No More Videos On MTV???

We have all said, “Does MTV even show videos anymore?” Well, it looks like consumers don’t want to see their videos on MTV anyway. USA Today reports that online music video viewer-ship has reached an all time high with more than 240 million videos being streamed monthly. Surprisingly, MTV has around 1 million viewers tabulated in comparison. The article goes on to explain the ever-changing business model of music videos. Apparently, Labels now charge channels such as MTV for video usage. President of Sony BMG Music Entertainment's global digital business unit, Thomas Hesse, states, “the times when we could make our content available for free so someone would buy the CD are over. We drive usage to the Internet sites, so we should be paid." And paid very well I might add. Rio Caraeff, executive vice president of eLabs, Universal Music Group's digital division, estimates licensing fee revenues of $20 million annually, in regards to music video airplay on and off the air.

Being the Marketing/Advertising professional that I am, this information screams one thing. Big business looms in music video advertising online. From product placements to pure and simple ads, before, during, and after music video streams, will be the way of the future. I bet we will see more artists with product-centered songs (Air Force Ones comes to mind) to ensure cross-promotional deals and guaranteed endorsements.

Interesting article. Check it out here

Skateboard P Gets His Blog On

I am just now realizing how many celebs/people in general have blogs! Connecting through blogging is most definitely whatsup. I just checked out Pharrell's blog today and it is dope. It mainly focuses on the BBC/Ice Cream clothing lines, but if you are a fan of his eclectic, skate culture-inspired clothes (like I am), check it out.

- Mike

Jena Mayor Speaks Out, Needs to Shut-Up

Today CNN reported that Murphy R. McMillin, Mayor of racially embattled Jena, Louisiana, has taken issue to John Mellencamp's new song and video, where the line "Jena, Take Your Nooses Down" is featured. The Mayor states that, "...the Mellencamp video is so inflammatory, so defamatory, that a line has been crossed and enough is enough."



Mayor McMillin, you are exactly right. Enough is enough! Racial injustice, silent "Jim Crow" practices, and general inequality in this 21st century is quite enough. African-Americans in cities small and large throughout the U.S. have put up with racist acts such as those committed in Jena, silently. We are silent no more. I hope that the images of John Mellancamp’s video and the lyrics of his song enlighten those who see this issue as fleeting or merely media spectacle. Thank you Mr. Mellencamp for being brave enough to take a stand, despite what Mayor McMillin thinks.

Understand that I do not condone the violent retaliatory acts of the Jena 6, but we all know that the intended punishments in these cases are exceeding the crime. I hope that the pending cases open all Americans eyes to the fact that Civil Rights is a continuing issue that deserves national attention and focus.

Check out the full article here.

Kevin Michael Music Feature

Kevin Michael
Kevin Michael

Philly has done it again. The birthplace of neo-soul issues its newest recruit, Kevin Michael. His Downtown/Atlantic Records self-titled debut is full of Philly soul, contemporary R&B, and pop music. Michael possess’ a voice that evokes passion, emotion, and raw soul, much like that of his predecessors Maxwell, Bilal, and Musiq. His debut is a collection of songs that showcases a vocalist who is confident in being unique. Album highlights include the slinky love jam “Liquid Lava Love” and the lyrical masterpiece “Ghost”, one of three stellar tracks from hit makers, The Clutch. Yet, the generic nature of some of the LP’s cuts leaves Michael’s voice on the playing field with no supporting cast. Lyrical content and production fall flat on tracks “Ha Ha Ha” and “Can’t Get Enuff.” Kevin Michael’s vocal acrobatics are the star of this collection and with development of the total product, I predict Michael will be a staple in the contemporary music landscape.



1. We All Want the Same Thing - Lupe Fiasco, Kevin Michael
• Nod-your-head-neo-soul track that is full of soul and swag. Lupe feature puts this one over the top.

2. It Don't Make Any Difference to Me - Wyclef Jean, Kevin Michael
• New age racial equality anthem. Cool concept, not something I would listen to all the time. Wyclef feature is forgettable to say the least.

3. Can't Get Enuff - Kevin Michael, Shorty Da Kid
• Generic ultra-pop track. Kev sounds good but the track/lyrical content is weak.

4. Ha Ha Ha
• Another generic track, but of the R&B persuasion this time. Mad repetitive, so much so I am not even sure what this song was about aside from “Ha Ha Ha” in the chorus.

5. Vicki Secrets
• Cool pop track that has very “tongue n’ cheek” lyrics but very catchy melodies.

6. Hood Buzzin
• Genre-fusing joint that blends soulful vocals, cool writing, and infectious pop appeal, all in one track.

7. Ain't Got You
• 1 of 2 ballads on the entire project, “Ain’t Got You” has a folksy, teen drama theme song vibe. Not my style but I guess it has its place.

8. Stone Cold Killa
• On this one Kevin let’s his funky side have its way. A neo-soul party joint, in the vein of Maxwell, is complete with great production and arrangements.

9. Weekend Jumpoff
• Another foray into the funkier repertoire, Michael skillfully rides another Clutch production in style. This song is also featured on HBO’s Entourage soundtrack.

10. Love Letter
• Uniquely stacked lead vocals give this R&B joint a sound all its own. Another catchy hook allows for this “Letter” to serve as a standout on the LP.

11. Ghost
• My second favorite track on the album. The Clutch write Kevin a timeless story of love lost, with a new twist. Aside from the lyrics pulling you in, Kevin commands this Ne-yo-ish, R&B-pop cut with the finesse of a seasoned veteran.

12. Liquid Lava Love
• My favorite cut on the album. Kevin channels Bilal/Prince on this baby-makin’ slow jam. Also the song is made that much better by featuring Claudette Ortiz’s (City High) distinctive vocals. Both Kevin and Claudette showcase their perfect falsettos.

13. Too Blessed - Kevin Michael, Q-Tip,
• Hip-hop track with a great message and a dope Q-TIP feature.

14. We All Want the Same Thing [Acoustic] - Akil Dasan,Kevin Michael

15. It Don't Make Any Difference to Me [Acoustic] - Akil Dasan, Kevin Michael

Check Kevin Michael’s stellar live performance at the McDonald’s Live Concert Series this summer.

Kevin also performed as apart of the VMA festivities this year.

Intro: Saturday Thoughts

Saturday means a couple things: No work, football, and relaxing. But this Saturday is different for one reason. We are starting our blog. This blog will be the place where Ant and I give our thoughts and perspectives on anything that we think is cool, relevant or important. We will officially start posting on Monday. Welcome to the show.

In the meantime, I spent some time checking out Kanye West's blog today. Among interesting video post and pics that any Kanye fan would appreciate, he posted an article from Interior Design that featured his L.A. home. If you haven't checked it out click the link.