American Boy Bands: Where are they at?

Boybands- smooth dance moves, crazy styles, gelled hair, epic hand-ography and of course amazing voices (*cough* and bodies *cough*).
Need I say more? These past couple of years have been rough for boybands in america, especially seeing as we have almost no boybands that are still together (there is bigtime rush and Jonah's brothers who are more pop but that's another story). Anywho, America has seen some new movement in the mystical world of boyband-land which lets us know that boybands aren't dead they were simply hibernating (for a long time lol). Who are these bands?

~*~Brutha- could be named a modern day version of the Jackson 5, these brothers have been making ripples in the R&B charts since their debut in 2008 with "I can't hear the music" with DEF Jam records. They have all the right ingredients of a great boyband and their latest single "One Day on this Earth" really shows that these boys have one objective- serenade the ladies! Be on the look out for their sophomore album "Vacancy" which has songs written and produced by R.Kelly. I'm sure it will not disappoint!



~*~ Dru Hill- That's right Dru hill is back in action! This veteran boy band has finally made its way back to the R&B scene with their new single "Love MD". Their powerful love song shows without a doubt that they still got it, swag, dance moves and all.

~*~ Jagged Edge- Jagged Edge is still tearing it up on the charts. Their newest album "The Remedy" is set to drop in store September 28th and they recently released their newest single "Lay you down". This band has been in the music game since the 90's and they continue to put out smooth R&B hits that their fans adore. Keep your eyes open for their new album!

~*~ Day 26- We saw this band's formation and rise to fame on P. Diddy's show "Making the band 4". Throughout all the hardships and drama they continued to make amazing hits, and definitely left their mark on the music industry. They released their 2nd album "Forever in a day" last year and are working on their latest album "A Brand New Day". The new album does not have a official release date as of yet however I'm sure many of their fans are eagerly awaiting more news about the band's activities. Day 26 reportedly as changed from P. Diddy's Bad Boy label to Atlantic Records after the release of their sophomore album "Forever in a day". They have also lost one of their members, Que, and so they are now down to a 4 member band. I'm not sure what the future holds for this band, but hopefully with all the changes they will be able to persevere and continue moving forward in the music industry.

~*~ NLT (not like them)- This boyband is unfortunately no longer together, however they were such a talented group of entertainers that I felt it was necessary to add Them to the list. These four boys really brought fresh talent to ther Music scene, with songs written by Marques Houston, beats by Timbaland and choreography by Shaun Evaristo. However due to song leaks online this band wasn't able to release a full album, their singles ("That Girl", "Karma", "He said She Said are still worth listening to if you haven't heard them before. Although NLT isn't together, the members are still doing things in the entertainment industry: Travis Garland is now a solo artist/songwriter and Kevin McHale is a star on the popular show "Glee".

~*~Travis has been doing remixes and releasing songs on youtube and was recently discovered by Perez Hilton. And then was given the opportunity to perform his newest single "Believe" on American Idol. Check out his work on youtube and twitter!

Well that's all I have on american boys bands (or the lack thereof). There is still a lack of boy/girl bands in american music industry, why I'm not sure. But if anyone has any other artists they would like to recommend feel free to let me know!

Music Comebacks!

Hello everyone,

It's been a while! I hope everyone has had a great summer! I had a very busy summer filled with summer research and graduation parties and packing (lots of packing!). I'm currently in bloomington, IN starting graduate school this fall in Audiology. Classes just started today and I must say I'm excited :-). If your a student like me I wish you all luck on the upcoming semester!


Hopefully you have had your ears open to recent movements onto the R&B scene. A great album that was released this month is "Intimacy" By KEM. KEM produced his second album in 2005 which climbed to the top of the charts and won him Best Adult R&B single of the year at the Billboard Music Awards with his song "I can't stop loving you". Intimacy continues his R&B legacy with his single "Why Would You Stay" reaching number one on the billboard music charts and Itunes overall album charts so I would hurry and grab his CD while supplies last. He is an amazing artist who has the ability to move his listeners through his powerful lyrics and his soulful tones. He always records with a live band which really brings his music to life no matter where you happen to be when you are listening to him. He is currently on tour so check out his website at musicbykem.com and see if he's coming to your city!


Hopefully you have had your ears open to recent movements onto the R&B scene, especially artists that have been making a comeback. The first one I want to talk about is the come back of Maxwell with his album "BLACKsummers'night" which came out in July of last year. This album not only showcases Maxwell's amazing voice but reveals a story that every listener can relate to. Maxwell has been off the music scene for 8 years and has finally made a stunning comeback with the installment which is the first off a trilogy. I have been a fan of his for a while and I know first hand how hard Maxwell has worked on this album from reading his blog on Myspace. It was set to be released in 2006 however the album was pushed back, giving Maxwell more time to really craft and shape this album to what he wanted it to be. After 8 years, BLACKsummers'night was well worth the wait! So keep your eyes and ears open for his next two installments and feel free to visit his site at www.musze.com.

