The Adventures of the NSP

Originally, this blog was to be titled Vision of Mimi. You see last night I went to go see her at Madison Square Garden. She was there for one night only. I had been reading reviews obvi on MariahDaily.com doing bc this was to be my first time to see her do a full concert. I had missed Charmbracelet & its no secret that she’s one to do a massive tour of epic proportions. Reviews had been mixed. Talk of her many costume changes, DJ Clue in between some songs, Trey Lorenz abruptly doing 3 songs in between, the fact that Mariah isn’t a dancer….all of these seem to pop up. So I was actually a tad nervous bc I wasn’t too sure of what to expect. I ofcourse had found out the setlist much like I did a certain other show last month. I mean I like to know a little of whats about to happen but thats just me.

Sean Paul opened for her & I realized I liked a few more of his songs than I had ever thought. Get Busy & Temperature are my favorites by him. I was literally shocked when he opened his mouth & started to do an acapella version of Love Don’t Live Here Anymore. Oh my! Does Mariah know that this is happenning? Not to add fuel to the fire but its been widely reported that they do not like each other. I’ve known about it since the early 90’s when one certain M said about another certain M that she didn’t care at all for her type of music(during her mean phase) & when asked what the other had thought she had made a reference to not really listening to that kind of music during the 80’s. But honestly, you ain’t nobody until the media tries to compare you to somebody. Mariah/Whitney, Christina/Britney, Michael/Prince….c’mon peeps we could do this for days.

But I digress, lets get back to the show. Finally, It’s Like That opened the show & I was pretty much on my feet durng the whole show. Well, at least as long as she was on. She ran through some of my all time favorites. MC is definitely one to make sure she pleases her fans with doing hits. Everyone got excited to see Da Brat randomly come out during Heartbreaker but everyone was about to pee their pants when Jay-Z popped up out of nowhere. Other cameo’s by P. Diddy, Jadakiss & Styles showed that MC def had the major’s attention while her brief stay in her hometown. I mean really, who else can get all these kind of people to show up? In Mimi’s case she had a problem getting her Pastor to come on stage during Fly Like A Bird. So in literally the showstopper she said, "Wait, hold up! Stop! I can not do this song without him coming out here to say his lines." So the song stopped & we all waited. I loved it. It was candid & right up there with something that say ‘Retha would do. Because seriously if I had released the #1 cd of 2005 & showed loved to someone & they were supose to have thier fatass on the stage too to say a mere few lines, I’d be like hold up too. Naturally, he came out with the spotlight never leaving him.

I had moments throughout the show. The vocal runs of Vision of Love, her coming out to a mini satge in the middle for Fantasy, Don’t Forget About Us & Always Be My Baby was oh so nice. I loved the costume changes & most importantly everywhere she went there was a fan! These are all things I’ve loved about Mariah. Any fan knows she is known for doing all these things. The hand gestures, running across the stage testifying during Make It Happen, fans know it & we eat it up.

So let me be totally truthful in the sense that I had fun at both the Mariah & the Madonna show.  Why do I have to choose between the two?  Earlier today in my ‘Madonna Prayer Group’ it was like coming out for the very first time.  Vadim said, "Who are you?  I don’t even know you now!"  Somehow I feel that I would hear worse when I tell my mom that not only am I gay but my bf is Jewish!  It seems is you’re a fan of both M & M then you have to choose a side. 

Its quite simple, for me in ‘84 Madonna made me want to be a perfomer.  I wasn’t sure what I was gonna do but I knew I wanted to tell the world a story.  I knew I wanted to do it through body language, I knew I wanted to push people’s buttons.  Watching Truth or Dare helped cement that.  That same year that that movie came out a little single that could went soring up the charts.  I then found out about a pop singer that was of mixed race.  All of a sudden I was like hey, its ok to be of mixed race.  Its not as bad as everyone tries to make it out to be.  Madonna made me want to be a performer & it was Mariah who made me want to be a singer.  It was this same boy who sang Hero at his high school SADD conventions(don’t laugh bitches bc at the time it was mad serious) & the same boy sang One Sweet Day during High School graduation with Wendy Hardy.  Ok so why did we sing that for graduation when the song is about death?  I don’t know but during this time that song made it to #1 & stayed there for 16 weeks becoming the longest running #1 single in the Billboard history. 

My story is this, the same boy that sang this went on the next year to sing Take A Bow in a talent show & it brought the house down.  Because for forever I have loved both ladies.  Its like asking your mother which kid she loves the best.  One does this & one does that.  They’re both unique & special in their own special way.  So Mariah ain’t a dancer, well it ain’t like I went to the show watching her shake her ass.  I want to hear her hit every note that every wannabe American Idol only wishes they could hit on their best day.  So Madonna may lip synch, but when she does she walks on the stage & commands such a prescence that you can not help but notice.  It’s funny to me to think of the same reviews that people have placed on the Confession Tour saying it was this & it wasn’t that.  She went out there & did her thing,  I accept her for everything.  When she went through her Sex phase & everyone hated her I was there still loving the Erotica album & I still feel that it was one of her best.  When everyone else was like Oh!  Ray Of Light IS a good album or just last year when she took us back to the dancefloor with Hung Up I had always been there every step of the way dancing right along with her. 

