My thoughts, My heart, My life

Beyonce 1+1 Dress Rehearsal for American Idol

2011-05-26T13:06:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you need perspective. You’ve been right in front of greatness so often that you need to step back and see it again for the first time. This is the dressing room rehearsal for American Idol. NO MICROPHONE. No effects. – Andy WarHOV (aka Jay-Z)

NFLPA: Breaston's Impact Extends Beyond Field, Into Community

2010-07-20T15:15:00.000-07:00

Former University of Michigan and current Arizona Cardinals wide receiver/kick returner Steve Breaston uses his creative talents to raise money for at-risk youth in his hometown of North Braddock, Pa.

On May 14, 2010, I Miss You, Inc. (IMU) released a special-edition Steve Breaston T-shirt to raise money for the Steve Breaston Foundation and support IMU’s mission of making communities better. “I Am What It Is” is a shirt that reflects a poem Breaston wrote specifically for this project based on his experiences growing up in North Braddock, an eastern suburb of Pittsburgh.

In collaboration with David Merritt, a former University of Michigan basketball player and owner of IMU, Breaston constructed an original written piece that inspired a unique shirt design to be part of IMU’s summer line. Breaston was inspired by the community work that Merritt does with his shirt company, as he wanted to showcase his creativity while giving back to his community.

An initiative that Breaston is currently working on is creating a center similar to the Boys and Girls Club where kids can go to study. When Breaston and his brother were growing up, they had access to a Boys and Girls Club in North Braddock that has since closed. With support from the Steve Breaston Foundation, he hopes to promote positive images of the community that raised him.

Breaston has enjoyed writing since junior high school, and when Merritt asked him to create something for his community, Breaston was already in the process of writing. When he finished his poem, he knew he had created something that people in his hometown could relate to and understand.

“It’s fun understanding that you can do something for people that supported you growing up and have always been by your side,” he said.

Breaston chose apparel as the platform to help raise money for his foundation because he believes that it is a noticeable form of expression. What message is Breaston looking to send with the “I Am What It Is” T-shirt?

He said, “It’s more just about giving back. I love where I’m from and I love the people in North Braddock. I’m glad they support me and what I do, not as a football player, but as a person.”

The goal of Breaston’s foundation is to set up after-school programs that promote education and fitness. He believes these programs, along with a supportive community, will help steer kids in a positive direction, just as the programs in his community did for him.

Breaston is looking forward to creating another shirt design for Merritt’s campaign, as well as reaching out to many kids in Arizona by hosting a skateboarding event. Fans can expect Breaston to “just do a little something different and get close with the kids out there in Arizona.”

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“I Am What It Is”
I don’t regret what I did and I’m not shameful for where I’ve lived. Remembering how I took cookies from under the babysitter’s lid.
I am what it is, a product of Red Nerds and overflowing pop fizz, red stains on my shirt as I played games around the church... Wiffle balls in the lots where I slid in rocks instead of dirt, for this felt good it never hurt... Grilled government cheese is how my parents made it work, with these memories I go to work...

Or Zips’ corner store, where a bag of fish was 25 cents and not a nickel more, add a quarter and that’s what you can get a pickle for, and sure there were a few pickles I got into... But few questioned the things that I might do...

Even if I did, but I fight through because they reminded me that I was in reach of what’s under my eyelids...

My dreams, the reason there are more than eleven on my team. For my little league friends in heaven know what I mean, and by any means, I will show the light of my birthplace, the community that showed me that victor is not always the one who stands in the first place, the basis on why I’m here in the first place...
For these memories are what I'm worth,

And for what it's worth, I think about them first.

-Steve Breaston

VIDEO: K'naan "Wavin' Flag"

2010-03-16T10:33:00.000-07:00

Last year, while "THE KRU" was in the studio, K'naan stopped by and graced us with his presence. I had heard of him, but wasn't too familiar with his music, but Krucial spoke highly of him and was definitely inpired by this young artist.

