taylor swift

Cory Booker Makes it Plain & Kendrick Lamar ‘Keeps it 100’ for Going to the Next Level #BigTimeUniversity

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This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

LOL Tube – Got Funny? 

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Flashlighting’ – Get Seen!”
A New Way to Shine with Highlights, Insights and Media-bites that’s Exciting (Old-School Flava)

Have things cooled down on social media yet? It seems folks were reacting not to Kanye’s latest philosophical waxing. Instead they were touting Kendrick Lamar’s Grammy performance and Cory Booker’s book release. Booker makes it plain and Lamar ‘keeps it 100’ for taking things to the next level.

Booker’s rise took him from city council, to mayor to NJs first African-American Senator.  He told Roll Call “As I found out in Newark, we made some of our best leaps when we found ways to make uncommon coalitions to get things done.” So what’s the deal on taking a leap of dreams by any means necessary?

With Lamar it’s all about finding the form that separates him from the norm. His lyrical mastery is unmatched. He brings a brash sense of consciousness without an overdose on bravado. Booker brings a cool and collected sense of un-pretentiousness. For them it’s about letting the work speak for itself.

The tweets after the Grammy’s for Lamar from fellow artists kept popping. Even Adele after a less-than-stellar sounding performance was all-in. Still, others try to analyze Booker’s career plan or Lamar’s social justice stand. But it’s as if their work feels right by them just like one’s dream feels like the right fix.

Booker’s ready to move the political scene from divide and conquer to multiply and prosper. It’s the fight we must have to push the American Dream and function as a ‘United Streets of America’ team. For these guys, ‘keeping it 100’ is more than dollar bills but about next level pillars because they keep it real.

Groove-Track: Cheryl Lynn – Got to be Real – https://youtu.be/EoXvDleWJ5U

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Flashlighting’ – Get Seen!”
A New Way to Shine With Highlights, Insights and Media-bites that’s Exciting (New-School Flava)

Things cooled down on Twitter yet? Not ready to make a bet. Some folks think Kanye’s whack. Begging for money when he’s got no lack. People talking ‘bout Kendrick on the mic. And Cory Booker’s book tour hike. Booker makes it plain everyday on the Hill. He and Lamar ‘keep it 100’ for their next level chill.

Rising from city council chair. To serve as brick city mayor. Now he’s NJs first Black Senator. The ride on his career elevator. Learning a thing or two about best leaps. Coalitions getting things done in heaps. So in taking leaps of dreams what’s the real deal? It’s in the secrets that no one has to steal.

Lamar finding it in his hip-hop form. That separates him from the norm. Lyrical mastery unmatched in skill. Brash of consciousness, low-grade bravado and thrill. Booker more about cool and collectedness. In his sense of un-pretentiousness. Letting the work represent their game. Giving them more clout in their fame.

Tweets after the Grammy’s kept popping. From celebs and artists non-stopping. Even Adele was all-in. Even though her performance was off a thin. Some try and analyze Bookers game plan. While other figure-out Lamar’s justice stand. The work feels right by them. One’s dream the right fix and gem.

Booker to move politics from divide and conquer. With unity theme of multiply and prosper. A fight to push the American Dream. To function as ‘United Streets of America’ team. For these guys ‘keeping it 100’ more than dollar bills. But next level pillars and performance kills. Got to be real in the ‘hood or the hills.

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Tip: When life gives us lemons we make lemonade without forgetting to add our own authentic flava.

Talkback: Which made a stronger point: Taylor’s Swift’s acceptance or Kendrick Lamar’s performance?

Groove-Tracks: Shaggy – Hope – https://youtu.be/I_h0bVilA_c

 

Alabama Shakes – Don’t Wanna Fight – https://youtu.be/nin-fiNz50M

This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

Tyler Perry, Taraji P. Henson Turn Early Days on the Block to Praise that Pays as a Brand #BigTimeUniversity

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This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

LOL Tube – Got Funny?

