Benin Born Goddess

Born in the African city of Benin, Paris based vocalist, Angelique Kdijo is an artist of many genres. From afro-funk and reggae to gospel and pop, she brings a unique sound into every song. She has been making music since the 80's with her first album entitled Pretty was released in 1988. Kidjo has worked with many well known artists such as, Carlos Santana and Branford Marsalis. Some of her musical inspirations include Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix, and James Brown. Kdijo was nominated for a Grammy award for her video, "Agolo," made in 1993. And for her 208 album. An interesting fact about her music is that it has been featured on the soundtrack for, Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls and Street Fighter.

After listening to her Grammy nominated song "Agolo," i can see why she was nominated for such a high honor twice. It has a nice dance beat thus is under the genre of dance. The rhythm, beat, and words combined all make you want to listen. Even though you cannot understand what she is talking about; seeing that it is in her native tongue, you will still listen intently and sing along like you know what the lyrics are. I don't listen to many songs in different languages but I really enjoyed "Agolo." The song is full and life and highly energetic. I would highly recommend for anyone to take a moment and listen to one of Kdijo songs.

Shanae Harris

itunes.2008.Angelique Kdijo.itunesbibliography.

X Japan

X Japan was a progressive speed metal band formed in the 80's. The band was started by Yoshiki Hayashi and Toshi Deyama in 1982. After the release of Blue Blood and Jealousy X Japan was the most popular band in Japan and was becoming increasingly
popular around the world. In 1998 lead guitarist Hide was found dead in his hotel room , he had hung himself with a towel tied to the door knob. The reason for his death is unknown many people believe it was accidental because there was no suicide note left.

X Japan is a great band if you can get past the way they look. It was the 80's and they were Japanese's not a good combination for sense of style. They dressed in wild costumes, wore makeup and have hair styles that seem to defy gravity.
Matt Taylor

We be Jammin'

~George “Fully” Fullwood~
Fully Fullwood is a very well known bass player in the world of Jamaican reggae music. In addition to playing the bass, he is an established producer and composer. He has been featured in over 80 albums and has worked with some of the best, such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Joe Higgs and The Mighty Diamonds. He has provided the sensational rhythm to their powerful words. Fullwood is the originator and leader in his group known as the Soul Syndicate band. Fullwood is also a member of Peter Tosh’s notorious reggae group, Word, Sound and Power.
Nikki Grimm

Nelson, S. & Nelson, D. Bio. Fully Fullwood. Retrieved March 25, 2008, from http://www.fullyfullwood.com

Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dZ82pknHX8

This video is essential to understanding Fullwood's entire persona. In the video you will see his group, Soul Syndicate performing one of their favorites. It is performed in Jamaica so when looking past the members of the group you will see the type of environment they live in. You will also notice that Fullwood does not try and steal the show. He simply remains in the background and plays his bass. Although he is the found of this group and the mastermind behind the group's success, he does not feel it is necessary to boast about such.

Muy Muy Caliente

~Alejandro Sanz~

When you think of Spanish culture certain names such as: Pablo Picasso, Enrique Iglesias, and Javier Castillejo may come to mind. Among the most famous, and recent of the Spanish is Alejandro Sanz. Alejandro early influence was Flamenco; the dance originally thought to be invented by gypsies. He started getting recognition internationally when he started mixing his style, with other famous artist such as Shakira. Album Mas, with hit song Corazon Partio, meaning broken heart, helped him on his way to the top. If you could compare Alejandro Sanz to someone that is more recognizable it would be Enrique Iglesias. This is because they are both from Spain, and they are both recognized. The main difference between the two is that Alejandro doesn’t like to sing in English.
Britney Whittaker

Most Beautiful Men. (2002). Alejandro Sanz. Retrieved March 26, 2008, from http://www.mostbeautifulman.com/musicians/alejandrosanz/bio.shtml.

The picture relates because it is a picture of Alejandro Sanz. This is one of his album covers.