Nikki Sixx, Tommy Lee, Vince Neil and Mick Mars are one of the biggest Rock groups of all time. I knew Motley Crue’s big hits like “Girls, Girls, Girls,” “Dr. Feelgood” and “Home Sweet Home”. However, nothing could have prepared me for the group’s new Netflix film The Dirt, based on their 2001 memoir of the same name. Each member had a hand in writing their book and the film captures each of their struggles extremely well. In fact, it’s one of the few biopic style moves that I’ve seen that equally focuses on each member. The movie was amazing (even better than Bohemian Rhapsody) and it gave me a deeper respect for Motley Crue. Here are 7 things (based on the movie) you may not have known about the group, until now.
The group was almost named The Fourskins. Thank goodness for Motely Crue.
Nikki Sixx wasn’t the lead singer of the group, but he was definitely the most unforgettable in the movie. He even came back to life after an overdose that originally reported him as dead on the nightly news.
Motley Crue originally signed a five album deal and requested to buy back their masters from Elektra Records when they decided to call it quits. Ironically, they didn’t have to fight much for it. I was really surprised by this, especially considering most artists have such a difficult time getting the original rights to their music back.
The group trashed nearly every hotel they stayed in. When I say trashed, I mean nearly burning rooms down, running through the hallways naked and dropping furniture on their manager’s car.
Ozzy Osbourne snorted ants and drank his own urine in the movie. So, let’s hope that was Hollywood embellishment. Then he does the unthinkable and even drinks Nikki Sixx’s urine too.
Motley Crue got into a fight with members in the crowd during their first show. Each member threw a punch or a kick. This was one of the most hilarious scenes of the movie.
Vince Neil’s life took some major blows, starting with a drunken car accident that killed his friend, Razzle (the drummer of Hanoi Rocks). He even briefly quit the group at one point.
I still remember the first time I heard “Why Did He Do It?” by John Patrick Adams. The song and the lyrics game me a chilling feeling as I took a closer listen. Since then (and even years before then), the song has been recorded by many different artists and ministered by different choirs across the country. Soon after, he released other awesome tracks like “Created for Worship”, “I Owe Him” and “My Everything”.
Now, John is celebrating the 25th year anniversary of the release of “Why Did He Do It?” The song has been rerecorded with a different lead vocalist and revitalized production. Trust me, you definitely want to make sure you check it out. I recently had a chance to interview John about the 25th anniversary edition of “Why Did He Do It?”, his thoughts on the current state of gospel music and more.
Tell us about your latest re-release for “Why Did He Do It?” and why it’s so special. John: “Why Did He Do It?” is special because this was the first song I’ve written to be recorded. 25 years later, it’s still blessing and ministering people across the world.
Take us back to your initial songwriting experience for “Why Did He Do It?” Also, how would you say your music has evolved over time? John: Well I was sitting at the piano in my parents home when I wrote it. I actually was just making words rhyme, never knew the impact the song would have. I finished the song and can remember the first choir to ever sing it was the Mass Choir at New Birth Baptist Church where Pastor George Pryor served as Pastor. We were gearing up for a concert and I wanted to present something original. Has my music evolved? Most definitely. It has evolved not because of the trends or times, but because I’ve grown over the years. I’m not the same person I was 25 years ago.
Why do you think there is such a resurgence of past era’s in music right now? For instance, everyone seems to really be obsessed with revisiting the 90s. Is there any era of music that you would like to revisit? John: I think because music in the past were written because of “Real” moments… It wasn’t this superficial life that people present on Social Media, people were dealing with stuff and had no places to “vomit” their ish. So many people took a pen and expressed it in music. They allowed their writing to become their healing process, something in which i think we lack today. Because of this, we now go back to when we felt the music opposed to hearing and liking the beat of the music.
Has reality TV and social media tarnished the gospel brand and what it stands for? John: Social Media and TV have tarnished everything… It has given the world a false illusion of what life truly is… People have become obsessed with becoming what they see opposed to becoming who they’re destined to be. Social Media has also tarnished not only the respect people have for the gospel brand, but the church and God. Nothing is sacred anymore and God has become more of a “brand” like Nike… People use Him to get likes and the music in most cases have become so secular until you have to fact check it before singing it. But I get it, people want to do music full time and get paid, so in so many ways they sell out for the check.
