Editor's Note: VACATION.

Hey guys. Sorry for the lack of content! I've been on vacation and EXTREMELY busy traveling for interviews (wish me luck!) However, expect lots of new content this week!

-XOXO
Jessika

Beyonce adds 14 new tour dates to the Mrs. Carter Show

Mrs. Carter is adding dates to her critically acclaimed and sold-out tour, including a new date in her home town of Houston, Texas. Beyonce's new album has yet to receive a name or release date. Her husband, rap mogul, Jay-Z's new album drops July 4th.

Sneak Peek: Amazing Art in South Houston

This weekend, I was driving around looking for something to film/shoot and I came across this amazing graffiti art. After talking to the shop owner, I plan on writing and shooting a piece for the blog. Here's a sneak peek at some of the art there: [photo credit: Jessika Davidson]

 

We almost had it all-What happened to R&B?

In the 40s and 50s, we had jazz. In the 60s and 70s, we added soul and funk. Then soul and funk blended with the then emerging genre Hip-Hop in the 80s and introduced us to the "modern R&B" we came to love. Sorting through my email this morning, I found a press release for a Mint Condition concert in Houston this weekend. Known for hits like Breaking My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes), and What Kind of Man Would I Be, lead singer Stokley Williams' unique voice quickly pushed their albums to Gold in the early 90s. But what happened? They had nearly a 7 year gap between albums, and their music of the new millennium has yet to leave a lasting impact.

Unfortunately, there are several groups and musicians from the 90s that are no longer relevant to the music industry. The 90s were a time for Black renaissance, we had billion dollar urban clothing companies, several leading black sitcoms, hip hop had re-invented itself with the introduction of gangsta rap by the group NWA, R&B artists were touring the world, topping the charts, and sweeping award ceremonies. We had several girl groups that belted out ballad after ballad; including Brownstone, En Vogue, 702, Total and Xscape. Young R&B Songstresses like Monica and Brandy had every girl pairing up to do their rendition of The Boy is Mine. Jodeci and Dru Hill made hits for the heartbroken, the in love and the "in lust" crowds. R. Kelly was on the top of the game, releasing multi-platinum album after album. Mary J. Blige was labeled the "Queen of Hip Hop Soul" and had women everywhere-both married and single singing the lyrics to I'm Going Down. In the mid 90s, the birth of Neo-Soul brought us artists such as D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, and Lauryn Hill's solo career. Remember in 1998, when Lauryn Hill's The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, a perfect blend of hip hop and R&B and widely renowned as one of the best albums ever crafted won 5 grammys in one night? What happened?

If you follow music, it seems that the turn of the new century left R&B on its death bed. In the early 2000s, very few of these artists and groups were still thriving, if they were even still making music. However, it seemed we had a new line-up of R&B artists waiting to take the torch and run with it. Houston group Destiny's Child with lead Beyonce released The Writings on the Wall and Survivor between 1999 and 2001 and the albums collectively sold 22 million. Rolling Stone regarded Survivor as one of the best albums released in the past decade. Usher, a young star coming into manhood at the beginning of 2000, released two critically acclaimed albums- 8701, which sold close to 5 million copies and the praised Confessions in 2004, which is certified diamond, and is the second highest selling album of the 2000s to date. Beyonce even released her own solo R&B album in 2003, Dangerously In Love, her best selling album to date, which sold 317,000 copies in its first week. R&B seemed to be in a good place. Even black boy bands did well in the early 2000s, with groups B2K and B5 creating a fan base of extremely loyal girls (I was one of those screaming tweens in the crowd) and even creating a culture around boy bands, which including movies such as You Got Served.

But over time, groups broke up, personal demons came before the music, limewire and napster severely damaged urban sales, the demand for beautiful ballads about love died, new genres emerged to be top sellers, such as the "crunk" music of the mid 2000s, or the club bangers that sell now. Also, artists  "evolved" away from the genre; mostly for preserving their spot and relevance in music. Usher makes hits for techno clubs in Miami now simply because they sell. Beyonce isn't even R&B anymore. She's just...Beyonce. Her music is its own, but a far cry from the strong R&B feel of Dangerously in Love. R&B fans are seemingly left with a nostalgic dream of what used to be. They have to turn on their Pandora to re-live the "glory days" of R&B.

Of course, every once in a while there is a glimmer for R&B. Ne-yo released three albums in the past decade that were reminiscent of 90s R&B before taking the Usher route to techno club hits. Maxwell released Black Summer's Night Dream in 2009 to an audience missing his sound and did very well. We even have newcomers to be thankful for. Miguel, Frank Ocean, and Luke James, just to name a few are the new school of this genre. But even their music crosses those blurred lines of what it means to be an "R&B artist".  Are they enough to uphold R&B?

