My Top Albums of the Decade 2000-2009

These are in no particular order. Also, these albums represent music I have listened to that has inspired me, given me great gym workouts and they are songs I STILL listen to today! Some of these picks may be controversial but when I am working out...I need dance music...sometimes it's not always about TALENT! But, hey you all know that! These albums, some of them, have personal meanings and special purposes! When, I look through my IPOD, these are the albums that stick out, that I play all the time and the artists whom I enjoy & respect! Thanks..oh and there is more that I listen to but these are the ones that came out over the last ten years!

My Top 60 Albums of the Decade, 2000-2009

1. Anthony Hamilton-Aint Nobody Worryin2. Jill Scott-Who is Jill Scott?3. Joe-Signature4. Whitney Houston-I look to You5. Beyonce Dangerously In Love6. Kanye West-The College Dropout7. Kelly Clarkson-Breakaway8. Justin Timberlake-FutureSexLoveSound9. Prince-Musicology10. Outkast-Speakerbox/TheLoveBelow11. Syleena Johnson-Chapter 2: The Voice12. R.Kelly- TP2.com

13. Usher-Confessions14. R.Kelly-The Chocolate Factory15. 50 Cent-Get Rich or Die Tryin

16. Jay Z-The Black Album

17. Jay Z-The Blueprint18. Camron-Purple Haze19. Common-Like Water for Chocolate20. Twista-Kamikaze21. Lauryn Hill-MTV Unplugged22. Mariah Carey-The Emancipation of Mimi23. Brandy-Full Moon24. Syleena Johnson-Chapter 4: Labor Pains

25. Mary J. Blige-Growing Pains26. NSync-Celebrity27. Jagged Edge-Jagged Edge28. Musiqsoulchild-Juslisen29. Akon-Konvicted

30. CeCe Winans-Purified31. Charlie Wilson-Uncle Charlie32. Jay Z & R.Kelly-Best of Both Worlds33. T-Pain-Thr33 Ringz34. Tank-Sex,Love & Pain35. Mary J. Blige-The Breakthrough36. Mary Mary-The Sound37. Jazmine Sullivan-Fearless38. Fantasia-Fantasia39. Nas-God’s Son40. Dave Hollister-Chicago 8541. Kelly Price-Mirror Mirror42. Chapter 3: The Flesh43. Tamia-More44. John Mayer-Continuum45. Lil Kim-Labella Mafia

46. Maxwell-Now47. D’angelo-Voodoo48. Ledisi-Lost and Found49. Anthony Hamilton-Comin Where I’m From50. Raheem DeVaughn=The Love Experience51. Evanescence-Fallen52. Linkin Park-Hybrid Theory53. Norah Jones-Come Away with Me

54. Maroon 5-Songs About Jane55. Michael Jackson-Invincible56. Santana-Supernatural57. Faith Hill-Breathe58. Destiny’s Child-Survivor59. Aaliyah-Aaliyah60. Sean Paul-Dutty Rock

61. Tweet-Southern Hummingbird 62. R.Kelly-Double Up 63. Joe-And Then

Rhythm Without Blues....On Sale NOW!

Hello,
What's all the hype about Rhythm Without Blues? Well, buy it and post a comment! This book will make you laugh, mad, sad and happy. By the time you get to the last chapter, you will understand more than ever about the Music Industry, Rhythm & Blues and black music. This book is such an important learning tool.....go to www.amazon.com or my publishers site: http://strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/RhythmWithoutBlues.html

Support R&B!!
Save R&B!!

Thank You!

R&B is dead! The campaign to SAVE R&B Begins....

Is R and B dead? There really isn't a simple answer to this question. From one perspective, I say YES! Here are my reasons why I feel R and B is dead in 2009:

When the campaign began about Hip Hop being dead, many rappers and industry insiders were offended. Well, I felt people that proclaimed that Hip Hop was dead had many, many valid points. With R&B, noone can deny that real, true and soulful R and B is living in today's current music industry. R&B is dead for that reason alone. My new book Rhythm Without Blues: The Dichotomy of a Music Genre details vivid opinions, viewpoints and arguments about the state of R&B and the music industry as a whole. Today, R and B is not R&B. I am sure you are asking yourself "what does she mean by R and B is not R and B?" Well, R andB today is Hip Hop mixed with watered down lyrics, boring vocals and uninspiring melodies. R and B is not really R and B. Let's examine this further....What did R and B look like decade by decade...

