Me, My Brother, Ribbon in the Sky and Internet Fame

My brother Shawn stopped by to visit me yesterday, which is always a pleasure because he's a complete househead. By that, I mean he enjoys the real deal, that true, deep underground shit. If you know me, you know what I'm talking about. Anyways, as he's perusing my iTunes library for tunes to burn, he mentions that he was trying to hook up with a friend who was going to help him upload a video of him singing a cover of Stevie Wonder's Ribbon in the Sky onto You Tube in the hopes of catching a little piece of internet fame. Now, there are plenty of talented singers, dancers and actors in my family. Some of us have tasted some level of success, starting with my great-grandmother Etta Mooney, an early blues singer who recorded a little ditty called Cootie For Your Tootie back in 1922. She predated many of the greats of her time including Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith, and according to family lore, was credited in making the sound of modern gospel popular in Brooklyn back in her day. I love this factoid, because it confirms that I'm a true Brooklyn boy through and through! But I digress.

My father, Theodore "Teddy" Marsh, was also a singer. In 1959, at the age of seventeen, he wrote and recorded a song called My Love with The Arcades which you can sample here:



Like my great-grandmother, my father might not have been very famous, but at the very least, he is also acknowledged my many popular music purists, and has had the great honor of being listed amongst the greats of his day as well (check him out here: The Dead Rock Stars Club).

My mother, Doris Marsh nee Wiggins, also a great singer in her own right, sang in a local (Brooklyn) gospel group comprised of her sisters Evelyn & Helen, cousins Lydia & Maxine (Bummy), along with friends Delores and Betty Jean, called The Angel Lites. She shared lead vocals with Delores and the group enjoyed success by appearing on the now legendary gospel promoter Joe Bostic's weekly radio show on WLIB. Joe is noted for producing the 1950 Negro Gospel and Religious Music Festival concert at Carnegie Hall. Noted as the first time gospel had ever been performed in that venue, it featured Mahalia Jackson and the girls were uncredited as part of the local lineup (my mom's still trying to locate the original concert program which does include the group on the list of performers).

My grandfather, Theodore "Snooky" Marsh (yeah, that's right, now you know where Jersey Shore's Snooki got that - ha!) was a vaudevillian comedian who performed along with the legendary R&B guitarist T-Bone Walker (read more about a show he did here). An excerpt from that link goes as such:

....The Defender gushed, "The greatest floor show in Rhumboogie, the largest crowds to attend a nightery in local history, are but a few of the 'firsts' being offered at Charlie Glenn's emporium of fun, 343 Garfield Boulevard this week." The paper continued: "Topmost of the entertainment you'd expect, rests on the vocal chords and the guitar fingers of T-Bone Walker who is even better now than when last appearing here. T-Bone has added a number of new 'blue' tunes to his large collection and with the old ones being encored all over the place things are jumping."

The revue featured a comedian (Snooky Marsh), another singer (Bobbie Caston), a dancer (Mildred Whilow), plus some leggy chorines and a full band, the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra.....

My father's brother Bernard J. Marsh is a former Broadway singer/dancer/actor/choreograher/director, who in addition to playing the leads in The Wiz and I'm Not Rappaport as well as supporting roles in Fences, Eubie, Bubbling Brown Sugar, Bob Fosse's Big Deal and Ain't Misbehavin', also wrote a book, Great White Way, Great White Lies chronicling his efforts as an activist who fought for equal equity for black stage actors. His activism led to an evitable blackball from the stage, but that did not deter his efforts.

My sister Kim Marsh is doing her thing gigging upstate along with my nephew Gregory Marsh (choreographer/dancer/actor) and cousin Tiffany Washington. I'm still waiting for the opportunity to uplaod a clip of Kim and Tiffany singing, but look for it soon. As far as I'm concerned, they can blow us all away!

As far as myself, I have been lucky enough to have been given the opportunity to write for the now-defunct Radar Magazine, some local stage work, and most recently, I was background performer (can you say extra?) on this season's The Good Wife. I saw the episode yesterday, and the scene I was in which featured Chris Noth and Alan Cumming briefly flashed the side of my head!

