Growing up, I always admired the artwork of album and CD covers. However, thanks to the digital age, I either don’t see the cover artwork or simply don’t pay attention anymore. That was until last week, when I saw the eye-catching cover design for Kanye West’s upcoming release, “Cruel Summer.”

In fact, it got me thinking about some of my fave covers from back in the day. From iconic to colorful, there have been many visually captivating covers throughout the years.

Dust off your CD tower and take a walk down memory lane!

Subscribe in a reader

Looks like one of my favorite musical artists Mariah Carey, will join America Idol  this fall. The singer, 42, has officially reached a deal with Fox to serve as the show’s latest pop diva judge.

On the heels of singer/actress Jennifer Lopez’s and rock legend Steven Tyler’s split from the show, it is the hope of Fox execs that Carey will keep Idol fans interested.

“It’s the biggest recording artist than any of these [singing competition] shows have ever had,” Fox entertainment president Kevin Reilly told the press on Monday. “It’s an artist many of these contestants have tried to emulate. [The deal] only concluded only hours ago. Not being the only game in town we need to keep things fresh.”

In a recent phone call with reporters Carey said, “I am so excited to be joining Idol.” 

Even though I haven’t faithfully watched the televised singing competition since Simon Cowell’s departure, I’ll be sure to tune in to catch the queen of 90s R&B/pop share her two cents with the singing hopefuls.

Will you tune in to American Idol now that Mariah Carey will be a judge?

Subscribe in a reader

With only a couple days left in June, Black Music Month is going out with a bang.  Singer Alicia Keys treated true R&B/pop music fans to ear candy with the release of her new, slightly anthemic single, “New Day.”

Subscribe in a reader

After attending the launch party for Angela Simmons’ new hair extensions line last week, I realized that my music taste is stuck in the past. During the party, I only heard one song (something by Beyoncé) that I knew and could happily hum along to.

Surely, had I stayed longer, familiar “old school” tracks would’ve trickled in between the current hits, but for my duration “new school” tunes dominated the DJ’s playlist.

It seems like I’m becoming one of those people whom I heard growing up saying, “They don’t make good music anymore.” Well, I’m not sure if that’s completely true, but I do know that I have been left out of the popular music scene ever since I moved to New York nearly a decade ago.

Maybe it’s because I don’t drive here to hear what’s hot on the radio or perhaps it’s due to the fact that I’d much rather listen to more customized music picks from Pandora or Music Choice (Throwback Jamz). Whatever the case, contemporary music has taken a backseat for me.

While my nieces and nephew are fans of Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Big Sean, I’m still “bank-head bouncing” to R&B and pop hits of the 80s, 90s, and aughts (I know, I’m not sure how the 2000s got coined that either)!

Do you listen to the radio on a daily basis? Who are some of your favorite artists past or present?

Subscribe in a reader

If you grew up in the late 80s and early 90s , then you’re probably just as excited as I am to learn that our king of late-night, Arsenio Hall, is coming back to TV.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the recently appointed winner of Celebrity Apprentice, 56,  is partnering with CBS to host a new late-night talk show set to air 2013.

After watching him battle it out in Donald Trump’s boardroom, I was reminded of just how much I missed seeing him on TV. I stayed up countless nights to catch him “woof” it up with his “dog pound” audience.

At the time, The Arsenio Hall Show was the only television outlet to showcase the majority of our stars and give us a glimpse into their glamorous lives, which would’ve otherwise gone undocumented in mainstream media.

Trust me, Johnny Carson was not featuring Bell Biv Devoe or Jodeci, but Arsenio always celebrated our musicians, actors, and more.  He’s a trailblazer whose shoes haven’t been filled since his show ended in 1994.

Arsenio, it’s been a long time so let’s get busy!

Were you a fan of The Arsenio Hall Show back in the day? Will you watch his new show?

Subscribe in a reader

We’re over a week into June, which means Black Music Month is in full swing. To celebrate the historical music month, Centric TV is airing “takeovers” featuring specials each weekend throughout June. Last week they kicked things off by highlighting the career of the legendary group Earth, Wind & Fire.

Starting tomorrow (10PM EST), hip-hop fans will be in for a weekend of high notes. Viewers will get an inside look into the history of hip-hop with various programming including: Being Mary J. Blige, Hip-Hop Odyssey: Know Your History, Heavy D: Be Inpsired, and Public Enemy: Welcome to the Terrordome.

In between those specials, the network will air old school videos from some of the hip-hop greats and trailblazers.

The next couple of weekends will feature specials celebrating Don Cornelius, Teena Marie, R. Kelly, Gladys Knight, and more.

If you could choose, who would you like to see have a music “takeover” on Centric?

**The winners of the L’Oreal Paris True Match makeup are: Zee, Bailey, and Steel Heels! Congrats. Please email me your mailing addresses. 

Subscribe in a reader

It’s still hard to believe that Whitney Houston aka “The Voice,” is no longer with us, but her fans will be comforted today with the release of the late songbird’s final recording.

“Celebrate,” from the upcoming remake film, Sparkle, in which Houston stars was her last recorded song before her passing in February.

The uptempo single features Jordin Sparks who also co-stars in the movie set for release in August.

Listen below:

Subscribe in a reader