R&B in the 1960's: Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke, Motown
R&B in the 1970's: Curtis Mayfield, Motown (again), Mavis Staples, Michael Jackson
R&B in the 1980's: Luther Vandross, Anita Baker, Phyllis Hyman
R&B in the 1990's: R. Kelly, SWV, Mary J. Blige, New Edition, Jagged Edge, Brandy
R&B in early 2000's: Tamia, Deborah Cox, Syleena Johnson, Joe, Anthony Hamilton
R&B today: Ledisi, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, and many more.

Is Drake, Jeremih, Trey Songz, T-Pain and many others are they considered R and B.....?

Do you see the change, the transition, the watered down vocal ability......Today we do have artists that are artistic, musical and who have voices that are powerhouses but that is the minority.....where is Jagged Edge, Anthony Hamilton, Kelly Price, and others...why arent they considered mainstream R and B....NO disrespect to artists out there but vocally the artists that exist today are weak in comparison to 5 or 10 or even 20 years ago....so now ask yourself...is R and B dead?

YES. Hip Hop destroyed R and B's movement.....Urban radio ruined R&B's mainsteam appeal and finally the major record label created an environment where PROFIT over ARTISTRY rules!

So,................................ R&B is DEAD! Join my campaign to SAVE R&B. Check my youtube blog this week about the issue....www.youtube.com/syleecia........My new book is coming soon...BUY TRUE R and B...support R and B artists......go to concerts of real artists....demand that your radio station save R and B...

ARE YOU WITH ME?

Who I am...defines why I wrote this book!

Rhythm Without Blues: The Dichotomy of a Music Genre coming late November 2009. More details to come but check out my bio created by Tamekia Singleton!

What more can a woman do once she has done about everything within her field of work? “Anything” can be done, according to Dr. Syleecia Thompson and she has set out to prove it. With three degrees, a BS in Economics, MBA and a Doctorate in Business; Dr. Thompson is inspired and driven by the belief that anything is possible if you work hard and think big. Based on these credentials and a ‘multi-task with a multi-purpose’ mentality, Dr. Thompson set out to seek her greatest passion: teaching. She has taught everything from Algebra, Public Relations, and Leadership; all at college level. “I really love the classroom, teaching new concepts, and watching others learn,” Dr. Thompson says, who currently is a full-time Professor in Business, Management, Organizational Behavior, Managing for Change, Music Business Management and Project Management for a college in New York.
As the daughter of legendary soul singer Syl Johnson and older sister of Grammy-nominated R&B singer Syleena Johnson, it was natural for Dr. Thompson to incorporate her teaching and leadership skills into music. “I have a strong passion for music too,” says Thompson, who began managing Syleena Johnson’s career in 2005 and is currently the President of Aneelys Records; Syleena Johnson’s independent record label. Dr. Thompson gained a deep passion for R&B music watching her father and sister record, but became disturbed by the lack of respect for the genre and artists who contribute great music to the art form, including Syl and Syleena Johnson. Driven by passion and fueled with a go-getter attitude, this scholar decided to seek out the soul of a fading genre. Dr. Thompson wanted a resolution to the music she loves the most.
Rhythm and Blues has been greatly overlooked in the mainstream and leaves Dr. Thompson asking, “How can R&B be living in an industry that does not support it, respect it or promote it?" This question is the foundation of her first book, “Rhythm Without Blues: The Dichotomy of a Music Genre”. This rhetoric rooted in R&B delves into the reality of the cutthroat industry and debunks the myth that talent is all you need to make it in the music business. "Talent is the last thing you need", according to Dr. Thompson. Dr. Thompson goes beyond giving her opinion in her book and shows a broad perspective with interviews from industry insiders; singers, songwriters, executives and producers such as R. Kelly, Larry Khan, Toxic, Mickey “MeMpHitZ” Wright, Nicci Gilbert of Brownstone, Syleena Johnson, and more who all share the same passion for music. She sets out to expose the unchallenged rules of the R&B music industry and propose ways of bringing balance back to the genre. “I do believe there is a way to make money in this industry and act like a decent human being,” Dr. Thompson says.
As a teacher, manager, president, and author Dr. Thompson shows no signs of slowing down. Dr. Thompson recently wrote for the Encyclopedia of African-American Music soon to be published under Greenwood Press. Her entry focused on black music in Chicago from 1942 through today and covered several genres of music. She even looks forward to publishing another booked titled “The Leader Who Follows: Successful Strategies for Leading in Any Capacity”. Respectfully, Dr. Thompson has proven she can apply herself to any situation with precision. And although Dr. Thompson has proven herself four times over, she still feels her work is unfinished. ”I’m inspired daily to leave a legacy that has meaning and purpose,” says Dr. Thompson. She is sure to leave a legacy of leadership and inspiration that will ignite passion in everyone she touches.

