Sizzling Hot Summer Soundtracks and New Music for 2017

My 500th posts for my blog cannot believe it. So let's kick this summer off right. I love music as many of you know. So I had to dig into the summer's hottest new artist and singles of the 2010's. 2017 is shaping up to be a great year for music in all genres.  There are a lot of artists out there who are new, who are up and coming who I have been wanting to write about for a long time. I have been discovering some new artists a long the way too. So who are my new it people for 2017….Quincy he is the son of R& B/Soul singer, Al B Sure and gorgeous model, Kim Porter it does not take a genius to know who’s son he is at all.  You see the resemblance right away. The next person I chose she’s a newcomer to the game but she’s a business woman, new reality television star on VH-1 Network’s “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, Tammi Rivera Malphurs she’s the wife of rap star, Waka Flocka but she also has this amazing voice and a new hit single called “All these kisses” too. The next person is model, singer, actress, television host, Rita Ora she has this powerhouse voice and I really wanted to discuss her sophomore album on the rise. Next person is Bryson Tiller, the new lothario and R&B and Hip Hop artist he’s been around for a few years and is making his way on the airwaves. You know I love my music especially when I am traveling to work, on vacation, at the beach, even when I am relaxing love to hear what’s current, what’s happening and what  music I can connect to with people.

Will he follow in his father’s footsteps…and be the New prince of R&B?

Tammy Rivera with her husband, rap star, "Waka Flocka Flame"

Rita Ora at Fifty Shades Darker Premiere 2017

Tammy Rivera, from Love & Hip Hop's : Atlanta 

Bryson Tiller's new album cover, "True to Self"

Rita Ora's first single, "I will never let you down"

Rita Ora's "Your Song" (2017)

Quincy Brown son of “Al B Sure” and Kim Porter has stepped into the spotlight now. He has been featured on Fox’s new television show “Star” who plays political and neighborhood activist in the making Dereck, Alexandra’s love interest on the show. He is extremely talented you know he has to be with his voice, acting skills, you can see he is going extremely far. Star has been renewed for a second season and will be back later on during the fall/winter 2017 season.  Quincy has been featured in movies like “Brotherly Love” which came out 2015. Quincy just released his new album “This one is for you” this summer just came out dedicating the album to his new fans who love his singing voice.  I know he has the chops there’s one song I always loved of his father “Night & Day” which he remade and updated it too. There’s another song I always loved from the early nineties called “Secret Garden” which features his father, El Debarge, James Ingram, Barry White, and many old school 90s R&B lovers will know what I am talking about but my point is Quincy has the tools and connections to be launched into a major star. He’s also the stepson of Sean “Puffy/P.Diddy” Combs and just recently signed a deal with Bad Boy Records. Listen to his new single “Sunshine”  featured on his new album heating up airwaves and the internet now. One thing I wonder will he follow in his father’s footsteps and he’s about become a major star.  Visit http://www.planetquincy.com and Fox’s “Star” visit http://www.fox.com

The Businesswoman with major talent-She’s on the rise with a business background to build her own brand. Tammi Rivera-Malphurs

She’s the wife of hip hop star, Waka Flocka , star on VH-1’s Love Hip & Hop: Atlanta produced by Mona Scott-Young. Tammi has her own swimwear line which is featured on the show and you will see her discussing and showing her new swimwear line which apparently has sold out right away it’s for the more curvaceous woman. I would love to buy one myself but it looks like your girl may have to wait just a little longer to get the swimsuit she needs for the summer. I will come back.  Now aside from her swimwear line which is something women today definitely need a swimsuit that makes them look and feel like a young woman instead of a young teenager you want to feel stylish, cool, modern, and new. I think this swimsuit collection showcases that. Now along along with her swimsuit line this lady is very busy recently filmed Irv Gotti’s CEO and owner of “The Inc.” she will be appearing on Hip Hop Anthology tv show “Tales” which premieres tomorrow on June 27, 2017 Tuesday on BET. So with her new show, swimsuit line, and new song hitting the airwaves, “All these kisses” she’s guaranteed to make a name for herself.  Visit for more information on Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta and the cast go to www.vh1.com/shows/love-and-hip-hop-atlanta and on her swimsuits https://t-rivera.com/ and information on BET’s “Tales” visit http://www.bet.com

