The Never-Ending Saga: Deborah Cox's Whitney Biopic Vocals Emerge

She tried that....

And I do mean that in a good way. Being a die-hard Whitney Houston fan causes the skepticism to any replica or recreation to be very high. Discovering that Houston's actual recordings would not be featured in the upcoming Lifetime biopic due to copyright incensing issues, was met with great dismay. With my disappointment standing, I must say that I do believe Deborah Cox was a good choice.

Listen below as the singer renders I Will Always Love You.

Whitney Houston Biopic -- New Version of 'Bodyguard' Classic is (A. Amazing B. Sucky) - Watch More Celebrity Videos or Subscribe

Lifetime's Whitney Bio | Deborah Cox Vocals

I can't say I took this news well

Reports are now surfacing that the upcoming Angela Bassett directed Whitney Houston biopic will now feature signature Houston tracks reworked with Deborah Cox vocals.

According to Lifetime, "music rights and clearances are still being worked out," but Cox will be providing vocals on reworked Houston songs.

My thoughts....

Although I have always appreciated the vocal prowess of Deborah Cox, I can't help but feel like this is a slight disappointment. Granted, her vocal stylings are similar to Whitney's but it doesn't quite compare to what we heard on classic hits like "Saving All My Love For You" and the like. Although it's fair to reserve full judgement until these re-worked songs are released, I feel that this will take away from the overall film. Especially if we're supposed to believe Yaya DaCosta's portrayal of Whitney.

Either way, I will be perched on the couch with some Seagram's in anticipation of everything unfolding. C'mon in here 2015!

Fresh|Music - Marsha Ambrosius "Friends & Lovers"

If there was ever a time where I wanted to spend my evening tumbling around in satin sheets with nothing but a silk turquoise teddy on, it was when I listened to Marsha Ambrosius new album Friends & Lovers.

Following up from her Grammy nominated Late Nights & Early Mornings, Ambrosius ventures into familiar territory of complexities of love and sex.

Turning up the heat, the sophmore solo album releases on July 15th and features contributions from Charlie Wilson and Dr. Dre. Songs titles like "69" and "So Good"  with a cover of Sade's "Stronger" definitely sets the tone for what is a very sensual album.

Only pop in this goody when you got trade coming over. Listen below and get you some!

Fresh|Music: Christon Gray

I love when I can find great underground artists...

Which brings us to singer, writer, producer, rapper Ohio native Christon Gray. Drawing inspiration from greats such as Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Lauryn Hill, Gray describes his music as a blend of soul pop, and hip-hop. 

Starting out in Christian rap, Gray spent the early part of his career in rap group, Elevationists.

Now on his own, Christon released his debut album School of Roses on March 25th. It debuted #1 on iTunes, #5 on Billboard R&B charts. Check out his lead single Vanish below. 

Get into it.

Yaya DaCosta serves Whitney Houston realness fish...

C'mon in ...take a seat! (Karen Clark-Sheard voice) In a good way of course!


I know for all of us Nippy fans, reactions to the upcoming biopic and casting may have been mixed. But let's get one thing straight....I'm here for Yaya DaCosta.

Here's the first look of the America's Next Top Model alum in the title role of the Lifetime working title movie, Whitney Houston. Replicating the look from Houston's eponymous second album Whitney, I can defintely grab some lemonade in the shade and rest easy.

I admit, although I believe that DaCosta is a stunning woman, I wasn't sure if she would be able to pull off Houston. People immediately go on a defense of saying, "She don't even look nothing like her!" but that wasn't my issue. I believe it takes a certain essence to pull off such a dynamic energy that was Whitney Houston and from the picture, I do see it.

Whether you agree or not, I'm sure fellow Whitney lovers will be tuned in when the film is expected to premiere on Lifetime next year.

In other news, I'm trying to pair some church flats with a shoulder padded rhinestone dress suit to pull of Cissy Houston in my upcoming audition. Any suggestions for a doll? I already got my slapping hand heavy and ready.

Friendships: The Re-Analyzation

So....I have no friends...

That has been my theme for the past year. Although I have made some lovely new potential connections, looking back over the years I've realized there are many friends that I have lost.

I would say that my social life was at an all time high around 2010-2011. I had a good job, money to play with, and a wealth of social outlets. The people who I surrounded myself at the time I thought were my ace deuces. My favorite moments and most epic adventures, I  can recount certain people that were there. However, they aren't anymore.

From time to time, I wrestle in my mind about how in the hell did someone I deemed so close be now  just a memory. The biggest thing I arrived to is understanding how seasons play a major role in the people you associate with. There are some that are meant to be in your life for good and others just for a moment. No use in being frustrated with those who fall into one category or another.