The World's Greatest Musicians of All Time

We often reflect on history and who shaped the future music environment but we never talk about those greats from the past. Who are your favorite musicians? Could be singers or musicians from the past or present or still thriving in the future that you feel were or are the most inspirational of our time.... some of mine are below I can't list all of them...share yours!

Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke, Donny Hathaway, Billie Holiday, Dizzy, John Coltrane, Gladys Knight, Otis Redding, Memphis Minnie, Koko Taylor, Bethoven, Prince, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Curtis Mayfield, Etta James, Tina Turner, Mahalia Jackson, Twista, Common, The Clark Sisters, Farley Jack Master Funk, Ron Hardy, Whitney Houston, Syleena Johnson, Anita Baker, Mary J. Blige, Beyonce, Usher, R.Kelly, Albertina Walker, Bob Marley, Lauryn Hill, Ray Charles Joe, Musiqsoulchild, Raphael Saddiq, Brownstone, Kelly Price, Phyllis Hyman, ....

I could go on and on but I would be here forever!!!

What does music mean to you?

Music means many different things to different people. I want to know what music means to you. Does it make you happy, sad, upset, angry or whatever? What does music mean to you? For me, music is very soothing. I actually enjoy it more when listening to it in my car. I also like to watch a song being created, even though I get bored with the studio process. But, when the artist is done creating it...it is exhilirating....I love a good track! A good track gets me excited...I love a good melody...I have heard some of the best melodies ever on the Chapter 4: Labor pains album....so tell me what does music mean to you?

Radio's Commitment to Black Music

What is radio’s commitment to black music?

Urban radio in the United States has become a breeding ground for thievery, cultural defects and corporate profit driven people. This has hurt black music and black culture. Radio owes black music the decency of at least pursuing an agenda beyond profit. Think about the history of R&B over the last 50 years. Black artists couldn’t get played on mainstream radio stations so their only avenue was black radio. Now, of course payola was rampant but it was a necessary evil. It was a form of corruption but it allowed some of the greatest music of our time to be heard. Pay to play! That was something that was needed during the culture of segregation, racism and social radicalism. I am ok with that. But, what about the history of black music. What does it mean to some of these black programmers at urban radio. Think about the birth of R&B and its struggle from the plantation to the ghetto’s of Chicago. Black music, particularly R&B, has a deep and complicated past. There was a time that some black artists couldn’t even perform in certain venues. The struggle was real for a lot of artists. So, we look at the artists today and one has to think do they even know their history, the importance of their art, their culture, their talent, their music. R&B changed the face of music and radio. It has inspired people on levels beyond the norm. However, today is a new day. So I ask, “Where is the loyalty to preserving, playing and pushing black artists?” There is none. Radio has no commitment to black music and that is disturbing to me. If you listen to the radio today, you may think to yourself that we have evolved as a culture. But, you are being misguided. We have actually been setback as a people. The music, the sound the images and the perception do not reflect the richness of our culture. Sure, we have more black radio dj’s, black programmers, black music directors and black radio personalities but where is the substance. The substance is lacking because urban radio feels they have no commitment to black music. This is a problem.
Radio is run by corporate entities that could care less about preserving our culture. They want to make money. They think that we, as black folks, want to hear the same song 20 times per day. They think that we, as black folks, want to hear Hip Hop only or meaningless lyrics that don’t inspire or motivate us. They want us to dance and sing along to something that won’t change our mindset and keep us trapped in a simple way of thinking. Do you think they want us to get inspired or uplifted or saved or committed to a new way of thinking? The civil rights movement is over. Sure, I agree. So, Sam Cooke’s “A Change Gone Come” is not needed at this time, fine. However, give new artists a try, give R&B a shot to thrive and be profitable or played 30 times per day. Give black music a chance to live and change the world again. What radio pushes on its consumer is what defines our culture. So, if we allow radio to push meaningless chatter that clutters the airwaves, well you guessed it, that will be our culture. I see it already. Our youth, male youth and some females, their pants hanging past their butts, showing their underwear because they think they are imitating their favorite Hip Hop artists. They are more worried about Chris Browns court case then their own lives. Let’s not forget about their new found excuse for doing something ignorant….now they can say “Blame it on the Alcohol.” What about the music that tells us to have “Birthday Sex,” and the ever so popular song that tells the woman “She’s the F’ing Best,” how romantic.
I am waiting for the day to hear Musiqsoulchild, Anthony Hamilton, Joe, Genuwine, Ledisi, Maxwell, Syleena, Mary J. Blige, Trey Songz (without a rapper), Mario, Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Day 26, and Dwele all in one day and all on urban radio. It can happen. We have to push our radio stations towards excellence. We don’t have to accept what they sell to us. Our future cultural standard is being shaped right now, as we speak, so it is time to make a difference now. Turn on the radio and just sit and listen and tell me what you here. We have to preserve black music. We have to or we are lost as a nation. To the powers that be at radio, let’s forge a new commitment today. Let’s focus on content over contest and artistry over profit. Competition should be in who is playing the best music, not who has the most advertisers. Give black music a chance. Thank you and you ‘re welcome!

