Posts Tagged ‘Meaningful’

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Calling all foot fetish freaks!

Joke, people. Joke.

More than 60 celebrities have donated a pair of shoes for MAG (Mines Advisory Group) — an organization that helps those affected by landmines. Each pair will be auctioned to raise money for the cause. Great news, right?

Of course it is, but I’ve got to be honest. As I was looking over the shoes being donated, I laughed a little. I effing love Pink for donating a pair from Aldo. Really, Pink? Aldo?! That store is in pretty much every mall across America, you think she would’ve gave up something a bit more exclusive. I kid, I kid. Kinda.

In all fairness though, the Aldo pair from Pink, in many ways, most likely corresponds with her normal, highly genuine, down-to-earth, anti-celebrity view of a lifestyle? Which is one reason why I think the chick is awesome.

The main point is that these shoes will most likely raise money and awareness to a cause that deserves our attention, and that’s never a bad thing. All the shoes are cool, I just had to share that rant.

To see the shoes being donated click here.

Will you bid for a pair of these kickers or donate a few bucks to the cause and go to your local mall instead?

And for shits and giggles (someone care to explain this expression to me?), take a flashback tour to Pink’s God Is a DJ, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Happy 4th!

Currently in DC melting my face off, I felt inspired to write a post with some kick-ass 4th of July songs for your viewing/listening pleasure.

001/ Martina McBride, Independence Day

Still my favorite 4th of July song ever. Saturated in a deep blue coat of meaning revolving around domestic abuse, Martina pours her heart out on this classic track. Check out the video below.

002/ George Michael, Freedom

A throwback to his golden days, Michael’s Freedom is iconic in the way it speaks of breaking free of the chains that hold us down. Perhaps a big lesson in independence is accepting that sometimes the clothes don’t make the man.

003/ Kelis, 4th of July

A new music video for Kelis debuted recently featuring the singer wearing a Native American headdress and singing about Independence Day. It’s a disco electronic love feast that satisfies. Check it!

004/ Drake ft. Alicia Keys, Fireworks

I’ve written about this track and have supported rapper Drake in several articles over the past few months. Take a listen to the sizzling number below featuring the always elegant Alicia Keys.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

[Update: The choir seen in the video below is the Voice of Praise First Baptist Church High School Choir from Lewisville, TX, performing in New Orleans.]

We all know Lenny Kravitz, infamous for amazing guitar skills, comforting voice, and retro style. We all respect his intrepid rock and alternative sound as it’s poured into our ears. We also know how much the future of music relies on our youth. Right? Now, what happens when the two blend? Great times. Let’s explore in the interior of this rock powerhouse.

I stumbled upon this video, where Lenny was sipping a drink on a terrace in New Orleans, he literally overheard the Voice Praise Choir singing his hit Fly Away. So naturally, like any celebrity would NOT do, he ran over and joined them! He lays down the beat while the choir rocks out, and even sings at the end, while the youngster rips the guitar.

Just a day, an ordinary day in New Orleans turned into the best day of some people’s lives. Witness how much the crowd grows. This just brings a smile to my face. This is what true rock stars should do, spread some love to the ones who have made them who they are — the fans.

A little video to make your glass half full.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

With millions of hits on YouTube, GloZell is breaking out with megaphone in hand. The question is: Are you ready for her jelly?

GloZell Green isn’t blonde. She’s not fabricated, nor plastic, and she doesn’t speak in a Valley Girl accent. She’s not a size zero. She doesn’t wake up to a bottle of Jack, nor does she stumble out of hot spots late at night ingesting drugs. What’s wonderful about GloZell is that she doesn’t wish to be any of these things. Although she currently resides in Los Angeles, where this type of idea is pushed down one’s throat in order to get a break, GloZell is breaking out on her own terms, without the fake/tired hysterics of Hollywood. In the spark that is her life, she admits times when she fought the battle of acceptance, a battle in which she won, finally landing in a world where she has come to love herself, a world in which countless others have followed, coming together in a celebration for the hysterical comedic brilliance that she did not contrive, for GloZell Green is one of those rare talents that simply is who she is. There’s meat on her bones, expressions on her face that would make the most animated cartoon appear dull, and most importantly, a heart inside her chest that chooses to embrace all, no matter their color or experience, a heart that truly is as big as her ever-changing hair.

