A side note: I’m glad we got away from lip synced performances on these late night shows. I heard and interview yesterday that even Bill Withers was forced to lip sync his TV appearances. That’s just criminal.
If you want to push the envelope – be more like Erykah Badu and less like Rihanna. Take a look at the two videos here. One is creative and one seems creative. One pushes the envelope and one looks like something that pushes the envelope. One makes a visually unique statement, one makes an attempt to look good.
If you want to call yourself an artist, be an artist. Art isn’t immediately disposable. Dr. J was an artist on the basketball court. Marvin Gaye was an artist on the microphone. — when you’re attempting to be an artist in a visual sense, actually put a little bit of effort into it, for your and my sake.
Erykah Badu & Lil Wayne // Jump Up in The Air and Stay There
Rihanna // Rude Boy
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This doesn’t even need to be complicated!! A single shot on a handheld is a powerful visual when done correctly! From one of the most visually progressive bands of the 90’s…
Nine Inch Nails // March of the Pigs
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It’s hard to be an artist and even harder to be a rock star. That’s why when I see people trying to fake it and getting away with it I get so mad.
Downloaded this early this year and it never left my iPod, which is a big deal considering a turn it over every 2 weeks. I love this album. I’m probably never taking it off. So that’s that.
#2 Song We’ll Remember from 2009: EMPIRE STATE OF MIND by JAY-Z, Featuring Alicia Keys
The song is epic. It’s about New York, which is America. It’s a big up to everyone from the corner to courtside. You can get into it if you’re a pop fan or hip hop head (”Jeezy’s paying LeBron, I’m paying Dwyane Wade”). There’s a bitterness you can’t get in every pop song about achieving your dreams. This year’s “Lose Yourself.”