The Lost Soul

Have we lost the soul in Rhythm and blues? I think most people will answer yes to this question. They are absolutely correct. What is soul? Soul is defined as a spirit, the core, the essence of something. The definition reminds us that soul is in all of us and everything. Art, music, dance, teaching, singing, writing and just everyday work all contain soul. It’s the essence of human life. Soul in music can be taken further. Soul in Rhythm and Blues defines is meaning, makes the listener feel a certain way and to its core is pure and wonderful. As a music industry, we have lost the soul of Rhythm and Blues. If you sit and listen to the radio for one hour, you will find that I am not that far off base with this post. There are artists out there still trying to make pure soulful music. Jazmine Sullivan is one of the new artists out in the last year to put that “soul” in her music. However, most new artists coming out in 2008/2009 don’t have the understanding of the power of R&B. They don’t know the history, meaning or struggle of the music. They can’t tell you how “A Change Gone Come” was a Civil Rights favorite. They don’t understand the impact Curtis Mayfield, Donny Hathaway, Mavis Staples, Stevie Wonder, and others had on black music. Regular black folks don’t get it either. Ask someone about Curtis Mayfield’s Superfly and Claudine soundtracks and they will look at you as if they had seen a ghost. Artists today such as Jeremiah, The Dream and Keri Hilson don’t understand the music that paved the way for their existence. You can tell in the music they produce. It has no meaning, feeling, essence or spirit to it. To me, rescuing the R&B industry must come now! It is imperative we allow the Anthony Hamilton’s, Joe’s, Syleena Johnson’s and Kenny Latimore’s of the world the opportunity to reap mainstream success. With mainstream success comes mainstream awareness. It shows other cultures, races and people that R&B is more than T-Pain and Beyonce. Or, maybe R. Kelly, Usher and Mary J. Blige can give us more of that soulful R&B sound. For example, Mary’s Share My World album is classic and soulful R&B. Usher’s 8701 is priceless. R. Kelly’s Chocolate Factory, TP2.com and R. Kelly albums all gave us substance with undeniable soul. They are mainstream R&B artists. They have diverse followings. They have the opportunity to give the world what R&B is missing: Soul. So, when I talk about “The Lost Soul” we have to understand what that means. It doesn’t mean that the artists are lost. It means that the music is lost but can be found.

Michael Jackson: The Iconic Figure of Black Music

Today we lost not only a great singer but an awesome entertainer, dancer and legend. Michael Jackson was an iconic figure within black music. He broke through musical barriers that open doors for artists such as Usher, Chris Brown, Genuine, Justin Timberlake, Ne-yo and many, many more. His dance moves have been copied, transformed and reinvented. He stood as the pillar of success. He was an iconic figure for black music, point blank. Noone can dispute this fact. If you try, well then you are simply being a hater. He is credited with changing the way artists deals were made, especially black artists. He had star power, demaned alot from the industry and gave back more to the industry than most artists. With the exception of a few greats, Michael was "it." The true meaning of a "star." They don't make entertainers like Mike anymore so today we should honor his accomplishments: 100 million albums sold, number one singles, countless grammy's and worldwide success. Michael Jackson, an iconic figure of black music.

Black Music Month: Celebrate the Power of Black Music

Rhythm Without Blues: The Dichotomy of a Music Genre will be out this year. September 2009 is the due date. I am so excited. I am currently in the process of creating my marketing and promotional plan. Today I am celebrating Black Music. During the month of June we celebrate Black Music. Black music describes the experiences of black people. The aesthetic power of Rhythm & Blues cannot be measured in simple words. It transcends all ages, races, cultures and backgrounds. Black music is a powerful aspect of black culture and celebrating it is long overdue. As an artform, it has its roots in all other genres of music. Rock, country, Pop and Rap all have been influenced by black music. It is the reason for my book. With cultural roots derived from slavery, black music is a symbol of hope, inspiration, freedom, love and much more. In the studio, black music often sounds like an emotional roller coaster. Some of it can make you laugh, some of it can make you cry and some of it can make you dance. Black music is everything. So, celebrate black music not just today but forever because of its impact it has had on the world around us. My musical picks for this month: Donny Hathaway's: Expressions of a Man, Syleena Johnson's: Chapter 4: Labor Pains, R. Kelly's: Chocolate Factory and Gladys Knight's: Claudine. Celebrate the power of black music. My suggested reading: The Power of Black Music by Dr. Samuel A. Floyd.

