Diario

First, make a list of your top-20 artists overall. Then, for each of these artists, add the 8 most similar artists to your list. Delete any duplicates, count up the number of entries on your list and this will give you some idea of how eclectic your listening habits are. A score of 9 represents an extremely unvaried musical taste while a 160 represents an extremely varied one.

1. Lady GaGa
- Britney Spears
- The Pussycat Dolls
- Space Cowboy
- Ashley Tisdale
- Katy Perry
- Ke$ha
- Madonna

2. Pixie Lott
- The Saturdays
- Cheryl Cole
- Alexandra Burke
- Girls Can't Catch
- Kristinia DeBarge
- Jordin Sparks
- Paloma Faith

3. Beyoncé
- Destiny's Child
- Ciara
- Kelly Rowland
- Michelle Williams
- Solange
- Rihanna
- LeToya

4. Little Boots
- Marina & the Diamonds
- Annie
- VV Brown
- Ladyhawke
- Frankmusik
- Dragonette
- Florence + The Machine

5. Alicia Keys
- Aaliyah
- Mary J. Blige
- John Legend
- Amerie
- Keyshia Cole

6. Kelis
- Tweet
- Brandy
- Monica

7. Gabriella Cilmi
- Duffy
- Delta Goodrem
- Amy Macdonald
- Sugababes
- Maria Mena
- Alesha Dixon
- Katie Melua
- Natasha Bedingfield

8. Amel Larrieux
- Groove Theory
- Goapele
- Floetry
- Vivian Green
- Ledisi
- Rahsaan Patterson
- Bilal

9. Janet Jackson
- Mariah Carey
- Toni Braxton
- TLC
- Whitney Houston

10. Jill Scott
- Erykah Badu
- Dwele
- Kindred the Family Soul

11. Joss Stone
- India.Arie
- Christina Aguilera
- Adele

12. Amy Winehouse
- Lily Allen

13. Sarah Connor
- Monrose
- No Angels
- Jeanette
- Sandy
- Bro'Sis
- Queensberry
- Anastacia
- Preluders

14. Chrisette Michele
- Jazmine Sullivan
- Raheem DeVaughn
- Musiq
- Maxwell

15. Sade
- Anita Baker
- Lisa Stansfield
- Chaka Khan

16. Janita
- Lalah Hathaway
- Will Downing
- Nylon Beat
- Hil St. Soul
- Emma Salokoski Ensemble
- Tuomo
- Kemopetrol

17. Nadia Oh
- Electrovamp
- Space Cowboy feat. Nadia Oh
- Dangerous Muse
- Rachel Stevens

18. La Roux
- Miike Snow
- Dan Black

19. Macy Gray
- Angie Stone
- Lauryn Hill
- Nneka

20. Corinne Bailey Rae
- Norah Jones
- John Legend

= 95

"The Future Of Smooth Jazz"
Following the success of his highly acclaimed album "Back From The 80's" (Trippin'N'Rhytm 2007) which featured last years hit single "Street Life" ( Top 3 US Billboard Charts Contemporary Jazz ), U-Nam is back with a unique conceptual style that will continue to engage Smooth Jazz Fans as well as capture the hearts of Soul and R&B enthusiasts.

The album title "Unanimity" is U-Nam's own musical manifestation of six key ingredients :

1 - Creativity : using everyday life experience to express yourself and communicate to others
2 - Humanity : showing love , peace and respect to the people
3 - Integrity : being true to yourself and your art
4 : Originality : being unique and different
5 - Sensibility : sharing passion, love and emotions through music and playing
6 - Sincerity : playing with all your heart and soul

"UNANIMITY" is an unexpected and refreshing mix of Neo-Soul, Funk, Jazz, Pop & R&B. The album's versatility and uniqueness shines through a combination of strong grooves, masterful songwriting, jazz improvisation, lushy orchestrations and trail-blazing productions.

The first single "Shine On" in the vein of "Street Life" is a reminiscent of 80s Disco/Funk that includes an Infectious Groovy rhythm Section, a Live Strings Orchestra and a Horn section which blends seemlessly with an up to date refreshing contemporary sound, all the while maintaining synergy with U-Nam's energetic unique signature style .

