RuPaul Finally Gives Us The Born Naked Music Video

There has been a void this week without a "new" episode of RuPaul's Drag Race. Well, there was a new episode, but it was all crap we've seen before. All old crap with one exception -- The "Born Naked" music video. Ru has graced us with the presence of a beautiful music video with our three top ladies. Season seven is almost over, but this video will live forevah!

This may be my favorite RuPaul video ever. I'm talking even non Drag Race versions and videos too. I love everything about this. First of all, it was a bit of an aging song, especially since it's from the last album and not his newest, so putting a fun remix on it was a genius idea. Combine that with the fun concept, and tying together the whole season with the top three, and you have one amazing video.

The whole video is made up to look like and old VHS recoding, and it really works with the feel of everything. RuPaul summons to life three mannequins, Ginger, Pearl, and Violet, to become his new drag superstars and they begin taking over. Though there's not much of a plot to it, it really does keep your attention with it's concept, and the fact that we get to see outfits from all throughout the season for the top three. They really put a lot of thought into this one, and it shines far beyond any other video that has spawned from this show.

I feel like Ru finally got the disconnect from previous seasons. In the other seasons' videos, we only saw Ru interact with them in small bits, or not at all. He is really in there with them throughout the whole video, and even has a throwback to his days of androgyny when he first started doing drag by having a wig, little, makeup, and some glasses on during certain shots with the girls.

Let's face it. The remix works, the style works, the naked pit crew really works (where the hell do I get the uncensored version of this!?). It's all go. Plus thank god we got to see that amazing Scottish garment that Violet used in the first episode again. Praise Jesus!

Help Wendy Ho Make Her New Video

Wendy Ho is an entertainer in every sense of the word. She knows how to work it, whether it's a full club or a street corner. Well she's spent the past one hundred years (a rough estimate) bringing joy to your life, so now it's your chance to bring some joy to hers. By joy I mean money.

OK, so let's get more specific. Wendy isn't just asking for money and not offering up anything in return. She knows that to get the coins, she's got to have the products, and the biggest product here is the upcoming music video. She's turned to Kickstarter to help wrangle in her fans to get the funds she needs to finally have a video to her favorite song from her catalog, "Fuck Me". If she reaches her set goal of $7,500, we can get this video in all it's raunchy glory.

Don't go thinking that a music video is all she has to offer. In true Kickstarter style, there are various levels with set increments and rewards for each level of donation. These rewards include CDs, t-shirts, a spot as an extra on her music video, and most importantly a ho-bag. Who doesn't want a ho bag!?

Look, the point is that Wendy is a crazy talented woman. She has fronted the bills for everything she's done so far, and I really think that she deserves help for once. I've seen her live show, and I own her albums, so trust me when I say that Wendy Ho never disappoints. I have no clue what she has planned for "Fuck Me" but I know it will be amazing. And if you got the bucks, she'll even ho you out in it, too.

As of this posting, Wendy is right at the 3,000 mark, putting her just shy of half way. We still got another twenty-five days, making this totally doable. Let's give something back to the lady who's been ho-in herself out for all these years.

Click here and relinquish your wallets!

Former Drag Racer Delta Work Walks Right In With New Single

It's been quite a while since we've heard new things out of RuPaul's Drag Race season three favorite Delta Work. She has been working her ass off touring, the heart of drag, while her sisters have been branching out to music and TV, but she's not going to be left in the dust. Delta is making sure you see her with her brand new single "The Walkin' Blues (Walk Right In, Walk Right Out)".

I have to say that Delta was on the toughest season of Drag Race and she completely held her own throughout the entire competition. She is the queen that showed me that big girls can be more than just funny. She was always glamorous, and she knew it. It doesn't get said enough, but Delta completely changed the game and paved the way for other big glamorous ladies such as Latrice Royale.

