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?