The Big 2-4

My birthday is coming up and I want this cake....j/k but it would be nice though. I'll be celebrating alongside Obama during his Inaugural debut (birthday falls on the 18th), so it's gonna be a ton of partying.

Trying to decide which DC hotspot will be hosting this extravagant event. Hmmmm....

Possibilities:

24- New club opening Dec. 30. Never been...sounds kinda risky.

30,000 Luxurious Square Feet
55 Foot Platinum Granite Bar
Six Intimate VIP Rooms
7,000 Square Foot Brazilian Cherry Dance Floor
A Stunning Lounge You Must Physically See To Believe
Ice Sculptures That Will Leave You Frozen In Your Footsteps
A Sparkling Champagne Toast At The Stroke of Midnight

sounds nice huh...

The Park @ Fourteenth- One of the nicest spots in DC. I think its more of a lounge, and its a bit more upscale, just how I like it. Always have fun when I hit up The Park.

Ibiza- Nice spot, been a couple of times. Not too crazy about the location though.

Ozio- Like this spot, only been once though. I really like the layout. One of the few lounges in DC that allows you to smoke inside...not that it matters to me ;-)

Lux Lounge- Heard it was extremely nice, but never been. Might have to try this one out.

Ok DMV natives, I need some assistance please...time is ticking.

N.E.R.D.

Because I love this group and their music, I felt the need to post this video. Love how they related the video to the financial bs we're in today. Enjoy...

Juicy Juicy

Hey peoples..hope every one had a marvelous Christmas holiday. I had a great time just spending time with the fam. The food was bangin' as true soul food should be. Just wanted to share a gift I recieve this Christmas. It's the Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy. It's been out for a while now, but dis sh*t right here smells great!! Fellas who missed out, Valentine's Day is right around the corner, so stop being cheap!!

This Dude is Talented!!

Ran across this the other day while searching youtube. It's Ryan Leslie producing a track, not sure if it's from his album or not, but after watching you gotta admit, this dude is a monster.

Merry Christmas folks!

Christmas: Should I Shop or Save?

It's that time of year boyz and girlz...it's Christmas!! And as exciting as this time of year can be for families all over the US, I have noticed quite a change in the shopping trends. PEOPLE DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY!! Personally, I am looking forward to spending time with the fam and enjoying those good Southern home-cooked meals, but surprisingly, the gift-giving isn't at the top of my list. Now everyone in my family understands that these are tough times and not to expect a give from me this year ;-(, but that's not what Christmas is all about anyway.

It's about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, and the fact that HE allowed us to make it one more year. Not trying to preach, but I think over the last dozen years, people somehow forgot that. Maybe I was one of them. And with the continuous threat of people losing their jobs, those extra funds should probably be stashed away for a rainy day. But with all that said, I am still very excited about making the journey down south to visit some close relatives and friends, and making plans for New Year's. My first New Year's in DC....I'm so afraid of what's goin down...IT'S SERIOUS!~

New Q-Tip!!!

Love the album...love Q-Tip. And if you have yet to cop his new one "The Renaissance", you are doin' yourself a HUGE disservice!!

Here's the vid for his newest single, which happens to be my fav track "Renaissance Song".

Take that!!!



Q-Tip - "Renaissance Rap" from Three/21 Films on Vimeo.

The Knux

Check out this one from The Knux called "Bang! Bang!"...nice vid.

Want more info...go to Vibe.com

No, No, No, Notorious!!!!

DON'T know about you but I'm so damn exctited about the release of the Notorious movie coming next year. Notorious is scheduled to hit the big screen January 16, with Jamal Woodard playing a very convincing role of Notorious BIG and Derek Luke as Diddy. Personally, I would have gone with somebody else for the role of Diddy, but that's just me.

Check out this movie trailer.

The music alone gets me excited...can't wait!

-d.-

Sounds of Sa-Ra

Not sure if you've heard of 'em, they don't get much airplay around these parks, but the group Sa-Ra has been around for quite sometime. Signed to Kanye's label G.O.O.D. Music, their sound is a little different, I would say a mixture of futuristic, techno-funk. Me likey....

