"He thinks he's Jesus!" uttered a stunned young observer as Prince -- who did look rather divine in a gold-sequined white tunic and pants -- offered up a particularly rapturous guitar solo early on in his headlining appearance Saturday at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. This fan was obviously a new member of the Minneapolis master's flock.

Any serious Prince appreciator knows that at this point he has no need for such sacrilegious delusions. He knows what makes him special. He's a major innovator of funk, soul and rock; he has composed a great, fat songbook; and he might be the greatest live entertainer of his generation. He doesn't have to claim Godhead. He's good enough as is.

Prince does, however, have a few things to check off his list. One, judging by his Saturday night show, was laying claim over this premier American music festival. In recent years, he has worked to reshape the space of pop performance by helping revitalize music in Las Vegas, playing intimate venues and offering lengthy theater runs. It made sense that he'd also want to leave his Zorro-like mark on the thriving concert festival circuit.

On May 16th, singing legend Dorothy Moore presents a concert to benefit Habitat for Humanity Metro Jackson at Belhaven College Center for the Arts. Harmonica/song writer Scott Albert Johnson will open the show. Proceeds go to build a house for a Jackson family.

Allen Johnston - The Music Specialist www.asha.com

Today I read some of the most foolish stuff I have seen in years. 50 Cent has said "I don't like people who don't like me ... that statement changes my perception of Alicia Keys totally. It's just not really a bright comment,"

OK bright comment; let's look at what this controversy is really about.

Alicia Keys made a statement that Gangsta Rap was a ploy to convince Black people to kill each other. She is completely right in her statement but DUMMY 50 Cent thinks that she has disrespected him.

Here's a little known fact, but the first rap group to identify themselves as "gangster's" was the Beastie Boys (strange how that was never an issue). Gangsta Rap came about as an offshoot of the anti governmental, socio-political rap created by East coast Boogie Down Productions and West Coast NWA. Very few people today recognize that rappers in the 80's were talking about killing the police because they were killing Black people without justification within the Black neighborhoods. The concept of the strong Black male being a threat to the constant police state that was and is found within the Black communities was something that the government both regional and national did not want. What transpired was music that Black & White American and International teens understood and bought in massive quantities, completely upsetting major record labels and governmental agencies.

To change this movement first the government fought the artists that made the music both on the street and within the media. FBI Assistant Director, Milt Ahlerich, strongly expressing law enforcement's resentment of NWA's Fuck The Police published a public letter condemning the music. Gangsta rap made Capitol Hill and Senate investigations started, while certain members of Congress wives began placing pressure on major record labels to change the lyrical content.

What I witnessed next was the change in the major label marketing and promotion to put more emphasis on music that carried lyrics of promoting homophobia, violence, profanity, promiscuity, misogyny, rape, street gangs, drive-by shooting, vandalism, thievery, drug use, racism, and materialism. The message that Black communities were under siege by the police and other governmental agencies was completely lost to the teen generation. Radio was coerced into playing the music that the major labels wanted played, not the music that the communities wanted via massive promotions, marketing dollars and payola. Media manipulation has become an art and no where in the world is it more prevalent than within the United States. So media started promoting homophobia, violence, profanity, promiscuity, misogyny, rape, street gangs, drive-by shooting, vandalism, thievery, drug use, racism, and materialism. There was a chance that this circle of media manipulation would cease within the African American communities, but along came BET and the minds of young African Americans and eventually teens around the world were presented videos promoting homophobia, violence, profanity, promiscuity, misogyny, rape, street gangs, drive-by shooting, vandalism, thievery, drug use, racism, and materialism.

50 Cent is a businessman unfortunately his core business promotes homophobia, violence, profanity, promiscuity, misogyny, rape, street gangs, drive-by shooting, vandalism, thievery, drug use, racism, and materialism.