Mr. Smooth Operator…Bryson Tiller

He’s handsome, cool, and is bringing his sophomore project “True to Self” he has hits all over the airwaves. You’ve heard on the radio “Exchange”, “Don’t” and now this summer he has a new song “Wild Thoughts” featuring DJ Khaled and Rihanna hitting airwaves. Bryson Tiller could be giving many R&B cats a run for their money this summer. I wanted to add him in because he has great lyrics and really knows how to write a song and connect with people within his song lyrics he hits on a personal level and his songs are more relatable. There’s an honesty and a bluntness in his lyrics he doesn’t sugarcoat anything in his lyrics. If you hear the song “Something Tells Me” you know for sure exactly what he is talking about in his song lyrics.  He has a way of intuitively connecting to his audience he gives you real life situations. You can tell exactly what he’s talking about. So keep your ears out for his new album. Visit http://www.trapsoul.com

The Multitasker-Rita Ora

I really shouldn’t have to give an introduction but this lady is slaying the music business and entertainment industry. Rita Ora is more than a triple threat she where’s a multitude of hats in the entertainment industry model, actress, singer, and television host of many shows: Americas’ Next Top Model and most currently, Boy Band on ABC. She has starred in most recently “Fifty Shades of Grey”, “Fifty Shades Darker, and will star in 2018’s “Fifty Shades Freed” with Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson. She has a new song on the airwaves called “Your Song” that will be a soundtrack for the summer for everyone.  So with her new album, on the way she’s not slowing down. She has her own fashion label with Adidas and has been featured in DKNY, Samsung, and Coca Cola endorsements too.  Her new album is definitely guaranteed to be a hit.  Her sophomore album will be titled Your Song and will debut this summer. For more information on Rita Ora visit http://www.ritaora.com

20 years of living in NYC- June 1997-June 2017

New York NY by Frank Sinatra and Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys

LOL celebrating New York City/New Jersey Superbowl hosting as a volunteer Feb. 2014

I love to celebrate holidays, events, personal milestones whether big or small, and anniversaries. Now this particular milestone means a lot because June is a big month for me since I first moved here June has had a significant month for me cause I have a lot of anniversaries to celebrate. On June 28, 1997 I officially moved to Jersey City, New Jersey when I was 10 going on 11 years old. I cannot believe I still remember it. Pieces of my childhood come back to me sometimes whether it’s a song, television show, someone I admired growing up, a food, or anything that may come from growing up I will remember. So now I can truthfully say when you here the quote “If you can make it here you can make it anywhere”. It’s true when it comes to survival, getting around this crazy island, and beyond. Also just daily connections, contacts, and interacting too.

I arrived here in the summer time actually I was just finishing up my final year at my elementary school so now you see how young I really was when I first got up here. I was only 10 years old I wasn’t turning 11 until that fall of 1997. So for me during that time I was a bit shy, reserved, and excited too. Imagine me a little 5 foot 3 inch 120 pound skinny girl. I wasn’t sure how I was going to fit in to this place. Looking back on it I would have told my 10 year old self “Girl, you don’t know what you are in for but you’re in for a lot my friend”.

I was actually I made a lot of friends once I got to my school Saint Peter’s Catholic School but what I didn’t realize was how much my life was going to change in some beautiful ways. I really did grow up here. I moved to the Newport Presidential complex area in downtown Jersey City with my mother, Gina. The neighborhood was renovating, it was a lot of grass I remember when we first got there I think it was a Stern’s, empty parking lots, and like I said just grass. As time progressed my neighborhood grew and changed a long with me too. I would take the very well known Path Train traveling between New York City and Jersey City too. I remember when I got here so many doors opened for me having access to the city. I didn’t realize that New York (my birthplace too) was going to change my life in some very special ways.  Now in 2017 I have been there just this past weekend just to go get some Cheesecake and my neighborhood still looks great and beautiful but it has changed so much in the 20 years before I first got there. It’s now restaurants, malls, Staples, Best Buy, Popeyes, Modells, bars, banks, and corporate offices that have taken over now. I love it though sometimes I just like to walk along the Hudson River, go to the mall, now I like to visit the Cheesecake Factory, or Chili’s too. So for me it’s a pleasant memory I love being able to see my old home because so much of my life was spent here in between these two states of New York and New Jersey.

