Kiely Williams, former Cheetah Girl and 3LW member released her song ‘Spectacular’ earlier this week with it’s accompanying video which has since started a firestorm of criticism around the blogosphere - including here. In defense of her ‘art’ (or lack thereof) Kiely released a YouTube video (below)defending herself as an actress and *cough* musician (term used lightly).  In addition, the following comments appear on her Youtube page, both of which I will address:

“ATTENTION: I am an actress and performer. I have been so since my first role in a television pilot at five years old. I played a character when I was a Cheetah Girl. I am playing a character in the music video for the song Spectacular, as I did in the Cheetah Girl movies.

The fact is, that sometimes women get intoxicated and have unprotected sex. My video puts this issue front and center. It is absurd to infer or suggest that I am condoning this behavior. Are Lady Gaga and Beyonce advocating murder with the Telephone video? Of, course not. Was Rihanna encouraging suicide with Russian Roulette? No. Was Madonna suggesting that young unmarried girls get pregnant with Papa Dont Preach? I dont think so. Is Academy Award winner Monique a proponent of incest because of her portrayal of Mary in the movie Precious. Clearly, the answer is no.

I wrote Spectacular and made the video to bring attention to a serious womens health and safety issue. Dont shoot the messenger.“

Here’s the issue: THERE IS NO MESSAGE. At what point does she denounce said behavior? There is no “WRAP IT UP” message following this low budget video clip. Clearly the lyrics say she got drunk, possibly drugged, met some random guy, sexed him raw and you know what? The sex was spectacular! If that’s not a convincing argument for other girls to try it I don’t know what is. And with HIV/AIDS rates at worldwide record highs, is this really responsible?? I think she wants to say there was a message behind it NOW, to cool the flames. The fact is, if it had caught on, she would’ve run with it. Kissing a girl and liking it has nothing on making yourself available to any number of venereal diseases and HIV/AIDS. Kiely, Cheetah Girl or not the fact remains that you are a recognizable public figure, most importantly you’re recognizable to CHILDREN. Hence, you have a moral obligation to them, your fans, the reason you are what you are. Maybe the director didn’t get your vision, because there was no message that this behavior is unsafe. If this was your idea of musical SARCASM, let me be the first to tell you it’s a #FAIL. I think you purposely did this to get folks talking, and for a limited time it worked. But you’ve also turned us off to any future music you will release. Shock value only gets you so far. That Spectacular crap doesn’t need defending statements or videos, it needs an APOLOGY.

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Wondering where some of your favorite artists were when the remake of We Are The World was being re-recorded? Well, some of them were on Team Cowell with the American Idol judge doing a charity version of R.E.M.’s Everybody Hurts. This video is moving and heart-stirring in the most emotional of ways. The song features vocals from Leona Lewis, Jon Bon Jovi, Susan Boyle, Mariah Carey, Kylie Minogue, Michael Buble, James Blunt, Miley Cyrus. I read on MSNBC this morning that Cowell’s charity single is outselling We Are The World. Pardon me for not realizing it was a competition but if I must say so myself, even with it’s flaws We Are The World – 25 For Haiti is a better single. Watch tthe video below and I’d like to know your thoughts, which single do you prefer? Click here to purchase Everybody Hurts on iTunes and donate to Haiti.

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Let me begin by saying, that 3 minute clip that aired on TV does NOT serve the song justice. The full version is better, but does not top the original.I love the fact that Janet was chosen to re-sing Michael’s original part, and I thought Jennifer Hudson, Josh Groban, Celine Dion, Adam Levine and Pink shined graciously throughout. I also enjoyed Mary J. Blige and Kanye West’s lines towards the end.

I have a problem with the fact that this became a free-for-all. Artists who haven’t contributed any meaningful work to the world were invited to participate like Nipsey Hussle, while artists who define our generation like Beyonce, Ne-yo, and Alicia Keys are not in this version. Why was Justin Bieber given the opening when he’s barely released one album or proven himself as an artist that will last??  Then you have the auto-tune, and although IT has come to play a major part in today’s music, it was over-used by Akon, Lil Wayne, and T-Pain. The rap part should’ve been cut altogether, (with the exception of Kanye’s lines) right along with Wyclef’s off-key wails. I look at this version and compare it to the great talent gathered for the original and I cringe. This was, in many ways, a letdown and a disgrace.

I think it’s still important to support the song as it serves a larger purpose than just receiving our critiques. Help the folks of Haiti, even if you don’t like this re-make. Read the rest of this entry »

I’m really excited about this song and I’m really hoping it comes out as great as the original. Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson, Toni Braxton, just a few of the powerhouse vocalists on this track. I’ll try not to pre-judge this song by who’s there/not there and just let the final product speak for itself. The proceeds from this version of We Are The World will go to Haiti relief and it will be available next week folks!! Video after the jump… Read the rest of this entry »

Yet another amazing performance from last night’s Hope For Haiti Telethon. Justin Timberlake teamed up with singer/amazing songwriter Matt Morris to deliver this rendition of a classic… Check the video after the jump Read the rest of this entry »

Christina Aguilera delivered chills and goosebumps to the entire world when she unveiled her new single, Lift Me Up penned by herself and longtime collaborator Linda Perry. The song is set to appear on her new album, Bionic tentatively scheduled for a Spring release. I can’t stop listening to this song… it touches the soul. You can pre-order the Hope For Haiti album which will have all the charity singles on iTunes Read the rest of this entry »

This monster of a song was unveiled last night during George Clooney’s Hope For Haiti Telethon (video and download after the jump), which featured performances from some of today’s top music stars while the Hollywood A-Listers took calls from donors around the world contributing to this massive effort. Swizz Beatz produced this track and it’s awesome! Totally appropriate and perfect for the time. Again, the Yele Haiti banner is at the bottom of this post and at the top of the main page, click it to donate. Read the rest of this entry »

Melanie Fiona has joined the ranks of many other artists who are actively encouraging folks to give back to the Haiti Relief Efforts. Here, she did a short version of Bob Marley’s Redemption Songs, recently covered for this same cause by Rihanna. Click the Yele Haiti banner below to donate. Read the rest of this entry »

Say what you will about her version, but in this video Rihanna does the song some absolute justice! I’m glad she chose this song to do because it’s so meaningful and you can tell she feels it. I really enjoyed her vocals and I could feel her emotion as she sang it on Oprah yesterday. Again, this is a charity single to assist with Haiti relief efforts, so click here to purchase it on iTunes! Shouts to UrbanMusicDirect for the vid kid! Read the rest of this entry »

Amazing how artists are pulling together for the stricken country of Haiti in their time of need. Here, Rihanna covers a Bob Marley classic, Redemption Song, and all proceeds from the sale of this single will go to Earthquake Relief efforts in Haiti. Stream it here (after the jump), but be sure to purchase the song on iTunes, RihannaNow, and Oprah.com. and continue to do your part to help the folks in Haiti! BONUS: She will also perform the song live today on Oprah! Read the rest of this entry »