Tim Winter. President of the Parents Television Council, conducted a study in partnership with the Enough is Enough Campaign. This study has shown that daytime music video programming on BET and MTV bombarded teen viewers with sexual, violent, profane or obscene images once every 38 seconds. "BET and MTV are assaulting children with content that is full of sexually charged images, explicit language, portrayals of violence, drug use, drug sales and other illegal activity," said Winter. "Not only that, but we discovered that some offensive words aired only in muted form in December 2007, but as recent as March 2008, these same words were not muted."

Gangsta rappers often defend themselves by claiming that they are describing the reality of inner-city life, and that they are only adopting a character, like an actor playing a role, which behaves in ways that they may not necessarily endorse. At least this is what they say when you place them in a room with REAL gangsters. The illusion of power, wealth and control is a factor that many so called Gangsta Rappers desire and flaunt. The reality of power, wealth and control lies within world corporations and governments.

Alicia Keys, keep on saying the truth, regardless to how the media spins it intelligent people know what's REALLY happening. 50 Cent add me to the list of people who don't like you or what you stand for.

This a response to last weeks Music Specialist feature
This is a direct rebuttal to your most corroded view points rendered to the public on Record pools. Having run one of the best pools in the city of Atlanta, bar none the Jumpin Jack DJs of Atlanta.

There are two sides to every story. You don't have to be a black college graduate to know this.

Yes when I came to Atlanta thirty four years ago there were only two pools in the entire city. When I started I was told by the so called "Majors' that they already had a record pool why did I want to start one.

Well that set me right off to today. I have now the second oldest running black music Record CD pools in the entire south. The 21 year old Jumpin Jack DJ Pool, you may even not like it but you have to Respect It!!

Now with the majors when the internet came in, the music business went topsy turvy.

They closed all of their black music departments down and God knows how many lives got ruined. In the old days we received a face with our music from majors as well as independent. Now any kid can get on his PC and make a hit or at least a record and sell it online legitimately. So who needs the pools? We at the pool and radio station we receive literally hundreds of MP3s from not independents but sheer unknowns. How on Gods green earth does a business suppose to operate for free. With gas reaching five dollars a gallon a long way from the old days when they sent you a box of wax and it was sufficient. The Majors do not cater to pools they follow favors!!! So pools have to dance a certain tune just to get music. Or be a College Snob who dances and does the jig till their noses turn brown

I have been always the independents assistance. From hot Miami Independents labels like LUKE and JOEY BOY Records. Their doing well but what has the pool got "Ill tell you nothing". So we as a pool have nothing for free because we have not made anything. Tell me who in this city is retiring from record pooling. If they are God bless them. Because it's a job and not hype like most seem to think. WE WORK HARD FOR OUR CASH. Record Pools are a business all should try to understand that DJs are the lowest paid most underrated in the business period. Is there a nationally known DJ Grammies NO!!!

And when you speak Mr. Music Specialist you should at least have your facts straight other wise you throw conjecture into the business. That comes from one who was born in this business. My mother was a famous entertainer. I Bid you respects.

Jamal Whited (404)437-1287 4044371287@mymetropcs.com www.nworcs.com www.nworcsradio.com

The Minority Media and Telecommunications Council (MMTC) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving equal opportunity and civil rights in the mass media and telecommunications industries. MMTC is generally recognized as the nation's leading advocate for minority advancement in communications. We strongly believe that the breathtaking changes in communications technology and the new global forms of media partnerships must enhance diversity in the 21st century.

He is an exceptional writer, producer, recording artist and has been performing of Blues, R&B and Southern Soul Music for many years. His newly released triple Play CD " Return of A Legend" Rue Davis Featuring, "Let's Stay Together," is the hottest CD yet. Most recently (at the Jackson Music Awards) he received "The International Songwriter of the Year Award". He has written many other smash hits songs for other recording artists. Now he has signed with a new record label, Boom Town Records and Big Mouth Productions, that will continue to allow him to better write and produce music that consumers will buy.

Hubert Sumlin had never seen so many guitars. American brands. Japanese. German. The walls were covered with them.

