K-Pop’s BLACKPINK Is Taking Over the World

 By: Guru Jay

In August 2016, BLACKPINK was created out of stardust. Guru Jay Entertainment turned two years old. When stars are born, it’s a complicated process. Just ask Lady Gaga and Destiny’s Child. Have you heard of the Beyoncé formation? You see, there were four music stars born on that illustrious summer night. They were and are more than singers and dancers. They are celebrities. They are Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa. The question is are you excited about K-Pop's takeover? Are you listening to the good vibrations in today's music? K-Pop’s BLACKPINK is taking over the world beginning in Bangkok, Thailand. 

Like Destiny’s Child, BLACKPINK appeals to a large fanbase. Can’t you see how much their hard work has paid off? Every music video comes close to perfection. YG Entertainment formed a four-member girl group with everlasting star power. Listen! This group has gone beyond K-Pop and risen to a momentous occasion and only time will tell how far their music glory will travel. Presently, I’m a long way from Asia. Right now, BLACKPINK is on the BORN PINK World Tour Asia. With all that’s going on: the album which debuted September 16, 2022, the Coachella festival headliner news, everything couldn’t be more perfect.

Have you heard about all the planets aligning in December? And NASA discovered the first exoplanet just yesterday with the James Webb telescope. What is written in the stars? The truth is BLACKPINK makes my palms sweaty and gives my gut butterflies. Each one of them is gorgeous. As Guru Jay, I am going to do my part and let the stars shine. 

Check out BLACKPINK on YouTube Music, Spotify, and all that other good stuff. Also, consider buying the BORN PINK album. It’s in two languages: Korean and English. And if you like my content, please share and comment. Thanks a lot. You can follow me on Twitter @IamGuruJay. Peace and love! 

Golden Globe Awards 2023 Recap: From the Red Carpet to the Live Show with Peace and Love!

By: Guru Jay

This year the red carpet was rolled out for the Hollywood stars at the Golden Globes for the 80th time. #LARain was trending on Twitter which meant the weather was stormy. But the dark clouds dissipated, and everyone had a good time. As the countdown began, we saw star after star shine while they were being interviewed by Laverne Cox and her sidekick Loni Love. It was an arrival like no other. It was what we’ve been waiting for. Of course, we had a little bit of controversy. Comedian Jarrod Carmichael hosted the live show and the first thing out his mouth was “I’m only the host because I’m Black.” I couldn’t chuckle at everything he mentioned. But, in truth I watched the Golden Globes to celebrate and acknowledge the film and television actors who made 2022 worth its weight in gold. @IamGuruJay I liked, tweeted, and retweeted until I felt I spread enough of my share of peace and love. To start the show, Jennifer Hudson presented the Best Supporting Actor and Actress Golden Globe Award. As you may know by now, Ke Huy Quan won the first award of the night for his portrayal in All at Once Movie. Plus, you may know Angela Bassett won for her role in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. 

And so, the night started off with two well-deserved wins. Perhaps Jennifer Coolidge stole the show with her win for White Lotus. Also, Austin Butler, who hosted Saturday Night Live, won for his performance in Elvis. But you didn’t come to my blog for a list of winners. You can get that anywhere. You came here for my spin on things. I’ll give you what you want. The stars owned the night. Despite all that’s going on in the world, this was a time for peace and love. Despite the controversy Hollywood united. We need a new party called Unity. It is interesting what a day makes. From the red carpet to the live show, the 2023 Golden Globes was special. I’m thankful for another day on God’s green earth. Although I didn’t win a Golden Globe, you’re my gold. Peace and Love!

Top Gun: Maverick Countdown

What movie buff doesn't know Tom Cruise? You could say his name is the same as action. Did you hear he does his own stunts? If you haven't heard already, the Top Gun star will hit the silver screen internationally again on May 27. Here is the Top Gun: Maverick countdown.

