Wishing you continued success, prosperity, love and happiness!

Cheers to 2010!

Bless, Rae

MY GOODNESS!

2009 was quite the year for Politics, Music, Fashion, Movies & Pop Culture. I couldn’t possibly cover everything in great detail so I have decided to create a list of “Stand-Out” Moments that really caught my eye.

POLITICS

The Election of Barack Obama: Whether you voted for him or not, this moment is historic. President Obama is not just the first black President but he is the first President of color in the history of our great country. Whenever I see him, Michelle, Malia and Sasha, I can’t help but smile and be proud. Black, beautiful, successful smart, strong, selfless and loving. And they had to round things out with the cuteness that is Bo. Simply fab!

The Confirmation of Judge Sonia Sotomayor:

In May of 2009, the nomination of Judge Sotomayor by President Obama to the US Supreme Court came with much controversy but she was finally confirmed in August 2009. What a proud moment for women and both the Latino and minority communities.

MUSIC: Discoveries, Releases and Comebacks

Beyonce’s “Single Ladies”: Love her, hate her or love to hate her, Beyonce is a bad mamma-jamma! She made you look, listen, and shake your bootie to “Single Ladies” and if you weren’t moving you were talking about it. Hands down one of the hardest working women in the biz…there is no denying her fierceness!

Rachel Walker, “Walk With Me”: You didn’t think I would not include myself on my own site did you? For real though “Walk With Me” is my first project and one that I am very proud of. If you’re looking for some ‘Sweet Soul’, you need this album in your ipod. “Walk With Me” is available on iTunes and CD Baby!

The Return of Maxwell: Aside from Maxwell being my boo in my head, I was blown away by “BLACKsummers’night”. After an almost 8 year hiatus, he claimed the #1 spot on the music charts. His organic and sensual voice coupled with musical richness on his album is so refreshing in the age of over-producing, voice coding and Auto-tune. And he definitely made sure that he matched his sound with some shall I say “interesting” visuals in the “Bad Habits” video. Yea…ummmm…ok then Maxwell.

Sade’s “Soldier of Love”: What can I say. “Soldier of Love” is stunning. Very engaging, romantic, and raw. Sade’s sound is consistently breathtaking. I can’t wait to hear more of the album when it drops in February 2010.

Whitney Houston: Hooray-hooray the Diva is back! Her story reminds me of how incredibly human we are no matter how much success we have attained. Seeing her triumph over all of her challenges is encouraging. All the best Whitney.

Michael Jackson: The sudden death of Michael Jackson was devastating. Say what you want to about him, no one can deny his musical genius. His voice, creativity, philanthropy, choreography and musical influence will live on forever.

Despite his many troubles in life, no one can take away the profound imprint he has left in the world of music and entertainment.  Rest in peace King!

Jay-Z’s “Blueprint III”: People talk a lot about this and that, but Jay-Z continues to prove his relevance on his latest project. I like how Jay-Z keeps it 100% hip-hop, gimmick free and real.

Susan Boyle: Now whether you are a fan or not, her story is undeniably magical. Su-Bo demolished all the stereotypes of what an artist should be: model-perfect, skinny and young. She is breaking all types of records and barriers and proving that it is never to late to live a dream.

Lady GaGa: She is bold, over the top, and borderline crazy…and I luv it! She is so bizarre that I don’t always get it but I can admit, she has an amazing voice and is a very talented musician. Not even the elaborate masks can hide all that talent.

Britney Spears: Wow! She has made it out of the storm. For a minute we thought that she was certifiably crazy but she bounced back and proved that despite a lip-syncing tour, she is a force to be reckoned with. Happy endings can be interesting too hugh?!?

Alicia Keys’ “Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart”: I really dig this song and it was definitely one of my favorite singles this year. I like the breathy and vulnerable sound in her vocals coupled with the heavy percussion. It sounded like a movie soundtrack or the score to a dream sequence. Anyone who has every been brokenhearted can relate to this one right here.

“WOMP-WOMP” MOMENTS…A.K.A.: Disappointing Moments of 2009

The Chrihanna Debacle: I was highly disappointed in this domestic violence case. Abuse of any kind against a man or women is wrong. In the same breath, it brought domestic abuse into the light. I hope that both Chris and Rihanna can recover from this. After all, they are young and gifted and have time to learn from their mistakes. There should be NO taking sides on this issue.

Kanye West at the VMA’s: I’m a Kanye fan but what he did to Taylor Swift was just wrong. I get his passion but to disrespect another artist who rightfully deserved the accolades she received was just plain unacceptable. Kanye, I dig your passion but don’t forget that there are artists from other genres who you may not be friends with who also deserve their time to shine. Still luv you though boo-boo.

The Back-breaking, Wallet-straining Recession: WOMP-WOMP! NUFF SAID!

MOVIES:

“The Princess & The Frog”: Finally! Disney’s first black princess. My heart is overjoyed for all the little black girls who now have a princess to identify with. Even a grown women like myself, was tickled pink to see Princess Tiana in all of her black beauty. Even though she was a frog for the larger half of the film I still say kudos to Disney!

“The Twilight Saga”: I have to admit that I am super late with this. I just didn’t get all the chaos surrounding these movies but I finally saw the first two installments and now I kind of get it. The movies were ok. I did find myself breathless and swooning like a 16 year old over the two male leads, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner. I get it now…but I still can’t decide if I’m Team Edward or Team Jacob.

“Precious”: I read “Push” by Sapphire a few years ago and it was extremely intense and disturbing but in a very profound way. I was nervous about the movie but found myself deeply touched by the characters and the message. This is not just a black film. This is a human film. I recommend everyone see it no matter what your ethnicity is.