Influences of Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Prince, Michael Jackson & Musiq Soulchild are heard throughout the album and U-Nam's guitar flows from insanely complicated licks to his unique soulful melodic touch with uncanny ease.

In " Soul Boy Reincarnation", Najee and U-Nam form the perfect combination over the funky track where Najee masters both the sax and the flute.

Marva King is featured on a Dance Floor/R&B revitalization version of Martha & The Vandellas's classic tune "Dancing In The Street" where U-Nam's unbelievably fast paced licks are in perfect unison with Marva's powerful soul filled voice.

Originally hailing from Paris France, U-Nam has recently relocated to the US and in just a few short months is already taking the states by storm! His soulful sound and mesmerizing melodies have kept him in constant comparison with the likes of George Benson, wowed the crowds at the Catalina Jazz Tracks Festival, commanded standing ovations at the Dave Koz and Friends Jazz Cruise, and made him a favorite of Los Angeles’ largest jazz station "The Wave".

He has written, produced for, and worked with such artists as Barry White, Billy Paul, Kool & The Gang, Luis Fonsi, Alsou, Rahsaan Patterson, Maysa Leak, Phil Perry, MC Solaar, Myron, Marva King, Cindy Daniel, Jeff Lorber, The Last Poets & Najee.

Look for the release of "UNANIMITY" in April of 09' and the first single "Shine On" in March !!!! Visit Us at : www.u-nam.com !

1 : Viva La Revolucion ( Un Jour Nouveau )
2 : Funk-4-U-Nity
3 : Shine On
4 : UNANIMITY
5 : This Is Just 4 U
6 : The Day I Met U
7 : Soul Boy Reincarnation Featuring Najee
8 : ( Hang On ) U- Is Comin'
9 : 4 Ever Urs
10 : My Heart & Soul
11 : Dancing In The Street Featuring Marva King
12 : Losing My Mind
13 : U Could Make It Happen
14 : Soul...Ism

http://www.u-nam.com
http://www.unamprod.com/ShineOnEdit.mp3

"Day & Age" ~ The Killers
My faves: "I Can't Stay", "Human", "Joy Ride"


“Santogold” ~ Santogold
My faves: "Shove It", "Anne", "Unstoppable"


“Ladyhawke” ~ Ladyhawke
My faves: "Morning Dreams", "Professional Suicide", "Paris Is Burning"


“Seventh Tree” ~ Goldfrapp
My faves: "Cologne Cerrone Houdini", "Road To Somewhere", "Happiness"


“Evolver” ~ John Legend
My faves: "It's Over", "Good Morning", "Quickly"


"Disco Romance", “Remix Romance Vol. 1 & 2” ~ Sally Shapiro
My faves: Find My Soul (Norweigan Electrojazz Mix), I'll Be By Your Side (Rude 66 808 Remix), He Keeps Me Alive (Skatebard Remix)


“Some People Have Real Problems” ~ Sia
My faves: "Acadademia", "Playground", "Day Too Soon"


“Gossip In The Grain” ~ Ray LaMontagne
This album is surely the male counterpart to Me’shell N’degeocello's ‘99 classic, Bitter. Both albums skillfully weave folk, blues, and soul into melancholic, yet gorgeous pop tapestries. Despite the myriad of genre influences, there is an unmistakably acoustic quality to both discs that is never undermined.

Ray’s “I Still Care For You” is akin to Me’Shell’s “Fool Of Me” in theme and quiet delivery. And much like Me’Shell’s “Bitter”, Ray’s “A Falling Through” utilizes country music elements to masterly express a despair that was caused by another individual, and the fact that there exists no hope of reparation for that relationship.

This project - much like Bitter - will require emotional stability prior to playing it. Otherwise, you run the risk of sinking deeper into whatever depressed mindset you were in prior to listening to it. Sometimes though, albums like these provide the necessary catharsis to cleanse your system of negative emotion.



