Guess Who's Baaaack! (4 real this time :)

I know I know I know, you've heard this from me before. I've said I was gonna start blogging again more than a few times & didn't. The reason why it didnt happen doesnt really matter at this point b/c it (the reason/excuse) wont change the fact that i didnt keep my word & more importantly yall (my loyal readers) already know how i feel about excuses so I apologize to those of you who expressed your disappointment & for everybody else..we're moving on. I need yall to bare with me as I slowly navigate my way back into this world. I promise to make the page look pretty and update the links, music etc as soon as possible.

I still cant believe my last post was over 2 years ago (1/15/08) Soooooo much has happened in the world and my life since then which is honestly at the core of why it took me so long to start blogging again. As much as I wanted to come back, I kept thinking 'my life is so different than it was when i blogged before so what will/can i blog about now?' I spent a considerable amount of time wrestling with that question & it wasnt until i was reminded why i started blogging in the first place that i got the answer.

At the advice of my mother (who has read my entire blog), I decided to read some of my old posts & jus as she predicted I got my blogging mojo back! Reading my very first post from 2005 def stirred up a lot of memories & put the comeback wheels in motion. I also gotta send a special shoutout to fellow blogger Adam Irby Benjamin who recently started blogging again served as the last bit of inspiration I needed to join him.

If you are new to my blog, I HIGHLY encourage you to read 'Bobby's Blog Disclaimer' on the side panel. You might also want to spend some time reading my archives or check out "The Best of BBJr" column on the sidebar b/c it will give you a pretty good idea of who I am & some of the many things I blog about. For all of my regular readers (many of whom are actually good friends) I gotta a lot of catching up to do so stay tuned.

WHO I AM (via BRANDY)

Thank you

For all the tears

All the tears all the stress

Your the best I feel blessed

Im a better woman now

Look how I smile

All you did was help the next man

This experience made Me who I am

I tried to make me love ya i tried to make me stay

But every time i tried Myself and i got in the way

Just for the sake of my daughter I tried to stick to the plan

But i had to get rid of the weight

On my fourth finger, left hand

To every body listening

Sorry if your disappointed

See the life i chose was only what I thought i wanted

Nothings picture perfect

Looks can be deceiving

What i thought was love

Was something that i did not believe in

I always had the feelin

'That baby boy was cheatin'I kept tellin' myself

If you aint happy Bran just leave him

I wasn't raised to quit

Cause quiters never win

But what do you gain

If you feel incomplete within?

Sick of all the questions

All the whats and whys

"What happened?"

"Why'd ya'll break up?"

"Why we never see you cry?"

But do you know how it feels

To hurt behind closed doors

When you go outisde

You wonder why your smiling for

Now that its over i can live

Now all you had belongs to him

My heart is open like a book

And everything he eats, i cook

What i am to him, he is to me

We are each others everything

But if i would have stayed with you

I wouldnt have it like i do

CAN'T TAKE NO MORE..

I Think I Found My Blogging Mojo Again....

Well sort of....Let's just say I'm slowly making my way back to blogland. I miss it a lot although based on the fact that a lot of people on my blogroll have been MIA for a while, I dont feel so bad. Anyway I definitely gotta give a BIG shoutout and Congrats to my adopted teenage son and fellow blogger MARZ for winning the Best Teen Blog Black Weblog Award. If you havent checked out his page, you're missing a real treat. This boy is a brilliant, wise soul trapped in 17 year old body. He reminds me a lot of me when I was his age only he's much nicer than I was. Imagine that...Congrats again Marz! I'm sooooo proud of you! Keep up the good work..

This is me at work last Friday (i know before a long weekend) pretending like I'm actually doing some work. I LOVE my office...its very...Joan Clayton like (for the slow folks that chick from Girlfriends)

So I know a lot of yall probally thinking I'm a crazy ass Beyonce fanatic after yesterday's post. Believe it or not I'm really not one of those Stan-like crazy stalkers and as I said yesterday, there are plenty of things I dont necessarily like about her but I choose not to focus or highlight those things mainly because there are plenty of yall out there who take pleasure in sharing your disdain for all things Beyonce. We're all entitled to like who we like and please believe im not interested in trying to convince anybody to like her especially since I aint on her payroll and would get no benefit from doing so.

One thing I've noticed that has and continues to disturb me greatly is how so many people (especially black people) are rooting for her to fail. Whether you personally like her or not, you gotta be proud of the fact that she's a YOUNG BLACK WOMAN doing her thing, working her ass off and most of all achieving success that wasnt possible for those who came before us. She's aint trying to claim she a LEGEND right now in fact. she makes it a point to pay homage to the divas who paved the way for her. Yet instead of encouraging her to keep it up, I'm constantly reading and hearing things like..oh well 'this albums gonna flop'...'her time is almost up' etc...I think thats pretty damn sad..

