Holiday Special: Jazzy Ladies

I’ve always loved to sing the jazz songs meant for instruments, and the holidays are a perfect time to listen to old jazz records. There are a few songs that I’ve had an incredibly difficult time finding, including Ray Noble’s beautiful Indian love song “Cherokee” (I used to bang it out on my piano in high school) sung by the fantastically brassy Sarah Vaughan: and also the haunted vocals of Abbey Lincoln killing Mongo... Read More

Paul Mooney: Comedy Royalty

I’m not sure why it took me so long to find this Miami New Times interview with legendary Paul Mooney, but better late than never. Mooney, who worked with “King of Comedy” Richard Pryor for 30 years, also wrote for In Living Color, Saturday Night Live, opened for Eddie Murphy’s Raw Tour, and acted regularly in skits on Dave Chappelle’s eponymous show. As for his own successful stand-up comedy career, Mooney continues... Read More

Vashtie’s Vid: Jigga @ Nike World B-Ball Fest

Last week Nike held the first World Basketball Festival at Radio City Music Hall. Team USA played onstage, and so did a surprise performer - none other than Jay-Z himself. NYC Renaissance lady Vashtie snuck a camera in and put together a nice little recap for those of us who missed it. Play, watch, repeat. ShareThis Read More

Roots “Dear God 2.0″, Ross + Minaj ” Hello Good Morning RMX”

New Roots album How I Got Over out now for 7.99 on Amazon! Feelin’ this track and vid “Dear God 2.0″ more than some of the others (even though evasive talent Blu is on “The Day”), but overall the album doesn’t disappoint. Who’s going to the Roots Jam tonight or the Prospect Park show on the 11th? Second, just want to echo Fader’s statement about this new single from (Diddy), Ricky ROSS! and Nicki Minaj.... Read More