But to my little brother, I say this; It's a start. If this is what you want to do and how you want to do it, then by all means do it. It's in our blood. You can count on many rejections, and as far as the internet goes, perhaps even some rude comments. But you will have at least tried. Develop a thick skin. You might get some love, as well. So here's to you.


And the side of my head.

TYLER PERRY'S FOR COLORED GIRLS ONE-SHEETS RELEASED

It looks like Tyler Perry has yet another winner on his hands. His upcoming For Colored Girls, which is based on the acclaimed Broadway 70's play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf, is sure to be hit across the board, and should hopefully add some much-needed color to the Oscar nominee lists next year.

Damn, I can't wait!

POLITICAL PIGGY LINKS

I have to say, I don't know why there isn't more righteous anger over the fact that self-described clown and gold shill Glenn Beck would even consider holding a rally on the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech. At the same location, no less. There is a bizarre effort on the part of conservatives to rewrite history in terms of the civil rights movement, in that they are trying to claim the movement for themselves! Honestly, if I were to spend too much time thinking about this, I'd give myself a brain aneurysm. I don't want to die, so perhaps I should just shift my focus to other matters for the time being:



Embattled Congressman Charlie Rangel has a strong response for President Obama with regard to his political future

Are background checks just another form of discrimination?

A NYC Muslim cabbie was stabbed by a passenger after being asked what his religious beliefs were

Shirley Sherrod channels Tyra Banks and tells the USDA to kiss her fat black ass!

Janet. Dammit.

Janet, you still got this.

Ice Cube - It Was A Good Day (HD)

Beyoncé ft. R. Kelly - If I Were A Boy (Remix)

Make the rules as I go...

Circles (Vocal Mix) - Nathan Adams & Zepherin Saint

I think I'm in love.

Kraftwerk - Computerlove

du u luv ur kumputr az much az i luv myne?

Vesta Williams - Sweet, Sweet Love

Michel'le - Something In My Heart

...and the 90's began.

Juicy Fruit/C.O.D. Remix - Mtume

Candy rain, comin' down......

Throwbacks: The Chill Your Ass Effect by bamjamz

Throwbacks: The Chill Your Ass Effect by bamjamz

Throwbacks: The Move Your Ass Effect by bamjamz

Throwbacks: The Move Your Ass Effect by bamjamz

Bamjamz, a.k.a. Beezo, has compiled a set of classic R'n'B and club tunes for you to enjoy while you're enjoying either a cutthroat game of Spades, getting the BBQ heated up, or just warming up for a night out. Get involved!

"I WANNA HIT OBAMA"

In the aftermath of the Shirley Sherrod firestorm and the current developments with regards to immigration, some people are saying they're suffering from "race fatigue". But let's face it. In the Age of Obama, apparently race matters more than ever. It's on the front burner, out in the open and in the case, unabashedly so.

GLEE NAILS VOGUE

Jane Lynch of Glee gives good face.

SO, YOU LIKE GOSSIP?

Beyoncé officially has a new baby brother. TMZ reports that her dad, Mathew Knowles, has been confirmed as a baby daddy. If he liked it then he shoulda put a - oh, why bother?

Mo'Nique advises Sandra Bullock on the fine art of how to tell people to kiss your ass. She said this in a loving way, of course.

Tyler Perry has revealed the cast list for his upcoming film adaptation of the acclaimed play For Colored Girls Who have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf: Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Whoopi Goldberg, Phylicia Rashad, Jurnee Smollett, Kimberly Elise, Kerry Washington, Loretta Devine and Macy Gray.

What the Puck? A former Real World cast member is seriously injured in a car accident.

Oh, just cut the shit. Republican Senator Tom Coburn is trying to push an amendment to ensure that President Obama's healthcare bill won't provide Viagara for sex offenders.

MARY J. BLIGE COVERS LED ZEPPELIN

Whole Lotta Love


Stairway To Heaven

The UK import version of Mary J. Blige's album Stronger With Each Tear includes covers of two Led Zeppelin classics. Sista be diversifyin'!

