Happy Birthday Jennifer Lopez! (The Top 10 Singles)

In celebration of my lovely favorite’s birthday today (and in preparation for my life-long dream coming true of getting to see her in concert), here is an updated listed of my favorite Jennifer Lopez singles (10 instead of 5!)

10.) “Ain’t It Funny [Murder Remix]” (featuring Ja Rule & Cadillac Tah)

(from the album J to tha L-O! The Remixes)

 

Jennifer continued her music sampling streak and it certainly paid off with this being another #1 hit for her! Bringing in the dirty remixes definitely added more street cred to her name and offered fans a chance to hear songs that were just as good before get re-worked and re-tooled into something greater. From the playful allusion to “Love Don’t Cost a Thing”, the high kick towards the end of the video, and those bangs, Jennifer brought her A-game once again.

9.) “Do It Well”

(from the album Brave)

What? A favorite song from Brave?!! It’s too bad the rest of the album wasn’t up to par in the same fashion as this explosive first single that should have been given more of a chance than it did. It’s danceable, pulsating, and very upbeat. Hard to believe that the man responsible for this pop dance hit is the same man responsible for “Bleeding Love”, “Halo”, and “Apologize”.

8.) “Waiting For Tonight”

(from the album On The 6)

For a while there, I much preferred the Hex Hector remix to this song than the original itself. But recently, I’ve fallen again for this dance gem that certainly got everyone worked up and ready for the new millennium. It’s a piece of pop perfection. From the sexy “ooo”s, the Latin underbeat, and the pulsing music, this song gets anyone moving!

7.) “Love Don’t Cost A Thing”

(from the album J.Lo)

Who could forget the blatantly obvious cry for help from Diddy?!! As if she couldn’t get any more big where a first single is concerned (considering this is following “If You Had My Love”) J.Lo brought a serious message for all the material lovers, calling to mind that you can’t impress her with all the money in the world. She’s a lover at heart. (P.S. does anyone else remember the Making the Video episode when she tripped and they repeated it over and over? Enjoy! It starts at 0:14)

6.) “Let’s Get Loud”

(from the album On The 6)

This is a Jennifer signature, with its infectious dance beat and Latin rhythm. And who can forget her performance at the 1999 Women’s World Cup? This anthem continues to this day to keep Jennifer’s music career nice and hot!

5.) “All I Have” (featuring LL Cool J)

(from the album This Is Me…Then)

Everything about this song just screams “HIT RECORD” (no wonder, since it gave her yet another #1 hit!). From a guest appearance by LL Cool J, to the sick hip-hop sample, Jenny from the block certainly continued her R&B/Pop reign and showed even more depth than before. While the video is questionable (i.e. the cheesy zoom through the key, the low-budget green background with snowflakes, and the ridiculous part at the end seeing her walk down the street in the snow with all of her necessities, tea kettle included) she still looks gorgeous and radiant. (FYI, if you wanna play a fun drinking game, take a shot everytime LL licks his lips.)

4.) “On The Floor” (featuring Pitbull)

(from the album Love?)

Just when everyone had started to give up on a comeback, RedOne comes bursting through the door with this infectious club anthem and gives Jennifer Lopez not only one of her best singles in her career, but one of the most successful songs of all time! It truly was a new generation of party people (dubbed the “Waiting For Tonight” of 2011) and Jennifer was ready to give us what we all wanted!

3.) “I’m Real [Murder Remix]” (featuring Ja Rule)

(from the album J.Lo)

This is exactly what she needed to show greater range. People were already starting to grow a little weary of her music from her second album, so releasing this remix was the perfect answer. And the controversy surrounding her use of the “N” word didn’t hurt one bit. Back when Ja Rule was in his prime, this was a perfect summer duet giving Jennifer more cred to her name.

2.) “If You Had My Love”

(from the album On The 6)

This definitely comes with a flood of memories for me: the excitement of waiting for the video to pop up on TRL, the anticipation I had waiting for her album to come out, and the sheer joy of hearing her finally sing! With production from Darkchild, it served as the big introduction for Jennifer Lopez the singer. The video was very inventive for its time with the internet web cams and all, and does anyone else recognize a beautiful Adam Rodriguez in the video?

1.) “Get Right”

(from the album Rebirth)

Still just as infectious as ever, this underrated single is the best of her career in my opinion. True, you either find as the most annoying or the most creative song in her repertoire, but there’s no denying the genius of it all. While it may not have been the most popular album in her collection, it serves as the most memorable single in my mind.