When it comes to the song, I was very pleasantly surprised. Often times tracks coming out of the show aren't the best, but when you take factors such as Delta taking her time and that she's teamed up with JRED Music, known for their solid releases, she was definitely in a good position for this."Walkin' Blues" is a fun track that balances funny and solid dance very well. While it has a few comedic moments, it really is more about making you get up and dance.

In a world full of queens feeling like the only way to get noticed is with a parody, the name of the song had me a bit worried. I was afraid it was a cover track due to it's rather similar title to a classic 70s track, but thankfully she's taken a different route. The song is cram packed with sex appeal, and it beams confidence, which is something I've always respected and expected from Delta.

You can grab the track on iTunes. Be sure and let her know that we want a video!

RuPaul's Drag Race Season 7 Episode 12 [Review]

The time has come! We are finally going to take this rag-tag group of "top girls" to the next level and get to know who the top three are. It's going to be a weird one, with all of the show's major stars (Katya, Trixie, Max, Miss Fame, Trixie again) have sashayed away. It seems like they had a good idea who was going to the top no matter what horrid mistakes they made. Regardless, the top this year is far more balanced and fair than in years past, so let's see where this ride takes us.

Osvaldo Supino Reveals Third New Single Is "Wet Dream"

Late last year, my main Italian squeeze Osvaldo Supino released a new album called Behind The Curtain, and like an idiot I missed out on reviewing it. Luckily he hasn't given up on this project just yet, and has released yet another single off of it. This one is hot, and definitely worth checking out. Lets look at "Wet Dream".

Osvaldo has always been a really fun and cheeky artist. His songs always flirt with sexuality, and rarely ever come out and say one way or another, although he is self identified as gay. It's so great to have music that the LGBT population can relate to without being overly flamboyant or out there. The track honestly feels like something Britney Spears would have recorded, making Osvaldo very radio-ready. I'm not sure how far his fame reaches in his home land, but he could do very well in the United States.

The song has a lot of fun lines like "Is that a gun in your pocket or are you happy to see me?". I have always loved his humor, and it really shines through here. This song was one of my favorites when listening through the album for the first time, so I'm glad to see this was chosen as a single. Though there has been no official word, it is pretty safe to assume that he is going to be making a video for this one.

While lyrically it's not anything ground breaking, Osvaldo really knows his way around pop music and he definitely knows how to pump out some fun music that can get your booty shaking. Mr. Supino really should be a much larger LGBT icon than he is, at least here in the United States. He's cute, funny, and makes good music. What more could you ask for?

If you like what you hear, run over to iTunes and grab Behind The Curtain and give this man some love!

Skin Wars Contestant Sammie Bartko Releases Feel Good Pop Jam "Beautiful"

Sammie Bartko is a lot of things. She's a mother, she's a body painter, she's about to be a reality TV star, and most importantly of all (for the purposes of this blog, anyway), she is a vocalist with a lot of drive and passion. She is definitely making use of the spotlight on her currently by putting out her first ever single. "Beautiful" is a wonderful song by a wonderful lady, and I think it deserves a listen or two from you.

Sammie Bartko is a really nice lady. She is a very talented body painter, and I really feel like Skin Wars starting next month will only help boost her career on all fronts. One of those fronts is music. She apparently has been working on music for a long time, providing back ground vocals for various dance music tracks over the years. "Beautiful" is her first attempt at making music on her own (with a little help from her man, of course), and it's a fun song.

The track is a poppy upbeat song, a bit of a step away from her dance music roots. The track has a lot of fun guitars, and has a distinct singer songwriter feel. The message behind the track is a very positive one, mirroring her very sweet nature. I actually reached out to her for a comment, and she responded -- quickly -- with these musings on the song.

"The song is aimed at creating a better self image in people. We are all beautifully & wonderfully made divine canvases. Media tries to convince us that if we don't look a certain way or have a certain figure we are flawed."

 It was so fun and interesting to see the many facets that the artists of Skin Wars have from Nicole's burlesque to Gear's graffiti, it's obvious that they all have different things going on past body painting, but seeing a different side of the new crop of artists before the show even started was crazy. I look forward to getting to know Sammie better, both trying to get an interview as well as seeing her work and personality on GSN.

