A Top Notch Moment: What Song Do I Feel Like Hearing!?!?

So here I am, leaving the school gym. Finally, this school week is over for me and I'm ready to go home and just CHILL! So I'm driving home in these rainy, cool weather conditions that I absolutely hate. I'm more of a Spring kind of guy lol. Anyway, while I was driving I started scanning through my iPod searching for something to blast on my rainy drive home. This usually does not involve a huge amount of effort, but tonight almost nothing I began to play could please my mood. Then it hit me!

My iPod is jam packed with amazing artist and an abundant amount of amazing beats and melodies, however lately its been hard for me to find anything that would satisfy my mood. Tonight I realized that there has been a disconnection between myself and the music on my iPod. Well why? What's the reason for this disconnect. Anyone who notices my facebook status' and occasionally pays my blog a visit knows that I'm a music lover. Usually it does not take long for me to find music to listen to. But lately, I've been listening to the same playlist over and over again--my workout playlist which typically includes upbeat party music...

Most music seems to be inspired by love and relationships. To be honest, I can not relate to love/relationship inspired songs in this chapter of my life lol. Ahhhh, so thats what it is. Sidenote: I love dissecting my experiences to get to the root of the problem, it's great lol. And I'm sure many of you go through situations similar to mine. I haven't really talked to anyone on a romantic level in a very long time so I can't really relate to a lot of music. In fact, being that I periodically write my own music as a hobby, I haven't even been inspired to write anything for a minute.

So yeah, lately all the music I have been listening to has been party music. I feel like it reflects where I am in my life as of now. I want to have fun! I hate when some music lovers say things like "today's music on the radio has no substance, these artist don't talk about anything..." Well in response to that, why does everything have to be so serious all the time? lol... Sometimes the best song is about absolutely nothing!. But it just feels good. And that's what music is all about! Making people feel something.

Even though I can not relate to a lot of "love songs" right now, there are plenty of love songs that I could relate to at one point in my life. When I listen to them today, they remind me of different feelings and emotions I once felt but I still won't be able to relate so it's like I don't wanna listen to it. So I IMMEDIATELY change the song to Usher's "OMG" or Rihanna's "Rockstar 101" lol. "I'ma Rockstar! O Baby I'ma Rockstar!..." :) Shit, the closest thing to a love song I can relate to right now is Letoya Luckett's "Lazy." haha

But anyways, this was just a random thought I had on my way home tonight and figured it would be appropriate to incorporate in my blog. And again, I'm sure many of you can relate! What song or types of music best describes the place where you are in your life right now?

Thanks for reading :)

New Music: Rihanna "What's My Name"

Over the past couple years I have gradually been turned into a Rihanna fan lol. Now I know people hate on her because she is not the strongest vocalist and not the best stage performer but with all that aside I feel as though she holds her own in the music industry. Not everyone has to have a strong voice like Jennifer Hudson. And besides, Rihanna can sing, she has a nice tone. On top of that, Rihanna is a POP STAR! There's more to being a pop star than singing. There's the actual music, the look, the personality..etc..Anywho, Rihanna has released a new song today called "What's My Name" and it is a BANGA! I love it! The song features Drake and I kind of feel like a small island influence in the song which I can really apprecite because it goes back to Rihanna's roots. See her first two albums. I was actually just listening to her first CD yesterday lol...Music of the Sun...throwback..But yea, the song has a catchy melody and is just an all around smooth song. I LOVE THIS SONGGGG... I can't wait to blast it in my car on my next 5 minute drive to work lol. Check out the song below. Enjoy :)

Mill Creek Shampoo and Conditioner

So I just wanted to take some time to give a shout out to this new shampoo and conditioner I've been using. I just purchased it last week from the Vitamin Shoppe. It's Mill Creek Biotin H-24. It's suppose to be like a hair thickener too but I haven't really seen any drastic result with that yet but I'm still fairly new to the product. I decided to get the conditioner too just because I'm one who enjoys conditioning my hair after a nice cleansing lol. But from what I was told the conditioner is not even needed. If your looking for a new shampoo then I highly recommend this brand. It leaves your hair feeling super clean and moisturized after your done. It's about $8 a bottle. So $8 for the Shampoo and $8 for the conditioner. But I do think it's worth it. I believe in spending a bit extra cash for hair and skin products. You only have one body so lets take care of it right...