“Rockferry” ~ Duffy
Although her voice may not be pitch perfect, Duffy uses it to great effect with her blues-tinged pop creations, much like Dusty Springfield expertly did. This raw depthness is on display in “Warwick Avenue”, “Hanging On Too Long”, “I’m Scared”, and especially the title track. These songs exemplify what Duffy is a master of: expressing a palpable vulnerability through a legitimately self-assured delivery. If Mary J. Blige can make a thriving career out of bending notes in unintended, yet emotive ways, then I don’t see why Duffy can’t either.



“Apocalypso” ~ The Presets
I hesitate in calling this a guilty pleasure album. The dark, ambient techno/house that litters the bulk of this project is most likely best appreciated during the weekend witching hours. When inhibitions have been lowered, there is no way to deny the clean, lush grooves and electronically altered, yet hauntingly effective vocals that have become The Presets’ musical trademarks.

Between “Anywhere”, “Yippoyo-Ay”, and “Kicking and Screaming”, this album is chock full of party-starters and burners. It’s easy to get lost in the dazed musical bliss of Apocalypso. However, there are revelations on standouts like “This Boy’s In Love” and “If I Know You” that would jolt a casual listener into the realization that these guys aren’t accommodating to the hetero masses with their music. So, nah, I habor no guilt here.



“Discipline” ~ Janet Jackson
Though first single “Feedback” was a beast of a club track comparable in quality to many of her behemoth uptempo numbers, it still wasn’t my favorite dance song from Discipline. The two follow-up singles “Luv” & “Rock With U” both coaxed even more burn out of my audio devices. Add “So Much Betta” to the mix, and those four tracks alone on a repeated playlist would motivate me during an hour-long workout.

“Can’t B Good” and “Never Letchu Go” were the satisfying sweet spots of this consistent album. Even my previously cited least favorite song - the album’s minimalist baby-maker of a title track - eventually managed to demand much more of my appreciation. But that was only after experiencing the pulsating, undulating live incarnation of the song during Janet’s whirlwind spectacle that was the 2008 Rock Witchu Tour.



“Frankisum EP”/Various non-EP tracks ~ Frankmusik
FrankMusik hasn’t even released a proper studio album yet. Still, his EP and various non-album tracks have made such an impression on me, that I had to include his work in my year-end best-of. In general, he is obviously musically inspired by the electricity of the early 80s new wave movement.

“Done Done” is hands down my favorite song of the year. Its repetitious chorus of romantic loss is juxtaposed against a brilliantly infectious piece of electropop. “That Much Is True” is similarly dour thematically, but it’s a bit more dancefloor ready than the former. Because of their dream-like sonic quality, both tracks will inevitably draw comparisons to the synthpop of groups like Eurythmics – which I argue is a compliment to Frankmusik’s own production technique.

“Vacant Heart”, “Run Away From Trouble”, and the Black Gardenia version of “3 Little Words” are less heavily produced affairs that boast his capable vocals. This man is not only a wunderkind producer, but a vocalist who’s able to convincingly croon about the heartbreak that’s a common thread throughout the majority of his music. I can’t wait for the full-length album due in 2009!



“The Way I See It” ~ Raphael Saadiq
To be honest, I’ve never been an avid fan of Raphael’s solo material. Both of his previous studio albums were too inconsistent in quality, and each only possessed a handful of decent tracks.

The Way I See It has bucked that trend for me. Interestingly, I think “Instant Vintage” would have been a perfect title for this album. There is a cohesiveness with the old school 1960s-inspired flavor to this project that lends itself perfectly to such nomenclature. But alas, he’d already wasted the perfect album title on a lesser worthy previous effort.

“Just One Kiss”, “Callin’”, & “Oh Girl” are great examples of songs that were obviously inspired by a specific musical era in soul music, but that don’t come off as a schlocky ripoff of a specific song or group from that time period.



“Funhouse” ~ P!nk
If you assumed that the anthemic first single “So What” was a representation of what the rest of Funhouse is about, then you would be so wrong. Granted, concocting clichéd anthems ala “So What”, “Stupid Girls”, & “Trouble” is P!nk’s speciality, but the majority of the rest of the album is much more… hushed.

