Oprah's Final Guest: Anthony Antoine's Campaign to be Guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show

Anthony Antoine's Cover of Janet Jackson's "IF" - Official (Home) Video

CAUTION: THIS VIDEO IS HOT!!! Absolute self-indulgence or independent music maker genius, you decide! This is what an independent artist gets up to on "Date Night with Self." The goal: direct my own music video, shooting it with my already owned consumer use camera (Sony Cybershot DSC-T700) and editing it within software (Movie Maker) pre-loaded on my now dinosaur laptop. And do this for the lowest cost ever to make a music video - FREE! Goal 2: Ensure the video doesn't compromise on entertainment value due to no budget and small crew (only ME)! Although shots give the illusion of someone else controlling the lens, every shot is from the camera held in my hand ONLY. No one else was present for "Date Night with Self." My new video is produced, directed and edited by little ole me. I guess the rest is left to be seen. Have I created a video that carries on YouTube? How did I do? This is an independent artist taking it to the next level - GETTIN MY LIFE! I've waited long enough for a major record label to support an openly same gender loving artist in mainstream music. No major label would be brave enough to produce me as an artist or my new video. This video is me, taking matters into my own hands and stands as testiment to what being an independent artist is all about. Please subscribe to my videos! Give me some feedback! Pick up the song on iTunes or other downloads sites. Let's prove the labels wrong!

Contest Winner: Meet Danny W. (Tucker, Ga.)

I must say first, I am so honored by anyone responding to enter the contest. For an independent artist, what a treat that someone cares - and cares enough to keep coming back to your website and/or has purchased your music or knows enough of your songs to have a favorite. You can't imagine what this feels like for me and I thank you Danny W., Vincent B. (runner-up), and so many others that took time to enter. Trust, I truly appreciate it.

Danny W. won very easily because he is the only person who used every avenue to enter. This awarded him 27 total points (10 Bonus for utilizing all three ways to enter). With that said, I felt no one else had a chance with Danny's 27 total points and picked again to see if Danny would be the runner-up draw. That's when Vincent B.'s name came out of a literal hat (independent artist budget) and so I want to share a little of what they have shared with me.

From Contest Winner Danny W:
My favorite Anthony Antoine song is...well I was gonna say "Dante's Got A Man", or "Shake Your Body" or "Break for Love" or "IF" from the latest CD. However, after listening to "The Revolution Will Not Be Emailed" this has now become my favorite song because it ignited something in me that I would never share..and that's what true art does!!. I have always loved music that inspired me to do something different... to live differently..and while this is not a dance song.. it did inspire! I now want to get involved in a way that I haven't before. So "The Revolution Will Not Be Emailed" is now my favorite Anthony Antoine song.

From Contest Runner-Up Vincent B:
My favorite song by you is "Sanctify." I love this song due to the content involved and today's issue with Proposition 8! I believe the freedom to marry is fundamental to our society, that the California constitution should guarantee the same freedom and rights to everyone. Over the years I've come to realize that I want to get married to the man I love and I want that union to be recognized everywhere, at home, in the work place, the state and the church. Just because I did not have the best role models for marriage does not mean that my marriage will end up the same as my HETEROSEXUAL counterparts. We as the HOMOSEXUAL community may have to provide the HETEROSEXUALS with an example of the what sanctity is, from having to fight so hard for OUR MARRIAGES! Also doing that song with The Adodi Muse was great. I saw you all perform for the first time during PHYRE week at Maurice's loft in 2007 and I loved the performance. Keep blogging and edutaining us! Much love to ya.


Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You both have made an independent artist smile from here to Texas.

Open Letter to Apple, Inc.

Attached to this email is the most ingenious song that should be used, has to be used in iPod marketing. All of my friends and fans believe so and now it is my mission to provide you the opportunity to know the same. I’m Anthony Antoine – an independent recording artist in Atlanta and my new song is perfectly titled “Who’s Rockin’ Ur iPod?”

I tell everyone, this song came through my spirit; full lyrics, entire beats and melodies, additional remixes along with a marketing plan for my new song. In short, I love my iPod (the greatest invention of the millennium) and wrote what I call a love song to my iPod that also communicates my passion for music and shout-outs to some of my favorite artist that regularly “rock” my iPod. My goal for my new song “Who’s Rockin’ Ur iPod?” is simple – every iPod sold over the next few years is pre-loaded with what I call “The iPod Song” and/or my infectious song is so appropriate used in the already fierce ad campaign/s for what has become my dependable friend and insatiable lover – my iPod.

