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June 2008
- In This Issue
- What Happened to The Music - Allen Johnston
- The Rap on Rap Study - Paul Porter
- Peepin'
The Scene on New Artist Radio.net
- Bits & Pieces
in Black Musical History - FYI
- Wayne Henderson/Jazz
Crusader - "Kick The Jazz"
- Liz McComb -
"The Spirit of New Orleans"
- WHO is this
J. Phoenix??
- DANIEL LOWERY - "I'm An American"
- THE VEGAS CONNECTION - Alice Wilson
PEEPIN' IS DEDICATING THIS NEWSLETTER
TO BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND PAT TOBIN...
If you never read anything else in Peepin'...PLEASE...check out the article on DANIEL LOWERY!!! PLEASE...
Paulette De Suzia
What Happened to The Music - Allen Johnston
This article may have been published
before, but Peepin' felt that it is a DEFINITE need to run it again... Once again the government and several community leaders have taken a new stand against popular music lyrics and images.
This latest revision of an old theme against popular music has some very deep and troubling roots. Because commercial music
has been dictated to the populace by money hungry corporations the entire persona of music has changed. Music is no longer fashionable. No matter what you think of music, its image hasn't been flawed, it's been DESTROYED! The whole music industry is in trouble. Reasons include the RIAA suing its customers,
hip-hop being a joke and the selling of tasteless, no-talent singers who don't write their own material and sound like
an imitation of whoever the latest money maker on the radio is, if they can sing at all. We now have ACTS and not ARTISTS,
we have the ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY and no longer have the MUSIC BUSINESS. The public has tuned new music out, even though there is great new music available. The everyday listener is not
exposed to it, and therefore has tuned out, and has moved into other entertainment media. Popular commercial music is seen as a vehicle to bump bodies in the club, it's not
something you want to listen to on your system at home. The desirable listening experience is still available; people haven't
changed, they still want it, but find it impossible to obtain from commercial radio, or television. Hip-hop will not come back. Hip-hop was created out of a time and place that no longer exists. Hip Hop was built on a foundation of truth about
the inner city, the inequalities of living Black within a White society and it resonated within both communities because of
its truth. But it was destroyed by the corporate major label decisions of the nineties. Once it was determined that grimy
language, sexual prowess, encouraging young people to see legal systems as inherently oppressive, glorifying the consumption
of noxious chemicals that harm the human body, and other non productive ideas sold music, this became the norm. It's destructive, low level culture of the most primitive type
that defies all the values that we as adults hold dear. Major labels take the music from black disaffected youths, re-process
it, and sell it back to the public whilst the mindless savagery of the lyrics and the psychopathic intensity of their delivery
give ALL young people a swaggering machismo that finds its outlet in gun-related bedlam all over the country. So big time Hip Hop consolidated and became about only a few themes,
bitches, hoes, drugs, killing and cash. With choice, people went elsewhere, launching the mass musical exodus to the Internet.
They're not coming back. The major labels created
this system of disorder completely based on the "need for greed". Naked greed, based upon the exploitation of the
ignorant consumer who is basically told what he wants and needs, is the order of the day. WHEN did this happen? When the accountants
took over from the visionaries and re-ordered the priorities. The "dream" was replaced by "the scheme"!
