Anwar Robinson is absolutely Exceptional...

The season four American Idol contestant (Hottie!!!), Anwar Robinson is still singing his heart out. The Newark, New Jersey native has released his anticipated 2009 Independent album “Transparency”.

Long before Idol, Robinson attended Westimer Choir College of Rider Univeristy in Princeton for his vocal training. He was also signed with Clive Davis when he was a member of an R&B group called the A.R.T. of SOUL, but due to creative differences the group split and they were let out of there contracts. Robinson would become a music teacher for the New Jersey Public school system until an opportunity to be an Idol would come knocking. After auditioning in 2004 he became part of the Top 10 that season, he toured with American Idol to over 40 cities and performed in front of more than 50,000 people in North America at the end of season four.

Anwar may not have won American Idol; however, he has done very well for himself. He is the Vice Chairman of New Jersey’s United Way, “Celebrity Read Program”, and has toured with the international rock opera RENT in 2007-2008. The singer is also an actor, and has been in the independent film, “The Ski Trip 2: Friends and Lovers” by Maurice Jamal.

Okay folk, I honestly have not heard his album yet, BUT I have heard his single “Exceptional”- LOVE IT!!!!!

It’s a beautiful wedding song: full of strings, great vocals, and paints a very picturesque portrait of a very beautiful, loving, relationship that results in a marriage. This song is for all the real lovers out there; so, if you’re getting married and can’t think of your man or woman as exceptional – you may want to rethink things. I’ll probably be dancing to this song at my wedding- which will be years from now. I need to find someone that can deal with my humor, mood swings, writing rituals, obsessive blogging, and sinus problems- Yeah, loooong time before I get married. (Laughing, I’m just joking). Please enjoy the Music! Love to you all.


Peace and Blessings
MIks

Listen Here ( at blog main page) or go to YOUTUBE 

Buzz Anwar on Yahoo:

Buy "Exceptional" at: Itunes, Rhapsody, Amazon

Here Anwar Robinson's Exceptional...

LC Groove With Carl Lester-EL

I love Jazz (acid jazz especially) so I was really glad to come across this Rising Star Artist Carl Lester-El. He is an impressive bassist, drummer, percussionist and guitarist. Carl studied at Virginia Union University in Richmond Virginia. He’s the founder of a contemporary jazz band called F.R.E.N.S.; the band has shared the stage with Chaka Chan, Syro, and Doc Powell to name a few. In 1994, Carl was also the studio bassist for the television sitcom “Living Single”, and played bass & drums for CBS recording artist Regina Belle.

Check out the track  L C Groove on Carl’s MySpace page. It’s a very silky, sensual, sound- something you can listen to while you clean the house and burn incense, or sending time with that special someone.  Enjoy the smooth sounds of Carl Lester-El!

Peace and Blessings

MIks

L C Groove- Track two

MySpace
Buzz this Blog!

BUZZ Your Favorite Artist!!!

I came across Yahoo Buzz via message board and decided to use it to help give more exposure to the  Independent artist I blog about. You could control what millions of people will see on Yahoo, so support any of the artist below- Tell a friend to do the same:


Zuquan : Buzz Here
Chris Marsol; Buzz Here
Red Arlington:  Buzz Here
Minister Kaine: Buzz Here
Hasan Smith: Buzz Here
Gidgets GaGa: Buzz Here

More Blogs coming this This Weekend
More Buzz Coming Coming Soon

Peace and Blessings
MIks

The Voice: Hasan Smith

Some of you may not know this, but I love a man that can sing and this man can “SANG”. Hasan Smith was born in Newark, New Jersey. He’s the 9^th of ten children, and he’s also a comic, playwright, songwriter, and actor; Smith’s music is a blend of Pop, Hip-Hop, and Gospel- Have you ever been thirsty? Oh course you have, so if that tall glass of water (or kool aid) could sing it would sound like Hasan Smith.

Seriously, when I was introduced to the Music Maven’s Rising Star website, Smith was the first artist that caught my attention and impressed me the most. I have no video for you today (don’t forget to watch The Charles Clemmons Project tonight), but I do have three songs for you to hear:

Whatever It Is

Questions

The Deal

I love all three tracks, but Questions is my favorite ( I could listen to it over and over again). Hasan Smith has a voice that the industry is missing.