It was near midnight in April 1970 at Clapton's home. They had just finished what would come to be known as The London Howlin' Wolf Sessions, a studio jam that included the Rolling Stones, Ringo Starr, Steve Winwood and Klaus Voorman.

It was near midnight in April 1970 at Clapton's home. They had just finished what would come to be known as The London Howlin' Wolf Sessions, a studio jam that included the Rolling Stones, Ringo Starr, Steve Winwood and Klaus Voorman.

"I can't take no guitar from you, Eric," Sumlin said. "I want you to," Clapton insisted. Sumlin then spotted a guitar case on the floor and opened it. He pulled out a black mid-1950s Fender Stratocaster. He ran his fingers up and down the neck a few times, cradled it against his belly. "This one ... I'll take this one, Eric," Sumlin said. The words made Clapton's whole body tremble. "No, Hubert, not that one. Please, man. Not that one." Clapton had just recently purchased it in a small music store in Nashville for $100. It was the guitar of his dreams, the way it played and spoke.

"This is the one, man," Sumlin said. Several minutes passed. Sumlin kept playing. Clapton kept shaking. "OK, Hubert," Clapton finally said. "But if I want this guitar back one day, can I buy it from you?" Sumlin shook his head. "Naw, man, I'm gonna play it a while, and then I'll give it back to you. You ain't gotta buy it."

After he returned to the U.S., "I think everybody in Eric's family -including his butler - called me about that guitar," the 76-year-old Sumlin recalls now. "But I told them the same thing I told Eric. 'I'll give it back one day.' "

The Blues Foundation's Blues Music Awards just keep getting bigger and better. More than 65 of the 2008 Blues Music Awards nominees have already confirmed their attendance for the 29th edition of the biggest night in Blues music. The Awards will be presented at the Grand Casino Event Center in Tunica Resorts, Mississippi on Thursday May 8.

The following nominees have confirmed their attendance: Ann Rabson; Bettye LaVette; Big George Brock; Big James Montgomery; Bob Corritore & Dave Riley; Bob Margolin; Bob Stroger; Bobby Rush; Bruce Katz; Bryan Lee; Calvin "Fuzz" Jones; Darrell Nulisch; David Maxwell; Deanna Bogart; Debbie Davies; Denise LaSalle; Diunna Greenleaf & Blue Mercy; Doug James; Doug MacLeod; Duke Robillard; Eugene "Hideaway" Bridges; Fiona Boyes; Fruteland Jackson; Gina Sicilia; Henry Butler; Hubert Sumlin; Jackie Payne; James "Blood" Ulmer; Janiva Magness; Jeff Turmes; Jimi Bott; Jimmy "Duck" Holmes; Jimmie Vaughan; John Nemeth; Johnny Sansone; Kenny Wayne Shepherd; Kid Ramos; Kilborn Alley Blues Band; Kim Wilson; Koko Taylor; Lurrie Bell; Magic Slim & The Teardrops; Mannish Boys; Mary Flower; Mem Shannon; Nappy Brown; Nick Moss & the Flip Tops; Nora Jean Bruso; Omar Dykes; Phillip Walker; Robb Stupka; Root Doctor; Ruthie Foster; Sam Lay; Sharrie Williams; Steve Calif; Sugar Blue; Tad Robinson; Teresa James; The Holmes Brothers; The Insomniacs; The Soul of John Black; Tommy Castro and Watermelon Slim & the Workers.

Whew! And a few more nominees are likely to still be added to the list.

And most of these artists will be performing during the course of the show, many in the one-of-a-kind pairing for which these awards are so famous. The presentation of the 25 awards will be interspersed with an equal number of performances.

Also in Tunica, on the 8th, Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour will unveil the Highway 61 Blues Trail Marker at 3:00pm before Blues fans from around the world in the Delta to attend the Blues Music Awards.

The Blues Foundation will present the Blues Music Awards for the first time in their 29-year history in the Mississippi Delta, the birthplace of the Blues. In addition to the nominees, industry representatives and fans from around the globe will celebrate the best in Blues recording and performance from the previous year on May 8, 2008 at the Grand Casino Event Center, just down the road from Memphis, the Awards' home since their 1980 inception.

