Here is a Millennial Mix playlist taking you back to homeroom and MySpace Top 8 and 106 & Park days. 🎶 Also, available on #AppleMusic under “asiamberjamz.” Click here for the playlist.
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Millennial Mix
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MTV: VMAs & TRL Playlist
I watched parts of the 2025 VMAs and truly felt my age! I am not in their target audience anymore. LOL! The newer generation won’t ever remember the impact of the 90s and 2000s era of MTV & MTV News and the infamous 2009 VMAs. Michael Jackson and other artists music videos would be breaking news. Nowdays the cable channel plays reruns of sitcoms or reality shows and music is very rarely played. Oh the irony. Streaming and YouTube took over, but I feel as though the network could play more music related content that would still resonate like old interviews, Diary, or Making the Video episodes, etc.
I was solely there to watch Mariah Carey be awarded and maybe listen to a few artists like Doja Cat and Sabrina Carpenter.
As a millennial we truly grew up in the golden era pre-YouTube of POP music. Back when Music Televison played music videos from Michael Jackson and more Britney Spears vs Christina Aguilera, TLC, Nsync vs Backstreet Boys etc.
Growing up I use to watch MTV in the mornings before school and Total Request Live (TRL) after school where that was one of the few places you could watch music videos or find out music news and new songs. It was hosted by Carson Dailey, but my favorite Host/MTV VJ’s were Bill Bellamy and Ananda Lewis! May she rest in peace. She passed away from breast cancer. She was so deserving of a tribute for her contributions as a journalist and helping Black artists get shine. I’m kinda upset MTV did not do that, but rapper Busta Rhymes mentioned her in his awards acceptance speech.
My music playlists are filled with every category from Ratchet to Religious to Pop. I have always loved all genres of music, but has someone ever looked at you funny because you don’t “look like the type” to listen to certain music. Well, music is not limited to only a certain culture or race, it’s universal! So, here is just one of my Rock/Country/Pop playlists. Be sure to let me know some of your favorite songs from the TRL era! Spotify playist availble below and click here for the playlist available on APPLE MUSIC too.
Lessons from #BreezyBowl: 🍑📍ATL Night II 🎤
Whew! Chris Brown’s ATL stop Sunday was more than a concert—it was a masterclass in music,energy, ‘cancel culture’, forgiveness, maturity, and real-life gems. Here’s what the night reminded me:
🤎 1. Uplift Others & Let GOD handle the rest
Like him or not Chris didn’t need opening acts after 20 years in the industry, but he still chose to bring out opening acts Summer Walker & Bryson Tiller—proving that success isn’t always just about you shining solo, but sharing the spotlight.
🫠 2. Planning, Management & Communication MATTER
I got in smoothly (early birds win!), but many had seating issues due to poor event logistics and lack of crowd control. Sold-out crowds need better prep—especially at venues like Truist Park.
⏰ 3. Be On Time. Period.
Opening acts at 7:00 sharp. Chris hit the stage at 8:20 on the dot. Punctuality shows professionalism—and respect for your audience’s time.
🔥 4. Let Your Work Speak for You
Chris Brown is an entertainer. Period. From flying above the crowd to complex routines, lighting, wardrobe changes, and transitions—he gave us a production, not just a show.
🎶❤️🩹 5. Music Heals.
Some songs hit the soul. Others remind you of simpler times like creating your MySpace layout or Top 8.🤣 #iykyk Bow Wow also came out on stage to oerform “Shortie Like Mine” with Chris. Music really brings people through tough times and unites people from ALL walks of life. Chris Brown has 50-leven songs.
📲 6. Be Present.
Yes, I recorded a few moments and put my phone up—but watching it through your screen isn’t the same. Sometimes, the real flex is soaking it all in, live and unfiltered.