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Flashlighting’ – Get Seen!”
A New Way to Shine with Highlights, Insights and Media-bites that’s Exciting (Old-School Flava)

Hollywood loves the Golden Globes! The stars shine in full whether as household names or new to the game. Nominees wear their finest threads with fans falling head over heels. There’re those like Tyler Perry and Taraji P. Henson who’ve turned their early days on the block into praise that pays as a brand.

A recent headline on Perry in Vulture magazine said “The brand that keeps Oprah in business. He doesn’t care what the critics think of his work because his audience always finds it.” Perry and Henson represent the real deal and real cookie, making it in business for who they serve and who they deserve.

His TV show Haves and Have Nots is OWN’s highest rated and was the third highest scripted show on cable last summer. It’s a long way from his first stage play that wasn’t well received. His dream wasn’t derailed by doubt even-though business was in a drought. Six years later the play finally found success.

They’ve carved-out their own lanes in showbiz. Expanding from those early days on the block to their current brand identity has been a lot like selling groceries. If fruits were their brand then type of fruit would be their lane. A bigger audience they now reach but a certain niche is their sweet spot and favorite peach.

Henson who won for Best Actress in a TV Series, Drama was also named USA Today’s Entertainer of the Year. Time named Cookie Lyon most influential character in 2015. So cream rises to the top and Perry’s story reminds us that the more people you help go from obscurity, the more people achieve job security.

Groove-Track: Jennifer Lopez – ‘Jenny from the Block’ – https://youtu.be/dly6p4Fu5TE

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Flashlighting’ – Get Seen!”
A New Way to Shine With Highlights, Insights and Media-bites that’s Exciting (New-School Flava)

H’wood loves to rock the Globes hard! Folks screaming celebs from their backyard. Stars shine whether as household name. Or recent player in the red carpet game. Wearing their finest threads for real. Fans falling head over heel. Tyler & Taraji two who’ve turned their early days. Into brand and praise that pays.

Recent headline on the e-news stand. Vulture magazine thinks Perry lifts Oprah’s brand. Not caring what the critics think. Sometimes their words just stink. To his peeps he always stays near. Feeling there’s nothing to fear. Perry and Henson knowing who they serve. Real deal real cookie for who they deserve.

His TV show Haves and Have Nots leads the way. With OWN’s highest ratings is what they say. The third best scripted on cable. Coming from his ATL program stable. Distant past of his first stage play. Wasn’t well received but that was OK. Six year later through the doubt. Finding success beyond the drought.

Carved-out their own lanes as newbies. Now they’re swamped with product freebies. Going from early days on the block. To major brand identity hard knock. A lot like selling fruit or bread. Their brand in market lane of their stead. A bigger audience they now reach. A certain niche their favorite peach.

Henson wins TV Series Best Actress. Ready to grow newest fortress. Named USA Today’s Entertainer of the Year. Cookie Lyon for Times’ most influential flare. Cream rises to the top yet again. As they look back and remember when. More people to go from obscurity. Means more people achieve job security.

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Tip: The real deal in biz, on the block or in Hollywood is having a brand go from regular to spectacular.

Talkback: How does it feel seeing Perry and Henson keep it real by remembering where it all started?

Groove-Tracks: Kendrick Lamar – “Untitled 2” – https://youtu.be/iZJXvjeWlVA

 

Taylor Swift & Mary J Blige – ‘Doubt’ – https://youtu.be/GZ0474w66uw

This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

Justin Bieber & Drew Barrymore ‘Purpose’ Projects Move Performance to ‘Best Ever’ Yet – #BigTimeUniversity

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This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

LOL Tube – Got Funny?

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Uppertunity’ – Get Lifted!”
With Higher Hopes, Bolder Dreams and Greater Teams (Old-School Flava)

Justin Bieber says he’s in a new space. Drew Barrymore can relate. Last month Barrymore released the book Wildflower full of essays on her childhood. This month Bieber released his fourth album. Her book and his album are like ‘purpose’ projects for moving performance from ‘back then’ to ‘best ever’ yet!

