385 Comments

so... Ari... Thank God for you! You seem to understand the intricate unity and symbiosis of Art and Society. Your Show, The Beat, does imperative work in a democracy.

Your reflections on "Music Shapes Politics" were spot on; Including that "conservatives" not only understand how it works, but they are using it... as all fascists have always done.

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I agree - the Sam & Kim performance was exactly what I KNEW would be a talking point on Faux! Do they not know what Performance Means??? I guess not they don’t know Progress either....

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Great article Ari. I'm just beginning to understand hip-hop and its value to our culture overall. These artists are the real social commentators of their generations. That was the first thing I thought of when hearing David Bowie's Man who Sold the World for the first time, then Diamond Dogs, and I could go on from there. I still feel that he predicted trump, because look at the way things have turned out since his time in office. I won't be around 50 years from now as me, possibly reincarnated, but it will be interesting to see the ultimate impacts that hip-hop and rap have on society overall that far down the line. Ari, you are in the vanguard of understanding and educating the rest of us about the importance of this musical form, and may you always be. And the Beat Goes On!!

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Feb 9, 2023Liked by Ari Melber

I’m happy you were able to attend. You definitely were in your element. Music is good for the soul, and you can tell you love it and you’ve got “Soul”.

Fox News is nothing but an ignorant fascist network. They don’t exist in my world.

My favorite song was God Did🔥at the end of the Grammys. I also loved the Hip Hop 50 year anniversary celebration. That was excellent.🔥

I love the relationship between you and your brother. Nothing better than family. I have two sons and their relationship is similar to yours and your brother.♥️ Thank you for sharing your 1st experience at the Grammys. It was awesome!

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All the performances Sunday were outstanding; They were all performed with genuine love, by the artists and definitely took you for a ride. Whether you were willing or not. (Fox apparently was not; They go sled riding in the desert.) Of all the performances Sunday I enjoyed the performance by Samara Joy the new up and coming singer from the Bronx. Incidentally, you and your brother looked quite handsome. Keep on Keeping on.

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She was on The Beat just before the Grammys - she is masterful & at such a young age!!

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Feb 9, 2023Liked by Ari Melber

Ari, forgot to tell you, I was elated to be able to say I was familiar with an artist, when my kids were puzzled about who they were. Nonchalantly, I stated, “Oh, I know so-n-so, Ari introduced him or her to us.” Was cracking up inside; it felt great! So, THANKS!👏🏽😂

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Ha, my parents said the same thing! They are so excited to be able to recognize rappers because Ari talks about them all the time on his show. What was your favorite part of the night, Diva?

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HEY GUYS, THIS WAS SO HILARIOUS, JUST HAD TO SHARE IT! Love Ted’s sense of humor 😂😂😂

3O1qePzP_x96.jpeg

Ted Lieu

@tedlieu

Dear

@laurenboebert

: I know two years may be a long time to remember stuff, but President Biden didn’t order any lockdowns. The lockdowns occurred during the Trump Administration.

Have you considered taking the person, woman, man, camera, TV test that Trump bragged about?

#sotu

Quote Tweet

vGGuE9-k_normal.jpg

Lauren Boebert

@laurenboebert

·

Feb 7

“When schools were closed.” - Biden

Hey Joe, YOU CLOSED THEM!

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Dump did say say he likes the uneducated. I'm loving our Democrats stepping up and putting these traitors in their place.

Thanks for sharing Diva. I had seen the tweet, but hadn't seen Ted's response, 👍👍👍

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Yes, V, for the first time, we’re finally, FINALLY on the offensive, with Biden and the House. Over in the Republican House, there’s not ONE brain in working order. Meanwhile, McConnell has placed Rick Scott on a lone and lonely island. Both chambers have spent so much time inside Hunter Biden’s laptop, that by the time they came out to play, the “demented,” “confused,” “aged” daddy, had them on the ropes! Loving it!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽😂😂😂

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For some strange reason my last comment deleted this:🤣🤣🤣🤣

Yes it's beginning to happen, the party of MAGA are making the Speaker of the House look worse than ever. This brings a sense of relief, that's been a long time coming. The Senate hasn't been on the news as much as the House, but we haven't forgotten the traitors over there either. 😡😡😡

I'm going to borrow SandraR's hash tag. #ACCOUNTABILITY 🙏😔

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😂😂😂😂😂Go get’em, V!