Some other artists that have made a comeback this year include Jaheim with his album "Finding my way back", Erykah Badou with her album 'New Amerykah, Part 2: Return of the Ankh', Toni Braxton with her comeback "Pulse". 2010 has been a good year for comebacks, but its not over yet! Keep your ears open to whats coming out in the future, I will talk to you guys soon!

~Sadé

Sade's new album "Soldier of Love"

After 9 long years the Queen of Soul has finally returned with her new album "Soldier of Love" which is like a breathe of fresh air. Her music is so unique and awe inspiring it has continued to be played on radio stations long after last album came out in 2000 (Lovers Rock). After almost a Decade, it seems like we have been holding our breath until this moment. Her music and unique style is still as moving as it was ten years ago, and I for one am glad she hasn't changed at all! Being Named after this singer I naturally grew up listening to her songs and I can remember being moved by her sultry voice and powerful lyrics. Although younger people may not be as familiar with her music, people of all ages and backgrounds can relate to her tales of Love, Loss, Happiness, regret. Her voice paints a color palate of Life and everyone can find a piece of themselves in it. I am so glad she has finally come back to claim her throne as Queen of Soul, and I hope she will continue to bless us with her music.

Sade's full name is Helen Fulasade Adu and she was born in Ibanda, Nigeria and raised in Cholchester, Essex. She was born to a English mother and Nigerian father and listened to soul artist like Curtis Mayfield, Donny Hathaway and Marvin Gaye. She first came on to the music scene with "Your love is King" in 1984 which became a top ten British hit and launched her into the spot light. After her first album Diamond Life, she went on to make 5 other albums which rose straight to the top of the charts. After a break to focus on her family and personal life, Sade is back with her same style that has moved people's hearts since the 80's. This 50 yrs old Soul Diva continue's to shine and has just released a new music video for her single "Soldier of Love". Click here to Check it out!

10 most memorable Kpop Music Videos of '09

Hello everyone,

I thought I should start off the new year with a quick recap of 2009! It was definitely full of skinny jeans, leggings, crazy hair changes and catchy songs and dances! Here is a list of what I believed were some of the most memorable music videos of 2009. This was not an easy list to come up with but I tried my best :-). Well here goes!

10) Wondergirls- "Nobody"

This ladies have taken Korea, and the USA, by storm with their infectious songs, and catchy choreography. No one can forget the "nobody but you" dance because its simple and easy and kind of gives you a warm fuzzy feeling after you do it. They aren't my favorite band (mainly because a) their songs are average at best and b)they look exactly the same which kind of freaks me out) but I can't deny the affect these wanabe quintuplets have had on the Kpop and american pop charts. The music video is entertaining with its Dreamgirls like stage and costume set and of course producer JYP providing the comedy relief. Everyone has hopped on the Wondergirls train (whether they wanted to or not) so why not hop on for a while? Here's the link, enjoy!

9) Big Bang & 2NE1- "Lollipop"

Who knew a music video for a cellphone would be so popular? YG entertainment's Big bang and their new band 2NE1 pulled a captain planet and combined to form Korea's most colorful music video ever! The song was good too! This music video has really demonstrated how Kpop fashion has changed drastically (exhibit a: dara's outfit and hair). But after you get over the initial shock of the bright colors, the music video is entertaining and the choreography is refreshing :-). The song is catchy and fits the music video perfectly. And even makes you want to buy the phone...except its only sold in Korea. Prepare yourself for a onslaught of great music and shiny colors! Take that lil wayne, you're not the only lollipop in town! :-P Enjoy!

8) Super Junior- "Sorry Sorry"

Can you count how many members there are? yea me either :-P. This choir fraternity, I mean boyband has been making quite the impact in the Korean pop community, especially with their video "sorry sorry". But coming from the same label as powerhouse bands DBSK/TVSQ and SHINee, it isn't surprising. This small army of boys are talented, bilingual and look great in black and white. This music video is definitely memorable if not for their sheer number, but for their crisp choreography and GQ poses. Enjoy!

7) 2pm- "Again & Again"

JYP entertainment has done it again! This now 6 member group as bust on Kpop scene with their smooth vocals, crazy choreography, and even crazier gymnastic skills. This video is most memorable for the dancing, especially the tutting and the crazy flip jaebum does at the very end! They are very entertaining with their dramatic poses, hip hop skills and soul-full lyrics. Check em out! Enjoy!

6) Super Junior- "It's You"

This is one of the most memorable music videos that Super Junior made last year (besides Sorry Sorry of course) mainly because this video really showcased their talents individually and as

a group. And they had some great choreography to top it off. The video as a whole really captures the meaning and emotion behind this love ballad. Let this mini fraternity serenade you in a way that only you can feel! Enjoy!