2012 Summer Movie Ranking

So many movies have already made huge impacts this summer, and I admit that I’ve fallen behind in my reviews. So real quick, enjoy my quick pick reviews from the movies I’ve seen SO FAR this summer…

The Dark Knight Rises (A+)

It’s hard to critique a movie right after a tragedy like the Colorado shootings. All I could think about on opening day was about that shooting. I enjoyed it nonetheless, until I went and saw it a second time and realized just HOW incredible this movie is. 1) Christopher Nolan is a genius. From the writing, the story, the character development (not only in this film, but over all 3 films) he knows how to deliver the good. 2) Anne Hathaway is a beast! 3) Michael Caine deserves some strong recognition for that heartfelt scene towards the end (y’all who have seen it will know what I’m talking about). 4) What a way to end a fantastic trilogy! It was energetic, upbeat, heartbreaking, painful to watch, yet I just couldn’t turn my eyes away. While it in no way matches the darkness in The Dark Knight (especially with Heath Ledger’s Oscar-winning performance as The Joker on the line), but I would put it a hair above it over all, just for the pure fact that it’s the ending of all endings to a 7 year loving relationship we’ve all had with this Batman.

The Avengers (A+)

What’s NOT to like about Iron Man, Captain America, The Hulk, and Thor coming together to save the world from bad guys?!!! And what kind of person are you if you weren’t attracted to seeing Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Jeremy Renner, and Chris Hemsworth, side by side, fighting and looking so damn good?!!! Not to mention that the action sequences were incredible and the storyline was solid for as many big names were in this film.

The Amazing Spider-Man (A+)

An amazing reboot of a movie that lost its way so fast! There’s no denying the natural chemistry between Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone throughout, but as standalones, they sure can carry a big movie like this on their own! There were no forced performances and no fake emotion. Everything was so natural and likeable from start to finish. From the strong life lessons, the action sequences, the story-line, and no signs of an emo Peter Parker (a la the disappointing Spiderman 3), this movie has it all for an instant summer BBQ! Light-hearted in all the right places without being overly cheesy, but serious and intense when it needed to be, there was great balance all over.

Magic Mike (A)

Male strippers played by a Hip-Hop dancer in every chick flick known to woman, a gay man from White Collar, a werewolf form True Blood, a newbie cutie, the Texan abs of a shirtless superstar, and the muy caliente man from CSI: Miami…it was a favorite of mine last year when filming was announced. It still is a favorite of mine for obvious reasons! Get them dollars out ladies!!!

Ted (A)

It was stupid, immature, and easily offensive, but wasn’t that the point? Who would think that a movie about a grown man and his friendship with a teddy bear could make such an endearing and hilarious film? If you’re a fan of Seth Macfarlane and the work he’s done with Family Guy, then this didn’t disappoint. It had the elements of a classic film. My favorite was the musical score, so light hearted, upbeat, whimsical, and classic.

Prometheus (A-)

A solid sci-fi thriller that satisfied our need to be scared, amazed, and intrigued with the question of where we came from (from a scientific perspective of course). The special effects were spectacular! Michael Fassbender is an acting genius! Idris Elba is a true bad-ass! And Charlize Theron?!!! What a sight to see and a strong force to be reckoned with!

Katy Perry: Part of Me (B+)

She certainly CANNNOT dance or put on a show like the almighty Beyoncé can, but there is no denying the fact that Katy Perry is a lovely person with a bubbly personality. She’s someone that I think everyone who saw this movie would want to be friends with. She’s hilarious, she’s adorable, and so gosh-darn likeable. Even in the midst of her very public divorce, she still had the strength to perform for her fans at the end of the day. I definitely have more respect for her after seeing this.

Men in Black 3 (B+)

After such a long hiatus from the second film, and after such a long absence from hit summer blockbusters, Will Smith and company brought humor and action together once again with this endearing addition to the Men in Black series. Never one to take itself too seriously, it was a fun film to see.

Step Up Revolution (B)

The first Step Up was memorable because it felt like a modern-day Dirty Dancing for a new generation. Step Up 2: The Streets went for the jokes. Some were hilarious, but most of it failed miserably. Step Up 3D was a joke that was made purely for the gimmicks (just re-watch the scene when they blow slushie through a straw into the air). While they’re all cheesy and not perfect in any way, shape, or form, they all still did what they were designed to do: showcase some great dancers in awe-inspiring routines that make the audience want to get up and dance to! This newest addition to the franchise was no exception. In my opinion, it had the most intricate and beautiful dances of any of the films. Yes, it was still cheesy, and no we still haven’t found a great dancer who also happens to be a wonderful actor as well. But it was still entertaining and did its job!

Rock of Ages (B-)

Definitely nowhere near Adam Shankman’s Hairspray adaptation, this rock musical still was entertaining to a degree. There were more unexpected gems spaced out throughout than there was a collective masterpiece. Tom Cruise was spell-binding and so much fun to watch. Alec Baldwin and Russell Brand were hilarious. And while her acting wasn’t quite up to par with everyone else (which isn’t saying much), Mary J. Blige killed every song she was featured in! A good popcorn film though overall…

What To Expect When You’re Expecting (C+)

Big ensemble casts don’t ALWAYS make the BEST films. There were too many stereotypes trying to be played across the screen in less than two hours, and often times it felt like everyone was trying too hard to please anyone watching this movie. It had its funny moments, and Lord knows I was overly satisfied with seeing my Jennifer Lopez on screen again, but as a whole, it was a little disappointing.

