Maxwell's Return

There are certain people who are so beloved that just the mere mention of their name elicits excitement and giddiness from their disciples. There's Prince, MJ, Sade ... and Maxwell. Now, I know Maxwell might not be in the same league to some, but he has a huge, dedicated following _ and that was demonstrated by the reception he had to announce his new album, "BLACKsummers'night." It's supposed to be coming out in July _ it will be his first CD in nine years.

There were all kinds of media folks in there, as well as random folks like Melyssa Ford, New York Giants' player Antonio Pierce and even former Met Dwight Gooden (the biggest questionmark of all attendees).

Maxwell didn't sing, but he did answer some questions. Check out the video I took above where he talks about him taking a break. It was a fun event!

I should be Mozart ...

'Cause god knows I was picked on like crazy as a kid. And yet, I have no musical talent. So why is it that Prince became a genius after getting teased when he was little? Maybe that's why he's Prince and I'm me ... anyway, his Purple Badness explains how being bullied made him a strong artist in this clip from tonight's Tavis Smiley show, which airs on PBS. Check it out ...

Beyonce tops the box office!!!

Sasha Fierce dominated the box office this weekend with "Obsessed"! The "Fatal Attraction" knock off did about $28 million and was the most popular movie in the country.

Now I am sure you all know that "Obsessed" didn't rate well in critics' eyes ... in fact, if you check Rottentomatoes.com, it shows that most critics pummeled this flick. But who cares about critics? I saw the movie and it was so much fun. Is it glorified Lifetime flick? Yes? Is it over the top and campy? Yes and yes. But I think Beyonce and everyone is in on the joke, and have delivered a mindlessly entertaining flick that's a complete guilty pleasure. Check it out, you will have fun!

Imogen Heap talks new music!

I got invited to this intimate listening session for Imogen Heap's soon-to-be released CD. It's the follow up to her Grammy-nominated album "Speak for Yourself," which produced the great song "Hide and Seek."

The few tracks she played were intoxicating and dreamy ... I can't wait to listen to the whole thing. She was funny as always, joking about the crazy outfit she wore to the Grammys that year, and she also talked about plans to do some music with a dance troupe.

Here are a couple of pics from the evening. The CD is due to be out this summer.

Beyonce talks about new your, Etta and more ...

I talked to Beyonce last month and she dished about why she doesn't twitter, that infamous fall and why she wasn't scared of no Etta James (LOL!). Above is a snippet of my video interview and this link is to the print interview.

http://tinyurl.com/cbbddy

An excellent movie everyone should see ...

I recently checked out this movie, and I have to say it was amazing. It's a very well made film about a true case in Texas where almost half a town was locked up on drug charges; the cases were eventually thrown out. This movie tells the story through the eyes of a young mother, played by Nicole Beharie. She's a Julliard grad and a newcomer who really sets the screen ablaze in this movie. It also stars Alfre Woodard, Charles Dutton, and Xzibit.

Go check this one out, it's so worth it.

Universoul Circus _ Great Family Entertainment!

I had the pleasure of going to the Universoul Circus the other night in Brooklyn, and while I have always enjoyed their shows, since it has been around for so long, I didn't expect to be too blown away. But I was wrong. They've totally changed the show since last year and it's so much fun _ and you don't have to be a kid to enjoy it. My favorite parts included the West Indian dancing routine and the acrobats, but it is really hard to choose just one or two parts ... it was all great.

Check out some of these pictures I snapped. We got a backstage tour, so we got to meet most of the performers, who were very gracious.

My interview Stevie Nicks

Had a great interview with Stevie Nicks last month ... here's snippets of the video, and below is a link to the story I wrote. Really cool to talk to. :) The CD/DVD is also really cool, so you might want to check it out (and remember what she says, don't steal! LOL!)

http://tinyurl.com/comubm

New Eminem ...

Eminem is back, taking pot shots at folks ... with new music. Maybe I need to hear this a few more times but so far this is not wowing me ... seems a little too much like a retread, especially the video. I'm waiting for the introspective Eminem stuff ... bring it Em!