I really like it when Rihanna keeps her clothes on...kinda.

Were any of you as pleasantly surprised as I was with Rihanna's performance at the Grammy's the other night? Don't get me wrong, I love me some Ri Ri, and I think she is a stunningly beautiful woman, but usually her performances are over produced and over sexualized. I always chalked this up to a need to cover up her limited vocal and dancing talent... Anyways, I was thoroughly impressed with her performance of "Stay", a duet with the writer of the track, Mikky Ekko. It was a simple, beautiful, and emotional performance that actually brought the focus onto Rihanna's singing talent rather than her ability to wear little clothing. After watching the show I went and looked up the official video for the song. It is basically 4 minutes of Rihanna sloshing around naked in a bathtub looking sad. Ha! Awesome. Regardless, the performance was lovely, and I think the video is extremely...easy to watch. Only because of the singing. The singing!

(and the nakedness) Check both out below.

55th Grammy's Playlist

In honor of the 55th Grammy celebration this evening I have pulled together 12 picks I think deserve a little metal gramophone. Check 'em out.



1. Album of the Year: Great competition for this one, but I expect Frank Ocean will win this one easily for Channel Orange. Check out 'Thinking About You' in our playlist.

2. Record of the Year: Ocean will likely win this one too, but I love 'Lonely Boy' by the Black Keys. The video is amazing. It's like my wife choreographed the whole thing with her amazing 'go-to' moves...

3. Best New Artist: Frank Ocean should and will win this award. My vote for 2nd place is for the Alabama Shakes, hands down. Seriously awesome old school rock/blues greatness from Athens, Alabama. You probably have all heard 'Hold On', but if not check out the bad-ass Brittany Howard on vocals and guitar.

4. Song of the Year: Miguel. "Adorn You". The other songs infuriate me.

5. Best Dance Recording: Avicii's, "Levels" makes me jump up and down uncontrollably. And the desk humping office dude in the video is a amazing. Enjoy.

6. Best Rock Song: 'Lonely Boy' will probably win this, but just for sake of variation, my 2nd place vote is for Muse's 'Madness'.

7. Best Rock Album: Again, it will be hard to top The Black Keys, but if anyone is gonna do it, I hope it is Jack White, for his album Blunderbuss. Here you will see 'I'm Shakin', my favorites song from that album.

8. Best Blues Album: Joan Osborne is a baller. Her album, Bring it on Home is my pick for this category, especially due to the song 'Shake Your Hips'.

9. Best Rap Song: 'N--ars in Paris' is Shannon's current pump-up tune. It really is a pretty awesome song for just before any recreational athletic activity. It gets the people goin!

10. Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: Okay, this is a lame category, but I just realized that Nas put out a song featuring Amy Winehouse! Whaaa? I am annoyed I just heard about this. 'Cherry Wine' is a really chilled out something special. I miss Amy Winehouse.

11. Best Rap Album: Undun by the Roots is a masterpiece. If you don't have it you should put it on your 'must have' list. Check out the track 'Make My' feat. Big KRIT.

12. Best Traditional R&B Performance: I can't believe people were actually talking shit about Beyonce's talent after she sang along with a pre-recorded track at the inauguration. I mean seriously. What was that about? Watch a live version of "Love on Top" here. She is like Michael Jackson and Diana Ross in one package. Talent.Out.The.Ears.