Never before has Ms. Moore been as tender and vulnerable on record. Her failed marriage seems to have unearthed a more contemplative, even melancholy P!nk that you didn’t know existed until now. “I Don’t Believe You” is a torch song to trump all torch songs. The sadness she emotes in songs like that, “Glitter In The Air”, and “Please Don’t Leave Me” are effective because her self-deprecating delivery is so believable. Despite its rebellious aggression, even the aforementioned “So What” contains lyrics that describe a woman in pain following the dissolution of a relationship. At least her sense of humor has remained in tact.



”Human” ~ Brandy
Whereas ‘04’s Afrodisiac was gritty, raw, & dark, this year’s Brandy release is more polished, refined, optimistic. An arguably comparable transition would be Janet’s evolution from ‘97’s The Velvet Rope to ‘01’s All For You. This sentiment in no way diminishes my appreciation of Afro – it’s simply an observation that Ms. Norwood is keeping it moving, in regards to her music career. She’s certainly not resting on her laurels. And she’s infusing more personal - yet universal - themes into this new project that increase my respect for her as an artist.

The majority of the songs here are deftly crafted, lyrically and sonically, especially “Warm It Up (With Love)” and “A Capella (Something’s Missing)”. The layered vocalizing on both of these remind me again of Janet. Some of both of these ladies’ best moments on record have been in songs where self-harmonizing was a focus. But with the latter track, Brandy manages to one-up Miss Jackson by using her own vocal effects for the track’s instrumentation. And she does it beautifully.

“The Definition” is perhaps the most ‘urban’ of the songs here, which makes it stand out as another favorite of mine. It provides just enough balance to an otherwise non-urban, pop album. And because most of her projects have skewed more r&b, crafting this type of project was a risk – that paid off.



“Sam Sparro” ~ Sam Sparro
Sam Sparro single-handedly became my musical solo superhero in 2008. He is a 20something Australian with the pristine vocal clarity and soul of Al Green in his 1970s heyday. Yet, he uses his vocal instrument to ride early 80s p-funk and soul inspired beats that are mashed up alongside the contemporary clubland dj’ing circuit's output. If Parliament and early Prince procreated with Daft Punk and Basement Jaxx, then Sam would be their soulful, funky, clubkid seed.

Though “Black & Gold” was (quite understandably) his breakout hit earlier this year, Sam’s self-titled debut includes wildly addictive tracks like “Sally”, “Sick”, and “Pocket”. These songs cemented his status not only as a wicked groovemeister, but also as an elevated lyricist who can compose songs of substance while still filling the dancefloor.

And, the fact that he covered Estelle’s own “American Boy” more convincingly than she is yet another reason why the S on Sam’s chest is more than a reference to his last name.



“SugaRush Beat Company” ~ SugaRush Beat Company
Comprised of three disparate artists who have each achieved an appreciable measure of solo success, SugaRush Beat Company - the group - proves that, indeed, the whole can be so much greater than the sum of its parts. The synergy of Rahsaan Patterson’s soulfully (and androgynously) nimble Chaka Khan-like alto, Ida Corr's distinctly feminine rasp, and Jaz Rogers’ futuristic - yet familiar - brand of funk music production work.

The preceding sentence feels like an understatement to me. The synthesis of these three individuals’ talents has created a masterpiece of an electrosoul dance/funk/pop album. Kinetic energy sonically pops and crackles throughout the project’s dozen+ tracks. There are so many standout songs in SBC’s eponymous album that to cite only one or two highlights is impossible for me. “Love Breed”, “Ladies n’ Gents”, “Sugarush”, and “No Parking” provide adrenaline-inducing moments that ultimately carry heavy replay value. Even the more subdued tracks like “The End”, “The Number One”, and “All Of A Suddenly” are sublime thanks to passionate, inspired contributions from each member of this talented motley crew of a triumvirate.

(Left)
Lil Mama
Rahsaan Patterson

(Right)
Kanye West
清水翔太 / Shimizu Shota

The Ultimate Gift is the first holiday album by Rahsaan Patterson, which was originally released last August but re-released in Japan this November. Unlike a general holiday release by a contemporary R&B artist, this album is mainly made up of original materials and Rah co-wrote 7 out of 10 songs except the outro track. The main co-producer/co-writer for this album is Jamey Jaz, who has continuously worked with Rahsaan since his musical debut in the 1990s.