Imagine the news worthy story in itself: that some mildly known but jewel of independent artists who also just happens to be a great guy sent out random and not so random emails to Apple’s marketing team and anyone else who will listen with hopes of reaching that one visionary, simply smart person (insert your name here) that paid attention to an email that most others not as clever disregarded. That one imaginative prophet (again - insert your name here) instantly got it, felt the energy of the song, felt the goal for the song and responded magically by connecting the song to the already brilliant marketing/development team at Apple so that “Who’s Rockin’ Ur iPod?” is perfected placed where it needs to be. I truly believe this story will go down in history of successful, brilliant marketing. All of this can happen because of you!

Take a listen to my song Who’s Rockin’ Ur iPod (attached). The song speaks volumes for itself. But too, take a chance and do exactly what you can to make my goal for my new song happen. Send this email to that someone who can help. And not just send the email, but make phone calls and follow through to see the goal to fruition. Let’s make it happen together! All because of your response to this email, everyone in the world can be rockin’ the hook “Who’s Rockin’ Ur iPod?” and Apple/iPod can continue to be recognized for being innovators – not just in digital music players, but too for taking a chance on a hard working and deserving independent artist who created the perfect song for iPod marketing. This is simply a brilliant story!!!
To learn a bit more about me as an artist, you can visit www.anthonyantoine.com.

Passionately,

Anthony Antoine

Win my Jennifer Hudson/Robin Thicke Gift Bag from the historic concert complete with a JHUD/Robin Thicke T-shirt, hat & more Anthony Antoine free CDs & goodies. Contest runs the entire month of May. Contest winner will be announced on Monday, June 1st by email.

There are three ways to enter to win:

1) Send me an email through the “Contact Page” on website noting your favorite Anthony Antoine song – and why? - (gets you 2 entries into contest)

2) Answer five Anthony Antoine questions correctly in an email sent through “Contact Page” on the website - (gets you 5 entries into contest)

3) Write a review of any Anthony Antoine’s music on iTunes. After review is posted on iTunes, shoot me an email through the “Contact Page” on my new website noting the review – (gets you 10 entries into contest)

Anyone completing all three entry ways will be entered in the contest with 10 ADDITIONAL BONUS CHANCES to win.

It’s that simple.

If you have any questions, shoot me an email through the “Contact Page” on my website.

FIVE Anthony Antoine Questions (HINT: All answers can be found on website or other Anthony Antoine sites - FB, MySpace, YouTube, etc.)

1. What is the name of Anthony Antoine’s first full length CD release complete with 18 songs/2 interludes?

2. Anthony’s most treasure celebrity photo is with what artist?

3. Anthony’s “Obama Hope Symbol” tattoo was featured on what news network?

4. How many videos are in the “Video Vault” on the new http://www.anthonyantoine.com/?

5. What’s your favorite Anthony Antoine song and why?

Jennifer Hudson: The Documented Story of How We Met

I remember very well April 24, 2004 – the day the world stop turning and my viewing pleasure of American Idol has NEVER been the same. The night before, April 23rd, Jennifer Hudson (in my opinion) sang one of the best performances to ever grace the AI stage. “Weekend in New England” original by Barry Manilow, had never sounded better. Jennifer KILLED the performance and solidified what I already knew the premiere of Season 3 AI. Jennifer Hudson is one of the best voices of our time, easily one of the best voices to grace the American Idol stage.

At the time, a crew of 10-15 of my friends would host American Idol parties. Each week, the AI party would be at a different home on Tuesdays (the performance show). On Wednesdays (the results show), the crew would call each other to see if our predictions unfolded. Everyone had a favorite Idol and my Idol was Jennifer Hudson. I voted as did many of my friends (Season 3 – the only season I voted) and when the drama thickened with all three divas in the bottom three (Fantasia, Latoya London & JHUD) – I WAS SICK literally. AND I KNEW WHAT WAS GOING DOWN. My phone blew up with calls and I refused to answer. This has to be mentioned because although we didn’t “bet” on AI placements, there were 10-15 others ready to remind you of what you said would happen. And if it didn’t go down the way you predicted, TRUST – you would hear about it.