We were heavy on IT'S SO KRUCIAL - KYTE.TV that time and K'naan decided to stay and joined us while we went "LIVE" with the fans -- played us "Wavin' Flag"; and a few others from his album Troubadour. The album is honest, deep and rich with words. I was definitely a fan after that and so was the rest of THE KRU. (If you haven't picked it up, I suggest you do. You will not be disappointed.) Now a year later, "Wavin' Flag" is the official song for the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa. The honor is definitely well deserved, and I couldn't be more happier that this young poet/rapper/musician/activist/..... is being recognized globally for his talents. CONGRATS K'NAAN!!!! For more information on K'naan go to K'NAAN WEBSITE and follow him at @IAMKNAAN

VIDEO: K'NAAN "WAVIN' FLAG"

K'NAAN "Waving Flag" -Celebration mix- Dir: NABIL from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.

HERE IS HE ORIGINAL VIDEO:

K'NAAN "Waving Flag" album version from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.

Diggy Simmons "Flow Stupid"

2010-03-12T08:52:00.000-08:00

I was impressed by Diggy's flow. The kid got skills....but where did that voice come from? I was definitley impressed. You would have thunk *yes I said thunk*. The kid is definitely growing up and into his own. But the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. He displayed this confidence about him that you rarely saw on the episodes of "Run's House" on MTV. Rev Run has definitely got to be proud of this, but I wonder how Jojo is feeling....considering.

How you feel about it? I like the original track "Made You Look" by Nas, but Diggy definitely didn't disappoint.

Could Diggy be the next young rap superstar? Would you be interested to hearing more from him? I'd like to see what else the kid could do with his lyrical skills.

From "Underneath the Sky" Mixtape Part 3

2010-03-03T17:41:00.001-08:00

It's here kids...the new mixtape from Mateo (@Mateoonline) - Underneath the Sky Part 3. A lot of you know, I complain a lot on twitter about how we don't have many REAL musicians and artists coming out. I've been waiting for great music, and so far with Alicia Keys' The Element of Freedom to Jay-Z "Blueprint 3" and Sade's "Soldier of Love" I've started to fall in love with music again, but a new comer (not really, since he was with Myspace Music) is flourishing with his mixtape. Mateo has added to my music candy shop and I am loving the R&B rendition of Empire State of Mind to Lady Gaga and Kanye.

I remember hearing him play "Just Get To Know Me" in the studio with Kerry "Krucial" Brothers. I hadn't heard of him until that day and his voice resonated eversince. Thank you Mateo. RESPECT!!!!

DOWNLOAD IT NOW

@MATEOONLINE

Let Mateo know what you think by follow him on twitter.

Enjoy y'all!

XOXO

Jnyflower

Pras Michel presents PrAsponse to Haiti Event

2010-02-24T17:42:00.000-08:00

Pras Michel, Edward Norton, David Blaine, Alfred Smith IV Cordially invite you to "PrAsponse to Haiti"

Tuesday March 2, 2010

THE PRINCE GEORGE BALLROOM

15 EAST 27th STREET

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

6:30 PM – 7:30 PM VIP RECEPTION*

7:30 PM – 11:00 PM COCKTAIL GALA

Performance by Pras Michel with Angela Severiano

Cocktail Attire

100% of Ticket sales and Donations go to Haiti
*Tickets and donations are tax deductable

VIP Reception (cocktail gala included): $1,000
Supporter: $250
Friend: $100

On Tuesday March 2, 2010 Pras Michel of PrAsperity Project will continue to bring hope to the 3 million devastated during the Haitian earthquake in "PrAsponse to Haiti." This preeminent international charity event gathers renowned leaders and humanitarians from across the world to help the millions of Haitians who now face homelessness, hunger, disease and poverty.

Grammy Award-winning Haitian-American Pras Michel of the Fugees along with David Blaine, Edward Norton, Alfred Smith IV and other distinguished guests will raise awareness and support. Hitting close to home this tragic event has compelled Pras to advocate for charity transparency and accountability. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund to support their efforts of immediate and long-term recovery.
To support for a brighter future in Haiti, PrAsperity and Salvation Army will also use the proceeds to build a school near the capital, Port-au-Prince. Focusing on education will help Haiti today and tomorrow. The construction and maintenance of the school will provide employment opportunities to the local population. The children affected will learn reading, math and writing skills within their community.

Being held on March 2nd at the Prince George Ballroom in New York, PrAsponse to Haiti is the launch of PrAsperity Project's annual charity event, which will highlight the New York social season. The evening will include live entertainment, fine dining, dancing and a silent auction.

