She Is Focused

January 19, 2010

Sizzla & Jaheim Bring Their Hiatus to an End for 2010

Filed under: Island Vibes,New Music — Felicia @ 9:23 pm

Sizzla Crucial Times Greensleeves Records

Two years have passed since Sizzla Kalongi’s last album Rastafari was released. The August Town, Kingston native is back with Crucial Times which hits shelves today. This also marks the return to one of his original label homes, Greensleeves Records. He also reconnected with producer Homer Harris who discovered Sizzla. The 13-track album filled with love and praises to Jah showcases messages which reflects his Rastafarian beliefs. A couple singles from the album have surfaced including “There’s No Pain” and “Precious Gift” with the latter being the first official single. Almost 15 years on the scene and roughly 40 albums in, the singjay continues his streak of positivity.

Jaheim “Til It Happens To You”

One of music’s original R&B tough guys Jaheim returns from a 3 year hiatus with his fourth studio album, Another Round slated for a February 9th release. The latest single, “Til It Happens To You” features the New Jersey native crooning on the mid-tempo track. The first official single “Ain\’t Leavin Without You” was released in November 2009. A remix featuring Jadakiss has since surfaced.  The single has been climbing the charts since its release and also features a sample from The Whatnauts’ 1982 record “Help Is On The Way”. Appearances and tour dates for Jaheim is currently in the works.

September 22, 2009

September Album Releases: Sean Kingston, Mariah Carey, Nelly Furtado

Filed under: Island Vibes,New Music — Felicia @ 11:50 am

TomorrowSean Kingston Tomorrow (Epic)

The Jamaican-born teen star is back with his sophomore release Tomorrow on shelves today. I’ve honestly never heard his first album and will most likely not be rushing to get a copy of this one. His song “Beautiful Girls” from the last album was pretty catchy, and it seems as though his music does really well with the MTV generation. Still not really my cup of tea.

Mariah Carey Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel (Island)Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel

Mrs. Cannon’s album is not out until next Tuesday, but still wanted to give her an early mention. “Obsessed” has really grown on me over the past several weeks.  I know this song takes a stab at Eminem and the video must follow suit, but I could have done without it because the video makes it uninteresting. On the album MC also did a remake of Foreigner’s “I Want To Know What Love Is”, classic 80’s ballad.

I haven’t heard too much from this album since its been pushed back a couple times. I’m sure more singles will be leaked as the week continues.

Mi PlanNelly Furtado Mi Plan (Universal Latino)

I’m a big fan of Nelly Furtado, and her fourth album, Mi Plan was released last week bringing with it one problem for me; it was released in Spanish. It only poses a problem simply because I don’t know what she’s saying, needless to say I can definitely appreciate a great Latin ballad. The album is deemed as her best to date and it goes back to her pre-Timbaland music days. It would be great if there was an English-speaking album as well.

September 16, 2009

Melanie Fiona ‘Gives It To You Right’

Filed under: Island Vibes,New Music — Felicia @ 10:13 am

Melanie FionaSinger-songwriter Melanie Fiona is shaping up to be the next “It” girl of R&B/Soul. She’s been making the rounds doing interviews and TV appearances with the lead single, “Give It To Me Right” from her upcoming album, The Bridge (SRC/Motown Universal Records). Melanie first made her presence known while opening for Kanye West during his 2008 European Tour. She was also featured on Reggae Gold 2008 with Supa Dup’s “Somebody Come Get Me” as well as KRS-One & Buckshot’s Survival Skills.

The Canadian-Guyanese vocalist credits Bob Marley, Sade and Patsy Cline as her musical influences. The 12-track album features production from Future Cut, J. Phoenix, Angela Hunte, Salaam RemiMelanie_Fiona_1 and others. She’s also tied to the Roc Nation family with Jay Brown and Tyran “Ty Ty” Smith as her current managers.

She’s already been compared to the likes of Alicia Keys which is a probably a lot to live up to. After hearing a few singles from her, in my opinion that shouldn’t be too farfetched. Check her recent Carson Daly performance:

September 4, 2009

42nd Annual West Indian Carnival Festival

Filed under: Island Vibes — Felicia @ 1:14 pm

Everyone have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend in each of your respective cities. FlagsHere in New York most will be celebrating by taking part in the 42nd Annual West Indian Parade and other events that are lined up. Most events are happing in Brooklyn where the actual parade takes place, but you can find small events in each of the boroughs. Below is a list of some of the events that are lined up courtest of www.wiadca.com.

THE WEST INDIAN AMERICAN DAY CARNIVAL ASSOCIATION, INC.

Industry News – Biz Bash has named the Carnival Parade as one of the top five happenings in New York City.

All Concerts are held at the Brooklyn Museum grounds, 900 Washington Ave, Brooklyn. For more information go to www.wiadca.com For general information, call: 718-467-1797.

Pre-Labor Day weekend festival:

1. Event: Clash of the Calypso Titans: Featuring 24 of the greatest calypso & soca artists
Date-Thursday September 3rd, Showtime-7:30 pm:
Artists: Featuring some of the most popular and talented vintage calypsonians in the Caribbean:
Lord Nelson, Sparrow, Rose, Hunter (Dominica), Explainer, Baron, Dense Plummer, Scrunter, Winston Soso, Becket, Swallow,
Gryner and many more. (more…)

August 24, 2009

Original vs. The Remix

Filed under: Chat 'bout,Flashback,Island Vibes — Felicia @ 3:53 pm

Puff Daddy and a slew of other producers preceding him and following behind his heels have taken songs that were done many years their senior, chopped it up and created the remix. Most people get bent out of shape about a new artist trying to come up (and sometimes established artists) remixing older songs. Sometimes you have to admit that the remixed version smashes the original version out the water. Although I’m sure it may be hard for the originator of the songs to give these new artists their props (ahem, Etta James) the proof is in the pudding.