🎶❤️🩹 7. Music Sets the Tone
Whether it was heartbreak anthems or club bangers, the crowd felt every note. Nostalgia, connection, gratitude—all in one night. If you have a chance to see him perform live do so. It was worth my time and money. 10 out of 10. Also some of his songs are for the grown folks/PG-13. 💅🏾
#Atlantaconcerts #ChrisBrown #LifeLessons #BreezyBowlXX #TuesdayThoughts
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MySpace Millennial Mix
Here is a Millennial Mix playlist taking you back to homeroom and MySpace Top 8 and 106 & Park days. 🎶 Also, available on #AppleMusic under “asiamberjamz.” Click here for the playlist.
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Freshman Year (HBCU) Advice
It’s Back-to-School season y’all! Whew Chile! It’s been over a decade since I’ve been a student and I have learned and am still learning a LOT in life! In 2009, I graduated from a small private predominately white high school and in 2013 I graduated from a historically black college, Fort Valley State University. These two totally “different worlds” and school experiences have shaped who I am and who I am becoming. I wanted to share my knowledge of being a former student leader for freshman year students. Listen or watch the podcast below and check out the list of advice below. Do you have any advice you’d give a new college student?
ADVICE FOR FRESHMAN YEAR:
1. Establish rules and communicate early on with your roommate(s). Y’all don’t have to be best friends, but you live together now so respect people’s things and have boundaries.
2. Please be yourself and talk to people you don’t already know.
3. If you’re feeling down and need someone to talk to go seek out your university’s infirmary and seek free counseling if available.
4. I know it’s a new environment, but try not to go home every weekend and try not to stay in your dorm all day.
5. If you have a car make sure to get a parking decal asap!
6. If you have a car make sure you’re not being used by others who won’t even give you gas money or say thank you for giving them a ride.
7. There’s pros and cons to everything. In my opinion if you’re not a morning person don’t take an 8 A.M. class or maybe you are a morning person, so take the class and get it over with and have the rest of the day to yourself.
8. Check out websites like Chegg and Google other book rental sites before going to the bookstore.
9. When dealing with advisors, professors, financial aid, etc. make a copy of everything they give you. Keep your receipts and emails!
10. Figure out what campus activities or clubs fit your personality.
11. If you are interested in a historically black fraternity or sorority do not tell everybody. Focus on your grades and community service.
12. Be careful about what you post on social media. There is life after college and future employers look at that.
13. If you have an online class or have to upload an assignment online upload it early because sometimes depending on where you are or what time of day it is the WiFi won’t be as strong.
14. If you don’t understand something or need extra help seek out a tutor and go to your professor during their office hours to ask questions or get clarity on something you didn’t understand during the lecture.
15. Try to call or text your parent(s) at least once every few weeks and not only when you need or want something.
16. Focus on your required classes before permanently choosing a major. So if you choose to change majors you won’t lose so many credits.
17. Talk to your academic advisor. This person is vital in helping you know what classes you need to take in order to graduate on time.
18. Go to class and try your best to sit up front and take notes.
19. Get a part time job. It’s nice to have money in your pockets and good to have work experience.
20. Take advantage of free things your campus may offer.
21. Invest in a good umbrella and get some rain boots because when it rains on campus at FVSU it poured down!
22. I know the cafeteria has various food options, but try to eat healthy when you can. Don’t forget to try to get at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep a night.
23. Get involved in the community and city your college is in.
24. Go to the library and study there.
25. Study Hard, but Play Hard. Enjoy your college years and cherish the moments!
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Then & Now : 90’s Sitcom Actresses
Before “reality tv” and Instagram models took over our screens these actresses graced our televisions and magazines playing iconic roles from some of our favorite childhood shows. Whether you wanted to be the Pink Power Ranger on the playground or have your hair straightened like “Ashley Banks” these characters left a mark on us 80’s and 90’s babies. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and also see what these actresses are up to now.