Make these Autumn Streets your Runway!

So as we all know, it is that time of the year. You know, where we have to start wearing jackets, long sleeve shirts, boots...ugh...Well lets try not to be too down about it lol. The good thing about Fall is that all the BEST fashion comes out. So if you suffer from seasonal depression, the least you can do for yourself is look nice, right..!

Check out this Jacket I found on the Levi's site. It's dark denim in the middle area with leather leaves. Pretty hot huh....



$325

And if your anything like me than you LOVE a hot, good fitting pair of jeans like these from 7 for all Mankind which is one of my favorite brands for jeans.



$128

What I also like to do during the fall is throw on a scarf like this one from Urban Outfitters. A simple light weight scarf can make a plain outfit really pop!



$36

So yea, lets build up our fashion this fall/winter to get us through this COldness.....burrrr lol

New Video: Rihanna "Only Girl"

Rihanna is on the move for promotion of her new album "LOUD." The video for her leading single "Only Girl" premiered yesterday.
The video is really beautiful actually. It's very simple but I can definitely appreciate it. Sometimes simple is better. It really gave me a new image for the song other than the one I had in my head. I love the video because it just feels so liberating and has a happy vibe to it. Everything from the flowers, to her swinging on the swing. Last album was pretty dark so this is a complete turn around and in a sense lets the world know that she's overall her 2009 drama. She was the only girl in the video which goes along with the title. O yea, I like how the setting for the video was basically in a big, wide open field. This sort of gave the video an epic, monuemental feeling. Overall, I believe this to be a fresh start in the next chapter of Rihanna's career. It's time to bring the happy Rihanna back lol. Anywayz, Check out the video below. Hope you like :)



And I apologize because the audio track is off from the video so it may be kind of annoying. But if you can't tolerate it then try to find the video somewhere else. I just wanted to let you all know that it's out there :)

New Video: Rick Ross "

I love this song!!!! Like this is one of those songs that you just blast in your car while driving on 95 on a clear night lol. Nice video, nothing groundbreaking. But I'm sorry, this does not sound like Chrisette Michelle..idk...But check out the video below. Enjoy :)

New Artist: Dee 1

So I was just browsing the web and I cam across this video by this new artist by the name of Dee-1. Just listen to the lyrics and you'll hear that he definitely speaks the truth. BTW he is a graduate of Louisiana University and I read that he also use to be a teacher.



Check out is YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/Dee1music

New Video: RichGirl "Swagger Right"

So I think I posted this song a few weeks back. It's called "Swagger Right" and believe me when I say there is PLENTY of swag throughout the music video. I'm really happy with the video because it's kind of what I envisioned it to be in my head--and better. I really like the scene where they are just chillin by the cop car lol. Idk I just think that's hot. But yea all the girls look beautiful in the video and really did there thing. I think Seven is a fierce performer and Lyndriette brings so much swag in her vocals. So check out RichGirl's new video for "Swagger Right."

P.S. Now I'm going to to need some TV appearances from them. 106 and Park or something...


Swagger Right (Feat. Fabolous & Rick Ross) BMF
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OMG Ciara has a new video and it's FIREEEEEE!!!!!

