Just the other day I was writing a post entitled �Happy Birthday Michael Jackson� who would have thought �that a few short months later that I would be writing a post on his death.When I first heard a news flash come over on the radio saying Michael had been hospitalised I thought it was one of those publicity stunts to bring attention to MJ�s tour.

Next I heard it announced, Michael Jackson was dead, which I took in unbelievable stunned silence. Michael Jackson can�t die, I mean he is Michael Jackson; can the Smooth Criminal Thriller Billie Jean MJ really die?Then the tributes and music started confirming the saddening news.

He was the indisputable King of Pop and one the greatest entertainers in the world. He was a visionary who revolutionized the entertainment world with his videos and music. His immense popularity broke through demographic barriers of age class and colour. He was loved by all. Except those who hated him, and to hate him would mean you had to know of him, such was the extent of his fame.

I have been doing a comical vocal imitation of Michael on radio for the past 20 years. If I did an impression now of Mc Hammer who was big in the 80’s, people would be “Mc who??” But an impression of MJ never failed to entertain the masses because everyone knew who he was. Now on the eve of his comeback concert, he is gone, space walking to that musical studio in the sky, reflecting the words of one of his own songs, Michael Jackson is �Gone Too Soon.�

Disturbia, Chris you are scaring me tonight

Disturbia, cuffing me with all your might

Disturbia, you ain’t what I use to what you like

Disturbia, disturbia

Rihanna needs to redo the song Disturbia and put herself and abuser hubby Chris Brown in it.

Maybe that is the duet they are thinking of doing together a Disturbia part 2.

It seems the whole world Oprah included, is disturbed by the fact that Rihanna has returned to the side of batterer boyfriend Chris “Bite muh” Brown.

It is discussed ad naseu

m on CNN’s Larry King every night

Previously abused show bizz personality Robin Givens has given advice, Dr Phil and all the American TV morning shows have been all shouting in tandem that Rihanna going back Chris beat up Brown was a bad idea.

And to add injury to insult now it is now reported that Rihanna is in the studio doing a song with Chris “Bust Ya face” Brown.

So while radio stations have been pulling Brown’s songs off the radio to support her, Rihanna is doing a song with the specimen, can you imagine that?

FYI to Rihanna believe it or not there are other men in the world to choose from, in fact research has shown they are billions of them. You need to stop this “Disturbia” path you are on before it’s too late. 

Besides Oprah says no, and if Oprah says no, you tell Chris beater boy Brown to go.

To finish this “Disturbia” Post I will humbly offer for consideration a lyric rewrite to Rihanna for the duet with “Chris “bust yuh ass” Brown.

Disturbia, Chris Brown you are doing shite

Disturbia, I am leaving your ass tonight

Disturbia, hitting this girl Rihanna aint right

Disturbia, disturbia

The international media is rife with the word that Rihanna Fenty has reunited with alleged woman beater Chris Brown.

In my previous blog on this incident I asked if Chris Brown had eaten from the root of ignorance, I would now have to ask if he shared it with Rihanna.

An International media quote stated “Rihanna and Chris Brown are both back in the city where she was beaten to a bloody pulp just weeks ago” 

We also saw the extent of the beating Rihanna received in the police photo which since then circulated on the internet.

Its times like this that I realise that I don’t know what love is, if love is a partner who beats me viciously to a bloody pulp and because he calls and says “Happy Birthday” I pick up my ass and be back with them I probably will never know.

The fairy tale perception which is perpetuated by the media has been shattered, when you see Rihanna and Brown together now it represents a battered woman who is in a relationship with a vicious abusive man.

What is most concerning is the example it sets for young males who idolize Brown who will see the reconciliation as a sign its ok to “share some blows’ when it is needed to keep your woman in line. 

“If a bitch puts herself in a mans position then a bitch should get hit”

That’s just one of the many asinine comments to my previous Rihanna Chris blog where some are condoning and even applauding the beating.

What message does Rihanna returning to Brown send to the average woman in an abusive relationship who will now feel there is no choice but to stick with the stupid ass man.If a woman like Rihanna with her resources cant leave how can I?

Rihanna’s father says he will support her what ever decision she makes, frankly I find it hard to support people who do igrunce regardless of who you are. 

Some people call it foolish for Rihanna to go back, some are saying its love  the words that come to my mind I will not say as I cannot refer to a fellow Combermerian in that manner.

Lets hope for Rihanna’s sake she is right and she does not come to regret her decision, maybe in the fullest of time she will have a fairy tale ending, though in real life that rarely ever happens…

Jamal Woolard plays slain rapper Notorious B.I.G. in Notorious

I have not updated Boyce Voice for over two weeks and deserve licks….
I will make a pledge not to repeat such behavior again and apologise to Tracy Fyahkros, Asiba and all the readers.