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🤣 Ms Diva that was Diva-Devine!! 😂

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Hi CalenderGrl! For me, it was Stevie, of course; but I was in awe of God Did! The only drawback about that tremendous performance, was not being able to decipher the words. Still, it was powerful!

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Feb 10, 2023·edited Feb 13, 2023

Hi C.G. Yes we have definitely come to appreciate hip hop thanks to Ari. He has not only introduced us to the artist, but their story, as well. It was a fun musical night..🎹🎶🎤🎵

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Yes, Ari is the ONE show I have on record.

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When your partner looks and asks - you know who that is? And you tell them like “Pfft Yeah I do!!”

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Love it!!! 🤣

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😂🤣😂

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So I guess now we know how FAUX Fox Enterainment & Friends- Tuckster is worried about stock price, Hannity making crap as he goes - but shenanigans have just begun! Fog horn Engraham - said this stuff is looney tunes - AND Rupert said Keep at it! SMH can an entire company- including the on air people all get put in prison.... hmmm

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Hi Pamela! YEP, it’s on now! Both of my kids were calling, inquiring about it. Simply unbelievable! Although, anyone with half a brain,, has known that everything FN did, was without decency ; the ONE time they were (calling the race for Biden), they lost their viewership. So, they knew their viewers demanded those lies, and they fed them for ratings: $1.7 Bil worth! My question is, I wonder if others who sued and lost under “I was busy traveling and we’re just entertainment,” can refile highlighting the similar lies they used initially in this case? Just to show their pattern of lies.

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It certainly will stir up the hive of MAGA heads! The will say the recordings were faked by the deep state - those people need to take off their tinfoil hats & face reality! They are the lunatics running the Faux asylum! I am hoping that they all will starting telling all they know about the Mango Mussolini! He needs to be removed from the ticket & from polite society!!! The sooner the better. In what reality does a guy who incites a coup get to run for office of ANY kind - much less the presidency that he already dirtied with is greed!

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Him, Santos, Boebert, MTG, Gaetz, Gosar—shall I keep going? That’s the Good, the Bad, the Ugly of our country: Opportunities

I’m hoping there is something equivalent to pain and suffering, that is added to the $1.7 Bil.

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Amen Sister!! They have somehow just dirtied the whole of Government each time they have opened their mouths. Lies & BS

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But when you think about it, Pamela, basically, we’re witnessing the biases that exist in our government, our citizens, and social structure. Primarily, that’s what permitted Trump to be president, and all subsequent events surrounding him.

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So much to say about this newsletter! I watched the Grammy’s and thoroughly enjoyed EVERYTHING and was on such a high when Samara Joy won. Jazz is alive and well and permeates many genres of music. I was happy for Bonnie Raitt- to win for best song at 73. It’s wonderful that you got to experience the event and the parties because you love music, and you do so much to make us aware of what joy music can bring to our lives. You bring the art of hip hop/rap into the world of news and journalism on your show and give the recognition it deserves. Maybe you should get a Grammy for that contribution. Great that were able to share the experience with a loved one, you both looked so happy. Every musical act I saw was “art in motion” and I agree, like physical art , it’s open to interpretation, it’s representative, cerebral and emotional. You can like something or not, but art is never “wrong.”

As to Tucker Carlson- and others on Fox who have cult worshipped a man ( a false god) and knowingly deceived the public - their reference to Satin is ludicrous and they can point their fingers right back to themselves. Indeed interesting no mention of the very moving performance of God did- shows you where Tucker’s mind and heart are (not).

Thanks for sharing the photos and your experience. I don’t know Orville Peck but his outfit is pure Art!

