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While the majority of the American public doesn’t know what’s going on with the Japanese music scene, fortunately some in the American music industry do.

Enter the Teriyaki Boyz. A collaborative hip-hop group featuring some of the most popular Japanese MCs out there:

• Verbal: Leader rapper for the very popular hip-hop group m-flo and also one of the busiest producers in Japan today
• Ilmari & Ryo-Z: Founders of the popular hip-hop group Rip Slyme
• Wise: New solo rapper with BAPE Sounds
• Nigo: DJ and founder of the BAPE (A Bathing Ape) clothing brand

Through their connection with BAPE (and BAPE Sounds), they’ve been able to hook up with some heavy western hitters. Their first single, Heartbreaker, was produced by Daft Punk (and yes, before Kanye did his thing with them). Their third single, ZOCK ON! (featured below), includes hype guest shots from Busta Rhymes and Pharrell (who even raps in Japanese).

If you’re looking for something a little different, check it out:

Can’t wait for more :)

On this day, 19 years ago, the joy that is Dreams Come True was introduced to the whole of Japan via their first self titled album, and their first single, ‘Anata ni Aitakute’. In the years since, their own brand of pop, jazz, latin, r&b and more has captivated millions throughout Asia and amazed those of us outside of Asia who swear by them (and think the rest of the world doesn’t know what they’re missing). 50 million copies later, they’re still going strong!

Happy Anniversary, Miwa & Masa!

Here’s to another two decades! :)

Whenever I see a brutha/sista taking a full step outside of black status quo, I take notice. Whenever they’re vocal and fearless about it, I applaud. The following dude gets a standing ovation in my book.

Introducing Jero. A Philadelphia native who is trying to become a hit in Japan. Not as a R&B singer. Not as a rapper. But as an Enka singer!
(Enka is a traditional Japanese style of music, sometimes compared to country or blues music. It is mostly sung by older Japanese singers).

As a tribute to his Japanese grandmother, Jero first single “Umiyuki” (Ocean Snow) will not only be #1 on the Enka charts this week, but will also be #4 Jpop charts as well.

Check out his recent performance on a morning talk show:

Omigoto Brother-man. Keep shining bright. :)

This truly is a new century! Who would have thought that television, the ‘Teacher, mother and secret lover’ of all of us for so many years would fail to present the best broadcast the Live 8 concerts?

The MTV/VH1 broadcast of Live 8 here in the states, while convering most of the bases, did so by cutting away from 95% of the performances, asking inane “What did you learn?” questions of the crowd, and conducting an over-laden commercial fest the likes of which I’d never seen before. It was quite disappointing and frankly insulting at times. They showed a lot more respect at the original Live Aid concert day.

But all is not lost. Run, don’t walk to http://www.aolmusic.com/

They have unedited performances of just about everyone, from almost all of the different venues (not just the over-indulgence of London and Philadelphia that was the MTV/VH1 broadcast). There were so many good acts that you’re bound to find something to fickle your fancy. (I’m listening to the Pet Shop Boys performing in Moscow right right now ^^)

Side Note: If for no other reason, check out the London feed to see the reunion of Pink Floyd. So fucking brilliant :)

[6/14/05 : Due to his case now being settled, I thought a revival of this entry from December of '04 was appropriate. Let's hope after all this people know not to leave their children with a man who admits to having no problem getting into bed with them. I'm not saying he did it. I'm saying why even take the chance?]

Looks like a character from the extra creepy part of a Tim Burton movie. He’s the Thriller alright…people have nightmares featuring shit that looks just like that…

What’s more frightening are the parents who let their kids visit him at Neverland recently (by the busload). Moms, Dads & Guardians…this is the man’s second time on the alleged child molestation bandwagon. What the hell are y’all thinkin!?

(The word for today children is: CAUTION)

I thought about asking Papa Joe Jackson to come down to Neverland work his ass-whupping magic, but knowing Jacko’s current state, he’d probably literally smack his entire face off….

The karaoke fest continues…Yawn. Think I’ll pass from now on until they settle on the final twelve…

Faves:

Carrie Underwood & Nadia Turner

Two completely different singers who both know themselves well enough to be comfortable. Both strong vocally…bring enough of themselves into a song so that it doesn’t become boring. (Especially Nadia). They’ll make it, no problemo…

Quote of the Night:

“…I’d love to be your microphone”
    - Simon Cowell to one of the pretty, less talented singers.

Passed up to Watch American Idol:

My new Miyazaki DVDs…I must not be feeling well…
Back to Nausicaa!

My status as a pop-culture whore continues…as I begin to seriously watch the 4th season of American Idol.

Each season provides a better collection of singers and this year seems to be no exception…raising the age limit definitely seemed to up the ante for everyone.

But does anyone really expect the show to ever find the next great talent? The next Aretha…next Whitney…next Luther? Probably not. And considering the returns of the past Idol finalists, it doesn’t look like we’ll see anything like that anytime soon. (Damn…not even a true star yet….and no, Clay doesn’t count…)

But America loves rags to riches stories. Local guy/gal makes finally makes good. American Idol offers up such possibilities every week. Past, present and future dreams get played out vicariously through our TV screens. And so….we continue to watch. Yes, even us adults. :)

So after watching the first installment of 12 possible future indentured servants….