When everyone wanted to hate Mariah for her Glitter days, I still listened to the album & heard the stand out tracks that no one wanted to pay attention to.  When they said it was the Return of the Voice, I was like what do you mean return becuase it didn’t go anywhere!  Plain & simple I have been a fan thick & thin.  Whenever either artist decided to change or grow I have went on the journey with them.  I didn’t like Madonna through her ‘Material Girl’ phase or her ‘Ray Of Light’ phase.  I looked for the best in each album.  I love ‘Breakdown’ just as much as I love "Vanishing’.  It’s all about growing.  Madonna asked, "Have you Confessed?"  Mariah talked about her ‘Emancipation’.  Well folks I am here to say that I am Hung up on both.  I had a Vision of Love through a couple of Lucky Stars that Made It Happen & to be honest I can’t Shake ‘Em Off.  Instead i’ll stay True Blue and if anyone wants to hate on me I’ll just say, "Get a fucking sense of humor, lighten up America!"  Then I may add, "There’s a Hero if you look inside your heart, you don’t have to bea afraid of you are."

So for me there is no Madonna vs Mariah.  Each better do their own damn thing as long as they keep me watching! 

The other day I was talking with Jordan & he tells me that he’s never seen the Vogue video. Shock & awe!!!! Literally. Even more shocking was that during the conversation I learned that there were so many video’s he’d never seen. As long as I can remember I have always paid attention to music video’s. Whether they be bad or good. I think I mentioned my love for recording & rewatching so I could learn the moves. So I got to thinking…..if VH1 & every other magazine can list their favs then I sure as hell should do mine too! Some of you may be like, "Wait! What is the brand new hotness going on in ur life? Or what shenanigans have you been up to?" To this I say, "All in good time my little pretties….all in good time." But for now I wanna tell you about my list of all time favorite video’s. Let me take you down memory lane. To video’s that date back to the 70’s to now. Let’s talk about 7 Madonna video’s, 6 Janet Jackson video’s & a few by her brother(before all the craziness). Video’s that were really expensive & some that weren’t. Some were banned because of controversy. Some have gay undertones & some are just plain gay! So sit back, relax & reminisce. If you hate some of these, remember its my list haha. I’m sure a few you’ll be like what the hell are you thinking. But whatevs, I’m sure I’ll have some you like……

100. Video Killed the Radio Star/The Buggles: It just seems appropriate that I kick off my list with this. The song originally came out in ‘79 & went to #1 in the Uk. It was the first video ever played on MTV when it debuted on Aug 1, 1981. Thats right, right after I turned 3 yrs of age!

99. Move Your Feet/Junior Senior: The video is a throwback to 80’s animation which I thought was cool. Reminds us where it all came from. The song was also incredibly catchy & a club hit.

98. Touch Me(All Night Long)/Cathy Dennis: Now you may be scratching your head on this one. But, it took me 15 yrs to finally be able to see it again thanks to youtube. Cathy, oh how I love ur 90’s dance moves & the song will forever be a staple in my DJ list…..just ask anyone who comes over on a Friday night!

97. Friday’s Child/Will Young: Many of you probably don’t know about the first ever Pop Idol who later came out which made me go yahoo even more. Also the fact that the video is of him swimming adds to my lust for him.

96. Breathe/Faith Hill: Simple but visually beautiful. It was her biggest pop hit to date & she looked amazing.

95. You’re Still The One/Shania Twain: Another country crossover diva & the black & white video was sexy. She & the model looked hot!!! Plus you couldn’t escape this song in ‘98.

94. Bohemian Rhapsody/Queen: Clocking in at right under 6 minutes this classic from ‘75 was brought to a whoel new generation for Wayne’s World. Whas hasn’t played the song while driving & start to jam out with your friends? And don’t lie you know you love opera! Queen, we will not let you go!

93. U Can’t Touch This/M.C. Hammer: Now forget 2 Legit 2 Quit, when this came out in ‘90 we all were doing the little dance from side to side. Now I didn’t have any hammer pants but I do know people who did. Mmmm hmm don’t make me call out nobody.

92. Natural Blues/Moby: With a cameo by Christina Ricci, Wednesday Addams herself, this just added to the sadness of the video. Moby as an old man def scared the beejeezus out of me too! And for real I definitely agree, Ooh Lordy now, don’t nobody know my troubles but God…..

91. Mickey/Toni Basil: I was almost gonna include Hollaback Girl but honestly that one would have never been made if it hadn’t of been for this ‘82 jam. As a child this was my favorite song & I would change the words to Oh Nicky you’re so fine you’re so fine you blow my mind. A lil narcissistc for a 4yr old but really, we’re talking about me haha! The cheerleaders were a mess but the video was way cool & she did all the choreography.

90. Quit Playing Games With My Heart/Backstreet Boys: The video that made them big here in the U.S. The raindrenched boys singing about their hearts made all the girls go a flutter. I should also point out boys who had not totally admitted their gayness were like, "Hmmm…..whats that funny feeling in my pants." Also this video was shot when Nick WAS the cute 1.

89. Money For Nothing/Dire Straits: This early computer animated video from ‘85 was an MTV staple which the group wasn’t really prepared for. The original lyrics were a bit sexist & homophobic but the lead singer said he wrote in the view of someone else. This doesn’t totally fly with me but I still can’t lie I loved the video & it had everyone singing I want my MTV!

88. Filthy/Gorgeous/Scissor Sisters: Speaking of gay….this video reminds me of a normal night going out here in NYC. Not only because it features many of NYC nightlife staples & people like Flotilla Debarge & Sophia Lemar. It has boys making out with boys including the lead singer getting it with Murray Hill. All in all its filthy but gorgeous!

87. Love Shack/The B52’s: So here’s another with a gay lead singer but what the hell. Coming out in ‘89 wasn’t the only thing that came out for the first time. If you look closely you’ll see RuPaul making his first appearance all in drag taller than all the other extra’s. Thank you Jordan for reminding me to put this vid on here…..are you happy?

86. Ain’t No Other Man/Christina Aguilera: Even though it was just released a couple of months ago its already made my list. I love the throwback & honestly this isn’t surprising she strayed this way. 2 years ago she did a song with Nelly called Tilt Ya Head Back & that could easily be on this album. I also like the reference to Whatever Happenned To Baby Jane in the video. ‘Do ya thang honey!’