FASHION: The Year of the Blinged-Out Bodysuit

Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Beyonce nailed this look from head to toe. Every time you saw them in concert or in a video, they were wearing one. Now ladies, as fabulous as this looks in costume, please don’t wear this look to the club. I don’t care if you have a body that would make Sasha Fierce look shabby…DON’T DO IT!

HAIR: The Year of the LaceFront Wig, Partially Shaved, Bald & Pixie Hairdo’s

A women’s hair is her crown! My hat goes off to these ladies for representing all these styles to the fullest whether we thought it was just way too much, way too little or just plain crazy! Rock-on my sistahs…Rock-on!

2009 gave us oh-so-much! What do you think was THE “Stand-Out” moment of 2009?

Hello Everyone!

The season for family, friends, food, shopping and traveling  is finally here! Retail and online stores are busy with customers checking off their gift lists and children everywhere are writing up their wish lists for good old St. Nick. It appears that not even a recession can change the spirit of the holidays. I’m certain that this year is tougher than previous years but it will take much more to eliminate hope.

I wanted in on the action so I have decided to create my very own ‘Holiday Wish List’. Here it goes in no particular order:

1. A Navigation System. I have had some “interesting” times getting to and from neighborhoods in Queens and Brooklyn, New York by car. Makes me miss the New York City Subway system.

2. An Actual SALE at the Apple Store. Do they come out with new gadgets every week just so that they don’t have to have an actual sale? As soon as you purchase your discounted i(product) you are 2 models behind and soooo not cool anymore.

3. A duet with Ne-Yo. He is one of my favorite male artists. It would be so cool to collaborate with him and I have the perfect song I wrote for us to sing….OK NE-YO! SO CALL ME IF YOU READ THIS! OK BOO-BOO. LUV U!

4. Viva la Discounted MetroCards for Students. Isn’t raising the subway fare enough? Now the MTA is going to make it more difficult for NYC kids to get to school. Have a heart MTA!

5. Paved Roads in the NYC. Boy has my car been through some drama this year with all the nooks and crannies in the roads. I hope that it can make it through another 6 months. Talk about a concrete jungle!

6. Continued Album Success. I lived my dream this year with the release of “Walk With Me”. I have been touched by all the feedback and support. I’m excited about all my upcoming shows and all the projects I am working on for 2010.

7. America’s Patience. Let’s not loose faith in President Obama so soon. Did we really think that all the country’s problems would go away after 100 days. I mean really!?! As long as he continues to do his best to make our country better, I’m still on board.

8. World Peace. I know it sounds like a predictable, beauty pageant answer but it is extremely relevant. There is always a price to pay in war no matter what side you are on.

9. Social Networking Site Consolidation. I have lost track of all the accounts I am active with. One status update a day feels more like ten!

10. Debt Elimination. Another predictable one but I know you are all saying a collective “AMEN” with me on this right here.

So tell me…What’s on your Wish List?

Bless, Rae.

RACHEL WALKER ANNOUNCES LONG-AWAITED DEBUT ALBUM RELEASE

“WALK WITH ME”

LP Delivers A Unique Blend of “Sweet Soul” R&B, Jazz And Hip-Hop Music

Tailored for Global Audiences

NEW YORK CITY – December 2009 – Rachel Walker, an independent singer, songwriter and producer, today announced the release of her highly anticipated debut album entitled “Walk With Me”. The record offers a sophisticated sound that is best described as “Sweet Soul,” a harmonious mix of R&B music accented by smooth jazz and hip-hop influences.

“Walk With Me” provides a glimpse into Rachel Walker’s world as an independent woman and recording artist living in New York City. Her vivid storytelling and sultry vocals take audiences on an impassioned journey of relationships, love, pain and hope. She draws creative strength and inspiration from her travels across the globe – from Russia to Ghana, London to the Caribbean – experiencing new ideas, people, sounds and cultures.

“Growing up in New York has been a major influence on my appreciation of people and music of all kinds,” said Rachel Walker. I am inspired by the real life experiences that make us who we are: all the highs and the lows. My hope is that people of all backgrounds discover a little bit of themselves in my music and my journey.”

Released fall 2009, “Another Story” was the first single released from “Walk With Me”. The song and video capture the essence of Rachel Walker’s spirit and identity as a multitalented recording artist—underscoring her ability to draw in audiences with rich and melodious vocals, inspired lyrics and exceptional production abilities.

“It’s Over, I’m Gone” is the second single to be released from “Walk With Me”. The song was written by Rachel and is aimed at mainstream R&B and urban radio audiences. It tells the story of a woman who is reclaiming her strength and independence from a relationship that has run its course. The video for “It’s Over, I’m Gone” will be released in winter 2010.

Rachel Walker has performed at numerous venues across the New York tri-state areas and is preparing for a promotional tour to support the release of “Walk With Me”. For more information visit www.rachewalkeronline.com. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/raemelrockswell.

About Rachel Walker

Rachel Walker is a multi-talented singer/songwriter/producer whose music is best described as “Sweet Soul”. Her debut release “Walk With Me” offers an eclectic and harmonious blend of classic R&B music infused with sophisticated jazz and hip-hop influences. Rachel’s music will touch the hearts, minds and spirits of diverse audiences across the globe with her music and passion for love and life. “Walk With Me” is available on iTunes ® and CDBaby.com

World AIDS Day Ribbon

Hey Everybody!

This is reminder that today is World AIDS Day. I encourage you to tell a friend and know your status. For more information about World AIDS Day and testing sites in your area please visit: www.worldaidsday.org

Bless,

Rae