- “Laura Winslow” was played by actress Kellie Shanygne Williams- Jackson best known for her role as “Steve Urkel’s” neighbor, classmate, and love interest on the ABC sitcom“Family Matters” and is now a wife, mother, producer, speaker, and philanthropist.
- “Topanga Lawrence” was the character “Corey Matthew’s” high school girlfriend on the ABC sitcom “Boy Meets World.” The character was played by actress Danielle Fishel. After the series ended she graduated from with a degree in Psychology from Cal State Fulerton and has reprised her role in the Disney Channel’s “Girl Meets World” and works behind the scenes in tv and is now a wife and mother.
- “Ashley Banks” from the NBC sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” played “Cousin Will’s” youngest cousin. She was played by actress and singer Tatyana Ali. After the series ended Tatyana’s 1998 debut album, “Kiss The Sky” went gold. She also graduated from Harvard University with a degree in African-American studies and government. Tatyana still acts, produces, sings, and is also a wife and mother.
- “Kimberly Hart/”The Pink Ranger” from FOX Kid’s “Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers” sitcom was played by actress Amy Jo Johnson. Amy Jo also starred in The Disney Channel Original Movie “Susie Q.” She is now a singer-songwriter and producer-director that lives in Canada.
- “Zaria Peterson” from Robert Townsend’s WB sitcom “The Parent’Hood” was the oldest and stylish daughter on the show. She always had the best hairstyles! After the series she married and had children and starred in different music videos such as T.I.’s “Whatever You Like” and Reuben Studdard’s “Sorry 2004″ More recently she was the voice of the cartoon character “Roberta Tubbs” on “The Cleveland Show” and is the voice of “Jenny & Kiki Pizza” on the Cartoon Network series “Steven Universe” and made an appearance as “Chantal” on The OWN Series, “Queen Sugar”.
6. “Tiffany Warren” the daughter on the NBC Sitcom “In the House” was played by actress and model Maia Campbell. After the series ended Maia went on to be in the music video for Tyrese’s “Sweet Lady” and films like “Trippin” and “Seventeen Again.” More recently Maia appeared on the reality series “Iyanla Fix My Life” a few years ago to get some guidance with her battles with drug addiction, parenting, and mental health issues. Keep her in your prayers.
7. “Hilary Banks“, cousin Will’s at times ditzy, yet fashionable cousin on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” was played by actress Karyn Parsons. Karyn went on to be in 90’s films like “Class Act” and “Major Payne.” More recently Karyn is a mother, wife, and now an author of the children’s book “How High The Moon” and creator of “Sweet Blackberry“, a line of animated films about unsung Black heroes.
8. “Kelly Kapowski” the popular high school student from the NBC sitcom “Saved by the Bell” was played by actress Tiffani Theissan. After “Saved by the Bell” ended Tiffani went on to star in “Saved by the Bell: The College Years” and the FOX series “Beverly Hills: 90210.” Tiffani went on to star in the 2020 “Saved by the Bell” Reboot and is the star of the MTV comedy clip food show ‘Deliciousness.
9. “Lisa Turtle” the wealthy and fashionable friend on NBC’s “Saved by the Bell” was played by actress Lark Voorhies. After the series ended Lark made appearances in movies such as “Civil Brand“, “How High“, and “How to be a Player“, more recently she appeared on the Dr. Oz show talking about her issues with her mental health, and will be making appearances on the 2020-2021 reboot of “Saved by the Bell“
10. “Denise Huxtable” who was the free spirited rebel character from “The Cosby Show” & “A Different World‘ sitcoms was played by actress Lisa Bonét. After those shows ended Lisa was married to rock star, Lenny Kravitz and had their daughter, actress Zoe Kravitz. After Lisa and Lenny divorced she married actor Jason Mamoa and had two other children. Lisa appeared in 90’s films such as “Enemy of the State“, “Biker Boyz“, and “High Fidelity“, but hasn’t really acted in a while.
Who were your favorites growing up? Comment below.
The As-I-Amber Podcast & Blog 