Bieber in his ‘rebirth’ tells Billboard Magazine “It’s hard to make meaningful songs that make you want to dance because it can come off cheesy…I want my music to be inspiring.” He and Barrymore realize that as purpose flows in the veins of your project, work performance rocks to the beat of a different drummer.

The buzz is out on the album especially after he released 13 videos on Friday November 13th. His new music shows us how beat and bounce that come with ‘Purpose’ brings a new voice. This bigger voice has given his music passions a new stride and pop culture style. So purpose can dress things up differently.

His rebound is also about learning from past mistakes and moving forward in grace. The music has a new vibe that brings ‘swizzle’ which is like adding soul with your sizzle. Maybe he’s seen a caterpillar transform into a butterfly so he’s using purpose for achieving new breakaway highs to feeling blessed.

Bieber’s working on a mega world tour. Barrymore’s spreading her wings further. It’s as if with purpose in the mix comes new vision for getting past fears and leading fans to shift gears. They know whether in a butterfly, a flower or your wildest dreams, if purpose gets all up in it there’re more chances to shine.

Groove-Track: Jill Scott – ‘Blessed’ – https://youtu.be/jXeXV0vgrtY

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Uppertunity’ – Get Lifted!”
With Higher Hopes, Bolder Dreams and Greater Teams (New-School Flava)

Bieber says he’s in a new space. Drew Barrymore knows that place. She released book Wildflower last month. Full of childhood essays without the front. Bieber drops fourth album project. Filled with electric sounds and nugget. Using ‘Purpose’ to take a bet. Going from ‘back then’ to ‘best ever’ yet.

His rebirth fully on the way. Tells Billboard the music has something to say. Hard to make meaningful songs that pop. Can come off cheesy next to Hip-Hop. Wants music to inspire hope. Not only having tracks that’s dope. They realize as purpose flows in veins. Performance rocks to different drummer reins.

Buzz is out from on-air studio. Especially after November 13th video. New music shows how beat and bounce. Comes flowing with purpose ounce by ounce. A bigger voice in passion and stride. Grown-up flair that’s wicked and wild. So purpose can dress things up in its own style.

His rebound also about learning. From past mistakes and juvenile yearning. Music with a new vibe and ‘swizzle.’ By adding soul with the sizzle. As seen in caterpillar that transforms. Into butterfly and new norms. Using purpose for a new breakaway. And feeling blessed about life every day.

Bieber working on mega world tour. Hopes to pull the rich and help the poor. While Barrymore’s spreading her wings and allure. Purpose gives new vision for getting past fears. And watching global fans shift gears. Whether butterfly, flower or wildest dreams. When purpose up in it lots more happy screams.

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Tip: When purpose is all up in your thrill it brings new opportunities to rock, shine a light and chill.

Talkback: What song(s) on Bieber’s new album got you doing the dance or feeling for romance?

Groove-Tracks: Kelly Clarkson – “Breakaway” – https://youtu.be/c-3vPxKdj6o

Taylor Swift – ‘Wildest Dreams’ – https://youtu.be/IdneKLhsWOQ

This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

@TaylorSwift Turns ‘1989’ into a Celebration of Her Career And Pop Music Reinvention – #WUWECAST

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This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

LOL Tube – Got Funny?


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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Uppertunity’ – Get Lifted!”
With Higher Hopes, Bolder Dreams and Greater Teams (Old-School Flava)

The summer season’s in full swing. For some this means more sun and surf. For others it’s about concerts and cookouts. If there’s a ‘song of the summer’ stuck in your head, Taylor Swift understands. She’s turned her ‘1989’ album into a world-tour celebration of her pop music career reinvention.

As if to keep the party going, Swift has teamed-up with Keds footwear for a ‘Ladies First’ global rebrand campaign. Keds president Chris Lindner said it’s “A celebration of amazing women like Taylor Swift who are blazing new trails every day. From CEOing to BFFing, these ladies are doing it all.”