Where do we start? Top Gun: Maverick picks up where the 1986 film left off. Hollywood was a lot different then. Shining bright as ever, the stars were stars. Their powers compelled a magnitude. How could you suppress a larger-than-life figure like Tom Cruise for 36 years?

I believe Tom Cruise was not a day over 25 when Top Gun was released. At the age of 59, he is not a spring chicken. But let's get one thing straight. It's not a one-person show. Multiple men stand next to Cruise on that red carpet.

I am awestruck when I think about how many people receive credit for making a motion picture. But, making it happen in a pandemic under tight restrictions and guidelines is unbelievable. So, give Joseph Kosinski and Jerry Bruckheimer some accolades for making the film. And let's not forget the rest of the cast like Val Kilmer, Jennifer Connelly, and Jeff Bridges.

From the director to the extra, everybody can make a difference in a movie's success. I feel Top Gun 1986 was successful because they made the most of their resources. You don't need a big budget for crazy box office results in filmmaking. Sometimes, getting people out is all you need to make hundreds of millions of dollars. The horror film Get Out, directed by Jordan Peele, is proof of a movie with a micro-budget doing macro numbers. 

Below is the official Top Gun: Maverick trailer. Preview it at your leisure. Do you plan to see it?

I am Guru Jay launching off into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!

American Song Contest Recap

Photos by: Wikimedia Commons

American Idol is still the number 1 rated music TV show, but American Song Contest comes in with a twist. ASC is more about the song than the singer, and American Idol is about everything. Ironically, the original Idol, Kelly Clarkson, cohosts ASC.

The TV show’s concept came from Eurovision Song Contest. With so much talk about electric vehicles these days, don’t forget about electric music being the real rhythm of the streets. Night after night, the music artists came to perform beginning on March 21. All kinds of singers represented all 50 U.S. states, five territories, and Washington D.C. On the surface, it seems like just another singing competition, but ASC is so much more. Across the country, artists competed for the best original song. 

American Song Contest makes Snoop and the whole country want to dance. Kelly Clarkson and Snoop were a winning combination as cohosts. If you like chicken dinners, you will like ASC because the show got served in a unique format. A jury and public vote determined the grand prize. 

Right now, the Grand Final features the following top 10 contestants. Here is the original list with photos and songs. 

1. Michael Bolton, Connecticut 

2. Chloe Fredericks, North Dakota 

3. Grant Knoche, Texas 

4. Tenelle, American Samoa

5. Tyler Braden, Tennessee

6. Ni/Co, Alabama

7. Jordan Smith, Kentucky

8. Riker Lynch, Colorado

9. AleXa, Oklahoma

10. Allen Stone, Washington

American Song Contest Recap

First, Kelly Clarkson, then Snoop Dogg owned the night. Seeing them take the stage and perform was a bit of a surprise. Soon, Michael Bolton followed with his Beautiful World performance.

I like the show because it’s all about originality. This whole season has been phenomenal. The talent was incredible. Narrowing down the field to only ten was difficult. So many music artists got cut who had it together.

The ASC train was like a Gladys Knight and the Pips song. Ni/Co and Tenelle could have easily sung A Midnight Train to Georgia. These Mondays were like leaving the station, and the songs were the luggage.

American Song Contest has concluded. The NBC Universal Studios TV show was a fun ride. We’ll have to find something new to watch on Mondays between 8 pm and 10 pm EST.

Did you get onboard the ASC train? Wasn’t it groovy? Hosted by Snoop Dogg and Kelly Clarkson, the NBC show had all the bells and whistles of a blockbuster. And in the end, AleXa would win with her original song Wonderland. What a show!