What advice would you give up and coming songwriters in the music industry? John: Find your true meaning and purpose in life… Once you find it, stay true to it. I would also tell them to create their own path, stop waiting to be discovered and introduce yourself to the world. You don’t have to wait until you save enough money to put out a complete CD. Start with a Single or EP and see how it goes and move from there.
Do you have any other projects that you’re currently working on? John: No but I’ve set a goal to release a single each quarter. I really have no desire for a group and with most artists writing their own material these days, it makes it hard for songwriters to get their music out there.
Tell us where people can get your music and where they can find you on social media. John: Music is on all Digital Media outlets (Apple Music, Spotify, Google Pay, iTunes, Amazon, Tidal, etc.). To find me on Social Media, just type in my name and I’m there…
R&B music is an interesting beast. Just in my lifetime alone, I’ve seen it go from overtly sexual to neo soul and Hip Hop infusions and just bare bones love songs. However, it’s always refreshing to know true R&B music when you hear it. No one has to tell you. You can just feel it. This is exactly what happened to me this weekend when I heard Something To Love, the latest release from the group, Soulful Soundz.
The whole project has a very mellow and grown and sexy type of vibe. Although the songs are very cohesive, there are some layered elements sprinkled throughout Something To Love. For instance, “Sweet Dream” featuring N’Dygo Jonez & Rueben Lael is a sensually charged offering that detours from the majority of the album in terms of explicit lyrics.
“Get Down” featuring Quentin Moore, ushers in the funk reminiscent of classic Parliament days. There’s a feeling that the songs included on Something To Love have been here before, which isn’t a bad thing at all. The group massages equal parts of love towards the intricate instrumentation as it does its lush vocals. “To Be Loved” has a more classic R&B feel, while the title track serves up hints of jazz throughout.
Soulful Soundz has delivered an album that does something many artists dream of. I was able to play Something To Love in its entirety without skipping or rushing through any of the tracks. In fact, about half of the songs on the CD are definitely repeat worthy. If you’re into a mature, yet cool style of R&B, you should give this one a listen.
Check out a recent performance from Soulful Soundz in Dallas, TX below
I finally got a chance to hear Solange’s new surprise album, When I Get Home. I’m honestly still getting my footing on the ground that the album stands on. However, I can say that its 19 tracks were cleverly sequenced and crafted. The project picks up where A Seat at the Table left off (even with an eerily similar album cover).
Solange is much more mellow here, slightly less militant but just as consciously aware as ever. She knows her roots and has even dubbed the accompanying visual component to her album as a Texas film. Specifically, she gives credit to Third Ward (a neighborhood in Houston) with song titles “Almeda” and “S McGregor”.
“Way to the Show” is a funky, slow groove that pays homage to the 70s soul sound (as much of the album does). Her smooth melodies create a warm, cool atmosphere that invites you to take off your cool. Stand outs like “Stay Flo” and “Jerrod” are reminiscent of Aaliyah’s vocal styling. “Binz” is a clear showstopper and obvious contender for a single.
Ironically, the dilemma Solange may face with When I Get Home is the very thing that makes it shine. The songs are so cohesive that fans and pundits will either love it or hate it. I say turn it up another notch and keep the party (or chilled out lounge session) going.
I remember it just like it was yesterday. The Voice was on the TV and then this roaring voice singing one of my favorite songs, “Radioactive” filled the room. I was not ready. Honestly, no one was. Janice Freeman had a way of commanding a stage with her presence and pouring soothing honey on eardrums with her powerful voice. Sadly, she passed away yesterday due to complications from pneumonia.
She knew how to put her signature Midas touch on any song she sang, from “I’m Goin’ Down” to “Fall For You”. Janice Freeman made anyone within earshot fall for her beautiful pipes. At just 33 years old, it would have been amazing to see where her musical career would lead her. Life is not promised from one day to the next. Nonetheless, Janice Freeman made her mark and inspired many with her triumphant testimony, including myself.
TLC is still the biggest selling American female group of all time (and second worldwide, only behind Spice Girls). Their third studio album, FanMail, was released 20 years ago this week. Ironically, FanMail also marked the beginning of public dissension being revealed within the group. Some fans thought they wouldn’t stay together long enough to even promote it. However, the group has always weathered their woes. They have survived arson, sickle cell, breakups/divorce, bankruptcy and even death.