Japanese Pop-R&B singer/songwriter Shimizu Shota has finally released his full-length debut album Umbrella, which contains all the singles that he has released this year. As Shota wrote all the songs and displays versatile vocal style, this album proves that he has got a brilliant talent as both a singer and songwriter, but at the same time, I honestly wonder how much pop audience in Japan would appreciate this one, which slightly lacks easy catchiness.

Teen female rapper Lil Mama released her debut album VYP: Voice of the Young People last April, and despite the success of the lead single "Lip Gloss," guest appearances by superstar labelmates like T-Pain and Chris Brown and publicity gained by her appearance on the remix for Avril Lavigne's hit song, it just ended up to be a total commercial flop. Lil Mama is definitely a talented MC who of course writes her own rhymes, but now it seems to be a hard time for her learning the marketing fact that a talent doesn't always sell records.


One of the most successful MCs in the 21st century as of now decided to sing for a whole album and 808s & Heartbreak is the result. I wasn't sure if this album could be good or not, because the first single "Love Lockdown" was too raw and simple to be a predictor. This CD, however, features a variety of great sound productions, which seem to be influenced by electronica, trip hop and alternative rock in any way, and successfully integrated Kanye's new Auto-Tuned vocal style in his original artistry.

Both musicwise and lyrically, I love "Paranoid" and "Street Lights" the best. Even though Kanye hardly raps on this album, he's as great a lyricist and innovator as always and at a totally different level from a heap of other mediocre "singers" with Auto-Tuned vocals out there. (No offense to the Auto-Tune King!)

Well, I bit the bullet and re-set my listening data at almost 120,000 tracks played. So, for posterity's sake, here were my top 300 artists and their corresponding # of plays for the last 2.5+ years:


1 Janet Jackson 10,049
2 Madonna 1,627
3 Rahsaan Patterson 1,467
4 Mary J. Blige 1,330
5 Me'Shell NdegéOcello 1,197
6 Goldfrapp 1,195
7 Mariah Carey 1,194
8 Amy Winehouse 1,130
9 Jamiroquai 1,117
10 Kelis 1,087
11 Kylie Minogue 1,080
12 Clara Hill 1,058
13 Amel Larrieux 1,036
14 Brandy 1,002
15 Nelly Furtado 962
16 George Michael 930
16 Erykah Badu 930
18 Peven Everett 921
19 Chaka Khan 910
20 Jill Scott 903
21 Aaliyah 855
22 Sia 835
23 Hot Chip 824
24 Róisín Murphy 806
25 Janelle Monáe 798
26 Sade 779
27 Eric Roberson 771
28 Esthero 751
29 Björk 736
30 Tori Fixx 722
31 Lewis Taylor 710
32 Robin Thicke 709
33 Sam Sparro 695
34 Musiq 693
35 Corinne Bailey Rae 658
36 Air 647
37 The Presets 634
38 Prince 630
39 M.I.A. 619
40 Jody Watley 591
41 Tweet 585
42 Jay-Jay Johanson 572
43 Faith Evans 563
44 Moloko 559
45 Röyksopp 554
46 D'Sound 548
47 Floetry 547
48 Zero 7 542
49 Britney Spears 523
50 Kelly Clarkson 517
51 Common 516
52 Beyoncé 514
53 Heavy 512
54 Joi 498
55 Beck 486
55 Toni Braxton 486
57 Luther Vandross 482
58 Omar 479
59 Missy Elliott 472
60 Emma Bunton 471
61 Macy Gray 468
62 Deee-Lite 465
63 Gwen Stefani 464
64 Bilal 462
65 Monica 461
66 Dwele 457
67 Maxwell 450
68 Janita 449
69 Vikter Duplaix 444
70 P!nk 420
71 Pink 418
72 Whitney Houston 416
73 Duffy 408
74 Michael Jackson 407
74 Teena Marie 407
76 Killers 398
77 Bonobo 397
77 Koop 397
79 Gnarls Barkley 390
80 Adriana Evans 384
81 Christina Aguilera 382
82 Ra-Re Valverde 380
83 Darien Brockington 378
84 John Mayer 374
85 Destiny's Child 370
86 Van Hunt 362
87 Scissor Sisters 346
88 Morcheeba 343
89 PJ Morton 341
90 Craig David 336
91 Robbie Williams 330
92 Ciara 329
92 Jamie Cullum 329
94 D'Angelo 328
95 Bebel Gilberto 327
96 Nas 325
97 Lauryn Hill 322
97 Natalie Gardiner 322
99 Télépopmusik 320
100 Basement Jaxx 319
101 Anthony Hamilton 317
102 Calvin Harris 312
103 Chanté Moore 311
104 Donnie 310
105 India.Arie 306
106 Chrisette Michele 301
107 Dannii Minogue 300
108 Mya 299
109 Cee-Lo 297
110 Jay-Z 294
111 John Legend 287
111 Glenn Lewis 287
113 Thief 284
114 Carl Thomas 283
114 Liquid Spirits 283
114 Teedra Moses 283
117 Joss Stone 281
118 Jack Herrera 278
119 Amerie 277
120 Fiona Apple 274
121 Miguel Migs 273
122 Lil' Kim 268
123 Digable Planets 267
124 Lalah Hathaway 266
125 Nikka Costa 265
126 Justin Timberfake 261
126 Fantasia 261
128 Timbaland 256
129 Olu 255
130 Rufus 246
130 Sophie Ellis-Bextor 246
132 Ledisi 245
133 Tevin Campbell 242
133 Angie Stone 242
135 The Brand New Heavies 241
136 Georg Levin 239
137 Carol Riddick 238
138 TLC 234
139 Mint Condition 231
140 Mark Ronson 230
141 Lisa Shaw 229
142 Daft Punk 227
143 Lil' Mo 225
143 Madeleine Peyroux 225
145 Radiohead 223
146 Kelly Price 222
147 Raphael Saadiq 219
147 Lily Allen 219
147 Steve Spacek 219
150 OutKast 216
151 Kenna 215
152 Alicia Keys 214
152 AYA 214
154 Hil St. Soul 212
155 Minnie Riperton 211
156 Portishead 210
157 Blue Six 208
157 Donna Summer 208
159 Cree Summer 203
159 Groove Theory 203
161 Cut Copy 201
162 Kanye West 197
162 Stephen Simmonds 197
164 Laurneá 196
165 Goapele 195
165 Diana Ross 195
167 Jungle Brothers 194
168 Pharrell & The Yessirs 193
168 Hilary Duff 193
168 Norah Jones 193
171 Phyllis Hyman 192
172 JC Chasez 191
172 The Jacksons 191
174 Bahamadia 188
175 Cherrelle 187
175 Diddy 187
175 Johnny Gill 187
178 Res 185
178 Zhané 185
180 Anita Baker 183
180 Ruben Studdard 183
180 Regina Spektor 183
183 Pharrell 181
183 Jon B 181
185 Lisa Stansfield 178
185 Eric Gadd 178
187 Peaches 175
187 Sergio Mendes 175
189 Mozez 174
190 Usher 173
191 Donny Hathaway 172
191 Lizz Wright 172
191 Fergie 172
194 V 170
195 Q-Tip 168
195 Gaelle 168
195 W. Ellington Felton 168
198 Maroon 5 167
198 Cassandra Wilson 167
200 Santogold 165
200 Supreme Beings of Leisure 165
202 Ne-Yo 164
203 Mr Hudson & The Library 163
204 Keyshia Cole 162
205 Natalie Cole 161
206 N*E*R*D 159
207 Lina 157
208 Lyfe Jennings 156
209 No Doubt 155
209 Mika 155
209 4hero 155
212 Guru 154
212 Jazmine Sullivan 154
214 Emily King 153
214 Patrice Rushen 153
214 Talib Kweli 153
214 Rachid 153
218 Anthony David 152
218 Raheem DeVaughn 152
220 Paula Abdul 151
220 SWV 151
222 Client 149
223 Julie Dexter & Khari Simmons 148
224 Rihanna 147
225 Bitter:Sweet 146
226 Young Love 145
226 Groove Armada 145
228 Jimmy Scott 143
228 Kim Hill 143
230 Neneh Cherry 141
231 Kelly Rowland 139
231 Skye Edwards 139
233 N'Dea Davenport 136
233 k-os 136
235 Adele 135
236 Foxy Brown 133
236 Feist 133
236 Astrud Gilberto 133
239 Lady GaGa 132
239 Havana 132
241 SugaRush Beat Company 131
242 Bent 129
242 Imogen Heap 129
244 En Vogue 128
244 Ce Ce Peniston 128
244 S.O.S. Band 128
247 Solange 124
247 Trina Broussard 124
249 Salt-N-Pepa 123
249 Choklate 123
251 Ginuwine 121
252 Black Eyed Peas 120
253 Sheryl Crow 119
254 Jaguar Wright 117
254 Amp Fiddler 117
254 Rilo Kiley 117
257 Kindred (The Family Soul) 116
257 Duran Duran 116
257 Shanice 116
260 Nicole Wray 115
260 Annie 115
260 Cold War Kids 115
260 N'Dambi 115
260 will.i.am 115
265 JoJo 114
265 Paris Hilton 114
265 Franz Ferdinand 114
268 Deborah Bond 113
269 Yahzarah 112
269 Mos Def 112
269 Jully Black 112
272 Lucy Pearl 110
273 Maysa 109
273 Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes 109
275 Sally Shapiro 107
276 Avril Lavigne 106
277 J*Davey 105
278 Megan Livingston 104
278 Rachelle Ferrell 104
280 Jodeci 103
281 Valencia Robinson 102
281 Cody ChesnuTT 102
283 Grace Jones 101
284 Joy Denalane 100
285 Ashanti 99
285 Mario 99
285 Sa-Ra Creative Partners 99
288 Playa 98
289 Tracey Thorn 97
289 Tony Toni Toné 97
289 Da Brat 97
292 Jennifer Lopez 96
293 Les Nubians 95
294 Omarion 94
294 Tricky 94
294 Dionne Warwick 94
297 Aretha Franklin 92
297 Muhsinah 92
297 Dru Hill 92
300 Crossrhodes 91
300 Vanessa Daou 91
300 Gwen Guthrie 91
300 Propellerheads 91
300 Lenny Kravitz 91

