Filling Out My Bracket (90s R&B Sweet 16 Version)

90s R&B is GOAT to me. It encompasses Old School 60s & 70s, New Jack Swing, & Neo-Soul influences in its sound. Also, this one decade of music could literally be the soundtrack of my life from 6th grade elementary to my third year of college. So, I did my 90's Male & Female R&B Sweet 16 Brackets with my handy dandy stylus, recently. Then I found an old bracket with 90s R&B groups of both genders. Shout out to the Twitter account, Random Acts of Podcasts @raopodcast for having a fun one. And it a good one. I didn't need to research anyone. LoL And the final two were a shock. Of course, my criteria were based like most, biased preferences, personal impact, & group's (No solo works counted for me)body of work in the 90s.

Round 1

Jodeci vs Blackstreet

Jodeci

Vocally, both groups are great. But I can't remember the last time I purposely listened to a Blackstreet. I just listen to some Jodeci back in January.

Tony Toni Tone vs 112

Tony Toni Tone

Which is more memorable? Anniversary or Peaches & Cream? The body of work for Tony Toni Tone runs circles around every song by 112.

Dru Hill vs Jagged Hill

Dru Hill

I've Never made a satire song of Dru Hill's music But I did make "Meet me at the altar in your white suit. I don't really love you, just want your loot. Known this all the while and I must confess. I Just Want Your Money." Find Bestie Boo, LJ's ex-wife, and ask her. LMBO

Boyz II Men vs H-Town

Boyz II Men

Both had songs that had songs that were played over & over on the radio. If But if I have to be annoyed with hearing "Emotions" or "I'll Make Love to You" one more time. Put Baas and them on.

EnVogue vs 702

EnVogue

702 never harmonized. Nice voices, no harmony. Also, EnVogue sand about a few more topics than 702. I don't remember a "Free Your Mind" like a song from 702.

Destiny Child vs SWV

SWV

Like I said for the 90s Female bracket, I'm not a major Destiny's Child fan. They didn't really sing songs I could relate to like SWV. I prefer being "Weak" for someone as opposed to calling someone a "Bugaboo.

Xscape vs Brownstone

Xscape

This was hard but I had to let personal impact take over. I related to Xscape's songs better.

TLC vs Total

TLC

Sorry to Kema, Keisha, Pam but I have to go with TLC. I rocked with TLC more.

Round 2

Jodeci vs Tony Toni Tone

Tony Toni Tone

This was hard. I like Jodeci. Who doesn't like a good "Oooh Yeah"? But Tony Toni Tone made more timeless music. It still "Feel Good" to get "Whatever You Want", because "It Doesn't Rain in Southern California".

Dru Hill vs Boyz II Men

Dru Hill

Name me one Dru Hill song that you heard over & over again on the radio. I'll wait. Name me two soulful singers with the range in Boyz II Men. Again I'll wait.

EnVogue vs SWV

SWV

EnVogue may have sounded better, but SWV made more songs I could relate to. My life flowed a little more "I'm So Into You" than "Hold On".

Xscape vs TLC

Xscape

Again with the personal impact. I was probably less "Red Light Special and more the "Do You Want To" type.

Round 3

Tony Toni Tone vs Dru Hill

Dru Hill

I like their music a lot. Raphael Saadiq has one of the best unique voices in R&B. They even play their own instruments. But I've never craved to see Tony, Toni, Tone live. Me wanting to see Dru Hill is another story.

SWV vs Xscape

SWV

*sigh* Again, this one is tough. This is about talent bodies of work. SWV had more range to me. And their music varied a few more topics than Xscape. Plus "You're the One" is easier to for my sensibilities than "My Little Secret". I didn't want to know. LoL Look at that, personal impact came by after all.

Final Round

Dru Hill vs SWV

I didn't foresee this. My male & female winners of 90s R&B going head to head. I had to go to my personal music collection. I own more music Dru Hill than SWV. Also, like the Tonies, I have never yearned to see SWV in concert. Oh, and well, there is no "Right Here" sway, like there is a "Tell Me" hop. And yes, I know LeeLee was one of my hairstyle icons when I was a teen but Dru Hill is My Winner.

I like this bracket the best. I didn't have to disqualify any group for not being in the R&B genre. Let's "Raise the Roof" for that. What? We don't still do that?

