“THE THINGS YOU DO [BAD BOY REMIX]” BY GINA THOMPSON FEAT. MISSY ELLIOTT
“HONEY” BY MARIAH CAREY
“SUMMERTIME” BY BEYONCÉ FEAT. DIDDY
“BREAKDOWN” BY MARIAH CAREY FEAT. BONE THUGS-N-HARMONY
“MO’ MONEY MO’ PROBLEMS” BY NOTORIOUS B.I.G.
“LOVE @ FIRST SIGHT” BY MARY J. BLIGE FEAT. METHOD MAN
“LET ME BLOW YA MIND” BY EVE FEAT. GWEN STEFANI
“Can’t NOBODY HOLD ME DOWN” BY PUFF DADDY FEAT MASE
“CAN’T LET HER GO” BY BOYZ II MEN
“ONLY YOU” BY 112 FEAT. NOTORIOUS BIG
“NEVER LEAVE YOU” BY LUMIDEE
“I’LL BE MISSING YOU” BY DIDDY FEAT. FAITH EVANS AND 112
“SPENDIN’ MONEY” BY R. KELLY
“YOU DON’T HAVE TO WORRY” BY NEW EDITION
Puff Daddy ft. Busta Rhymes and The Notorious B.I.G. “Victory,” No Way Out
Puff Daddy ft. Carl Thomas, Ginuwine, and Twista “Is This the End,” No Way Out
Puff Daddy ft. Foxy Brown “Friends,” No Way Out
“Niggas Bleed,” “Notorious Thugs,” “Another,” “Playa Hater,” “Nasty Boy,” “You’re Nobody (till Somebody Kills You)” from the album Life After Death.
Brian McKnight: “You Should Be Mine (Don’t Waste Your Time)” from the album Anytime
I’m sitting in my living room listening to the album “Personal Conversation” by Case (S/O to Case, your music is the perfect tempo to create a classic article) and watching one of my favorite TV shows, “Jeopardy.” The “cool factor” of Jeopardy is even if you don’t know the answer, it’s super intriguing to find out the absolute truth of the question. So when I research all of the “true” classics Stevie J has produced or contributed to, I find myself in another episode of jeopardy.
Hidden genius is a beautiful quality because it doesn’t seek attention, superficial attraction, or seeks its own interest; the motivation is fueled by passion and relentless ambition. The characteristics of Stevie J are a perfect blend of God-given vision, gargantuan inner drive, unflinching confidence, and an ounce of insanity. Ok, I love Case, but the “Red Berry” Ciroc is kicking in, so I fast-forward to “Can’t nobody hold us down” off the “NO WAY OUT ALBUM.
“Normally, when you hear a sampled song, it doesn’t reinvent itself; however, that’s part of the secret formula for Stevie J. Stevie J has an amazing ability to complement a track with an untraceable production approach and signature melodic finish.
The footprints of legends can only be followed and not duplicated, and that’s why his trademark sound will and must be publicly declared. I’m so amped right now!! Music is the soundtrack to life, and when “VICTORY” comes on, so many visions and thoughts are racing through my mind. I’m pacing through my condo rapidly like I’m in the ring of a championship fight.
Yo, the sun don’t shine forever
(You can turn the track up a little bit for me)
But as long as it’s here then we might as well shine together
(All up in my ears)
Better now than never, business before pleasure
(The mic is loud, but the beats isn’t loud)
P-Diddy and the Fam, who you know do it better?
Timeless music!! How did Stevie J know what to add or cut from this sample and then make it work? Success has different outlooks, but the ingredients are always consistent. Stevie J hears a sound only he can ascertain and develop. When he enters into a studio, the room feels, smells, looks, and resonates with an ambrosial atmosphere.
Every great performer, athlete, entertainer, and etc has this creative arena within their mind which enables supernatural results and unfathomable heights of a phenomenon. I just finished listening to “PAIN” and “Is This The End” blares through my speakers like a Hip Hop symphony. Ginuwine, Twista, & Puff Daddy own this track like it is a birthright, and it flows like a sonic motion picture in “HD”.