Let’s take a look back at why FanMail is such an important album in Pop music history. Ok, so there’s the obvious juggernaut in the room: “No Scrubs”. The song set radio airplay records at the time and made guys self conscious to ride in the passenger seat of their friend’s car for years to come. “No Scrubs” not only cemented their status as labeled feminists, but it also inspired covers and samples (up until today) from everyone from Weezer to Ed Sheeran.
TLC were equal opportunity jabbers though. “Silly Ho”, with its futuristic machine gun boogie, turned their attention to a certain, low-life type of female. The song introduced their virtual, occasional fourth member, Vic-E, who sounds eerily similar to Siri today. Talk about ahead of your time.
The beauty of TLC is they can switch topics and music genres at the drop of hat. Take the inner beauty anthem, “Unpretty,” or the country twang of “Come On Down” (which should have been a single), for instance. They even saved room for some sexy seductive coos on the slick innuendo featured on “Don’t Pull Out On Me Yet”.
Although Left Eye’s presence was reduced on this album, all of the songs she was featured on were some of FanMail‘s best (including “My Life” and “If They Knew”). Who could forget the raunchy, street-wise anthem, “I’m Good At Being Bad”? Her creativity was second to none, as she came up with the concept of the album. T-Boz’s signature low growl was as cool as ever. Plus, Chilli’s silky pipes took center stage more often than before.
FanMail was truly ahead of its time in styling (revisit the “No Scrubs” video below), sound and concept. It’s yet just another example of why TLC is the best girl group to ever do it.
I tuned in to the Grammys last night, as I typically do every year. I’m not a fan of the entire broadcast. I do like seeing my favorite artists perform and the awards they may win though. Alicia Keys hosted the event and everyone from Lady Gaga to the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Diana Ross and Drake was there. Honestly, I love Alicia Keys. However, my all time favorite Grammys host is Ellen Degeneres (1996). Nonetheless, I thought the show was decent overall.
So, I won’t run through my list of highlights because I’m sure you have your own. These are the most awkward moments from this year’s Grammy awards show.
4.Gaga’s Ra Ra Pose
Lady Gaga picked up a few trophies at last night’s ceremony. Bradley Cooper even won his first Grammy with their duet, “Shallow” from the hit movie A Star Is Born. But wait. There’s her Grammy performance. Jerky movements aside, she put on a great show. The weird, leaned over pose at the end was a bit creepy though. She held it for literally no less than 45 seconds. In her defense though, she has had way more awkward moments.
3. Thank You…And You…And You….Oh And You Too
It started with Cardi B (who had one of the best performances of the night). Then it was H.E.R. Plus, there were several other artists whose acceptance speeches were so long that the Jeopardy-esque music started playing to help usher them off the stage. Most times, to no avail. This was definitely the year of long winded acceptance speeches. Side note: Was anyone else equally annoyed with Offset being on stage with Cardi B like it was his Grammy?
2. Diana Ross’s Birthday Demand
Diana Ross received a nice chunk of the awards ceremony. If you were wondering if she won, she didn’t. She wasn’t even nominated. BUT, she did hold us hostage with a flighty, off key medley of her hits. In true diva style, she then screamed, “It’s my birthday!” several times. Let’s blow out the candles (and close the curtains for the performance). Happy 75th birthday Ms. Ross.
1.J Lo Takes On Say It Ain’t So Town
J Lo is amazing. I don’t think anyone would argue her immense talent as an entertainer and a dancer. Plus, she seems to have found the secret fountain of youth because she still looks as vibrant as ever. Despite her looks and moves, she seemed like the ill added raisins nobody wanted in their potato salad for her Motown tribute. Even Smokey Robinson couldn’t save it.
So, what were your favorite or not so favorite moments from the 61st Annual Grammy Awards? Missed the big winners? Here’s the full list.
2019 marks the eighth year of professional writing for me. I self published my first book, Blurred Vision, and started 7th Sign Publishing nearly two years later. Although I have contemplated going the traditional publishing route a few times before, I enjoy the creative control that I have with publishing through my own company. Don’t get me wrong. I still have to go through the multiple rough drafts, edits, book cover design mock ups and release date push backs just like the next author. Fortunately, the team of people I work with keep me honest and challenge me to push to the next level.
Whether you’re traditionally or independently published, marketing is the golden ticket to a successful book. Social media has become such a juggernaut that traditional publishing methods nearly have no use to the author these days. So, this blog is for every author to know, but specifically the independent author. Writing the book is the easy part. The biggest hurdle is convincing the public why they need your book. Today, I want to share 3 apps that can help make your marketing journey more efficient and effective. How do I know? I’ve tested them myself.