Congratulations to Dru Hill for Winning my 90s R&B Group Bracket. Now, can we get an SWV & Dru Hill collaboration? One that must include Woody, Tao, and of course Jazz. Also, Tahj & LeeLee must have verses or a vamp. That would be music to my ears. Who would win your bracket? Let me know!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Filling Out My Bracket (90s R&B Female Sweet 16 Version)

90s R&B is GOAT to me. It encompasses Old School 60s & 70s, New Jack Swing, & Neo-Soul influences in its sound. Also, this one decade of music could literally be the soundtrack of my life from 6th grade elementary to my third year of college. So, I did my 90's Male R&B Sweet 16 Bracket with my handy dandy stylus on a commute, recently. I went looking for its female counterpart. Shout out to the Twitter account, 2CsWithAPod (@cs_pod)  for having a fun one. I could eyeball this one and knew my winner. Heck 3 groups on here aren't even in the R&B music genre. LoL My criteria were based like most, biased preferences, personal impact, & group's (No solo works counted for me)body of work in the 90s.

Round 1

Envogue vs Xscape

Xscape

Talk about "Coming Out the Gate Swinging". This was hard. But because of the song "The Arms of the One Who Loves You" being the soundtrack for the end of JMac & I, Xscape gets this round.

Blaque vs SWV

SWV

I really like the group, Blaque. 808 (Remix) is a major song on the Getting Dressed playlist. But SWV is the soundtrack for every crush & few kissed while I was in high school.

Destiny's Child vs Spice Girls

Destiny's Child

Spice Girls aren't an R&B group. Liked them, but they're Pop.

All Saints vs Brownstone

Brownstone

I had to look up All Saints. Listen to them HERE. I finally remembered them. And they are a Pop group. Sorry!

Allure vs TLC

TLC

TLC had more timeless hits. I only remember one song by Allure and it was a Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam remake.

Changing Faces vs Jade

Changing Faces

G.H.E.T.T.O.U.T. Real 90s R&B fans know how to pronounce the title of this song.  Also, meet Outspoken_Diva circa 1994 after you go look at Changing Faces. They inspired that hairstyle(minus the roller prints LMBO).

Zhané vs Salt & Pepa

Zhané

Though I still rock "Piece It Together" by Zhané, this choice was very easy. Salt & Pepa is a Rap/Hip Hop group.

Total vs 702

Total

Sorry 702, I know "Where My Girls At". They are Kema, Keisha, & Pam, Oh Sh*t Got D*mn. Total had more fun songs.

Round 2

Xscape vs SWV

SWV

*sigh* Yeah this one is tough. Personal impact goes out of the window. This is about talent bodies of work. SWV had more range to me. And their music varied a few more topics than Xscape.

Destiny's Child vs Brownstone

Destiny's Child

I have to give it to Destiny's Child. They had more memorable songs. But it is interesting both groups had songs that have to ask men about their positions in their lives. Brownstone had "If You Love Me" and Destiny's Child had "Say My Name". Such a sad but real topic to cover.

TLC vs Changing Faces

TLC

They have a larger body of work for me to live from.

Zhané vs Total

Zhané

I still have & listen to Zhané in my personal music collection. I only jam Total when I hear them when I am out.

Round 3

SWV vs Destiny's Child

SWV

I'm not a major Destiny's Child fan. They didn't really sing songs I could relate to like SWV. I prefer being "Weak" for someone as opposed to calling someone a "Bugaboo.

TLC vs Zhané

TLC

Sorry Zhané! But TLC covered more topics and have more timeless tunes. Like Unpretty, it's a simple song that spoke volumes to many.

Final Round

TLC vs SWV

By now, you know that I hate hearing the same songs over and over. Waterfalls by TLC is one of the songs that list. And also T-Boz & Chilli never had the range that CoCo had. So, that makes the winner SWV.

I know whoever made this bracket are not true R&B fans. It has to be said. Just off the top of my head, Mokenstef, Voices, & The Good Girls could have replaced Spice Girls, All Saints, & Salt & Pepa. Don't forget Kut Klose. They could have knocked out Zhané. *sigh* Bless Their Hearts!!! Stop researching stuff on VH1 & Google. Call some Real fans next time.