For now you can grab her single on iTunes. Also be sure and catch her on the season premier of Skin Wars on GSN June 10.

RuPaul's Drag Race Season 7 Episode 11 [Review]

No. No no no no no no no. No. Just no. I can't say why before the cut, but no. Rupaul, just no. Michelle Visage, no. Assorted other producers and personnel, NO. Just no. Please don't do this to me. But the positive side is there is Hello Kitty. And Rebecca Romijn. BUT NO!

Frankmusik Embarks On New Era With "This"

Frankmusik is the king of indie music. This is an indisputable fact. He has been hard at work recording with RuPaul on his last album, as well as producing music for another yet-to-be-named artist, but he isn't going to let down his fans. He is moving forward with his own music career, and after a bit of teasing we finally have "This".

I love it when Vincent churns out a pop ballad. He is so flipping good at it that it's scary. While the lyrics aren't something you'd freak out over, he still has that amazing airy voice and his great way with creating a full sound in such a small amount of time is great. Speaking of, Frank has this great way of pushing out album after album and not feeling stale at all. That he isn't a megastar by now is the saddest thing to happen int he pop world.

"This", when it comes to the video, isn't my favorite. To be honest, most of it is him jumping. Yeah. That's the gist of the video. The rest of it, while beautiful, looks like it was shot on the recycled set of The Village by M. Night Shamalamadingdong. Really, it some mid-evil looking forest. Gurl, the hell do you shoot these videos at?

Either way I'm happy to have my Franky back. It has been a hot minute since he's come out with something new. His work with RuPaul is fun, but it's always nice to see him on his own two feet, doing what he does best. While it's not been said what the new album is called or when it's coming out, you can count on knowing that he won't be too long before we know exactly what's coming.

To tide you over, grab "This" on iTunes.

Help St. Louis Band The Free Years Get Their Music Recorded

A little known fact is that I am based out of St. Louis. I don't talk about it often, but when I find someone I love is coming to town, or better yet that a local band is playing a flavor of music that would fit in here, you can bet your ass I'll talk about them. The Free Years is a group of three guys based in St. Louis, and they are ready to spread their brand of "Freedom Pop" with not only the city, but the world. All they need is a little help.

If the demos that are on their official website are any bit of an indication of what is to come, then we definitely have got to get this IndieGoGo campaign fully funded. They have a light, airy, poptacular sound that would fit in with bands like Imagine Dragons that play on the radio today, but they are very distinct in their sound. By that I mean they are one of those bands to where when you hear a song come on, you know instantly it's them.

The group is made up of Matthew James on vocals and guitars, Danny Hill on drums, and Ryan Myers doubling it up on keyboards and guitars. These three are both insanely cute and crazy talented, and they are completely committed to this project. They are really wanting this to become something, and with the right people behind them I think that they will make it big.

This is where you come in. They are currently running an IndieGoGo campaign and they are sitting right at 800 dollars, almost one third of the money they need. With only twenty-two days to go, they need to get things moving even more. The boys have some fun prizes, especially for locals, and are willing to give everything they have to their fans. They aren't asking for help releasing the album -- they money for an initial studio start up. That way they'll never have to ask for money again. All future albums will be recorded in their new studio from the start up moment.

Head on over to IndieGoGo and put in a donation. This band really deserves to get to their goal, and get some solid recordings of their already ear-worm songs from their SoundCloud.

Fourth Anniversary Celebration + Upcoming Big Announcement

Holy crap. It's been four years now. Taking Over The Universe has been such a big part of my life, and I am so excited that I have been able to share my thoughts and opinions through the blogging medium. I have had such a huge outpouring of love, especially after the big return back in October. I have been making huge strides forward to bring you all the best news and the best interviews I can.

