Budweiser Made In America Music Festival Day 2

Day 2 of M.I.A. packed just as much of a musical punch as the first.  All the acts that hit the stage brought their A game with them.  Turn UP!

Miguel brought the sexy when he hit the stage.

Miguel glided across the stage with moves reminiscent of Prince.

Even though it felt like 2 million degrees, the crowd kept the party going.

Next up was the Taylor Gang King himself, WIz Khalifa

Absolutely LOVED when he brought out his baby Amber Rose. (B.T. Dubs Amber is from Philly!)

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis brought a little West Cost flavor to M.I.A. and duo did not disappoint.

Of course they had to take us to the “Thrift Shop“

Calvin Harris could not be stopped on the 1’s and 2’s and his visual effects were CRAZY!

Last but certainly not least Nine Inch Nails closed the festival out and blew the crowd away with their awesome performance.

M.I.A was unbelievable this year.  Can’t wait to TURN UP next year!

Budweiser Made in America Day 1

Speaking of festivals, of course we had to attend one of Philly’s biggest music fests of the summer: Made in America.  Here’s a quick recap of Day 1.

Welcome Sign

Onyx

Her leggings were made for the festival.

Close-up (Budweiser logo).
Live stand-in for 2 Chainz.

One of my favorite necklaces.  A must for the day.

Fans waiting for Beyoncé. Notice the B-Side shirt.

There she goes! Blazing the stage 🙂

More coming soon 😉

Flashback Friday: My First Love

Happy birthday to the songstress that rocked me to sleep from age five!  My dear, Whitney Houston, would have been 50 years old today.  I remember putting on Whitney concerts and wishing I was one of her little backup dancers.  My favorite piece was “All the Man That I Need”.  I even sang it with some friends while abroad.  In my head, Whit and I had some good times.  An international superstar, icon and role model (no matter what others may say!!).  She added to my fun as a youngster, so here’s a look at her early years, beautiful and contagious smile included!

Photo: LIFE Books

Photo:  Kasdan Pictures/Tig Productions

Photo: Jack Mitchell

Seventeen Magazine

Photo: Andrea Blanch

Debut Album Cover

Photo: LIFE Books

And IIIIIIIIIIIIIII…….

Throwback Thursday: 32 Years of MTV

I want my MTV!  August 1, 1981 MTV launched, changing both the television and music industries.  It’s gone through many changes over the years, expanded and influenced all over the world.  But the infant MTV years will always be on top. Memory lane time!

Moon Man

Original VJ Crew

Cyndi Lauper

Madonna @ the MTV Awards

Hostess, Daisy Fuentes

Ed Lover & Doctor Dre of Yo! MTV Raps

Jenny Lopez shakin’ alongside MC Hammer

First “Real World” Cast, New York

My BFF’s!

Independence Week: The City Music Festival

           This year marked the first ever The City music festival at the Piazza in Northern Liberties.  As a prequel to The Roots’ Philly Fourth of July Jam, The City festival pleased the crowd with fashion shows, food and musical showcases.  Philly has much diverse talent.  One of the focal points was to showcase the “next big things” in music.  Khalif Dub, formerly Khdafi Dub, is just that.  He is a very recognizable name in the genres of Dubset and Electro House  music.  He has toured the world, getting a huge following in Europe and Egypt, where he has toured most recently.  Another highlight was the event’s headliner, GoGo Morrow.  She is one of the most well-known up-and-coming Philly artists.  Her career to date includes singing and dancing for Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball Tour; opening for Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Fabolous, Kendrick Lamar; performing at the 2012 Wawa Welcome America Festival, the Budweiser Made on America, the Powerhouse30 concert and the list goes on.  These are just a few of the emerging stars from The City music festival.  With the great success of this event, you can probably count on it returning next year. Fingers crossed!

One of the fashion showcases.

Khalif Dub & Bok-Nero

Khalif Dub rapping in between DJ-ing.

Gogo Morrow and Friends

A Pleased Crowd

Semana de la Indpendencia: Concierto del 4 de Julio!!!