Congratulations to SWV for Winning my R&B Female Group Bracket. So much fun. Who would win yours? Let me know!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Filling Out My Bracket (90s R&B Male Sweet 16 Version)

90s R&B is GOAT to me. It encompasses Old School 60s & 70s, New Jack Swing, & Neo-Soul influences in its sound. Also, this one decade of music could literally be the soundtrack of my life from 6th grade elementary to my third year of college. So, I did my 90's Male R&B Sweet 16 Bracket with my handy dandy stylus on a commute, recently. I saw it floating around social media and decided to join the fun. I was even shocked at my final two. My criteria were based on most, biased preferences, personal impact, & group's (No solo works counted for me)body of work in the 90s. Yes, BBD being on here is why.

Round One
Boyz II Men vs New Edition
Boyz II Men
That choice pained my heart because I NEVER want to hear "End of the Road" & "I'll Make Love to You" ever again in life. But New Edition only had one album during this period and it doesn't compete well with Boyz II Men's 90s works.

Mint Condition vs Hi-Five
Mint Condition
They are the last R&B band. I love Hi-Five. Waco, Tx in the house. But Mint Condition bangs better.

Silk vs H-Town
Silk
And just Barely. Neither group tickles my ear greatly. But "Emotions" being played all the time annoyed me. And ask my Facebook friends about my grandfather, my foundation church, & the song "Knockin' Boots". I survived to tell that story.

Blackstreet vs Guy
Blackstreet
Aaron Hall's voice is not as strong as the voices of Dave Hollister, Levi Little, or Chauncey Hannibal.

Jodeci vs Tony Toni Tone
Jodeci
Barely and didn't feel good. The person who made this was wrong for this pairing. I had to rely on personal impact.

112 vs After 7
After 7
I'm not a 112 fan at all and I don't like Slim's voice. After 7 was R&B for the softer sides of us. Who can't love "Ready or Not"?

Dru Hill vs Bell Biv Devoe
Dru Hill
And it's not because they are favorite, but because every member sings circles around Ricky Bell. And I like Bell's voice.

Jagged Edge vs Next
Next
Like 112, I am not a Jagged Edge fan. Their music never spoke to me. Plus, Next gave the world, "Too Close". Who has not giggled at and/or related to that song?

Round 2
Boyz II Men vs Mint Condition
Mint Condition
I still want to hear Mint Condition music.

Silk vs Blackstreet
Blackstreet
Blackstreet had stronger voices.

My Stylus

Jodeci vs After 7
Jodeci
They get to " Stay". Again Personal impact made my decision.

Dru Hill vs Next
Dru Hill
Dru Hill has more timeless hits.

Round 3
Mint Condition vs Blackstreet
Mint Condition
Mint Condition is more timeless.

Jodeci vs Dru Hill
Dru Hill
Dru Hill has stronger voices & more timeless hits. And there is NO such thing as a "Come and Talk to Me" Hop. LMBO

Final Round
Mint Condition vs Dru Hill
Personal Impact made this decision. 90s Dru Hill music still makes me hop to "Tell Me" every time. I may not dramatically whisper "Pretty Brown Eyes" every time. So, Dru Hill for the Win!!!

Transparent Moment: Originally New Edition Won but I looked up N.E. Heartbreak. It came out in 1988. And Facts are Facts.

Congratulations to Dru Hill for Winning my R&B Male Group Bracket. That was fun. Who would win yours? Let me know!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Tired of Asking, Ain't I a Women

I am purposely releasing this at the start of March. Black History Month is just ending. Women's History Month is beginning. I am a Black Woman and I don't get to choose to be one or the other. That is not a privilege bestowed on me. And even in 2020, that fact slaps me in the face, as if I asked for it to do so.

Who has seen "The Circle" on Netflix? If you haven't let me warn you. A Black Feminine woman was used twice as catfish profiles but one never enters the game. Also, be prepared for the "She's too nice. I know the type. She's fake." discussion. Black Feminine women do make appearances on another Netflix social experiment show, "Love is Blind".

But one has her name picked on by one contestant & gets gaslit and insulted by another contestant. Cute & fun shows but that optics I couldn't shake. Then there is "A Fall from Grace" from Tyler Perry. If he insists on writing everything, can he do some thorough research? I am the child of a black woman that was in banking. Momma worked with other women of all races & cultures in that industry. Nobody is more vigilant at checking their bank accounts than women in banking. Love doesn't make folks that kind of stupid.

FYI: Not knowing who Sojourner Truth
is a major issue.