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing GloZell twice (our first interview had numerous technical difficulties; charming, considering this sort of reality show drama seems to follow her wherever she goes). We dished on her background, the journey to self-acceptance, Ke$ha, Bieber, Sean Kingston, Gaga, and other pop turf, plus my push for her to compete for her own show via Oprah Winfrey’s contest for her new network, OWN.

Listen to the interview in full (parts 1 & 2 below).

GloZell Interview by Rob Brayl Pt. 1 (Audio)

GloZell Interview by Rob Brayl Pt. 2 (Audio)

PLEASE BE SURE TO VOTE FOR GLOZELL TO HAVE HER OWN SHOW by clicking here. [Spread the word!]

And be sure to check out GloZell in action below (with her brand new translation of Eminem’s just-released single ft. Rihanna, and the classic Tik Tok translation following).

Eminem/Rihanna: Love The Way You Lie Translation

Ke$ha: Tik Tok Translation

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Stuck in a shitty job you hate? Read below for inspiration.

Madonna once worked at Dunkin Donuts, before exploding as, well, Madonna. Gwen Stefani mopped floors at Dairy Queen. Kanye West worked at The Gap. Pink, Macy Gray, and Shania Twain all worked at McDonalds. And Corey Monteith, before landing the role of a lifetime on the extremely popular Glee, worked as a Walmart Greeter.

Monteith, who recently appeared in ads for the chain, worked at the jumbo-sized retailer in Nanaimo, British Columbia. When he wasn’t handing out smiles to people on the hunt for a deal, Monteith spent his downtime playing the drums. During the auditioning process for Glee, Monteith made a video playing drums on everyday objects, which landed him a callback for the second phase of auditions. For the next round, he was told he would have to sing. According to Monteith, he had never sung before and went out and bought old Billy Joel records for inspiration. He decided to sing Honesty for the audition.

At about 4:00 p.m. the audition ended. And at 4:35 p.m. he received a call saying that that he had landed the part of high school jock Finn Hudson.

Bashed or embraced, no one can deny the goldmine of the series. According to Nielsen Soundscan, since Glee The Music: Volume 1, more than 7.4 million Glee songs have been downloaded in digital format.

Although his vocals are not mind-blowing, I love Monteith’s voice. It’s a great recording voice, one that spawned my favorite number from this past season of Glee, when Finn Hudson brewed a cup of steam over the classic Jessie’s Girl.

Listen to the track in its entirety, below (again and again and again). I can’t seem to stop playing this damn song!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

WHOA!

Seriously, someone must’ve told Celine Dion that she could turn her backyard into a Titanic-sized theme park because the Canadian songstress has got-r-done!

The new addition requires 500,000 gallons of water and costs $20 million to install into the singer’s Jupiter Island, Florida, estate. The waterpark includes two gigantic pools, water slides, and a “lazy river” that propels swimmers around the aquatic Arcadia.

Apparently the shenanigans caused a minor drought and neighbors are not too thrilled. Shocker!

Here at BTB, we never spill (get it?) gossip because we think it’s lame–the only reason I bring this up, is from an environmentally eco standpoint, this shiz has got to go! Seriously.

Celine was fined for the massive use of water and had to construct six wells on the property to store enough water to keep the pipes pumping for the 6.5 million gallons needed to run the water park each year.

Ehh, maybe I’m just a bit jealous? But for real for real, what was she thinking?

Allow me to be a Debbie Downer for a hot minute because I think it’s worth sharing, as many are not aware of the tragic facts surrounding water, a luxury that we often take for granted.

Water problems affect half of humanity:

// Some 1.1 billion people in developing countries have inadequate access to water.

// Almost two in three people lacking access to clean water survive on less than $2 a day.

// Access to piped water into the household averages about 85% for the wealthiest 20% of the population, compared with 25% for the poorest 20%.

