What Happened to Maxwell?

I'm sure a lot of you have asked yourself this question at least once or twice in the past 5 or 6 years. Well, I'm happy to report that I have an answer for you.

Maxwell's smooth and sexy neo-soul sound has been greatly missed. He's released some unforgetable tracks like "This Woman's Work" and "Fortunate" that are a must if you're putting together any slow jams mix CD. These songs have definitely left his fans wanting more.

According to his record label, Columbia, we will be hearing plenty from Maxwell in the near future. His next project, Black Summer's Night, will be released as a trilogy with one release per year beginning in '07. Billboard reported that his album would be released this month, but it has yet to be confirmed.

However, you can find a little bit of a preview on Maxwell's MySpace page. You can't hear the first single in its entirety yet. Although he's left a voice blog on the page apologizing for the delay, you can still hear the new music in the background. Click here to listen to the message and check out his new look.

Music's Biggest Night '07

OK, I know it’s been a minute since I’ve posted an entry. So I thought what better way to make a comeback than for music’s biggest night of the year… The Grammys!! This year’s show was everything I expected and more. It was a jam packed three and half hours of pure entertainment. There was so much that there is no way I can recap everything, so I’d like to give out my own awards for the night…

Hot Mess Performance: Chris Brown
Now wait a minute before you get your panties in a wad. Chris Brown is an incredible performer and a bright star in the future of hip hop and R&B. And as usual, he put on a show at the Grammys. He performed “Run It” which was great. But he was dancing so much that he couldn’t sing. I can count the number of notes that he sang during the performance on one hand. If this had been “Dancelife” or “So You Think You Can Dance?” it would have been great. But this is an event that honors and showcases vocal performances. Apparently Chris didn’t get the memo.

Best Vocal Performance: Mary J. Blige
Her royal highness, the one and only queen of hip hop and R&B already had everyone on the edge of their seats waiting to see which of her 8 nominations she would win. But when she took that stage she had everyone’s undivided attention. Looking regal in her gown, and backed by an orchestra, she did a beautiful yet powerful rendition of “Be Without You”. And any of you who have ever seen Mary perform live know that that she puts her all into it and leaves it all out there on stage. Kudos to you, Mary!!!

Overall Hot Mess: Ike Turner
First thing I thought when I saw this: "What in the hell did he win an award for?" I didn’t even know he was still in the bizz. He won for Best Traditional Blues Album. Who'd have thought he'd win his 2nd Grammy 35 years after winning for Proud Mary?

Oddest Presenter Match Up: Al Gore and Queen Latifah
Not that I have a problem with either of them, but this was an extremely odd choice to have them team up to present the Best Rock Group award. I mean, it’s obvious that Al has been trying to “get in where he fits in” because this isn’t the first time we’ve seen him at something like this. But come on. Al Gore giving an award to the Red Hot Chili Peppers? Who ever thought that would happen? And then Latifah had already participated in the show earlier as a presenter. Did they run out of presenters and have to recycle?

Coolest Moment of the Night: JT's Performance with the "My Grammy Moment" Winner
How cool is it to have America choose you to perform with Justin Timberlake and T.I.?!!!! I would have totally freaked out if that had been me! Big congrats to Houston’s very own diva, Robin Troup, for winning. I’m sure we’ll be seeing great things from her in the future.

What in the world is she wearing?!: Tie between Imogen Heap and Hillary Duff

What on earth were they thinking?! Their stylists need to be fired.

Best Dressed: Fergie

Badgley Mishka did the dang thing with this creation! Now this design is definitely Fergalicious!

I Have Mixed Emotions About Them: The Dixie Chicks
Big shout out to Texas’ own chart topping trio for their accolades. After all of the controversy over Natalie’s statement, the Chicks have been struggling with their public reputation. I think it’s awesome that “Not Ready to Make Nice” which was their response to all of the ridicule is what has put them back on the map. However, I’m still in shock that they won Best Album of the Year. I totally didn’t see that one coming. Personally, I think that Justin Timberlake or John Mayer should have won. What do you think?

Click here to see a full list of the winners