The solution to our problem is obvious but hidden. Just like shows like the Game, Tyler Perry's House of Pain, and Let's Stay Together won't bring back Girlfriends or hold a candle to Martin or Fresh Prince, it's highly unlikely that R&B will make such a large comeback. Black TV has resulted to web series, which have great writing, great actors, and a huge following. The secret to the next "goldmine" of R&B music, like Black TV, and hip hop, lies in the underground. Check out your local or indie R&B artists. It's our job as music enthusiasts and consumers to find what's missing in this disappearing genre.

BREAKING: Soprano's Star James Gandolfini dead of heart attack at age 51

rest in peace.

'Girl Meets World' gets the greenlight from Disney

The highly anticipated Boy Meets World spinoff will be on Disney in 2014. 

Described as “a comedy series for kids,” the show will reunite original cast-members Ben Savage and Danielle Fishel, as on-screen sweethearts Cory and Topanga, and follow their tween daughter Riley, played by Rowan Blanchard. 

Fans have been buzzing about the ’90s sitcom reboot since news of the pilot broke late last year, with plenty of speculation about which BMW castmembers would be reprising their roles. So far, that includes William Daniels, who will be returning — at least for the first episode – as Mr. Feeny.

Other fan favorite alums of the show have tweeted photos of them on set. 

Personally, im excited. Disney will become relevant again, as they haven't had a super "hit" show since Hannah Montana.

Jay-Z to release new album 'Magna Carta Holy Grail' on July 4th with Samsung Deal

No one can me more hype about this than me. At the end of the second quarter Heat vs. Spurs NBA Finals game on Father's Day, Samsung released a commercial announcing Jay-Z's new album release in a partnership that will make Jay-Z $5 million dollars richer before the album even drops. Samsung purchased 1 million copies of the new album as part of the promotional deal.

The countdown is here. 18 days until Magna Carta Holy Grail.

Peep the commercial below:

Yeezus is here.

(Click the photo for the link. You're welcome.)

Yes. It leaked.

It was inevitable. Unlike Watch the Throne, which was a digital only release in its first week, and Jay and Kanye made sure NO one on their close knit team leaked it (can you say engraved rolex watches for the production team?), Yeezus leaked only hours after making it to the stores prepping for its official release on Tuesday. I found a link immediately and began the long process of analyzing the album. Trust me, I'm not going to spoil your listening experience.

Its hard to form your own opinion among Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook (even though facebook is surprisingly quiet about it...chunk it to the fact that facebook is the "senior citizen" of social media in a sense.) comments about the release, but lets face it; it's impossible not to talk about the album. First, lets give a round of sarcastically-laced applause to those "true" fans who refuse to listen to the album until Tuesday. By the time you get around to hearing the 10 tracks, the hype will be dead and all we will be talking about is soundscan numbers.

Now, lets get to the music.

The production is genius. Its a reduced rendition of your typical Kanye. While, MBDTF was full of perfectly placed strings, wood instruments, percussion, and some of the most famous singers singing BACKGROUND vocals for the album ('All of the Lights' had 11 superstars singing vocals...can you name them all? Thought so.), Yeezus is the anti-MBDTF. Expect bass, and raw, clear cut vocals. Kanye is in a dark, but creative space with this album. It's gritty, it's nasty, it's fresh, it's everything.

For those of you turned off by the "lack" of production, you will get your share and some on my favorite track, Blood on the Leaves. Who else but Kanye can put together Nina Simone and C-Murder samples and turn it into the perfect track? Some other favorites are New Slaves (of course) and I'm In It (because im nasty like that).

If for some reason you are waiting for Kanye circa 2004 (College Dropout era) to appear on this album, prepare to be disappointed. Also prepare to be shocked: no one is popping their collars up anymore and we have a black president now. In other words, College Dropout Kanye metaphorically died YEARS ago, and it now the year 2013 A.D. This is the most honest Kanye we've ever gotten, and dare I say it, his most "real" album. No apologizes, no fitting a mold, no barriers. Its the level artists of all mediums hope to get to; the point where they can literally create anything and create such a strong following/hype.

Beware: Yeezus is not for everyone. Is it my favorite kanye album? No. Hell No. That doesn't make it any less amazing. It is an acquired taste. My overall rating, an A-. Yes, im greedy and I can't give an album under 12 tracks (no matter how amazing) an A+. And, at the risk of being persecuted, I think Yeezus lacked a track. I don't know what I was expected to hear from the album, but the album left me with a strange feeling that one of those tracks that were left on the cutting room floor could have completely changed the album. But eh, that's just my intuition-who knows.