Enjoy the music

Peace and Blessings

MIks

Click here to hear Hasan Smith's music: Hasan Smith

Find Hasan on Facebook:

Watch The Charles Clemmons Project

                          TCCP Official Trailer



The Charles Clemmons Project
Nov. 28 2009
8pm on the West Coast
11pm on the East Coast

http://www.tccpwebisode.com/Welcome.html
http://www.youtube.com/user/TCCP2009

The Charles Clemmons Project Official Trailer.

Check out The Charles Clemmons Project:

First Episode can be watched on YouTube, Myspace, Facebook, or visit the website:

http://www.tccpwebisode.com/Welcome.html

The Charles Clemmons Project is an Online Sketch Comedy Show, that will bring you side splitting laughter. ****All the sketches are written by Charles Clemmons***

Find Charles Clemmons on Facebook

Enjoy the Show, I know I will.

MIks

Note:
Yes, I know this is a music blog; however, I couldn't resist the urge to tell you about this. I personally believe it will be a big deal before the year is over.

More Gidgets Ga Ga....

Hey Guys!


Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, and ate lots of Turkey ( or Tofurky ). Have fun fighting for the last pair of Jeans  at the mall tomorrow. If you can, go and buy a Wii for me - just joking.  


I have more music from Gidgets Ga Ga, they are releasing Christmas Wish as a single available on Tunecore. Check it out

Peace and Blessings
Miks

Damn! You gotta Hear Gidgets Ga Ga

This high energy, Rock, Pop, Chicago–based trio will have you ‘shakin it’ like nobodies business. Their Album “The Big Bong Fiasco” is another sound I’ve enjoyed this year. Gidgets Ga Ga caught my attention on the Music Maven’s “Rising Star” website; I fell in love with the group immediately. So don’t let this short blog entry fool you- big things come in small packages.

I don’t have a video for you tonight, but I do want to encourage you to check out their Myspace page:  
 http://www.myspace.com/gidgetsgaga

My favorite song is called, “Damn”. If you’ve ever had a moment where you really didn’t give a crap- I know I have- you’re really going to enjoy this; it’s a fast pace grungy, and catchy song. You can find “Damn” at the bottom of their Myspace music player. There is a lot going on the page, but just stay at the top people!

I hope everyone who watched the AMA’s enjoyed it. I’m so proud of Whitney and Micheal for their wins. After you check out Gidgets Ga Ga, tell me what you thought about the award show.

Have a wonderful week people

Peace and Blessings,

MIks

PHOTO URL: 

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=5565834&albumID=2560344&imageID=58367684

Mellow Wednesday....

This song is awesome! My cousin Mark let me watch the video with him one day when he wasn't having a Midnite Moment :-) The song is called Mellow and it's by Pete Philly & Perquiste; they're a rap duo from Amsterdam, and the singer's name Seena. This video was done in 2006, this year the duo is nominated for two State Awards for Best Live Performance, and Best Producer (Perquisite). For more information go to:

http://www.petephillyandperquisite.com/

Mellow is a great song. Phete Philly is a rapper, but he can SING- I love a man with two talents! This is a really beautiful and affectionate song. It's lovely, it's mellow, and it's Chill
Enjoy
Peace and Blessings
MIks

Watch Video on YouTube

Mellow Wednesday.... The Video

Having some difficulty with BlogSpot, so you can watch the video here.
Thanks

It's the Weekend!!!! (Well it was the weekend, but here is something to help you reflect)

If you’re in college and enjoy Beer Pong, Toga Parties, or any party for that matter- Boy, do I have an EP for you! Red Arlington’s “Long Weekend” is the soundtrack for good times, and college life. If it were up to me, I would call this album- “MIks, You Should Have Gone to a University Vol. 1”. Seriously, I’m kind of jealous! This guy is clearly having more fun than me, but it’s cool, I still have great memories of my community college vacations: Shout out to all my Jamaicans, and Manchester, Mandeville family!

Now back to my thoughts on Red Arlington:

These songs will get stuck in your head; one of my favorite tracks and Red’s first single, “Textually Frustrated” will have you laughing and dancing all at once. Red decided to make an album around these common things: pouring drinks, meeting girls, and yes partying. His goal was to deliver genre less music that could be played all around the country.