Now I mentioned in June is a special month for me I will give you some key dates of my life that have been the most important that I celebrated in New York City my birthplace and New Jersey one of my hometowns.

Chloe’s key dates Timeline of my memories in June 

June 28, 1997-I moved to Jersey City, NJ I took the Amtrak train to New York Penn Station and left Washington, DC. All of my boxes and everything were moved up my dad sent me on my way to live with my mother and my life began right then and there.

June 2000-Graduated from Saint Peter’s Grammar School later attended summer school at Academy of Sacred Heart where she passes and met one of my best friends for life.

June 9, 2004- Chloe graduates from Cathedral High School at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, NY.

June 2006- Get permit for license lol I remember being so proud lol getting mine started in high school don't get it twisted but when you live in NYC and NJ the path train and subways become some of your best friends for travel trust me. What's more affordable the subway or paying a monthly bill for parking in nyc. Lol. 

June 30, 2004-Start my first real job as an office assistant at LA Mega 97.9 Spanish Broadcasting Systems radio station right after graduation. 

June 12, 2008- Chloe gets hired to work at Kelly Services Staffing agency and starts her first administrative position as a temp employee and works in the Financial District by Wall Street. I am still employed this staffing agency has been amazing taught me everything I know and has changed my life completely.

June 3, 2010- Chloe graduates from Hunter College on a steamy hot day 95 degrees I remember the sun shining beaming and my parents saw me graduate at the amazing Radio City Music Hall in New York City by Rockerfeller Plaza right down the street from where I first graduated this moment for me is one I will cherish forever.

June 22, 2015- Hired at Hudson’s Bay Company worked here exactly two years. I am hoping that in the future there will be many more highlights for me to celebrate

June 28, 2017-Celebrate my 20^th Anniversary of living in New York City I can’t believe it wow I made it through this crazy place. A lot of traveling but I have learned about all 5 boroughs, I have traveled, worked, and I know I am looking forward to so much more anniversaries and events to celebrate.

 

Chloe at Belvedere Castle in Central Park Summer 2016

Staten Island Ferry on my way to check out some places lol 

My old job Lord & Taylor department store taking Christmas photos December 2015

The Highline Park it's beautiful up there Summer 2016

Hudson on the Terrace nightclub a lot of great memories cannot wait to go back!

One of my first photos at my old job Brookfield Place Fall 2016

Rep yo city yeah I lived there too for 14 years I moved in June of 1997 and left fall 2011 to NYC 

Dylan's Candy Bar

My high school Cathedral High School graduated in 2004

CHLOE’S TOP 10 PLACES IN NEW YORK CITY SHE LOVES….

I can be your tour guide if you needed me to be and there are so many restaurants, malls, shops, boutiques, museums, all over New York. If you told me the cuisine you love, the places you like to shop, or what you want to see too.

I am going to give you my top 10 places I frequently hangout at and love in the city. I love being there cause it’s always something to do in this crazy city.

1.     34^th Street Midtown in New York I love it is the center of everything you need. I love Macy’s, Sephora, love Jack’s is the best place to get something under a dollar. If you are really hungry I guarantee you will find something less than a dollar there if you need something to eat right away. I would suggest top ramen, bagels, cookies, and they have frozen food. Everything you need if you are on a really tight budget that’s where you go.

2.     Fifth Avenue- a place where I have become very familiar with is like a second home for me you want to see beauty and escape the world or the mundane. Go to Fifth Avenue you will see the beautiful shops and stores. I have had the privilege of working at Macy’s and for Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue so its incredible. I think Fifth Avenue means more to me one thing I love doing is taking a taxi and going down early in the morning. I love seeing the hospital where I was born, the places I have visited, the gorgeous upper east side apartments, and museums too. I think for me it reminds me remember your purpose, remember why you are here too.  I love seeing the scenery always gives me ideas, inspiration, and also a lot of innovation too to keep imagining too. Walking is better too cause you really get to see the city too I have walked from 112^th Street to 38^th street once and it was incredible. It made me proud and happy just to accomplish to see so much too.