H.E.R. Music Soothes

Music serves as the backbone of the entertainment industry. Music artists earn good pay because they deliver priceless goods. Movies and T.V. productions need musicians to create soundtracks. Imagine watching a film without a soundtrack. Sometimes, a well-placed song is the only missing element in a film or TV spot. Good music never grows old.
    Recently, at the Emmys and on Saturday Night Live, viewers received the chance to listen to H.E.R. I enjoyed listening to H.E.R.’s music. The 23-year-old has recorded phenomenal music. That's why she's won two Grammys. I expect more Grammys are on the way. Plus, the R&B singer’s performances are a joy to watch. Her laid back and smooth personality shine like a diamond.
    I feel the singer generates a ton of buzz because she follows the formula. Her unique sound mixes with striking beats. H.E.R. is in her own category. How can I explain it? Her style is similar to Alicia Keys and SZA. 

H.E.R. Music Soothes

    This celebrity's music is not only catchy but also soothing. Many musicians cheat their way to the top. They give a good hook and strong beat, but their lyrics are choppy. Entertainment should give the audience something in return. H.E.R. gives great value to each album and single. That's why she is successful and critical reception is high.
    The voice is meant to soothe the ears, not nag them. For the most part, singers, especially the good ones, use their voices to relax the listener. I like this music artist's rhythm. The R&B singer makes music that not only expresses creativity but also a truth. Also, she doesn't back down from making huge songs.
    H.E.R. is on my playlist for a good reason. She's always been on top of her game. Plus, I feel that she is under good management. And she shows no signs of slowing down. The singer is one of a kind. I look forward to seeing H.E.R.'s career develop.

Billboard Music Awards and a Music Discussion

       Did you watch the Billboard Music Awards? This year's host, Kelly Clarkson, knocked it out of the park. She had a sense of humor, great timing, and rhythm. Everything was incredible. The show began on a high note and never fell flat. Also, the show had all the goodies imaginable. Hopefully, you received a chance to watch it. Read on for more discussion.
MUSIC            Music makes the world move. Imagine things without it. Songs allow you to celebrate, relax, and reflect. Prioritize listening to great music. Check out the definition of great music for more knowledge.
        Society needs more good vibrations from music artists and everybody else. The Billboard Music Awards provided a space for this. Even in a pandemic, the world's best singers gathered to put on some spectacular performances. Artist after artist came on the stage and did not disappoint you. Did you feel all the good vibrations? Wasn't it a memorable night?
        Memories are at the heart of music. Listen to Marvin Gaye's Memories, and it might change your life. Whoever said: "I don't take photographs; I make memories." had it right. That is how you should go about your day. Take time and appreciate the simple things because you never know when life will get complicated. Make memories. 

RECAP    
    Billie Eilish owned the night by winning multiple awards. Top Female Artist was arguably the most prestigious award she won, beating out Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and Halsey. Anyway, she values all of her accolades. Billie Eilish is the new Miley Cyrus. If you didn't know who she was, now you know.
        Tell me you saw how Alicia Keys rocked the house. It was a joy seeing Alicia perform new music. She wore a sparkling outfit to top it off. Her performance reminds you that she's not stopping anytime soon because no one can do what she does quite as well. It's easy to see Alicia's fire.
    
    The best music is not only universal but also undeniable. Kane Brown and Garth Brooks, along with Brandy, weren't denied their respect. Music artists from all genres promised excellence in 2020 and beyond. You're bound to see new music and collaborations from singers and rappers. What were your favorite moments? One unforgettable moment was Post Malone's performance. Check it out if you haven't already. For a full recap of the Billboard Music Awards, go here. 
Final Thoughts
    Award shows serve as a friendly reminder that you should stop what you're doing right now and celebrate, relax, and reflect. Notice I didn't say sing. Not everyone has vocal blessings like Alicia Keys, but you can watch and listen to a music video or read a blog that is celebratory, relaxing, and reflective. You may not have the ability to produce a hit in a studio and via music software. But as long as you're alive, you can enjoy the process. With music, you can unwind or ramp up. In other words, you can have it both ways. 

Top 2020 New TV Shows

TV is huge. There is so much to watch. Where do we start? Apple TV, Hulu, Disney+, Netflix, Starz, HBO, Showtime, ABC, NBC, Fox- come on, the options are endless. There are so many ways to go with this. We can argue about what’s better. Or we can look at the ratings, which only tell half of the story. We can talk about the best show on Hulu and Netflix. Is The Handmaid’s Tale Hulu’s best?

