Music Addikts

Chico Debarge…(crickets?!)

A name that hasn’t really been mentioned in the last six years, at least musically.  Prior to the release of his new Album Addiction, his album Long Time, No See was his most notable project.  This came after a stint in prison.  Chico used the time to write songs and from it came a wonderful masterpiece.  I’ll be honest in saying that the shows pull for me was more-so the opening act, Anthony David.  Yes, I’ve seen him perform a million times, but I could take a million more. Anthony David has such an ease with his voice, but it’s very controlled.  He doesn’t overdo it. He gave a great opening set with songs like Lady featuring Keisha Jackson, Georgia Peach(a crowd favorite), Something About You, Cold Turkey.  He also performed two new songs from his upcoming LP entitled As Above, So Below.   What I appreciate about Anthony’s live show is the quality. Known for remixing popular commercial tunes, David performed his version of Drake’s Every Girl.  The chorus repeated, “I wish I could f*** every trend in the world.”  He seems a bit angry with skinny jeans and women with muffin tops. HA!

A small intermission and then back to the show. Chico came to the stage and the ladies around us went wild.  I must admit I was a bit surprised that he still elicits those reactions.  He does, however, come from a notable family! He started the show with a tribute to his brothers, Debarge.  Mostly sticking to songs from his earlier albums, it’s clear that he still has ‘it’.  After a few songs, he took a moment to thank the intimate crowd for sticking with him through his struggle with addiction. He admitted to being addicted to painkillers for the last six years.  He mentioned that he needed time to get himself together.  “Addiction is an honest record, and I hope you can appreciate my honesty in the music”, he said in somewhat of a vulnerable tone. After a solemn moment, he sang a few songs from Addiction and ended up dry humping several ladies from the audience. My I wish I recorded that for your viewing pleasure.  You’ll have to use your imagination or not!

Overall, the show was entertaining and I appreciated Chico’s human side. We fall down, but we can’t stay down…thanks for the reminder Chico!

keep your soulHIGH!

There aren’t many things that come on BET that I support, but as I was channel surfing last night I saw an interesting show title, “Rising Icons”. I was really excited when I hit the info button and found that the show was about Ryan Leslie. A true triple threat (singer, songwriter and producer), I think R. Les is one of the most slept on talents out right now. I found out about Ryan Leslie in 2005 when someone sent me a copy of his still unreleased album “Just Right”, although I didn’t pay much attention to it at the time I liked what I heard.

Last year when “Diamond Girl” dropped I was like “Hey I know that guy”. I went back through my archives and found the old album I had only skimmed through before and kicked myself for weeks for not really listening to it earlier. Even today I still play that CD like it was just released last Tuesday. At that point I was in full addikt mode, I was determined to find all I could on this man. I didn’t have to go any further than his Youtube channel to keep me busy for a couple hours. I was in awe as I watched him play the piano over Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop” and make a song that raunchy into something beautiful. Watching him produce a song was just as amazing and inspiring. I was an instant fan…well three years later. Read the rest of this entry »

Anyone who knows me and the rest of the Music Addikts, knows how crazy we are about Eric Roberson’s music.  Each of us were introduced to him at different times and different places in our lives.  Today, I was having a conversation with a new friend from London, soulBEAUTIFUL, and she and I had the “when-did-you-know-you-were-in-love-with-eric-roberson’s-music” conversation. Funny, our stories were quite similar.  We lavished about how much we appreciated the art he shares with us.  Most importantly, the sincerity in his lyrics that penetrate the heart(soul). 

I purchased two copies of the record, because I need one for the house and one for the car.   My iPhone(poor thing) also got some wear and tear because I listened to Eric Roberson’s new record, Music Fan First, on repeat non-stop at the nail salon, in line at the grocery store, walking down the block to work and the list goes on.  I wanted to be sure I could sing along by the time the show came around (yeah, it’s like that).  After giving the record a listen, I was like – wait. hollll’ up.DJ stop the track. Eric sounds all grown and stuff! This album definitely goes in the category of ‘edgy’, especially for him.  With tracks like ‘Borrow You’, ‘Weekend Getaway’, ‘Dealing’, and ‘The Hunger’, he definitely moved into another place musically.  I appreciate the differentiation.  Cheating. Sex. Lies. Rock n’ Roll. Well, alright! It also shows that he’s willing to take chances. This record really had me thinking.  And THAT is when I know a record has me! Read the rest of this entry »



Melanie Fiona is following up her first single “Give It To Me Right” with another hot track. I love this girls voice. Check out her new single “It Kills Me”. Also look out for her debut album “The Bridge” set for release this Fall. In the meantime Ms. Fiona is giving you a free samplet to tide you over until the main course.  Click here for the free mixtape download!!

Not familiar with Melanie Fiona??  Check her out of on her website,  Myspace or Twitter.   You can thank us later…the first hit is always free.