You must be wondering what my all time favorite song is on the album, and Why? Well, “It’s the Weekend” is the track I’m just dying to let you hear. This song reminds me of all the times I got “stupid drunk”; the chorus pretty much narrates all the moments I spent at the bar, and the craziness afterwards.

On my 21st birthday, my good friend and I went to a bar and got so wasted. I thought I wouldn’t be able to walk to the car, but all of a sudden she started vomiting on my shoes- I sobered up quickly to help my friend in need, and it pretty much killed the mood ( Hey Girl!). I’m so glad I stopped drinking, but I wish this song was out around that time, it would have made the night more memorable.


So guys, this song is dedicated to all you party animals! Go ahead, push the play button on this YouTube video, I’m sure you’ll love it. When you get a chance go to iTunes and support this artist; play the EP at your next gathering, and stay up till 6 a.m. - I hope you’ll wake up in your bed the next day.



Peace and blessing
MIks

Red Arlington’s “It’s the Weekend”

I Like Dat!

 Profanity is the easy way out for this rapper- that’s why he prefers not to use it. This Flint Michigan Hip- Hop artist decided to turn to spirituality and add “Minister” next to his hustler name “Kaine”. Minister Kaine was using & selling drugs at an early age, he even participated in gang activities, but one day things changed. He was advised by the manager of “Tribe Called Quest” to pursue music- and he did just that.

This energetic performer has traveled through the East &West Coast with other artist such as The Ghetto Boys, Scarface, 8Ball & MJG, A Tribe Called Quest, McEhit, and the Late Great Tupac Shakur; he has also enjoyed television placements on MTV’s Laguna Beach, My Super Sweet 16, and MTV Cribs. MK has released his fourth album “The Dead Hood Scrolls” which include Real Out Here (featuring a verse from The Game) and my personal favorite Shawty Like That. This is an Official Club Banger! It’s one of those songs you can drop it low too and have fun with. The hook is very catchy, and this rapper has a wicked (meaning GREAT) lyrical flow- no wonder it’s rapidly getting air play around the country. 

Now, if you see me riding around Florida & my car is vibrating, just know I have Shawy Like That on heavy rotation. I’m usually not a big fan of something like this- most rap artist use degrading and disgusting words towards women- this song has none of that. The song does contain adult content but don’t worry, there are no “F Bombs”, the horrid “B word”, or Sugar Honey Ice Tea’s here. So Enjoy!

Peace and Blessings

MIks

Here is the website: 

http://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epk.aspx?epk_id=12867

 feel free to listen to the album, but Shawty Like Dat is the 7th track (under Can't Let You Go)

for more on this artist go to:
http://www.risingstarartists.com/index.php/default/artist_details/minister_kaine/

Hey Guys! Hear a Snip from Paker's "Love Myself"

Hey Guys! Check out Parker's song "Love Myself". The song was featured on a Global television sitcom called “The Jane Show”. The chorus of the song sounds like the anthem to all my breaks up, but I don't want to joke about a song that could mean much more. Unfortunately, I was not able to hear the entire song but I heard enough to like it, and write about it. The artist bio gives a great description of the CD:

"... [The CD] examines the point in our lives where we reach moments of personal crisis and how close we come to destruction in our everyday existence."

The Band has built a strong following and shared stages with The Bare Naked Ladies, Finger Eleven, and The Lowest of the Low just to name a few.

Click on this Rising Star Artist link to hear for yourself
Peace and Blessings
MIks

Butterflies, Lipstick, and Hand Grenades- Chris Marsol

Marsol and his buddies made this record the old-fashioned way; they got together in a room and played. Most mixtures of this type are a watered down, sloppy, undefined mess. This project, however, is unique, bold and confident with its own texture and attitude" - Music Remedy.


I’ve heard an album recorded the exact same way, but it sounds nothing like Chris Marsol’s, Butterflies, Lipstick, and Hand Grenades. This album can not be compared to anything that’s out right now: it’s full of passion, raw artistic talent, depths, color, diversity, Rock, Pop, & Soul; and if you think you can compare Marsol to any other artist after hearing this album, you were not listening- so go back to track 1 on your iPod and try again.

