21:03 "Got Swagger Like Them?"

So I have been living under a rock Since January 21, 2003 because the group 21:03 has been making alot of noise on the Gospel Music Scene! These three talented gentlemen; Evin Martin, Torrence Greene, and Jor’el Quinn are apart of the energetic, anointed and "cool kid" group 21:03. The group was started by the very familiar songwriting/production team PAJAM which includes Stellar award winner J.Moss. I was just walking in Lakeside Mall in New Orleans, Louisiana and my friend George Young, introduced me to these handsome fellas. After I left the mall, my Google search and grapevine persisted to find out exactly who these guys were. I found that they have been on the music scene for awhile, rocking the house and making major strides. If you're a gospel music connoisseur, they co-wrote the original version of "Cover Me"  made a mega hit by J.Moss, Fred Hammond & Smokie Norful. They also shook the 2009 Stellar Awards with a medley of their original material. Go Guys! The song I most enjoy is entitled "You" which describes how it impossible to make it in this very distracting life without the provision and protection of God. "You" is the perfect song to get your "praise on" for any celebratory occasion. Young people love this single as well, as YouTube broadcasts 167, 193 hits and counting of their music video. Did I mention these young men are quite handsome? Just a little extra incentive for all God's princesses:-) 21:03 has an amazing ministry to share with the world, let's support them every step of the way. This candy just melts in your mouth....Ahhh.

Subject: Nicki Minaj

This entry will probably make you hate me or love me; either way I’ve stirred up incredible emotion. So the subject is: NICKI MINAJ and her hate/love followers. Before I proceed with the blog, I am officially endorsing this young, innovative female MC. I belong to her love followers. No, I haven’t dyed my hair pink or bought a ton of black Barbie dolls, but I rocks with the Barbie B*t$h! Nicki Minaj has generated a colossal buzz on the streets and in the music industry. Minaj’s debut album, set for Summer 2010 hasn’t even hit the streets, yet she profits from her guest rap appearances & $40,000 a show performances (oww-ee); and one of a kind sexy, bubbly personality. Why are there so many hate followers? Oh, okay I got it! Because she is not spitting rhymes about her desired voyage to Africa? Or because she chooses to portray an exciting sexual energy? Maybe because she has a banging body (no homo) and occasional pink hair pieces? Yes, it has to be at least one of those reasons. The truth is, she is an ARTIST. She has created an unforgettable brand and an intriguing character with a new kind of Barbie®. Every artist brings a different flavor, sound, theme and color to the hip hop culture. This Hip Hop we hold so near & dear has been shaken, stirred, baked and served to different generations and cultures. So let’s enjoy each facet for what it is worth. Hands down, Ms. Minaj has managed to keep her artistry fresh and desired by many Platinum, Grammy award winning artists. Just think of it like this; you can’t expect everything from the same Female MC. Some female rappers are over-sexual, some are conservative & empowering, some are the girls next door, and in Nicki’s case some are feminine, flirty & fun. So like an old grandma, I say Stop IT! Stop all this Nicki Minaj hating. You deserve no Candy on this entry. Go think about what you did.:-)

"I Hope They Hear Me" Dee-1 Won't Stop

Have you guys checked out the new video by Dee-1 entitled, No Applause? I can't wait for your measly replies while this movement is going on, This Video is BANANAS! Not only does it do the Young Money artists Drizzy Drake much respect, it un-deniably turns doubters into believers of Dee-1's incredible lyrical style. I'm just watching this video done by BMike of 2Cent on replay right now via YouTube. Ahh-----Okay, Okay back to the blog. Dee-1 has just released a new mix-tape; "I Hope They Hear Me". This mixtape reminds me of the 90's when cats were doing music for fun. I know you remember the non-stop dancing joints from the 69 Boyz, Uncle Luke & TLC. Don't get it twisted this CD which samples familiar tunes like Gucci's "Lemonade", Naughty By Nature's "Hip Hop Hooray" & Young Money's "Roger That" does manage to once again provoke thought (classic Dee-1 style). This mixtape is bound to make some noise as the MC has paired up with upcoming super-producer BMike, both from New Orleans. The collabo slogan; "I Hope They Hear Me, I Hope They See Me" should spook these wack ass program directors, shady managers, and fake "ENT" companies who only play records from artists who give them a little thousand & go DOWN-town for them time to time. HA! Hope you intelligent people caught that & for those of you who didn't "I HOPE YOU HEAR DEE-1". What? You thought this was a game? Tasty, huh?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO5bH94fZGA

Prophetess or Foolishness?