So I just watched Ciara's new video for "Gimme Dat." She actually just leaked a video for her song "Speechless" last week but I decided not to post it because I honestly was not that impressed. I was hoping for more of a promise type video for that song but whatever. BUT I will say that Ciara has made up for that with this new video. Honestly, I don't even know where to start. I will say that at the beginning of the video I was a bit worried because it gave me "Diva" by Beyonce. But once she entered that abandoned warehouse it was a WRAP! She started doing her own thing. I like how at first it was just her and the one guy dancing. As the video went on, there was a build up in the choreography and the amount of dancers. In the middle of the video Ciara was dancing with a bunch of dudes and I think the choreography was inspired by stepping. Yea, it was pretty hot. Then towards the end of the video there was a cool computer affect where she sort of multiplied and there were a bunch of Ciara's in the room dancing lol. Pretty cool. O yea, I also loved when she was dancing by herself in the rain. Overall, this video was definitely a top notch video and I feel like with the right promotion Ciara is about to be back in the game amongst the top acts. So without further holdup, check out Ciara's new video "Gimme Dat." Enjoy :)

New Music: Drake- I Get Lonely Too

Drake has a new song that was leaked called "I Get Lonely Too." Well I don't even have to say how I feel about it because ya'll know I like everything Drake does so....lol. But check it out for yourself below.

Kelly Rowland Performs National Anthem

Ms Kelly sounded pretty good to me. The only thing would be that it sounded a bit rushed. But maybe she had a time limit or something. Who knows what goes on behind the scenes. And I love her new hair cute btw.

New Music: Keri Hilson- Pretty Girl Rock

I'm sooooo excited because one of my favorite ladies in the biz is BACK ya'll!! I tried to tell ya'll that she was about to come hard after "Breaking Point." Her second single off of her sophmore album "No Boys Allowed" is titled "Pretty Girl Rock." I am so loving this song and I definitely think its going to be a radio hit! I'm really looking forward to the music video. I kinda hope it's a dance video because I feel like this song needs a nice little performance aspect to push it even more. But again, I absolutely love the song and can't wait for the album! Check the song out for yourself below :)

Keri Hilson, "Pretty Girls Rock" by billboard

New Video: Keri HIlson- Breaking Point

Ms Keri is BACK ya'll. Don't know if ya'll heard but a few weeks ago Keri released a new track called "Breaking Point." I didn't actually think that it was going to serve as the lead single from the sophmore album but apparently it is. I really like the song, I listen to it all the time but I was just a little concerned with how it was going to do on the charts. But we shall see. I'm all for team Keri so...But anyway, the video premiered like yesterday I think. Its a real cute video. Very simple. I like how she took it to the hair salon incorporated all different types of women in the video because it kinda gets the point across that its another ladies anthem. So check out the video below and lets show Keri some love :)

O yea one more thing I just noticed. I like how she took it to the hair salon because her getting a hair done actually introduced her new look with the blonde hair for this album. So its kind of like, get ready cause I'm back with a new look and I'm just easing my way back with a mellow record. But I'm bout to go hard soon! lol. Idk, that's just my take on it, but enjoy :)



Sidenote: Why does it always seem like Keri Hilson is always in the bed...? lmao...Its like every video. Is that like her signature thing or something?

Beyonce makes Special Appearance at Jay-Z Concert

You have to admit that Beyonce is a little missed in the industry right now. Well I'll admit it. I am glad that she's taking a break though so I can actually have a chance to miss her lol. Also, to let other black female artist shine a little. So yea Beyonce made another special appearance to perform "Forever Young" along side Jay-Z. I love their performances together. So if your interested here it is...

P.S. Isn't that a nice outfit in the picture I choose. I know that was random but check out the performance below :)

New Album: Trey Songz- Passion, Pain, & Pleasure

Well if your looking for some new music then be sure to get into Trey Songz 4th studio album, "Passion, Pain, & Pleasure." I still haven't purchased the album myself yet but I will soon. I'll be honest, I really didn't expect too much from Trey on this album because it seemed a bit rushed to me. HOWEVER i did get the chance to preview the album on itunes and it sounds pretty dope to my surprise. So I will be buying it. And YES I do still buy albums unlike some of ya'll lol. But to leave you all with a little somethin somethin, here is one song that stuck up to me called "Love Me Better." It's actually a bonus track but this song to me just feels good--the beat, the melody, the lyrics, yea it's a nice song. So check it out below and be sure to support Trey on his latest effort "Passion, Pain, & Pleasure :)

