In Chicago with Kanye West

August 23, 2003


Last night I did my first ever performance in Chicago (unless you
count my high school choir...). This time I was featured in Kanye's
set at the "Neo-Soul Explosion" (are we still saying "neo-soul" these
days?). Virgin's new "neo-soul" artist Dwele co-headlined the show.

Anyway, Kanye brought me along as his pianist and singer, and we did
some cool collaborations. It wasn't your average hip-hop show. Kanye
did some joints with me on the piano as his only accompaniment, then
he brought out the beats for some other songs. The highlight of the
night was when Kanye's mom came up during his rendition of "Hey Mama".
Mrs. West was dancing on stage w/ Kanye, then she grabbed the mic.
And, to everybody's surprise, she was really holding it down. She was
damn-near flawless on the lyrics and the flow. Watch out Eve & Foxy...
There weren't too many dry eyes in the place. It was a beautiful
thing.

Much love to all the people I met in the Chi. I'll be back....

Back in Philly - North by Northwest

August 22, 2003


I just had a great show in Philly. It was so nice to see all my
faithful supporters. I've performed at NXNW more than anywhere else in
the area, and now I remember why. Y'all always make me feel so
welcome. I did this one without any special guests or collaborations.
Just me on the piano all night. But I wasn't alone. I had a bunch of
old friends and fans in the place that clearly have been doing their
homework. They knew all the background parts to the old songs like
"Sun Comes Up", "Tossin & Turnin" and "Must Be the Way" and they had
my back throughout the show. It was crazy. I might have to take y'all
on the road with me.

Detroit - Eminem & D12

August 20, 2003


I spent the last couple days working with Kanye West in Detroit. We
were doing tracks with Eminem & his crew from D-12 for the next D-12
album. (I'll pause for the thud from that serious name-drop). OK, Mr.
Mathers wasn't really around that much, but I did meet him. We did
most of our work with the rest of the D-12 crew. Anyway, it was fun.
My favorite D-12 member is Bizarre. He played us some hot solo tracks.
Hopefully, he'll come out with his own project. That sh@# was funny.

Blackout

August 16, 2003


So I was supposed to be in New Haven & Philly the last couple days,
doing some more appearances w/ the Black Eyed Peas. But, like most of
y'all in the Northeast, I got hemmed up by the blackout. Luckily for
the Peas (and their fans), they escaped NYC just in time and were able
to do both shows. I had no such luck... But it's all good. I spent a
couple relaxing days in the darkness of the East Village. It was a
good excuse to be lazy. And it looks like they're blaming the entire
blackout on a little company in my home state of OHIO. Don't ever let
it be said that Ohioans don't make an impact. When we go down, we take
a whole region with us! Now show some respect!

Cutting Room Show / Black Eyed Peas in NYC (+ Justin & Cameron)

August 13, 2003


So last night was kinda crazy. First, I had another solo show at the
Cutting Room. Thanks to everybody who made it out to that. We
definitely had a good time. This time, I brought back special guests
Kanye West & J. Ivy (both back by popular demand). Kanye performed his
hilarious new song "18 Years," his take on the baby mama drama of
superstar athletes and rappers, capped off by the always-controversial
"Free Kobe" chant. J. Ivy did a couple hot spoken word pieces. Plus I
had my favorite backup singer, Tara Michel do a duet w/ me. Tara's
been with me since day one, so it was great to have her back on
stage....

Then I went over to SOB's to do a little cameo with the Black Eyed
Peas. For those who don't know, I've done a bunch of collaboration
with Will.I.Am of the Peas. He's an exceptionally talented producer.
Look out for a couple of our collaborations on my first major label
solo album (hopefully next year). Plus I have two songs on his
soon-to-be-released producer compilation "Must be 21". For now, you
can cop the Black Eyed Peas' new album Elephunk which features a track
I sang on and co-wrote, called "The Boogie That B" (I take no
responsibility for the song title).

Anyway, I was scheduled to perform that song with the Peas and their
band last night. Little did I know, there was another cameo by a
slightly more famous collaborator of theirs: none other than N'Sync's
most talented member, Justin Timberlake. And, just my luck, the Peas
decided to bring him on stage BEFORE me. Thanks a lot guys. So,
anyway, Justin's really talented. Don't let his boy-band status fool
you. He did their #1 single "Where is the Love" and some hot improv on
the beat-box and the keyboard. Then they brought me up to do my song.
Thanks to all the Peas fans for showing me love. I know I'm no Justin,
but y'all made a brotha feel welcome. By the way, I got to meet my
second-favorite Angel (next to Lucy Liu, of course), Cameron Diaz, who
was there w/ JT. She told me my performance was "hot". :) But Justin
came off stage right when I was kickin' my A-game to Cameron. Oh
well...