And even though he has apologized & she accepted the apology (Thank you to his mom) and she seemed to be wrong for asking such questions in the clip of a whole CBS interview, Snoop Dogg, the rapper decides to publicly call Gayle King a “funky dog-head bitch” & threatened her because of her rather crass questions. Which triggered the male humans that look like him, who were just days ago were saying they love protecting the future black women in their lives, to fling out the b-word, bed wench, and other profane descriptions to a 60+-year-old black woman. But none of this is not as bothersome as Terry Crews & Heidi Klum talking about reports on Gabriele Union being removed from America's Got Talent. Yes, disrespect from a Black man & a white Woman. In a world where PR help is refused & the statement, "STFU is Free" is not understood, both of these people negate her reported experience with comparative comments about their own. Then they were offended that people were telling them they were wrong. Crews did apologize. But didn't his wife, a Black wife advised him not to speak on the issue in the first place. And to think, March just started.

And people wonder why I wrote this POST and this POST!!!

I know my sistas & I are Sojourner Truth's dream. Her dream is unfulfilled, because unfortunately, we are still asking her 1851 question, Ain't I a Woman, in 2020. Society pours out all their stats about how they see the unfair treatment & perceptions of Black women, yet is still blind to its findings. And it expects us, Black Women to pick up some chalk & a dry-erase marker and teach them their data. One day, we will close the doors to our classroom and they will learn. One Day!!!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Separated Melodic Lacey Picture Styles(Answering Questions)

I think I created a monster. But I told you guys to ask so... Well, I answered all the questions on a video. SMH I know, I am a Blogger, not a Vlogger. Trust Me, I Know!!! Yet, I decided to do 3 videos answering all the questions like this, this year. Only Three...No More Than 3!

Sabrina & Calvin
From the show, Sistas

Oh, here are the links to all of the music I mentioned in the video. Of course, click on the title, Enjoy!!!

Love Will Lead You Back by Taylor Dayne

Somewhere in My Lifetime by Phyllis Hyman

You Don't Know My Name by Alicia Keys

Never Make a Promise by Dru Hill

(Rape & Incest Warning)

Beauty by Dru Hill

My Latest Greatest Inspiration by Teddy Pendergrass

Don't forget, if you have any questions, email them to C.OUT.SPOKEN.DIVA@gmail.com. I will answer them.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!!!

Rollercoaster Feelings for Tyler Perry

If you think Acrimony is a good film, know that I know you are Crazy or Hate Black Women. Take Your Pick. But with the same brain, I will say that when you heard "I Hope You Dance" sung at a funeral didn't at least make you say, "Awe" and make your heart smile, you might be cold-hearted.

*sigh*
Tyler Perry and his work may be good examples of why I have a blog. Most think-pieces don't represent my voice about this topic. Most hear only the voices of the lovers or the haters of Mr. Perry. Then there is me in the middle, liking some of him and disliking some of it. Praising him and wanting him to do better at the same time.

Applause goes to Tyler Perry for putting actors & actresses on the screen that we didn't know or saw very little of. How often did we get to see the faces of Lamman Rucker or Tasha Smith before they were on a Tyler Perry show? Who outside of Gospel music knew who David and Tamela Mann were before a Tyler Perry production? And everybody praises that grand studio he built. I do too. It is beautiful. In my grandfather's sister, V's voice, "It is Nice"! Wait you may not have ever heard her voice. Imagine Ms. Hattie from "Love Thy Neighbor" saying that in an outfit like her outfits and I promise you that character is my Aunt V to a tee. I almost thought he actually knew Aunt V. *still wonders sometimes*
I praise Tyler Perry for putting characters on screen that look like people I knew and tell their stories too. My Aunt V was married to a man, Uncle H that could screw the English language like Mr. Brown of "Meet the Browns". Most of my life, I lived next door to a curmudgeon like Curtis Payne from "House of Payne" Those people helped color my world. I could still have a cracked ankle trying to walk home had it not been for Uncle H. Mr. Flowers(blog name) may have fussed at people picking up his pecans that fell onto the sidewalk. But I also know a few churches' youth departments that that non-church going man donated to. These people exist and all of us are not embarrassed to see them.