New Video: Kelly Rowland-Rose Colored Glasses

So Kelly Rowland's new video for "Rose Colored Glasses" has recently premiered. Very simplistic but beautiful video that works for the song. And Kelly looks flawless in the video as usual. Seems like Kelly just keeps looking better the older she gets lol. I love the song too, it really shows off Kelly's vocal ability. I love the fact that Kelly has come into her own sound now a days. I thought the video was supposed to be in 3D but I don't know. Maybe I'll have to buy some 3D Glasses and see...lol. But anyways, here's the video so Enjoy :)

New Video: Jazmine Sullivan- Holding You Down

So I just watched Jazmine Sullivan's new music video for "Holding You Down" and I'm really feeling it. Even though it's very simplistic and nothing really groundbreaking it definitely goes with the song. Not everything has to be over the top. I really appreciated the 90's throwback in the video as well. So get into Ms Sullivan's new video below. Enjoy :)

TNB Remembers Aaliyah...Janurary 16, 1979- August 25, 2001

Nine years ago today, the world was taken by shock when Aaliyah Dana Haughton had passed. I remember when this happened, I was in 8th grade. I didn't take the news well at all because Aaliyah was one of my favorites. But I just wanted to take this time on my blog to remember her. I've always loved Aaliyah not only for her music, but also because she just seemed to have such a warm spirit. Her music is timeless so lets celebrate her legacy. Check out one of my favorite Aaliyah songs "Back in One Piece" from the Romeo Must Die soundtrack.



Remember her on 106 and Park...



Aww...here's Beyonce interviewing her on the red carpet at the MTV Movie Awards.

Jazmine's Bacckkkkkkk!

Yay! One of my favorites, Jazmine Sullivan, is back with a new single titled "Holding You Down." Uhh I basically love everything she does so yea...lol..I just love her voice. I think she has one of the best voices in the industry and I'm glad she is mainstream because her talent deserves to be out there. I say that because I discovered Jazmine online a few years ago before everyone else really knew about her. But anywho, I first heard this song on 92Q or it may have been WKYS (can't remember) a few weeks ago and I love it. I can't wait to hear more songs from the album. Check out "Holding You Down" below. Enjoy

PS: Isn't that such a stunning picture :)

Eminem ft. Rihanna-Love the Way You Lie

So uhh I'm not even going to lie and claim to be a huge Eminem fan, however I'm sort of obsessed with this song lol. Also the music video is pretty cool too with all the effects. Rihanna looks gorgeous and usual while Eminem sounds angry as usual lol. Anyway, if you havent already check out the video for "Love the Way You Lie" below.

Funny Video

My mother showed me this video yesterday on Youtube and I thought it's cute and funny at the same time. So if you need a little chuckle here ya go. Apparently a 3 year old walked in on her parents doing to do! lol

New Album: Fantasia "Back to Me"

So Fantasia's "Back to Me" album has finally come out today. I actually previewed the album on itunes last week and it sounds pretty amazing. In promotion of her new masterpiece, Fantasia appeared on Good Morning America this morning. She performed her lead single "Bittersweet" which was another electrifying performance. Along with me being a fan of her music, I am such a fan of her live performances.

She also did an interview after the performance and of course she spoke on all the hype surrounding her suicide attempt. Very sad situation but I guess her experience can be a lesson to everyone. Yes things get tough in life but nobody said life was going to be easy. No one is perfect and everyone goes through something so just know that your not the only one. Life is so short and full of so many lessons. That's why I believe it's so important for us as people to come together and uplift one another opposed to putting eachother down. You never know what people are going through. But anyways, enough of me running of at the mouth lol. Get into Fantasia's performance and interview below and be sure to pick up a copy of her new album "Back to Me." Enjoy :)

New Music: Ciara-Speechless

Get into this new Ciara joint that I mentioned on the last Ciara post. It's called "Speechless" and trust me, its a BANGA! IDK, it just feels good. Anywho, check it out below :)



BTW, isn't that a nice single cover in the video...Good look CiCi!

