The Next Big Thing?

My friend, Crystal, wrote this fabulous review on an up-and-coming rap artist from Las Vegas named Reallionaire Jream. You can listen to his music HERE

There is a dispute among a local Memphis rapper, Skinny Pimp, and Craig Brewer, who is the director of the movie Hustle & Flow, as to who actually came up with the idea for that movie. Many rappers claimed that Ludacris’ character, Skinny Black, was based on their lives. I remember hearing Craig Brewer say something along the lines of he can throw a rock into a crowd and odds are that it will hit someone who claims to be a rapper or musician. In my own experience, ne’er have truer words been spoken. 5 out of every 10 people that I know have an “aspiring” music career, a number that I am sure will be amplified as more and more people find themselves out of work.



Because of the overabundance of rappers, singer, writers and producers (using each of those terms very loosely), we tend not to take musicians seriously until well after they have proved themselves. I am no exception to that notion. In fact, I believe my self to be one of the biggest skeptics when it comes to claims of unique musical ability. So when I hear an artist or track that I find to be a cut above the rest, I deem it my duty to speak up.



I have not been taken aback by pure talent since watching Ryan Leslie’s making of Gibberish, but recently, I have been captivated again. This time by a young hip-hop artist who goes by the name of Reallionaire Jream. I actually came into contact with this young man several years before I even decided to listen to his music (see my previous claims of skepticism for an explanation as to why). He was a young guy scribbling lyrics down in a beat up notebook, with dreams of being heard. Years after this encounter I came across this same young guy on one of those social networking sites, and was pleasantly surprised to find that he was still scribbling and telling his stories to whomever would listen. So I took the time to hear what he what he was all about. Needless to say, I was blown away, and am now a true fan of Reallionaire Jream.



When you think of a 20something year old, hip hop artist who hails from Las Vegas, you expect to hear all about his misrepresented life of crime, what he likes to spend his “benjamins” on, how he gets the barely legal girls to shake and dance for him, or better yet, the art of fellatio (at least that is what I had expected). But that is not what I got. In his songs, Reallionaire Jream, who prides himself on “being real”, is simply telling it like it is; giving you the opportunity to envision the world through his eyes. He talks about life, in general, personal triumphs and tragedies, his influences, his views on past relationships and young love, his family, and so on. He was easy to relate to, but more importantly, his music has sustenance, which is refreshing during the rise of bubble gum hip hop (nothing against the Lil’ Mamas and Soulja Boys of today, I just don’t care about your lip gloss or your swag).



Reallionaire Jream is one of those artists that I affectionately call a “kitchen magician”; meaning that his music is homemade, but the magic that he puts out is that of a professional who is already a veteran of the game. I am more than impressed with his style, and it is hard to describe, or compare. His music has the lyrical phenomena similar to that of Talib Kweli. His subject matter has the serious, heartfelt emotion similar to that of AZ. His rhymes have the entertaining hint of humor, similar to that of Redman. He possesses the mainstream potential of Eminem in his heyday. This young man is not only a gifted lyricist, but an unparalleled artist as well. I have to give props where they are due; and Reallionaire Jream is more than deserving. And now, I sit back and watch as this star begins to shine!

Review: Next Day Air

New movie Next Day Air came out last weekend and me and my homegirl Erica checked it out. Um, keep your money. I expected it to be hilarious because Mike Epps was in it, but ugh. It was half funny. I was delighted and surprised at the fact that it took place in Philly, but the jokes were recycled and the acting wasn't the greatest. This is a DVD movie at best.

Review: Star Trek

I had the pleasure of seeing the new Star Trek movie today. Two words: HOT ISH. Special effects were awesome, acting was awesome, storyline was awesome, and the actors were HOT. Well, at least Chris Pine was anyway (call me). I am adding Chris to my baby's father list as we speak. He falls at #22. Oh and I was loving the swirl action in this movie. Shout out to Zoe Saldana and Zachary Quinto for bringing the swirl love to the masses. I highly recommend this movie even if you're not a Star Trek fan. I HATE Star Trek the TV show with a passion. Never could get into that mess. My mom used to try to make me watch it and I had no interest whatsover. Hey and if you have a thing for nerdy Star Trek fans you will have your pickings from the ones seated in the theater.

Enjoy Chris Pine, mmmmm

Review: The Soloist

I checked out The Soloist this weekend. Jamie Foxx needs and Oscar. He was amazing. The movie was great. Inspiring, sad, funny - it really pulls at your heart strings. Robert Downey, Jr. was great as well and I must say he was looking quite sexy. He wasn't sashaying like he usually is. Great story, great acting, great cinematography. Definitely a must see. Official Website

Tribeca Film Festival

So, I had the honor and pleasure of attending the Tribeca Film Festival last night. Me and my friend went to see 'The Girlfriend Experience'. The movie, shot documentary style, was about the life of an upscale call girl. Apparently this movie was the most anticipated film of the festival. It was directed by Steven Soderbergh (Oceans 11) and starred a well known porn star, Sasha Grey. Um, this movie was weird and whack from the start. It kept going in and out between stories. Very confusing most of the actors weren't great especially the main chick. I was not impressed and do not understand what all this buzz is about. I want my $17.75 back thank you. This viewer summed it up best:

It was awful...It was an incoherent boring mess and was very disappointed.

I did, however, enjoy just being there and had a great time. I just wish I'd picked a better movie.

'Fighting' Movie Review

I had the fantastical privilege of having advance screening tickets to see new movie 'Fighting' starring baby's father #1, Channing Tatum. Besides the fact that it was uberly hot getting to stare at him for almost 2 hours, the movie was actually good. Though not for those with weak stomachs. Watching people get beat down and hearing the sounds of that beatation can be nauseating at times. I thought the plot was good, acting was pretty good, casting was good and the numerous shirtless and wife beater scenes of Channing were absolutely amazing. Terence Howard, however, pissed me off. I don't know what they were trying to do with his voice, but they got that ish all wrong. He sounded like a pimp on valium. Six thumbs down on Terence's voice but other than that, I thought the movie was great. Definitely a must see. The grandma steals the show. Damn if she don't remind me of my grams. Hey grams!

My rating: 3 out of 4 hand claps.

Watch the trailer

'The Watchmen' ...my review

I left the theater this weekend SMH and saying WTF. 'The Watchmen' was, well...interesting.

What I loved about it:

• Lots o' peen
• Cool special effects
• Lots o' peen
• Cool special effects
• Lots o' peen

What I hated about it:

• Everything else

It was too long, too confusing and just a mess. Very disappointing. Not what I expected at all. Bring on Iron Man 2, Mickey Rourke and all.