85. Untitled(How Does It Feel?)/D’Angelo: Black man!!! Black man!!! He was on fire with this simple video in 2000. With just missing certain area camera angles it titilated everyone. Women swooned and I know all the down low homo thugs were like you looking tight. Ya damn right. I could only wish to look like that.

84. Mr. Brightside/The Killers: One of the standout singles of ‘05 & featured Eric Roberts who had also made an appearance in Mariah’s as well. The costumes, the set, was all fascinating. Love the Killers!

83. Stand Up/Ludacris: First off, I dare any of you to not get up when this song comes on. Then when you do I’ll repeat, "Go on with your big ass! Lemme see somethin!" The effects in the video were hot with Luda being able to make anything he touches turn big i.e some chicken, girls asses….ya know the essentials.

82. It’s All Coming Back To Me Now/Celine Dion: Now some of you may be shocked for me to go from Luda to Celine but c’mon she is the ‘Greatest singer in da world!’ Kidding aside I really dug this song when it came out in ‘96 & please during this time it was definitely ok to like her. The video was probably her best. It looked like a sequel to say a Meatloaf video only without him. Breaking news is that I just read that he’s remaking this song & its on his new album. The song was written by the same guy behind many of his songs & also Total Eclipse of the Heart. So it had that epic feel. Only complain….Celine are you saying, "It was more than all your lousy love?"

81. Gonna Make You Sweat/C+C Music Factory: in ‘91 they ruled the dance floor & this song shot right to #1. And didn’t Zelma Davis look hot while she lip synched Martha Washington’s part? After the Milli Vanilli scandal a few years before Martha sued & the next track had Zelma’s voice all over it. But all in all, loved the video & the song used to work my body out. Not to say that if I didn’t hear it now I wouldn’t still get up & shake my ass. Ok I KNOW I would.

80. Virtual Insanity/Jamiroquai: In ‘97 this video won 4 MTV VMA’s winning the coveted video of the year. The effects had everyone guessing ‘how did they do that?’ Still a great song & sadly they didn’t acheive massive US success after it. But, they are still releasing music thats keeping us dancing.

79. The Boy Is Mine/Brandy & Monica: Now there is nothing phenomenal about this video but the pairing of these 2 R&B starlets in ‘98 was the hotness. #1 for 13 weeks & becoming the biggest hit of the year, this was some hotnes. Singing it with your friends you could decide who was gonna be who on what parts. But by the end of the video it was nice to see them both kick Mekhi Pfeifer’s ass to the curb.

78. It’s My Life/No Doubt: This cover of the classic Talking Heads song was a surefire hit in ‘03. The video was directed by David LaChapelle. In it Gwen is killing off the other band members & then sitting on trial. It’s been their last single as a group & hopefully we’ll see something from them soon!

77. Gone/’Nsync: If I had to pinpoint one favorite video director it would have to be Herb Ritts. This is the first of many videos that you’ll see on here. In ‘01 he shot the boys looking quite grown up with Justin on lead vocals. Simple, black & white & completely stunning. His first video was Madonn’a Cherish & he went on to do the other divas over time. If you had him doing a video for you, then you knew if was gonna be hot! Sadly, he passed away in ‘02 but he leaves behind breathtaking pieces of work.

76. Did It Again/Kylie Minogue: Many of you I’m sure will not know this song & it didn’t do well when it was originally released in ‘98. But, the video was so cool in the fact that it shows 4 Kylie’s duking it out. Indie, Sex, Dance & Cute showcased her different persona’s. Who won out in the end? I’ll not say but let’s remember 2 yrs later she came back in full force restaking her Pop fame.

75. What’s Love Got To Do With It/Tina Turner: Speaking of reclaiming pop fame….this lady brought the hotness back in ‘84. Those legs, that hair & the vocals were scorching. Funnily enough she didn’t want to record the song but so glad she did. She won best female video a year later at the VMA’s beating out even my fav Madonna….but she definitely earned it.

74. I Wanna Dance With Somebody/Whitney Houston: For a minute let’s forget about the Whtiney of today….Hot Mess International & the wife of the King Of R&B Soul. For now I want to remember the lady of the 80’s with the voice that achieved her 4th number #1 single with this jam. The big hair & crazy outfits had 80’s written all over it. Bless her heart she is not a dancer but I still can’t help but dance with somebody who loves me if I hear this song.

73. It’s All About The Benjamin’s/Puff Daddy, The Lox, Lil” Kim etc.: Now my fav version is the rock remix featuring Dave Grohl. This had them in a high school prom setting running amock. I love when Kim gets on stage ripping off her dress right before she did her rap. Also, this was when Papa Diddy Pop was Puff not whatever name he is this week.

72. Don’t Le Me Get Me/Pink: The second single off her Missunderstood album was another top 10 smash & signified Pink was a force to be reckoned with. Watching it, you could see Pink’s struggles on how to achieve her own pop fame. But to be honest, I never even compared her to Britney Spears.

71. Sweet Dreams(Are Made Of This)/Eurythmics: This seems like a perfect follow up to Pink because in the 80’s Annie was queen of going against that oh so cute femine look. With her buzzed red hair & suit she still looked sexy. Even if it was scary sexy. The only thing I was semi bothered with in the video was the cow. I somehow feel Bessie was not amused to be there. Then again maybe thats just me.

70. Livin’ La Vida Loca/Ricky Martin: In ‘99 I think its safe to say that Ricky’s hips didn’t lie. He was the latin phenom ushering in the latin movement. The video was incredibly sexy, so ok we may not believe he’s really into the girl. But seriously, I would have liked to be in the room watching him get it on with whoever haha.

