59th Annual Grammy Awards: A Night in Review

If you weren't able to catch the 59th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 12th, then I've got a short little highlight reel for you. Let me disclose that we here at OTE are a family with similar values and ideals, but my opinions on the night are strictly my own.

Let's get started!

While there were many moments throughout the evening that were beyond fantastic, these were the few that stuck out in my mind. For a full list of winners, performances, etc., feel free to visit the official Grammy website which will be linked at the bottom.

Adele

Talk about a grand opening! Everything about the opening musical number was flawless; her dress, her voice, and her all-around presence. Let's not forget her incredible rendition of George Michael's Fastlove for his tribute performance. She gained even more respect from me (and I'm sure countless others) when she stopped in the beginning of the song to do her version, and the late British singer justice. Adele is the epitome of class. Don't worry, girl. No one's knocking you for swearing. Or breaking your award for Album of the Year in half. But more on that later.

Chance the Rapper

I will be the first to tell you that I'm not a huge fan of rap music. As a musician, I hold an appreciation for every genre of music, and attempt to dip my toes in the water of each, but I've never really heard anything by Chance the Rapper. That all changed after his acceptance speeches and performance. So many rappers come off as vulgar and uneducated, but this man is an exception to the game. I respect anyone who uses their music to give glory to God, and recognizes where they come from. Curse that damn play-off music though. I understand that a timeline needs to be kept, but let's not be rude, Recording Academy (or whomever runs the show).

Beyonce'

If you're a fan of the public-proclaimed 'Queen B' then she was EVERYTHING. However, if you're like me, and don't really stand behind the hype, then the performance was at a level of understanding that went way over your head. I will give props where props are due. As a fellow expectant mother, I couldn't have done what she did. Performance wise or vocally. I have a hard enough time holding a conversation standing still let alone singing while sitting in a chair leaned backwards damn near parallel to the floor. I will not neglect to mention that she looked stunning. Bey wears pregnancy well. And her reaction to Adele literally splitting her award for Album of the Year? You can't tell me she's not a humble woman.

Collaborative Performances

I'm going to make this short and sweet because I could go on forever on why some of these performances made me want to throw something at the TV.

1. Kelsea Ballerini and Lukas Graham: It's a no from me. At least on the mash-up aspect of it.
2. Lady Gaga and Metallica: Gaga is my QUEEN. Once the technical issues were fixed, I rocked out.
3. Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood: Love them as individual artists, and a collboration between the two sounded like a Godsend. Until I actually heard the song. What the hell happened to Country music?
4. Maren Morris and Alicia Keys: SO. MUCH. YES. A hometown sweetheart plus my vocal idol. Perfection.
5. Prince Tribute: Genius. Look it up. You won't be disappointed.
6. Bee Gee's Tribute: I mean, it wasn't bad. Wasn't the best. Legendary vocalists paying tribute to a legendary band.
7. Tribe Called Quest and Busta Rhymes: One word; Magic. #Resist

James Corden

Quite possibly my favorite British person who wasn't at one time an official member of One Direction. I loved him hosting the Tony Awards last year. I thought his opening bit was genius, the bit with his parents was hilarious, and incorporating his trademark Carpool Karaoke was amazing. I say we give him honorary American citizenship, and let him and Jimmy Kimmel alternate on hosting everything for the rest of their existence. 

Recap

Adele was the definition of class and humility, Beyonce slayed, Chance the Rapper killed, and James Corden was remarkable. It was an incredibly entertaining night of music, and recognizing the past, present, and future pioneers of the music industry. Looking forward to next year.

For a full list of winners, highlights, and performances, visit the official Grammy website at www.grammy.com

Album Review: A Seat at the Table

by Kirsten F.

“Fall in your ways, so you can wake up and rise.”

I don’t know about the rest of you, but I have had Solange’s new album “A Seat at the Table” on repeat since it dropped the other day. I’ve always been a massive Solange fan, ever since her first album. I admire her style, how she carriers herself and how she lets her black girl magic shine so brightly. “A Seat at the Table” is a mixture of eclectic beats and mellow vocals. With features from artist like Lil Wayne, Kelly Rowland, Q-Tip and many more. This album is a sure fire chart topper (which it is by the way it’s currently number one on The Billboard 200 chart). 

With hits like “Cranes in the Sky” and my personal favorite “Rise” Solange’s new album is a masterpiece. Like her sister Queen Bey’s album “Lemonade” Solange’s music is rooted in southern black culture. Solange has a voice that makes you feel as if you’re on the top of a mountain dancing in circles. Her smooth vocals will have you drift off into a day dream of sunflower fields and mimosas. While it brings out those feelings of being a carefree black girl. It also reminds me of Sunday night dinners growing up, having the entire family over and each person in their assigned seat laughing and enjoying fellowship. 