Money and power, money and power - the ethics and morals of the military-industrial complex now rule in the sphere of popular
music - we sell our children poison, but no problem, it's keeping it real! How this can be changed is open to debate, what I see is that the credible acts of tomorrow will not
sell out. Melody never goes out of style. Beats might be selling, but there is ALWAYS room for a well-sung song with a melody
and hooky changes, which people can sing along with. Those
who realize this will end up with all the money. And
credibility will equate to "career". If you want people to believe in you, if you want to be able to play music
for a decade, you cannot make a deal with corporate America. The more you take the cash from anyone but your core audience,
your fans, the more these same fans can't believe in you. Go for the slow build, not the fast ascent. Artist development
is not only in the hands of the label, but the act itself. If you're looking for shortcuts, you're negatively impacting
your career. If you're good, people will find you, you'll develop. Then again, most acts aren't any good.! Allen Johnston - The Music Specialist
The Rap on Rap Study - Paul Porter
It has always been my feeling that RAP was not a form
of music...monotonous beats...nonsensical lyrics...degrading...do I need to go further?.. - I received an interesting email
from industry vet PAUL PORTER and felt the URGENT need to pass it on!!!- Peepin' *Procter & Gamble, Pepsi, Walmart and GM pulls advertising dollars from BET! MAJOR FINDINGS... The PTC documented 1,647 instances of offensive/adult content in the 27.5 hours of programming analyzed during the
December 2007 study period, for an average of 59.9 instances per hour, or nearly one instance every minute. In March 2008, there were 1,342 instances of offensive/adult content in a mere 14 hours
of programming, or 95.8 instances per hour, 1.6 instances per minute, or one instance of adult content every 38 seconds. To put this data in perspective, in the PTC's most recent analysis
of prime time broadcast TV Family Hour programming, the data revealed an average 12.5 instances of violent, profane and sexual
content per hour. This is equivalent to one instance every 4.8 minutes. READ ON...
Peepin' The Scene on New Artist Radio.net
Hopefully, by now, you have checked out the PEEPIN' THE
SCENE RADIO PROGRAM on New Artist Radio.net. I received
quite a few responses...Thanks for the encouragement and I really do know I have a way to go. Suggestions and Comments are welcomed! By the way you can go to the station via www. Peepin' .com...or... www.pauletteadesuzia.com websites...
Peepin' the Scene Radio Show
Bits & Pieces in Black Musical History
- FYI
The Library of Congress has preserved
the following... The all-time bestselling LP, featuring
the classic single "Beat It" along with "Billie Jean"...Herbie Hancock's 1973 fusion smash "Headhunters"...Smokey
Robinson & the Miracles' 1965 hit "Track Of MY Tears" and T-Bone Walkers' 1947 blues standard "Call
It Stormy Monday but Tuesday is Just As Bad"...Lesst we not forget...."Wings Over Jordan" by the Wings Over
Jordan in 1941...in 1965 Smokey Robinson and the Miracles with the "Tracks Of My Tears"...and last but not least...1982
Michael Jackson's "Thriller"
Wayne Henderson/Jazz Crusader - "Kick
The Jazz"
When it comes to WAYNE
HENDERSON...it would take a whole newsletter to really say how I feel about this man. I have known Wayne for the best part of 20 years and aside from me knowing he is a gifted and
innovative musician, songwriter and producer...he is my brother, my father, my uncle, my spiritual advisor and more importantly
my FRIEND!. Wayne's currently released CD is being
talked about across the nation bringing a new...yet old...but refreshing sound to the "palette of your ears"..."KICK
THE JAZZ" theme consists of a combination of Jazz/Hip-Hop..thus...."Jazziphop".... Wayne has always been an innovator of "musical sounds" as shown in the "Young
Rabbits"...with the "Younger Rabbits" in hot pursuit.. The main spirit of this new album is 50 years in music..."I
love changes...new ideas. I like walking that thin line. I am not afraid". Overall "Kick The Jazz" is a new tremendous statement of contemporary music. Henderson says
"It is a cut above the average. It is the upper level of rap and hip-hop"...to Peepin'...It just is GOOD, REAL
MUSIC!!! To get your promotional copy...Contact... Peepin'
Wayne Henderson - Jazz Crusaders
Liz McComb - "The Spirit of New Orleans"
When speaking of LIZ McCOMB it warms my spirit! and
gives me some sort of heartbreak at the same time when it comes to me not understanding the lack of true responses in the
Gospel arena. She lives in Paris, France but still
claims her residence as a Clevelandite in the USA.. FACTS:
Who was the FIRST Gospel artist that ever put out a
DVD? Name ANY American Gospel artist that has sang at
the request of Pope Paul !!? or any Pope for that matter. Name
ANY American Gospel artist that has performed (without any other acts on the show) to crowds in excess of 8,000 Name ANY American Gospel artist that at the Champs-Elysee Theatre
(equivalent to our Carnegie Hall)...Midem...All the French Festival and most of the major European Festival and I could go
on and on!!! In Europe, she is a master Diva...in France,
she is the "Creme de la Creme"...She has been given the "Mahalia Jackson Award"...been equated in the
Performing Arts world as a Marian Anderson...Thus.. we have LIZ McCOMB!!! I must be "clear" in my "personal" next statement. Black Gospel Radio stations nationally
have embraced Liz...I feel comfortable to say...they are the ones that KNOW good music...musical talent...the greatness of
a legend and expand the knowledge of themselves as well as their listening audience....They are the ones who recognize that
great talent does not need to be on the charts...rate in arbitron...how many media guide stations are playing it...or...have
their hands out!...They are the true music lovers...this woman has even gotten airplay on JAZZ stations. Who do you know that have played and recorded with Philharmonic Orchestras ?...Liz
has not forgotten her culture...her homeland... or her roots! You are really missing something if you miss LIZ McCOMB!!!!