The official release date is next Tuesday, June 18th. Yes, I will be at my local Target to buy the album.

And no: I will not do a full review of Born Sinner. It was a straight album. Really good production. One problem: J.Cole was on it. As always I wanted other artists to do every song.

And for those Houstonians disappointed with the city's choice to shut down the New Slaves projections two weeks ago, Yeezus is gracious enough to try it again with several locations. Let's be progressive Houston, because I'm trying to scream 'YASSSSSSS' in downtown houston tomorrow night. Here's the screening locations:

9:30 p.m.: Houston Public Library
10:30 p.m.: TOC Bar
11:30 p.m.: Stereo Live
12:30 a.m.: 407 Main St.
1:30 a.m.: 2401 San Jacinto

The discouraged journalist.

This might come off as a rant.

I got into media (I spent almost three years in the science/pre-med field in college) because it is truly what I love to do. I get excited at the idea of putting a good news piece together. My learning didn't stop when I crossed the stage last year. I still watch newscasts and listen to radio shows, both locally, nationally and some international to keep abreast about what is going on in the art of television and radio news/production. I have applied to EVERY entry level and junior level position in radio and tv (and some in PR) in my state. For the jobs that do contact me, I get "entry level" pay offerings, some that equal less than $1200 a month for producing positions that are seven hours away from where I live. As a recent graduate and passionate journalist, how am I supposed to live off the salaries they are offering. No, I didn't get into journalism to get rich, but I also didn't expect to pay for 4 years of college, come out with an impressive resume, a hunger to work, student loans to pay, and still live below the poverty line.

Unfortunately, minority owned companies, both in Houston, and in the US, rarely hire entry level applicants, which I think is a disservice as well.

I beg of stations to employ new grads, or least consider us. Our age, and experience has little to do with our skill set. It is easy to become discouraged, but I have to remember, as a double minority in the media, that I have to stay in this field, because we need representation!

Sigh. I just wanted to give my readers a peek into my current struggles.

OWN-TV Casting Call

Oprah Winfrey's network- OWN is having online casting calls for Houston's aspiring makeup artists and hair stylists. If you have a bright personality, big dreams, and a desire to be taped on your journey to your dreams, visit the website and fill out the "casting call" form. Make sure you have photos or videos of yourself that represents you.

Here's a little more on who they are looking for (from the OWN website):

Do you have dreams of a career in the beauty industry? Is there a hair stylist or make up artist inside of you yearning to come out? Are you currently enrolled in or planning to enroll in beauty school? We are documenting for a television series the experiences of students, 18 years or older, working toward a cosmetology license at a beauty school in Houston. You will be responsible for tuition, however, some financial aid may be available to qualified students. 

We are seeking vivacious, animated individuals living in Houston, Texas who are truly passionate about their future and the beauty industry. Are you amazing and fabulous with your own unique style? Do you have big dreams of being a success one day?  If so, we want to hear about it!

Good luck to all the contestants!

My favorite two "new" social networks.

For anyone who reads my blog, knows me personally, or can just get a sense of who I am, I LOVE everything media. That means I try to keep abreast of things, like new social networking sites, that I can use for my benefit. Let me introduce you to two that I believe are creating a stir:

1. Paper.

This website, which doubles as a social media site (well I consider it to be one) allows you to "publish" your own paper. The MCMXC Daily is my personal paper, and it has everything from top stories to funny features, to entertainment reports. [MCMXC is the roman numeral for 1990...the year I was born]. Your paper can have an array of topics as well. Not the writer? Don't worry, you can use other sources as "contributors" to your website. Just type in your favorite news source (ex: CNN on twitter) and voila! You have a paper! Interested in checking Paper out for yourself? Visit their website. 

2. Kumbuya

Kumbuya is a social network that i stumbled upon via craigslist. Confusing huh? Well, while looking for a job, I read about the site and decided to check it out. Kumbuya allows you create moderate, and join "communities" based on your interests. There you can create discussions, polls, share advice, and start a conversation with people all around the world who share similar interests. I personally joined a natural hair community and a fashion blogger community. Does that interest you? Well start now by clicking here. 

MEME of the Week: Drake and Miguel

The billboard awards just aired a few hours ago. Miguel, excited from the crowd's reception to his performance leaped into the air, landing on two women. It looked like a banned WWE finishing move. I immediately screamed "lawyer up" to the girls. (It was later reported that both girls were okay...hmm, I still smell a lawsuit)

And drake, well he was being drake. Earlier this week, he was spotted channeling his inner Quentin Tarantino, wearing a DADA jersey with black pants and black timbs.

