WTF, USHER

Usher's new song (with the title making absolutely zero sense) is catchy but frightening. In said tune, he repeats two things that turn me off immediately.

1. "This ain't cheatin' as long as we tell nobody."
Usher, that is the most insincere and whore-baggish thing to say in a song. If that were me you were singing about, your ass would be dead meat. To be fed to Jay-Z.
2. "Your body is my hobby"
Dude, seriously, that is absurd. If you have nothing better to do in your life than to get with girls, you're setting yourself up for failure. Plus, how creepy is that? Again, putting myself in the female's perspective here: if someone said that to me I would run as fast as my skinny (yet muscular!) legs could carry me and GTFO.

R.I.P good R&B jams

Arulpragasm 8/8/10

After reading the Spin Magazine article about M.I.A, or as I like to call her, Maya Arulpragasm, I fell even more deeply in love with her. Infatuated by her mysterious last name, graphic designer intuition, and love for candy-colored lipstick, I immediately connected with her style. Since her 2007 release of Kala, cutely named after her mother, I've been so into her (for lack of better words). Her pop-art graphic style is one that could easily be established on skateboards and surfboards, countless high-fashion outfit combinations, and, sensibly enough, album covers. I actually noticed this flawless combination of eclectic objects early on her Kala CD and hoped that she would create a clothing line -- which I hear she has done. (If only the tanktops weren't $65...) Her makeup is flawless, between her first Spin cover with her seafoam green lip(s) and her perfectly lined eyes. Hair always looks great, no matter what color or style, and I really do believe Maya's pregnant black-clad body onstage last year was setting a trend.

Fashion and appearance covered. My grade? A+. (Can YOU rock a sailor's hat? Probably not.)
But let's talk about M.I.A. from a political standpoint - one that often causes controversy in the media. Maya comes from a war-torn country called Sri Lanka. She and her family escaped to Britain after her father started an anti-Tamil group and was sought after by the violent government. After countless encounters and scares, though always seeking peace, they became refugees. In many of her lesser-known songs, Maya refers to her country and the hardships she personally faced - ones that have shaped her image permanently. This is no "my neighbor got shot in a drive by" rap song -- it is a story about $20 buying someone a peaceful home, or about boys fishing for their dinner in a filthy river. Granted, these issues are not on the same scale, but they are extremely significant when you have nothing at all to your name. M.I.A. takes these personal tragedies, adds a funkadelic beat to them, and makes them instant hits - ones that I enjoy dancing and singing to on the reg.

I may have to wrap up this review of how much I adore M.I.A because it could really last way too long... And I only have 4 1/2 hours left of work. (Only! Ha! Shoot me.) In the end, though, I will say - do not buy or download her new album because it is pop-crap, but if you really want to get into this beautiful woman's political saga, listen to her first two CDs. The first is named after her father Arular (2004) and the second after her mother Kala (2007).

.......Yeah man!

Current Events Aug. 4th, 2010

Here are some things I'm NOT mad about:

Today in California, Judge Vaughn Walker will decided whether or not Proposition 8 will be banned in the state of California. Prop 8 says that gay marriage is illegal in the state of CA. It would be deemed unconstitutional because it creates classes of people that are not all treated as equals. Reversing the bill would be HISTORIC and super duper exciting.

One of my favorite musicians of all time, Wyclef Jean, is working out the details in his decision to run for the President of Haiti. After the earthquake, Jean became the face of Haitian relief efforts and has never given up on his home country. The Fugees frontman and now solo artist has a questionable political background, but I am with him 100%.

That's it, i'm too tired from Kings of Leon to do anything productive today. P & L

July 31st - TELL 'EM WHY YOU MAD

I'm mad because there are countless pictures of Kid Cudi on the internet smoking and chewing on blunts. [[Yes, chewing - I just saw one]] That's absurd, Scott, and I don't wanna deal with your new shitty music anymore. I love you boo, but really, take a deep breath of fresh air and figure out what you want to do in life.

I'm mad because Goodmusicallday.com (GMAD, to the pros) has turned to the dogs. Or as the rappers/artists on the site would say, "daawwwwgs". Any site deeming themselves as having "good music" should NEVER feature an acapella version of Kanye West "rapping" (AKA shitting out little words into a mic) at the FACEBOOK HQ. I'm sorry, "Mr. West, Mr. Fresh", but that's pathetic. You were doing so well with your new single Power that you forgot where your god damn head is at.

I'm mad because I've been listening to "Teach Me How To Dougie" 8 times a day for a week and I still have zero clue how to do this dance. When a frend of mine offered to each me, I immediately agreed. When that fateful day comes, I'll be sure to blog about it.

I'm NOT MAD AT ALL because Lauryn Hill has a beautiful new song called "Repercussions"!!!! I AM a little mad at her for not answering my letter, still, but it's okay. I'm sure she's busy.. But, come on honey, this is not a good way to break up with me.
Ain't that a bitch, the way the world spins around?
...Yeah Lauryn, sure is.. Damn, she's just as mad as I am!

I'm a little bit mad about missing the Jersey Shore finale at 10 PM this Thursday! Luckily there was an 11:00 showing and I was able to catch that after my little birthday ice cream get-together. I'm extremely furious that Angelina is back with the crew in Miami. BITCH, KNOW YOUR PLACE. You're placed there for the sole purpose of fucking shit up and really, lady, you're not even cute. At least Sammi is good-looking - and if you had half a brain you would have seen Mike's face when you plainly asked to room with him and would have gotten the hell out. But no, Tan-gelina has to ruin the family bond that our lovely guidos share.

I'm mad that it's SHARK WEEEEEEKKKK.

No I'm not, that's a huge lie.

Ryan Sheckler, after not having watched your MTV show for many months, I am now reminded that you are a complete GIRL. Perhaps you are attractive; this is true. But honestly, any man that is so dramatic over someone reading a text message is not much of a man at all.

Holla at me, Volcom fans.

Bob Marley was clearly not a pimp. In fact, he was probably Buddhist. His "One Love" philosophy leads me to believe that he not only was a firm supporter of monogamy but was also a simplistic guy. He had his head on straight and clearly has strong priorities.

GOOD FOR YOU, ROBERT.

In other news, listening to Shakira lately has gotten me really riled up. In between spastic dance sessions, I have found the time to sit down and reflect on this Columbian bombshell's true message. Your hips don't lie, honey, this is true. But are you implying that another part of you is fraudulent? I would sure hope not. My heart would be shattered.

Ain't nothin' but a G thang.

Usain Bolt + Bob Marley + Jamaica = A great morning.

That commercial speaks to me.

When can we book plane tickets, Mom?