beyoncé is the closest thing to Michael Jackson this era will know. Her vocal range is bananas and she owns the hell out of a stage - a true performer. Who else can sing flawlessly while dancing across a stage in heels in this day and age? She seems to be taking more risks this time around to create music that stirs up conversation. Beyoncé's similarities to the King of Pop are in development but many choose to relegate her talents to be more in line with those of Rihanna instead.

Rihanna has amassed a team that knows how to win, and that is apparent. No one can take away her accomplishments and accolades – she has earned those fair & square. However, to pit her against an artist who was groomed in Jackson 5 fashion to be a superstar with ironclad work ethics and dedication to perfection is simply unfair.  Rihanna has not only surpassed Beyoncé & Michael Jackson in producing hits; she has obviously surpassed Janet Jackson & Whitney Houston – both legends in the music game. Does this mean Rihanna is better than all of these artists as well? Why pit her against Beyoncé?

Rihanna will never be Beyoncé because she will be too busy being Rihanna - beautiful, iconic, trend-setting, hit-making Rihanna. It’s certainly not crowded at the top so we should just let them both be great. 

RHOA: Wits versus Ditz.

 

Last night, the Real Housewives of Atlanta’s highly anticipated season finale aired on Bravo network.  The ladies sat on lovely blue couches dressed in their finest evening wear with their faces beat to perfection.  On the left, there was Porsha Williams, Cynthia Bailey, & Kenya Moore sitting prim and proper.  On the right sat NeNe Leakes, Kandi Burress, & Phaedra Parks.  Bravo Andy sat in the middle to officiate [Read: referee] the reunion special, with Kenya and Nene (Queen Bees?) directly across on each side.  Andy went through and introduced each cast member – starting with Mrs. Leakes, addressing her by her full government name and she appeared somewhat offended.  Her smug, condescending attitude would continue throughout the episode.  He introduced Cynthia Bailey last and didn’t have much to say to her during the intro which came off as pure, unadulterated shade. 

As the show rolled along, it became apparent that Kenya Moore has no friends amongst her castmates.  Shady facial expressions and cheap shots were tossed at her by several.  Kenya has mastered the art of destroying these women by using their own weaknesses against them and for that she is well-hated.  It appears to be a defense mechanism for her; instead of allowing the cheap shots get her angry, she simply flips it by using her wit to fire back.  Her antics are often ridiculous and repugnant but nonetheless entertaining to watch and are the basis for much of the drama that occurs on RHOA.  Simply put, she presses buttons and the less “artful” may be roused to anger.

Phaedra Parks has similar smarts but is not as malevolent as Ms. Moore – Phaedra is a southern belle after all.  She even wrote a book about it!  Even so, it is clear that she is not at all fond of Kenya; especially after the open flirtation with her husband, Apollo.  Kenya did not want Apollo – she simply drafted him to assist in her demolition of Phaedra’s ego, and Apollo fell right in line, stupidly.   If you come for Kenya, she WILL send for you and she has made that painfully obvious.  The cheap shots Moore has endured from Parks did not go unnoticed, apparently. 

NeNe Leakes’s method of operation is to form factions.  If you’re on her “team”, you’d better not consort with the enemy or cross her in any way or she will attempt to embarrass you by any means necessary.  Or simply get you “offed”.  Remember Sheree Whitfield?  I don’t either.  However, it appears she has a MAJOR ATTITUDE this time around – could it be because her RHOA throne has been snagged by another Drama Queen?   This Kenya Moore character is leaving these women feel “some type of way”, and the drama level goes to show.

Kandi Burress is too rich for all the foolishness.  Everything rolls off her back, except when it involves her money or her man.  Call her anything you want, but you won’t call her broke, or lonely.  She knows how to keep her foes at arm’s length and keeps it moving with a smile on her face.  She’s had her run-ins with a few of her cast mates, but she doesn’t hold grudges because her bank account is popping and her man is probably laying it down.  Why would she let pettiness ruin her day?  She couldn’t care less.