I compiled a few songs that were remixed over the years and have given my opinion on which version sounds a lot better. Who do you think did the song the most justice? Original vs. The Remix (part one):

“Tainted Love” Original: Gloria Jones (1964) vs. The Remix: Soft Cell (1981)

Gloria JonesWritten by Ed Cobb back in the 60’s, Gloria Jones released this melodic soul tinged song which was one that was bigger than the era in which it was released. Although Jones was considered a soul-singer, Soft Cell’s rendition of “Tainted Love” turned the song into a pop smash in the 80’s. Soft CellIt was one of the most popular songs during that time in both the States and the U.K. where the duo originates. I personally love Soft Cell’s upbeat, pop version a lot better. So Ms. Jones, kindly take a seat on this one…please? What do you think?

Gloria Jones version:  Tainted Love

Soft Cell version: Tainted Love

“Die Without You” Original: P.M. Dawn (1992) vs. Wayne Wonder (1993)

P.M. DawnThe motion picture Boomerang starring Eddie Murphy and Halle Berry probably put this song on the map more than anything else. Til this day a lot of people haven’t even heard of P.M. Dawn. They weren’t the most popular group, but they spawned a few notable hits with “Die Without You”, “Set Adrift On Memory Bliss” and even “Sometimes I Miss You So Much”. Still don’t ring a bell? Ok maybe I’m their only fan. (more…)

June 16, 2009

Beach Lime 2K9 Recap

Filed under: Chat 'bout,Island Vibes,New Music — Felicia @ 12:17 pm

Beach Lime 2K9This past weekend was the first annual 9inemile.com Beach Lime 2009. The bus ride took place in Central Florida traveling from Orlando to Fort Desoto beach in St. Petersburg. A majority of those in attendance were of West Indian decent hailing from Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Grenada, Haiti, Dominican Republic, etc. There were also some Yankees in the mix enjoying di lime.

The day started at 10am with the bus deporting from Negrils Restaurant in Central Florida. Salt-fish with greens, cooked bananas and bread was served for breakfast as everyone laughed and awaited the arrival into Fort Desoto. Once the short bus ride reached its destination, we all headed over to the large pavilion where the DJ unloaded his equipment and lunch was prepared on the grill.  Beach Lime 2While food was being prepared, others soaked up the waves and several others chose to stay and listen to the tunes spun by D’ Boywonder including new music by Beres Hammond; I Feel Good

Overall the event turned out really well. Props to Teisha for organizing such an amazing event that was months in the making. Get ready for 9inemile.com’s Beach Lime 2010 next year. Destination TBA!

Beach Lime 3

June 5, 2009

June Performances, Showcases and Beach Limes

Filed under: Chat 'bout,Get To Know,Island Vibes,New Music — Felicia @ 10:21 am

 Hello focused ones…below are upcoming events this month and next that I plan on attending and giving you reviews and of course behind-the-scenes goings on. If you plan on attending as well, follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/SheIsFocused and we can network and enjoy the shows together! I will be updating this list periodically, so check back for additional events. If you have any shows you’d like me to attend and give me take on, hit me up at SheIsFocused@gmail.com. Until then, Stay Focused! Beach Lime 2k9

June 13th – 9inemile.com’s Beach Lime 2k9

www. 9inemile.com

Saturday June 13, 2009

Place: Fort Desoto Beach, St. Pete

Orlando’s ONLY all-inclusive Beach  Bus Trip

For tickets and addtional info: www.9inemile.com

407-797-3937 or 407-272-7452

 

June 18th – WAMU Theatre Presents Anthony Hamilton & Musiq Soulchild

Guest appearance by Chrisette Michelle

 

June 23rd – Faces In The Crowd Showcasae

Special performance by New York’s FMOS

http://www.facesshowcase.com/ 

Tuesday, June 23rd

Stay Focused for more details! Beres

 

July 17th – Beres Hammond live at BAM

Performance by Jamaica’s own Beres Hammond at the Brooklyn

 

 

May 21, 2009

Orlando Carnival 2009 is Here!

Filed under: Chat 'bout,Island Vibes — Felicia @ 2:35 pm

It’s Memorial Day weekend once again and while many of you will be getting your grills ready to have a BBQ, or getting set to hit the streets and tear the malls down and take advantage of the barrage of sales, everyone in Carnival Central Florida will be whinning and chippin’ down d road in the blazing heat as Orlando Carnival will be taking place this weekend.

For those who are unfamiliar, the wikipedia definition of “Carnival” is as follows:

Caribbean Carnival is the term used for a number of events that take place in many of the Caribbean islands annually.

The Caribbean’s Carnivals all have several common themes based on folklore, culture, and religion, not on amusement rides.

Carnival tradition is based on a number of disciplines including: “Playing Mas”/Masquerade; Calypso Music and crowning a Calypso King or Monarch; Panorama (Steel Band Competition); Jouvert morning; and a number of other traditions.

Carnival has originated from Trinidad and Tobago, which plays host to the best Carnival celebration of all its imitators. To truely get a full Carnival experience Trinidad is where its at. Influeneced largely by African festivals, dancing, singing and music in general, Carnival incorprates the sounds of the steelpan, j’ouvert, good food, fun people and most importantly the elaborate costumes. CostumesCarnival is held in Trinidad every February. (more…)

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