Here's a snippet of the single "Hollywood"...

"Fantasy Ride" Will Have To Wait

Ciara's third album "Fantasy Ride" was slated for a release later this year, but the album has now been pushed back to be released early 2009. Rumor has it that the label was unhappy with the tracks and are sending the Queen of Crunk back in the studio for a do-over.





The album was to be release via 3 separate cd's, each with a different theme. "Groove City" contains all of the smooth, sensual tracks, similar to "Promise. While the second and third discs, "Crunktown" and "Kingdom of Dance", featured more uptempo songs, which Ciara is a bit more known for producing.
get the official story at billboard.com




But for all you Ciara fans, here's a leak from the scrapped album. Heard it last night, and I admit, I was intrigued.

Ciara "Expode"

New Jay-Z feat. Santogold "Brooklyn (We Go Hard)"

Check out this track from Jay-Z and Santogold. Track is produced by Mr. West.

JAY-Z FEAT. SANTOGOLD- "BROOKLYN (WE GO HARD)"

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, keeping in mind what the day is really set aside for. In the rough times we are experiencing right now, its important focus on the things we need and not what we want. Be thankful for what you have people, and don't forget...'tis better to give than to receive!!!!!

Here's how TI spent his Thanksgiving...


Find more videos like this on T.I. Official Community

"Froze" Chris Brown

Here's a new leak from Chris Brown "Froze". I like...really laid back. The song is said to be produced by Hit-Boy and Chase N. Cashe for his next album Grafitti. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Lil Wayne to Launch 24-City "I Am Music Tour"

Wayne and friends will began the "I Am Music Tour" Dec. 1 at Miami's American Airlines Arena. Others scheduled for the tour are Keyshia Cole, Gym Class Heroes, T-Pain, and Keri Hilson.

For more info and tour dates click here .

source:allhiphop.com

Kanye Streams New Album on MySpace

808's & Hearbreak

Kanye West

11/24/08

Following in the footsteps of Beyonce, Kanye has decided to stream his entire album via MySpace starting today until the release of his new album 808's and Heartbreak on Nov. 24. I've listened to the tracks, and of course, I'm feeling this album. I think production wise, this album is on another level. I'm am thoroughly impressed. Although Kanye does a little voicebox-singing (I blame you T-Pain!!) he doesn't stray too far away from those signature rapping styles and clever lyrics that Kanye is known for.

Can't wait for this album to drop.

Go to http://www.myspace.com/kanyewest to listen.

-d.-

Beyonce- I Am...Who?

Beyonce released her 3rd solo album, I Am...Sasha Fierce this past Tuesday, leaving some fans happy, upset, and a little confused. The doubles disc cd features Beyconce and her diva-liscious alter ego, Sasha Fierce. Ok concept...not so good execution.

Here's a review I think perfectly describes this dissappointing piece of work.

"On I Am… Sasha Fierce [Music World/Columbia], Beyoncé has chosen to try the “split personality” gimmick (which has never worked for anyone) and her rigid adherence to the flawed concept was not a good start. Sequencing the album with the ballads up front and the dance tracks at the end was the first mistake; filling the album with songs that aren’t very good was the second."

source: allhiphop.com

If you haven't bought the album already, do yourself a favor and DON'T!! Does 17 songs really constitute a double disc these days? I remember when that used to be the average for a regular cd. I don't know, I just don't know B.

Beyoncé Disc
1. “If I Were a Boy” (Toby Gad and Beyoncé Knowles)
2. “Halo” (Ryan Tedder and Beyoncé Knowles)
3. “Disappear” (Amanda Ghost, Dave McCracken, Ian Dench, and Beyoncé Knowles)
4. “Broken-Hearted Girl” (Stargate and Beyoncé Knowles)
5. “Ave Maria” (Stargate and Beyoncé Knowles)
6. “Smash Into You” (C. “Tricky” Stewart, Terius “The-Dream” Nash, and Beyoncé Knowles)
7. “Satellites” (Amanda Ghost, Dave McCracken, Ian Dench, and Beyoncé Knowles)
8. “That’s Why You’re Beautiful” (Andrew Hey and Beyoncé Knowles)