Pras Michel with Angela Severiano will perform.

Hamptons Celebrity Chef Maurizio Marfoglia of Tutto Il Giorno will offer a dinner of culinary delights. The evening’s silent auction will feature fine jewelry, sports memorabilia, celebrity items, art and watches by Audemars Piguet.

Audemars Piguet and Grand Platinum Patrons are beginning a tradition of advancing the mission of PrAsponse, to answer the call of those distressed by all forms of poverty.

To register or for more information please contact registration@prasponse.org

Beyonce Breaks More Records as Artist with the Most RIAA Certification over the Past Decade

2010-02-24T09:35:00.001-08:00

NEW YORK, Feb. 19 -- According to The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), iconic superstar Beyonce, is the artist with the most total certifications over the past decade, with a total of 64. The certifications include cumulative album, digital song, master ringtone, and music video certifications. Beyonce also has the most master ringtone certifications for a female solo artist with 19 and the highest certified master ringtone for a female artist with "Irreplaceable" at 3x multi-Platinum. She received her very first Gold album award for her Grammy® Award winning debut solo album, "Dangerously in Love" on July 29, 2003. "Dangerously in Love" is currently 4x multi-platinum.

Last month, Beyonce broke the record for most Grammy® wins by a female artist in a single year taking home six awards, including "Song of the Year" (for "Single Ladies"). The wins brought her career Grammy® total up to 16 (13 as a solo artist and 3 with Destiny's Child.)

www.beyonceonline.com
www.columbiarecords.com
www.musicworldent.com
www.houseofdereon.com
www.dereon.com
www.beyonceparfums.com

Source: Music World Music/Columbia Records

Alicia Keys announces Freedom Tour 2010 US

2009-12-28T09:31:00.000-08:00

For all of our KRUtons aka KRUsaders for as Ivona would say AKRUtons (lol),

Here are the US tour dates for The Freedom Tour 2010. Sending all of you my love...THANK YOU for all of YOUR love & support! Because of all of you, record sales prove that as long as there is great music being made, lovers of music will support! Despite the album leak, The Element of Freedom sold over 417K the first week. Now that's what I call having The Element of Success. (Thank you Krucial for making music that we all love & appreciate!)

DATE CITY VENUE
---- ---- -----
March 03, 2010 Chicago, IL Allstate Arena
March 05, 2010 Detroit, MI Fox Theater
March 06, 2010 Detroit, MI Fox Theater
March 13, 2010 Mashantucket, CT Foxwoods Casino
March 17, 2010 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
March 19, 2010 Newark, NJ Prudential Centre
March 20, 2010 Atlantic City, NJ Mark Estess Arena
March 22, 2010 Boston, MA Agganis Arena
March 24, 2010 Baltimore, MD 1st Mariner Arena
March 25, 2010 Washington, D.C. Verizon Center
March 27, 2010 Miami, FL American Airlines Arena
March 28, 2010 Tampa, FL St. Pete Times-Forum
March 30, 2010 Atlanta, GA Phillips Arena
April 02, 2010 Dallas, TX Nokia Theater (Grand Prairie)
April 03, 2010 Houston, TX Toyota Centre
April 06, 2010 Los Angeles, CA Staples Centre
April 07, 2010 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion
April 09, 2010 Las Vegas, NV Mandalay Bay

It's all love baby!

Truly yours,

Jnyflower

Alicia Keys Drafts Drake for "Freedom" Album

2009-11-16T13:23:00.001-08:00

Alicia Keys Drafts Drake For 'Freedom' Album
Newsroom | Posted on 11/16/09 | Filed Under: R&B News, Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys' decision to move back her album due to great music may have something to do with Drake.

According to longtime Keys' collaborator Kerry 'Krucial' Brothers, Keys has logged time in the studio with the "Best I Ever Had" rapper/singer.

"Wow this new Ak and Drake is fire! I love my job," Brothers wrote on Twitter over the weekend.

Later writing what could end up on a song, Brothers wrote "If you have something to say... U should say it right now".

Keys' forthcoming album "The Element of Freedom" was due December 8 but has since been moved back to December 15.