69. Relax/Frankie Goes To Hollywood: Speaking of getting it on, the original video to this song was so juicy it was banned when it originally came out in ‘84. Everything from its lyrics to what was going on the video. The original has men dressed as leather daddies, a hairy fat man & a tiger. Leather daddies, tigers & bears….oh my! The end of it has the whole orgasmic sense to it. I won’t say anymore but just go to youtube & watch it for yourself!

68. Doin’ It/LL Cool J: At this point all of you reading must think I have sex on the brain. Well not really but when it comes to video’s I love me some sexiness & this one def had the hotness. First off Ladies Love Cool James & everyone else does too. When he licks his lips its like Hello, what you bout to do?! Proving that he’s been sexy in the 80’s, 90’s & today LL could still rock my bells anytime!

67. Behind These Hazel Eyes/Kelly Clarkson: Vadim I hope you’re reading, here’s your shout out for the week. Last yr this video was awesome. Kelly debuted a new blonde ‘do & was acting her ass off while having mud being slung on her all while wearing a wedding dress. The song is great & it should have gone higher than #6 but at least it was one of four top 10 singles from her album.

66. The Scientist/Coldplay: This is probably my favorite song by them right before Fix You. The video had everything going backwards. Showing the end in the beginning, you couldn’t help but wonder just how they managed to do it. All about a car crash usually would have me looking away but this song keeps me glued to the screen.

65. What You Waiting For?/Gwen Stefani: In the US this wasn’t a big hit stalling at #48 but went to #1 in Australia. The video was in my opinion the best from the album. It debuted the Harajuku girls & had a whole Alice In Wonderland theme which is one of my favorite stories.

64. Kiss/Prince: In ‘86 the Purple one had another #1 notched on his Billboard belt & the video had him writhing all around. Like Julia singing it in Pretty Woman I dare any of you to not sing at the top of your lungs during the climax. "Don’t cha just love Prince?’ "More than life itself."

63. Music/Madonna: Get ready because this is the first of many. Don’t be shocked. In 2000 she brought some animation, Ali G, Nicki & Debi with her on her visit to the strip club. All while being 4 months preganant with little Rocco. The single was her twelfth #1 here in the US & being that this was my first summer in NYC every club I went to was jamming the mixes out. Music really does bring the peope together & the burgeoisis too. Hmmm now did I even spell that right?

62. What’s It Gonna Be?!/Busta Rhymes & Janet Jackson: The effects in this video are still phenomenal & being that it came out in ‘99 that’s still saying something. Janet looked too juicy for words in her black cat suit, nipple rings exposed. I think its safe to say that even though she hardly sings anything in it she MADE that video!

61. Yeah!/Usher & Ludacris: This won best dance video for the VMA’s a couple yrs back & was #1 for what seemed weeks & weeks & weeks. I saw him perform this live in Pueto Rico at his show & the moves were just as cool as the video. All about dance, he simply tears it up. This song was inescapable & with every listen you can understand why.

60. If I Ain’t Got You/Alicia Keys: Ok so Fallin’ put her on the map but this song was seriously the little single that could. Staying on the chart for 40 some weeks & & even later featured vocals by Usher to ofcourse keep the momentum going & to prep everyone for their collabo of My Boo. The video she was all kinds of serious acting & I loved it. I fondly remember Method Man telling that dude to not get his car dirty with them big ass feet.

59. La Tortura/Shakira & Alejandro Sanz: Ok put aside I may not understand too much of what the hell they are saying. But I know its Latin & its passion! She’s like ha ha Ain’t it bad for you that you can’t have this while I am thrusting my humble breasts all in black paint? C’mon I know you’ve wanted to do the same to an ex lovah! Aye! Dios Mio! is right papa! You can’t handle my ish! Ok I’ll calm down now….I need to go wash off this black paint bc its a bitch to get off.

58. Crazy/Aerosmith: Alicia Silverstone! Before Clueless, she rocked 3 of their videos & we ate her up. It also helped that Steven threw in Liv for special effect as well. He must be a pretty damn cool dad in order to have his daughter working a pole like the rent was due yesterday. We all know how much I love a good pole routine! Aerosmith rocks!!!

57. If I Could Turn Back Time/Cher: Speaking of rocking, in ‘89 Cher brought back a comeback showcasing her rock/pop side. Big hair, see through outfit, tattoo’s & sailor’s aside….this is a great song & I don’t know of one gay man that hasn’t done that riff. Whooaaa!!!!

56. Addicted To Love/Robert Palmer: This video from ‘86 had numerous homages to it. My favorite would be Shania’s Man! I Feel Like A Woman! I loved the bland looks on the models faces barely strumming guitar & such & looking like they would rather be somewhere else. But lets face it they look that way bc they were damn hungry!!!

55. Too Funky/George Michael: Before she was creating America’s Next Top Model, Tyra Banks joined Linda & some drag queens to work the runway for this video. I guess its a good thing Naomi wasn’t in it bc then they would have had to put the disclaimer of ‘No one was hit by a phone during the making of this video’. If you read this Naomi, know that I’m kidding & you are my girl. Ouch! Wait something just hit me!

54. Wannabe/Spice Girls: It was 10 yrs ago that Girl Power stormed the British Airwaves with this single & a few months later the US got the taste of all things Ginger, Posh, Baby, Scary & Sporty! A runaway hit & to this day you’ll still catch me singing, "So I’ll Tell you what I want, what I really, really want." I want to rule the world, zig a zig ah & oh yeah have world peace.

