Don't sleep on...

Push Girls. One of the few reality shows on television that is both entertaining and educational.

The show airs on the Sundance channel and is currently in its second season. I started watching it last summer after seeing a magazine ad for the show and I was immediately hooked.

The show follows the story of four friends in Los Angeles who are all paralyzed. Three of the ladies were injured in car accidents and one became paralyzed after an illness.

The main cast included Angela a former model and actress.  She was previously married to Dustin Nguyen of 21 Jump Street fame and was injured in the accident that killed her friend actress Thuy Trang who was best known as the Yellow Ranger on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

Auti is a hip hop dancer and singer, who was on the cusp of stardom in the 90's and about to sign a record deal before her accident. Party girl Tiphany, who was injured in high school after her car was hit by a drunk driver. Athletic, girl-next-door Mia, who's paralysis was caused by an illness when she was 15, and a recently paralyzed teenager, Chelsie, is also featured. The ladies mentor and help Chelsie as she comes to terms with her paralysis.

The show recently won the Critics Choice award for Best Reality Show and it is well-deserved. This show is entertaining because of the incredible spirit and personalities of these women. But at the same time, it also challenges the stereotypes of people in wheelchairs and educates us on what life is like for a person living with paralysis.  This is one of those hidden gems on cable TV, that I think is going unnoticed amongst the thousands of other reality shows out there.  But, this show is not a guilty pleasure.  It is simply a pleasure. 

Don't Sleep On...

Lion Babe and Johnnyswim

If you're hungry for some good new music, then check out Lion Babe (@Lion_Babe) and Johnny Swim (@JOHNNYSWIM)  Both are duos that feature celebrity daughters.  Before you roll your eyes, just know that these ladies have inherited all of the talent and beauty of their famous mothers, but have a style and sound all their own.  Lion Babe features producer Lucas Goodman and vocalist Jillian Hervey, the daughter of Vanessa L. Williams and publicist/manager Ramon Hervey.  Jillian's voice is reminiscent of Erykah Badu and the video for their first single "Treat Me Like Fire" is like performance art with Jillian playing the part of a fierce lioness in the wild and showcasing her dancing skills. 

 

 

 

 

Johnnyswim is husband and wife duo Abner Ramirez and Amanda Sudano.  Amanda is the daughter of the late great Donna Summer and Singer/Songwriter Bruce Sudano.  Being a fan of Donna Summer, I've been aware of this group for several years.  I happen to be watching the VH1 show "Mob Wives" recently and I heard their song "Heartbeats" and loved it.  Only later did I find out that Johnnyswim was behind that song. The video has a very earthy feel to it which is the perfect setting for Amanda and Abner's haunting, bluesy vocals.

 

Don't sleep on either of these artists.  I hear so many people complain about the lack of good R&B.  Well, here it is.  No bling, no grills, no materialism, just good music.