ANTHONY ANTOINE: Closets on Fire

Anthony Antoine

Closets on Fire

© 2005 Anthony Antoine (837101042369)

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The Prince of Edutainment Anthony Antoine delivers a hit-filled full length effort complete with 18 provocative songs that journey from mainstream pop, hip-hop to even jazz. A CD to shame the major labels that slept on this jewel of independent artists.

notes

An eclectic blend of pop, r&b and hip-hop mixed to create aural candy for those in and out of "the know." Anthony Antoine once again challenges the norm of traditional popular music with a bold and timely statement that can only be "Closets On Fire."

The Prince of Edutainment's first full length CD combines the lyrical dexterity of Babyface and the non-conformist musical advocacy of Meshell N'degeocello to create a flavor all his own. "Curiosity and The Hennessey," "How To Tell If Your Man Is On The Down Low" and the steamy first single "ASS" are just a few of the tracks rounding off this proud collection of 18 songs (a song for every year that this has been his dream).

"I left for London in 1987 with a goal of recording an album. So this is truly my dream come true. I've recorded literally hundreds of songs over the years however, never felt in place to release a full length effort. Three years ago, "Closets on Fire" fell into my spirit and wouldn't stop burning. Now today, it's finally here," Anthony beams explaining how his full length effort unfolded. "Right now, I'm the happiest man on the planet to achieve my dream."

When asked to chose a favorite song, he attempts with no luck. "That's like asking a parent to chose a favorite child," Anthony laughs. "What I know is that there are 18 songs to chose from with a mix of influences and styles, something for mostly everyone to like. I celebrate being an independent artist by recording what I feel at the time, never compromising a message for sake of fitting in. This is unfiltered, unapologetic and passionate pop music."

Here, Anthony explains the inspiration for a few of the cuts:

RAISE
"This song was going to be a simple dance cut about dancing originally. Michael (my Executive Producer and more) and I were chillin' one Sunday afternoon soon after he picked me up some new music software for my computer. He didn't like my lyrics that I started writing to this beat and shared this entire concept complete with a video concept that communicated what he felt the lyrics should be. He thought that I wasn't feeling his concept but by the time he made it home, I wrote "RAISE" with his concept in mind. Since then, it has always been the perfect opener and sets the tone for my dream CD "Closets on Fire." "

ASS
"What can I say about "ASS" that it doesn't say for itself? Honestly, this song has been so misunderstood by some folks. First - No it's not me naked on the single's cover. And so important for me to explain is that I wasn't just wanting to be nasty or create hype around a provocative title. This song for me is mainly a celebration in the most unabashed way of sexuality similar to how Trina, Lil Kim or so many artists would celebrate sex and sexuality in their songs, songs pervasive on mainstream radio and no one questions this. Why wouldn't I have the same freedom to celebrate my sex and sexuality? That's the main reason why I did the song. Okay, and the people who are secretly credited on the CD itself may have influenced me too but..."

CURIOSITY AND THE HENNESSY
"This is one of my favorite cuts on the CD. The music was totally produced by Jimmy George of Wave Motion Sound. I sang the melody and didn't give him any other direction except for the electronic loop. He made the song jazzy and very sexy. I also love to listen to this song because this is the song I was about to record when I first had problems that resulted in surgery on my vocal cords in 2000. To hear it completed reminds me that I made it through one of the roughest periods in my singing career - not being able to sing for easily a year and often not able to even speak. I, now more than ever, truly appreciate having a voice to do what I love to do, sing and speak."

SECRET LOVER
"Here's to my friends at ARCA who has given me so much love for this song. This was one of the original songs I recorded for the CD and ultimately was the original direction of the project. It's still one of my favorites on the CD. You'll hear me say this about 17 other tracks when there are only 18 on the CD. My songs are like children I've given birth to. It's hard to chose your favorite child. "Secret Lover" was my attempt at writing like so many Babyface songs from the 90s that I loved. I think next to Madonna who is so underrated for her contribution to popular music, Babyface too, made huge contributions with songs and lyrics most songwriters would be proud of. I would die to hear Babyface or Jon B. sing this song."

More on inspiration and Anthony Antoine, visit his website at www.anthonyantoine.com.

reviews

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  • Provocative and Racy
    author: Kings Garden Publishing

    This is the best album I have heard in a long time.

  • author: V

    A.A., you are so wrong for not putting the real version of ASS on here, & so right for THE CONSEQUENCE, UNDRESS, & I WAS THE ONE. The Adodi Muse track should have been played across America at a time when everyopne could see it, but then the country would have to admit to its hypocrisy.

  • BRILLIANT! YOU ARE EVERYTHING YOU AIMED TO BE!
    author: Kevin E. Taylor, BET Producer/Writer

    CLOSETS ON FIRE is a masterpiece in political commentary, culture sensitivity and individual sass-appeal. Anthony Antoine, you have done your things, making statements and waves in the same lifetime! I am so proud of this work..its tittalating and sexy, music-sound and sonically-pleasing. And let me say THIS! As juicy and sexy as many of us find ANTHONY ANTOINE (yes, If he was closer, I'm be all up on him!!!!), his music is equally as sensual and riveting! I bought 10 copies, because I had to put my money where MY MOUTH WANTS TO ME...ALL OVER ANTHONY ANTOINE!

  • The cd is banging!
    author: A. Bumphus

    This cd has great lyrical content and production work! Its a head banger. I am either nodding my head to it in the car or dancing to it @ home. If you don't have it-get it-TODAY! Its a great cd to have!