Let THESE Be Your Stars! (The Top 10 Musical Numbers from Season 1 of SMASH)

Glee stepped down in my eyes to the power that was SMASH this year. Sure, like Glee, it’s had its share of ups and downs (Megan Hilty’s awkward rendition of Jessie J’s “Who You Are”). But what this show has proven is just how great and magical Broadway is! And it’s also proven just how much love I have for Katharine McPhee. Let’s take a look back at this explosive first season…

10.) “The 20^th Century Fox Mambo”

(from the episode “The Callback”)

Katharine McPhee has certainly come a long way from her early days on American Idol, and even though this was only the second episode of the season Karen (McPhee) already grew so much from her first audition. It was this saucy musical number that had me believing the part was destined to be hers. We’ll find out soon enough at the end of the finale if this is her destiny…

9.) “Let’s Be Bad”

(from the episode “Let’s Be Bad”)

Megan Hilty as actress Ivy Lynn has it all going for her. Such determination, such a voice, and such a strong presence, she’s the one we all love to hate. It was this song that truly showcased what dynamics she had as she portrayed a rough time in Marilyn Monroe’s life and career.

8.) “History Is Made At Night”

(from the episode “Chemistry”)

Here is a sweet duet between Ivy and Michael Swift (Will Chase) that brings to mind that sweet doo-wop sounds of the 1950’s.

7.) “Smash!”

(from the episode “Previews”)

Another duet between the competition that is Ivy and Karen, and this time the winner is so obviously Karen (McPhee). Ivy (Hilty) may have the obvious sexuality of Monroe down, but it’s Karen with her whispery vocals and cooing vibrato that takes the cake.

6.) “Touch Me”

(from the episode “The Coup”)

This may have been a bit out there when it came to the concept of a Marilyn Monroe musical, but there’s no denying the fact that this was a standout of the season. Karen (McPhee) once again made a serious sizzle on the screen to the rhythm and music of the genius that is Ryan Tedder.

5.) “A Thousand and One Nights”

(from the episode “Publicity”)

Lord knows just how much I love me some Dev (Raza Jaffrey). He may not have THE strongest voice. This may have been THE most bizarre and random musical number of the season. However, there’s no denying the fact that this was certainly the most fun and the most memorable.

4.) “Run”

(from the episode “Publicity”)

This is a cover that has already been covered beautifully by Brit Leona Lewis, but McPhee puts in a little bit more heart and soul as she shows actress Rebecca Duvall (Uma Thurman) what she’s capable of.

3.) “I’m Going Down”

(from the episode “Tech”)

Nothing is better than a woman scorned singing her heart out. Ivy (Hilty) began to feel her relationship with director Derek (Jack Davenport) start to fade away. And as she began to reach her breaking point during their tech rehearsals before their preview performances, she had this to sing about. Such passion, such emotion, and such a voice!

2.) “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World”

(from the episode “Let’s Be Bad”)

Man oh man, Karen (McPhee) finally let loose and showed off her sexy, sultry side with this James Brown cover. It even got ME a little hot and bothered! This is definitely a million times better than the ridiculous pregnant routine on Glee two years ago…

1.) “Let Me Be Your Star”

(from the episode “Pilot”)

 

It was the pivotal moment in the pilot episode. This musical number ended the first episode with a bang as we see a true Broadway moment as Karen and Ivy belt their way to the audition of a lifetime. The song was emotional, over-the-top, inspirational, and goosebump-worthy from start to finish. Not only did it showcase the ambition within these two actress hopefuls, but it showcased the amazing songwriting that captured a young and upcoming Marilyn Monroe.

Gay Pride Top 14 Music Countdown (#14-8)

In honor of Gay Pride this weekend in Phoenix, I’d like to offer up my own personal collection of what I think of as Gay favorites and essentials when it comes to music. You may not see some obvious choices, but I hope you jam out this weekend to a little bit of some Vinny Hits!

14.) “S&M [Remix]”

Rihanna & Britney Spears

Two gay icons of our time, Rihanna and Britney Spears, joined forces last year for a raunchy, dirty guilty pleasure. Sure, Spears’ voice doesn’t add much seduction like Rihanna’s rasp does, but you can’t deny the power of this collaboration.

13.) “Livin’ La Vida Loca”

Ricky Martin

What’s a gay pride countdown without a gay man to go along with it? Kids today may know him as just a gay musician. But back in 1999, we all knew him as the Latin heartthrob who had all the ladies screaming and living the crazy life. My, have the times changed…

12.) “Love Today”

Mika

On a day celebrating one’s pride in their life as a lesbian, gay, or transgender person, you can’t help but have this song on in the background, humming along to what a wonderful day and life it is to be living in.