Be sure to check out Liz on BET's "Video Gospel
- "The Big Mess" video this SUNDAY - JUNE 29th between 10 and 11am EST... Liz McComb
WHO is this J. Phoenix??
J. Phoenix is an ASCAP Award-winning songwriter and
vocalist. Last December he followed the fall 2007 "soft" release of his debut album, Masterpiece, with a feature
on The Best of 2PAC, Part 2: Life, and an in-depth interview at the ThugLifeArmy website (www.ThugLifeArmy.com). The Best
of 2PAC, Part 2: Life features a new remix of the original acoustic version of "Thugz Mansion." The original song,
co-written by J. Phoenix, appeared on the Tupac's multi-platinum CD, Better Dayz and Nas' God's Son, called "the
best hip-hop album of the year" by Time Magazine. "It is a huge honor to be part of a Tupac project for a second time. When I consider his large body of work
and what it must have taken to decide on only 11 songs, I'm humbled that a song I'm involved with as both a writer
and singer was chosen," says J. Phoenix. J. Phoenix
continues to promote his debut, "Masterpiece" (From The Soul Music), a 13-song set he tags "authentic"
and describes as a return to civility, peace, freedom and individual empowerment. "Like Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield,
Stevie Wonder, and John Lennon, I'm reporting on current events," he explains. June '08 marks the official release
of Masterpiece. The album also reports on relationships.
In the wake of the controversy surrounding the music industry, for its depiction of women in song, J. Phoenix sings about
relationship issues without damaging the reputation of women. With the album's title song he pays the ultimate tribute
and hopes "Masterpiece" will become the wedding song of 2008. "My ballads are not about getting naked, we all know how to do that. I write to reach the heart and soul of
people, and illustrate how we feel when a relationship goes right or wrong," he says. A mix of mid-tempos and ballads, Masterpiece features Bronx Hip Hop producers, The Heatmakerz,
known for their work with Ludacris, Cannibus Cam'ron, Lil Flip, and Lil Wayne, Los Angeles R&B producer, Kip "KP"
Wilson, who handled the remix of Tupac's "Mama's Just A Little Girl," the albums Executive Producer, Gary
Haase who has worked with such bold-face names as Celine Dion, Chaka Khan and Michael Bolton, Eric Codee who boasts a client
list that includes Mary J. Blige, Neo and Marcus Miller, and Bert Price, known for his production work with R&B legends
such as Blue Magic and contemporary artists such as Alicia Keys.
J. Phoenix was born and raised in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, New York. He is a winner of the ASCAP/Sammy
Cahn Award for excellence in lyrics; and his song "Adore You," recorded by contemporary gospel group Anointed, was
nominated for a Dove Award (Urban recorded Song of the Year). His entire career has been in the entertainment business. In
an effort to be heard he has performed on cruise ships, clubs, special events,and licensed his music for film and television.