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Hi Sylviane!!! Very well said!!! I too thoroughly enjoyed the grammys for the first time in years. Each individual artist's performance is a personal take on their song. Samara Joy's win was so exciting!!! All the criticism from Faux only shows their ignorance for the arts. Have a blessed weekend.🙏🎹🎶🎤

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Hey, V, been waiting for you. “Art in motion,” like that, too. S.R. is great with words and phrasing. Well, BREAKING NEWS: Pence subpoenaed by Jack Smith! Betcha he got himself over there. Anyway, enjoy your weekend. ❤️🙏🏽

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Hi Diva!!! I've been getting on late. Then Ari starts and I put my tablet down. Oh dear Mike Pence. He holds alot of important information, if only he had the courage do the right thing. I'll keep reading comments, see you in a few.🤗

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Cowardly is a word that comes to mind re Pence.

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I though of a few more, but...🫢

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Yeah I’ve had a few of those as well LmAo! Even the corny one -

Yes Mother - when I heard he called his wife Mother - any time I say him after that I think of the movie Psycho!!

🥲🤪🤪🤪😁

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Hallelujah! He was hailed by some people for being a HERO?? He was a LIAR, and knew enough to stop that whole so called presidency. He was looking out for Number One until he could not find a way to do it. Casper the Ghost Christian

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OK Pamela, that "Casper the Ghost Christian"

made me laugh out loud.🤣🤣🤣

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Thanks, lady! High compliment coming from you! And I feel the same about you and V and Sandra O and so many others! 💙

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❤️

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Oh lord I would not want to be doing his laundry tonight!! I was off all devices for a couple of hours - that is Such great news & FUN! (Maybe if he doesn’t have da boss - he might get a few more votes- LOL

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😂😂😂😂😂

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Thank you! Blessed weekend for you too.

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Hello Sylviane,

Your words "Every musical act I saw was “art in motion” and I agree, like physical art , it’s open to interpretation, it’s representative, cerebral and emotional" were so on point and deeply moving. Brava!💙

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Hi Sandra!!! "Art in motion". Love it❤️

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Hello V,

Yes!!!

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🤗

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That is an excellent definition!! Art in Motion💗

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You're correct about Fox News worshipping and paying homage to falsehoods and lies!! They are doing "Satan's" work on a daily basis!!! It's " the pot calling the kettle black"!!!

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Music always tells a story because it comes from the life experience of the writer/composer, as well as often times the performer. In our country we are blessed because of the great variety of cultures, races, and geography (be it rural, urban, big city, northern, southern, eastern, western) that influence those living there and bringing forth their reality. Often, we learn of others' reality because of their music, which hopefully allows us to open our minds and eyes to all kind of possibilities!

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totally hear you about people conveying their own reality and feelings!

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Very well said!! I agree - Music is the same in every language. We know when music is speaking to us, what mood you are in music will either make you smile or cry. Whatever it is you need, music has it and gives it freely.

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Hi Pamela!! I have always felt that music is like therapy, it truly makes us smile. For me some songs make me nostalgic for the wonderful memories it brings up.

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Hiya V! You betcha! Nothing better than music to take you all over the place!

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🎶🎤🎵

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Hey V - I see you had a reply about a concert you went to with your daughter. ... I’ll be damned if I can find it - I will read it in the email -

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Hi Pamela! Sending smiles 😀 and hugs 🤗 your way!❤️

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Hey there Ms Diva!! I was wondering if you were headed in! Good to see you! What did ya think of the Grammys?

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Loved the Grammys! I felt there was recognition of everybody (genre). Even Lizzo’s song had a church component.

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I agree - nothing was left out!! Samara Joy who I had not heard of until her visit to The Beat won 2 Grammys- so good to hear the classic Jazz sounds from her!

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She literally takes you to a different time. I'm so glad to have found her through Ari.

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Yes, I loved the songs message but a choir always brings something more to the song. One of my favorite performances of the night.

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Loved this years Grammy’s, especially the ending. The performance of all those great artists was amazing and actually brought me to tears, they put that much feeling into it. I can only imagine what a thrill it was for you to be there for several days Ari, I have to say that you looked “partied out” on the Beat Monday but like you said, it was “good tired”. Thanks for taking us with you, the closest most of us will ever get. Thanks again for the ride.🔥🙏❤️🤷🏼‍♀️🐰

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good tired lol!