I know a lot of you have probably noticed a lack in posts, both quantity and interview wise, but I do have some excuses for that. First off, I have been working for a magazine lately, and they have featured my most recent interview. If you haven't read it, I was able to speak with Miss Fame about her pre-Drag Race life. Every month I have been contributing the the magazine, and it is something I really, really believe in. It has been a great way for me to gush over drag queens without overloading the site.

Now, however, I have taken on a second project aside from the website, and I am almost ready to reveal the details, but not quite yet. I will say that it is not a new website, but it is something that you are going to want to pay attention too. It will be far more interactive than TOTU is, and it will be in the same vein of music, TV, and drag.

Is that enough of a hint? Well, if not, then how about this? I'll give you the initials: F.B.P.

Before I sign off for the day, I would just like to thank a few people. I would like to thank Michael Vise, my biggest fan. He's always supporting the site and reposting everything on Facebook. I would also like to thank Adam Barta and Jared Jones for always being there for TOTU and giving great advice. Charlie Mason and the whole crew of LaFamos, thank you for giving me the heads up on countless amazing new artists. Big thanks to Sheena Rose and her hubby for having me as part of the Drag Queen Magazine Staff. I would Liz Primo, Miss Fame, Andrew W.K., Angelo Garcia, Banig, Bentley Jones, XELLE, Gear, Nicole Hayes, and anybody else I have interviewed and stayed in contact with, as well as those who I haven't had the chance to interview, but have still been supportive like Cherie Lily. Lastly I have to thank Pollo Del Mar, who gave me that first push to jump into the journalism game and encouraged me to always strive for that next interview. I would be nowhere near where I am today without you , mamma.  If I missed anybody, I am sorry, but you know you're all appreciated.

Most of all, thank YOU for reading. I hope that you continue to support the site, and I hope that my new project is just as much of a success. Keep your eyes on this space for updates on what's to come!

UPDATE

 

Like our new Facebook Fanpage!

 

Screw it. I'm going to go ahead and update this thing and get it over with. It's my fourth anniversary so I can do whatever I want. The new project is a podcast that I am slating for fall of this year. The podcast is called Famous By Proxy and it will be the website personified. There is only so much I can express via text, and many of my jokes can get lost in the way. Also, I would love for everyone to hear these talented people I interview speak in their own voice. Basically, it's going to be over the top, and everything readers of this site will want.

Keep watching this space, as well as our new Facebook page and upcoming dedicated blog. We will be launching a Kickstarter next month to give everyone a chance to be part of the experience with me.

Ari Gold Returns As Gold Nation With New Dance Single

It's been a hot minute since we've heard anything out of New York music scene staple Ari Gold. Apparently he's been hard at work with new music, but this time there's something just a little different -- and it's not just the name. Ari is ready to bring you his new conceptual project Gold Nation and his first single under the new pseudonym, "Sex Like A Porn Star".

Can we stop for a second and appreciate this cover? I mean, Ari has always looked good, but he can even look good as a cheesy 70's porn actor. That takes talent, because next to nobody looked good in that era. I guess the abs help. And the mustache. A little.

Anyway, "Sex Like A Porn Star" is a deep house track, a bit of a departure for those who are used to the music Sir Gold has been pumping out over the past few years. While it's not exactly everyone's cup of tea, it certainly is something to get people up and dancing, and certainly going to be a fun hit for the clubs across the country. The name change, linked to the style change, was an effort to distinguish this new project from past releases. It's a risky move, but it looks like it's paying off.

Unfortunately at this time there is no word if there will be a music video released any time soon. Can you imagine the hilarious and sexy antics this guy could get into with a video to a song that sounds the way it does and is named what it is? Ari does seem to be hard at work making sure this project takes flight, so it would seem that a music video would be the next logical step.

Ari is planning an entire conceptual album around this new sound he has found and the name Gold Nation. He is working exclusively with JRed Music to produce his new album Soundtrack To Freedom, release date TBA. For now, you can grab the single on iTunes featuring the single and various remixes for artists such as Lucius Lowe, Jared Jones, and more!