Announcing the slight pushback, Keys wrote "Luv having the freedom to create beautiful music, so I’m pushing the album back to DEC 15th... So many more amazing songs!!!," on Twitter.

"The Element of Freedom" also follows the release of the now Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs no.1 charting single "Empire State of Mind" (Jay-Z).

Andy Anh Ha

2009-11-16T10:14:00.000-08:00

I first discovered this artist while visiting a friend of mine, Lisa. She had these amazing pieces in her apartment that really caught my attention. I asked her about the artist and turns out, he was actually a friend she had known while living in Tennessee. I love his work and every piece is hand made by the artist himself. I was impressed...Here is some information about him that I took of his website: www.andyanhha.com

Andy Anh Ha

I studied arts at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. There, I graduated with a BFA in Fine Arts with a concentration in Media Arts. I was born and raised in Nashville, TN and moved to Los Angeles after schooling. My paintings vary in style as so do the artists I am influenced by. I appreciate the arts from the Renaissance period to contemporary works. Artists that are influential include Rembrandt, Picasso, and Warhol. The outcome of my paintings would be labeled under mixed media. I tend to use a variation of styles, techniques, and mediums. Presently, my main focus is lotus flowers. The words I choose to place on these series relate to the beliefs of the mystical lotus flower, which to my understanding is "creative power and purity amid adverse surroundings." Words such as "able" relate to the circumstances in which the lotus blossoms in muddy swamps, yet maintains its integrity and beauty. This concept is similar to the saying "The rose that grew from concrete." The font is hand stenciled onto contact paper, carefully cut out, and painted over. For the finish, I have chosen to use some form of varnish. Depending on the message and feel of the individual piece, either polyacrylic and/or resin are applied. The outcome is design oriented with a painterly feel. I believe in an overall balance. The layout is influenced by my eastern culture, very simple but strong. The technique I use comes from my education. I love art. Thanks for reading.

THESE ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITES! GO TO HIS SITE TO SEE MANY MORE!

Tasha Reid (Yoon Mi Rae) - "Black Happiness"

2009-11-15T16:40:00.000-08:00

My friend Denyce Lawton tweeted and sent me a link to this amazing Korean/Black rapper, Tasha Reid (Yoon Mi Rae). I was really impressed by what she was saying in her lyrics. This really touched my heart and I can now say that I am now a fan of hers! The personal message in the music is what captured me -- I love honest music. Let me know what you think! Thanks Denyce!!!

* Black Happiness by Tasha

My skin was dark from my past
People used to point at me
Even at my mom Even at my dad who was black, and in the army
People whisper behind my back
Said this and said that
I always had tears in my eyes
Although I was young
I saw my mother's sadness

Everything
seemed like it was my fault
Because of my guilt
I washed my face everytime during the day
With my tears I melt the white soap
I always hated my dark skin
why O why
Does the world judge me
When I hate the world
I close my eyes

I put my soul into the music my father gave me
I feel the volume
And fly higher and higher
Far away
la musique

(When I hate the world)
(Music soothes me)
(you gotta hold on)
(and love yourself)
(When I hate the world)
(Music raises me up)
(so you gotta be strong)
(you gotta hold on)
(and love yourself)

Time passed and I was thirteen
My skin was dark brown
Music doesn't judge color
They give me light
I lead my music
We lean on eachother
I don't feel lonely
Then one day
I was given a chance
I held on to my microphone

And suddenly I was on stage
I say goodbye to music and ask it to come back
Then I became nineteen
I have to lie
I put white makeup over my face
They told me to wear a mask
They said my mom's race was okay
But not my dad's
Every year my age was nineteen
During times when time stopped

I felt like I was in jail
And I leaned on myself
I spent endless, painful days
I ignored their warnings
And because I missed music
I tried to escape
But no, I got caught
I prayed all night
And now I'm free

Where the heart is...