Let me digress back (if there is such a term) to my topic “The Notorious Industry”.
I am referring to the Rap music Industry which has its roots in the United States of America.
Notorious would be an apt description because of the new movie release on rapper Biggy Small based entitled that, “Notorious”.
What caught my attention recently was an online news item where four men were stabbed at the after party for that same movie.

It reminded me of the asininely violent behavior which is a norm by practioners in the rap music industry.
Rappers usually “diss” one another in the lyrics of their songs, which is ok, but then they go a step further.
That rivalry continues off stage sometimes resulting in rappers shooting and killing one other.
It’s the equivalent of our calypsonians not only singing about one another but killing one another too, so Gabby might go looking for RPB to take him out if we followed the example of the rappers.
Rappers sing gangsta lyrics and then turn round and live gangsta lives for real.
Let’s look at a white parallel, Who appears in more violent mafia and gangster movies that Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, but when the movie is over the role is over and they become movie stars living a glamorous life of luxury.
You don’t see them going around town toting guns shooting at one another and the police.

It is unfortunate that the section of the entertainment industry that is so deviant happens to be black.
The Rap Industry is now responsible for misleading a generation of young black males into believing being a gangsta is the “life” and going to prison is a badge of honor.
The “Notorious” Industry is therefore an apt title.

By the way, in case you didn’t know “Notorious B.I.G was gunned down in Los Angeles in 1997 reputedly by a rival rap gang. Ok then…..

Hope you had an excellent Christmas eating the Ham, Black Cake. Jug Jug and enjoying the things associated with this festive season.
A musical airplay trend that I have noticed in recent years is where radio stations no longer play exclusively Yule tide music in the days leading up to Xmas.
Years ago it was a standard that for the entire month of December it would be 100% Xmas selections that would dominate the radio.
I can speak to this with authority as I remember having a half hour on radio in the 90’s and having to seek permission from the Station Program Manager to play some non yuletide music I wanted to promote.

What is the possible negative impact of this? We here in Barbados don’t have snow and all the weather related characteristics that signal Xmas, the only thing which signifies that is the music. So if you are hearing less Xmas songs you are feeling less in the yuletide spirit which means you less inclined to go out there spending and injecting the much needed money into the economy.

Our retail industry depends on the ambiance generated by songs like “Dreaming of a white xmas” the xmas shoes” song (which I hate) ““little drummer boy” to motivate customers to come out.
A great percentage of the annual store retail sales happen at Christmas, December revenue becomes the savior of many shops and is the reason they exist.
One should then see the possible danger that might develop if we see a trend where less Xmas music is played in December which will equate to fewer retail sales less financial activity and become a possible danger to the economy.

Boyce Voice takes this opportunity to wish you the best of the season!

All Hail Mr. Hal Linton!
It’s good to finally seeing a Bajan male finally making impact internationally, I read in the media of Evan Rogers who discovered Rihanna now has his own label “Syndicated Rhythm Production”.
 Rogers also stated it’s the Barbadians he has signed to his label that is making him a force to be reckoned with in the international world. Those artistes would be superstar Rihanna, Shontelle Layne and now Hal Linton.
Hal would have been his most recent addition and Rogers said there is extreme interest in him from music industry executives.

Linton has already been a winner four times at our Barbados Music Awards, Song of the year, best new artiste, song Writer of the year and R and B single of the year. The song that put him on the map is “Cardiac Arrest” which we are featuring below.

I wrote a post in February querying if a Bajan male singer would need to have a sex change and become a woman in order to attract the attention of the international world. http://www.boycevoice.com/blog/2008/02/03/i-want-to-be-a-woman/
Hal Linton was one of the talented males I mentioned that was deserving of world wide recognition.
In fact now that I think, it’s probably Boyce Voice that brought the attention of the world to Hal.
In which case we are probably deserving of some commission or something, I’ll get Evan’s cell number and give him a call…

In the mean time click below and view Hal performing “Cardiac Arrest” as we celebrate him making it internationally.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S67ZhNfI8q0

Here’s a press release on a local Bajan star Philip 7 who is set to go places with his new release which Boyce Voice will be featuring soon, click and take a read…..

The versatile and multi-talented Pyramid artist Philip 7  is again revealing the depth of his skills, with the recent recording and release of a warm and melodic track produced by one of Jamaica’s most long-standing and accomplished producers Richard ’Shams’ Browne.

Philip 7 is well known for the quality and variety of his music, which reflects alternative as well as R & B influences, but when he struck with the authentic reggae hit Beautiful Surprise some time ago, he proved his musical flexibility, and his ability to incorporate different genres.

This latest reggae track Who You Are, was created in Jamaica and is a reggae inspired exploration of a special love interest that totally captures Philip 7’s mind. High production values, solid lyrics, and the characteristic versatile vocals of Philip 7 will ensure this number shines brightly.