My Personal Faves:

1) Bo Bice
The first rocker of the night. Easily the most confident and expressive voice of the group. Definitely understands his own voice well enough to use it to its fullest effect. There seems to be enough underlying soul in his voice where he probably won’t have any trouble with any Soul/R&B songs either. Should be very interesting.

2) Scott Savol
The local boy! NEOhio in the house!
Strong soulful voice coming out of someone whom you wouldn’t think would have anything close to it. He hit his song with no problem. Simon…the whole “he doesn’t look like an Idol” is so played out. Get new script writers. Let’s hope the voters look past the mug…

3) Mario Vazquez
Best Stevie Wonder imitation of the night. Someone who actually realized that putting your own charisma into a performance might be a good idea. Sounded like you were having fun, kiddo.

Other Thoughts

1) Replace Paula
She has nothing new to say. She has no advice to offer than what she can parrot from Randy or Simon. Even the back-n-forth between her and Simon is getting tired. She needs to bounce….
(Bring back Gladys Knight. She’s not as cute as Paula, but at least she gave good advice and knew what the hell she was talking about.)

2) Attention Black Men
We all love Stevie Wonder. We don’t love you. You think you sound like Stevie. You very well might sound like Stevie. Sounding like Stevie still leaves you minus the energy, spirit and genius of Stevie. Imitating him ain’t gonna get it. Make the song your own or leave it the hell alone.

Bring on da Ladies….

There was a time when I wondered what the hell was wrong with the Grammys. They obviously didn’t understand what was truly happening. Had no idea what were the best songs and albums of the year. They just didn’t get it. (Heavy Metal giants Jethro Tull, anyone?) That was 15 years ago…when I actually enjoyed what was played on top 40 radio. (Does that automatically make my 17 year old self musically suspect? ^_^)

These days, I can barely stand the majority of what’s on top 40 radio. Thumping beats will always work, but the number of talentless individuals has just seemed to have skyrocketed. (Reference my “1/4 of an artist” article). Yet where do I find myself on Grammy night? Happy that there’s somewhere I can find out about the true cream of what’s currently happening in all genres. Would’ve never discovered the fantastico Robert Randolph and the Family Band without the show.

As appreciative I might be, I still gotta pick with it… :)
(Note: I did miss parts of the second hour….)

Best Performance of the Night:

My sweet, sweet Alicia Keys performing “If I Ain’t Got You”. Tearing the house down never felt so good. :) (So happy to see ya without those tight braids too, Lady A)

Overblown Moment of the Night:

The “historical” tsunami relief performance of “Across the Universe”. Just because you get a bunch of past and present superstars up on stage together doesn’t mean it’s all going to gel.

Norah Jones sounded scared to be up there. Brian Wilson just sounded bad. And Stevie, Stevie…where was the power at the beginning, man?

On the flip side: More powerful vocals from Alicia. A great harmonica and comeback blow from Stevie. Even Tim McGraw sounded great….

Made for a very uneven performance.

And there’s something simply not right about the lead singer of Green Day breathing air on the same stage as Stevie Wonder….

Unexpected “Am I Hearing This Right?” Moment:

Gwen Stefani and Eve channeling Fiddler on the Roof into a pop song. Holy Toledo, I like it! ^_^

Unexpected “What The Hell?” Moment:

Melissa Etheridge looking like Uncle Fester. Took a good 5 seconds for me to figure it out. Still, she blew mighty game on her Janis Joplin tribute. Keep on rocking, Unc! (Here’s hoping for a quick recovery!)

Need to Check Out:

Los Lonely Boys!
And Queen Latifah’s standards album…she’s not Ella, but she gave good enough to warrant more of a listen. ^^

Oh No…Not Again Moment:

I love Ray Charles…I truly do. But seeing another “someone died, so let’s give it to them” award simply turns my stomach…

Length of the Show:

No more excuses! It’s perfectly possible for any award show to finish on time. The Tony Awards do it EVERY YEAR. Directors…get with the program and stop blaming long acceptance speeches for your inability to run a tight ship.

Eyes Rolling Moment of Night:

That 70’s Grammy Head-Bigwig-Dude talking about a lawsuit against internet piracy and how it’s about compensating the artist for their work. Nothing about the record companies’ raping of the artist in sight…

Oh, Hell No! Moment:

James Brown referring to Usher as the “God Son”. The vomit can’t spew fast enough…

Attention Black Eyed Peas:

When performing in concert, it’s a good idea to rap INTO the microphone. It looks like will.i.am got his degree in it…rest of you need to follow suit.

Attention Marc Anthony:

Get your wife off the stage, please? Thanks.

ATTENTION Marc Anthony:

Seriously…Get your wife off the stage, now!
(While she still is your wife…)

Big honkin’ raspberry to the Rock Hall for excluding Grandmaster Flash and Furious Five from this year’s list of inductees…

Your collective asses better come correct before Run-DMC gets theirs…

Congrats to the kawaii darlings of American accepted Jpop! Their new show, Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi, has set new ratings records for the Cartoon Network.

They’re also keeping it live on the album side…just received a positive 3 out of 4 star rating by Rolling Stone magazine for their new album, Hi Hi Puffy Ami Yumi, which contains music from the TV show.

Keep on, keepin’ on, sistas! ^_^