53. Girls Just Want To Have Fun/Cyndi Lauper: Her debut single went right to #2 & was one of many massive singles off of She’s So Unusual. During ‘84 people all claimed that she would be bigger than Madonna. Funny how things change but really this video was cute & still one of my favorites. I saw her in Broadway Bares a few months ago & she had the crowd going hysterical when she opened her coat & showed she was wearing a strap on! I guess girls really do want to just have fun!

52. Cry Me A River/Justin Timberlake: Ok so he bailed out on my girl Janet but this video was incrediby cool. The Britney look alike, his way of stalking her. Everything was perfectly acting out to the lyrics & Timbalands beat was fresh & new much like with his work now with Justin & Nelly Firtado. Haven’t you ever wanted to break & enter into an ex’s house & leave a video of you getting it with your new lover? Yeah me neither.

51. ….Baby One More Time/Britney Spears: The video that started it all. Before being preggers every 5 minutes, K-Fed, the white trashness of the reality show….she released hot pop music. She helped usher in the teen pop craze. This video was shot in the same high school that was used for Grease. Now that’s really cool y’all! Insert chomp on gum joke here.

50. Stan/Eminem & Dido: What’s not been said about him? I haven’t a clue. But, I do think that this was hsi best video. Good acting & Devon Sawa was definitely doing a good job as being a creepy fan. This was also the reason why most of us heard of Dido. Thanks Em, not sure about that whole why she’s suing you thing. Maybe its bc her tea’s gone cold & she’s wondering why…she got out of bed at all…….

49. Love Will Never Do(Without You)/Janet Jackson: Its the end of ‘90, world say hello to extra slim, blonde wig, sexy belly button Janet. Hello Janet! Directed by Herb Ritts, this one was all about her discovering her sexiness and how she was gonna keep discovering it for years & years to come. I quote her interlude from Velvet Rope…"Your coochie gonna swell up & fall apart!" But I digress, this video was hot not only bc of her but for Antonio Sabato Jr & his sexy ass. Good lawd! Repeat & then beat your meat! Oops! Did I say that out loud. Just kidding.

48. Justify My Love/Madonna: Now around the same time……this little single that could went on to cause quite the hoopla! I remember my mom saying you can’t see that video, she’s gone too far. Me asking if she’s seen it. My mom saying well no but i just know you don’t need to see it. Needless to say I managed to see it & I still don’t see the big deal. Now what she did later with Sex, yes ok big deal. But I still think this video is hot even if I don’t absolutley love the song. I have to admit I’ve reenacted the hotel hallway scene for shits & giggles many, many times. Can’t take me nowhere!

47. Criminal/Fiona Apple: Let’s talk 70’s looking porn. This video came out in ‘96 & a 19 yr old Fiona looked like she came right outta Deep Throat. I swear it looked like everyone in the video had been having sex for hours & were just too incredibly tired to do anything else. I can totes relate & I sing ur praises as I change it to I’ve been a bad, bad boy.

46. Good Vibrations/Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch: Once again…good lawd! Who didn’t feel some good vibrations starting to happen after watching this video. Before going onto becoming a born again serious actor, he was a rapper! Lifting weights, taking his shirt off….no wonder I idolized him so. Ok maybe not idolize but fantasize haha. Shut up bitches, you did too!

45. My Favourite Game/The Cardigans: Many of you know them for their Lovefool song but this video was by far better even though it was banned. I will admit its violence is a lil bananas & taking the cake is the end when the lead singer goes flying through the air after doing a head on collision with another car. I don’t normally like such weird violence but it was still done in such a cool way. Kids watch it but don’t try it at home.

44. California Love/2Pac & Dr. Dre:  In ‘96 this video & its apocolyptic like theme was all the rage.  I couldn’t get enough of this song bc it was such a good one to jam to. 

43. Hypnotize/Notorious B.I.G:  Like in the last one this video was to be the last to feature the iconic rapper.  Featuring Puffy & an elaborate boat & car chase, Biggie was on top with this song.  When I think of one song I can’t help but want to play the other.  R.I.P. to you both

42. Get Ur Freak On/Missy Elliot:  Special effects…check.  Hot choreography…check.  Missy acting bananas…oh hell yes.  Everywhere I went I heard this song.  No one could deny it.  One of many of her innovative videos & my all time favs. 

41. Physical/Olivia Newton-John:  In ‘81 she was one of the faces behind the new fitness craze of the early 80’s & this song had to be its theme.  The video had gay undertones all over it.  The men looked like they came out of a porn video.  The heavier men?  Yeah no one was paying attention.  The men leaving together at the end hand in hand?  Well to see where that ended then I should direct you to an 80’s porn site.  J/k

40. Slow/Kylie Minogue:  Ok you want hidden gay undertones?  Well Kylie won’t play that way.  She puts it right out there with the sexiness of this pool video & the people that are laying out getting their tan on.  From the beginning with the male diver coming out of the pool to step over another guy to the end with just her it leaves you wanting…more.

39. Walk This Way/Run DMC & Aerosmith:  The original version was classic cool but after they put their stamp on it, Run DMC broke into the door with hip-hop.  Also, this collabo brought Aerosmith back into the limelight.  An 80’s cool classic!

38. Hey Ya!/Outkast:  A few years ago you couldn’t escape this song & its accompanying video cemented that.  With the hand dances & Andre’s perfect do, everytime I heard it in the club everyone was shaking it like a polaroid picture.  I also love that Andre played the parts of the other members of the band.  At this point maybe you’re catching onto what things get my attention.

37. Lose Control/Missy Elliot & Ciara:  My fav Missy video of all time.  Everything looks old but the dances were so new & fresh.  Ciara may not be the best singer but you can’t deny that the girl can move.  Missy new body?  Yes she showed it off in Work it but she was putting it to the test by rocking out the moves.  It won plenty of Moonmen last yr at the VMA’s & its understandable why!

