Michelle- words & music profile picture

Michelle- words & music

Journalist

About Me

As i'm always writing about other people, i've never been very good at writing about myself, so here goes!There are two things that have never changed for me. The first being, I have always loved music. As a child I would listen to my mum's records and dance around the front room. Whether it was James Brown, Abba (Abba were big trust me), Madonna or Michael Jackson- I was feeling it!The second thing being, I have always wanted to write. I used to make my own little newspapers and books and write my own news stories and columns. I loved English in school and went on to study Journalism at University, so it made perfect sense that I would combine the two elements in my life that have continually brought me joy.I love meeting new people but i'm NOT on myspace for romance- unless we are talking about a mutual love of music! I'm about making things happen and (sorry for sounding like a hippy) spreading one love because in this day and age it is sorely missed. I am about supporting good music on a global scale but homegrown talent is especially important to me. I have interviewed some of the brightest music stars from the UK and the US: some famous and some just waiting to blow, including:Pretty Ricky, Asher D, Pharrell, Kidz in the Hall, DaVinche, Blemish Blackstar,Lethal B, Rhymefest, Marvin the Martian, Estelle, Xzibit, Big Cakes, Collie Budz, Amel Larrieux, Shameless, Tinchy Stryder,EPMD, Sway,Nu Brand Flexxx, Mr Midas, A-Tola,Idris Elba, N-Dubz, Bruza, Keith Murray, Musiq Soul Child, The Elementz, More Fire Crew, Mos Def blah, blah, blah!I have a dream list of people I would like to interview, if I ever get there- I will let you know!I currently contribute to various e-zines and publications. I also provide PR assistance to artists, events and projects on an ad-hoc basis.Check out my blog and leave a comment!Thanks for passing by.

Myspace Layouts at Pimp-My-Profile.com / Shoes - Image Hosting

My Interests

My interests vary. I love good music, good food, good nights out with my girls. I love reading, walking in the park on a nice day, playing with my cat Ranger, the cinema, concerts and a nice glass of wine.

I'd like to meet:

Anyone who is positive minded, friendly and honest with their music and their work. I would like to meet artists,labels,fellow journos - anyone interested in taking the UK further in music and media.If you require single,album reviews,interviews, features,biographies, press releases -feel free to give me a shout.Or check out the website:www.britishhiphop.co.ukI also write freelance so if you are a magazine/e-zine please contact me with any queries.

Music:

There just isn't enough time or space. I just feel good music whatever genre it may be- ya feel me! However in saying that, here are a few I adore:Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Nas, Maxwell, Amy Winehouse, Mos Def,Phroahe Monch,Rhymefest, Jaheim, Styles P, Lauryn Hill, Jadakiss, Teedra Moses,Bounty Killer, Zero 7, Tupac, Talib Qweli, I Wayne, Ritchie Spice, Sizzla, Hi- Life, Floetry, Jill Scott, Tribe called Quest,Billie Holiday (before I go to bed every night!), Prince, Keane, Outkast (Aquemini- my favourite album), Musiq Soulchild, KRS-1 (Boogie down productions baby), Snoop, Busta Rhymes, Clispe, Kate Bush, Usher, N*E*R*D/NEPTUNES, Dwele, Kanye West,SA-RA, T.I, Blemish Blackstorm, Sway, Common, JME, Durrty Goodz, Roll Deep, Big Cakes,Wretch 32, John Legend, Jay-Z, Estelle,Dubpistols, Dizzee Rascal, Klashnekoff, Poisonous Poets, AZ, Nina Simone, Lupe Fiasco, U2, Bloc Party, Rick James (do you think you love me Mary Jane!), Sam Cooke (darling you send me..), Micheal Jackson / Jackson Five, anything Motown, Soul2Soul, LucyPearl, Eric Benet (A day in the Life was a classic), Toni Braxton, Jill Scott, Earth, Wind & Fire, Kelis, Young Jeezy, Chamilionaire, Lil Wayne,Shirley Bassy (diamonds are 4ever), Fat Joe, Joe, Bruza, More Fire Crew, Heartless Crew, Tupac (again), Justin Timberlake, Janet Jackson, Omar, Erykah Badu,Amel Larrieux,Akon,Biggie Smalls,Simply Red (back in the day), Terrence Trent Derby, Sade, Chaka Khan, Red Hot Chilli Peppers the list goes on and on and on! Just make it funky!

Movies:

Far too many too mention but I will try to give it a go. Godfather 1 and 2, I liked 3 as well I don't care what the critics said! Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind, Shawshank, Tsotsi(big film), Ray, The Prestige, The Killer, La Haine,City of God, A fistful of Dollars, Jerry Lewis films, Calamity Jane, Malcolm X, Love and Basketball, Menace2Society,Poetic Justice,Juice,Fresh,Mo Better Blues, The Hurricane,Star Wars 1-3, Batman, Batman Returns and Batman begins, Spiderman, Goodfellas, Blow, Leon, A time to kill, The Italian Job (the original please), Carlitos Way -i'm I the only person who hates how that film ends? The Sound of music -and what I like musicals! Again, the list goes on.