Who could make “death” sound so good? Stevie J!! The overall instrumentation and sonic delivery of this track are matchless in this current era. My adrenaline is wearing off a little, so as I sit by red berry Ciroc self-down, I flip over to the track “HONEY” (Bad Boy Remix). This universal track connects with every race, gender, and a hater! Jadakiss rips it from the beginning, Styles P supplies his signature gritty undertones, Mase provides the perfect god-flow finger roll, Puff is simply being Puff, Mariah is like cool whip.
She’s good on top of any dessert! Stevie J’s behind the scenes influence is visible throughout each verse, hook, string, chord, and baseline. Stevie J is James Worthy on the fast break, and nobody finishes better. Who can make a pop record cross over to streets better than Stevie J along with the Hitmen production team.
Stevie J understands the language of music, and that’s an inborn God induced gift. Possessing the ability to coordinate over 7 instruments simultaneously, manage sound, tones, voice inflection, intonation, and most importantly, artistic chemistry.
I stop and do a 100 quick push-ups to get my blood flowing and raise my adrenaline. I switch to “Mo Money More Problems” from the 10X platinum “Life After Death” album. Once Big said ”
Uh, uh, B.I.G., P O, P P A, no info, for the, DEA
Federal agents mad cause I’m flagrant
Tap my cell and the phone in the basement
My team supreme, stay clean triple beam lyrical dream
Man, need I say more about this classic record that Stevie J was a part of during the meteoric rise of Notorious B.I.G. How many producers/people would Sean Combs trust with the music and career of B.I.G?
How many producers possess the patience, instinct, and overall musical acumen to deliver for arguably the greatest MC of all time (Its always a toss-up between B.I.G & Tupac). Stevie J’s catalog is responsible for the biggest hits during an entire decade only and not to mention after the 90’s.
When I think about the song “I’ll be missing you” and the impact the record has made worldwide and continues to assist in healing the emotional wounds of people, I often wonder the metal state of mind he commanded during those studio moments.
Knowing that B.I.G. was recently buried and the entire world was waiting and needed this record for their eternal playlist. Stevie J, Puff, Faith, 112, & Sauce Money engineered one of the greatest songs of unity in the league of “We are the world.” Everyone in the world felt compelled to mourn and be inspired at the very exact moment.
Once again, the beautiful mind of Stevie J provided the finely detailed production assembly of emotion, chords, guitar strings, blissful sounds, and undertones of Faith and 112 and made history again. But, unfortunately, most people admire, detest, applaud, aspire to, and reject Stevie J every Monday night via VH1.
The television showcases a very small portion of his life. Stevie’s life is an authentic soundtrack, and we’ve only heard a few tracks of his life. In 2016, Stevie J will ascend to new heights and release new musical jewels for the world to love again.
Stevie J is mentally, physically, and spiritually in the best shape of his life, and he’s leaving no stone unturned. Multiple movies, TV shows, business ventures, and more occupy his current and 2016 roll-out calendar.
The infamous Stevie J bus has turned into super-ultra RV, and more people have come aboard for apparent reasons. But, when you closely examine his catalog, journey, sound, music production, Faith, and God-given talent, there can only be one title: “LORD OF THE STRINGS.”
This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.
Certain people really inspire my soul and enable me to strive harder for the things I want most out of life. On a cool, brisk Thursday night in Miami, I’m standing on the balcony of my Trésor Ocean View Junior Suite with Lil’ Kim’s “Slippin” track blaring through my SMS Audio wireless speakers. As I transcribe her lyrics in my mind, I gently nod and cosign the truth within the context of her pinpoint delivery. Trust is the most dangerous and valuable commodity in the world. Kimberly Jones has never had a problem speaking the truth and dealing with the aftermath. Before the Grammys, platinum plaques, diva/icon status, Kimberly Denise Jones was expelled from home and running the heartless streets of Brooklyn.
Jones was born in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of the New York City borough of Brooklyn, the second child of Linwood Jones and Ruby Jones (now Ruby Jones-Mitchell). She has one older brother named Christopher.
