Doesn’t matter what genre of music it is there will always be ongoing debates about what is and what isn’t representative of a certain musical style. I must say though, that I have never seen someone so eloquently make the case for moving the music forward and the importance of understanding the intention of an artist as opposed to the opinion of a critic as James Mtume. Enjoy!

Here’s a quick recap of the top 10 most popular stories, tweets and random foolery from this week:

1. [Video] Atlanta Tastemakers Respond to the T.I. and Tiny Arrest [SFTA]
2. Facebook Ads For Musicians – Ultimate 1 Cent Click Guide [RockStars]
3. Janet Jackson considers Independent Record Deal [MR]
4. Apple’s Stealth Plan to Conquer the Media Industry [DF]
5. Miles Davis: The Muse Who Changed Him and the heady Brew that rewrote jazz [Guardian]
6. Kanye West Apologizes To Taylor Swift: “I Wish They Could Accept That I’ve Grown” [NB]
7. iTunes Ping Draws Fire From Facebook & Indie Music Community  [Hypebot]
8. Congratulations to all of the winners of the 2010 Black Weblog Awards [BWA]
9. [Free Download] The Foreign Exchange – Maybe She’ll Dream Of Me [FE]
10. Kelly Price Interview Pt 2. “Music & The Machine” [GFM]

Bonus: Where are they now? 5th Dimension [ST]

This is a great way to spend 9 minutes and 7 seconds of your life. This is also as “Grown” as it gets. When I was a kid I did not get John Coltrane at all(it’s funny I’ve heard Branford Marsalis make the same declaration in interviews) but now that I’m somewhat “Grown”… that’s why it is very difficult for me these days to listen to certain kinds of music that prominently feature saxophone players. (more…)

GFM is pleased to present the inaugural contribution from ATL native and current Richmond, Virginia resident Rick Wyatt. Rick is a bassist/educator/musical curator who has a wealth of knowledge in the areas of music, popular culture and historical context. GFM is looking forward to presenting more articles from Rick in the very near future.

Late one night after a gig, I decided to pull a John Coltrane(practice after the gig). After doing so I had the urge to watch “Mo’ Betta Blues”. While watching it I dawned on me that this movie did a great deal for me and my generation. As the opening credits appeared on the screen and I the first few notes of the title song began(yes title song. It’s played slower) I though back to that summer of 1990. (more…)

One of those great artists that you instantly know his sound within two notes. His music was as unapologetic as his persona. He never looked back, constantly pushed the music forward. This narrative is so succinctly summed up in two words: Miles Davis. (more…)

Here are a few new books about some of music’s most influential artists & producers: James Brown, Miles Davis, John Lennon, Michael Jackson, Sly Stone, David Foster, Prince & the Hip Hop culture. An early stocking stuffer for that music lover in your life.

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