I use to always say that American Idol was rigged. Come on. Fantasia had never been in the bottom three and what perfect drama for television than all three divas being in the bottom three. An excellent singer’s dream (LOVE ALL THREE DIVAS) must be sacrificed on America’s biggest reality singing competition. Ratings are how a television show makes money and there you have it. Ratings! Three divas in the bottom – increase ratings! Cut Jennifer Hudson – increase ratings. That’s my belief and I’m sticking to it.

I don’t think I answered my phone for three days – thankfully, texting wasn’t as popular then. I stopped going to the American Idol parties. I took days off work. I went into what I referred to as The Great Depression of 2004. I know. Is it that serious? YES! I promise, the first time I heard Jennifer Hudson’s voice, it sent chills through my body. Few artists can move me in the way Jennifer Hudson’s voice can. And not only that, (and call me crazy or whatever) but it was a spiritual chill that Jennifer’s voice communicated to me. It was hard to sit through a Simon critique of Jennifer because every time he spoke, I was sure he didn’t understand what was singing before him. Everything that has happened to Jennifer Hudson since Idol, I promise, I could see and feel whenever she would sing. It was spiritual.

So, naturally, I had to go to the American Idol 2004 Tour. I took my then 13 year old daughter Vogue with me to the show. Everyone thought that I was there for Vogue to have a concert experience, and I was. But when Jennifer Hudson hit the stage, I lost it (thankfully I didn’t lose my child LOL). There were those chills all over again and being in the 5th row (1st row when Jennifer hit the stage), Jennifer sang much of the songs directly to me.

The concert was amazing (not just Jennifer). Fantasia and Latoya joined Jennifer for Beyonce’s “Dangerously in Love,” George Huff and Jennifer sang Prince’s “Nothing Compares to You” – and even John Peter Lewis singing Outkast’s “Hey Ya” with the three divas singing back-up. I was floored by an American Idol concert. I was so caught off guard by how much I enjoyed the show. On the way home, I called my brother in D.C. and told him that I was flying there BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY to see the show again in the following weeks. My brother and I didn’t have tickets but I HAD to go again. I posted on American Idol’s website that EVERYONE needs to see the AI show – especially to witness Jennifer Hudson who ruled the concert. I also posted on the AI site that I was the crazy fan that cut a fool whenever Jennifer hit the stage. I noted that I would do the same thing in D.C. – not ever hoping the A.I. posting would land me a meeting with Jennifer Hudson.

Cut a fool again in D.C. is what I did. My brother and I had horrible floor seats but we moved to a perfect empty seat location during the concert and yet again, Jennifer sang much of the songs directly to me during the show. I was floored. I was in love. I was feeling those spiritual chills to the tenth. SOLD! Jennifer Hudson is the greatest of the new school singers. She’s the truth! What was American Idol thinking? What was the music industry thinking? All this and more, I posted on American Idol’s website.
Condensing the story, I received an email from Jennifer’s cousin Jay J. (as it was explained by email), an email that noted - Jennifer read the American Idol website and loved my posts, that Jennifer thanks me for all the energy during the concert, and that when Jennifer gets off tour – Jennifer Hudson will call me. YEAH RIGHT!!! Getting the email – I was sure I was being “PUNK’D” by one of my friends from the American Idol parties.

One random day in winter 2004, Jennifer Hudson called me. WHAT!!??!!

From my MySpace Blog post about the movie Dreamgirls on November 16, 2006:
In the fall of 2004, I received a phone call from someone in Chicago. Still faded from a nap, I checked my messages and heard her voice. "I was just calling to say thank you for the support. I read your messages on the A.I. site and I wanted to let you know that I appreciate it," or something to that affect. I don't remember the exact words but I remember clearly jumping around the house because Jennifer Hudson called me. Anyone who knows me knows that I remain a kid at heart and when I'm excited, I act a fool. Also, anyone who knows me knows about my "Great Depression of 2004" – the days after Jennifer Hudson was voted off American Idol: Season 3.