The work has not stopped there for Philip 7. He also made recent links with other top Jamaican producers to ensure his talent reaches maximum potential on wax. Most recently, he completed the track Looking For, which was produced by the young yet accomplished Jamaican producer Stephen McGregor, and he has also been working with another veteran producer Donovan Germaine of the Penthouse Label.

We will get back to the second part of this story later, but here we wil do a flash back and invite you to veiw Philip 7 video to the song “Beautiful Surprise” click below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4LSD3G0qVU

 

Rihanna Fenty continues to take the world by storm, bringing honor and credit to Barbados and Combermere School!

I know there are some people that don’t like to hear combermere but I will get back to that, let’s not digress.

Lady Fenty’s latest success is the winning two awards at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles last weekend,
Favorite Female Artiste in the soul/R&B category in addition to Favorite Female Artiste in Pop/Rock.

In February there were some persons who sought to cast aspersions on the act of government honoring Rihanna making her a Barbados Ambassador, since then her achievements continue to more than justify this title.

Even as we go into independence with Rihanna’s latest win we should be recognizing and celebrating her latest accolade as well.

Because of Rihanna I now see Barbados being mentioned in international web articles that would not have spit on us before.
Also I am seeing mention of Combermere as well, of course you know that was always a great school, but it is now being officially recongnised internationally as the school that Rihanna attended.
Do you hear Beyonce saying what school she attended or Alicia Keys? No! But you hear that Rihanna went to Combermere that is why we are so freaking great!

So Congrats to Lady Rihanna Fenty (and I use lady deliberately) on her latest international win and for continuing to bring credit to our nation.

Tomorrow I will be cursing American Media on Rihanna’s behalf, log on then!!
In the mean time I leave you with this clip of Rihanna perform hit ”Rehab” at the American Music Awards,click below…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6ckL2xLDxs

Boyce is leaving your computer and looking to go in rehab….

“Kite’s sound is the unlikely combination of elemental, spartan reggae and the moodiness of introspective/anthemic rock.”

In case you are wondering how the sound of a flying kite could get such a musical compliment that is because they are talking about our own barbadian band “Kite”.

I was pretty much unaware of the international impact the “kite” had been making but then you could say that confirms the iigrunt dog I am. In a conversation with Stephanie Chase she edified with knowledge of how the band’s music had been featured on television network shows and thing.

Lets go straight to the press release from the band Kite which would say it a lot better than igrunt me could… then click and check out their music video at the end….

Kite’s ‘Firefly’ Features on the CBS Primetime TV Show JERICHO
Hey guys we are thrilled that our song ‘Firefly’ continues to do us proud!
‘Firefly’ has been featured recently on CBS PRIMETIME SERIES ‘Jericho’. The show JERICHO is a drama about what happens in the aftermath of a nuclear explosion in the once peaceful town of Jericho. Visit www.cbs.com/primetime/jericho/ for more info on the show.
It started for Kite in 2005 with the placement on CBS Primetime TV Show ‘The Ghost Whisperer’, then, last Year, Canadian TV CBC featured ‘Up In The Air’ and ‘Wake Up’ ‘from our debut album on the TV series ‘Degrassi’. Firefly featured, once again, on the movie ‘The Stone Angel’ earlier this year. And now it’s ‘Firefly’ on the CBS Prime Time TV Show ‘Jericho’…
We want to thank all of you guys for believing in the songs and giving us so much support here in BIM!
Our 2 albums ‘Up In The Air’ and ‘Thirteen Degrees North’ are on sale island-wide and online. ‘Thirteen Degrees North’ is the first interactive CD released by a Bajan artist and contains not only our music, but the music video to ‘Firefly’, a photo gallery and a mini-documentary on the making of the album…plus links to our web site, where you can get listings of the local outlets for our CDs.
Cheers guys,
Brian and JJ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TfWDVLfHqs

 Untill next time, Go fly a “kite”

Here’s a Press release sent to me by Boyce Voice reader CiCi about her new Jazz album recorded live at the Calgary Club… Expand your musical horizons and take a read…

Live at the Beat Niq captures a magical performance by CiCi and her quartet of masterful musicians at the famed Calgary jazz club.   The accomplished vocalist and her dexterous band captivated the audience with enthralling performances that run the gamut from the reggae-inspired “Summertime” to the breathtaking ballad “If.”

The venue’s intimate environment allowed the recorded songs to jump out at you like an old Ella Fitzgerald live record, but that didn’t stop the spellbound audience from pushing aside tables to clear space for impromptu dancing inspired by the rhythmic show.   Live at the Beat Niq is packed with marvelous, fresh takes on some of history’s most treasured songs.

CiCi – Live at the Beat Niq
1. The Lady Is A Tramp
2. Summertime
3. If
4. It’s All Right With Me
5. Route 66
6. All Of Me
7. Just In Time
8. Over The Rainbow
9. Teach Me Tonight