El concierto del verano fue fantástico!  Filadelfia es una de las escenas de música más talentosa en todo el país – la evidencia estuvo en la plataforma del “4th of July Jam”.  Cada golpe del tambor (hecho por ?uestlove) and cada acorde cantado fue de la corazón.  Los cantantes fueron The Roots, Jill Scott, Hunter Hayes, Grace Potter, Ben Taylor J. Cole, John Mayer y Ne-Yo.  Kevin Hart volvió a su ciudad original como presentador del concierto y añadió sus bromas queridas.  Tuvimos una vista tras bastidores, nuestra propia “jam session” y una mini sesión fotográfica con una reportera de 6ABC.  Ya hemos dicho que Philly es el mejor lugar pasar el Día de la Independencia de América.  No hace falta ningúna otra prueba!

Jill Scott, después de cantar.  Buena interpretación musical, como siempre!

Paz y amor entre actuaciones 

Ebony & Onyx preparandose antes de nuestra apariencia en 6ABC.

Global Lipstick & Karen Rogers de las Noticias de 6ABC!

Onyx & Carol Riddick, nativa de Filadelfia y vocalista del 4th of July Jam.

Ebony & J. Cole después de su actuación.

Final perfecto de una noche dinamita!

Independence Week: 4th of July Jam!!

The concert of the summer jammed!  Philly is one of the most talented music scenes in the country – the proof was on last night’s 4th of July Jam stage.  Each tap of the drum (done by ?uestlove) and every cord sang was full of heart.  Those in the lineup were The Roots, Jill Scott, Hunter Hayes, Grace Potter, Ben Taylor J. Cole, John Mayer and Ne-Yo.  Kevin Hart came home to host the concert and add his funny-isms.  We had a backstage view of all the excitement, our own little jam session and a mini photo shoot with one of 6ABC’s reporters.  We said Philly is the best place to spend Independence Day.  No further evidence required!

Jill Scott, straight off the stage.  Strong performance, per usual!

Peace & love between sets 

Ebony & Onyx prepping for our 6ABC appearance.

Global Lipstick & Karen Rogers of 6ABC News!

Onyx & Carol Riddick, Philly native and 4th of July Jam vocalist.

Ebony & J. Cole following his performance.

Perfect ending to a dyn-o-mite night!

Pinky Rings, Grillz and Chainz. Oh Boy!

Men love their jewelry just as much as women!  Or more?

“The boss” always makes sure he wears at least one necklace.

If you’re living in the dirty south, you know that a man is never fully dressed without his smile….and gangsta grillz!

A true roadway manager is incomplete without his signature piece….his pinky ring!

Every king has got to have some bling bling. How else will everyone know he’s the king??

Princes too.

And if you are the Godfather and are so kind to allow someone to make amends…

The love of jewelry could grow so much, a man might incorporate it into his stage name.  2 CHAAAAINZ!!!

Some men want it simply to complete their swag.

Bling 😉

Q.U.E.E.N.

LOVE this song!  Thank you, Janelle Monae and Erykah Badu for keeping instrumentation alive!

Music Week: Hip Hop Obsession in Japan

Today, I was so ready to insert  a Throwback Thursday musical tribute.  But out popped this video…oh this video.  I’ll let you watch then give my opinion.

 

Black Lifestyle!!!

Initially, I couldn’t help but laugh out loud.  Then, I didn’t know what to feel.  Should I be flattered?  Should I stage an intervention for the B-Gyaru girls (j/k)?  Is this stereotype insulting?  Finally, I had to say, “whatever makes you happy…”  They’re following a trend, as many of us do and some of them wear it well.  I don’t find it insulting.  Hip Hop/R&B are widely known genres of music and in some countries, stand as the only perception its inhabitants have of Black culture.  Apart from that, one short video is never enough to formulate an educated opinion on any subject.  I would love to hear from anyone that has more first-hand knowledge of the ‘Black/B-Gyaru Lifestyle’.  Please comment if you do!  Thanks 🙂