And dont get it twisted, I play around with saying she's my baby's momma and all but that's me being silly. To be quite honest, my admiration for her has very little to do with what she offers on the surface. I'm inspired by her drive, work ethic and the fact that although she's been working at this for damn near 10 years..she remains humble and her overall character/personality has been CONSISTENT! Yea she only 25 and she got a long way to go but one of the things I love the most about her is the fact that she acknowledges that. Anyway, damn I did not mean for this to become another post about Beyonce but I just finished watching her WORK THE FUCK OUT in http://music.aol.com/network_live/concert_videos/beyonce/ondemand'>this concert she just did this week in japan so she was definitely on my mind again plus I really needed to get what I just said off my chest.I feel better now..

I guess I've said all that to say, I think overall we as a people need to do a better job of building each other up and wishing the best for each other whether we personally like each other or not. Yes I was a little hard on Janet in my critique but I also said (and sincerly meant) that I wish her the best. Ok that enough of that...I'm off my soapbox..

Oh yea and Trent, you can eat out of my ass after a good shit!!

BREAKING MY SILENCE ABOUT BEYONCE, B'DAY & THOSE NASTY VMA RUMORS

"There's plenty of people who don't like me,

but there's ten times more who LOVE me and I love myself.

Sometimes, it gets tough, it gets tough but I can't give up, can't give up

Just take a deep breath, close my eyes, feel the LOVE and give a smile.'

-from a song written by Beyonce entitled Happy Face (DC3 Survivor Album) -

'Mariah may reign supreme when it comes to the 35-and-older legends, but as far as the new generation of ladies goes, there's no question — 24-year-old Beyonce Knowles is the Queen. She's risen to the top among the Ashantis and Monicas, and even the flaming-hot Ciara and Rihanna still can't hold a candle to her ... at least not yet. Beyonce seems to have the entire package: She can sing and dance with the best of them, she's become influential in the fashion world and she has a boyfriend whose influence and talent are only surpassed by his $320 million-plus bank account."

-excerpt from the recent MTV Special 'All Eyes On Beyonce'-

"I went into the writing process saying to the producers, I dont want to do Dangerously In Love. I didnt want to write sappy love songs, even though I'm happy now. I wanted to do different things, to be innovative and kick really hard beats"

from a recent interview with Danyel Smith, Editor in Chief of Vibe Magazine where she talked about her new album B-Day

"Oh, I absolutely care," she adds about her response to the public's scrutiny. "I'm a human being, I want people to like what I do, but I can't please everyone. I know that, and I've learned that. Ultimately, I have to be happy and proud of what I do"

-excerpt from the recent MTV Special 'All Eyes On Beyonce'-

'Beyonce plays up both her naughty and nice sides on the follow-up to her multiplatinum solo debut, "Dangerously in Love." While lead single "Deja Vu" was viewed by many as simply "Crazy in Love" part two, they've got another thing coming in terms of the album's other tracks. It's a rockier, edgier Beyonce belting out her I'm-my-own woman perspective on such intense tracks as "Ring the Alarm," the Tina Turner-esque funk/rock fest "Suga Mama" and the slick, wicked "Kitty Kat." Beyonce shifts into emotive mode on the ballad "Resentment," which calls to mind the subtle fervor and passion of the best girl groups of the '60s and '70s. Throughout, she romps with creative abandon, thankfully unafraid of stretching the boundaries lyrically and musically. And in the process, she tosses the age-old notion of a sophomore slump on its ear'

-B'DAY album review from Billboard/Reuters 9/3/06-

'Happy Birthday Beyonce! Thank you for taking a risk and trying something new! I have to admit that when I first heard the album sampler and saw the video for Deja Vu I was deeply concerned and somewhat worried about what you were doing. I like many of your loyal fans had different expections of what you should do with this album. However, I also know that as an artist, you have to do what works for you and I fully respect and appreciate that. I actually really like the new album. It's definitely different from DIL and I'm lovin the raw emotion and funky beats. Although I love the uptempo songs (especially Suga Mama, Get Me Bodied & Upgrade U), I was quite disappointed with the fact that you didnt include more ballads (especially since Resentment & Irreplaceable are my 2 favorite songs on the album). Other than that, the album is HOT! I'm looking forward to Dreamgirls!'