For Swift it’s just another example of what it takes to reinvent yourself. She started out her career as a country music artist. But she made the right moves to build her chops and rebrand her stuff in pop music. She might say it has been a journey of next step, then next chapter and arriving at the next level.

Her story has been one of learning from her mistakes. She spent a lot of time listening to music from before her time. That was a turning point for her next step in the creative writing process. Plus, when things went sour in her relationships she would just ‘shake it off’ and turn the page to her next chapter.

Swift says her music has been about “coming of age, maybe even coming undone.” Her reinvention has been about coming into her own. So here’s what execs’ quotes and celebs’ stories like Swift say about being career standouts or earning bonus handouts: Be realistic, pursue excellence, embrace greatness!

Groove-Track: The Heavy – ‘How You Like Me Now’

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Uppertunity’ – Get Lifted!”
With Higher Hopes, Bolder Dreams and Greater Teams (New-School Flava)

Summer season in full swing. For some surf and sun is their thing. With others it’s concerts and cookouts. Or watching the race car blowouts. If there’s a ‘song of summer’ in your head. Taylor Swift understands, enough said. Turned her ‘1989’ album into a celebration. Of world tour and pop music career reinvention.

As if to keep the party going. With lots more show-gigs flowing. She teams-up with Keds footwear. On ‘Ladies First’ rebrand affair. Company president thinks it’s the right time. Saying “amazing women like Swift blazing new trails” in their prime. “From CEOing to BFFing” in the mall. These ladies are doing it all.

For Swift it’s another example. Of a ‘reinvent yourself’ biz sample. Started out her career as a country singer. Then made the move to pop music winner. As artist she makes a song catchy. As country girl she keeps it on the happy. A journey going from next step to next chapter. With more clout in the game ever after.

Her story’s one of continuous learning. As well as a pay-grade of higher earning. Spent lots of time with music of the past. Became a turning point for songs that will last. A next step in the creative process of writing. Even if personal relationships weren’t biting. She’d just ‘shake it off’ for her next chapter turning.

Swift says it’s about coming of age. And coming undone without the rage. Reinvention’s been about coming into her own. And carrying herself in ways she’s grown. So here’s to execs and celebs stories on career standouts. Be realistic, pursue excellence and embrace greatness for bonus handouts.

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Tip: A good rule-of-thumb from Career Standouts: Be realistic, pursue excellence, embrace greatness!
Talkback: Who’s got a point in the twitter feud between Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj about the VMAs?
Groove-Tracks: Taylor Swift – ‘Shake it Off’

Mark Ronson ft Bruno Mars  – ‘Uptown Funk’

This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

Tracee Ellis Ross Gets Honorary Degree That’s Good for Brains, Beauty, Ballers, Beats – #WUWECAST

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This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

LOL Tube – Got Funny?

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Uppertunity’ – Get Lifted!”
With Higher Hopes, Bolder Dreams and Greater Teams (Old-School Flava)

It’s that time where people get to celebrate and elevate. A lot’s going on from the recording studio to the basketball court to the college halls. Taylor Swift is selling-out records. Stephen Curry is turning-out shots. And Tracee Ellis Ross gets an honorary degree. It’s all good for brains, beauty, ballers and beats.

Ross was ecstatic about the honor from her alma mater Brown University. She was among six alums who’ve ‘got game’ in their own fields. Her honorary doctorate degree was given because of her “grace, talent and strong sense of self, passion for self-expression, and pushing the boundaries of imagination.”

That’s true for Ross, the co-star of Black-ish on ABC. It might even carryover to others whose greatness is tied to the fact that they got goals. Just ask the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers who’re expected to meet in the NBA finals. Their sheer will and determination is nothing to hate but appreciate.