Webisode: Anacostia

Just a few days ago I watched Season 1 of this webisode I found online called "Anacostia." It's a show based out of DC and there is nothing but drama! lol. It's very entertaining so if your having a lazy Sunday today and need something to do then go check it out at http://vimeo.com/6601169. And if you like it then stay tuned for Season 2 which will be premiering sometime this month. Anyways, to get you ready for the 2nd Season, check out Lonnell Williams (One of my favorite Youtube bloggers) interviewing the cast below. Enjoy :)

Throwback of the Day

TLC was my group back in the day. Well actually they still are one of my favorite groups. I remember back in 99' when they performed "No Scrubs" and I was blown away. They always brought their A game to their performances. Especially on the little dance breaks that they were known for. So I just wanted to take ya'll back for about 4 minutes with this classic TLC performance of "No Scubs" at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards. Enjoy :)

Get in Top Notch Shape!

So throughout this blog I'm always talking about celebrities who I think are considered "Top Notch." But know that being Top Notch does not mean that you have to be a celebrity. A lot of us see these celebrities on TV and admire them for their good looks and sexy body's. Ladies I know you saw that new Ciara video "Ride", and Fellas I know you saw Trey Songz on the cover of Vibe (mmmhmmmm dont say you didnt cause I know ya did lol). What you don't see is the hard work that these celebrities may be putting into the gym. Being Top Notch definitely starts from the inside, HOWEVER, feeling good on the outside makes the rest a bit easier. What I'm trying to say is GET OFF YOUR LAZY ASS ON GO TO THE GYM! lol....You don't even have to go to a gym, there are plenty of workouts that you can do in the comfort of your own home. Shoot, you can go to Wal-Mart and get a fitness ball for $10 and maybe a set of dumbells for $15. You only get one body so lets take care of it!





Every so often I'll talk about an exercise that I do either at home or at the gym that may help you. So for the first fitness tip I am going to talk about the basic sit-up. Extra fat in the stomach area is a problem for many people. And it's understandable since thats where the majority of our food goes. But yea, what I use to do my sit-ups is the body ball, which I purchased for walmart for 10 bucks. Everyone is on a different fitness level, but even if your just doing 10 or 15 sit ups a day at least your doing something. So take some initiative and be a Top Notch Guy/Girl and start getting that stomach together.

Top Notch Guy of the Moment: Jason Derulo

So I kind of just started getting into Jason Derulo. Mr. "In My Head" was born in Miami, Florida (one of my favorite places). I didn't realize he was born in 89' though. Damn I feel old. I was only born a year prior but still! lmao...Anyways, I'm starting to like him because his music is really catchy and definitely radio friendly. In addition to that, I saw him a couple weeks ago performing on some awards show (I forgot which one) and he is actually a pretty good performer. You definitely see a huge Michael Jackson influence in his live showings. It's always good to take notes from the greats BUT my only criticism to him is that maybe he should hold back on some of his MJ moves because to be a great artist you need something that sets you a part from the rest. Something different, not just another MJ clone because thats been done already. But yea, he definitely has potential and seems like a cool dude too (I saw him on MTV's, When I Was 17). So show Mr. Derulo some love and get into his music. For those who have absoloutely no idea who I'm talking about, check out his music video for "Watcha Say" below. Enjoy :)

Nice Outfit Usher!

This is random but I saw this picture of Usher and really liked his lil outfit. Very simple but very nice :) O yea, he has a new song out too called "DJ Got Us Falling In Love." It's a cool song. I guess he saw the success of my fav, "OMG" and decided to do another pop track. More power to ya!

Fantasia Shut it Dowwwnnnn!!

Hey folks, get into this performance by Fantasia for Wal-mart Soundcheck. I watched it yesterday and figured it was worth posting. When I say Ms Barino shut it down I mean she shut it dowwwnnnn lol. Also be sure buy her new album, "Back to Me" because I sure will. I believe it comes out this Tuesday, August 24, but I could be wrong. Anyways, Enjoy :)


Walmart Soundcheck: Fantasia Part 1
Uploaded by yardie4lifever2. - More video blogs and vloggers.

