Would Michael Jackson’s Music be Considered Classic?
It is hard to believe that Michael Jackson’s music has been around for more than 25 years. That would categorize some of his early work as being classics. This includes his solo work as a child and songs he did as part of the Jackson 5. The unforgettable voice of Michael Jackson has always been a huge selling point for his music.
Who Were the Really Great Bands of the ’80s?
There were many really great bands of the ’80s which is why that era of music continues to be so popular today. Many people joke about the style and fashion of that time period. While
there were definitely some crazy looks then, the music alone has more than stood the test of time.
THIS WEEK IN HIP HOP and R&B (8/29-9/4/2010)
Every list must have a strong foundation upon which newcomers can build.
This week’s foundation was constructed by Drake, Sean Kingston, Trey Songz, and Big Boi. Drake is back (again) with a new jam that features the combined star power of T.I. and Swizz Beatz. “Fancy” runs a bit long but it gives Drake, T.I., and Swizz Beatz ample time to showcase their supreme talents.
Sean Kingston is making a late charge up the summer charts with “Letting Go (Dutty Love).” Using his reggae style, Sean Kingston has created what is sure to be a radio success.
It’s hard to turn on the radio and not hear Trey Songz and Drake, so it makes sense that they would team up for the Don Juan/Lothario collaboration, “I Invented Sex.” The final support system for this foundation is Big Boi; check out his jam “Be Still” from Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty.
The foundation has been laid, now it is time for the future fixtures of Hip Hop and R&B. Melanie Fiona belts out some powerful lyrics on “It Kills Me;” if you have not heard this emotional song yet, you soon will.
K. Michelle does not disappoint on her newest track “I Just Can’t Do This,” which can be found on the soon to be released Pain Medicine produced by R. Kelly.
Miguel’s emotion can be felt in his new track “All I Want Is You.” This is a great song that showcases the R&B talents of Miguel and the smooth rhymes of J. Cole.
“She Geeked” by Sean Garrett, Gucci Mane, and Tyga has a southern style to it that can cause the most dead of parties to come alive.
This Week in Hip Hop and R&B Music:
1) Drake featuring T.I. and Swizz Beatz – “Fancy”
2) Sean Kingston – “Letting Go (Dutty Love)”
3) Trey Songz featuring Drake – “I Invented Sex”
4) Big Boi – “Be Still”
5) Melanie Fiona – “It Kills Me”
6) K. Michelle – “I Just Can’t Do This”
7) Miguel featuring J. Cole – “All I Want Is You”
Sean Garrett featuring Gucci Mane and Tyga – “She Geeked”
New releases for August 31st!
Lyfe Jennings drops his new album I Still Believe on August 31st . Be sure to give this album a listen because rumor has it this will be his last…..CHECK it OUT!
-Submitted by Music Designer Alex Zwernemann
How Do Advertisers Get Sneaky with Product Placement?
Product placement goes on around you all the time, but you often don’t realize it. Advertisers can be very sneaky when it comes to what they do. However, nothing occurs by accident. Instead, it is all very carefully planned out to get the very best possible results for them. They want to increase profits and that often comes at the hands of carefully manipulating the consumers.
How Should You Analyze Beatles Music?
Many have tried to analyze The Beatles’ music over the years. There is no denying that The Beatles have been a phenomenon in the world of music. The band was on fire back in their 
day but they continue to sell albums and memorabilia today. The music is timeless due to the messages that are incorporated in it. The emotions that people experience when they listen to Beatles music is what brings them back to it time and time again.
How Long has A Cappella Music Been Around?
A cappella music is thought to have originated in early religious music. It is likely, however, that humans have been singing a cappella as long as they have been singing. The term “a 
cappela” comes from the Latin phrase used to indicate music to be sung, “in the chapel style,” meaning vocal music not accompanied by instruments. In Judeo-Christian and Islamic tradition, use of musical instruments as a part of worship was long considered to be forbidden. Early Christian worshippers did not use musical instruments in their worship until church organ music was introduced by a seventh century pope.