-A special message from Bobby Brown Jr.-

LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST...HERE IS MY RESPONSE TO THE RIDICULOUS ALLEGATIONS ABOUT BEYONCE'S VMA PERFORMANCE...

#1. Beyonce "stole" from Britney's 2003 American Music Awards performance - Read the full report from a few of the accusers by clicking Here, Here and Here.

Besides the fact that Beyonce has more talent in her pinky toe than Britney, I've watched both performances and THEY ARE NOT REMOTELY THE SAME besides the fact that they both come from the ceiling. Britney's wearing polyester, Beyonce's wearing one of Tina's old jackets. Britney's lip-singing while Beyonce is clearly singing live...I could go on and on but you can see for yourself and draw your own conclusions. I like to deal with FACTS....most of the people who create these stupid "allegations" deal in fantasyland. (especially with some of the shit they create) So here is a small FACT they forgot to mention....The VMA's come before the American Music Awards....let's take a trip back to 2003....

First there was this......

Beyonce's 2003 VMA Performance

LATER THAT SAME YEAR......

Britney's 2003 American Music Awards Performance

CASE CLOSED!!!

#2 Beyonce "stole" from Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation - Same Accusers as above plus this one that you need to read in order to understand the response (listed below) I posted in his comments section.

my reply:

(reaching in my bag for my small blade thats still bloody from a few incidents this week but nevertheless) now im a loyal reader to this blog...have been since the beginning...ive allowed you to send subtle jabs to my baby's mother (Bey) many of which were/have been quite warranted so i fell back and played my position b/c while yes im a TRUE and very serious fan of Beyonce in every sense of the word, im also a TRAINED music fanatic (who should probaly be workin in the industry behind the scenes with the amount of time engrossed in pop culture keepin my ear to the street but i have enough close friends and this blog to keep me in the know/fully satisfied). I happen to LOVE powerful and authentic vocalists (insert Jill, Erykah, Rashaan,Trina Broussard, Kiki Sheard and a very select few others) who can really SING (that means LIVE and on KEY with some CONSISTENCY -damn there goes Mariah..) It definitely helps if they can write not good, but GREAT lyrics and create HOT music that's DIFFERENT (in a good way). If you can put on a hot ass show that includes some funky ass dancing (especially in some heels)and sing the hell out of a BOMB ass track while still managing to look sexy enough to make the gayest man's dick hard enough for him reconsider his thoughts about that p-double s word and even perhaps make an exception...basically ANYTHING that doesnt sound like the BULLSHIT and BAFOONERY thats been dominating the airways over the past couple of years (ESPECIALLY since the beginning of this summer insert Cassie, Danity Kane, Paris Hilton and unfortunately now Monica..really Sideline Ho??) Now you have to admit (if you are honest with yourself) Beyonce has had the R&B game on LOCK for quite sometime...

VOCALS -CHECK,
BEAUTY - DOUBLE CHECK
RAW TALENT- CHECK ..
INTERNATIONAL APPEAL/SUCCESS..CHECK
ACTING - hmmm she needs about 12 more classes but at least she's tryin

If you disagree..I encourage you to review the FACTS and give me the name of another R&B chick who has either recorded and or performed damn near every genre of music (Jazz (reference Robert Deniro's Tribute Special),Opera (reference The Oscars),Gospel(reference The Fighting Temptations and R&B reference her almost 10year career of hits both for DC3 and herself) and done it WELL!! FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO WIN AN ASCAP SONGWRITING AWARD..(and you of all people know ASCAP dont fuck around..they aint givin our awards to just anybody..hell Aretha aint even got one) I wont even get into the whole Grammy accomplishment b/c we all know about that..for the record..good packaging can only take you so far..ask Ashanti if you dont believe me...RAW TALENT has to be at the foundation to hold that "packaging" together..otherwise well we have plenty of examples of what happens when theirs no talent underneath a good package..(insert well i wont even go there) .my point is this..In case you hadnt read (which I'm sure you have because you're a damn good writer who I admire for your thorough research and credible supporting evidence to your sometimes not so popular arguments)the media has been tryin to pit Beyonce and Janet against each other and both of them have publicly shut down the rumors, expressed their genuine admiration for each others work and wished each other success with their projects...YES MTV has been hating on Janet but quite honestly she brought that on herself..NO SHADE, as adults we have to be responsible for our actions and accept the consequences associated with them...