Trey Songz New Video: Bottoms Up

So here's a cool new video from Mr. Steal yo Girl lol. His new single is called "Bottoms Up" featuring Ms Nicki Minaj ( I love her lol). Honestly, I'm not really a fan of the song but the video is actually pretty cool and Trey looks good as usual. I really want to go check him and Monica out on tour actually. I heard it was a good show so if you don't have your tickets then what the hell are you wating for?? Anyways, check out "Bottoms Up" below. Enjoy

Mya's Back!...And with a New Hair Color

So now that Dancing with the Stars is over, Mya is coming back with some new music. Hopefully she can actually get an album out this time because who knows what happened last time in 2007. But yea, she has a song called "Love is the Answer." I actually really like the song. She's going down the same lane as Kelly Rowland and doing a dance techno type of album. Good look for Mya, especially since she can dance. Check out a clip of Mya performing her new single "Love is the Answer" below. And doesn't Mya's body look amazing!




BTW, what do you all think of Mya's new blonde hair color? Ok, I can't lie, at first I hated it! lol. But now I actually think its kind of cute. I like how its dark underneath oppose to the whole thing being blonde. But also I think its a fun new look to go with her fun new sound :)

Ciara Webisode

So today I saw online that episode one of Ciara's webisode has surfaced. I guess she decided to start it to promote her latest effort, "Basic Instinct." It was really a good watch actually. It basically shows her performing a few of her hits. I must say that I have always been a CiCi fan and even though her voice isn't the strongest she is such a good performer. She's more of a Janet Jackson type anyway, you tend to watch her to see her dance more so than sing. So yea, if you have 20 minutes to spare then check out episode one of Ciara's webisode below.


Cici BI Web 1
Uploaded by yardie4lifever2. - See video of the biggest web video personalities.

P.S. Speaking of CIara, she has this new song that has surfaced called "Speechless" that you may want to go check it. It's a goodie :)

RichGirl-Swagger Right

So my favorite girls, RichGirl is back with a new song titled, "Swagger RIght". I first heard it yesterday on 92Q while I was driving to Wal-Mart. All I have to say is that this song is the business. I love it. All the girls can sing but there is something about Lyndriette's voice that I just love. I just love the tone of her voice and her swag is turned on everytime she sings. But yea, team RichGirl! Check out the song below!

Christina Aguilera is Back!

So this morning the world premiere of Christina Aguilera's new video for "Not Myself Tonight" has surfaced online. The video goes hard in my opinion. The song reminds me of a stripped part two actually. I will say that the first time I heard the song like a month ago I was not too impressed. However, after about the third or fourth listen I realized that I actually LOVED the song lol. Now throughout the video, Christina is very very sexual--this being with men AND women. I've read a lot of people's comments towards the video and many say that as a mother this is inappropriate. I'm not going to get into that too much, she's grown and she will do what she wants. In addition to that, Christina and the director of the video (Hype Williams) are artist. And this video is a work of art and art has no limits. So just keep that in mind if you feel some type of way when watching this video lol. Also this reminds me of the old Christina from the "Stripped" era, which is the Christina that we all fell in love with. But anyway, without any further holdup, here is Christina Aguilera's video for "Not Myself Tonight" :).

NEW MUSIC! "Commander" by Ms Kelly Rowland is here!

So it's been a long wait for all of you Kelly Rowland fans but the wait is over. Ms Kelly has finally released the finished version of her first single, Commander, off of her third solo album. I must say that I am beyond impressed. This is definitely what I would consider a comeback song. Kelly commands her listeners while belting "From here on out, I'll be your commander. No fear no doubt, I'll provide the answer." Also what I really love about this song is that the song plays around the fact that Kelly is doing it big this time as a solo artist and is has finally come into her own opposed to shadowing Beyonce. So Ms Kelly is ready to take over the game. Be sure to check out the song below and I command you all to support this girl because she is sooo underrated in the U.S. :)