Aubrey....where are your friends?

This is the photo that started it all:

Now the photo has went viral, and amateur photo editors have turned into a meme phenomenon. 

Peep some of my favorites below:

Kanye West Album Title and New Music Released

The man everyone loves to hate is back with new music.

Arguably one of the most controversial artists of our generation, Kanye West has announced that his new album "Yeezus" will be released June 18th. This album, along with the birth of his first child with Kim Kardashian, will be the talk of the summer. 

And in true Kanye fashion, he released his first new song (not sure if it will be a single yet) "New Slaves" feat Frank Ocean in a guerilla style projection on several buildings all over the world.

Here's the video:

I LOVE IT. (and I love the video projection concept)

And last night on SNL's season finale, he performed a new song- "Black Skinhead"

he also tweeted the lyrics. (follow kanye here.) 

Of course, I am kanye FAN, so I love it all. However, I am wondering about the racially charged lyrics, especially for these to be his first two singles. This will either be a selling point for some, or another reason to come together to hate kanye.

Will you be in line on June 18th to get the "Yeezus" album?

Kim Kardashian? Where are your friends?

Friends...how many of us have them? When I see fashion no-nos like the one pictured above, my feelings get hurt. And in the case of a multimillionaire public figure, I have to ask the whereabouts of Kim's friends when she got dressed today. Kim Kardashian actually had a job (shocker!) as a stylist pre-Ray J home movie, and normally her style is on point. However, Kim's style has gotten worse in the last year. 

Now I LOVE Kanye (probably more than I should admit) but his choice to dress Kim Kardashian in the beginning of their relationship received plenty of side eyes and sent Kim to the worst dressed list in the magazines and on the blogs. And since announcing her pregnancy at the end of last year, her taste in fashion has declined and she is officially one of the worst dressed pregnant women I've ever seen in my life.

Pregnancy is a beautiful thing, something to be embraced. Kim-you've spent most of your pregnancy looking incredibly uncomfortable, squeezing into dresses WAY too small for you, and sticking to your 4+ inch heels all the way to term. You don't have to let yourself go by any means, but at this stage in your pregnancy, it is perfectly fine to pair some nice sandals or flats with your dress (which is one of her better looks to be honest). 

I beg of you Kim, speak to your sister Kourtney, who gracefully went through her pregancy looking chic and flawless every month. You can salvage this last month of your pregnancy, I believe in you.

What to Do May 17th-May 20th.

Houstonians, its that time again...the beloved Friday. So you just got off your job and you're looking for something to do? On a budget? Don't worry, I am too so everything on here is SUPER affordable. Here's to the weekend. Go explore.

FRIDAY

LEGOKidsFest May 17th-19th 

Photo courtesy of legokidsfest.com

Okay, besides the occasional step on a Lego that feels more like a bullet wound than anything else, you've got to admit, Legos are really cool. For those children at heart, or those of you who have kids to entertain, take them to the reliant center and let them loose! Now why would I recommend this as a Friday activity? Welp, unfortunately the Saturday event is closed because the tickets sold out. Friday and Sunday have limited availability. Prices range from 15-20 bucks and bring 10 dollars for parking. Buy them here before its too late.

Rat Ranch Band-7PM
Baker Street Pub 
10001 Westheimer

So european mock architecture not your thing? No kids to take the LegoFest? Or would you rather just have a drink [I mean you have been working all week] No problem. Rat Ranch, a band that does 200+ shows a year and covers a variety of music from old rock to today's big hits will be performing at my favorite pub-Baker Street. It's free to get in of course, but eventually you will want something to drink. Not to worry, Baker Street won't break your bank. They have some of the BEST happy hour specials in the city that promise to make your Friday weekend kickoff a good one.

SATURDAY

Houston Press BrewFest
3-10pm
Silver Street Station, 1500 Silver St.

Beer. 


That's all I need to say, but for those of you who want the intimate details, here's the info [directly from the Houston Press]: More than 30 brews are on tap, including the wildly monikered Hookibah IPA from Crazy Mountain Brewing, and Big Sky Brewery's Moose Drool Brown Ale and Trout Slayer Wheat Ale. Spoetzel, Texas' favorite brewery son, also brings along Shiner Wild Hare, Shiner Premium, and Shiner Ruby Redbird. Cheers.