There’s so many layers to being black, and “A Seat at the Table” dives into every single one. The struggles and the magic that we experience as black women is something that not everyone understands. That’s why this album is so needed it tells not just her story, but all of our stories. 

I’ve always been a highly influenced by Solange and her creativity. How her mind works to create albums, video, shoots, and her fabulous website Saint Heron . She is constantly setting trends, pushing boundaries with her style, and her bold personality. She truly outdid herself with the visuals for “Don’t Touch My Hair” and “Cranes In The Sky”.  A range of brown and black folks wearing so many vibrant colors, beautiful scenery, and eccentric choreography these videos have also been on repeat. As a creator myself, I thrive off of amazing visuals, and Solange has captivated me with her creative thought process.  

If you haven’t listened to “ A Seat at the Table” please do yourself a favor and get some culture in your life. Let Solo lead you down a path of blackness, magic, and pure imagination. 

What Makes 'Hamilton' the Best Musical for Our Generation.

by Emery C.

“I mean come on, Angelica Schuyler going toe-to-toe with Nicki Minaj? Thomas Jefferson dropping bars like Slim Shady? “

I’m a ‘90’s kid which, in my opinion, is hands-down, the best decade to have had your childhood. We are the up-and-comers; the future leaders of our nation and the world. So, among all of the drama and struggle that the world is going through, there’s one thing that brings us together: music.

Over the past month I have been unapologetically obsessed with ‘Hamilton: An American Musical’ written by none other than the eloquent Lin-Manuel Miranda. Don’t believe me? Watch his acceptance speech from the 2016 Tony Awards.

I have never been a major history buff. In fact, I had to repeat U.S. History in high school. So how did a Broadway musical drive me to learn the history behind the American Revolution, and inspire my now in-progress historical fiction novel about America’s first great sex scandal (ahem, The Reynolds Pamphlet)? The music.

“We are the up-and-comers; the future leaders of our nation and the world. “

‘Hamilton’ tells the story of America’s first Secretary Treasury, Alexander Hamilton. The intro tune alone tells his childhood history as an orphan raised in the Caribbean, and his journey to New York. From then on, each song pans out his life; meeting his “frienemy” Aaron Burr, his battle buddies, becoming George Washington’s confidant, meeting his wife, making his way into politics, and eventually his death. I don’t want to give too much away, but you can stream the Original Cast Album on Spotify for the full effect.

Lin-Manuel Miranda was somehow capable of capturing this history lesson in Hip-Hop and R&B music perfectly. Even if you’re not a fan of rap music, it’s more than just grown men and women spitting rhymes. There’s emotion, heart, and soul throughout every song. It’s unlike any musical you’ve ever heard before. I didn’t grow up in a family that appreciated the theater, but being in fine arts programs throughout high school and college opened up my eyes to a world of storytelling I didn’t know existed. For those people out there who aren’t immersed in the arts like I am, ‘Hamilton’ is still an experience that will change your life.

Even if you’re one of the poor unfortunate souls like me who can’t make it out to a Broadway show, the soundtrack is good enough. Lucky for us, PBS will be airing a recorded version with the original cast this fall. There will even be a mix-tape of the musical released. A mix tape! What other musical have you heard of can successfully do that?!

“There’s emotion, heart, and soul throughout every song. “

Another perk of this great cast and ensemble is that a majority of its members are people of color. Yes, imagine the founding of our country being placed in the hands of Latinos, African-Americans, and people of mixed race. It’s glorious. I mean come on, Angelica Schuyler going toe-to-toe with Nicki Minaj? Thomas Jefferson dropping bars like Slim Shady? That alone should make you want to listen, and after, you’re going to want to read up on details of people you may have never even heard of (someone get me an #AndPeggy beanie immediately).

Yes, Les Miserable, Rent, Chicago, The Color Purple, Dream Girls, etc. are some of my favorite soundtracks to listen to. They all tell incredible stories surrounding the lives of impeccable characters who teach us valuable lessons, but not many of them take the facts of our nation’s history, and apply them into terms that our generation uses and understands. Not to mention it applies to everything that is happening in our world today.

If you haven’t yet, listen to this soundtrack and absorb its information. Stream it, download it, YouTube it, whatever you need to do to get this cultural experience. Allow yourself to listen. That would be enough.