I apologize, in advance, for this non-Milwaukee entry. But, this topic on my mind so write I must.
The big battle, if you will, dropped yesterday. Kanye West vs. 50 Cent. Two new releases, two big names.
I like Kanye West, but after Sunday's VMA's I'll securely put him in the "he's like most celebrities" category. Seriously, dude, who cares if you didn't get to open the show or perform on the main stage? Britney did and ratings and buzz were way up. But, whatever. West's "Stronger" is a great tune and most of tracks I've heard from "Graduation" are cool, somewhat innovative and fun. I'll download them all soon.
As for 50 Cent, he doesn't do a whole lot for me. I admire his business savvy; he's an empire in and of himself. But, in my humble opinion, when it comes to creativity he's lacks it a bit. So, no, I haven't bought his new effort, "Curtis" and I probably won't.
I did, though, buy the new Kenny Chesney release. Rip away if you like, but please don't if you've never listened to him. Early numbers are already saying that Chesney's "Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates" will beat both 50 Cent and Kanye West. Tunes like "Don't Blink" and "Never Wanted Nothing More" are honest and real, if not a bit corny (but that's country's appeal, come to think of it it's rap's appeal too). Chesney has moved away (thankfully) from his Jimmy Buffet-ish country stuff into a more rock and country rock feel (Joe Walsh and George Strait contribute). So, even if you are not into country, sample some of Chesney's new release you might like it.
Nothing against West or Fiddy, but on a day that pitted them against one another (it was a nice PR move, by the way) seems like a third performer has won the battle.
A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.
He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.
Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.
He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.
He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.