I've spent more time than I needed to trying to convince people how worthy I was as a friend. Always caught into trying to stress how much I deserved to be thought of, considered, and most of all included into their life as I have done for them. During that time, I discovered that I did myself a grave disservice. The greatest disservice is how I was virtually prostituting myself in order to retain friendship.

Those days are over.

Although there can be much debate about why certain relationships ended, one thing I can be sure of is that it was meant to happen. The mileage and lessons I've gained just from discovering the nature of people, I wouldn't trade for anything. Although it does sting remembering the lost friends, I know that my life has been enriched as a result of them.

For anyone out there that feels they need to advertise or whore themselves out for any type of companionship (whether in person or social networking), please get to the root of what's going on. I think the real testament of loving yourself is being alone with yourself and still have joy. Know that when it is your time to have people in your life in this fashion, it will be just that.

Blessings.

The Rant: Dreading 30

The stress that comes when your twenties come to an end is indeed palpable. Suddenly you start looking back and wondering where in the hell did all that time go? Did I use that time wisely? I should have been doing SOOO much more. All of these questions and concerns have been weighing heavily on my mind realizing that I will soon enter into my 29th year.

I always had this preconceived notion that 30 is the year when you should be making ground in your career, stable finances, settling down with a family. I can't speak on any of these things. lol. And as much as I read my shape to oblivion, I can't really be too mad because I could be locked up or dead.

Still one can't help but have an...ambivalent feeling to say the least. More like dream deferred realness. LOL. Although I know that greatness is within my grasp, I can't help but feel like dayum.. I wish I was there already.

Perhaps I should drape myself in some summer linens and make a video about such... Hmmm... anyway....

Beyonce' stuns as Mortal Kombat fighter in 'On The Run Tour' opener.

Considering the bicycle kicks and uppercuts administered in an elevator, it was only fitting that Beyonce unveiled her take on a new Mortal Kombat character, Creola DeVille.

But I digress...

The power pair unwrapped their highly anticipated On The Run Tour last night in Miami's Sun Life Stadium and I must say, they carried.... in a good way of course. With Bee donning a fishnet mask (possibly to hide the many side eyes and pursed lips aimed at Mr. Carter) and matching body suit perched next to Jay-Z in classic trick trade get-up, it was a definitely a sight to see.

Check out pics & video below

 

Lifetime's Whitney Houston movie: A Gag Awaits??

Is Lifetime trying to pull a fast one and give Whitney's alleged previous lesbian love affair a new life?

Well down to Lifetime Televison headquarters, Angela Bassett is in and out of meetings, rocking a pixie cut wig, casting girls for her directorial debut in the upcoming Whitney Houston biopic. Tentatively titled I Will Always Love You: The Whitney Houston Story, the film will mostly chronicle the tumultuous marriage between Whintey Houston and Bobby Brown. However, many of you may not know that outside of casting Yaya DaCosta (Next Top Model, The Butler) as the legendary songstress, there have also been other interesting choices made.

Rounding out what appears to be the main players are Arlen Escarpeta (Friday the 13th, Final Destination 5) as Bobby Brown and Yolanda Ross (Antwone Fisher, Whatever Works) as Whitney's rumored lesbian lover and former assistant Robyn Crawford.

It will be very intriguing how this project unfolds. Outside of the Houston family's dismay for such a production (claiming that such an endeavor should be a motion picture, not a television movie), the storyline of the role Robyn Crawford played in Whitney's life will be of particular interest. During the height of her career, tabloids speculated about the relationship between her and Robyn. While both have always denied a romantic affair, Whitney's own mother Cissy Houston couldn't answer as to if they were together or not in an interview with Oprah Winfrey last year.

It will be very interesting how this uncertainty will be displayed on the screen with Whitney's former Waiting to Exhale co-star Angela at the helm. I'm not sure if Ms. Bassett was as privy into Whitney's life to know too much considering they only worked together once. However, I'll definitely be glued to my screen when all is unveiled in 2015. No actual date of the film's debut has be set.

Meanwhile, I'll be researching where to audition for the role of Cissy Houston.

Repunzel, Repunzel.. Let Down Your Yak!

When NeNe Leaks gallops back onto your TV screens, it won't be no half trotting.

In homage to the local Budweiser stable, apparently Leaks told her weaver to program the discounted kanekalon tresses to serve Kentucky Derby realness. When a bitch spun her around in the chair like a Mrs. Doubtfire montage, the masses gagged at such a tragic creation.

These flame retardant fibers will be sure to make the girls choke on the words when they try to come for her on the upcoming season of RHOA. So as this moose passes you by while playfully running her fingers through this synthetic chop...don't be mad! BOOOOOOP!