Actor/Singer/Songwriter Chris Marsol is from the San Francisco Bay Area; home of the 60’s hippie movement, the Black Panther Party, and Psychedelic Rock. That decade is long gone, but its spirit and influences still live on. Marsol is a product of this environment, but he has started a new movement/revolution with his music. So what does the title, Butterflies, Lipstick, and Hand Grenades, mean? “There is no meaning until you create one”, Marsol says.

This album is a musical journey; on this journey the songs are stories, and those stories are like hearing a poet speak at an Open Mic venue-except there is a really tight band behind this one. If you’re the kind of person that really listens for the words in a song, you won’t be able to deny that Marsol is a very strong song writer. His voice is the most powerful instrument on this record, making every track special and unique- no song on this album sounds the same- Danae Braggs said it best, “Like a hearty home cooked meal or an iced cold glass of water this new album fills a baron void and quenches a dry thirst.”

I love this quote because it’s a picturesque description of how rare it is to hear really great music, and it kind of makes me hungry- I’m kidding!

I heard the album after I accepted Marsol’s twitter request, and visited his website. I saw his photo and thought to myself, “Hmm, he’s cute-wonder what he does?” little did I know I’d be blown away by this very gifted musician- I hate surprises, but I really enjoyed this one.

There will be critics, and crazy people who will think Marsol should be an R&B or Hip Hop artist, but need I remind you that when Little Richard and Chuck Berry did their music it was called Rock & Roll. Now, this isn’t about who started what kind of music, I just strongly believe that this man is right at home when it comes to genre. This album is not about color: it’s about love, freedom, expression and music- It’s simply a masterpiece.

I love acoustic and electric guitars, one of the many reasons why, Butterflies, Lipstick, and Hand Grenades is now one of my favorite albums. Support this artist! Tell all your family, friends, co-workers, and Local DJ’s about it. I wish Chris Marsol all the best for 2010, and I’m sure that, before we all know it, Chris Marsol will be a household name. Check out his video “3 In The Morning”; it was featured on Myspace as one of the best indie artist to watch. Chris has performed at the Hard Rock Cafe, The Palms, & Vegas Music Experience with Tommy Lee and Dave Navarro, just to name a few . Chris Marsol has also donated time, performances, and money to charities such as: the American Cancer Society, Feed the Children, and Universal Healthcare.


Read what others are saying about Chris Marsol, and Butterflies, Lipstick, and Hand Grenades:

"Marsol's album is described as bringing the rock lover, the soul
lover and the pop music lover together in one blissful Technicolor
orgy, celebrating life and music outside the lines of race, creed and
color"- Patrick Luce, Monsters and Critics.

"This guy out of the Bay area is so amazing. You MUST check him out!!!
His new album Butterflies, Lipstick & Hand Grenades will be out this
fall"-  AbsolutePunk.net



3 In the Morning Will be hitting airwaves soon. Look for interviews, TV Shows, giveaways, and tour dates on his website.

Enjoy the video!
3 In the Morning By Chris Marsol
Peace and Blessings
MIks

Watch 3 In the Morning By Chris Marsol
on YouTube



http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=8qrJlbNm6Vg
www.chrismarsol.com
www.myspace.com/chrismarsol
www.twitter.com/chrismarsol
www.facebook.com/chrismarsol

3 In the Morning- Chris Marsol

Let Me Jump By Chris Marsol and MIks Favorite Song of the Year! Red Hot Track! Check it!

“What What” It’s Time You Heard ZuQuan!

I have an artist that you are just going to love! ZuQuan is a singer/songwriter from Chattanooga, TN. He currently lives in Brooklyn, New York; he has collaborated with artist such as RUN-DMC, Eddie F, Jack Knight, Phil Hamilton (guitarist), and Gordon Chambers.  After going on tour with RUN- DMC, he would have a very interesting story to tell, “…I was entrusted with the keys to the group’s limousine. But after the show, I was so caught up with meeting people and greeting fans that I prevented the group from having a speedy exit from the venue. It was a very, very long ride home when I finally unlocked the limo doors.” I can imagine it was, ZuQuan, but it’s hard to imagine Rev. Run being angry: he seems so calm.