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These were the most inclusive and diverse Grammys to date! It was incredible!! Kudos and props to all the winners and all the nominees🎶❣👍 Tucker Carlson is clueless!

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It's another reason why I loved this year's Grammy awards.

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Feb 10, 2023·edited Feb 10, 2023

Agreed!!! So much representation!!!🎵🎤🎶🎹

Tucker is an ignorant fool.🙄

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Tucker is just jealous.

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Thanks for the report, Ari. Your photos and reporting reinforce why Tucker and the right wing are so frantic - the country is changing, and they can't control it. The majority of Americans are fine with the broad spectrum of races, genders, sexualities, etc. in this country, and that is a threat to the white, male, christian power structure. If we can just fight the voter suppression and disenfranchising until the minorities become the majority, we will still have the USA!

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Ari, I remember that you asked about the music concerts that we have attended. I am not sure if anyone answered this question but here is my response:

Janet Jackson (I had to choose: Sade or Janet Jackson because their NYC concerts were one week apart)

Pitbull

Elephant Man, Beenie Man, Beres Hammond, Lady Saw and more (at the Radio City Music Hall)

Alicia Keys

Drake

Rihanna

Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake

Jay-Z and Beyoncé

Beyoncé

Favorite concert is Beyoncé’s 2016 concert (a few months before announcing that she is expecting her twins). I love that concert because she (and Jay-Z too) invited all the who’s who in NYC hip hop as headliners plus DJ Khaled…this was the highlight of that concert.

There were 80000 spectators at the MetLife Stadium…it was a lot of fun😃😃😃

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Hey Sandra,

CANNOT believe I got tickets to her upcoming tour! Gonna be in the back but I'm sure the energy in the room will be amazing!

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Hi SandraR, Nice 👍🏽 I will look into buying tickets for the Beyoncé Renaissance World tour this weekend😄

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Keeping my fingers crossed for you 🤞🏾

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Wow, that's awesome! I would have loved to have been there! Are you going to Renaissance concert?

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Hi CalenderGrl, Yes, I am planning to go to the Renaissance World Tour. I am hoping to buy tickets this weekend 😃😃😃

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Damn girl! I definitely missed a lot not living in NY!!

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Hello Sandra O,

Elephant Man and Beenie Man?? Color me #impressed!!! Beres Hammond - among the musicians that I grew up with! Most of our music was local (including reggae versions of some "foreign" music☺️) and played all day on the radio station. Listening to these artists now takes me back to sunshine, beaches, and fried fish with bammy (made from cassava). 🤗🌞⛱️

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Hi SandraR, Yes indeed😃 That concert was epic😃 Fried fish with bammy (cassava) sounds delicious 😃

I have always been a fan of Reggae music...Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, The Wailers, Jimmy Cliff 😃😃😃

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I saw Peter Tosh at My Father's Place in Rosyln many years ago. It's a small venue which made it even better! So intimate.

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Nice!!!!!

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Hi Diane, oh that is so awesome 😃😃😃

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Excellent taste!! Bob Marley excellent! And Jimmy Cliff I was a late comer to him but beautiful music - I was turned on to Hawaiian music when I met Matt (my guy) I love it! I guess island music has a similar feel I think at least 😂 but it is like an old sweater... comfy!

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Word 👏🏾

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See, we share a first name for a reason! 🤣😂🤣

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You two Sandra's rock!!!!🤘

Growing up in a small town, i didn't have the opportunity to attend concerts. My vinyl records were my pride and joy. But when my daughter wanted to attend some concerts, I went with her, and they were so much fun. So I know the excitement of getting tickets. Have fun ladies!!!😊🎶🎤🎵

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Same here V - very small town in the flatlands of Western Kentucky- not a lot of big concerts there - a lot of local, regional bands - which had some pretty good sounds but they were mostly cover bands. When I was at Murray State there were a few at either the end of a career or a beginner. I got to see the Temptations, the Carpenters, Foghat, Three Dog Night, Uriah Heep & ZZ Top - quite the eclectic mix 😂

I was lucky to see Sinatra in Vegas, Ray Charles & Tony Bennett - and I believe Diane Shurr at UC IRVINE -

A lot of SoCal music then which meant my boys intros of Rap. Music truly is timeless.....