36. Get Right/Jennifer Lopez:  Check out all the J Lo’s in this one!  The club dancer, the dj, the chola, the nerd, the waitress & then just Jen.  She brought back the choreography to her vid’s & it was good stuff.  Too bad the album sucked but this was the one hit.  J Lo take note….next album…keep us dancing!

35. Straight Up/Paula:  I have always thought that her & J Lo should be besties. J Lo was a fly girl.  Paula was a laker girl.  They both saved up that money from dancing & acting jobs to make their demo’s & dreams of music a reality.  Great singers?  Not by a long shot but when this song came out & its video, Paula had my eye on her & not on Madonna.  Shocking I know, but with cameos by Arsenio & all the tap….Paula I’m forever your boy.

34. Material Girl/Madonna:  Homage to Marilyn aside…this one was by far better than Like A Virgin.  Forever labeling her as the title since it came out in the beginning of ‘85….not much is left to be said about.  Besides everyone’s said it already.

33. Closer/Nine Inch Nails:  This one dropped in ‘94 & I never had liked any of their music before but just with that throbbing heart beat sound, they had my attention.  Keeping it was the video’s freak level.  Missing frames, Trent all tied up, a heart, some pig thing going on….what was going on in director Mark Romanek’s mind?  Who the hell knows but I think we saw a bit of it in this.  So weird its too cool.

32.  Free Your Mind/En Vogue:  Another video by Mark, this still looks cool today.  The four ladies working the runway wearing tight clothing, high heel shoes…it doesn’t mean that their prostitutes ooo no no.  It also doesn’t mean that they are selling dope just so ya know!

31. Nasty/Janet Jackson:  So her first name ain’t baby, its Janet…Miss Jackson if you’re Nasty.  Paula choreographed it & even cameos.  Janet jumps thorugh the screen to give it to the boys…dancing style.  Still one of the best to this day. 

30. Lose My Breath/Destiny’s Child:  The ladies play 3 different versions of themselves as they have a dance off.  The song was hot & should have went to #1 but hey #3 ain’t bad.  Side note:  I love the live version where Michelle falls & as Kelly is like hmm should we wait…B is like go on let’s do this!  Not missing one breath.

29. Remember The Time/Michael Jackson:  This one narrowly beats out In The Closet as my fav vid from the Black Or White album…sorry Naomi once again.  But, the cameo’s of Eddie, Magic Johnson & Iman were all the rage in ‘92.  I love the Egyptian style of the dancing & theme.  I’m trying to do my bit to remember the time when Mike was cool. 

28. Faith/George Michael:  Remember the time when he wasn’t famous for cruising & getting it on with old disgusting men?  So let’s go back to ‘88 & envision a juke box, guitar, shades, highlights & a 3 day stuble.  Late 80’s sexiness…luvs it!

27. Cradle Of Love/Billy Idol:  Unfortunately the blonde one was hurt before making the video but he still managed to snarl that lip in cameo’s.  But the memorable thing about it is the girl going to the neighbors, playing the song & getting absolutely outta control.  The guy was scared but turned on by her…hmm now isn’t that a good way to seduce someone?

26. Take On Me/A-Ha:  It’s 1984 &animation galore! It won all these awards & sadly they went nowhere after it.  But still a cool song, & its video is one of the most memorable in history.

25. Hung Up/Madonna:  Who would have thought that after falling off a horse & breaking collar bones & many other bones that Lady M would have turned out such a hot video.  But we are talking about her for goodness sakes, she showed that being a litte older ain’t gonna get her down.  The Saturday Night Fever moves, leotard, & the pulse of the Gimme Gimme Gimme beat by Abba has still got me jamming.  M, I’m hung up on you.

24. November Rain/Guns N’Roses:  Ok I must admit I own nothing by them & the song I actually do not like but this epic video can not be ignored.  Did he kill Stephanie Seymore or what?  The world may never know being that Axl looks a mess & just can’t seem to get the band back together. 

23. Baby Boy/Beyonce & Sean Paul:  Let me start with this….HOT!!!  She proved it with Crazy In Love but damn!  This one for me was the clincher.  And how many times have I re-enacted the backbend at the end?  Ooo too many for me to mention but like B I know how to give it to the fans!

22. Waterfalls/TLC:  In ‘95 they ruled summer radio with this single & a few months later they were broke.  I’m sure the 2 million budget of the video didn’t help but there really was no other video like it.  It had a story, 3 different ones to be a fact.  Watch it, learn it & love it…repeat.

21. Say You’ll Be There/Spice Girls:  Posh as Midnite Miss Suki, Sporty as Katrina Highkick, Ginger as Trixie Firecracker, Baby as Kung Fu Candy, & Scary as Blazin Bad Zula…absolutely loved them all.  Thier second UK #1 & top 3 US hit this video showcases them all….in case you forgot about it… rediscover it.

20. Freedom/George Michael:  When he decided he didn’t want to be in videos & piss off his label he put Cindy Crawford & many other models in it to lip synch to it.  Yes, this one is for my Shuley….enjoy lady!

19. Lady Marmalade/Christina Aguilera, Pink, Mya & Lil’ Kim:  From one of my fav movies this jam came out.  Ok so let’s forget that Xtina looks like Twisted Sister & just remember the color’s, Pink done up like a hooker, the vocals & everything in it was fun.  Pure Pop fun.  I will point out that Mya looks the best in it but we all know whenthis came out EVERYone wanted to sing Xtina’s part!

18. Beat It/Michael Jackson:  Now when I think of streets & gangs I think DANCE!  Then cut someone on the face later.  Hmmm….maybe not.  But I do love this video & even the spoof Weird Al made out of it in his Eat It song.  Hey, imitation is the sincerest sense of flattery right? 

