Excellent Article: GAY R&B VOCALIST RAHSAAN PATTERSON APPLAUDS ‘COURAGEOUS’ FRANK OCEAN!!

 

Keith Murphy Posted July 9, 2012

 

Gay R&B Vocalist Rahsaan Patterson Applauds ‘Courageous’ Frank Ocean

As the debate rages on whether or not Frank Ocean truly came out as gay, bisexual or was just detailing his personal memories of falling in love with a male friend four years ago, the fallout has truly been surreal. Before the buzz-heavy R&B vocalist posted a July 4 letter addressing rumors of his sexuality, Ocean tweeted of his conversation-igniting revelation, “my hope is that the babies born these days will inherit less of the bullshit than we did I figured it’d be good to clarify.”

Rahsaan Patterson can more than identify with Frank Ocean. The veteran R&B singer—who scored a top 50 Billboard album and strong radio airplay in 1997 with his self-titled debut—was one of the first African-American soul artists to come out officially as gay during a 2007 interview with BET.com. For Patterson, Ocean’s statement represents a big moment. “I thought Frank coming out was bold; I thought it was courageous,” Patterson tells VIBE. “Particularly since he reps more of the hip-hop realm I found it even more courageous because that’s an area that a lot of folks that support hip-hop and the lifestyle of hip-hop don’t like to really confront and address. Kudos to him.”

Reactions within the R&B/hip-hop community to Ocean’s public statement have been surprisingly on the positive side (Solange Knowles tweeted “I salute you, brave soul. Independence Day” and veteran Queens rhymer Cormega offered, “Frank Ocean is more honest than the average industry person!”). Still, amongst the general African-American music buying public Ocean’s announcement has been a hard pill to swallow (derogatory comments like “Frank Ocean is gay. It’s been confirmed…So no more listening to him” have been omnipresent on the Web).

Historically, African-American musicians have rarely been upfront about their sexuality. For everySylvester (the flamboyant disco icon never tried to hide the fact that he was gay) there is aLuther Vandross (the legendary vocalist reportedly kept his homosexuality a secret until his 2005 death). And in the overtly masculine world of hip-hop, homosexuality is viewed as a death knell; the sort of news that can literally derail a career. On the flipside, white pop and rock acts like David Bowie, Elton John, and Melissa Eldridge have experienced a more positive acceptance after coming out. It’s a dichotomy that bothers Patterson.

“Look at that compared to white music artists or even white actors who come out,” he says. “When they come out [as gay] they are applauded, not that they don’t suffer a bit in terms of press and people who may have an issue of their sexuality. But ultimately, them stepping into who they really are propels them in positive ways. It opens up their lives. I think a lot of times we are all so insecure with our personal things as black folks that we deny ourselves that right to be who we are. We forget that when you stand within your true light the world opens up for you.”

As for advice for Ocean on how to handle the whirlwind that currently surrounds him, Patterson says the singer is so far on the right path. “Clearly, Frank Ocean is a strong cat,” Patterson says. “Clearly he’s an artist and a person who has come to terms with who he is. But I will say there is a lot that comes with exposing that truth. He has come to terms with taking on the repercussions with exposing himself in that manner. We just have to continue to be strong.”

Patterson, who released his fifth studio album Bleuphoria in 2011, is currently promoting his latest single “Crazy (Baby),” which features Faith Evans and Shanice. “I’m working that til the wheels fall off,” he laughs. And I’m preparing to start recording a new album. I’m focusing on my craft and making sure that I’m true to myself.”—Keith Murphy

Guardian Newspaper Article: R&B Singer Frank Ocean Confirms He Is Bisexual With An Open Letter To Fans!!!

Member of Odd Future, a hip-hop collective accused of homophobia, comes out in open letter posted to Tumblr

• guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 4 July 2012 10.48 BST

‘There was no escaping the feeling’ … Odd Future’s Frank Ocean

Frank Ocean has come out of the closet. Or, at least, that’s what he seems to have done. In an open letter posted on his Tumblr, he reminisces about falling in love with a man when he was 19. The letter follows the first playback of his new album, Channel Orange, on Monday.Those who heard the album reported that several tracks were love songs addressed to a man.

In his post, 24-year-old Ocean – real name Christopher Breaux – wrote: “4 summers ago, I met somebody. I was 19 years old. He was too. We spent that summer, and the summer after, together. Everyday almost. And on the days we were together, time would glide. Most of the day I’d see him, and his smile. I’d hear his conversation and his silence. Until it was time to sleep. Sleep I would often share with him. By the time I realised I was in love, it was malignant. It was hopeless. There was no escaping, no negotiating with the feeling. No choice. It was my first love. It changed my life.”

