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What’s Happening Now: Could Old School Music Be a Trend?

What’s Happening Now?

This might not be a trending blog post but that’s alright. Sometimes, I don’t choose what to write, it chooses me. It’s kind of like that old school song by Willie Hutch “I Choose You.” from the Mack movie soundtrack.

Lately, I’ve chosen to listen to a lot of old school music. I’m in the mood for those kinds of sounds right now. Now, I’m not saying this new music out here is garbage like others are saying. All I’m saying is we’ve got to give peace a chance. Like that song “Give Peace a Chance” by John Lennon, music must drive a better narrative. In other words, old school music has a different harmony.

Nowadays, music is more explicit and that is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, there’s no need for interpretation. On the other hand, there’s no more mystery. No more, what did she mean with the lyric. Rap music has got a bad reputation for this.

Could Old School Music Be a Trend?

Do the singers live the lifestyle they sing about in their songs? Of course, some don’t. I would say most don’t. Old school music takes us back to a time like the 60s, 70s and 80s. What if you could go back to Woodstock?

How does Coachella compare to Woodstock? Did you know Bad Bunny and Black Pink are headliners for the festival? It’s coming up in April. Are you excited?

How far back do you want to go? For the purposes of this blog post I’m discussing the 60s to the 90s. To me, I consider that old school. There are so many ways to go with this topic. We can talk about the singers and the bands. The Beatles were big. Then, the Jackson 5 had their time in the spotlight. One thing I noticed is that old school had more bands.

The Best/Your Favorite Era

What is the best or your favorite era of old school music? 60s, 70s, 80s or 90s. When I reflect on these songs, I think about timeless pieces. I would argue some artists we will never forget. Then again, with so much sampling and resampling, mixing, and remixing we forget the source sometimes. But I believe nothing beats originality in the long game.

Photo By: hiabba

I want to discuss old school music as a commodity. Music has many brands, from record labels to music artists and promoters. Despite the odds of succeeding diminishing, there is so much talent flooding into the music industry. In the end, why someone chooses to enter the entertainment market depends on their drive and what narrative they subscribed to. Celebrities must have thick skin. Look at Selena Gomez as a prime example. She didn’t become the most followed woman on Instagram by accident and she’s dealt with all sorts of comments along the way. 

We can learn something valuable from the 2023 Grammys Watch and Recap. At the Clive Davis pre-Grammy party, he hosted legends and new stars. In his career, he’s made stars into legends as a record executive. Today, his impact in music is universal. Do you agree that Mariah Carey is one of the greatest female music artists of the 90s?

Old School Music Options

We’ve got “Just the Two of Us,” “Love and Happiness,” and “Your Song” among others that are great options. No, Meghan Trainor music is not all about the bass. We need lyrics combined with rhythm.

My aim is to write this blog post in a way that you can hear the music I’ve listened to this fine Saturday. I’m not going to tell you every song that I’ve listened to, but you can guess. Don’t just read. While on my music journey, I’ve discovered and rediscovered songs.

Listen to Don McClean’s American Pie. Then, feel it.

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The Definition of Great Music



    Great music comes in many forms. Rap, pop, rock, country and jazz are just the tip of the iceberg. Great music is like glaciers in the arctic. It is really the size of Antarctica. It’s not the same as a generation ago, but great music is still there floating…waiting to be discovered. Will you discover it?


    Have you ever listened to classical? To define great music, we must look at who controls the music. The Record labels own your ass. I’m sure you heard about how Taylor Swift is rerecording her music. She is thinking outside the box. I feel the record labels don’t want you to be free.

    What if Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach were legally bound to a record label. In other news, Hasbro now owns Death Row records. A toy company is the owner of gangsta rap records. If you don’t have a problem with that, you shouldn’t have a problem with Taylor Swift rerecording her music.

    Do you think corporations are ruining music? Here are my thoughts. Corporations are actually making music better. Sway doesn’t have the answers, neither does Kanye.

    We’re hearing great music from all around the world because of corporations that make it possible for artists to reach the masses. Corporations are sponsoring great music everywhere. Apple Music, VEVO, and Spotify provide great tools for discovery. 

    I’m also sure you heard Jay Z (ROC Nation) made a deal with the NFL. Jay Z may even become a part-owner of a football team according to TMZ. It’s an interesting development.

    The point is everything is changing fast. You gotta keep up with the times. Great music is everywhere. Rihanna is a private flight away from performing at a concert near you. That’s who should do the halftime show if you ask me. 

    Corporations are not saints. In the end, the bottom line is profit for them. In my opinion, art shouldn’t be corporatized. However, the definition of great music is a profitable sound.
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When Mya and Ashanti Ruled Supreme

BY: GURU JAY

Long before rap and hip-hop, Diana Ross and the Supremes sang rhythm and blues (R&B). Mya and Ashanti dominated R&B when I was younger. And they’re still kicking it tonight like Xscape.
There’s no doubt in mind that Motown’s beat influenced Mya’s sound. Independent since 2008, Planet 9 founder Miss Mya is building her throne one golden brick at a time. I want Mya to reach the level, where she’s producing other music artists.
Is Mya’s brand durable? Let me say she’s in good company. Like Mya, billionaire Mark Cuban competed on Dancing with the Stars along with multi-millionaires Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Mario “Slater” Lopez.
Mya’s sweet and gentle voice soothes the pain. She keeps up a Paula Abdul type/ good girl image. But, is she really a bad girl like Rihanna?
What are your favorite Mya songs and albums?
I thoroughly enjoy Ridin’ from Liberation. What is more, Mya is a fine actress and versatile entertainer. Did you know she was a highly trained tap dancer?

 Photos By: Wikimedia Commons

Everyone will always remember Ashanti for her collaboration with Ja Rule. Nowadays, chemistry and entertainment don’t mix. Ashanti and Ja Rule should reunite for music’s and Pete’s sake.
Ashanti holds the record for fastest selling
debut album. Overwhelmingly, 2002 belonged to Ashanti musically. Ashanti’s Foolish video featured none other than Empire’s Terrence Howard.
I admire Ashanti for following her dreams. If she started her career today, she would be bigger than Jupiter. Skillfully, Ashanti is tremendously gifted in the dramatic arts. Moreover, the entertainer’s vocal abilities are perfect for Broadway.
In Rain on Me, Larenz Tate plays Ashanti’s cheating husband. Clearly, the rain symbolizes the fogginess of marriage and relationships. Her performance conveys a range of feelings and emotions.
Mya and Ashanti were ahead of their time, while Beyoncé and Alicia Keys had perfect timing. Still, Mya and Ashanti climbed to the top of the charts. Let’s remember when Mya and Ashanti ruled supreme.

I am Guru Jay launching off into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!