// 1.8 billion people who have access to a water source within 1 kilometre, but not in their house or yard, consume around 20 litres per day. In the United Kingdom the average person uses more than 50 litres of water a day flushing toilets (where average daily water usage is about 150 liters a day. The highest average water use in the world is in the US, at 600 liters day.)

To find out more, click the banner below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Kudos Kanye, kudos.

After taking a break from the limelight the past eight months, Kanye West returned to the stage on his 33rd birthday (06/08) to reward three Chicago Public Schools for an improvement in behavior, academic grades, and overall attendance.

The Kanye West Foundation’s third annual Stay In School event brought West to Farragut Career Academy, John Marshall Metropolitan, and Percy L. Julian high schools, where the students were delighted to witness a mini-concert from the controversial rapper.

West was joined on stage by fellow Chicago rappers Lupe Fiasco and Common.

Said Common: “We want to congratulate you on the incredible job you’ve done in school. Whatever you do, be the best at it.”

Not long after Common left the stage, Kanye performed Run This Town , Good Life, and two brand new tracks: Power and Touch the Sky (from his upcoming album Good Ass Job).

Check out footage of the event, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Cutie pie!

Miranda Lambert is, without a doubt, a spitfire. She’s proved this point on kick-ass diddys like Kerosene and Gunpowder and Lead. But don’t let her attitude-driven songs soak up all your attention, taking your ears away from the vulnerability throughout the rest of her music, for the girl’s got a heart the size of Reba McEntire’s hair via the 80s!

The country star recently held her third annual “Cause for Paws” concert and charity auction. The sold-out event raised $91,000 for animals affected by the recent floods in the Nashville, Tennessee area (as well as the East Texas Humane Society).

Besides Lambert, the event featured additional Whiskey Myers, Kacey Musgraves and Nightwork.

Said Lambert: “Since we started working with the Humane Society of East Texas over three years ago, we have donated over $325,000 and they have become a ‘no kill’ shelter. Every year it amazes me that people spend their hard-earned money to partner with us in this fight. I am very grateful!”

You can currently check out the ACM Female Vocalist of the Year at the CMA Music Fest, in Nashville, starting today until June 13th!

Check out Lambert pouring her heart out, performing The House That Built Me live, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Nothing but mad love for this song/video!

Eminem is back and stronger than ever. The controversial rapper who struggled for years with an addiction to painkillers and anti-depressants is now clean and spitting rhymes fused with an edge of deep rooted empowerment. Eminem, who nearly lost his life after an accidental methadone overdose, admitted to popping as many as 20 pills a day at the height of his problems.

A perhaps unlikely source, Sir Elton John, helped Eminem throughout his battle with coming clean. John battled drugs and alcohol addictions early on in his career but has been sober since the 1980s. The odd pairing first caused controversy when John made a surprise appearance with Eminem at the 2001 Grammy Awards. Many protested the collaboration citing Eminem’s lyrics at the time as being filled with hatred and homophobia. But that all seems to be a thing of the past, as Eminem’s new single Not Afraid is heightened with a true sense of maturity and a person who has risen from the ash of a dark journey in the theme of the song.

It’s undoubtedly an anthem for anyone who has ever felt afraid to face the demons in their own life.

In an interview with BBC Radio in January, John said: “I’ve been helping Eminem over the last 18 months and he’s doing brilliantly.”

Watch the incredible video (directed by Rich Lee) below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Dude, what’s up with the White House? Concerts galore in that place!

No matter what your political affiliation, no one can deny the fact that the White House has become an interesting stage for music lately. Seriously, it’s like TRL up in there these days!

Esperanza Spalding, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce, and the cast of Glee have all been on hand at the White House for a performance or two, and recently the Obamas requested Regina Spektor to perform at the first ever White House reception in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month.

In the first ever reception honoring Jewish American Heritage Month at the White House, Spektor performed a solo piano set for President Obama and First Lady Michelle, Vice President Biden, and others in DC. Luckily for those of us who didn’t make the VIP guest list, Spektor’s performance was captured on video to give us regular folks a glimpse into the event.