Sasha Disc
1. “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)” (C. “Tricky” Stewart, Terius “The-Dream” Nash, and Beyoncé Knowles)
2. “Radio” (Jim Jonsin, D-Town, Rico Love, and Beyoncé Knowles)
3. “Diva” (Shondrae “Mr. Bangladesh” Crawford, Sean Garrett, and Beyoncé Knowles)
4. “Sweet Dreams” (Jim Jonsin, Wayne Wilkins, Rico Love, and Beyoncé Knowles)
5. “Video Phone” (Shondrae “Mr. Bangladesh” Crawford, Sean Garrett, and Beyoncé Knowles)
6. “Hello” (REO and Beyoncé Knowles)
7. “Ego” (Elvis “BlacElvis” Williams, Harold Lilly, and Beyoncé Knowles)
8. “Scared of Lonely” (Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins)
9. “Why Don’t You Love Me?” (Beyoncé Knowles, Solange Knowles, and Bama Boyz)

LL Cool J and Taylor Swift to co-host "The Grammy Nominations Concert Live!!- Countdown to Music's Biggest Night"

Red carpet and flashing lights are soon approaching for the 51st Annual Grammy Awards, and this year CBS will be airing a 1 hour special on Dec. 3 to get us ready for this anticipated event. The special will feature performances by Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Taylor Swift, John Mayer, the Foo Fighters, and B.B. King.

Judging from this line-up, I'm only interested in Mayer's performance...I'm just sayin'.

Tune in at 9 pm to catch it.

-d.-

Bring it Back...

Public enemy, my brother, your uncle, even Pookie down the street could be seen with the red, yellow, and green emblem on their fitted. What am I talking about, CROSS COLORS!! Yeah the brand is still alive today (somewhat) but it's definitely not the same. What happened to the days when we turned on the tv and saw brothers wearing a 'fro with the black fists pick, a white tee, and a black cross colors jumper on. Don't act like yall don't know.

I don't know if I speak for you, but that was a time when Black power and unity was at its best.

So...Cross Colours...bring it back??

Rihanna feat. JT "Rehab"

Here's the new one from the girl who keeps repackaging and selling her album that was released so long ago, Rihanna fea. Justin Timberlake "Rehab". Like the song, the video...not so much. We all know Rihanna is beautiful that's a given, but can she do anything else (including sing!). Can we see her with some dramatic parts in these videos, I mean the song is "Rehab".

Here it is...enjoy.

Beyonce's Back B*%$#es!!

I don't know about you but I'm getting a little Beyonce happy. At first I admit that I wasn't too enthused with the chosen singles off her new album I Am...Sasha Fierce, but the others are starting to grow on me. I guess I'm just ready for B to just come and take over the r&b/pop scene and wipe these other so-called singers/performers outta the way...*cough*Rihanna. Ok so don't get me wrong, the chic is fly, but when it comes to singing AND performing, Rihanna doesn't hold a match to the queen that is B!! Kanye had a point when he said Beyonce had to step her game up a little. Well she did...CHECKMATE!!

If you haven't already, take a listen to some tracks from Beyonce's new album, which will be released Nov. 18, via Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/beyonce

NEW KANYE VIDEO!!

The new Kanye video has now arrived via the Ellen Degeneres Show which aired this morning. Different but you have to respect the abstract mind that is Kanye West. And for that, I love him!

Check it out...

Trey Sonz "Bust Your Windows"

So Trey Songz has a response to Jaz's "Bust Your Windows". Supposedly, the guys should be feelin' this one, but just sounds like he's repeating everything Jazmine said in the first one. Truthfully, he sounds a little punkish *side eye*. Still loves 'em both though. Take a listen...

-d.-

Kanye Keeps It "Lockdown"

If you actually tuned in long enough to catch it, Kanye West recently performed his new single "Love Lockdown" at the MTV Awards earlier this month. The single has since debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts. His new album, "808s and Heartbreak" was slated for release in December but has since been pushed up to sometime in November.

Love the single, can't wait for the album.

-d.-

Finally!!!

Ok so I know this isn't exactly a music-related posting..BUT IT'S MY BLOG AND I WRITE WHAT THE HELL I WANT!!!