2009-09-08T01:07:00.000-07:00

I miss New York, the New York that is she.
Where Lady Liberty lies and boasts her strength and beauty. The city has always been good to me. She surrounds my spirit and makes me feel like life exists. She does not judge me, nor does she tear my soul into pieces with lies and misconceptions of beauty. I am the happiest when I am there in the core of her existence, listening to the noise of her heartbeat. She isn't blinded by her own lights & egos as Hollywood is blinded by its. Her humility is her grace.
New York offers guidance, clarity amongst the chaos wrapping it's energy around me embracing my uniqueness and eccentricity. Her hustle and her ambition provides encouragement; spreading through the city like a wind gusting through the towers as it cleans up what was left behind by the admirerers and thieves.
My heart is comforted and my emotions are safe like family secrets amongst the NY streets.
She gives me everything that I thought was lost -- the true essence of me.
The passion, the love, the energy, reminding me to love life.
To live. Breathe. And keep fighting to be what she had instill in me.

Not everyone loves New York, and New York doesn't love just anybody. It takes a nurturing and profound person who amplifies her free and expressive nature from her indecisiveness to the stubborn arrogance, to the gentle emotions and passion for life to really understand what is New York.
To love New York is to let her be, to share with the rest of the world all her glories.
New York is she.
You cannot tame a city that is so vibrant and so weightless.
I love New York.
But New York does not belong to me.
New York is she.
And forever
She is me.

"The Kru" is made up of "The Krutons"

2009-08-06T00:45:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, our team is called "The Kru", but in order to incorporate all of our wonderful kyters and twitterkins into the mix I have officially decided to call you "The Krutons" (All matter, everything we see around us, is made up of protons, neutrons and electrons--and now we got KRUTONS!)

So after I had finally decided to let my twitterkins (The Krutons) read my blog about Kerry (bka "Krucial"), I realized that many of you share my sentiments about K. But then again, how could you not admire his unforgettable personality, charm and genuine connection. Kerry has a presence to him that makes you feel like he's been that friend you've had for over 20 year--that feeling of familiarity and it's because he is one of few who let's you see HIM and not a mirage or a halogram of who he is. I encourage all of you to comment and share your love, questions and thoughts about Krucial, as I share with you my journey; my love for music, my dedication to the people I love, and my gratitude to the people who support us and keeps us inspired: THE KRUTONS!!!!

Thank you to everyone who continues to follow us on twitter, join us on kyte, ustream, facebook, myspace and websites. We appreciate your love, support and especially your positive words of encouragement. I would like for all of you to know that every single one of your love is felt and that our inspiration is to keep bringing you GREAT music and content to keep making you proud. We do it for the love of music, but also for those who share our sentiments.

Music is what feelings sound like.

Photo of Kerry "Krucial' Brothers, Jr taken by Jnyflower Choe

It's Definitely Krucial (Kerry "Krucial" Brothers,Jr)!

2009-06-17T15:03:00.000-07:00

The Multi - Grammy Award Winning Producer KERRY "KRUCIAL" BROTHERS, JR

It's such an amazing experience to see a TRUE talented producer at work. I'm not bias at all considering I loved Kerry's work with Alicia Keys, Keyshia Cole, Christina Aguilera & others, before I ever had the pleasure to know him. His love of music and his passion to create music with solid content shows in his dedication to the studio; working over 15 hours on average to create masterpieces after masterpieces. The people he works with have the most love for him and is completely commited to giving him their best; that's rare to come by. Everyone comes into the studio without their egos, without their winnings, without an entourage, without security, without all that is "Hollywood", but with their talents in their pockets and with love in their hearts. It's a working formula for success. Rev. Run once said "Teamwork makes a dream work. Always remember your network determines your net worth." and it's so evident in what is so "Krucial". Kerry is so Krucial (pun intended) to keeping music alive -- a name that fits such an extraordinary talent. Not many people can say that their music will be classic and iconic, but with everything that Krucial puts his magic touch to, it instantly can become a classic. There aren't enough words to describe the feeling I get listening to his treasures, but with every single one of them, I can't help but feel so proud -- so proud to be apart of the process; the journey, but it's mostly BEING PROUD OF HIM! Amazing producer, but also an amazing person! It's So Krucial!!! go to http://www.itssokrucial.com/ (COMING SOON!)I suggest everyone to go to http://www.kyte.tv/itssokrucial to watch him live as he invites his fans, friends, and the world to experience his process and to also share with you some of the music that inspires him.

Kerry "Krucial" Brothers, Jr Photo by Jnyflower Choe