RIP Natina Reed of Blaque

Yesterday was an awesome and sad day. I got a chance to once again participate in North Carolina A&T's homecoming festivities, including seeing one of my faves (Trey Songz) twice and experiencing the amazing Elle Varner in concert. Although A&T is not my alma mater, I married into an Aggie family, so I am one by default!

However, the Twitter universe quickly spread the sad news of Natina Reed's untimely passing. Natina was a member of  the 90s girl group Blaque. Blaque, an acronym which stands for Believing Life Achieving Quest Unity Everything, was discovered by Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes of TLC, who died in a tragic car accident in 2002.

As a young tween/teen in the late 90s, Blaque was a favorite group of mine. They were like a younger version of TLC, complete with two singers and Reed as the rapper of the group. Blaque's most popular hit, "808", shot up the charts in 1999 and was followed up by "Bring It All to Me". The group also dipped into acting, starring in "Bring It On" with Gabrielle Union in 2000.

I remember buying their self-titled debut and playing it to death with my younger cousin. Natina was my favorite person in the group and I would rap along with her :) No, their music was not groundbreaking nor Earth shattering, but it was fun and lighthearted.

Their music takes me back to a time when women didn't have to strip down and be overtly sexy to get attention. The days before bills, stress, heartbreak, and uncertainty.....good ole childhood.

Natina Reed was hit and killed by a driver on a busy Altanta road this past weekend. Sadly, she would have turned 33 today. Its eerie to note that she, like Left Eye, was not only the rapper in a girl group, but also died at the same age in a motor vehicle accident. 

I hope her son, family, and group members find comfort during this difficult time. Blaque was in the process of reuniting and working on a new album...

RIP and Happy Birthday Natina!

-T. Amour

The Essence of Sade

My world has been spinning at an alarming rate. Each day frantically scampers by me as I focus on my daily routines. The rhythm of life beats so vibrantly, I barely get a chance to partake in the beauty of it all. I need to slow down. Relax. Release some things and some people. And enjoy life because when the curtain closes, you don't get an encore.

My favorite artist to listen to when I need to calm my spirit is Sade. Born Helen Folassade Adu, she is a British jazz singer and a rare jewel in music. Since rising to fame in the 80s with her band, also named Sade, she has become well known as a mysterious, classic beauty with a velvety contralto. To me, Sade is more than a pretty face and voice. She is a soul-soothing therapist.

 She has a legion of loyal fans who hunger for the rare, yet instantly classic, releases of new material, but she is not a celebrity. Sade chooses to be reclusive, only emerging to tour and share her talent with the world. She doesn't need scandals, heavy promotion, or a hyper-sexualized image to validate her talent. It speaks for itself.

Her voice is inimitable and touches the very of heart of a human being. And, she is beautiful, but in a quiet, natural way. If you have never heard her music and/or seen her in concert, you are missing out on an experience. Purchase Sade's Ultimate Collection...now.

Here is a sample of her released signature tracks...enjoy the essence of Sade.

1) "No Ordinary Love" (1992)

2) "The Sweetest Taboo" (1985)

3) "Kiss of Life" (1992)  *she is stunning in this video*

4) "Soldier of Love" (2010)

5) "Smooth Operator" (1992)

6) "Your Love is King" (1984)  *THIS. IS. LIVE.*

Sade, thank you for your iconic music and image.

I love Sade,

-T. Amour

DOPE Artist Alert - Jhené Aiko

Beyonce. Rihanna. Carrie Underwood. Lady Gaga. There is a strong star power connected to each one of these female artists. They are Grammy-award winning, multi-platinum mainstream singers who are world renowned for their talent.

But, when it comes to the vast landscape of female artists, they are not the alpha and omega. Any true lover of music knows that if you look past the artists who get constant airplay and exposure, you will find rare gems whose star shines just as bright, even though you don't typically see their names illuminated.

Jhené Aiko is one of the bright and soulful lights.



What is her story?
Jhené is a singer and was originally associated with the early 2000s R&B boy band B2K.She was featured on several of their albums and a few movie soundtracks, but never got her chance to fully display her talent.  After her debut album was shelved, she returned to school. However, her desire for music never waned, and she made an attempt to return to music. As a beautiful young woman who had "commercial" appeal, record execs wanted to sex up her image and encouraged her to "sell her soul". Instead, she decided to take the reins of her career and be the captain of her destiny, choosing to go the mixtape route to build a fan base.

What are her musical accomplishments?
 In 2011, she released her mixtape, Sailing Soul(s), an ode to her desire to be the master of her musical destiny. Now an adult and a mother, she poured her entire being into the mixtape and before the end of the year, she was a signed artist.