When he shared his feelings with his friend, though, “He patted my back. He said kind things. He did his best, but he wouldn’t admit the same.”

It is not known whether this means Ocean is gay or, as was suggested after the album playback, bisexual.

However, it certainly further clouds the debate surrounding the supposed homophobia of Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All, the Los Angeleship-hop collective with which Ocean is affiliated. Odd Future already have one openly gay member, the female prodicer and DJ Syd tha Kid. Last November, Odd Future were dropped from the bill of the Big Day Out festival in New Zealand because of homophobic lyrics, and the group – especailly Tyler, the Creator – have been widely criticised for lyrics deemed offensive to women and gay people.

In his own way, Tyler, the Creator, offered support to Frank Ocean onTwitter: “My Big Brother Finally Fucking Did That. Proud Of That Nigga Cause I Know That Shit Is Difficult Or Whatever. Anyway. Im A Toilet.”

Grapejuice Music Article News: American R&B Singer Frank Ocean’s Debut Album Will Explore His Bisexuality!!!

Monday, July 2nd 2012

The last year has seen soulful crooner Frank Ocean make his foray from the Underground into the mainstream; a process which looks set to culminate with the release of his debut album ‘Channel Orange’ (due July 17th).

Today saw the LP receive its London press playback, and oh did it serve up more than expected. See what we mean via Max/BBC 1 Xtra‘s preview below…

Excerpt via This is Max:

“Frank has also opened up about his sexuality on the album, we think it’s brave and admire him for being so honest and sharing such a personal aspect of his life through his music. On the songs ‘Bad Religion’ ‘Pink Matter and ‘Forrest Gump’ you can hear him sing about being in love and their are quite obvious words used like ‘him’ and not ‘her’.

In the world we live in now we can’t see this being an issue or why it should be?? But we do commend him for not continuing a facade and conforming to what a Hip Hop so called rule book expects, we say live your life and be yourself.”

************

Intriguing – even more so when considering what this could mean for strides in the “Urban diaspora”. For, having earned accolades a plenty in his short time “on the scene”, it’ll be uber interesting to see the mass reaction to his apparent declaration.

Whatever it is, we can only hope it’s one that isn’t hypocritical. For, any sudden jolts or negative OMG’s would be silly given that the industry has a pronounced “pink” presence – whether folk know or like it. It simply is what it is. If anything, Ocean should garner praise for actually “going there” – given that so many of his contemporaries don’t. Yuuup.

BET Awards Clip: Cissy Houston’s Emotional Tribute To Her Legendary Daughter Whitney Houston.

Shocking News: Usher Raymond New Album Looking 4 Myself Has Disappointing Debut Sells Only 128,000 Copies!!!

According to the website Hits Daily Double, Usher Raymond new album Looking 4 Myself  will debut at number one on the Billboard charts. However, Looking 4 Myself  sold a disappointing 128,000 copies! Usher previous albums Raymond Vs Raymond, and Here I Stand were multi platinum hits!  This is very strange and bizarre result! I hope Usher sales in international markets are better much higher.

CD Review Brandy “Human”

On December 30th  2006 Brandy Norwood’s life changed forever she was involved in a car accident on the Los Angeles highway and a woman died. The press immediately pounced on Brandy blaming her for the woman’s death but Brandy was cleared of all criminal charges. 

 Brandy became a recluse she rarely left her house for months in fear of being photographed by the media. The car accident was tragic but it was an accident. However, Brandy still has to deal with a $50 million dollar civil lawsuit.

“Human” is Brandy’s first album with  Epic Records since she was released from Atlantic records after her 2004 album “Afrodisiac” flopped on the charts.  Brandy has a solid track record she is a Grammy award winner and she has sold over 25 million records worldwide.

On Brandy’s first album release in four years “Human” she is clearly trying to reach an older audience. “Human” has a more softer sound Brandy is more emotional and fragile on this album then any of her previous records. The album has a more adult contemporary sound that is a mixture of R&B and pop. Although Brandy does not address the life altering incident of the car accident she does plead for understanding and forgiveness.

 The intro to the album is simply Brandy talking about her life in the past four years how she has grown as a woman and as a young mother. The song “warm it up” (with love) is a nice sounding up tempo song about being in love in a relationship.  The ballad “Right Here (Departed)” is such an emotional song it deals with losing someone you love and care for in life whether it is a lover, a best friend, or a family member.

The songs “True” & “Shattered Heart” are both beautiful songs they showcase Brandy’s improved vocal skills.The songs deal with moving on from  losing someone you love and rising above the feelings of despair and moving on with life.  Brandy sings from her heart on these songs.

