One thing I love about music is that when you follow an artist's career, a good one, you will see growth. Big Sean’s latest album, I Decided brings one word to mind and that is inspirational. From the intro to the final song, “Bigger Than Me” which features The Flint Chozen Choir, you get the sense that this album is providing an overall message of perseverance, survival, and living your dream.
Songs such as “Light” with Jeremih and “Voices in My Head/Stick to The Plan” will speak to everyone that has been in that place where you’ve had to remind yourself that you're going to make it and that you need to stay on your path, and focused.
I Decided also sees the return of my favorite Twenty88, on “Same Time Pt. 1”. The song is a reminder of how good Sean and Jhene Aiko sound together, and also gives us a preview of what’s to come on their next project.
“Jump Out the Window”, talks of finally taking a chance on that one relationship that could be a game changer and with production by Detroit native Key Wane; I’m sure it will be a fan favorite.
This album also features production from various producers including Metro Boomin, DJ Mustard, and WondaGurl.
Big Sean is set to go on tour in support of I Decided, and you can catch the first show March 17 (that’s my Birthday EVE!) in Houston! Find more dates here! But, before you hit up a show I highly recommend you get into I Decided; it’ll have you figuring out life and winning before you know it.

Photo courtesy of United Palace of Cultural Arts

As a person who decided for some reason to take up ballet as an adult, I fancy myself a dance aficionado. Well, no . . . not really and "aficionado", but I REALLY, REALLY do love dance. And, the Nutcracker is the pinnacle for many ballet lovers, but the Hip Hop Nutcracker takes the traditional and sometimes stuffy play and turns it on its head, LITERALLY!

The Hip Hop Nutcracker follows the same premise of the Nutcracker, but with an inventive set, exciting choreography, AND break dancing. As an 80’s baby this pleases me greatly!

The show starts with our special guest MC, the LEGENDARY Kurtis Blow. So listen, the first rap song I probably learned all the words to was “Christmas Rappin’”, so I was in 80’s baby hip hop heaven! With the assistance of the DJ (Yes, there was a REAL DJ with turntable) Kurtis Blow took us back and the audience was on their feet jamming to all the hits, from “O.P.P” to “The Message”. This introduction definitely set the tone for what was to be an exciting show!

With a stark backdrop that displays scenes from New York City, we’re transported to an annual uptown holiday street party and introduced to Maria-Clara who is upset about her parents fighting. During this act is where we also meet Drosselmeyer, who brings magical toys to the party. In all of his magic and mystery, he introduces Maria-Clara to a street vendor selling roasted nuts. He’s our “Nutcracker”! At the end of the party Maria-Clara comes up against the Mouse Crew as she heads home, but the Nutcracker with the help of some magic sneakers defeats the Mouse King. After winning the dance battle the Nutcracker and Maria-Clara enjoy winter’s first snowfall together.

As we head into Act II we see Drosselmeyer taking Maria-Clara and The Nutcracker back in time to 1984 and the Land of Sweets Nightclub on one of the best nights of the year, New Year’s Eve. As they watch from the sidelines, Maria-Clara realizes this is the moment that her parents met.

As they return to present day and with some magical help Maria-Clara and The Nutcracker are able to help her Mom and Dad realize how much they love each other, and the show ends with the entire community joining in on the celebration!

The show finishes with the entire crew coming out to jam with Kurtis Blow!!

This is really a show for everyone. It maintains many points of the nutcracker, but makes it its own with the dancing, costumes, and performance. From the jogging suits and Adidas, to the violinist guiding us through the story; the Hip Hop Nutcracker is a must see and is sure to become a Christmas tradition!

I Decided . . .

Get Festive with The Hip Hop Nutcracker!