Curry returned to the court in game 4 of the Western Conference finals after a scary fall. Lebron James stayed on the court in game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals while battling fatigue and leg cramps. For Curry, James and others with next level dreams, it’s all about where their ‘A-game’ meets their ‘B-side.’

Taylor Swift from her recent Billboard Awards coronation is one of the hottest music artists right now. Stephen Curry’s got a champion’s heart after being named regular season MVP. For Ross, her honorary promotion to Ph.D. long after her own graduation is one that now allows her to be called Dr. Ross!

Groove-Track: Alicia Keys – ‘Empire State of Mind’ – https://youtu.be/iYmmh9zkpQM

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Uppertunity’ – Get Lifted!”
With Higher Hopes, Bolder Dreams and Greater Teams (New-School Flava)

Time for winners to celebrate. As rising stars get to elevate. Lot’s going on from the recording studio. College halls and b-ball courts in the barrio. Taylor Swift albums got the hots. Stephen Curry making impossible shots. Tracee Ellis Ross with honorary degree feat. Good for brains, beauty, ballers and beat.

Ross ecstatic about recent honor. Given by Brown University her alma mater.  Among six other alums who’ve ‘got game.’ In their own fields they’ve made a name. Honorary doctorate not at all about race. But for strong sense of self, talent and grace. Passion for putting imagination in its right place.

True for Ross, co-star of ABC’s Black-ish. And those masters of their own fetish. Might carryover to greatness on display. Tied to goals that will expire in May. Ask the Warriors or Cavaliers as expected rivals. Since they’re about to reach the NBA finals. Sheer will and determination simply crucial.

Curry returned to court in game four. Hoping to even the score. James stayed on court in game 3. Battling fatigue, leg cramps and making a plea. For Curry and others with next level dreams. It means playing ball like past championship teams. Where their ‘A-game’ meets their ‘B-side.’ And fans get to enjoy the ride.

Swift gets latest Billboard’s coronation. One of the hottest in music compilation. Stephen Curry can relate to music’s pop. As NBA regular season MVP he’s on top. So Ross gets promotion to Ph.D. rank. Nothing to do with sales in the bank. Now called Dr. Ross in some circles. Long after her graduation chronicles.

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Tip: When ‘A-game’ meets ‘B-side’ it lets you close your eyes and enjoy the ride.
Talkback: Rank order your pick for greatness: Stephen Curry, James Harden, Lebron James
Groove-Tracks: Alicia Keys – Mark Steele – ‘Greatness’ – https://youtu.be/AyguCQLzkaw

Gyptian – ‘Beautiful Lady’ –   https://youtu.be/F5JPxcypzHY

This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

Taylor Swift’s Music Career Had Something That the Tabloids Aren’t Talking About – #WUWECAST

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This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

LOL Tube – Got Funny?


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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Uppertunity’ – Get Lifted!”
With Higher Hopes, Bolder Dreams and Greater Teams (Old-School Flava)

Not many artists can say they’ve seen platinum three times in a row! That’s the case for Taylor Swift as her last three albums sold over one million copies. Her most recent album ‘1989’ was the highest selling album by any artist in years. Plus, her music career had something that the tabloids aren’t talking about.

Rolling Stones Magazine’s Rob Sheffield says Swift is a fantastic performer. Her songs come from the heart which is why her fan-club ‘Swifties’ so connect. Swift’s road to pop icon started out in country music. Her story gives a glimpse of career milestones that come from being real, ready and resolved.

At the recent ACM Awards, Swift’s mom gave props to her daughter’s rise up the charts and in the industry. The moment was full of emotion considering it was revealed that her mother’s battling cancer. In receiving the milestone award, both mom and daughter took time to cherish the journey.

It’s one where Swift had the chance to choose between trailblazing and farm-raising. She spent a part of her early years involved with tree farming. Along the way she developed her interest in music and performed on weekends. At age 14 her family moved to Nashville which was the start of bigger things.