As a child, Jones attended Queen of All Saints Elementary School in Brooklyn. At the age of nine, her parents separated, and Jones was raised by her father, with whom she had a tumultuous relationship.
After being kicked out of her house by her dad, Jones dropped out of high school and alternated between crashing with friends and living on the street.
I changed the track selection to “Quiet” from her Naked Truth album. The beat is pulsating throughout my suite, and I can visualize Lil’ Kim staring into the eyes of her judge without blinking. No fear. Straight Brooklyn! In the early stages of her life, Kim would freestyle with ease and fantasize about having her moment.
I change the track selection again to the song “Durty” and Lil’ Kim starts off saying:
Lil’ Kim stay hot pull up with my nigga in the 80-foot yacht man this hatin’ don’t stop
Real recognize real you studio gangstas kill me
I know my vet’s in the game got to feel me
‘Cause from the gate I brrrr-raaa down the door
Like Eddy Murphy, I gave it to you raw
Two-piece bikini, Fendi mink draggin’ on the floor
Kim been the first lady since I dropped Hard Core
A lot of these hoes livin’ vicariously through me
‘Stead a doin’ them, they’d rather do me
Watchin’ them is like a Broadway play
Sittin’ next to the Queen is the closest they’ll ever get to Brooklyn
Why y’all frontin’ you know who the best be?
I’m the reason why the game so sexy
The originator, the trend creator
Bitch, you dun know you haffa respect me
I’m so lit right now from that intro verse! How can you not treasure the words and unapologetic flow of the real Queen Bee? Purely undeniable.
Jones attended Sarah J. Hale Vocational High School for two and a half years. Many of her friends also went there, and she would often skip school to hang out with them.
Since her schoolwork wasn’t being completed, the decision was made to transfer to Brooklyn College Academy to finish her remaining year and a half of school. It was the same school that fellow rappers Nas and Foxy Brown also attended.
While struggling through her personal life, Jones met The Notorious B.I.G. (real name Christopher Wallace), a key figure in both her personal and artistic life, mainly once Wallace had gained popularity and influence relationship with Bad Boy Records.
In 1994, B.I.G. was instrumental in introducing and promoting the Brooklyn-based group Junior M.A.F.I.A., which included Jones, who was only nineteen. The group’s first and only album, Conspiracy, was released on August 29, 1995, and debuted at number eight on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, selling 69,000 copies in its first week of release. Three hit singles came from Conspiracy: “Player’s Anthem” (peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and No. 2 on the Hot Rap Tracks chart), “I Need You Tonight” (No. 43 R&B, No. 12 Rap), and “Get Money” (No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 4 R&B, No. 2 Rap). The R.I.A.A. certified Conspiracy gold on December 6, 1995. “Player’s Anthem” and “Get Money” were certified gold and platinum easily.
In the middle of the wolf pack, Lil’ Kim was still the lone wolf, and the world was now taking notice of her gift. After a year with Junior M.A.F.I.A., Jones began a solo career by making guest performances on R&B albums and recording her debut album, Hard Core, released in November 1996. The album debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard 200, the highest debut for a female rap album at that time, and No. 3 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums, selling 78,000 copies in its first week of release.
Hard Core was certified double platinum by the R.I.A.A. on March 14, 2001, after being certified gold on January 6, 1997, and platinum on June 3, 1997. The album’s lead single, “No Time,” a duet with Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs, reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot Rap Tracks chart and was certified gold by the R.I.A.A.
The next single, “Crush on You,” reached No. 6 on the Hot 100 and No. 2 on the rap chart. A remix of the album’s track “Not Tonight” saw Jones team up with Missy Elliott, Angie Martinez, Da Brat, and Left Eye of T.L.C. The song was part of the soundtrack to the Martin Lawrence movie Nothing to Lose, nominated for a Grammy Award, and certified platinum. Lil’ Kim is the definition of self-made. On June 27, 2000, she released her second album The Notorious K.I.M. The album marked a new image and revamped look for the rapper.
It debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, selling 229,000 copies in its first week. It was certified platinum by the R.I.A.A. four weeks after its release. Kimberly Jones survived the sophomore jinx, and her success continued to exceed all public expectations. In 2001, she teamed up with Christina Aguilera, Pink, and Mýa to remake “Lady Marmalade,” which was initially written about a bordello in New Orleans and performed by the group Labelle (which included diva Patti LaBelle) twenty-five years earlier.
The song was recorded for the Moulin Rouge! film soundtrack, released in April 2001, and stayed No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks. The song also went to No. 1 in fifty countries around the world.
This was a significant accomplishment for female rap and Jones, who scored her first No. 1 Hot 100 hit and became the second solo female rapper in history to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. “Lady Marmalade” also garnered Jones her first Grammy Award.
Caliente, blazing, and scorching are just a few adjectives that detail the level of demand and attention Lil’ Kim garnered during the early 2000s. She created an entirely new path for today’s MCs, both female and male, to follow: the freedom of expression in sex and music. Lil’ Kim never allowed anyone or anything to control her visual presentation or audio message to the world. She forced the hand of millions during the Grammys to accept her now-infamous purple pasty, diva/icon Diana Ross issued a physical cosign at that moment on stage.
Givenchy, Versace, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, and more have acknowledged the feisty, fearless, and sexy Brooklynite as the Queen of Hip Hop Fashion Culture.
The sheer influence of her persona is as infectious as the melody in the Dr. Dre track “Nuthin But a G Thang.” Lil’ Kim forced mainstream America to realize that black women can be portrayed as sexy, be sexual role models, run an empire, and not be labeled as shameless or a “hoe.”
I change the track selection for the last time to “Last Day.” An emotional, prophetic, and lyrical masterpiece. Legendary epic rhymes read like this:
Besides God, what the fuck should I fear?
The only one could stop me is that chick in the mirror
I built my career on blood, sweat and tears
And I’m still here, gettin’ stronger each year
‘Cause what don’t kill me could only help build me
I guess all that dirt just made me more filthy
If being loyal’s a crime, then I’m so guilty
If you was missin’ a spine you’d still have to feel me
Some came and went but your girl is everlasting
‘Til the day I’m gasping
And niggaz droppin’ tears on my Versace casket
And I’m reunited with Big like, “Nigga, what happened?”
Shit, got drastic, I missed you with a passion
By now they should realize, I’m not the average rap chick
Ain’t nuttin’ they could do now to stop my shine
This is God’s plan, homey, it ain’t mine
When it’s my last day, then it’s my last day
But until that day you can’t take away
How they scream my name, how I pimp this game
Critically acclaimed until my last day
Kimberly Denise Jones is pop and hip-hop royalty in every aspect. The “GHOST” of Notorious B.I.G. she is and will always be. Even during her twelve-month incarceration, her rainbow of influence beamed through the walls of the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia, and even the Brooklyn Bridge smiled at one point. Her infamous G status is certified in every borough in N.Y.C. and the streets are always on standby if anyone wants to rumble with the Bee!
I named this article “The Endless Royal Reign of Lil’ Kim” because on June 9, 2014, at 9:58 a.m., she gave birth to Royal Reign, and the dynasty continues. With her legacy and star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame impending, the birth of Royal Reign ensures the next generation will forever know and understand the Naked Truth of Kimberly Denise Jones.
On Sunday, April 11th, two officers In Virginia aimed their guns and pepper-sprayed a black army lieutenant. Due to this, the Town of Windsor, Virginia, fired both of the officers. The Town stated that officers Joe Gutierrez and Daniel Crocker overstep Windsor Police Department’s use-of-force policy during their confrontation with Second Lt. Caron Nazario. Due to conflict, the Town terminated officer Gutierrez’s.
With the positive atmosphere of families and residents, The Town of Windsor prides itself in its charm and the community-wide respect of the Police Department. The statement said that the terrible event cast a negative light on our community. So rather than deflect blame, we have discussed the matter with our personnel. We are speaking directly to the community to explain to our community stakeholders.
After the termination of the officer by the Town of Windsor, the Virginia government follows the news. Due to this incident, governor Ralph Northam calls for an outside investigation into the Virginia state police.