11.) “Boys [Co-Ed Remix]”

Britney Spears & Pharrell Williams

What better way to celebrate the boys we love than with a Britney Spears song?

10.) “Waiting For Tonight [Hex Hector Remix]”

Jennifer Lopez

Here it is, a pulsating club jam from J.Lo. It’s certainly one of the hottest remixes out there if I do say so myself!

9.) “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head”

Kylie Minogue

You definitely can’t get this song out of your head. Kylie Minogue is one of the more recent gay icons of our time and certainly has a lot of stamina with this hit and those eyes!

8.) “Dancing Queen”

ABBA

Dancing queens are here to stay, need I say anymore?

My Memory Will Go On (TITANIC Review)

It’s been a little more than 13 years since I first saw Titanic as a 6-year-old boy. Back then, I did not know this would be the blockbuster of my generation that I was fortunate enough to live and see in the movie theater. I’ve heard stories of older folks saying that they remember when they saw Psycho, Jaws, or even Star Wars for the first time in theaters. There is something so monumental about these films. They all have something within that defined the times, brought together an entire world with just a few hours of entertainment on the big screen. For me and my generation, I feel as though Titanic is that uniting movie.

Last weekend on April 14^th, 2012 (which I might add was exactly 100 years since the actual sinking), my best friend Krystin and I set forth on the wonderful voyage to see the re-release of this memorable film in 3D. Sitting through the beginning of the movie, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of emotion come over me as the music faded in, the title appeared across the screen, and the film started its wonderful 3 hour journey. I immediately rushed back to 13 years ago when I was in the theater watching it with my family and our first Japanese exchange student we had over the Winter Break. As I mentioned before, I saw this movie three times in the theater during its first release.

I can remember being mesmerized by the glamour of the whole thing. The romanticism is really what got to me as a little boy. The idea of this big, grand ship being whisked away across the Atlantic in hopes of helping thousands create a new life for themselves and their families in America, the idea that among this sea of people, two of them came to find each other and fall madly in love against all odds in just a matter of days, and the idea that a so-called un-sinkable ship could hit an iceberg and actually in fact sink to the bottom of the ocean was just so overwhelming to me at that young age. But I was captivated! From the love story, to the nude scene my mom had to cover my eyes from, from the shots of the vast ocean, the sound of the beautiful James Horner score, and boy oh boy the image of the Titanic sinking down into the ocean made me so happy that I was witnessing this blockbuster in a movie theater! It was iconic what I was seeing, and even at the young of an age, I understood just how big this movie was.

Flash forward to last Saturday when I’m sitting in the theater, now at the ripe-old age of 21, and I still feel that sense of excitement and bewilderment from a movie I had watched countless times prior. It was as though I was seeing it for the first time.

The setting was spectacular, the casting was so memorable (Leo and Kate at the breaking point of their careers), the sinking was so heartbreaking, and the story was still so timeless. I was glad that I got to take a trip down memory lane and recapture that feeling of inspiration that I wanted to be in one of these movies. I wanted to be the romantic lead in a blockbuster disaster movie. I wanted to capture hearts and win recognition. I wanted to do it all. While early in my life I had older films like The Godfather, West Side Story, and The Goonies that first inspired me to want to perform and act, Titanic was the first movie I saw in the theater that really pushed me to the tip of my own iceberg (pun intended).

But of course, the nostalgia in the theater had to end eventually. As the credits appeared on the screen after 194 minutes, Krystin and I realized two things. For one, we found it ironic that we were at the 10:00pm showing on April 14^th, just a few hours before the ship actually sunk in the ocean. We realized that it was fate which made us view this film exactly 100 years after the actual sinking. 

The second realization was just how much we love singing along to Celine Dion and the timeless classic that is “My Heart Will Go On”. Again, flashbacks of me on my 7^th birthday (April 11, 1998 to be exact) came into my mind when I received my first CD ever: the Titanic soundtrack. I remember waiting for all my guests to leave the party at my house as soon as possible. If anyone had any doubts that I was gay even from at a young age, just picture an image of a now 7-year-old Mexican boy with his bowl cut hair, singing with Celine on the CD outside by the big rocks around my pool. That oughta clear some doubts people may have had!

When all has been said and sung, I would just like to say thank you to James Cameron, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Celine Dion, and everyone else equally as integral to making this movie possible. It continues to inspire me and truly does make my heart feel the need to go on and on.

And last but not least, I continue to pray for the real lives that were taken so suddenly back in 1912 from this unfortunate sinking ship, and for the families that may never have gotten the chance to properly say good-bye. Rest in peace always…