I firmly believe in celebrating one's independence and understanding what life lessons were learned from situations endured, but Prophetess Juanita Bynum has gone over the loop with her antics. The pictures you are now viewing as you scroll up and down are of her 50th (I guess it was her 50th) birthday party where she looked very plastic and "super-hero-ish" in her two wardrobe changes. The first outfit was an all black, puffy sleeved dress adorned with a big pink bow and pictures of herself and family members along the bottom part of the dress. The second outfit was a very lavish beaded, lace wedding dress complete with a beaded headband and a silver sword. Oh, and she also announced that God had re-named her "Juanita Bynum the 2nd". I don't know about you guys, but this is an embarassing display of gaining victory over tribulation? Her outlandish T.V. appearances as the "victim" of her alleged domestic violence incident, causes me to question our revered prophetess. In comparision to Rhianna, Prophetess Juanita Bynum is acting rather strangely. Many statistics show that real victims of domestic violence are in shock, disbelief or in deep sorrow. There were those who criticized Rhianna for speaking out so late, but in actuality her time frame was rather correct of true victims. Once a victim of domestic violence has taken him/herself out of the situation and have moved into a circle of trust, it is then they realize their mistakes and may feel guilt & shame. I don't know if you guys watched the Good Morning America appearance with Rhianna, but her actions & words mirrored those of true, everyday victims. Prophetess Bynum on the other hand, came straight out speaking to various Christian & national media. She instantly became (and almost wanted to become) the poster child for domestic violence. She appeared on TBN and also was a mediator on Divorce Court. More recently, her birthday party attended by many other Atlanta gospel/ churchworld elite made her look terribly foolish. I was not in attendance, but from a source I heard that they were embarassed for her. Whatever impression the prophetess intended to make, it is almost certain, that it did not come across as she would have hoped. Plainly speaking, If I were not apart of the family of God, I would be extremely turned off and a bit skeptical of the God Juanita Bynum professes to hear from. I would ask questions like; 1) As a prophetess why didn't God give you a forewarning of the incident? 2) Why were you so public, so quick? 3) Have you forgiven Bishop Weeks? These are just some of the issues I personally have, I would like to know what you guys think? Sorry this Gossip Candee was so sour! Make it sweet.

Jor'dan Armstrong

   This past friday I got a chance to check out the live performace/listening party of Baton Rouge's own Jor'dan Armstrong. For those of you who don't know Jor'dan, you will, I say in about a year or two. Jor'dan Armstrong is a contemporary gospel artist who could run with artitsts like J.Moss, Toby Mac, Tonex, Detric Haddon & PJ Morton. I can't really say that he is what's missing from the gospel music industry, because to me and the thousands of fans he has acquired, he is already a household name. He has opened for Mary Mary at the House of Blues-New Orleans, Fred Hammond and has packed out solo performances in the South. Jor'dan has a very charismatic presence and his original material is mind-blowing and appealing to a very diverse audience. I really like the fact that Jor'dan doesn't allow people to put him in a box, he has been featured with both secular and Christian artists on various projects. With many of his vocals flipped with auto-tunes, Jor'dan makes Christian music cool and relatable, even though he doesn't need auto-tunes to sound incredible. I can't wait to pop in my CD of Champion! Have you gotten your copy? Among my favorites are the CD's title song, "Champion", "Sorry", "Where you Are" and "Echo". God has certainly given Jor'dan a swagger like no other with his incredible musical talent and unforgettable personality. Check out Jor'dan Armstrong on http://www.digstation.com/ or www.myspace.com/jordanarmstrong. Now thats some soulful Gossip candy!!

"Wack Rappers" Dee-1

I just finished serenading the city with, "Wack Rapper's" a track off of new artist Dee-1's freshman LP David and Goliath CD. This song among many song's on Dee-1's album makes you visualize all of the "wack" rappers you may encounter from day to day; as many so-called MCs have just decided to coin themeselves rappers for a quick easy hustle. "Wack rapper's I do not feel you and when I hear you, they got me singing..." , Listen as Dee-1 takes you through the comical, yet actual journey of a "wack" rapper. The analogies and puns continue through the song as he mentions how many "signed" rappers have gained their fame from duplicating notable rappers like Tupac, Biggie and even his featured artist Dizzy from New Orleans. One of the main reasons I am feeling this song so much is because of the catchy hook and the reality I face from writing and blogging about so many incredible new & independent artists, while "wack rappers" are the ones we love, hear and support. Now, I'm not trying to hate on your favorite MC or make you go down to Best Buy and buy a million copies of David & Goliath, or maybe I am, lol? However, you have to check out the very visual song that is "Wack Rappers". This song is a fictious shout out to the artists who have hypnotized the industry into marketing their music and promoting their pointless propoganda. Just think about it...how many wack rappers do you hear a day? How many demos do you receive at the club? Is your favorite rapper, a wack rapper? Ouch! If you are feeling Dee-1's "Wack Rappers" you might wanna check out his other tracks, "Jay, 50 &; Weezy", "Fresh Air" and "So High". He's also on itunes, www.myspace.com/dee1music or if your in Louisiana, hit up your local Best Buy.Now thats your Gossip Candy for today, isn't it so sweet!