Next up for Aiko is the impending release of her true debut album, Souled Out. 
 
***Remember my post about the five fierce females you need on your Ipod? Yep, this is why she was on my list.***

What differentiates her from the pack?
Subject matter, soul, grit, and sound. If you are looking for her to sell sex, you will be sorely disappointed.  Her lyrics take a deep and painful look at the human psyche and how we processes heartbreak, depression, and the struggle to discover/remain true to ourselves. Its rare for a woman to make music that appeals to both sexes, but Jhené pulls it off flawlessy. She manages to combine her light, airy vocals with unorthodox production and occasional raw language (this girl will curse lol) to bring a refreshing atmosphere to R&B music.

Name 5 songs I need in my collection

1) "Growing Apart Too" (feat. Kendrick Lamar) *check the link from last week's post!*
2) "You Vs. Them"
3) "Do Better Blues"
4) "For My Brother" *this song is in memory of her brother, who sadly passed this year from cancer*
5) "3:16" *Check the video out for the lead single of her upcoming album*

I admire and I am inspired by Ms. Aiko's gift of writing and storytelling. I hope she continues to stay true to who she is and create her own definition of success. Honestly, we should all apply her philosophy to our lives. Instead of letting someone else package us into what they believe the world desires us to be, we need to command our own moves and find our path to success on our own terms. It would be an extreme tragedy to lose our authenticity to gain notoriety.

Love Jhené,

T. Amour

T. Amour's Playlist

Hello everyone!

Well, its been a busy couple of weeks for me, filled with work woes, hospital visits, and enough drama to get my own show on VH1.

But, I'm back, I'm focused, and I'm ready to get back into doing what I love: blogging and writing my novel!

Look out for upcoming posts about Chris Brown, Jhene Aiko, Solange, and a few up and coming artists (!!!) as well as some great poetry.

Here's my current playlist, complete with links! I hope you enjoy!

 ***All rights reserved to respective owners***


1) Jhene Aiko feat. Kendrick Lamar and H.O.P.E.  - "Growing Apart Too"

2) Frank Ocean - "Thinking About You"

3) Nas feat. Amy Winehouse - "Cherry Wine" **this is a serious tune**

4) Solange - "Losing You" **very beautiful video...she is amazing**

5) Elle Varner - "SoundProof Room"

6) Chris Brown - "Don't Judge Me"

7) Bobby Brown - "Don't be Cruel"  **love old-school, hi-top, sanging/rappin/dancing Bobby...a groundbreaking artist for sure**

8) Stevie Nicks - "Edge of Seventeen" **recognize the guitar riff? Yep, Destiny's Child sampled it for Bootylicious**

9) Santana - "Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen" **gotta love Carlos Santana**


That's just a sample :) What are you listening to? Any suggestions for me? Let me know in the comment.

Love you,

-T. Amour

This Is Chapter V....Trey Songz Album Review

Exactly one month ago (August 21st), a sexy, soulful singer by the name of Trey Songz (actual name: Tremaine Aldon Neverson)  released his fifth album, aptly titled Chapter V.

Since his meteoric rise in 2009 with his breakthrough album, Ready, many believed his career would never see such heights again. For those who have counted Trey out, think again.

Chapter V skyrocketed up the Billboard charts, scoring Songz his FIRST number one album on the Billboard 200. I had Chapter V in my CD player from day one and I'm still hooked on it. In my opinion, this album is going to take his career to insurmountable heights. Chapter V manages to cover a wide range of emotions and subject matter while still remaining cohesive, due to majority of the production and/or songwriting by Songz, Troy Taylor, and Najja McDowell

Here is a track by track review *Note: I am omitting the interludes.*

"Dive In"
Well, this sounds like familiar territory, doesn't it? True to his signature sound, Trey jumps Chapter V off with this steamy record about gettin' your Michael Phelps on...and I don't mean in the swimming pool ;) ***5 stars***

"Panty Wetter"
**Pause on the title LOL** Just when you thought the guy who invented sex couldn't get any raunchier, he did. The title explains the subject matter, but what you shouldn't miss is the superb production by Troy Taylor, who heads us the majority of Chapter V. ***4 stars***

"Heart Attack"
From the moment I heard this song, I couldn't get it out of my head. Trey's voice flows effortlessy alongside a heavy R&B beat inflected with signs of pop as he curses the dark side of love. He manages a crossover friendly hit without losing his identity and the results are amazing. ***5 stars***

"Playin' Hard"
I can't lie...as soon as I heard Trey start rapping and the bass-heavy beat dropped, I was sold on this song. A rapper turned singer (yes, I wrote it correctly), Trey has been know to be a serious wordsmith on his infamous mixtapes and hearing him flow on an album is a treat, even though Playing Hard has a semi-stalkerish/bitter undertone. For women, it gives us a realistic view of how a man processes a lost love. ***5 stars***