Spektor, who is currently on an international tour promoting her latest album expressed her gratitude by saying: “Having lived here for over twenty years, it is an unimaginable honor to be invited to the White House by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, to an event celebrating Jewish Americans, and to be counted among them. Nothing in the world could make us feel more accepted and at home!”

Watch a super cute animation set to Regina’s beautiful Laughing With, below.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Although the music is not normal on my rotation, this is yummy.

Daughtry and Miss Kelly Clarkson recently came together for a huge duet. When two mega talents collide, it broadens horizons for listeners, especially when it’s two items of the same kind; American Idols. Kelly joined Daughtry on stage this weekend in Nashville, where the two performed their own rendition of Tracy Chapman’s ruminative 1988 ballad Fast Car.

Other than their titles, something else makes these two idolistic these days; the concert raised money for Nashville flood relief. It was a complete surprise, and surely a treat for concert goers. Kelly and Daughtry are success stories from the competition, selling millions of albums worldwide.

On an ordinary day, I would not be expressing my opinion on American Idols, for there are too many to discuss. But these two propelled their careers much differently, languishing in the role of dippy ingénue or shunting their musical development by leaning too heavily on overnight stardom? Negative. Instead they dug their heels and allowed good sense (or a good manager) to steer them in the right direction.

An epic collaboration for a good cause? Bring it on.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Sweet! I want a pair!

Want some new kicks? Green Day’s Mike Dirt can deliver just what you need. Teaming up once again with Macbeth, for his second collaboration, Dirnt has designed a super cool B&W high-top. The design is 100% vegan, eco-friendly, and too cool for skool.

Says Dirnt: “I always love working with Macbeth. We have worked flawlessly since day one and I am excited to continue our collaborative efforts. Our first studio collaboration got great feedback and I am confident that everyone will appreciate my second design. I am extremely excited to get it out in stores and see the response.”

Earlier this year, the Green Day bassist donated the royalties from his first Studio Project collaboration, to the Soles4Souls Foundation. Since 2005, the organization has given away over 7 million pairs shoes to people in need in over 125 countries.

Amazing!

The Mike Dirnt Macbeth Studio Project will be available July 2010. Check out Dirnt discussing a previous design for Macbeth, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Whew! That’s a mouthful.

May 6th was quite a day for me. I had been working on a project and was hoping it would see the light of day and in the midst of it all, I forgot what the day meant for me. May 6th is my anniversary of giving up the bottle, marking two years of life lived without alcohol.

Now, don’t worry, I’m not going to get too preachy. I just wanted to write a more journal style entry (which I don’t often do) to get a few things off my chest (while of course keeping with the theme of BTB, which is music).

For the record: I did not have a Courtney Love moment and end up in rehab, nor did I wake up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy brushing my teeth with a bottle of Jack. But it could’ve happened at the rate I was going…

Without going into extremely personal territory or depth, I simply felt that alcohol was a distraction for me and wanted to refocus my energy. I also wanted to get fit and to be as healthy as possible. With that being said, the first couple of months without drinking were really weird. Like super weird actually. If you’ve ever gone to a bar/club drinking only seltzer water/Shirley Temples you may know what I mean when I say this. The most sobering thing I experienced was going to a place I would normally go to drunk and seeing it for what it truly was and what I saw was not all that cool (like I had imagined) to begin with.

A huge lesson I’ve learned from this is that if you’re used to drinking til’ you can’t feel your face, give it up for a month or so and I promise you, you’ll quickly find out who your real friends are. Drinking often gives the illusion that you are super connected to these buddies that you get wasted with, but when the lights come on and the music ends and you drop the bottle, you realize that some of those connections are true but most are pretty surface. Alcohol may give you confidence to feel more comfortable on the outside, around people, but it will never give you the confidence to feel comfortable within yourself.

I know I know–what does this have to do with you or music. I just wanted to make a statement (to anyone, but specifically teens/young adults who feel pressured into drinking to fit social norms) to say that you shouldn’t give in if it’s something you do not want to do. It will not make your problems disappear and it will not make you a better person. If drinking is something you want to try, then try it but do it responsibly. Because I know from experience how messy a freakin’ bottle of Jack can be (no wonder Ke$ha thinks her name is spelled with a dollar sign instead of an “s”).