3.     I discovered this place a long time ago when I was in  college actually and wish I had discovered it a little earlier in high school. I probably would have been wearing Dylan’s Candy Bar memorabilia like crazy. Not that I cannot now lol. I turn into a kid when I go to this store every time I visit the inner little girl in me is like “Yay!!!!  Candy!” as someone who actually didn’t eat much candy growing up. I actually developed my sweet tooth at a later age so I try moderation too. But I love Swedish fish, gummy bears, Tootsie Rolls, Blow Pops, Starbursts, Apple Rings, I love sweet, sticky candy lol, and of course chocolate. So whenever I go you never want to leave.

4.     Anyone who knows me knows I enjoy one of my favorite meals is anything with chicken actually. I have given myself the title “Reina de Pollo” (Queen of Chicken) cause I can do anything with it as far as preparation and actually buying it too.  My favorite spots here in New York would include Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken in Soho section of New York/East Village by 1^st avenue, Kennedy Fried you can find all over in Brooklyn, a place in New Jersey too Pollo Supremo, and  a Puerto Rican restaurant El Nuevo Caridad on 116^th street uptown in East Harlem where I currently reside too. So for me it’s not just about eating or just the food but it’s about the fact there’s so much to choose from as far as experience and cuisine here in the city whether you want to splurge or save up too.

5.     Now let’s go back to shopping I am a sucker for costume jewelry I have always loved quirky little rings, earrings, necklaces since I was a child loved showing my fashion tastes and over the years I have noticed how people have managed to evolve with experimenting with jewelry too whether it’s a simple piece or something more flashy and exotic too. So I stumbled upon a store I have loved forever called Pinktown one of my top favorite shops here in New York City on 34^th street is somewhere I love to visit if I really want to have some fun.

6.     Central Park is one of my ultimate favorite spots it expands from 57^th street and goes all the way up to 110^th street it’s massive and so much to see my favorite spots the pool, the Great Lawn, Belvedere Castle is stunning one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen and it’s free! You can just walk right in and you will immediately see the beauty of the city you feel like you just stepped into a foreign country. I was also born right across the street by Central Park. I was born by Mount Sinai Hospital by 105th and 5th Avenue. I also saw Oprah's car roll by once when she had a huge show in Central Park a few years back too. I have seen free movies here in the city too. So a lot of beautiful memories. 

7.     The Botanical Gardens I went last summer and fell in love with the beauty of it. It’s located in the Bronx, New York. It’s gorgeous seeing the observatory the gardens, the rose garden, and it’s just a great place if you want to see real beauty and even just have a fun romantic date or perhaps throw a wedding it’s a great location to take photographs. I would probably go back in a heartbeat I am already a member myself.

8.     One of my other favorite spots is Saint Patrick’s Cathedral because I have history with the historical landmark I love how beautiful it is and will always remain apart of my story and journey from high school and into adulthood as well. I stop by whenever I can just to check in from time to time too.  Saint Patrick’s is located on 50^th and Fifth Avenue right across from Rockerfeller Center, Saks Fifth Avenue Store (two other places I love whether you want to go do shopping, see the Christmas tree in the Winter time, go see a Broadway show, and stop for ice skating at the rink you have a lot to choose from)

9.     Soho why Soho I have visited this spot so many times and why it has one of my favorite cupcake spots which I adore and love. Georgetown Cupcakes located on Mercer Street, Mystique Boutique, all of the well known fun shops, The Tenement Museum as well. All of these places have been intertwined with me somehow. I just discovered Lafayette a nice café to grab brunch has amazing food too. So when you’re in Soho visit the art galleries, shops, and stores. You can easily slip right into Little Italy as well and take a detour into Canal Street too. So these places have some great dining and you don’t want to miss out.  There’s a wide variety to choose from all over the city.

10. Now my all time favorite spot I am here way too much actually because I have to pass through this place a lot. I would have to name is Times Square this is the heart of the city and where you will see so much happening around this city. I have been to probably 20 Broadway shows, have done a lot of shopping here too as well. Love Forever 21 which is now located right in the heart of Broadway and 43^rd street now. You have so much to see from the theater district, the garment district for all of my fashionistas and those who love clothes. Definitely some great food for my seafood lovers go visit Bubba Gump shrimp, for the classic All Americans go see Shake Shack great burgers and fries, for my exotic people go to City Kitchen where they have a very cool variety of some of the great places to eat like Gabriela’s Mexican restaurant, Luke’s Lobster (I am there way too much I love their lobster rolls), and for those with kids and may be young at heart with a sweet tooth. Go visit Sugar Factory too there’s something for everyone in Times Square from our practical jokers and clowns go to a comedy club, the theater lovers go see a show, or people who want to take it easy you can have many theaters to choose from that you may want to visit as well. We have it all here in New York City so whatever you want go and get it. You dream it we probably already have it. I hope to see you one day when you visit. Have fun and enjoy. To my city Happy Anniversary to us we did it and we made it.