Cynthia Bailey is the good girl.  She is genuinely kind-hearted and just wants everyone to get along.  Unfortunately, she is on a show designed for drama and her calmness comes off as plain old boring.  The few times she tried to step out of her comfort zone to stir up drama, it backfired and she couldn’t take the heat.  She’s simply not made for the drama and cattiness.  Good girl gone bad she will never be and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Porsha Williams is a gorgeous 30-something young woman with a bright future ahead of her, if she plays her cards right.  However, her naivety leaves her looking ditzy and it’s quite unfortunate.  She’s not as dumb as she comes across on the show – she has moments in which a bit of intelligence shines through; however, her maturity level hinders her from fighting fair with Kenya Moore.  Williams has not yet mastered the ability to use words to bruise instead of her fist.  Taken, she has been through a lot in a short amount of time with her divorce and having to fend for herself after being spoiled rotten by her ex-husband.  Porsha has a good spirit about herself, though.  She has been seemingly resilient in bouncing back by taking on an acting gig for a stage play – in which she did an amazing job.  She has capitalized on her glam by starting a hair weave line and has literally found her voice – her single “Flatline” climbed up the iTunes charts.  Her persona seems to resonate well with the younger crowd and support for her actions against Kenya has been staggering.  It’s sickening to see so much support for one black woman “dragging” another on national television.  Being that Kenya’s “character” is much hated, many viewers lived vicariously through Porsha last night as she stood to confront Ms. Moore and ended up getting physical.  That does not make it right… at all.  After all, she is the granddaughter of a civil rights activist who probably cried from heaven in despair due to Porsha’s lack of tact.  Now we all have that ONE person who pushes us to want to knock them into next week but maturity teaches us that violence is for criminals and losing your composure is a sign of weakness.  No one should ever have that much power over you to cause you to risk your freedom.  It’s apparent that Porsha still has a lot to learn about life and it’s a shame her lack of judgment is playing out in such a way in front of so many impressionable young eyes.  What happened on the reunion show last night is not something to be proud of, despite the crazy support she’s been receiving on social media.  Get it together, honey. At least for the sake of your grandfather's legacy.

There is now talk that the cast members are teaming together to save Porsha’s job.  Many even feel that Kenya should be fired, ironically.  People take this show far too seriously and it’s nauseating.  Why single out Kenya as a bully when each of these women take turns stabbing each other in the back?  Kenya is obviously doing her job WELL and I hope her compensation is commensurate.   One cannot say that Ms. Moore is irrelevant because without her antics, the show would have been very lackluster this season with the exception of Kandi Burress’s familial drama.  Folk should just take it for what it is.  Were you not ENTERTAINED?  Mission accomplished.

Ledisi: No longer Underrated. Now, Officially AMAZING.

Ledisi’s new album, The Truth can be broken down in one word (emphatically): Amazing.  Start to finish, back to front, “I Blame You” to “Can’t Help Who You Love” – totally bananas.  I’m not going to sit and pretend that I’ve been a die-hard Ledisi fan, nor will I pretend I’ve known much about her music or career prior to today.  However, I will say that she definitely gained a fan after my ears were blessed with the crazy beats, insane melodies, and veracious vocals contained within the realms of her album released this wonderful day.

If it weren’t for Instagram, I just may have missed out on this gem.  I had heard her name mentioned here and there on radio shows but I’d never really known much about her until a few months ago when a person I follow on IG posted something relating to Ledisi – from a photo shoot, I believe.  The photo’s fierce factor lured me to visit her page and there I found an immensely beautiful black woman.  Her natural vibe drew me in and I’ve been IG stalking ever since.  I’m not a lesbian, but close – if you’re hot, I’m checking for you.  Period.  She’d been updating her social media with promotional pictures and she was apparently going hard with her new image: Super svelte and sexy without compromising class; natural yet glamorous.  Now, I am astonished to know that there’s a prodigious voice behind it all.

So after all of the promotion, her album finally dropped.  And I bought it.  And. I. Got. Chills.  Real chills.  Totally groove-able, relatable, and repeat worthy.  Honestly, I was taken by surprise.  I took a chance and downloaded the whole album in this single-purchasing world simply because I wanted to support this beautiful, black, female artist.  No bootlegging here.  No skipping songs, no “blah” moments, all GOOD.  When artists are deemed “neo-soul”, sometimes their music can be a little “out there” or somewhat, well, boring, to be frank.  Contraire mon frère, The Truth is a solid, soulful, engaging album.  “I Blame You” gets the groove going with its classic R&B rhythm.  The girl said: “Gimme a mic & I’ll rock it” on “Rock With You” and she did that!  On “That Good Good” – the turn up is real!  “Lose Control” got me feeling some type of way… *ahem* your man will love that one.  “Like This” is preaching on that real relationship drama we’ve all dealt with.  She’s that ride or die chick on “Anything”.  You’ll be grooving on “The Truth” because the melody is crazy, but at the same time, the lyrics will hit you like a ton of bricks upon realization that she’s killing you softly with the ugly truth about the demise of a love you once cherished.  “Missy Doubt” will undoubtedly have you snapping your fingers and moving your body (the beat is nuts) while simultaneously giving you hope that one day someone will come along and renew your faith in love.  She’s kicked to the curb on “88 boxes” and reminiscing on what could’ve and would’ve been.  “Can’t Help Who You Love” is a mellow groove that tells all the naysayers to just DEAL with her heart’s choice.

I know good music when I hear it and this is it.  Hopefully, Ledisi will get the recognition she deserves with this new album and emerge from the ranks of the “underrated”.  She definitely has garnered my attention and will be in HEAVY rotation on my stereo right along with Beyoncé, Tamar Braxton, K. Michelle, Sevyn Streeter, Brandy, Keyshia Cole, and Elle Varner.  Thank you, Ledisi, for this masterpiece.