Loomly is a great site that helps you schedule posts ahead of time. Of course, there are other apps like Hootsuite that get the job done. Loomly has a more modern feel though and allows you to see how the posts will look in real time. The one drawback is you cannot post to your profile page (which is virtually the case for any post scheduling service tied to Facebook now). However, you can schedule posts to your Facebook business page. With Instagram, you have to manually accept the push notification and just past the data, then post! It’s that simple and it even gives you suggestions for daily hashtags to include, copy length and the best times of day to post. I’ve only used the free version, but I’m strongly considering using the paid version to unlock more of the benefits.
Canva is another free app (with a paid version alternative) that helps you create sleek and attractive social media posts that are tailored to each platform. Plus, you can also create fliers, posters and even business cards. I honestly haven’t scratched much beneath the surface of using this app for social media posts, but the free version is honestly more than you should need to get started.
Fiverr is an app that I’ve been using for quite some time. Think of an outsourced version of Canva, where you can get some impressive, yet affordable banners, fliers and graphics made for a quick turnaround. If the designer is late, you get a full refund. Fiverr offers a wealth of other services too, including website design and even voice over services. Fiverr is typically my go to for a quick, professional event flier at a low cost.
So, there you have it! I promise you, these apps will help simplify your marketing efforts for your book. Don’t forget to tune in to Week 2 of Channel Eleven on Friday, February 8th at 11:00 am CST. Check out Week 1 in the meantime below and read the book that started it all, HERE.
Last year, I was faced with a writing dilemma that I’ve never experienced before. My previous poetry books have included some personal elements mixed in with experiences from other people. However, Eleven: Things We Never Said was very different. The poems were personal this time. They were angry. These poems were therapeutic, depressing and at times, comical. The common denominator was they were all about me…..and my marriage.
This book nearly didn’t see the light of day. I feared people prying into my business. The final list of poems included in the book was revised several times over. Honestly, there are a couple of poems that sneaked in. I was a bit delirious from the deliberation at that point. I’ve received really positive feedback for the book so far. So, I know this is something I was meant to do. As a result, I decided I would launch a series of four short clips discussing details about Eleven: Things We Never Said. Hence, Channel Eleven!
The first week of Channel Eleven debuted yesterday. In addition, there will be 3 more videos launched throughout the month of February. In case you missed it, check it out below. Also, if you’re in the DFW area, I will be hosting an event called The Peauxetic Pour on Saturday, March 2nd (from 3 to 6 pm). I’ll be reading poetry from Eleven: Things We Never Said. Plus, there will be a wine tasting, free gifts and a special reveal that you must be there to see! So, click the link below to RSVP. Space is limited, so don’t delay!
Also, get caught up on Week 1 of Channel Eleven, at the link below. This episode is called Tuned In To Depression. Let me know your thoughts. Hope you enjoy!
I was first introduced to Reeze’s music about a year ago, with his single “Knew Dat”. That song is one of my morning workout regulars on my playlist, so I decided to check out some of his previous singles and his debut EP, Square One. Now, he’s back with his brand new single, “Run It Up”. Plus, he has a new album coming very soon, titled Night Shift. Reeze has been consistently on the grind and fine tuning his craft. I recently got a chance to catch up with him, despite his hectic schedule. We talked about his new music, his origins as a rapper, the benefits of being an independent artist and more!
Tell us about your new single, “Run It Up” and the next single you have coming up.
I actually wrote “Run It Up” one day while I was at work. I often get paid in cash, so me saying 100 $100 bills is just me calculating the amount of money I’m making. It was really at a point when I was realizing things about the people around me, situations and my diet (mentally, physically and spiritually). Also, I was evaluating the content I was consuming on Twitter and Instagram. “Run It Up” was a realization of what I should be doing. The producer is out of Philadelphia.
I’ve performed it a couple different times, before the song was done, and it was well received. I’m excited to drop it. One of the first verses is, “Gimme a piece of the blessing/I’m gonna split it forever”. I’ve been living my life a little more selfishly lately, because I’ve always done for others. I’ve learned that it feels a lot better when you’re able to share blessings. “Jesus had taught me a lesson/It’s time to get it together/I’ll live the life I was destined/Square One gave me everything/Sober days gave me better days/I’m drinking water while I meditate”. It’s a heavy, grimy sounding song and I’m excited about it. I think it will give me more attention for the upcoming album too.