The Blues Music Awards are universally recognized as the highest honor given to Blues artists. The presenting sponsor will once again be The Gibson Foundation. In 2008, the State of Mississippi, the Tunica Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Grand Casino and Resort are also sponsoring the Blues Music Awards. The Blues Music Awards are also sponsored by BMI, Casey Family Programs, Eagle Rock Entertainment, FedEx, the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company and SonyBMG's Legacy Records.

The Blues Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Charter Members' Dinner will be held the night before on Wednesday, May 7 at the Tunica RiverPark museum situated on the banks of the Mississippi River.

The Blues Music Awards are produced by The Blues Foundation, a non-profit organization established to preserve Blues history, celebrate Blues excellence, support Blues education and ensure the future of this uniquely American art form. The Foundation consists of a worldwide network of 165 affiliated Blues societies and has individual memberships spanning the globe. In addition to the Blues Music Awards, the Foundation also produces the Blues Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, the International Blues Challenge and the Keeping the Blues Alive Awards. It fosters education through its Blues in the Schools programming and supports the medical needs of Blues musicians with its HART Fund. Throughout the year, the Foundation staff serves the worldwide Blues community with answers, contact information and news.

I am excited to communicate with you about the upcoming 10^th ANNUAL GREAT ATLANTA BLUES & MUSIC FEST THE LARGEST BLUES & MUSIC GATHERING IN ATLANTA HISTORY.

A TRIBUTE TO Lotsa Poppa and his brother Donald High - July 25-27 2008.

Over the years - the City of Atlanta has become known for its legendary clubs and the many performers who graced its performance stages over the years in such clubs as The Royal Peacock, The Auburn Avenue Casino, The Poincietta Club and more. Artists such as James Brown, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Bobby 'Blue' Bland, B. B. King, Jackie Wilson and others appeared in Atlanta regularly. The 10^th Annual Great Atlanta Blues & Music Fest pays tribute to Lotsa of Poppa (now confined to a nursing home) and his brother Donald High who performs with the Gospel Silvernairs. Blues artists of today such as Tommy Brown, The Breeze Kings, Harvey Scales, The Radio Ramblers, Willie Hill, Chick Willis, The Sana Blues Band, Deacon Blues, Mudcat, Beverlly Guitar Watson, The Brotheren featuring Shirley Diamond,Pat Cooley, Lola, The DJ Blues Band and many more will perform.

This year's event moves to Historic Sweet Auburn Avenue - where many of our legendary performers have appeared. There will be more than 100 acts performing on this three day event.
$10.00 PER DAY $20.00 THREE DAY PASS *

Otis Clay is one of the premier deep soul and gospel singers working today. His raw, fiery vocals drive an energetic and danceable blend of soul, r&b and blues in the tradition of such deep soul singers as Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett and Solomon Burke.

A master showman, Otis Clay stays in demand for festival and concert appearances in the U.S., Europe and Japan. Noteworthy recent appearances include headlining The 2006 Japan Blues and Soul Festival Tour, headlining the opening night and being Honorary President of The 2006 Blues Passions Festival in Cognac, France a special guest appearance at The Chicago Emmy Awards in Nov., 2006 and the 2007 Chicago Gospel Music Festival.

Born in Waxhaw, Mississippi, Clay began his career in gospel singing with groups such as The Pilgrim Harmonizers, The Gospel Songbirds and the legendary Sensational Nightingales. His recording of "When The Gates Swing Open" was a hit in the mid- 80's and is included on The Gospel Truth cd released on Blind Pig Records. Both "When The Gates Swing Open" and The Gospel Truth remain staples on gospel radio today. As a singer and producer, Otis Clay remains very active in gospel. Walk A Mile In My Shoes, a new cd featuring Otis' version of this classic song has been released on his own Echo Records label.