Here's Rahsaan Patterson's most recent myspace blog post regarding Amy Winehouse:

i love Amy!..........:grrr:


....but.......

to think that she has no one around her who will at least force her to take a BATH.......
is absolutely insane.

i adore her gift and talent.
and understand a human's right to do what they want.
and understand addictive nature....indeed.
but to see that she has no one on her side to at least make her take a BATH .........?

it hurt to witness such a thing.

I'm in the Uk at the moment.
here performing at the V Festival.
Amy performed today.......as well
as countless other artists and bands

it's one thing to watch her on the news or on YOUTUBE and another to witness up close and personal.

MAN!!!!!!!

I THANK GOD FOR PEOPLE IN MY LIFE WHO CARE..........WHO REALLY CARE!!!!!!!

i have never seen an ARTIST take the stage so FILTHY!!!!!!!!

it hurt my heart to know that nobody gave enough of a SHIT to at least tell that baby to get in the shower!!!!!

i don't care!!!!!!!

be as in the zone as you need to be, get ur life on.......but please, have someone who cares enough to say..........'bitch........get in the shower'.

a manager, a friend, a cousin, an assistant, a parent, a boyfriend, a girlfriend...........

i swear, my mouth was open...........the whole time.

i pray for her deliverance
i pray for her strength
and i pray that she comes out of this alive.

she is gifted...
she is destined to live out her fate
she is an artist
she is young
she is 'touched'
she is in the dark

i know
i relate....
and
i wish her the best....

but most,

i'm grateful for family and loved ones who actually
CARE and give a shit!

it means the world.

r.