Swift made news recently for pulling the plug on her relationship with the streaming service Spotify. She’s joining forces with Jay-Z’s Tidal Wave instead. Whether in business, sports or politics, tomorrow’s icons, moguls and mavericks get real, get ready and get resolve as a glimpse to their future career milestones.

Groove-Track: Rihanna – ‘American Oxygen’ –

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Uppertunity’ – Get Lifted!”
With Higher Hopes, Bolder Dreams and Greater Teams (New-School Flava)

Not many artists can say. They’ve earned music’s platinum pay. Taylor Swift did so and more. Millions of downloads from the iTunes store. Most recent with ‘1989’ album drop. And the hits just don’t stop. Highest selling album in years. Tabloids know something else but think who cares.

Rolling Stones Writer says Swift’s fantastic. As a songwriter she’s blog-tastic. Songs come straight from the heart. Is why fan-club ‘Swifties’ won’t part. Road to pop icon began in country. Now’s she’s selling albums in bounty. Her’s a glimpse in career milestone. Being real, ready and resolved down to the bone.

During recent ACM Awards shout-out. Swift’s mom gave props for her clout. Rising up the charts and into the record books. Industry leader in sales and image looks. Moment full of emotion as mom battles cancer. Swift in the audience the usual dancer. So mom gets to cherish success journey of her daughter.

Swift simply shows she’s a trailblazer. Choosing that over being a farm-raiser. Spent early days with growing trees. Now she lives large and smiles ‘cheese.’ Grew her music chops on the strings. From age 14 karaoke gigs to Nashville club flings. Now a bonafide celebrity doing big things.

Made news recently for pulling the plug. Spotify no longer gets a hug. Joining forces with Jay-Z’s Tidal Wave crew. That should give music lovers something to chew. Whether in biz, sports, politics or school. ‘Got next’ icons, moguls and mavericks know the rule. It’s real, ready, resolved so don’t be no fool.

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Tip: When all else fails just be real, go for what you want and somehow the rest falls in place.
Talkback: Do artists have a legitimate ‘beef’ about getting paid their fair share in royalties?
Groove-Tracks: Selena Gomez – ‘Love You Like a Love Song’ –   

American Authors – ‘Best Day of My Life’ –

This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

Ryan Seacrest Has Made a Name for Himself by Putting Heart into His Work Ethic – #WUWECAST

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This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

LOL Tube – Got Funny?

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Uppertunity’ – Get Lifted!”
With Higher Hopes, Bolder Dreams and Greater Teams (Old-School Flava)

The jury’s out on Jamie Foxx hosting the iHeart Music Awards. He’s taken some heat for his monologue jokes. The show saw Rihanna channeling Lil Kim. There were others who made headlines. But Ryan Seacrest has made a name for himself not just in showbiz but by putting heart into his work ethic.

Why wouldn’t people put this into their work or businesses into their brands? Southwest Airlines knows the importance of heart. They’ve added it to their logo and commercial appeal as the ‘dot’ in dotcom. Even iHeartRadio seems to have caught-on that the parent company changed names to iHeart Media.

Business leaders know it takes heart to captivate and soul to motivate. Maybe Taylor Swift and Justin Timberlake can relate. She received a few honors while he was named Music Innovator. Their body of work speaks for itself. Some might say she streams heart into her songs while he pours soul into his.

In words you’ve heard before, they know ‘all about that base makes top dollar.’ They connect their fan-base with music, fun and lots more. Who knew that Swift had such admiration for Timberlake? She could possibly be the next recipient of the Innovator Award (Well, Kanye West might have something to say).

As one of the few from the original crew, Seacrest keeps things ‘light and loose’ on American Idol. Swift keeps turning out #1 albums and Timberlake keeps delivering his music as ‘white soul.’ They all bring heart to the stage the way an athlete combines passion and grace within their greatness.