Visit http://www.nycgo.com for more information. 

One of my favorite photos South Street Seaport lower Manhattan July 2015

Tupac Shakur The myth, legend, poet, prophet, all eyez on him June 16th

I dedicate this blog entry to all of my Tupac fans and lovers everyone who I know who loved his music and his message

He was a legend, prophet, a poet,  an activist, a rap & hip hop legend, and left an impact on the world even 21 years after he has passed he will continue to be known to the public as one of the greatest writers and rappers, Tupac Amaru Shakur. He was actually born a native New Yorker in East Harlem, NY on June 16, 1971. His birth name was actually Lesane Parrish Crooks and was later changed right after he was born. He had a way of connecting with people, connecting to his audience too. Tupac  had a way of making you think, feel, have a good time, and then make you get riled up too. He had a way of giving his listeners and audience a way to think consciously about what was really happening around the community. He had a way of making you want to resolve the issues that deeply affected the community.  Songs like “Brenda’s got a baby”, “I ain’t mad at cha”, “Dear Mama, or “Come with me (Hail Mary) are songs that people think and made people from the public connect to them.  He could make you want to have fun and live it up too with songs like “California Love”, “Gangsta Party”, and “I get around”.  That’s the Tupac that we all love and wanted to know more about too.

So who was Lesane? Or Tupac? Who was the man behind the bunny ear bandanas, pants hanging below his belt, and the large “THUG LIFE” tattoo across his six pack abdominal muscles. There’s more that meets the eye actually when it comes to Tupac. You’ll learn about his rise, how he broke into the industry, and set the world on fire with his lyrics, his voice, and influenced a generation.

He was incredible and had a way to connect to everyone. Tupac’s story leaves us all with many questions unanswered because we always wanted to know what really happened? Was it a gang related murder, an inside job, was it someone who was part of the “East Coast/West Coast 1994-1997 rivalry) there are so many things that were happening during this time it’s still a mystery to people what truly happened to him and why was his life cut so short at just 25 years old. He sold over 75 million records since 2007 but I believe within the last 10 years you can double that and have to say at least 150 million records have been sold and he was recently inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on April 7^th, 2017 this year.

Perfect timing now with just a few days to go Tupac’s biography film will be released he has released many other films in the film where he starred in  the film and also invested his time and patience. He starred in “Resurrection” which was about Tupac’s life and was a documentary telling the story of his journey through music and his life. Now with the new film coming out directed by music video producer, Benny Boom I remember seeing many of his videos on MTV and BET growing up and of course that’s one of the best ways you get to see and emulate  your favorite musicians and stars. You learn all of the dance moves and see the visual aspect of the song. I love that artist still make videos you need to show yourself completely the audio part we get to know your voice, then the visual you know the person and see them. Tupac definitely is one of the most recognizable names and artists you will remember and know right away.

The film “All Eyez on Me” stars Demetrius Shipp Jr who is Tupac’s long lost twin brother will play the lead character in this film. The film is also starring Kat Graham who will play Jada Pinkett (she was very close friends with Tupac they met in Baltimore, Maryland the Baltimore Performing Arts school), Danai Gurira as Afeni Shakur Tupac’s mother, Annie Ilonzeh will play Kidada Jones (Tupac’s fiancée), Hill Harper will star as one of Tupac’s interviewers, Jamal Woolard will reprise his role again as Christopher “Notorious BIG” Wallace, and there will be many different suprises in this film and new faces. Look out and make sure you watch I think we will learn more about the myth, the man, the prophet, the legend, and why he had such a major impact on everyone during his time in pop culture and became one of the most influential and powerful rappers of his generation and time.

Visit http://www.alleyez.movie for more information on the film. Here are a few videos for my older fans of Tupac and for the new generations to learn about Tupac too. I included all just for you.

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