YES, IT'S A BIG FUCKING DEAL

The good guys win one. Go get it!

YOU LIE!

You said, "It's a baby killer", huh, Nuegebauer? Liar. I cannot and I will not. GOP Rep. Randy Neugebauer effectively utilizes and improves upon the newest fundraising tactic, which was perfected by fellow Republican Rep. Joe Wilson. It goes as follows:

Shout out an disparaging remark on the Congress floor
Apologize for getting all emotional and shit
Offer a half-assed apology about the timing of the remark
Do not apologize for the remark itself
Change the content of said remark
Release statement that you will not be silenced
Release You Tube clip with wife standing by your side
Start fundraising campaign
Hannity ('nuff said)
Stir well


Bonus outrage:

COLOR ME PERPLEXED

I just don't know where to put my feelings about this. Do I laugh, cry or applaud? I think I just did all three. Anyway, sweet dreams!

FRIDAY NIGHT JAMZ

Get into this.


I'm all over this.


Nicolay werking the remix.


New cut featuring Byron Stingily

RUBEN STUDDARD - I CAN'T HELP IT

I'm digging this.

WHITNEY HOUSTON STRIKES BACK AT THE DARK SIDE

There's a new Whitney Houston interview making the rounds in support of her latest world tour in which she answers questions about her comeback and her collaboration with Alicia Keys. However, things get quite interesting when asked her opinion on the current state of pop music. She continues by talking about her experiences coming up in "show business" and other (unnamed) artists who push the envelope and embrace the so-called "dark" side of performing:

Q. You look back on a long career. How would you say the music business has changed in the last years?

A. Music doesn't change. People change the music. Music is a gift from Heaven, I believe. As I started singing in church many years ago and many of my friends who've (sic) sing the good news of gospel, um, it does not change, people change the music, um, they become characters instead of really displaying their gifts and when if look behind a lot of people who are out there, that are like you know know, wearing these weird kind of clothing which has nothing, you know, I'm not, you know, um, talking about anyone in particular, but I've seen for myself, but they are, there are some extremely gifted women and young men out there who don't have to really put on Halloween costumes, just be themselves, I mean, a little extravagance, you know, you know, um, flair, you know, sexiness or sultryness is cool, but some of them are very dark, are very dark, and days when we are going through so much, you know, tragedies, earthquakes and things, you know, of, of, disasters and New Orleans, and the whole thing, it's, it's time time to, I believe, to sing about love and what has been here since the beginning of time, and that's been love.

Okay. Is she referring to Lady Gaga, American Idol's Adam Lambert and to some degree, Janelle Monet, or even Beyoncè? Although I disagree with her basic point, that there is no place for over-the-top characterizations or independent expressionism in terms of the artistic interpretation of "love" in popular music, I respect her opinion. But since the days of Little Richard, artists have been taking it to extremes, and I find all of that "extra" shit to be fun, indeed. We originated that look along with Rock n' Roll, which is, by its very core nature, supposed to be extra. And it is within her next answer,that I find her viewpoint to be a bit misguided:

Q. Do you sometimes look back on the old days and the weird outfits make you laugh?

A. Oh my God, how crazy, I mean, that was the 80's, you know what I'm saying? I look ay myself, I look at Madonna, I look at Prince, I look at Michael, we had costumes they weren't scary it was that we were performers, performing, you know what I'm saying, um, having artistry is one thing, but being dark and you know, different weird stuff is not becoming, but to me, it's not becoming at all.

