Madden '08

I didn't get caught up in the maddeness (yet) but I do love when things blend perfectly. Madden dropped today and I'm going on a relaxcation tomorrow. It is these type synergies that one needs in one's life. I'll holla...

10 Essential R&B

Piggy-backing my last post, here's my list of the greatest R&B albums I'm old enough to know about.

II, Boyz II Men
janet. Janet Jackson
Oooooh... on the TLC Tip, TLC
CazySexyCool, TLC
12 Play, R. Kelly
Toni Braxton, Toni Braxton
What's the 411? Mary J. Blige
Mary, Mary J. Blige
Unplugged, Maxwell
Funky Divas, EnVogue

I could also see a Mariah album or the Bodyguard soundtrack earning a spot.

200 G.O.A.T.

The National Association of Recording Merchandisers, the people who sell music, have put together a list of 200 albums that should be in every music collection. I have 32. I'd say it's a pretty good list. I was especially impressed to see that the following personal favorites were included:

26. Jagged Little Pill, Alanis Morissette
105. CrazySexyCool, TLC
133. Unforgettable: With Love, Natalie Cole
145. Toni Braxton, Toni Braxton
151. janet. Janet Jackson

Of course there were a few that raised my eyebrows:

67. Confessions, Usher (maybe toward the end of the list)
154. Big Willie Style, Will Smith
162. Let Go, Avril Lavigne (especially not 2 spots above the Fugees)

And a few that were mysteriously left out

II, Boyz II Men (inexcusable oversight)
12 Play, R. Kelly (They picked the R album over this one?)
August and Everything After, Counting Crows (98% sure about this one)

Hey Look It's Oprah

Apparently, Lauryn Hill is alive. Poor Lauryn.



Seriously, look at her. Then, turn your head and listen with that image in your head and imagine her not talking about music but say, opening a school in South Africa. Seriously.