the 31 best of 2008 – 8: Leslie Hall – Cewebrity

I know that this is probably going to alienate some of you, but hear me out; this album is magnificent and down right brilliant. I am sure that some of you will hate on Leslie, but that is probably because you are taking yourself far too seriously; Leslie Hall, aka Mother Gem, is a force of nature that has gyrated her way into my soul. Leslie is a whole new world of musical and comedic entertainment. I was lucky enough to see her amazing live performance earlier this year, and that is when I became a life long fan. She’s a lady rapper, clad in glitter and gem sweaters, and to use her own words, she’s doing her thing and “pounding out the sexy with a sparkly hammer”. Leslie is probably best known for her Gem Sweater Museum and her status as an internet celebrity (hence the name of her third album being titled Cewebrity),but all joking aside, she has actually produced an album that is filled with fresh beats, and slick rhymes; all of which she weaves into a web of glamor for your senses.

Now, I want to say this, so listen to me; this entire record is meant to be satirical. It is meant to be funny, and it not only succeeds, it mystifies you with hilarious tales told in the way that only Leslie can tell them. However, even though it is funny, and down right silly at times, Cewebritysucceeds in being a light hearted pop record that is thoroughly enjoyable to listen to. I will admit that the first time I heard a Leslie Hall song, that I didn’t instantly get it, and as such, I was more confused than anything (I wondered if she was serious!). Yet, after seeing her perform, I was instantly mesmerized by the gyrations of her gold spandex covered hips, and by the ninja-like prowess she exerted with her scissor kicks. Leslie Hall doesn’t just perform, she puts on a fucking SHOW, and the music is like the icing on the cake; sweet, fun, delicious, and begging to be devoured. The more I listen to Leslie Hall’s purely guilty pleasure-rific music, the more I love this Midwest diva; she makes me laugh, and does so through great music.

Overall, I will definitely say, that Cewebrityhas been one of my favorite albums of this entire year, and there was no way that I wasn’t going to include it on this countdown (regardless of the critique I am sure to get for doing so). For sheer entertainment value, it deserves this spot so very, very much, and I am just pleased that I was exposed to the craft of Leslie Hall this year. It was definitely one of the best concerts I have ever seen, and the music is something that keeps me laughing, dancing, and wanting more. Leslie Hall is a goddess of jams and gems, and if Cewebrityis any indication of what we have to expect from Leslie in the future, the I can definitely see the sheen of gold spandex in my future.

Sparkle Factor:
Stand Outs: Test Ten Guys [audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/lesliehall-testtenguys.mp3]
How We Go Out, Zombie Killer, Blame the Booty, Keep It Real, Real Gold and Glamorous, Drop a Gem.