How is Relaxing Piano Music Good for You?
Relaxing piano music is something that can help you to unwind. When that stress starts to go away, that is good for your mind and your body. This is why many clubs and restaurants
offer relaxing piano music to help their patrons enjoy their food. They want you to slow down your hectic pace. Piano music can help you stop dwelling on problems and let yourself unwind. When you do so, you will associate that location with feeling good and return there again and again.
How Have Brandmarks Helped Create Some of the Greatest Bands in the World?
Visual imagery plays a very important role in promoting bands and their music. It is amazing when you consider how the use of brandmarks has been able to help some of the best 
bands succeed. Of course, to be a success a band must have the right combination of music and looks that people want. Bands must gain the exposure that they need to get a high volume of loyal followers to take notice.
THIS WEEK IN HIP HOP and R&B (Aug. 22-28)
The list this week is BIG; it contains big names, big talent, and big beats. The first part of this week’s selections contains the big names, the second part contains the big talent, and the entire list is full of big beats. Let’s dive in…
Drake was everywhere this year and Lil’ Wayne was everywhere the year before so you know their collaboration on “Right Above” is certain to be special. “Right Above” is at the top of the charts for good reason; the song has a simple beat, excellent rhymes by both Drake and Wayne, and no auto-tune. Next on the list is “Turn it Up” by Mishon featuring Roscoe Dash; this candy-pop rap song is bound to be a hit in the club.
You need to listen to “Stop the Party” by Busta Rhymes featuring Swizz Beatz. This is the perfect house party song; it has Busta dropping rhymes, Swizz dropping beats, and one incredibly catchy hook. There is no way to stop the party when we have Mark Ronson and Ghostface Killa filling the next spot on this week’s list. “Lose It (In the End)” has the feel of a different era until Ghostface Killa comes in and completely owns the track; a very unique song. Rounding out the BIG names on this week’s list is Big Boi with “Follow Us,” just another solid jam off of Sir Lucious Left Foot: the Son of Chico Dusty.
Now we move into the BIG talent portion of this week’s list. This section consists of a few established but lesser known artists. First up is Cynic with his single “World We’re In.” This song is raw, but Cynic uses his intelligent rhymes to grab the attention of the listener. Next up is “Intermission” by RZA, Rev. William Burke, Planet Asia, and B-Real. Packing 4 rappers into a two-and-a-half minute song is an audacious task but these guys manage to pull it off quite well. For the eighth selection on this week’s list, I picked “Like That Ya’ll” by Planet Asia. If you are unfamiliar with Planet Asia be sure to check him out because almost every song he raps on is a solid track. Last but not least is Jason Derulo with “Ridin’ Solo;” this up-and-coming Miami native knows how to belt out a pop-soul club hit.
This Week in Hip-Hop and R&B Music:
Lil Wayne featuring Drake – “Right Above It”
Mishon featuring Roscoe Dash – “Turn It Up”
Busta Rhymes featuring Swizz Beatz – “Stop the Party”
Mark Ronson featuring Ghostface Killa – “Lose It (In the End)”
Big Boi – “Follow Us”
Cynic – “World We’re In”
RZA, Rev. William Burke, Planet Asia, and B-Real – “Intermission”
Planet Asia – “Like That Ya’ll”
Jason Derulo - “Ridin’ Solo”
New releases for August 24th!
Usher’s new album, Versus, drops next week. This is the follow-up album to his wildly successful Raymond v. Raymond. Making appearances on the new album are Jay-Z, Bun B, Ciara, Pitbull, and the one and only Justin Bieber.………CHECK it OUT!
-Submitted by Music Designer Alex Zwernemann
How Has Rock Music Helped in Times of Crisis?
The ’80s were known for many different things. One thing that really lingers from that time period is the increase of awareness regarding social injustice. People started to care about the hungry kids in Africa and the neglected people in America as well. Even more, people stepped up to take action to help the helpless. There was a new wave of social justice and concern for others in the ’80s and rock music was very influential in shaping the awareness and actions of the people in that decade.