“Run It Up” dropped on January 25th. I’m going back in the studio to finish the song that’s coming after that. It’s going to be called “Not Friends”. The beat was made by one of my chapter Brothers (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.). His name is TK. He does really great production. The song features a local Dallas legend too, named Gwap Mizzle. That song is going to be my first song to do some serious numbers. I’m finally making my music sound the way I want it to.
What would you say is the difference between your first album, SquareOne, and your upcoming album, Night Shift?
I had only been rapping a couple years when I put out Square One. I was still trying to figure out my sound then. No two songs sound the same or have the same content. Now, I’m realizing the way I live my life and articulate it is more of my sound now. My friends say, “That’s Reeze,” instead of, “This is my friend Reeze who’s trying to rap”.
The way I emphasize my words and articulate now is more of a mature, polished industry sound. I don’t necessarily mean mainstream industry sound but it’s a sound that’s competitive with Pusha T, Drake or Tyga. I feel confident holding up my music to anybody else’s.
How did you come up with the title for your new album, Night Shift?
Most of the jobs I’ve worked have been evening or night shift jobs. I may not get off until 3 or 4 in the morning at my current job. I was going through some personal stuff towards the end of 2018; feeling a bit of a depression. So, it was me being able to find beats that articulated the way I felt. Track 1 on the album is called, “Come Alive”. The song is the breath that I felt and confirmation that everything was going to be ok. It’s me breathing life back into myself.
How did you first start rapping?
I’ll give you a long story short. When I was in high school, I did some poetry slams, which were basically me rapping over instrumentals. People used to gas me up about them, but it was actually terrible. Ever since I was little kid I’ve been trying to perform. Things started to become real for me my freshman year of college.
I went down to Texas State and there was an organization called Hip Hop Congress. I did a freestyle for everybody and people were shook. They asked me what my rap name was and at the time I went by Reezus. Then I decided I shouldn’t do it because it seemed blasphemous and I didn’t want people thinking I was trying to be Kanye. I opened up for a school function there, with a crowd of about 200 people. I had no music on Soundcloud back then.
A guy named Troy, from San Marcos, put me on these shows at a place called Triple Crown. There was no support for the first six months. These shows were free too. So, after the first semester, I put out a song and then a mixtape. The mixtape was called I.E. The Beginning (which stood for Infinite Entertainment). I dropped the mixtape on my birthday and had a show for it. Some of my family members came and it was a big turn out. The room only held 20 people, but 50 people came out. I won’t front; I cried too. All those people just came out of nowhere. That was my 19th birthday.
Then I moved back to Dallas and my first show was at Gilley’s. I didn’t really promote it that hard and had a great showing there too. When I got my parents on board and especially my mom that was great. I started to change the way I delivered my music once I realized my mom was listening to my content. My pops listens and works out to it too. Everyone is not that blessed to have that kind of support.
Do you have a preference for being independent or on a major label?
I’m independent now, but it really depends on the situation in regards to joining a major label. You can negotiate a contract with a label to be more favorable than being independent. If you’re independent, with a situation like myself, you have sponsors like friends and family that help, but everything is out of pocket. I keep 100% of the money I make, but I’m also putting up my own capital first.
I’m financing my album, so I own everything but I had to bite the bullet on the front end. With a label, they are giving you the cushion and saying, “We’ll pay for you to record everything, we just need you to make it”. That’s why they end up owning a lot of people’s masters. There’s give and take with everything. I had a manager before, but I like to remain independent for right now. I learned a lot from that person and it made me more business savvy to do things for myself.
Learn the business for yourself and then decide. Bad contracts are usually spelled out, but people don’t take the time to read through it or hire a lawyer. I have friends who are pre-law, so I send documents to them as well. I’ve had shows with 15-16 page contracts and I read it all. I need to find out what I’m signing my name on. I ultimately would like to start my own label. If I was on a major label, I would want to be with OVO (Drake is my favorite artist) or Maybach Music. I
You can listen to Reeze’s new single, “Run It Up” on Soundcloud, below. His social media handle is @Reeze972 for Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat. His music catalog can be found on all streaming services online (Reeze: Sweet Baby Ray’s or Reeze: Square One on Apple Music).