5) Wheesung- "Insomnia"

If I could sum up Wheesung's singing in one word it would be phenomenal! This R&B king deserves every spot on this list, however he only came out with one in 2009 so alas I must only allot him on spot lol. This song is actually a remake of the song "Insomnia" by UK artist Craig David, and Wheesung does a great job at remaking the lyrics but keeping the original emotions intact. This Music video is very interesting with its black and white color scheme, and seeing Wheesung in sunglasses and a black suite is definitely a treat. here's Insomnia, enjoy!

4) BoA- "Eat You Up"

BoA is an amazing artist who has been on the music scene since she was in her teens. She is a great singer and amazing dancer who has made her mark in Korea and Japan and she has finally made her way onto the American Pop Charts. This video really show cases BoA's dance skills as she pops and locks her way throughout the set. This video is memorable because of not only the crisp choreography but the bold lyrics that go along with them. BoA is really a Chameleon in the pop world, fitting into any language, culture and style she puts her mind to. Here's BoA's Eat you up, enjoy!

3) G-Dragon- "Heartbreaker"

GDragon is the infamous leader of the Korean Boy Band named Big Bang. Heartbreaker is the first single from his solo album Heartbreaker, and he has definitely made this one of the most memorable music videos of all time, if not 2009. With his platinum Blonde hair (dyed just for this album I might add), unique clothing style and artistic dance moves GD has definitely made a wave in the Korean pop charts that will be felt for a long time. GDragon has finally revealed his amazing song writing skills and of course his natural charm in this music video and you cannot help but be sucked in to his world. Although his album has caused a lot of controversy, no one can deny GDragon's talent for entertainment! Enjoy!

2) Tae Yang- "Wedding Dress"

Tae Yang is the Prince of R&B with his smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Not to mention is amazing dance skills! This music video really showcases His Solo talents and puts together a story that keeps you wondering until the very end. Tae Yang knows how to create narratives through his music, most illustrated by his first solo single "Look only at me". You might want to put this music video on repeat because the song is catchy and addictive! Tae Yang is also from the Korean Boy Band BigBang and I'm sure he has made his fellow members proud with this heart felt ballad about Love Lost. Here is the R&B master himself, enjoy!

1) 2PM- Heartbeat

This music video is the most memorable one of 2009 because of the special affects, costumes, choreography, lyrics, color scheme, hair styles, and over all entertainment quality of the video. If this was a drama, it would definitely be number one. This band has been through a lot of controversy, especially with the loss of their leader Jae Bum who opted to quit and move back to the states. Although they are leaderless, their talent as a group continues to shine strong as they paint a portrait of love and heartache with this amazing ballad "Heart Beat". Enjoy!

Iris ~*~ "24 meets the korean peninsula"

Iris (아이리스) is one of the most popular Korean Drama's to come out in 2009 with its intense action and tear jerking plot. With actors Lee Byung Hyun (G.I Joe), Kim Tae Hee, and even T.O.P (Big Bang), this drama kept viewers at the edge of their seats every step of the way. But don't fear die hard fans, although this drama finished in december there will be a season 2 coming soon!

Genre: Action, Mystery, Romance, Thriller

Film Date: October 2009

Synopsis: Kim Hyun Joon and his best friend Jin Sa Woo are recruited into South Korea's top secret government organization called NSS (national security system) and become agents sworn to protect the national security and interests of the South Korean Government. Sa Woo and Hyun Joon also end up falling for the same girl, Choi Seung Hee a talented profiler and an agent who also works for he NSS. Everything changes when Hyun Joon is then sent on a dangerous solo mission to Hungary, to kill a high official from N. Korea. After being injured after the assassination Hyun Joon calls for back up from the NSS but is denied it. Instead his best friend Sa woo is sent to kill him. After being betrayed by his agency and seeing his love Seung Hee's car blow up before his eyes, Hyun Joon goes on a revenge mission to find out the mystery behind his past, who set him up and about the mysterious group IRIS.

Audience: Not suitable for younger audiences due to the violence, but can be enjoyed by both men and women alike :-)

Overall rating: 10/10 with some kimchee on the side. The plot was amazing; add together guns, car chases, crazy technology, secrets and a love triangle and you get a burrito of drama yummyness.

*drum roll* Introductions!

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Hello Everyone! My name is Sadé (Pronounced Sha-day) and I am a senior in College finishing up her degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. I am excited to become a part of Sugar Gamers and I hope this blog will be useful and entertaining for all of those who choose to view it. I am a fan of games (of course!), anime, manga, Asian dramas, movies and music along with a whole list of random things! I plan on sharing all of my randomness with all of you and I hope you enjoy! Feel free to comment :-)

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