  • Here's To Loving You Unconditionally!
    author: Mom, Cary, NC

    Anthony, my first-born, I am and will always be your number one fan. Your multiple talents were evident from an early age. All who know you and hear your music must admire your talent, strength, and creative ability to capture the essence of what makes you who you are. I am educated and entertained by many of the songs in Closet On Fire; e.g., How To Tell Your Man Is On The Down Low, Shake Your Body, I Got The Moves, Get Yo Life On (my favorites); and, The Consequences, Now You Like Me, My Settle Down Baby, etc are all tunes carrying a message. My message to you is to stay open for the lessons that come with life, for there’s more, more to the freedom sought in ‘Raise’!

  • This album is out standing.
    author: Kings Garden Publishing

    The album is a provocative type of album. The music is good the lessons are thought by the artist of every day life. The music is an extension of the artist and the style of music he produces for his audience. The album takes you on a journey of life, love and sexual expressions. The album is a well-thought out idea for the artist.

  • Hot!!!!!!
    author: B. Graves

    Anthony continues to provide the BGLT population with inspirational tracks that are uplifting to OUR community!! His music provides a positive spin on situations that are relevant to the gay community as a whole.

  • Whoa!!!!!!!! Now that's real!!
    author: DeeSJaye

    I purchased this CD out of sheer curiosity, and it did not dissappoint in it's realness. I also enjoyed that the CD didn't give itself into being more about trying to push the envelope by being gay porn set to music as opposed to just being good music. This CD is not going for that stereotypical, "hollywood" gay man with a lot of "horny'tude". Instead, it comes from the heart and situations of all types of "kids". This made the CD entertaining as well as educational to those who see all gay men as one type of man with different faces. Once again, I enjoyed its versatility in subject matter. My favs are "ASS" (the beat coupled with his rushed and moaning-like flow is hella-tite),the "DL" song, and "Sanctify". I actually like him more as a rapper who sings on his hooks, so the speaking cuts are the cuts I feel more than the others, but don't get me wrong, he brings his brand of fiya regardless...I think it's definitely worth the buy.

  • BRILLIANT!!!
    author: Michael-Christopher

    This set is undoubtedly the most significant piece of work so far this decade. No one has dared create music dealing with the subject of sexuality in self-affirming way like CLOSEST ON FIRE. This CD needs to be heard so young people who are aware of their sexuality, but feel shame can have someone to look up to. The radio friendly "Shake Your Body" will take him to the top of the charts, "Get Your Life On" will be the new anthem for black gay youth everywhere, and "Dontueva" will change the way people think across the country. Thank you, AA, for fearlessly creating this project.

  • Closets, Closets, Closets
    author: Mark Norris

    My goodness!!!!!!!!!!Who would have ever thought the closet could be so entertaining and educational at the same time. Mr. Anthony Antoine (or my "Baby's Daddy" as I prefer to call him) has set a new tone for the music industry. Prince of Edutainment, that is an understatement......King of Edutainment is more fitting.......and guess who will be the Queen of Edutainment, lol. All kidding aside, this is one bad brotha. He knows what the "children" want. And he even has a little for the hetero's out there too. The rockin Dontueva is a hot ass, power house statement to those who Kanye West mentioned in his interview on MTV. The homophobic hip-hop entertainers who think that they can survive without acknowledgement or recognition from the Gay community, more precise the Black, Gay community. I am sorry for sounding so pumped up, but that is what Anthony's cd's do for me. Makes one feel proud and good about oneself. I can't get enough of his music. I have my screensaver with that beautiful mug on the cd cover and I have enquired about a poster also. I have two favorites.........Ass, not so much for the lyrics although they are enough to make one.....well, anyway; and the other is My Settle Down Baby....I imagine that he is singing it right to me. Man, what a thought. Keep it up Anthony. You really need to be mainstream. There are a whole lot of kids straight and gay who could benefit from this music. Much love and support from here on out. Mark Norris

  • EDUCATIONAL & ENTERTAINING!!!
    author: M. Stewart

    There are only a handful of artist available that can educate and entertain its fan base at the same type. This CD delivers both!

  • LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    author: boysmommy

    the most thought provoking CD!!!! I love it, my straight husband loves it, my straight mom loves it, and the boys even get to listen to some of it! I can hear the artists' heart through his words.

  • The passion in the music is contagious
    author: BabyBoy 2003

    This CD has been in my car non-stop for the last 3 months ... the music is fresh, timely and pointed ... Each song is a statement and a testiment to the artist passion for life and passion for proclaiming his freedom from bigotry and limitations. Looking forward to the next project ...

  • SIZZLING!
    author: Roger Pollard

    If you experienced a heat wave in June, 2005, that is because "Closets On Fire" by Anthony Antoine was released during this month and it sizzles! It is an uplifting celebration of our SGL life that is both thoughtful, provacative and fun. This CD will get your head bopping, booty shaking and feet tapping. In addition to the tracks featured in "The Notes" section, the cut "How To Tell If Your Man Is On The Down Low" is an entertaining and enlightening parody of the current lists/checklists mythology being perpetrated by J. L. King. Anthony Antione satirically refutes King's advocacy of vigilantism regarding the Down Low. The feature "DONTUEVA" with Tim'm West (aka 25 Percenter of DDC) and Craig Washington is one powerful anthem that identifies homophobia for exactly what it is: bigotry. This entire album is dynamic, energetic and creative. Art reflects life and this CD mirrors the richness of ours.

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