Governor of Virginia Ralph Northam also stated on his disturbing event. ” Our Commonwealth has done important work on police reform, but we must keep working to ensure Virginians are safe during interactions with police, the enforcement of laws is fair and equitable and people are held accountable” The governor is calling this a terrible event in his tweet.
As per reporter, the confrontation started between police officers Gutierrez and Lt. Nazario and Crocker when they pulled over a Lieutenant’s car at a traffic stop in December. Lieutenant Nazario is black and Latino. He was traveling back home when the Police pulled over his vehicle. Both officers drew their guns after pulling Nazario and order him to get out of the car.
Lieutenant Nazario was genuinely afraid to exit from his car. Nazario was refusing to get out of his car. In the meantime, one officer shouted, “Yes, you should be,” and dragged Nazario out of his vehicle & sprayed him on the face with the pepper spray. A video reveals from Nazario’s cell phone and the officer’s body camera that also showed that one cop is striking the Lieutenant with his knee and can be saying and repeating, “This is fucked up.”
The Lieutenant took legal action and filed a lawsuit against the two police officers. The army officer says that the two cops illegally barricaded and claimed that cops violated his Fourth and Fifth Amendments rights. The Police say that the Army officer’s car was unregistered and also his rear license plate was missing, But the Army officer says that the vehicle was new and had a temporary tag in the rear window. Nazario believes that he was racially profiled because of his race.
ThisMyJam Is an Atlanta native with a wide range of skill sets including rapping, engineering, mixing and mastering, photography, modeling and videography. Although his roots are in Atlanta, you will quickly realize his influences extend far beyond that. His goal is to allow listeners enjoy the experience of music. Starting his hand at music in high school he has been actively creating for 7 years. With heavy influence from artist like Chief Keef, Tyler The Creator and many more who chose to not conform but create their own sounds.
“Cloudy With A Chance 2” one of his latest projects really sets him and his artistry apart. The originality of his flow and choice of lyrics really take you to a new world and vibe, ThisMyJam collaborated with a producer from France showing his reach and will to get the job done. What made him select this producer was the lack of similar production to really keep an authentic sound. ThisMyJam puts full effort in each record and project, making sure to have solid concepts and themes, which allows him to also direct his own music videos.
ThisMyJam is currently in Costa Rica finishing up his project and enjoying the island vibes. After his experimentation with his voice, mixing and mastering his own music also gave him an advantage while creating. Switching his hand consistently his team of producers and keeping a solid foundation has put ThisIsMyJam moving forward rapidly. Being on the same wave length, having a mutual desire to create and also putting egos to the side are some of the keys that keep Jams team solid.
This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright 4 years ago. You can read more of Jonathan P. Wright’s work in the Editorial Picks section.
Alcohol consumed during this creative process: Effen Vodka & Effen Vodka Black Cherry (inspired by 50 Cent)
Headphones used during this process: SMS Audio Wireless Sports Headphones (Carmelo Anthony Edition) and SYNC by 50 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
Location: “W” South Beach, 2201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Current attire: Pushers Collective X-Label Tee Shirt, Pushers Collective Leather Snapback Hat, Ralph Lauren Tan Cargo Shorts, and my usual platinum dog tag
Music powered by G-Unit, 50 Cent, & Bryson Tiller (Ballin, Poppin Them Thangs, Wanna Get To Know You(My favorite), New Day, I’m The Man Remix featuring Chris Brown & Right My Wrongs by Bryson Tiller )
Streaming service equipped with TIDAL (High Definition)
Current Mood:
Actually pleased, corporate/Gansta mood, Get Rich or Die Trying type vibe, and hyper-focused on my new weight loss lifestyle.
It’s my last night at the “W” Hotel on South Beach, and it’s bittersweet at the highest level! I love the Miami weather, food, tropical weather, and most of all, beaches! I think this is where God created the original Garden of Eden. LOL!