Skip to January 2005 - after strong encouragement of my friends in Xtreme Entertainment, I was planning to meet Jennifer for the first time. Before it was the chic thing to do for black gay clubs, Xtreme booked Jennifer (did I mention my strong encouragement) for their MLK weekend here in Atlanta. Jennifer and I were talking by email about the songs she should sing. Naturally, I asked her to sing the song I was anxiously hoping she would sing had she not been strategically voted off of A.I. "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" in my mind is the perfect song for the perfect voice. "If anyone can sing this song, THE SONG and finally do it justice again, Jennifer Hudson can." Although we talked a few more times by email, Jennifer never told me that she was planning to do just that, sing "And I'm Telling You…" during the Xtreme Entertainment MLK show, honoring my request and sending me into a frenzy. (January 16, 2005 – the day we met) I got to hear her sing THE SONG a few times as I was at sound check (the first time we met) and later at the actually show (MLK Weekend 2005). NOTE: January 2005 – there was NO mention of a Dreamgirls movie to the general public, AND CERTAINLY AT THIS TIME there wasn’t even a thought for Jennifer Hudson to be Effie. UH – HELLO!!! Have you caught up? *wink* LAST – I will say too, Jennifer mentioned NOT having performed that song EVER live and specifically wanted to sing the song for me as a surprise since I requested it by email. HELLO AGAIN!!! Have you caught up? *wink*

Since our first meeting January 2005, Jennifer has been more than kind to call and text me along the way, allowing me to connect even if briefly about her transition to superstar Jennifer Hudson. Every time I have been around her, she’s been generous with her spirit and talent, never missing a beat with being warm, sexy and charming – surely one of the best celebrity experiences (and I’ve met too many to count). Jennifer Hudson is as kind as you imagine her to be and hasn’t changed a bit since her fame has sky-rocketed.

Two memories of Jennifer that I will never forget:

First one is the day that Jennifer Hudson got the call that she would be Effie in the movie Dreamgirls. In true kind Jennifer Hudson spirit, Jennifer called me to allow me to share in the excitement. As surely one of her biggest fans, the one who asked her to sing “And I’m Telling You…” for Xtreme Entertainment MLK show, she wanted me to share in her dream of becoming a Dreamgirl. Dereck Wallace from WINC – then Xtreme Entertainment was with me the day I got that call. We were so happy for her because we knew - finally, the world would catch up. Jennifer Hudson will be a superstar. She was already one in my world. I was so convinced that Dreamgirls would do it for her.

Second unforgettable experience occurred in March 2007, a week after the Oscar win, Jennifer allowed me to come with her to the Dallas Austin Foundation Event in Atlanta. This night, apart from the event being great and Jennifer performing, Jennifer asked me if I would rather stay at the event or go back to the hotel with a group of friends and chill. UH HELLO!! DUH! Let me think about this one! Come on. Yes, I went back to the hotel pinching myself the entire time. We talked about everything and nothing and she played me some new tracks and even allowed me to spend a minute on her computer/iTunes where she had loaded tons more of Jennifer Hudson songs that the world still doesn’t know.

“What Hearts Do,” “Pillows,” “Cry In a Minute” and even a rehearsal taping of “Never Loved a Man” and a few more songs were sent to me by email from Jennifer. I will never forget this night. Who gets to chill and talk with their favorite singer (recent Oscar winner) but me? As promised, I have never shared these rare recordings but if you’re ever around me and one of my iPods, I rock this music regularly. And although Jennifer and I don’t talk as much, surely every time Jennifer sees me, she’s just as kind as the first time I met her. Jennifer Hudson has love for the fan that cut a fool during the American Idol 2004 concert, the fan that finds a way to every ATL stage she performs on, the man’s name she often speaks from the stage, the kid-like grown man who had to fight with 10-15 other grown men about AI and why AI, the music industry and the world would eventually catch up to the undeniable talent of Jennifer Hudson. I’m still the crazy fan who believed in Jennifer Hudson before the world knew better to believe. Before the Oscar, the Grammy and so much more still to come, Jennifer had a fan (now loosely used “friend”) in me.

Homophobic Bow Wow RELOADED!

It’s been a crazy week of being faced with homophobia on multiple fronts. That’s the reason for this post and that’s the main reason why I decided to repost the Bow Wow video titled “Bow Wow on Misquoted BET Blog.”

Earlier today, I slowed down to have a conversation with an inebriated homeless man in Piedmont Park (Michael) after sharing with him some food given to him by my co-worker. After he accepted the food, he asked for money explaining he’s been living in Piedmont Park for 20 years. As I often do, I gave him a few dollars and carried conversation with Michael in hopes that he’d feel someone really cared about him – at least today. After a ten minute conversation with him about a supposed murder of a female in Piedmont Park, a murder he helped to uncover, he explained to me how the murder “must have occurred this way I’ll tell you,” he explained coming in close to me. “You know what it is. I’ll tell you what it is. It’s the gays. They walk this park 24/7. They must have done it.”