ZuQuan worked with Tyrone Corbet and Robert Donzella of Bo-Ty Productions, LLC - The place with the “Label Sound”- for his single, “What What”. The song is a musical gumbo of adult R&B and Smooth Jazz with an acoustic guitar to top it off.  It’s the kind of song you can listen to while riding out in your 2009 BMW 3 Series Convertible with your hair blowing in the wind, and everyone in traffic has their eye on you- turn your speakers up, so they all know this music is only for the “Grown and Sexy”- but if you don’t have a BMW your car will do just fine (I don’t have one either). Oh yeah, fellas, if you want to send that girl a subliminal message, this is the tune for you: You can ask her, “What What”, and bop your head at the same time.  I give this song all stars. You can buy ZuQuan’s, “What What” at Amazon.com, iTunes, and   

Rhapsody.  For more information on this artist and other 

artist at Bo-Ty Productions go to:

www.Bo-Ty.com

info@Bo-Ty.com

Enjoy this song, and support this artist.

 You can buy this song at iTunes, Amazon, and Rhapsody

Here is a Clip of ZuQuan's "What What":

 Peace and Blessing to you all,

MIks

Hello People...

If you want me to send you a NEWS LETTER email me at mikapolove@yahoo.com.

Thank you!
Peace and Blessings
MIks

You Ain't Bad- You Are The GREATEST...

I am deeply saddened by the lost of Michael Jackson; he was a wonderful humanitarian, and a magical entertainer. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends: I’m truly sorry for their lost. I hope that the media will respect their wishes, so they can grieve and remember him in private.

Even in my sadness, I’m so honored to have grown up with his music. I was born in the 80's, so I can remember watching him on television when I was a little girl. I couldn't get enough of his videos: "Bad", "Black or White", "Smooth Criminal", etc. To be honest, I thought of him as an angel as well as a super star.

I got my first MJ album a few days before my sixteenth birthday. My mother's friend let me keep the Off The Wall CD in his car. A week later, my best friend would give me Thriller and Bad as a belated birthday gift; then in May of 2003, after my long and boring High School graduation, I brought copies of Dangerous and Invincible. Michael's song writing ability has inspired me to be a better person, and his example inspired me to be the best at everything I'm passionate about. When I was a teenager, I'd listen to his hit single, "Human Nature" then write poetry, short stories, and other song lyrics. He had a message in his music: The message was love.

I loved his work ethic, his confidence in his music, and his passion for entertaining; He was determined to do great things, and he did. When I feel like I can’t accomplish something I always think of him. Words can't express how much this stranger has influenced me; he will be missed.

I hope that Michael Jackson has found the peace he was denied in this life. I know God is embracing him, and I hope this makes people realize to live life to the fullest because tomorrow is not promised.

Rest in peace MJJ, and there will never be another one like you.
Here are my Top MJJ songs:



Best Childhood Song: “Who's Loving You"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOxIKJTTB2k

Best Music Video: "Smooth Criminal"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ex30DYwQlHU

Best Love Song: “Lady In My Life”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cm-cTvviMRQ

Best Inspirational Song: “Man in the Mirror”
http://www.mtv.com/videos/michael-jackson/206759/man-in-the-mirror.jhtml
Will show commerial

Memorable Movement: “Thriller”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkjtctcuQ9Q

Best Song From last album: “Butterflies”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeaqO_aMWOE


Picture URL: 
http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3Fp%3Dmichael%2Bjackson%2Bmoonwalker%2Bmovie%26b%3D81%26ni%3D20%26pstart%3D1%26fr2%3Dsg-rc&w=100&h=147&imgurl=www.filmaffinity.com%2Fimgs%2Fmovies%2Ffull%2F10%2F106649.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.filmaffinity.com%2Fen%2Ffilm106649.html&size=6k&name=106649+jpg&p=michael+jackson+moonwalker+movie&oid=0260a52e3a6f509e&fr2=sg-rc&no=81&tt=86&b=81&ni=20&sigr=11er00551&sigi=11j08dutr&sigb=13demipg0




To Watch Trailer for "This Is It" click here:
http://www.thisisit-movie.com/?hs308=MJ032&kw={}

Peace and Blessing:
MIks

Michael J. Jackson
Aug.29 1959-June 25th 2009
Rest In Peace