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I never realized the excitement of going to a concert. I imagined the possibility, but actually being there is so amazing. 🎵🎤🎹🎶

The Carpenters , The Tempations, Three Dog Nigh were in my record collection, just remembering those albums and how much I played them makes me smile. 🤗

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I saw Bette Midler live years ago - phenomenally talented - awesome show!

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Can only imagine the greatness of that show. Love her!

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Good evening and Happy Thursday (Fri-YAY Eve) Ari and everyone 😃

Ari, thanks for sharing your experience at The Grammys in this newsletter. I was looking forward to reading this😃

From viewing your pictures I can tell that you and your brother really enjoyed The Brunch and The Grammys. I hope that you had the chance to meet and chat with Jay-Z😃😃😃

I love DJ Khaled’s positive vibes and his song God Did. I actually thought that the table filled with food was real…I mean the food was real😂😂😂 The last supper style table setting is so on point.

As for the comments from the Fox News and the conservatives, it is expected. They don’t have to watch the Grammy performance if it is too satanic. No one is forcing them to watch.

Those negative Debbie Downers “holier than thou” people🙄

What’s your favorite song or performance of all time?

Favorite song or performance of all time…hmmmm🤔 This is tough…I am not sure if I have one😄

About this year’s Grammys performance:

I like the 50th year Hip Hop anniversary celebration with the pioneers of rap music and the finale, God Did 😄

It is about time that hip hop is celebrated. It is a genre of music that is here to stay.

God Did! Hov Did! Ari Did!

Cheers

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Well stated, you covered it all! Hearing about Ari’s experience at the party, requires a pizza party. Now, that would be fun! Happy FRI-YAY eve to you, as well, and a greater weekend. Hope the weather back there is improving. Be well!

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Yep, can't wait to we have our annual Zoom call because I'm bookmarking this for when we get to ask questions. 😊

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The 50 years of hip hop performance was an unexpected treat for me. I did not know that was coming. So I was super excited. I was rapping right along in my living room. I'm so glad they included the women. So many times they are left out.

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YES, that was a treat! Well, my era was Motown, of course. I was up, singing and dancing. Was disappointed, at only three songs. You take what you can get! There was enough for everybody. I’m a country music person, as well!

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Respect! I love all music! I grew up listening to Motown from my parents and my grandma always had a heart for country. Said it was pretty much like Blues.

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Grandma was right!

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Yes, she was always right for sure!

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Hi Diva!!! Grandma is always right..😊

Have a blessed weekend!!!🙏🤗❤️

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You, too! HAPPY SUPER BOWL to all!❤️

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I love all genres of music. So many songs, different emotions. 🎶

Have a blessed weekend C.G.!!!🙏🤗❤️

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Same here V! I don't know why anyone would want to limit themselves when there's so much to choose from. My playlist is pretty diverse. A little of everything.

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I was thinking about you the other day, I was listening to Neil Sedaka, and Calender Girl was one of the songs.. 🎶🎹🎤🎵

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Me too😃😃😃 “Music is the universal language of mankind”👍🏽

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Thank you Ari for the recap of a great evening at the Grammy's. The GOP is so stuck. If its not white, its not worth watching or listening to for that matter. Very Sad :-(

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Keep the music alive. Let's ensure that Democracy survives by exercising our vote! It's the only

way to avoid civil war which is exactly what the fascist rightwing wants. I think the meme of 2023 should be what Republican Nancy Mace said recently to a fellow Republican Lauren Boebert in their own party's ongoing civil war: "Just kidding Lauren, don't shoot." (ala Bye Felicia.)

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This conversation has been going on for years and hopefully still will. I remember talking with my open minded mother and very close minded father about music. How they interpreted my brothers anti war songs of the 60’s and my younger brothers and my rock music that came later. But at least my mom was willing to listen to it. Being an old broad hip hop has never been my thing but you have enlightened me to the genre. I just wish there wasn’t so much foul language in the songs. There’s so many more ways to get your point across without going to the gutter. I appreciate you Ari.

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