Rhythm Without Blues: The Dichotomy of a Music Genre

Welcome to my blog Rhythm Without Blues!

My first book entitled, Rhythm Without Blues: The Dichotomy of a Music Genre is due out this year. I am very excited! I have researched this topic for more than 4 years and I have great interviews from Syleena Johnson, R. Kelly, Mickey "MeMpHitZ" Wright, Larry Khan, Michael Blue Williams, Brownstone's Nicci Gilbert, Toxic and many more. I believe you will enjoy this awesome piece of work. Over the next several months, I will blog on topics found in my book. However, first I must give you an understanding of what Rhythm Without Blues really means. Below is an excerpt from Chapter 1: The Introduction. Post your thoughts and comments. Enjoy!

"I think Rhythm and Blues, also known as R& B, has taken a brutal beating over the last 20 years. Beat down by the industry but also beaten by factors beyond its control. This book is real. This book will educate those in the industry and those who want to enter it. My interviews are real and un-edited. I didn’t want to base this book purely on my opinion. I wanted to hear from professional people that understand the music industry and have a pure passion and love for R&B. When I interviewed one of the great R&B singers of our time, R. Kelly, he felt differently. He said, “R&B lives.” However, I question that assumption. How can R&B be living in an industry that does not support it, respect it or promote it? Has R&B lost its feeling, momentum and its substance? If so, why? I looked at Record Labels, particularly the Big 4, Radio, the Leaders/Exec’s, Contracts, Finances, the Organization, the Structure, Marketing, Promotion, the Hip Hop effect, the Digital impact and many other areas that may have contributed to the current state of R&B music and the industry as a whole.
I based this book on many factors. I interviewed artists, executives, producers and industry insiders because I wanted to find out the truth. I wanted some questions answered, “How is R&B living in an industry that does not embrace real music?” What is the record labels role in supporting R&B artists? Why do we have Rhythm Without Blues? What is the Dichotomy of a Music Genre? With those question, I examined, studied and researched why we have Rhythm Without Blues in today’s illustrious and ever-growing billion dollar music industry. When I first came up with the title Rhythm without Blues: The Dichotomy of a Music Genre, I immediately thought, “Oh this will be quite controversial.” Then, as I surpassed those feelings, I began to think about how this book is a much needed necessity for people who think they want to go into the industry and make R&B music. I began to think about all those music minded future executives who want to work for a major record label because they are passionate and love music. Finally, I thought about all those consumers who love R&B but are wondering why the music of today doesn’t inspire them like it did when they went to their first Anita Baker concert and she belted out You Bring Me Joy. So with that being the case, I thought to myself although this book may offend some people and I may be ostracized and thrown completely out of the industry, it’s a much needed tool that will enlighten, inspire, and empower anyone who reads it. It is also for people who want to work in the industry and don’t understand the complexities and politics of it. The information in this book can also be applied to other genres of music within the industry as well.
For me, it’s not just about giving back to the educational world or music environment but it’s about my pure love of the music. I can recall sitting and watching my sister, Syleena Johnson, in the studio writing great tunes and going into the booth and coming up with the coolest melodies I have ever heard. I was there when she recorded, Another Relationship, a song that sent me running to the bathroom to hide the tears that were in my eyes. Or, maybe it is about the time we witnessed the great Patti La Belle in the studio and how her voice was perfect and the same after 30 plus years in this industry. I can recall the first time I met Ronald Isley and I felt like I had just met the Pope. His voice is pure as white snow. Or, the first time I met Charlie Wilson at a studio and he just sang all night acapella with a voice of pure distinction. I can’t forget those endless and sleepless nights at the Chocolate Factory studio watching R. Kelly create songs from scratch and off the top of his head as he juggled between his album and many others. I can recall falling asleep in his studio session and being woke by him singing a gospel song he had just created. Not only did this wake me up out of my sleep but there were tears in my eyes because of the passion and strength of his voice. I can’t forget about my father, Syl Johnson, and his raspy and distinct sound. I use to sneak in the basement at our suburban home to hear him record some of his greatest songs in the late 80’s. I was just a child but I knew he had an awesome voice and would serve as a legend in today’s music world. Today, he is heavily sampled by many great Hip Hop artists. "..................that's all folks....more to come!