You’re not serious. So even Michael, the homeless man is homophobic. WOW! But it doesn’t take you to be drunk for you to still be intoxicated with homophobia.

Last Thursday, on Morehouse campus, I found myself caught off guard by an explicit line of thought that floored me. It’s not often that I am speechless but for ten minutes, I couldn’t find my words. I’ve been doing HIV/STI testing on campuses for over ten years. A favorite part of my job is being especially on Morehouse campus where I feel and see the impact I have on young black men often. My being speechless was mostly about concern for the relationship the organization I work for has with Morehouse, less about myself and my own feelings. I’ve been dealing with homophobia for most of my life so this is not news nor new for my spirit to handle.

“Yes, the administration is going to have a meeting about it because it is getting ridiculous. It’s causing a drop in our enrollment. And now, they are so vocal with it and out with it. There are gangs of them, some of them showing up in heels and nails painted. It’s ridiculous. And now I think they migrate here. It’s gangs of gays calling other gays to come to Morehouse as if it’s a safe haven for them.” IF I’M LYING – I’M FLYING! This is what the Morehouse coordinator of the panel I was invited to speak on said to me and three others as we discussed how to handle future events with an HIV awareness focus.

Enough is enough! This is the last straw in the long list of moments this week alone that explicitly communicated to me that this conversation I thought we were well beyond, is still in need of dialogue so that we arrive at a better destination. Homophobia has to be exposed. We need a revolution addressing homophobia like the sweep of Obama’s campaign across America. That’s what I’m calling for, a REVOLUTION against homophobia.

That’s why the video must be reposted. It is what Bow Wow said. It’s not hearsay or rumor or the “telephone game” at play here. No publicist or press agent can put a spin on Bow Wow’s words. This is what Bow Wow said out of his own mouth. Bow Wow was aware that he was being recorded and felt comfortable to say what he said to his fans, and it was posted to YouTube viewers for the world to see.

In my humble opinion, I truly believe one measure of a man is that he stands by his word. A man’s word is his bond. I too believe that a man, once he knows better he does better. I’m hoping that this is an opportunity for Bow Wow and so many others to do better, especially so many in hip-hop, especially so many in the black and larger community. Hating on gay people will no longer be tolerated by anyone in 2009. Not knowing how to respond to homophobia in 2009 will not be tolerated. Let’s continue this dialogue with a sadly mistaken Bow Wow in the mix. But truly, the conversation ends with you, each individual.

If you are not a part of the solution of homophobia, you are part of the problem. The time is now for homophobia to end! Now, what are you going to do?

CONTEST: The New www.anthonyantoine.com

Win my Jennifer Hudson/Robin Thicke Gift Bag from the historic concert complete with a JHUD/Robin Thicke T-shirt, hat & more Anthony Antoine free CDs & goodies. Contest runs the entire month of May. Contest winner will be announced on Monday, June 1st by email.

There are three ways to enter to win:

1) Send me an email through the “Contact Page” on website noting your favorite Anthony Antoine song – and why? - (gets you 2 entries into contest)

2) Answer five Anthony Antoine questions correctly in an email sent through “Contact Page” on the website - (gets you 5 entries into contest)

3) Write a review of any Anthony Antoine’s music on iTunes. After review is posted on iTunes, shoot me an email through the “Contact Page” on my new website noting the review – (gets you 10 entries into contest)

Anyone completing all three entry ways will be entered in the contest with 10 ADDITIONAL BONUS CHANCES to win.

It’s that simple.

If you have any questions, shoot me an email through the “Contact Page” on my website.

FIVE Anthony Antoine Questions (HINT: All answers can be found on website or other Anthony Antoine sites - FB, MySpace, YouTube, etc.)

1. What is the name of Anthony Antoine’s first full length CD release complete with 18 songs/2 interludes?

2. Anthony’s most treasure celebrity photo is with what artist?

3. Anthony’s “Obama Hope Symbol” tattoo was featured on what news network?

4. How many videos are in the “Video Vault” on the new http://www.anthonyantoine.com/?

5. What’s your favorite Anthony Antoine song and why?