Miss Fame Slays This Season's RPDR Music With "Rubber Doll"

Miss Fame may not be your favorite queen from the newest season of RuPaul's Drag Race  but she may very well become that after you give her single a listen. She's already proven that she has the ability to carry a tune, and with a hot back beat, and a 'lil autotune, she really pulls together the best RPDR girls single of the season. Go ahead, ladies. Try and top this. Check out "Rubber Doll".

I seriously can't get enough of this single. I know it's becoming a bit routine to see a contestant release a single the week they go home (you owe us two, now, Trixie!), but Miss Fame really put a lot of effort into this one. I guess with the delay of the season to March this year, she had a lot of time to prepare, and she didn't waste a second. That and she didn't spill the beans online anywhere (not even to me when I interviewed her!), so this one was really a surprise to us all.

The song is very sexually charged, and exactly what you would think of coming from Miss Fame. Straight from a drag queen who chose a name that would give her something to aspire to live up to, the song exudes the confidence that we only got glimmers of during her stint on the show. She truly has taken the experience of being on television and allowed it to let her grow.

As for the video, it is both sexy and scary. Fame dresses up in an assortment of leather and latex, giving us straight up dominatrix. I have always loved Miss Fame's fashion sense, to the point that even her "ugly dress" that got her sent home was amazing. When it comes to fashion, this lady should never be questioned.

When it comes to season seven's music, Miss Fame has slayed. The production is on point, the video is the sharpest I've seen from this franchise in a long while, and for a nice change, she can actually sing. Go figure. She may not have taken the crown of Next Drag Superstar, but she certainly has snagged the trophy for being the best music act.

Grab the single for yourself on iTunes today.

RuPaul's Drag Race Season 7 Episode 10 [Review]

Welcome to RuPaul's Drag Race were the insanity never ends! Don't believe me? Well wait until you see what today's main challenge is. I mean this show has always been evolving in it's creativity and takes on drag, but this is a whole different ball game. Pun certainly intended. Let's get into it.

Jayne Ava Reveals Bold New Music Video "Something There"

I have already raved about how much I love this song, and now the girl's gone and made a video for it, too. Do I like it? Well hell yes I do! Jayne is one hell of a chick, and she's not going to disappoint those who have been waiting for this. Check out the official video for "Something There."

First off let me once again reiterate that this song is bangin'! I love that she has such a strong voice and is confident enough with it to belt out, and I really like that she's breathing new air into the sort of dead in the water state of electropop these days. This is the song I had been waiting for from 2015. So thank you for that, Jayne.

Now the video completely shocked me. Often times with someone who is doing things on their own, when it comes to music videos they don't really look too wonderful. This is not the case at all. She has a really great team to be able to pull together something like this. The production values are very strong, and the use of a plot skeleton made it very enjoyable from start to finish. Casting for the love interest was perfect, and their relationship portrayed in the video was very much believable.

What really blew me away was one particular part of the video wherein Jayne is dancing and throwing a bit of a fit just feet away from her love interest, but he's not turned around to see. The scene is shown a few times throughout the video, and by the time he turns around she has composed herself and is back to "normal". This is so incredibly relatable that it's not even funny.

"Something There" is a great push forward for this evolving artist. She really is making a great effort, and I whole-heatedly believe she deserves to have everyone's eyes on her for her multitude of talents. The bottom line is the song is on point, the production is on point, and that makeup is to die for (on point). Watch this video, like her Facebook Page, and make sure to give her a further look on iTunes.

Gao's Thoughts: Is Bullying Natalia Kills For Bullying Right?

I know I may seem late to the game here, and to be honest, I really hadn't planned on talking about this at all, but after seeing the hate still spewing from the internet, I guess it's time I weighed in. Natalia Kills has always been one of my favorite artists, but after her seemingly unforgivable actions in New Zealand, I was unsure on how to feel. After taking the time to think the issue through, I believe I have come to my own conclusion about the matter.