*deep breath* So anyway, Sex and the City has finally been released on DVD and I am so freakin' excited. If you were a part of the 2% of the country that didn't go see it in theatres, now's your time to watch this fashion infused, fashion inspired, and fashion packed movie. I LOVE IT!!! It's like watching 4 back to back episodes of the original show on TBS...don't act like yall don't know!

GO GET IT!!! d's orders!

-d.-

Events!!

Hello all you amplified minds, here are a couple of upcoming events you might want to check out:

Oct. 1- The Flypoet Spoken Word & Music Showcase
go to http://www.flypoet.com/home.html for more info


Oct. 3-2nd Annual SoulTracks Readers' Choice Awards
go to http://www.fusicology.com/index/homepage/ for more info


Oct. 10- iStandard Producers Showcase @ Beats on the Beach Miami Music Seminar 2008
got to http://www.ascap.com/calendar/index.cfm?action=display&ID=1734 or
http://www.istandardproducers.com/ for more info

Oct. 15-iStandard Producer Showcase - October NYC Edition
go to www.istandardproducers.com for more info

Hope to see you there!!

-d.-

Music World

photo by programwitch
courtesy of MTV Music

Ok so my boss just sent me an email talking about the newest details on the latest creation, slotMusic. In a nutshell, consumers will soon be able to purchase music from their favorite artist via album-filled memory cards, made compatible for cell phones, computers, and mp3's. Artists' set to introduce the new technology include Rihanna, Usher, and Chris Brown.



The price point for these memory cards will be an estimated $15.



Damn, first 8-tracks, then cd's, then itunes, and now slotMusic. What's next? And $15!!! Will they be on sale the same week of the album release like cd's? Does anybody realize we are in a recession!!!!!!!!!





Speak on it...



-d.-



*official story found at http://www.sohh.com/2008/09/news-record-lab.html#more

JAZMINE SULLIVAN

!!!!NEW JAZMINE SULLIVAN!!!

Quick Post- Make sure you cop the new Jazmine Sullivan album "Fearless" in stores today!! Or if you need some time, go to iTunes and listen to the snippets...cheap skate ;-)


*Listen to "Lions Tigers and Bears*...deep*


-d.-

Billboard

Ne-Yo's YEAR OF THE GENTLEMAN

So Ne-Yo has released yet another magnificent album. His follow up to the 2007 release, Because of You, is in stores now, and if you haven't already, you should definitely run out and get a copy.

The album contains alot of Michael Jackson-ish type tracks like "Nobody" and "Closer. Of course his most recent single, "Miss Independent", is a club favorite, paying tribute to all the women who "got her own". But my person favorite is the Polo Da Don produced, "Single" in which Ne-Yo serenades the ladies and tells them he'll be their man for the night.

Definitely tops my lists of favorite releases for this year, especially since I didn't care too much for his last album, but go listen for yourself.

-d.-

Allow me to introduce myself...

Hello World!!! Welcome to my blog, Amplified Minds, created to inspire and provoke creativity and relating that to the wonderful world of music!!

Here's a little bit about myself:

Producer
Writer
and future entreprenuer!!

I have high expectations and unbelievable aspirations to make it in this deep dark depressing world we live in today. But as I was once told, "dream, even in the face of death, dream...and then do"- Yolonda Coleman

But back to the site, this is strictly for music lovers, NO EXCEPTIONS! Here is where you'll be able to find out about some of the newest releases, artists' side projects, and anything concerning all that is music. So enjoy...

amplify

transitive verb1: to expand (as a statement) by the use of detail or illustration or by closer analysis2 a: to make larger or greater (as in amount, importance, or intensity) : increase b: to increase the strength or amount of ; especially : to make louder c: to cause (a gene or DNA sequence) to undergo amplificationintransitive verb: to expand one's remarks or ideas

minds

1: recollection , memory 2 a: the element or complex of elements in an individual that feels, perceives, thinks, wills, and especially reasons b: the conscious mental events and capabilities in an organism c: the organized conscious and unconscious adaptive mental activity of an organism


You figure it out....