Let’s talk Jay-Z (real name Shawn Corey Carter).

He’s a rapper and rap music deserves our attention, it certainly has our kids’ attention!

He’s married to Beyonce.
He’s considered the godfather of rap.
He has gone from humble beginnings in Brooklyn, New York in one of the most notoriously dangerous neighborhoods, to becoming one of the most successful corporations in the music business with publishing, clothing (Rocawear), recording to name a few.

He is certainly one of the brightest and most talented in the music industry at age 41. When I watched him on Oprah (he seldom does interviews), I was struck by his humility, grateful attitude toward success and sense of humor as he helped Oprah rap.

Jay Z has ignited more young acts than we can count here including Rihanna and has much to do with steering Beyonce’s career and musical choices.

What I love most about Jay Z is his unabashed love of his country with the city of New York being one of his favorites subjects…he even sang his song “Empire State of Mind” at the big Yankees ticker tape parade this year. This is one of my favorite Jay Z videos, a duet with Alicia Keys. It is an ode to his beloved Yankees and his city…a nod to the World Trade Centers, a caution to young women who can get snared in the city’s dangers and more.

His performance on the Hope for Haiti telethon was one of the best—”Haiti Mon Amour” was done with Bono from U2 and Rihanna.

Parents and grandparents, don’t be afraid to watch them over and over, the words come fast and furious but have meaning not to be dismissed…you know our kids can sing every word, so they’re worth our understanding too!

Two Queens: Gaga meets HRH

OK, so while we’re on the subject of knowing about things our kids and grandkids love…let’s talk about Lady Gaga.

It all started with a little buzz over this bleach blonde girl singing a “Let’s Dance” disco tune…then more buzz about the song “Pppppppoker Face PPPPoker Face.”

And then KABOOOOOOM! The whole world is Goo Goo for LADY GAGA!!!!

Her fashions, outrageous, her stage shows, irreverently amazing, her music, catchy as hell….but here’s the thing:

She’s only 23 years old.
She has PIPES, I mean, this girl can SING.
And write music.
And play piano.
And dedicates her performing life to the young people who “never fit in” and can come to her shows and “be themselves.”

AND SHE UNABASHEDLY LOVES, LOVES, LOVES HER PARENTS!

She wrote a song to her Dad when he was in need of heart surgery and almost made the wrenching decision NOT to have it to save his life.

Where do I start in posting things for you to look at? There are hundreds of mouth dropping fashion shots of her.

Here are two of my favorite videos: singing Speechless, the song she wrote about her Dad and her newest baddest video for “Bad Romance.”

It is the video that sparked the infamous Kayne West debacle with Taylor Swift at the Video Music Awards.

Thanks for the comments Dads, Grandpas, Moms, and Grammas….when we stay connected with what our kids are doing, it brings us closer!

Check it out….FIRST, the original Beyonce.
NEXT, Toddlers dancing to it!
FINAL, girls on the street doing it!