Groove-Track: Aloe Blacc – ‘I Need a Dollar’ –

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Uppertunity’ – Get Lifted!”
With Higher Hopes, Bolder Dreams and Greater Teams (New-School Flava)

Jury’s out on iHeart Awards host Jamie Foxx. Many not sure he knocked it out the box. Taken some heat for his monologue jokes. Didn’t go over well with some folks. Rihanna showed-up like Lil Kim of old. Others made headlines not as bold. Seacrest in the building with his heart. Work ethic sets him far apart.

Why wouldn’t people put heart in their brands? Opens the door to more buying hands. Southwest Airlines adds heart to its sleeves. As seen on its logo and pamphlet leaves. Commercial appeal to hit the spot. As seen in its URL dot. Even iHeartRadio on the same page. Changing its name on the main stage.

Biz leaders know heart helps to captivate. Then add some soul to motivate. Maybe Taylor Swift and Justin Timberlake can relate. As they cash-in the money plate. She gets a few honors as songwriter. He gets the press as Music Innovator. She streams heart from track to track. He pours soul like Aloe Blacc.

In words you’ve heard before. ‘All about that base makes top dollar’ the score. So they connect with their fan-base for sure. With music, fun and a whole lot more. Who knew Swift had such admiration. For Timberlake’s personification? Could be next Innovator star. Kanye West not ready to say she’s on par.

One of the few Idol originals. Keeps things light, loose, with the lyricals. Swift keeps turning out #1 songs. Timberlake fans think he does no wrongs. Music that’s kinda like ‘white soul.’ And comedy skits from his SNL role. Bringing lots of heart to the mix. An athlete’s passion and grace on the greatness fix.

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Tip: Where there’s heart like an athlete you’ll find passion and grace locked-in with greatness.
Talkback: Who’d you think should be the next host of the iHeart Music Awards?
Groove-Tracks: (Double-play for the Easter Holiday!)

Kanye West – ‘Heartless’ –   

Mary Mary – ‘Go Get It’ –  

This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

What ‘Whitney Houston Live’ Greatest Hits Tells us About Making it in Any Business

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In what league would you put Whitney Houston? Clive Davis believes she’s among the top three greatest songbirds of all times. He also included Aretha Franklin in that number. Davis recently worked to produce concept albums for both. So what does ‘Whitney Houston Live’ tell us about making it in any business?

Houston was discovered by Davis at a local NY club. He convinced her to sign with his record company. This led to an illustrious career that began with an appearance on the Merv Griffin Show. Over time people fell in love with Houston not just for her teenage charm but for her incredible voice.

The greatest hits album features some of her best-ever performances. The signature of Houston’s body of work is that she ‘owned’ her voice. That’s a simple distinction that made Houston rise to the occasion. Whether it’s singing or some other talent/gifting, making it in any business rides on ‘owning our voice.’

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Once Davis took Houston under his wings her career began to fly. Most people will point to a mentor or facilitator who played a major role in their exposure. Having the talent, training or capability is one thing. But it helps in getting a lift or related lessons from someone in the game, with elevating your name.

There’re many recording artists who started out as background singers. There many business executives who started out as company regulars. Many individuals helped pave the way for those who would rise to their own greatness. Plus each person had to do everything in their power to embrace their dream.

The music business has seen a lot of change in recent times. We’ve gone from cassette to vinyl to CD to streaming music. The one thing that hasn’t changed is the song structure. That usually follows the pattern of verse, chorus and bridge. The verse might be simple, the rhythm groovy and the chorus catchy.

The bridge is about taking the song to another level. Becoming a hit beyond the music business involves a bridge too. It could be a bridge from setback to comeback. It could be a bridge from underdog to top-dog. That’s how getting to the next level as an artist or in any other career field includes a bridge.

Taylor Swift made news for her recent album with platinum sales in the first week. While she takes a stand against music streaming services, she’s someone who’s made it big at a young age. Swift reminds us of Houston for how she has owned her voice, embraced her dream and can ‘take it to the bridge.’

Footnote: Every ‘greatest hit’ song has a bridge and every successful person has a game-changing moment for taking it to the next level.