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseacti...CD2796273270436

There are SOOOO many artists out there that are trying to make it, but probably never will. The problem is, people don't want REAL music anymore. People with ZERO talent can get a record deal and go platinum(I'm not sayin' that everyone that goes platinum has no talent, c'mon...my favorite artist is Alicia Keys). I don't get it. I find a new artist pretty much everyday, and these people have TALENT. People like Conya Doss, Algebra, Kissey Asplund, Sy Smith, Wayna(she's about to be my new favorite artist, I promise you. Her Higher Ground album is great.), Lina, Ayo, Choklate, Esperanza Spalding, Alice Smith, Amel Larrieux, Santogold, Tamia, Res, Carla Duren, Kokoh, Syleena Johnson, Esthero and even Goapele, Chrisette Michele, and Ledisi will probably NEVER be that successful.*

Look out for Janelle Monáe, Jazmine Sullivan, Keri Hilson, Solange(yes SOLANGE!),Mylah,Teedra Moses, and Michelle Williams.

However, it's good to see people like Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and India.Arie doin' their thing. Even Ledisi is doin' her thing. Congrats.

Yes, I listen to a lot of females, so this list is pretty much ALL females. But the males that deserve success are Dwele, Raheem DeVaughn, Raphael Saadiq, Justin Nozuka, Amp Fiddler, and Rahsaan Patterson. I'm tryin' to get into more males, so if you have any recommendations, please...help me out. (Van Hunt, Eric Roberson...)

Anyways, what are y'all's thoughts?

*Like I said, I find a new artist everyday, so more and more people will be added.

UPDATE October 11, 2008:

Giovanca
Tawiah
Joy Denalane
Lura
Georgia Anne Muldrow
Lizz Fields
Nikka Costa
Nina Vidal
Hil St. Soul
Emily King
Valencia
Sarah White
Porsche Smith
Adriana Evans
Darien Brockington
Noel Gourdin
Gaelle
Yahzarah

Aaliyah - One In a Million

Amerie - Because I Love It

Erykah Badu - New Amerykah Part One (4th World War)

Anita Baker - Rapture

Beck - Midnite Vultures

Mary J. Blige - What's The 411?

Toni Braxton - Toni Braxton

Brothers Johnson - Look Out For #1

Bobby Brown - Don't Be Cruel

Mariah Carey - The Emancipation of Mimi

Commodores - Commodores

D'Angelo - Voodoo

Terence Trent D'Arby - Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D'Arby

Destiny's Child - The Writing's on the Wall

Raheem DeVaughn - Love Behind The Melody

Marvin Gaye - What's Going On

Gnarls Barkley - The Odd Couple

Macy Gray - On How Life Is

Anthony Hamilton - Comin' From Where I'm From

Donny Hathaway - Everything Is Everything

Isaac Hayes - Hot Buttered Soul

Willie Hightower - Willie Hightower

Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

Van Hunt - On The Jungle Floor

The Isley Brothers - Harvest for the World

Janet Jackson - Control

Michael Jackson - Off the Wall

Millie Jackson - Caught Up

Rick James - Street Songs

Kelis - Kaleidoscope

R. Kelly - R. Kelly

Alicia Keys - The Diary Of Alicia Keys

Kool & The Gang - Wild and Peaceful

John Legend - Get Lifted

Lloyd - Street Love

Lucy Pearl - Lucy Pearl

Curtis Mayfield - Curtis

Maxwell - Now

Melky Sedeck - Sister & Brother

Teedra Moses - Complex Simplicity

Musiq - Luvanmusiq

N*E*R*D - In Search Of...

Les Nubians - One Step Forward

The O'Jays - Back Stabbers

Rahsaan Patterson - Wines & Spirits

Prince - Dirty Mind

Diana Ross - Diana

Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan - Rufusized

Sister Sledge - We Are Family

Sly & The Family Stone - Fresh

Soul II Soul - Club Classics Vol. One

Angie Stone - Black Diamond

The Time - What Time Is It?

Tony Toni Toné - Who?

Usher - 8701

Luther Vandross - Never Too Much

Jody Watley - Jody Watley

Leon Ware - Musical Massage

Stevie Wonder - Talking Book