17. Heartbreaker/Mariah Carey:  Let me just say I love ALL the versions of this video.  The one with the cartoon, w/ Jay-Z, & especially the remix with Missy & Da Brat.  The whole car wash & her turn as Bianca was my favorite.  The catfight, the wrestling, all too good. 

16. Waiting For Tonight/Jennifer Lopez:  Hands down, my most fav song & video by her.  Whenever I see lasers I think of this one & then I’m like quick where is the jungle & my fan.  Baby needs to move.  Note to J Lo again…release shit that we can dance to! 

15. Scream/Michael & Janet Jackson:  The pairing was inevitable & this expensive ass video won plenty of moonmen in ‘95.  To watch them dance together was a moment in history. 

14. Like A Prayer/Madonna: It caused such a controversy in ‘89 Pepsi pulled the plug after only showing the commercial a few times.  But really I still agree it was her artistic expression.  One of her best, nothing else needs to be said.

13. Dirrty/Christina Aguilera: Speaking of expression Xtina did it & she did it loudly with this one.  The song was hot & still is.  I loved it & I thought that it should have done much better here.  But #1 in the Uk is not at all shabby either.  I’m glad you’re Still Dirrty!

12. I’m A Slave 4 U/Britney Spears:  Another one that was a jawdropper.  The Neptunes bringing you to the floor with the beat & Brit was def doing the damn thing.  The choreography was hot & we’ve all seen what Brian has gone on to do with So You Think You Can Dance.  Luvs it!

11. Ironic/Alanis Morissette:  4 Alanis’ in one car all acting a fool.  This is the last one of em I promise but you can bet if I was to do a video don’t be shocked if you see me playing different versions of myself.  Isn’t it ironic?  Don’t cha think? 

10. Can’t Get You Out Of My Head/Kylie Minogue:  Finally!  A new hit for my girl here in the US!  It should have went higher than #7 but still helped her cd debut in the top 3.  The video is exquisite & I love how she keeps that dress covering her special places.  My all time fav Kylie video….can’t wait for new ones!

9. Rock DJ/Robbie Williams:  When this one came out in 2000 everyone was shocked by the ending.  Yes it was a lil gross when he was stripping his flesh off but c’mon this kind of thing had definitiely not been seen.  All the girls roller skating around him as this happens are so nonchalant.  Plus I consider this to be his best song…go on mate!

8. Rhythm Nation/Janet Jackson:  5,4,3,2,1.  Military style this was fierce to the utmost degree.  This is the kind of sound she needs to get back to.  The whole album was awesome & I can still listen to it over & over again.  Now are you ready for the breakdown?

7. Express Yourself/Madonna:  For $2 million this video was the most expensive video when it was released in ‘89.  The whole Metropolis scene & sets were so stylish.  I even loved the damn cat.  I even remember the end….Withtout the heart there can be no understanding between the hand & the mind.

6. Wicked Game/Chris Issac: First off the song is too sexy & the video is even sexier with Helena & all the frolicing on the beach.  Dripping with appeal I could watch it over & over again.  Now too bad he never had another big hit after this. 

5. Cold Hearted/Paula Abdul:  Best vid by Paula totes!  I was in 6th grade when this came out & I’ll always remember my teacher saying Nick you can’t do that dance move.  What move was it?  Oh the one where they squat & pull their legs apart.  The end is cute where the exec’s say, "It was very nice."  Then it says on the screen ‘The Dancers Laugh’

4. Honey/Mariah Carey:  Jet Ski’s, jumping off a ledge into a pool in high heel stilletto’s…this is a job for Agent M.  This one debuted right after my bday in ‘97 & boy what a gift.  Independent & free MC was hot! Directed by Hype Williams, he is right up there with my all time fav video directors. If you’ve got Hype on it then you’re good to go.

3. If/Janet Jackson:  How many times did I rewind this one to make sure I had the dance moves down right?  Like numerous other people I know…too many times to count but i’m sure if you’ve been out with me & the song comes on I’ll still rock those moves.  Asian’s was all the rage in ‘93 for this & even Madonna’s Rain video the same yr.  To this I say mizumizushii!  Aka Juicy! 

2. Vogue/Madonna:  This has been put on top of many lists & I struggled over my decision but hey #2 is not bad at all.  Once again, the amount of times I’ve seen this one is in the millions I’m sure.  But its indeed a classic.  The dancers from Blonde Ambition, Nicki & Donna, director David Fincher…too good for its own damn good! I’ll just go ahead & be honest, I’ve probably watched this video over a million times. Btw I wonder if Oliver ever came out of the closet?

1. Thriller/Michael Jackson:  Coming out in ‘84 this one originally scared the hell out of me as a kid but after watching the Making of Documentary I was all better.  This was the first video to make me want to learn how to dance & pay attention to all these things that go into videomaking.  Having the right director, good choreography, dancers, & even more kick ass song that is why this is my top choice.  If its on I always find myself devoting the next 10 minutes of my life to it.  Absolutely classic & to this day it has not been one upped.   

So there it is my top 100, I hope you enjoyed it & I hope ur eyes aren’t too tired. Unitl next time Blogaholics…….

“No new Nick blog since 7/26/06?? Have you lost your damn mind?? Its time 2 give us Nick junkies a fix!”"

So tell me what chu want, what chu really, really want! The statement before was a text I recieved last night. So today as I’m sitting at work roaming You Tube & Wikipedia, I’m reminded of the fact that when the fans ask for it you gotta give it to em.