May 6th was also a bit random for me due to things in my private life that I don’t wish to disclose (crap you could care less about and rightfully so). But it’s not rocket science as you should be able to understand once you hear the song below by the MIA JoJo, who has had a hard time with finding stability at a label the past couple of years. Talk about the need for tequila! I kid.

In late 2009 she signed with Interscope Records and began working with Chad Hugo, Pharell Williams, Jim Beanz, and Timbaland (among others). The first single is slated to be released this summer, but I won’t hold my breath, as her label keeps going back and forth. I hardly ever listen to the radio but when I do, I wouldn’t mind JoJo thrown into the mix. Afterall, the girl’s got chops and usually sings about things that aren’t shallow as crap. Plus, the song you’re about to hear is pop perfection and reaffirms the reasoning behind why I could use a new JoJo record.

I guess this long ass post can be summed up by saying — We’re often told to forget, to forgive, and to move on from pain, tests, and heartbreak but my motto is this: HOLD ONTO IT and USE IT to better yourself. And if you decide to be a sloppy hot mess, do it by mistake, not because someone pressured you, you think it will make you more confident, fix your issues, or because you think it’s the “cool” thing to do. The always cool thing to do is to be your own person and to follow your own route.

Much love everyone, thank you for supporting BTB, I truly appreciate it.

Aiiight, I’m done!

Check out a leaked track from JoJo’s new record, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

THIS IS SICK! And no, not cool sick but literally SICK!

Ok I’ll admit it, PETA can sometimes get on my last nerve. With that being said, this has nothing to directly do with PETA but it does have to do with unneccessary cruelty towards everyone’s favorite mammals: the gay sharks (aka dolphins). So when I see things like this, it helps me to better understand and respect all those who battle to protect the rights of animals (yes, even the often borderline crazies from PETA). But when I saw what you’re about to see, I felt a sense of anger and shock and sadness that is probably what most animal rights activists feel on a regular basis (IE no wonder organizations come off as nutjobs sometimes, I mean, wouldn’t you?!).

A few good celebs (including BTB favorite Jason Mraz) have come together to help the creators of the award-winning documentary The Cove encourage people to support the end to dolphin slaughter and dolphin captivity in the new PSA My Friend Is…

The Cove is a documentary that exposes the slaughter of more than 20,000 dolphins off the coast of Japan every year, and how their meat, containing toxic mercury levels, is being sold as food in Japan and Asia, often labeled as whale meat. The majority of the world is not even aware that this brutality is happening.

Close to a million people have signed on to the campaign, but the fight has just begun. The stupid murderers (oops, I mean fisherman) are getting rattled by the focus of the petition, but haven’t stopped the killings.

Please sign the campaign here.

You can watch the heartwarming (yet eye-opening) PSA, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Nicole Scherzinger of The Pussycat Dolls is looking to use her talents to give back. Inspired by her aunt, who has Down syndrome, Scherzinger says she wants to open up a music camp for the disabled.

Says Nicole: “I grew up with my aunt who is actually younger than me because my grandmother had her at an older age and she has Down syndrome. She has always had a special place in my heart and is such a wonderful addition to our family. I used to tell my girls in the Pussycat Dolls that I would have my own musical camp or school where I would teach people with special disabilities or Down syndrome.”

Scherzinger hopes her camp will raise awareness of people with Down syndrome. Nicole’s boyfriend, Formula 1 racing champion Lewis Hamilton, has also been inspired by someone in his family as well.

Lewis’ brother Nicolas suffers from Cerebral Palsy and in his autobiography, Lewis wrote: “I only have to think of one person to keep me motivated and put a smile on my face, my brother Nicolas. I often try to imagine myself in Nic’s position. I don’t think I would be anywhere near as strong as him. There’s so much to admire in him. So, whatever I am doing, I say to myself, ‘If you think it’s hard to do this, then think again.’ ”

Lewis has his own charity, the Lewis Hamilton Foundation, which focuses on improving the lives of children and young people in ill health or poverty across the world.

KUDOS!

Take a flashback to Nicole’s Whatever U Like (ft. T.I.), below.