The chief marketing officer dreads opening the survey request from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People each fall.

The request is always the same: Detailed data on where the brand this CMO manages spends its sizeable advertising budget -- including black-owned media. And each year, the request for a breakdown of ad budget is politely declined by the marketing chief, who cites its proprietary nature.

And so each year, the brand winds up with an F in the area of marketing and communications -- along with 16 others -- in the NAACP annual Consumer Spending Guide. The stated goal is to measure corporate America's relationship with the African- American community -- a consumer segment that represents 13% of the U.S. population with spending power of $845 billion in 2007 -- a figure expected to leap to more than $1.1 trillion by 2012, according to the University of Georgia's Selig Center for Economic Growth.

All things being equal, we'd have no problem supporting" black-owned media, said the CMO, but "a lot of the true African-American owned media companies are small and very decentralized. That doesn't fit our strategy of needing to have a national reach. We have looked at some of the options, but the delivery is so small in relation to cost it doesn't fit our strategy."

The survey's goal is to urge the black community to buy from marketers that support black media and to boost media ownership within the community, according to Richard McIntire, a spokesman for the organization. "Brands have these huge budgets, and less than 1% is reinvested back into African-American media," Mr. McIntire said. "The black press does not see the advertising dollars coming from major corporations who will advertise in a market with two dailies but won't in the smaller community papers."

Check Out This Weeks Countdown
Kenne Wayne Marvin Sease and Rue Davis Debut.
Omar Cunningham holds on to the #1 spot.
Boogie talks with Floyd Taylor

1.-1.My Life Omar Cunningham
2.-2.Grown And Sexy The Problem Solvas featuring Sir Charles Jones
3.-3.Keep On Swinging Bigg Robb
4.-5. Never Miss A Good Thing Sir Charles Jones 5.-4.A Woman Knows Willie Clayton
6.-6.Never Take A Day Off Ms.Jody
7.-7.Im gonna Slap Yo Weave Off Nellie Tiger Travis
8.-9.Pay Before You Pump Denise Lasalle
9.-10.When You Pack Bags Vick Allen
10.-8.Pop That Middle Theodis Ealey
11.-10.Bobby Rush For President Bobby Rush
12.-12 Booty Roll Steve Perry
13.-15.Voice Mail Mr.Sam featuring Floyd Taylor
14.-* .I'm Coming Home Marvin Sease
15.-*. You're The Best Kenne Wayne
16.-13.Fire Labrado
17.-15.12 steps for Cheaters Mr.Sam
18.- *. I Believe in you Rue Davis
19.-11.Rockin This Boat -Bobbye Johnson
20.-16.Older Woman Pat Cooley

Blues Jam 2008 is a Celebration and Tribute to a man whose legacy continues to thrive 70 years after his death. Robert Johnson, who is donned as the "Grandfather of Rock and Roll" has made his mark in history with his original songs and guitar style. He has influenced a broad range of musicians from Johnny Winters, Bonnie Raitt and Eric Clapton and has now grasped the praise and admiration of a whole "New Generation" of up and coming musicians in this Digital Age. Even after death Johnson has received a Grammy, been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. So in the infamous words of a few of his songs: "Come on in My Kitchen" as we brew you up a huge serving of "Cross Road Blues" and kick back and let the music chase away "The Hellhound on My (your) Trail". Don't miss it!

Jim Starr's experience as a Radio Announcer/Program Manager includes nearly over 20 years of experience.

His background also includes the influence of Mal Goode who broke the color barrier in network television news who also became the first African American television reporter.

Starr's talents include creative writing, voice- over production, management and training in the radio industry-as a screener, music director, and announcer.