Television:

Now this is where it gets serious. Ok, 24 may well be my favourite show of all time. Closely followed by Battlestar Galactica, The Wire, Heroes, The Dave Chappelle Show, Quantom Leap, Star Trek ( it's a toss up between Cpt Picard and Cpt Janeway - yes I know i'm a geek) Prison Break, Lost, Desperate Housewives, Sex in the City, My wife and kids, Third Watch and of course the news: BBC News 24.

Books:

Hmmm- wow this is hard! To kill a Mockingbird and Roots are 2 of my greatest books of all time but I also love books by John Grisham, Alice Walker, Michael Moore and The Bronte sisters (romantic at heart!).I like Thomas Hardy books but they're just so bloody depressing (Jude and Tess are my favourite). I love Arthur Miller and Tenessee Williams plays, I also love chick lit especially the Shopoholic set, Bridget Jone's Diary part 1&2, The real Donnie Brasco, Marvel Comics etc... I don't think I could survive without VIBE magazine and Guardian Unlimited online.

Heroes:

As corny as this may sound but it has got to be my mum, shes a real souljah sista and a classic Ghanian mother!

My Blog

NEW NATION THIS WEEK 18.02.08- PRAYERS WITH KAYA

Check out this weeks New Nation and read all about the 'sex' dance sweeping the internet, join the Dwain Chambers debate as well an in-depth interview with former Mis-Teeq member Sabrina Washingt...
Posted by Michelle- words & music on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 02:50:00 PST

AN EVENING WITH JON B

For all fans of classic 90s RnB, Jon B's name slips in neatly in between the likes of Joe and Donell Jones. Classic tracks like 'Don't Talk' and the sublime 'They Don't Know' catapulted the young star...
Posted by Michelle- words & music on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 06:10:00 PST

LUPE FIASCO ALBUM REVIEW

Check out my review for Lupe Fiasco's latest album: http://www.britishhiphop.co.uk/reviews/album_reviews/lupe_fi asco_-_superstar_cd_atlantic_records.html A must have for your collection!  ...
Posted by Michelle- words & music on Fri, 11 Jan 2008 08:43:00 PST

SOULJA BOY ALBUM REVIEW

Check out my album review for Soulja Boy's debut album 'Souljaboytellem.com'.http://www.britishhiphop.co.uk/reviews /album_reviews/soulja_boy_-_souljaboytellem.com_cd_stacks_on _deck.htmlHave you heard ...
Posted by Michelle- words & music on Fri, 23 Nov 2007 03:03:00 PST

N-DUBZ INTERVIEW- PART TWO

Fresh off the off back of their Mobo success, N-Dubz are back with a new single 'You Better Not Waste My Time' and a new album due for release early next year. After my first interview with the guys e...
Posted by Michelle- words & music on Thu, 08 Nov 2007 06:26:00 PST

YOUNG KOF INTERVIEW

Check out my interview with an exceptional UK talent Young Kof, follow the link: http://www.britishhiphop.co.uk/features/interviews/young_kof .html Keep smiling!...
Posted by Michelle- words & music on Thu, 08 Nov 2007 06:18:00 PST

ESTELLE INTERVIEW

The lovely Estelle is back and sounding fresher than ever. I caught up with her at Atlantic HQ to discuss the forthcoming album, her work/friendship with John Legend, missing the UK, and fas...
Posted by Michelle- words & music on Sun, 07 Oct 2007 06:59:00 PST

AMERIE AND UNKLE JAM TO HEADLINE HUGO URBAN RULES

HUGO URBAN RULES was the biggest music campaign to launch last year- talented, unsigned artists were given the opportunity to work and perform with some of the biggest names in the ...
Posted by Michelle- words & music on Sat, 06 Oct 2007 06:43:00 PST

BASHY SINGLE/ VAUXHALL URBAN TRIBES REVIEWS

Check out the review for Bashy's latest single 'Black Boys' here. It's a great track worth downloading onto your Ipod:http://www.britishhiphop.co.uk/reviews/12_reviews/bashy _-_back_boys_cd_naughty_boy...
Posted by Michelle- words & music on Mon, 01 Oct 2007 02:06:00 PST

IDRIS ELBA TO APPEAR AT BFM INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

What do the following names have in common?  Daniel Craig, Idris Elba, Orlando Bloom, Colin Farrell and Ewen McGregor. 1. They are all from the UK. 2. They are all Hollywood actors. 3. They...
Posted by Michelle- words & music on Wed, 05 Sep 2007 05:37:00 PST