Blogcritics Author: Clayton Perry

Under the Radar (Summer 2008)

Clayton Perry — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:53:46 EDT

Looking for quality music? If so, check out Clayton Perry's listing of overlooked gems.
Good music is hard to find, especially when "real" artists are "ignored" by mainstream radio. Here's a listing of ten albums (and thirty singles) that have fallen under the radar.Adele - 19Although "soul music" originated in the United States, over the past decade, the genre has failed to make much headway in...

Interview: Prima J - Pop Music Duo

Clayton Perry — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:48:09 EDT

With over six million views on YouTube, Prima J has built one of pop music's largest online fan bases.
In the cutthroat world of music, the pleasantries of business are rarely a family affair. But when the going gets rough, Janelle and Jessica Martinez find comfort and strength in each other.Collectively, these first cousins are known as Prima J. And while the duo's name hides their individual personas, their differences make quite a dynamic...

Interview: Adele - Singer and Songwriter

Clayton Perry — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:41:15 EDT

The British press has hailed Adele as the "new Amy Winehouse."
Although "soul music" originated in the United States, over the past decade, the genre has failed to make much headway in mainstream radio outlets. How ironic, then, that one of America's greatest previous exports is now being imported by a small cadre of young British chanteuses. Of these women, Adele is the most promising.The...

Interview: Lalah Hathaway - Singer and Songwriter

Clayton Perry — Tue, 8 Jul 2008 07:48:42 EDT

As the daughter of Donny Hathaway, one of soul music's eternal legends, the expectations placed upon Lalah's career have been extraordinarily high.
When your last name is Hathaway, there is a certain degree of attention that inevitably follows you, especially in the world of music. As the daughter of Donny Hathaway, one of soul music's eternal legends, the expectations placed upon Lalah's career have been extraordinarily high. In spite of such pressure, she has blazed her own trails...

Interview: Keli Goff, Author and Political Analyst

Clayton Perry — Mon, 7 Jul 2008 04:08:44 EDT

Keli Goff has emerged as one of Washington's key political commentators, serving as a regular contributor to CNN, FOX News Channel, and Bloomberg Radio.
In days gone by, politics was a game that only men were allowed to play. But today, women have gained access to the political arena in every dimension. One of these women is Keli Goff, who has emerged as one of Washington's key political commentators and serves as a regular contributor to CNN, FOX News Channel, and Bloomberg Radio. Although...

What the Housing Crisis Can Tell Us about Racism, Sexism and Homelessness

Clayton Perry — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:40:58 EDT

With regard to housing in our nation today, it is undeniable that inequalities exist. So how can the playing field be leveled?
By Lisa Swanson of the NUBIANO Exchange Over the past decade, the United States has seen many instances of housing injustice which have disproportionately affected blacks, women and low-income families. From the escalating subprime mortgage crisis to dwindling units of affordable housing, from increasing gentrification to decreasing funding for...

Interview: Farrah Gray - Author, Philanthropist, and Real Estate Entrepreneur

Clayton Perry — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 14:36:45 EDT

At the age of 14, Farrah Gray became a self-made millionaire, despite being raised in the impoverished South Side of Chicago.
In America, anything is possible. All naysayers should consider the life of Farrah Gray.At the age of 14, Farrah Gray became a self-made millionaire, despite being raised in the impoverished South Side of Chicago. In less than a decade, his entrepreneurial talents have allowed him to oversee a $30 million asset management company, become a...

Music Review: Anthony David - Acey Duecy

Clayton Perry — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 03:18:02 EDT

Hopefully, Acey Duecy will foster a new "golden era" in modern soul music.
Have you ever noticed that most people don't catch onto certain things until they are dropped upon their heads like bags of heavy bricks from the tops of the highest buildings? Then and only then, in that moment of clarity, do the objects of focus become so apparent that hindsight not only lends 20/20 vision, but also spotlights that which...

Music Review: Ashanti - The Declaration

Clayton Perry — Sun, 8 Jun 2008 01:20:33 EDT

The Declaration reminds us why the world fell head-over-heels for Ashanti in 2002.
Few items carry the "declaration" title well. There is, of course, the Declaration of Independence, along with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. And there is also the Declaration of the Rights of Man. Such powerful examples may exaggerate the level of boldness Ashanti would need to title her fourth album the Declaration, but when...

Interview: Kerli - Singer and Songwriter

Clayton Perry — Sat, 31 May 2008 15:17:45 EDT

Daring, edgy Love Is Dead shows new music is alive.
How Kerli Kõiv—a blonde-haired singer from Estonia—landed an audition with L. A. Reid is beyond comprehension. Her debut album, Love is Dead, however, will make the world readily welcome similar cases of happenstance.Few artists leave a lasting impression, especially on their major label debut, but Kerli’s coming is seven...