“Human” is Brandy’s most mature album to date she is more introspective on this album.  “Human” is a departure for Brandy because she is singing about depressing subjects such as lost love, self doubt, death, and unhappiness. Some Brandy fans may be surprised at the mellow sound of the album.

The only downside to “Human” is that there are not enough up tempo songs on the album. The song “Piano Man” is a very nice uptempo song. Brandy is known for making club bangers and on this album most of the songs are ballads and mid tempo songs.

The song “Human” is  the best song on the album Brandy sings  so passionately she is so vulnerable you can hear the pain in her voice .  “Human” should of been the first single released but that’s just my opinion. I think “Human” can be a huge hit for Brandy.

I believe the general theme of “Human” is that we are all flawed individuals. We all make mistakes, we all have regrets in life but we can rise above the pain. I still believe Brandy’s second album “Never Say Never” is her best album but “Human” is a solid album.

CD Review: Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson’s debut CD is a solid but imperfect album. The great svengali Clive Davis is the executive producer  and he is clearly attempting to appeal to various demographic audiences. Hudson along with Fantasia are the most talented singers to ever be on American Idol. Jennifer Hudson is the most successful former American Idol contestant ever. Hudson didn’t even win American Idol yet she went to become an Academy Award winning actress.

Unfortunately Jennifer Hudson’s debut falls flat with uninspiring songs that just don’t demonstrate Hudson’s extraordinary voice.  For instance, the Diane Warren song “you pulled me through” is  for the adult contemporary crowd. “You Pulled Me Through” is just a horrible song it is just not very good. Another song I don’t like is “All Dressed In Love” the theme song for the Sex & The City Movie. 

I think the producers  have to pick songs that showcase Jennifer’s personality more. Jennifer’s voice has a lot of range she has demonstrated the ability to have restraint and be vulnerable. Diane Warren is known for writing saccharine songs but this one is just dreadful.  Hudson is an incredible talent but the problem with Jennifer Hudson’s debut is the material it just doesn’t showcase her vocal abilities enough.

 The stand out songs include “Giving Myself”,  “my heart”, the hit single “spotlight,” and the duet with Fantasia “I’m His Only Woman”. “I’m His Only Woman” is actually an updated version of the 1970s soul classic Shirley Brown’s “Woman To Woman”. Overall Hudson’s voice is strong and she clearly has the abilties to tap into her emotions to give life to the songs. However, the material is just not  very inspiring at times. Hopefully in the future Jennifer Hudson will have more control over the songs selected for her albums which will showcase her talent.

Justin Timberlake Vs Robin Thicke, Who Is The Better Singer/Songwriter?

Robin Thicke’s new CD “Something Else” was released last week I haven’t gotten the chance to listen to the album yet. However, I will say this Thicke’s 2006 album “The Evolution Of Robin Thicke” is excellent and I was so the album went platinum.

I think Justin Timberlake receives more press perhaps because he is a bit younger, he was the lead singer in the teen pop group. However,  Robin Thicke I believe is much more talented. Thicke is also a producer and songwriter he has worked with Brandy, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson, and other artists. Thicke is also true to the R&B genre he reminds me of Marvin Gaye. Timberlake I believe is more of a pop/soul artist he is more popular but I don’t believe he is as solid a singer as Robin Thicke is.

Sade Classic “Love Is Stronger Than Pride”

Janet Jackson Sings Classic Songs “Young Love” & “Say You Do” On Tour!!!!

I believe this tour is Janet Jackson’s comeback!  Yes “Discipline” didn’t sell but so what? Most artists albums are not selling these days due to down loading, the quality of the material, and the apathy of the public. Janet’s label Island Records did not give “Discipline”  the promotion it deserved. Also why was the CD released in February? I think that was a wrong move by Island. Janet needs to be on a record label that will truly give her the attention she deserves. Janet is a legend.

 Janet has also been very candid that she is not pleased with Island. I just hope Janet’s next CD she returns to Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis she works best with them. Jermaine Dupri may be Janet’s boyfriend but she needs to learn not to mix business with pleasure.

Janet realized a tour is the real way to “reconnect” with her fans and giving the public the music and that’s the hits. It is smart promotion tool to go on tour. Janet’s tour is selling out and is already successful. In fact, according to media reports Janet actually called fans asking people want songs they want to hear.

I am thrilled that Janet decided to sing “young love” from her debut album and “say you do” those songs are wonderful and so special. “Young Love” was an R&B hit back in 1982 when Janet was only sixteen years old! I think it is wonderful that Janet is on tour she is a legend in the music business. Very few people can “make it” as a superstar when they already have a very famous sibling. I think this tour will remind people how amazing Ms. Jackson truly is! Go Janet!