Hitmakers in the Pop, Jazz, R&B, Hip Hop and Gospel genres have recorded J. Phoenix tunes. He is the writer of R&B
artist Joe's "All That I Am', from the platinum-selling album of the same title, and has penned songs for artists
such as Nancy Wilson, Michelle Wright and Earth, Wind & Fire. "I Fall So Deep," featured in the film B.A.P.S.
has been recorded by pop, jazz, R&B and country artists. His voice can be heard on albums by Patti LaBelle, Ricky Martin,
Jessica Simpson, Randy Brecker and a host of others. At the end of 2006 J. Phoenix was heard wailing the Chambers Brothers'
classic, "Time," along with American Idol Bo Bice for a Monopoly board game advertising campaign.
Just hit the "link" and hear a GREAT SONG!!!!..."Masterpiece"...is
a MASTERPIECE Darn right spine tingling!!! J. Phoenix - Video
DANIEL LOWERY - "I'm An American"
Now this is promotions at its finest!!!!!! Our very own Alan
& Lygia Lott of CoastiiCoast Marketing & Promotions has arrived whereby they have embarked a way of promoting an artist
with old school CREATIVITY with NEW SCHOOL techniques... In
speaking with coastiicoast, I became aware of this gifted artist and much to my surprise...he lives in LAS VEGAS. So being the "Obama Mama" that I am...I could hardly hold
my excitement to do whatever is necessary to assist in the promotions...But first...DANIEL LOWERY will be singing this song
at the DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION...Secondly, I was told at the COMMUNITY STATION in Las Vegas...that it did not fit their
format!...Say What?????????????? How can you from a musical, patriotic and programming point of view, could you NOT find some
creative programmer or musical director at ANY URBAN STATION not try and find a way to expose this kind of project??? If we don't take back our programming...don't expose our
creative artists...don't be community oriented...especially at this time in HISTORY...What are we doing??? How can a radio
station...a consumer...a programmer...an AMERICAN not be proud of this effort? PLEASE circulate this video...PLEASE get the word out...PLEASE Urban Radio...TAKE A SHOT!!!!!!!!!! Especially
since you CALL YOURSELFS...URBAN!!! You too can be a part of HISTORY...You too can be seen as a TRUE AFRO-AMERICAN This war is not only about White Americans...it is about our soldiers
dying that are BLACK AMERICANS. This is a editorial
from Peepin' the Scene ONLY...Don't get it "twisted"...its a Commitment...its a sense of Pride...and I ain't
talking $$$ here! Daniel Lowery - "I'm An
American" - CoastiiCoast Marketing
THE VEGAS CONNECTION - Alice Wilson
The Legendary COMMODORES took the stage decked in silver
and Black uniforms, made their exciting appearance at the Texas State Event Center last Saturday night...HOT, still looking
great, cool, hip and fresh. Talking about Old School,
Old School WHO?...Not the Commodores, they definitely brought their game plan. Yes, they performed the old familiar hits,
when Lionel Richie was a part of the group. However, Lionel's departure has not in the least caused the group to miss-step. Walter Orange , one of the original members did justice with his
rendition of "STILL" an emotional song, which had the ladies in the audience with tears and screaming for more.
"BRICK HOUSE", one of the all time favorites, which has become a classic...I never saw so many ladies trying to
identify with being a brick house...HA!..The audience was fired up...JD, the last to join the group softly calmed the audience
with his version of "ONE, TWICE,THREE TIMES A LADY". The ladies were delighted. The Commodores sing mostly for women, interpreting words, that most men cannot say to
their counterparts. ..(sorry men, that's the way I read it!!) The evening was energized, fast paced with the crowd constantly up on their feet dancing in the aisles. It was nothing
but a PARTY!!. The harmony of the three hard working trio, Walter Orange, William King and JD had earned the respect of the
music "whirl" as well as their faithful fans...that spells longevity in addition it makes great unforgettable Legends. Thanks to LAUREN WESTERFIELD from Texas Casino, Media for letting
me know that Press Courtesies were not available. THANKS TO MY FRIEND, WALTER ORANGE...it was not a problem! Until Next Time - LOVE!
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