i actually really like Janet and think she should have OPENED the VMA's. The show definitely could have used one of her legendary hot ass performances especially since she got an album to promote..oh well maybe she'll hit up the BET Hip Hop Awards...ok that was foul be seriously I'd really like you (and the rest of the folks who've obviously had a healthy bowl of hateration this morning) to try (with an open mind of course) to CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITY THAT PERHAPS BEYONCE WAS ACTUALLY HONORING/Paying Tribute to JANET AND EXPRESSING HER ADMIRATION (via dance) WHILE REMINDING US (including the clueless,racist,execs at MTV)WHAT WAS MISSING FROM THAT HORRIBLE SHOW..Briefly here are 2 reasons why I choose to believe this is the case..#1. Despite what you think about her,Beyonce is an INNOVATOR! She's waayy too talented and creative to imitate Janet's signature moves. The only time you've ever seen her doing "copy-cat" performances has been when she's honoring/paying tribute (insert Tina Turner).



#2. The folks at MTV thought they could completely remove any notion of Janet from the show..what better way to show them and us in a subtle yet powerful way that even though Janet wasnt there in person...her legacy and spirit lives on and her fans (including Beyonce support and love her). I'm just asking you to consider it and try not to be so quick to jump to the negative assumption that just might not be the case without at least offering a possible explanation and/or alternatives..last but certainly not least..I know how much you love Janet (probaly almost as much as I love Bey)..but Ive heard 5 of the singles off this new album and...well she might wanna start the negotiations for that Vegas show folks have been whispering about...after all Beyonce is 25 (plenty of time to make mistakes and redeem herself)..Janet is 40 (sorry I had to go there) This is IT for her. I cant seem to understand how Jermaine Dupri can produce hit after to hit for everybody else but poor Janet..u mean to tell me with all these "hot" rappers that are suppose to be ruling the airwaves the best she could cum up with was the one hit wonder rapper who looks like her coochie stank Khia for her lastest single that sounds like the same boring Janet we've been hearing since the Janet album...hmmm..I'll pass..I guess Lil' Kim or TI wasnt available..I wonder if Common or Ludacris were busy?? anyway..I wish her the best...btw I'm workin on a full review of B'day for my blog..make sure you stop by and let me know what u think..i think you'll be quite surprised with my HONEST and very RAW critique..btw That CREOLE foolishness you posted yesterday is pure BAFOONERY and I'm glad it didnt make the album...sounds very much like a Amerie reject song with nursery school lyrics..(see I love her but I love the truth even more)...sorry this is so long but Ive been holding on to it for a while..thanx for letting me release it..have a great weekend & btw I STILL LOVE YOUR BLOG..We are all entitled to our opinions but in the end thats all they are SIMPLE OPINIONS :)

His response.....

'After that post you left... these are clearly more than simple opinions. BBJr. I respect you and your opinion, but you disqualify yourself and your ability to be objective when you say stuff like Bey is your baby mama and such.
Come on Carol Ann... you know not to look into the light like that.'

Here's my final statement/reply/comment regarding this foolishness....

SOHH,

I know it was a lil lenghty so I'm guessing you missed the part where I said that while Im a fan and I joke about the baby momma stuff..im not blind to the FACTS...i just choose not to dwell on pointing out everything thats wrong or not right about her. I dont think it fair to shut me down/disqualify me/my position without acknowledging my points (like u do with everybody else) especially based off a joke..but its whatever...the FACTS are the FACTS...i'd like to hear Janet attempt to sing Speechless, Resentment or this...

besides damn the girl is 25 years old she a damn baby..all im sayin is give credit where credit is due and folks really need to let go of some of these unrealistic expections of these artists that majority of them will never meet. (especially a 25 year old who wont let go of her mommas horrible hand-me-downs) btw listen to Christina's performance again...you'll notice a few pitch problems..i have the album and um she was kinda struggling not her best performance by any means but in spite of I'm loving her right now. In fact, of all the chicks currently in the mix she's the ONLY one that could sing circles around Beyonce with ease on ANY day but the FACT is last night she was flat a few times and her overall performance was just aight in my opinion..and u really liked Justin Timberfake's performance?? yawn..glad i watch that yawnfest of a show via fast forward and while yall hating on bey, imagine that show without her performance..was it one of her best performances? probally not..again she's 25 and in the process of breaking free of her parents and firguring out who she is..if you over 25 u know that involves taking risks..give her a break and stop hating especially since nobody aint challenging her spot although she really might wanna keep an eye on Rihanna (who's slowly becoming my new favorite to WATCH..I'm lovin her album and overall style..) and 4 the record i did have some time on my hands...its friday im at work and i got some shit to say so you can like it or leave it the fuck alone...your choice either way im good...and out..holla