The Show Must Go On

The year is almost over; and, now is a good time to do some reflection. Saying the best TV is behind us is a matter of opinion. The best TV could be in front of us. So what there is no more Game of Thrones and Big Bang Theory, there are still other choices. Here are the top 2020 TV shows, along with commentary. Here’s to watching and binge-watching only the best episodes!

Lovecraft Country

Out with the old, in with the new. For this list, we only will discuss the top 2020 shows. We start with the Lovecraft Country. What is there to say about a book-based show? You know that it is going to be good. Jurnee Smollett is making a name for herself in the drama series. Beginning in August with six episodes and counting, the HBO show is becoming very popular.

Next

This show makes our cut because the algorithms dictate it. The Fox TV show about artificial intelligence is the definition of brand new. Fox aired the pilot episode on October 6, 2020. They have high hopes for the science-fiction show as Next has a big budget, fine cast, and top crew. 

Ghost

Creating this list is hard because we decide what we write about and what we discard–that’s power. Choosing Ghost is a no-brainer because the Starz crime drama is a spin-off of one of the most successful shows on TV ever (Power). Created by Courtney A. Kemp, this series is in it for the long haul. Plus, Michael Rainey has potential as the lead actor. Coming back in December, fans can’t wait to see how season 1 concludes.

The Great

There is something for everybody on TV. Those with a dark sense of humor will find watching The Great enjoyable. Based loosely on Russian history, Elle Fanning plays a fictional Catherine II. Debuting in May 2020, this Hulu show received an Emmy nomination. It ultimately lost to Schitt$ Creek. 

Normal People

This Hulu drama series is novel-based. There is a lot to say about a show based on a book. It is simply the best. Little Fires Everywhere is an honorable mention in this category.

Hollywood

This Netflix original is all about Hollywood. What could go wrong? We can choose to watch or binge-watch everything. There are a total of 7 episodes in the miniseries. Plus, it is high-budget.

Raised by Wolves

Ridley Scott does a fine job producing Raised by Wolves. His credit as an executive producer helps drive the show to success.  Recently, HBO renewed the show. Created by Aaron Guzikowski, HBO just renewed Raised by Wolves for a second season. There are great things in store for this science fiction show. Wait and see.

Away

Another Netflix original, Away, is about humans exploring Mars. The cast, especially Hilary Swank, is exceptional. Debuting in September 2020, Away is not too far off the mark. The cinematography of the series is incredible. Hopefully, another season is in the works.

The Good Lord Bird

Starring Ethan Hawke, The Good Lord Bird is taking over Showtime. The pilot episode debuted on October 4, 2020. Expect another episode soon. It shouldn’t get canceled because the show has all the right ingredients. What more could we want?

Emily in Paris

Last but not least, this show makes the final cut. Netflix released this brand new show last week. Motion pictures set in Paris have a good reputation. The highly-rated Emily in Paris is taking on the world. How long will the excitement last?

There are a lot of new TV shows to discuss. Some of them will get canceled for multiple reasons. Fortunately, there are enough TV shows to keep us happy. We could have mentioned more, but ten is a wholesome number. Let’s keep watching and binge-watching only the best because our time is valuable.

The Celebrated Country Star Maren Morris Is Underrated

    Do you watch award shows like me? The 2020 award show season has been exciting so far. Since March, they have hosted award shows virtually. Music videos, along with concerts and other entertainment venues, have been postponed. Producers must be creative about how they deliver to their audiences. Recently, I watched the ACM awards and was impressed by Maren Morris. She sang The Bones, and I felt vibrations in my bones from the song. She deserves more credit. Now is her moment. I expect the singer to win a Grammy next year for the Bones. 