Dear Twins: About six months ago on the advice of my best friend I started seeing my neighbor that lives directly across the street from my house. It started out being very convenient and I thought I knew enough about him since we had been neighbors for more than four years. We started to do things together and he planned a lot of our outings just as I did. We both set the rules for our relationship. The first thing was not to become jealous and not to spy on the others' household concerning their comings and goings especially if we didn't have a date planned. Lately he has become very possessive and watches my house constantly. I've stopped seeing him but he still wants to show up on my doorstep whenever he pleases. The other day as I was coming in from work and I could feel that I was being watched. When I turned around he was at his window with a pair of binoculars. He calls me constantly asking me where I've been and who have I been out with. What should I do? I'm afraid this thing with him watching me is going to get out of hand.

Written by Donald Gibson

Considering the diversity and scope of his career, Eric Clapton could - with minimal effort - deliver a concert chock-full of radio hits and popular album cuts from his catalog. There's certainly an abundance of such material to mine, yet ostensibly (and repetitively) trying to please the most casual of fans often comes at the expense of the artist's own passion.

To his credit and to the benefit of his audience, Clapton treated over 15,000 at Tampa's Ford Amphitheatre on Saturday night to music that most resonates with him - namely the blues, in its various shades and expressions - which translated into a stirring, and at times invigorating, two-hour performance.

In just the first three songs - "Tell The Truth," "Key To The Highway," and "Hoochie Coochie Man" - Slowhand suggested that a blues-rich evening lay in store. With back-to-back shots of "Little Wing" and "Double Trouble" to follow, he obliterated all remaining speculation.

He capitalized on an aggressive new rhythm section - consisting of bassist Pino Palladino and drummer Ian Thomas - which suited the thick and gritty tones of songs like "Outside Woman Blues" and "Before You Accuse Me." Such a solid foundation underscored Clapton's intense guitar work, as on "Motherless Children" and on a potent cover of the Wilson Pickett gem, "Don't Knock My Love," which resounded especially strong. Guitarist Doyle Bramhall II provided ample complement to Clapton's chords and riffs while keyboardist Chris Stainton seamlessly filled out the sound.

During a sit-down segment, Clapton alternated between electric and acoustic guitars, offering inspired renditions of songs that included "Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out," "Motherless Child" and "Running On Faith," the latter yielding a most-appreciative ovation.

Far from seeming compulsory or halfhearted, Clapton ultimately rewarded the audience with some of his most familiar works, as "Wonderful Tonight" preceded "Layla" to close the main set. He returned to the stage to deliver a raucous version of "Cocaine" before barnstorming through "Crossroads," which featured opener Robert Randolph on pedal steel.

While not one of music's most predictable live acts, Eric Clapton is among its most sincere, which justifies - even when he plays rather obscure material - the deference afforded him by his audience. On this night, he summoned a thrilling performance by focusing on what he felt rather than what he felt obligated to play.

When Angie Stone finally got round to making her first album as a solo act in 1999, she was talked up for a while as the new Macy Gray. Stone never did become an overnight superstar like Gray, but nor did she suddenly fall off the map. Now on to her fourth album, The Art of Love & War, which reached No 11 in the American chart and secured her a Grammy nomination for the song Baby, Stone has instead become a stalwart of the international R&B circuit.

Born in South Carolina, and recently signed to the revived Stax label, Stone is a performer steeped in Southern soul traditions. At the age of 47 she is not as flamboyant as latterday divas such as Mary J. Blige or Alicia Keys, but she is more plugged in to the modern ways than originators such as Aretha Franklin.

History will remember Nina Simone, the deep- voiced "High Priestess of Soul," as a legend in the music business as well as a prominent figure in the civil rights movement.

Good friends with luminaries like James Baldwin, Langston Hughes and Malcolm X, Simone addressed racial hatred in songs like "Mississippi Goddam," a response to a church bombing in Birmingham and the murder of Medgar Evers which was banned in several Southern states, and "To Be Young, Gifted, and Black," a song adapted from a Lorraine Hansberry play that became known as the national anthem of black America.

Nina Simone's daughter, Lisa Celeste, now goes simply by Simone. Though she has come into her musical success in her own right, having performed on Broadway under different stage names for years, she comes to Galesburg on Sunday to sing her mother's songs and help to cement Nina Simone in America's memory.