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4 Stops, 3 Events, 2+ Drinks, 1 Night

Posted 04/04/2008 at 6:01 PM  |  4 comment/s

Thursday April 3, 2008

5:30 In the car off to Legacy Studios for Robin Thicke's listening session, we (Danyel Smith Vibe's E-I-C, Sean Fennessey Vibe's Associate Music Editor, and myself Asst. to the E-I-C) are really supposed to be there at 5pm, but it's cool - late seems expected in the "industry." In the car everyone is on their Blackberry, I think at one point the driver even pulled out his...

5:46 What the %^&^? The elevator doesn't work? At 279th flights of steps we finally reach Robin's listening room. We are greeted by his publicist Amanda, manager Miguel, Andre Harrell, fresh fruit, champagne, wine, and Mr. Thicke himself. Well to be honest I didn't even think Robin was really there. His music was already playing when we walked in to the room, so we all just began to get into it. One guy didn't look up to make introductions, had on a not so fashionable Zorro type hat, and dressed in black from head to toe. I'm wondering who is this guy? As soon as the first song stopped he lifted his head and theatrically revealed himself, said hello proving Robin was definitely in the building.

6:03 We're already late for our next event, but oh well I am feeling Robin's album right now. His album titled, Something Else, is well - something else. The album has smooth songs and at one point I think I started giving Robin the dreamy eyes. The man has talent shown on the tracks "Magic," a song about a special relationship that has sound reminiscent of Marvin Gaye. "Sidestep," a song for the old and the young to get thier two step on. "Ms. Harmony," a very airy, wispy, and light song, that tells of the struggles of a woman finding herself in love. After playing us "DreamWorld " a ballad which he discuss the deep things in life - how VanGough missed out, Marvin Gaye's relationship with his father, and racial tensions, Robin jokes, "figured that would be my club banger." Everyone laughs, I'm loving Robin's sincerity and swag. The album should be available late June, but he states "I wish I could have it out in two weeks, the sooner it is in people's hands, the sooner the celebration begins." I'm not mad at that...I grab a quick snapshot and make my exit.

6:31 Danyel, Sean, and I are back in the car, discussing how dope the Robin Thicke tracks are, and how much Sean F. doesn't look like Robin Thicke, shattered dreams....

6:42 Drop Sean off back to the office, and Danyel and I head to Michelle Williams' listening session. We are on a Robin high, and I am hoping Michelle delivers.

6:46 We realize we gave the driver the wrong address, now we are headed uptown when are suppose to be going downtown...u-turn. Did the driver just roll his eyes??

7:08 Electric Lady Studios, 52 West 8 Street NY, NY. Out the car, and up only one flight of steps, we enter Michelle's listening session. The music is blaring and the first face I recognize is - AJ from BET's 106 and Park. Where you been? Glad you decided to join the land of the living. Next I see Emil Wilbekin (E-I-C of Giant Magazine) in all his fashionable glory. There are plenty of others in attendance to support Michelle new album, Unexpected, but I don't see Michelle. I grabbed a glass of wine, couple of beef skewers, and got my network on.

7:40 Working my way half way through the room, I sat back one of the plush couches filled with coats and purses and actually listened to the music. There is no hymns and Jesus praises, her new sound is more similar to Britney's "Give Me More." Just as I was about to go for a second glass of white wine, a super dooper slim figure in skinny jeans, hot pink tank, and mock neck leather dark purple jacket comes in doing a techno-chicken like dance move. Is that Michelle? She swipes her side bangs away from her face and wha-la one third of Destiny Child has arrived.

7:46 She works the room, thanking everyone for coming out. I'm watching her in a trance, noticing how different she looks with her new shoulder length jet black bob, and obviously fake eyelashes. Her makeup is flawless and she seemed very happy. The kind of happy that gives sporadic movements and an abundant amount of laughter. I almost want to say Michelle calm down, but I don't. Instead I go over and introduce myself and say it really good meeting you. (Everyone says that, when in the next second they forget what your name is.)

7:52 Music ceases. Michelle speaks about what brought her to this new place in her music. "The album is called Unexpected, because when I first started on the album two years ago it sounded nothing like this." She's right these tracks coming from Michelle will make you drop your jaw. I'm trying to figure how her established fan base like my mother - who would rather shout hallelujah than holla is going to take this change?

8:06 Back in the car, we let the driver know this is our last stop - Diddy's exclusive showcase for Janelle Monae at Blender Theater NY, NY.

8:18 Soon as we arrive greeted at the door by Mike Kyser (former VP of promotion at Def Jam) who led us into the private pre-party being held downstairs. I go to the bar get my second glass of wine, and take in the room. I see a few of my fellow Vibe heads, and ex-Vibe heads, Ed Lover, and people who I've met at other events. Chilling I take a seat, even though people make their way upstairs to watch Janelle in action, I remained seated downstairs. The show starts (there are t.v's for our viewing pleasure) and Diddy's gives his famous "tonight we are making history" intro for Janelle. He walks off stage and away from the cameras. As we decide it is time to go, Puff himself comes downstairs and greets Danyel. As they chop it up, I get an introduction and a few words from Mr. Combs, and I was taken back. That close to Diddy will shake you up - his ever present power is sick!

9:12 On a Diddy high, Janelle's showcase comes to an end. The industry semi-elite return back down stairs for a meet and greet with Janelle. I'm getting tired, but I don't want to leave without saying hello. She has a sound totally different, and the difficulty in describing her music is what makes her special to me. Before I say good-bye to Janelle, I say hello again to Diddy and get a good four minute convo. Four minutes is more like forty when speaking to Puff, so I was pleased.

9:16 "Hey Janelle, I'm Shirea from Vibe...." we smile, chat, hug, and take a photo. I can't really do too much more, so I guess I'll call it a night...

10:47 See what happens when you have one more drink? Yes, I'm still here. I've spoken to Janelle's AR, the Retro kids, and a super funny upcoming comedian. Time for me to go, I have to go to work tomorrow.

Lesson: Sometimes all you get is one opportunity - seize it.

BIG UPS: Thailan Pham (People Magazine), Malaika Batson (Sony BMG), Mitch Martin (Wonderland Arts Society), Clyde Belcon (CMV Photography), Damien Lemon, Jackpot and Low Key (BET)

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