Now with the good compliments, I must chastise Tyler Perry. *sigh* Maybe chastise is the wrong word. But let's talk about what needs to be worked on. I know Oprah said, "Writing is Cathartic". It is! But at what point does he truly heal from his mother & father's marriage? He has saved her several times and the story is done. Stop picking at that wound. And when black women aren't helpless, we are very wrong. I remember watching " Why Did I Get Married Too" and the ladies were leaning on each other in Patricia's house and all of them were wrong in their marriage. Only one of the husbands, Gavin was wrong. It is like he only knows two types of modern women. And I watch his show, "Sistas" (the only drama series of his I watch) and I think he might be trying to do better. But since he insists on writing everything and filming a fast pace, can he at least get a few random focus groups in to help with realistic dialogue & situations? I know he wants his audience to hear his voice, but his audience can see what he doesn't know also. And he needs a wig consultant! I will say he has even donned a dumb wig himself a time or two. But Madea shouldn't be the only character in a decent wig. Stop That! And I want him to keep up the good work at not playing the good guy. I was tired of him doing that. "A Fall From Grace" was a start. Rory should have been told off, at least once.

Again Writing is Cathartic!!! Tyler Perry will probably never read this. But my story, words, & thoughts matter. Maybe the future will see that there weren't exactly two opinions on his stuff.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Settling These Salt-Free Alternatives Debates

*taps mic*
I WILL NEVER APOLOGIZE FOR CORRECTING ANYONE THAT DO NOT KNOW LAWRY'S IS SALT.

There are two types of food ignorant people that I try my hardest not to backhand. As a nutritional consultant & person who uses her common sense, the statements  "Oh I don't cook with salt, I use Lawry's" and "I stay away from fast food"(while holding a Starbucks cup and a Chipotle wrap) grate my nerves. Lawry's first ingredient listed is salt. So, they are using salt.

And if you are at a restaurant and no one takes your order while you are seated, that is fast food. I told you this when I ranked healthier fast food options. I am saying it again as I talk about salt-free alternatives. Oh, and non-black people, Adobo, soy sauce, & liquid smoke is full of salt also. I didn't want you guys to feel excluded.

I believe that most are addicted to salt. Yes, it makes food more stimulating and satisfying. But it’s not necessary for abundance! Most over salt their food. Especially those who salt canned goods & pre-packaged foods. And I know you question, " Then what are we suppose to use?". Since I was 12 years old, I have lived with people who have high blood pressure. Everything I have learned over the years has bled over into my work. And of course, I have some favorite salt-free herbs, seasoning blends, & foods to use

• Smoked Paprika We all know the harm using ham-hock & salted pork is in our vegetables. And I love cooking them with smoked turkey. But many commercial brands are enhanced with salted addictives. 
• Lemon & Lime These are good for marinades. Their natural juices tenderize & break down the muscles in meat.
• Italian Seasoning Look at the ingredients in poultry seasoning. With nutmeg & marjoram, the main ingredients are basil, oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme. Guess what 5 herbs make up Italian seasoning? And it is an economically better buy.
  
• Onion, Garlic, Celery, & Bell Pepper I rolled my eyes at that post. LoL Spaghetti, Meatloaf, Fried Rice, Jambalaya, Taco, Cabbage Soup, the list goes on & on taste better with these. Those vegetables are the truest "season-all" because they season it all. I can smell them cooking as I type.
• Mrs. Dash Lemon Pepper All lemon pepper brand are not the same. Most brands add salt to this pepper. And I have no clue why salt is in a pepper product. But Lemon Pepper is my favorite salt alternative. To prove its goodness, the next time you make fish, fried or baked, use nothing but this(if frying use unseasoned cornmeal) and let me know what your taste bubs do.

Honorable mentions are onion & garlic powders & celery seed. And to be helpful & not as judgemental, here is my personal go-to salt-free seasoning recipe.

OUTSPOKEN_Diva's All Season

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 pinch celery seed

Directions:

1. Whisk garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, and celery seed together in a bowl.

I am not saying salt is never needed in some foods. Salt-Free Gravy is not pleasing to any palate that I personally know. But all things do not need all this sodium. Seasoning meals without salt during cooking will decrease the sodium levels in your diet. Sodium makes your blood pressure increase if you have high blood pressure. Also eating too much sodium causes extra fluid to build up in your body. Hold the salt until after you taste the food. Then use it to enhance it some. Stop over-salting food. Your body will thank you.

And Remember:

Lawry's Is Salt!!!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!