"2 Reasons"
Trey teams up with rapper T.I., the self-proclaimed King of the South and a heartthrob in his own right, for this club friendly banger.  Simply put, these guys only go to the club for two reasons: the "women" (actual word rhymes with witches) and the drinks. Since T.I. and Trey are two of the most intelligent and articulate men in music, people often wonder why they would make a song like 2 Reasons. Here is my explanation:  music is a business and this song is extremely catchy, radio-friendly, and truthful. Men do go to the club and its not for the music.....Is it my favorite Trey song? No. But it's all in the name of fun!  ***4 stars***

"Hail Mary"
According to Trey, this song was the final one added to the album. He even pushed the date back just for this collaboration with rap heavyweights Young Jeezy and Lil' Wayne. And I completely understand why. The three artists blend their individual musical styles seamlessly in the addictive track. Trey uses football terminology to describe what he can (and will) do in the bedroom while Jeezy and Wayne bring their distinctive flows to the forefront to create a great song. ***5 stars***

"Don't Be Scared"
It looks like talent runs in the family. Trey's younger brother, Alex "A-Wall" Neverson, collaborates with longtime producer Troy Taylor to help write and produce one of the best songs on this CD. As usual, Trey is R&B smooth and lyrically gritty as he lures in a woman with lyrics such as "Imma keep it real a lot of women in my phone; but I'ma be for real you the only one I want". I love the line Trey Songz walks between street and sexy.   ***5 stars***

"Pretty Girls Lie"
This song is unique, deep, authentic, and shows a side of Songz that many people to take the time to see. Trey carefully weaves a story about women who have been scarred by life and project their inner pain on unsuspecting victims. His raw and emotional vocals will make you believe that he had encountered a pretty liar or two in his life. ***5 stars***

"Bad Decisions"
Simple yet captivating production by Rico Love provides an excellent backdrop for Trey Songz vocals to take center stage as he laments his philandering ways. Bad Decisions seems to be a rare glimpse into Tremaine Neverson's regrets following "Trigga decisions". In my opinion, this is one of Trey's best songs ever. ***5 stars***

"Forever Yours"
The lyrics are classic Trey: clever and sexy. The production by Norwegian production group Stargate is futuristic and stellar. It's a different sound for Trey Songz, but I'm sure you will have it on repeat. ***4 stars***

"Fumble"
Trey seems to love football analogies. He also seems to get himself into relationship mayhem due to his bad decisions and fumbling of hearts. Typically, there are only so many ways to say "I cheated and I feel stupid for doing it" but Trey takes a fresh spin on the I-did-you-wrong song. And he sounds so good singing it, every woman would be willing to give him a 2nd or 20th chance. He didn't mean it.... ***5 stars***

"Without a Woman"
I love the beginning of this song. Its a vocal tug of war between Trey and Sevyn (former member of short-lived girl group RichGirl) and sets the tone of a melodic ode to the importance of a woman. Without a Woman is reminiscent of old school R&B and has the potential to be a modern day classic. ***5 stars***

"Simply Amazing"
A well known fan of groups like Kings of Leon, Trey steps outside of the R&B world and delivers a sweet ballad toward one lucky lady. To date, this is the largest shift he has made toward the pop realm and he does it effortlessly. Instead of abandoning his signature style, he transfers his soulful sound to this Max Martin production. This song is...well, Simply Amazing.  ***5 stars***

"Never Again"
Never Again has all the elements of a perfect Trey song. Trey's flawless falsetto, a upbeat tempo coupled with heavy bass, and great lyrics. It's easy to forget that this is a breakup song when you hear the music, but Trey is indeed singing about yet another love lost on this standout track. This is my favorite song on the album. ***5 Stars***

"Check Me Out"
Uh oh...I feel a 90s Puff Daddy dance coming on! Now know as Diddy, Trey brings the mogul on to this track along with rapper Meek Mill. This song definitely has Diddy's influence ALL over it and we know he has made quite a few smash hits in his time. ***4 stars***

"Chapter V Outro"
Hey! If you listen to Check Me Out all the way through, you will find the full version of the Intro song. All I have to say about this is: why is it hidden?!?!? Trey went in on this track completely and further cemented his status as one of leading men in entertainment. ***4 stars***

This is Trey Songz best album. It's well rounded and well thought out. As a person who has his mixtapes and albums, I can see his growth as an artist and I look forward to his future endeavors.

If you don't have the album, get it. It's worth it!

Love Songz,

T. Amour