Well first off let me say thank you to all the comments & messages I recieved wishing me to have a happy Nickakah. I’ve done my best to try to leave comments or write back to everyone because well, thats just the kind of person I am. Now for everyone who didn’t give shout outs or phone calls or messages….I will assume your internet was down or you couldn’t pay your cell bill or maybe its bc its in yo momma’s name & she had that ish turned off. Maybe you were abducted by aliens. Or maybe you were just celebrating the national holiday of Nickakah so much that you forgot the real reason on why we celebrate Nickakah. Yes bitches that would be me the NSP! But honestly I can’t be mad. There was so much love & such a good time had that its taken me this long to start to recouperate. (If anyone makes a comment like well thats what happens when you get older, I will cut you on the good side of the face….thanks Nicks Mngmt)

Nickakah started out with a bang. I left work straight to go to work bartending but then after Jordan & I went to dinner. It was Italian, which is my favorite & we had really good food & oh so nice wine. The next night was the Out Magazine party. A few of us had gotten there really early(thanks Vadim) because it had been stressed if you don’t get there early you’ll be in line forever(thanks Vadim). So we get there to find the doors open but no one taking names. So we decide to wait outside in the heat & I think I’ve stressed the New York heat. Stand there for a minute & you’re sweating like a Rentboy about to be in a gang bang with no lube! But anyway, one by two other people start arriving. Being that we’re in the front they naturally just stand behind us. All of a sudden its a line of say 25 people. Still, no one coming out saying something chic like, “Are you on my list?” A minute or so passes so I decide to walk up the stairs inside & see what the hell is going on with ofourse encouragement from my friends. Inside I find a bartender looking ever so lonely at a bar & music already playing but no people. Hmmm interesting, so I go back down to tell the peeps. I figured we should not let the bartender be so lonely & we should run up right away to put them to work. And hell if no one is gonna ask me if I’m on a list then fuck it I’ll start my own party der! So as I get the first drink(ok 2, I ordered 2) I turn around to see that I had brought the line outside with me! I’ll bring the hotness, I’ll bring the noise, if you gimme a minute I’ll bring ALL my boys! Finally someone comes rushing to the door to tell everyone that they can’t come in. Haha sucker! Don’t leave the door open to a free bar because we will take over & yes I will indeed start the party everytime. Needless to say it was full of hotness & fun & good times. My party week had truly begun.

The next night was my actual party & I have to be honest I think I had more fun at that then I had any other night. We had told our apt floor we were having a party days before. Our notorious cranky neighbor had mysteriously been gone all week. She’s the reason why we have a noise kerfew of 11 on Fri night & 1am on Sat nite. My party was to start at 8:30 & funnily enough at 8:40 this bitch decides to roll back into her crib. Can I just say who on earth goes away on vactation from Monday to Friday? Just stay the extra 2 days dammit. But whatever, its not like it mattered bc we had given her the chance to say no by leaving messages & such but she had not responded. So the party went on & everyone came from all over it seemed to celebrate with me. Jordan had put up decorations & we put up this huge sheet saying Nickakah 06 so people could write things on it. That way when I’m 70 & can’t remember I had a party I’ll be able to read all the crazy things my friends from yesteryear had said. Then again, the way my memory is going I’ll forget I had this party in a few yrs! I deejayed playing everything from pop to hip hop to club music. I also threw in songs that were number one on my bday any given year….thanks again Wikipedia! Chase was rocking security, random people working the door and who ever was doing drinks. All I know is I was rocking my dj booth near the ac drinking my Blue Hurricanes. There were models(Ron), dancers(Tom), singers(Tom), voguers(some dude named Princess), business types(any number of my friends), twinks(already forgot the names) you name it. Jordan had made tshirts saying Nickakah 06 & on the back a quote of mine about it. I thought that was an extra special touch. We were wearing them & I ofcourse ripped off the sleeves. Vadim was running around in one & for the other 7? I’m not sure who grabbed those. Now watch when I’m famous you’ll see these shirts pop up on Ebay! Everyone seemed to have a great time. Thanks to that kid Ray for starting the dancing up, he was feeling every song I was playing. It was honestly great to see people I’d not got to see in forever like Big Daddy & Russell & Tamkeika. She changes her hairstyle as often as I change my hair color but then again she is my sister from another mother. Jordan kept shooting out confetti during climatic parts of songs scaring the shit out of everyone. It was a bitch to clean up later but still fun. Thanks again to everyone who came, I’m so glad you got to see me!!!

The next 2 nights were my clubbing nights at Roxy & Spirit. Needless to say Roxy is not closing bc it was packed to max in there. Omg I sound like a reference to Saved By the Bell. My actual bday was the 31st & I had taken off of work that Monday. Later, Jordan & I met a few select friends at my favorite Mexican restaurant, Arriba Arriba, for m y actual bday dinner. Mainly I wanted to go bc I love the Margarita’s bc they’re so fricking huge. I always eat the same thing & funnily enough my stomach can’t handle a lot of Mexican food. Who would have thought? After we went back to the apt where I was surprised by my bday cake. It had this huge chocolate penis on it. Veins & all & I had to blow it out. Somehow I managed. We then watched old Paula Abdul videos & I was reminded of my younger, former self from yesteryear. Ok so it was 1989 but thanks for reminding me of it Shawn.

I went back to work the next day & suddenly felt like crap. Oh no, this IS what it means to get old. In my head I’m thinking, “Oh No! Nickakah came out like a lion but its going out like a lamb!” Hmmm, no I don’t think so. I was beginning to get a cold anyway. But what a not so funny time for it to kick in. Just when I was looking at pics of me now compared to say 23 and thinking you look better now. Can I still get it with the best of em? I guess time will see. I’ve definitely come a little farther & grown up a little. Well not too much, please don’t call me Sir. But I’m def not the naive, shy young man from before. Now that I think of it….no my first name ain’t Baby…it’s Nick, Mr. Padron if you’re Nasty.

Until next time Nick Blog Aholics…….