Now this makes no sense at all. Geniuses that they were, Prince scared the living hell out of some people! He wore make up, purple high heels, ass-less pants, ruffles and sang about incest, masturbation, sex and God, sometimes incorporating all of these themes in a single song! Madonna was a self-professed Boy Toy cum shameless Material Girl, and Michael put all of his gender-bending-latent-child issues on full display. Perhaps this is a basic case of the great generation divide. As we become older, we tend to forget that the young 'uns are just expressing themselves in pretty much the same way we did whe we were younger. We just tend to think that we did it better. In some cases we're right. But I think Whitney would have better served herself by embracing the new, here. Basically, the newer artists are just channeling the ones that came before them; Lambert channels David Bowie and Gaga channels Madonna. Whitney, herself, probably channeled her cousin, the great Dionne Warwick . It's the Great Circle of Pop Life. And it makes better sense from a public relations aspect, to embrace it, especially if she herself is in full "comeback mode". After all, this is show business, you know, and attracting younger audiences is key, in most cases. That's not to say she should lie, but just acknowledge that most artists are influenced by their predecessors.

That's just my opinion.

FLOTUS MICHELLE OBAMA GETS DOLLED UP

First Lady Michelle Obama gets the Danbury Mint treatment, and I have to say, I much prefer this over the scary wax figure on display over at Madame Tussauds' Wax Museum. Ever since I saw that Twilight Zone episode The New Exhibit , you know, the one that featured famous serial killers which come to life, wax dummies gives me a serious case of the heebz.

But I digress. The The Danbury Mint's Michelle Obama Inaugural Doll not only does the First Lady justice (it's actually quite beautiful), I'm so inspired, I want to get me one. You better get you one, too. Get into it. Check it out here.

This has been an unpaid commercial endorsement for The Danbury Mint's The Michelle Obama Inauguration Doll.

FRIDAY MORNING MUSIC DRAMA: FANTASIA - EVEN ANGELS

There are no hard feelings, Tasia Mae.
For real. You sing like a dream.

Love,
Beezo

WAL-MART: STREETS IS WATCHING

Okay, so you're an African American customer from South Jersey (Turnersville), gleaning the aisles of your local Walmart for some choice bargains. Yeah, yeah, you've heard all about the controversial and questionable business practices of said corporate behemoth, but hey, that 8-roll bargain price for toilet tissue ain't nothing to sneeze at. And with the economy being what it is, hell, even Targét's prices make a brother's wallet start wheezing. After a brief standoff in the housewares section (you saw those $3 cups first!), you're triumphantly marching your cart-o-bargains to the checkout line when you hear this message over the PA system, "Attention Walmart shoppers. All black people leave the store now".

Your first thought is, "Oh, hell naw - did they just?....No, I KNOW I didn't hear - Wait, hold up, hold up, hold the fuck up!" Your second thought is, "Now I'm not about to give up these bargains (I fought hard for these cups!), so somebody better start explaining!" Your third thought is to connect with another black customer so you can confirm that it wasn't just you that heard that announcement. Umm-hmm. They heard it too. Now you're standing there, indignant, incredulous, and more than a little embarassed. Was it a joke? It had to be, right? Was there a fight? Did somebody black hurt somebody white? Is this about the $3 cups?

As it turns out, a man used the PA system to make an announcement. Ha, funny. Store officials are examing the security tapes. See, you just know it couldn't have been someone who actually worked there. Because if that was the case, then somebody is getting their ass sued off.

And I'm with you all the way. Either way.

PUTTING IN THAT WORK, PART 2: TIGER WOODS

Tiger Woods is ready for his close up. The Master of 9 Irons is set to play the 2010 Masters, April 8-11 in Augusta, Ga. He's released the following statement:

"The Masters is where I won my first major, and I view this tournament with great respect. After a long and necessary time away from the game, I feel like I'm ready to start my season at Augusta.

The major championships have always been a special focus in my career and, as a professional, I think Augusta is where I need to be, even though it's been awhile since I last played.

I have undergone almost two months of inpatient therapy, and I am continuing my treatment. Although I'm returning to competition, I still have a lot of work to do in my personal life.

When I finally got into a position to think about competitive golf again, it became apparent to me that the Masters would be the earliest I could play. I called both Joe Lewis and Arnold Palmer and expressed my regrets for not attending the Tavistock Cup and the Arnold Palmer Invitational. I again want to thank them both for their support and their understanding. Those are fantastic tournaments, and I look forward to competing in them again.

I would also like to thank the Augusta National members and staff for their support. I have deep appreciation for everything that they do to create a wonderful event for the benefit of the game."