Okay, here's the catch. These tickets can get pretty pricey. But I couldn't possibly leave the brewfest off the list of things to do this weekend. You can get tickets for as low as $30 or get some VIP treatment for $70. For more information, call 713-280-2400.

The Ensemble Theater Presents: RACE

Saturday shows- 2pm and 8pm

3535 Main St.

 In this telling must-see drama that addresses both race and rape-two highly charged topics with strong opposing views are put together. In this David Mamet play, a white man is accused of raping a black woman, leaving it to lawyers of both racial backgrounds to argue his fate. The Audience is left to form their own opinions. This play will definitely spark conversations. Oh, and sidenote: I've NEVER been dissapointed by the Ensemble. To purchase tickets (which range from $12-$20) visit their box office.

SUNDAY

Houston Greek Fest 2013
St. Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church

1100 Eldridge Parkway 

For 18 years, the Greek Festival has brought a touch of Greece straight to the Bayou City. The annual event features live Greek music, authentic cuisine, live dancers, an outdoor marketplace, art, and plenty of family-friendly activities. One if the event's highlights is the gyro eating contest on Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are only $3 (not including parking fees, if applicable) and proceeds go to support the Greek Orthodox Church.

Throwback Thursday.

circa 1992. 

Looks I Love: Solange slays the red carpet at Cannes

Hometown girl Solange tore up the red carpet last night at the premiere of this summer's must-see, The Great Gatsby in a Stephane Rolland Fall 2012 Couture sheer gown. 

Here's a side by side comparison to the gown on the runway.

Love it.

And if you haven't gotten your Solange fix just yet, check out her stunning spread in Complex Magazine.

 

Houston Style Magazine-Trendspotter Monthly Summer Series.

Ah, summer in Houston. My favorite time of year. In addition to preparing for the ridiculous heat wave that hits Houston towards the end of this month every year, there will be some added heat in Houston courtesy of Houston Style magazine. Houston Style, a local magazine that has catered to Houston's African American community for over 20 years is collaborating with Macy's to launch the trend spotter monthly event. Guests will enjoy a fashion industry experience packed with networking opportunities, refreshments, and styling tips, all while enjoying the mood created by DJ Fanci. This is a must-attend event for Houston's fashion forward. This month's event supports local non-profit Team Gini. For more information follow Houston Style Magazine on twitter. I'll see you there!

SAVE THE DATE!

When:May 21, 2013

Time:6-8pm

Where: Macy's Galleria

2727 Sage Road, Houston, TX 77056

Re-branding.

“The phoenix must burn to emerge.” 

― Janet Fitch

Any of you that have followed me in any capacity in the last three years knows that "The Jessika Show" is a brand that I've had for years. It started as a play off the critically acclaimed movie The Truman Show, where a man is in search of himself after finding out everything he thought he knew was a false reality. (And that's about all you need to know about the movie...but you should still see it.) Over my college years, it became an outlet; a diary of everything from my first college party, to greek life, dating in college to cafe food. 

That blog as you know it died last night. This new direction for The Jessika Show has been in the making for months, even though the turnaround seems to be only 24 hours. Exactly 5 months ago today, I graduated from SFA and left the security of the mass communications department and the piney woods of Nacogdoches to head back to Houston-eager to find a job in media. Although i've had some freelance breaks here and there, a radio show (on AM radio...but radio none the less), and some promotional jobs for local media outlets, I have yet to find a media outlet-print, digital, video, etc that wants to take a chance and hire a recent grad with a passion for writing, video, social media and her hometown.

So this blog is one of necessity, in more ways than one. First, I feel the need to write more than ever. I want to become better.  I want to go out and take (more) photos of the city I call home and have them published. (Yes, I cannot wait to find more vintage [and somewhat creepy] collectibles on Montrose, as you see in the title photo). I want to introduce my generation- the young 20-somethings,  to more than the clubs downtown. Houston is vibrant, fun, full of art (and amazing local artists) all waiting to be discovered. And i want to discover it all.

Secondly, (and by the way, this sequential order reminds me of elementary essay writing) I want to get hired. Okay, im sure there was a much more "eloquent" way to say it, but its the truth. I am one of the people naive enough to still believe I can follow my dreams [and thrive] in this "recession". So if doing what I love[writing] in the city I love [houston] will get me there... well, that's amazing. 

The Jessika Show relates to The Truman Show more now than it ever did. I've finally removed the rose colored glasses that were my college years to find out life post-grad isn't the perfect reality I thought, and was told it would be. But life is still good. Now it is time for me to venture out and find myself.

Who better to take on the ride than you?

Welcome to The Jessika Show.

[rebranded.]