Until God calls for me, I’m keep ballin’, keep on ballin’ To my niggas and my bitches looking down on me I know y’all see me when I’m ballin’ You know I got to keep ballin’ Till the FEDs come we ballin’ out Y’all niggas y’all know what this about when I’m ballin’ That stash house, we in and out We ballin’, ballin’, ballin’, we shot callin’
These are the opening lyrics to the song “BALLIN” by G-Unit, and this verse represents some of the mental fabric of the hit original tv series “POWER.” I’m sitting on the couch staring at still images of Omari Hardwick, a.k.a. GHOST, and his “eyes” illuminate my suite. His voice reverberates throughout the suite echoing power, sex, control, calculated betrayal, and triumph.
Omari Hardwick follows God’s Plan for his life, and that’s why his character is so polarizing, mesmerizing, addictive, and inspirational for the general public. I’m watching episode “1” of the season “1”, 50 Cent, and Courtney Kemp Agboh created a multi-layered viewing experience that engages everyone from the modest to the hardcore gangsters in our society. Every move GHOST makes is ultra-calculated and intended to further cement his position of power.
It’s opening night at his nightclub “TRUTH,” it’s packed full of people, and his right-hand man Tommy approaches him to provide street justice on someone. This moment’s beauty is these vital points and creates the matchless aura of GHOST and his ability to blend, recreate, and dominate each scene.
He accesses the damage, current problem and ascertains the end result
He kills the guy who stole from their organization, cleans himself up, jumps back into the elevator, embraces the packed house of partygoers, and returns to James St. Patrick.
GHOST’s genius is that the general audience has no idea what he’s thinking, feeling, or most of all, his next move. GHOST succeeds where most “bad guys” fail in the area of “limitations.” GHOST understands where his power begins and ends in every situation and creates mistake-proof exit strategies to ensure complete exoneration. The emotional intelligence of GHOST provides a chilling and deep introspective into the mind of a “divided soul.” The character of GHOST provides the STARZ network with a lethal competitive advantage over any other show in its lane. GHOST’s natural skillset is immeasurable and allows him to become all things to everyone within his radius.
GHOST manages the perfect balance between commitment and infidelity with Tasha (His Wife) and Angela (His love from High School & Lead attorney on the Drug Task Force pursuing his organization). Naturally, a person’s heart is divided into many pieces, and they eventually identify the pieces that belong. GHOST is always moving parts around in his heart to make the right decision at the moment.
I’m taking my second shot of Black Cherry Effen Vodka, and I’m blaring “I’m The Man” Remix by 50 Cent & Chris Brown in my suite. I turn to Season 2 and watch the episode “Three Moves Ahead,” and my eyes are paralyzed on the scene where Tommy and Lobos enter the Carlton Hotel to conduct business, and the world knows that GHOST is in the hotel. As the moment collapses, Tommy, Lobos, and his partner are captured.
GHOST is not captured, and he re-appears in the adjoining hotel overlooking the chaos and watching Angela call him repeatedly (he switched his number). Again, the writers of POWER position GHOST ideally between anxiety and the unknown. GHOST symmetrically aligns all the personalities, weaknesses, strengths, and temptations of each person in his life. The mentality of GHOST represents the “lion-heart” of every man in America.
Possessing the mental propensity to protect, kill, and administer love towards people are psychotic, unflinching, and fearless characteristics most men desire to develop. The essence & character of GHOST depicts and reflects the culture of mankind in certain aspects. Even when I examine his fashion sense, it literally freezes my mind because he’s flawless in every moment, clean-shaven, and casket sharp. My father told me that the “walk” and “dress” of a man speaks volumes about his confidence, self-purpose, and respect amongst the people in the room.
Omari Hardwick plays the role of a lifetime, creating new boundaries, destroying over-evaluated stereotypes, and showing men of all ethnicities the blueprint in balancing the mind over “POWER.” The role of GHOST is shaking up Hollywood, and respect is something you can only run from for a certain period. POWER is one of the best original television programs, and the people are echoing this message louder each year.
Sometimes in life, your arrival of greatness is disruptive, unapologetic, and incomprehensible. Hollywood has a good problem with the show POWER, and they need to pick the brain of Courtney Kemp Agboh and create another original tv series that challenges consumers’ minds. Until that happens, “THE “THE SHADOW OF GHOST” will hover over Hollywood, and you can never outrun a shadow.
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