Yeah, just stay on point, off the poon and on your game, brah.

MICHAEL JACKSON IS STILL PUTTING IN THAT WORK

The king's kids will not go unfed. Michael Jackson continues to pull down that paper, to the tune of the largest contract in recording history. His estate has agreed to a seven year contract with his longtime home, Sony, reportedly worth $250 million. Look forward to tons of new and unreleased material from MJ. If his estate plays it smart, as they seem to be doing right now, in time, Michael just might surpass Elvis in terms of building a formidibly sucsessful posthumous sales and merchandising empire.

Good luck.

WEEKEND SPECIAL: MARY J. BLIGE LIVE PERFORMANCE

Courtesy of the Live On Letterman series and recorded live at the Ed Sullivan Theater on February 16, 2010, Mary J. Blige brought the joy. (30 min.)

JAMES BROWN'S BODY IS MISSING

Photo credit: Ann States




According to his daughter, LaRhonda Pettit, Godfather of Soul James Brown's body has been stolen fron its crypt to avoid an autopsy. Ms. Pettit alleges that his death was under suspicious circumstances. She did not elaborate as to who might behind the theft, but made the following statements,

"I'm convinced his death was suspicious and I want the people responsible brought to justice.", and "He was also hooked on various prescription painkillers. At the very least there were enablers who helped cause his death."

JB died of a heart attack brought on by a bout of pneumonia in 2006. The drug angle is an interesting parallel to the claims made by some members of The Jackson family regarding the death of King of Pop Michael Jackson.

Beezo wants to know what's up!

Source: • Two-, Daily Mail:

UPDATE: As it tuns out, this story is a hoax. Ms. Pettit's claims are said to be false according to Charlie Reid, director of the funeral home that hosted the JB's memorial. Brown's other daughter Deana Brown also refutes Pettit's claims stating, "I do not know where Ms Pettit would have received such information".

POP'AFRICANA's FIRST OFFICIAL ISSUE

The first issue of Pop'Africana is dropping soon. Get yourself a new perspective on Africa's fashion and art scenes.

ANTHONY FROM PROJECT RUNWAY: GIVE THIS MAN HIS OWN SHOW

If you've been following Project Runway, Season 7, you already know that Anthony L. Williams (also affectionately known as Suzanne Sugarbaker on the boards over at Gawker) is enjoying cult status as the one bright spot of the season. A true audience favorite, Anthony is all at once talented, witty and earthy, and who wouldn't want to spend time hanging with him whether he's working on his latest design confection, stepping to church, or just whipping up a southern plate of neckbones and rice with some cornbread and greens. All the while sating your appetite for homespun witticisms.

Whether he'll place in the top three remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure, a star has been born. I just hope the powers that be recognize it.

THE TROUBLE WITH FANTASIA

For starters, I am a fan of Fantasia Barrino. A big fan. As I followed her progress as a contestant on American Idol, I basked in the glow of her angelic, high-pitched vocal tone and her ability to tear into a cover song, bending and rendering it into a creation which bore her own unique stamp. I soon also began to notice the parallels between her and Stephanie Mills, one of my all time favorite, albeit unsung singers. Like Stephanie, Fantasia didn't posess a particularly strong pop/crossover "look" and I began to wonder "What are they going to do with her", should she indeed win the competition. I always thought 'Tasia sounded very much like Stephanie, and that it would be great to hear her particular vocal style represented at the top of the charts again. Like Stephanie, Fantasia has also enjoyed successful recording and Broadway acclaim (The Color Purple), although Stephanie achieved her accolades on Broadway (The Wiz) before embarking on a recording career. However, this is where the similarities end.


















Fantasia did go on to win American Idol and soon enjoyed a brief, but fruitful stint under the management of Simon Cowell's 19 Management. She then released a slew of R&B chart-topping singles amidst confirmed rumors that she was functionally illiterate. She wrote a book about it. She made a Lifetime movie about it. We read, watched and identified with her struggles. She never apologized for being thought of as "country" or "too hood". She was keeping it real. Photos of her walking several red carpets reflected her "around-the- way style", which was refreshing and much needed in the tarnished brass age of pre-fab, so-called R&B "divas".