    Did you know she won a Grammy for her song My Church? I don’t believe I’m far off; Maren Morris will win again. The country songstress hasn’t reached peak potential yet. She could dominate music for at least another five years. Incredibly, she’s only been in showbiz since 2005. She only signed with Columbia Nashville five years ago, which was a bold move. Already, she’s had an impressive career. The Arlington, Texas native is known for her southern charm and grace. She wrote the Kelly Clarkson song, Second Wind, ten years ago.

    The new mother is an old soul. Her style compares to Miranda Lambert. Her vocals and guitar skills are on par with the best. What are your favorite songs by the singer? Did you know she is married to Ryan Hurd?

    Why is Morris so celebrated and yet so underrated? The singer never competed on American Idol or the Voice like Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, and others; so, her fan base grew more organically. She has a large platform. Maybe, her outreach is not as massive as it could be, but it is compact. She has loyal fans not only in the United States but across the globe. This celebrity put skin in the game, and her hard work paid dividends. Her career is the perfect model for aspiring country music artists.  

Why Zara Larsson Is a Spotify Superstar

    Adele isn't the only one influenced by Beyoncé. Sweden's Zara Larsson cites Beyoncé as an influence as well. Soon Zara Larsson will become an influential brand. Larsson is a great singer with a bright future. She's already made a name for herself in Stockholm. It is only a matter of time before her name light up the skylines of all the major cities. 

    Ava Max recently received a billboard in Times Square. I expect Zara Larsson to receive the same treatment. Her music compares to Dua Lipa and Bebe Rexha. Plus, Zara was a child star like Miley Cyrus. Check out the Love Me Land video, and you'll see the comparisons for yourself. The visual aspects of Midnight Sky are similar to Love Me Land. Do you think you can dance? Zara moves like a gazelle. She is a Spotify superstar. 

    Could you imagine the 22-year-old with a Hollywood movie career? Maybe, Lady Gaga can give her some tips. What are your favorite songs and music videos by the artist? Wow is making a comeback through Twitter. Also, Zara Larsson is a trending Google search. Her hit songs are a big reason why she is search engine friendly.

    Additionally, she's taking over Spotify, which is a Swedish based company. Watch her Youtube subscribers continue to grow. I predict great success for the singer. Her new album will be released by late 2020. I believe Zara Larsson will win a couple of Grammys. Her background and ambitions are ideal for the entertainment industry. Zara is active on social media and engages a loyal fanbase. She could take a page from Beyoncé's book. I feel she sounds like a mixture of Rihanna and Taylor Swift. What are your thoughts about Zara Larsson? Could she reach superstar status? Are you excited about Poster Girl like I am?

Ava Max Is the Real Thing

  Ava Max will release Heaven & Hell, her debut album, on September 18th. Expectations are high for the Milwaukee native. The question is: will she exceed them? The 26-year-old singer is signed to Atlantic Records. That's a big deal.

Like Dua Lipa, Ava Max's potential is huge. I expect her name to ring bells for years to come. I've already listened to many of her songs, and I can attest to her high-quality sound. The definition of great music is originality. There is no one else in the business that sounds quite like Ava. That's why music fans can expect a durable brand. Her name is short and sweet. Plus, she's laid the groundwork by releasing songs and music videos ahead of time. As someone who likes watching the stars, I can say she's headed toward stardom. 

Let's revisit this blog post in five years, and you'll find what I say is true. I've seen stars burn out and lose their shine. Watch Ava Max glow in due time. She started in the entertainment industry in 2016. Four years later, the world is watching her develop into greatness. What titles will she claim? The Kings and Queens singer pays homage to music royals. If she plays her cards right, she'll be an ace in showbiz. Music is like playing poker. Everyone isn't Lady Gaga.

I predict Ava Max will rise to the occasion and exceed expectations. Music fans are dying for a brand new voice. Music moves fast. Not too long ago, Britney Spears dominated the industry. Now, I feel the market share is up for grabs. Everyone, who wants a piece, should get a slice of the pie. Time tells a lot of things. It's only a matter of time before Ava Max shows she is the real thing. "Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby!"