For a hot minute.

Then came the nasty, jail house tattoos which began to crawl up and down her arms and legs, and her tired fashion sense which screamed clearance rack at Strawberry. In my opinion, black ink tattoos on darker skin looks down right dirty and especially vile on women. Leave that thug ass shit to Tupac and Fitty, boo boo. Y'all know what I'm talking about. Her hairstyles looked like tragic ghetto outtakes from the BizzyBeez Hair N Nailz Spot in Backphuck, Tennesee. Is this what I had to look forward to from our newest, promising black star? Who was/is advising this woman? Did she just not get that along with fame comes a certain expectation to grow as an artist? I'm not saying she needs to forget her roots or sell her soul. Many artists have grown artistically and flourished by diversifying elements of their look and repertoire throughout their careers. For example, look how far Mary J. Blige has come from cracking a 40 during an interview to doing duets with Andrea Bocelli, yet she still retains her realness; She just had to refine some of that bad hometraining. Not every performance calls for constantly digging your intestines out, growling through a song, running up the ailses and hopping around the stage like you just showered in hot sauce, all the while flinging sweat and hot hair grease on the audience. Sure, when it works, getting down to the pure essence of soul and "sanging" is what it's all about. But please leave all that laying on the ground for the one person who can make it work. Patti LaBelle. It's her move and she uses it sparingly. And dare I say, more tastefully.

Now let's get to the crux of my missive. Last week, Fantasia was invited to perform at the Jackie Robinson Annual Awards Dinner, which was held at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City. The event was attended by, judging from photos, a rather formal, sedate, mature and not to mention, mixed crowd. Lord, this chile showed up in a faux latex hoe-wrap mini dress designed by famewhore Kim Kardashian! Off the rack. From BeBe's. It appears that she then proceeded to take off her damn shoes and bounce from table to table, screaming her head off, much to the laughter and in some cases, consternation of the guests (see photo above).

I can't take it.

Again, I really like Fanny Mae, and I want nothing more than for her to succeed and grow into her considerable talents. I've followed her show on VH1, Fantasia For Real and hot mess that it is (don't even get me started on The Matter Of Teeny - oh snap, I smell a spin-off!), her humanity and warm, kind spirit breaks through. I want to one day experience her joy at accepting a Tony, or maybe even an Oscar after a soul-nourishing performance, dressed in the finest, most elegant attire befitting the regal African Queen that I know she is. I'd like for her trials and tribulations to dissipate, leaving her pure of spirit, which she could then project into song, for us, her fans. I want her to find the courage to discover new management and mentors who will strongly guide her and help her to overcome the basic obstacles which are preventing her from taking her career to the next level. She doesn't need to change her core values or beliefs. But show business is a game. She needs to learn how to "know her audience" and tailor her performances to fit various venues. In other words, to step up her own damn game, if she wants to continue to play.

And I don't want to see any more madness from her like this, at a formal event:


































Finally, I'd like to refer to three quotes from three very esteemed cultural sources:

"I question your taste level".
Nina Garcia, Project Runway

"I'm going to give you one last chance to impress me. Now the time has come....for you to lipsync......for your LIVES!"
RuPaul, RuPaul's Drag Race

"Girl, sit down and stop scaring those white people!"
Mother

RUSH LIMBAUGH BRINGS THE HATE ON HAITI

Not to disappoint, racist gasbag Rush Limbaugh politicizes the tragedy of Haiti while hundreds of thousands suffer and may even be dying as we speak.
No words.

BRAND NEW BEEZO BLUE COMING SOON!!

Hey folks! I'm currently working on the redesign of Beezo Blue. I plan to blast back with fresh commentary on gossip, politics, music & movie news, and fresh takes on fashion from various contributors. I'll also be including a new weekly video starring yours truly, breaking down weekly events. Stay tuned!

Omar Lye-Fook -- World Of You