Hello Everyone.

This past weekend on August 18-19, I had the opportunity to perform and meet the mothers of some top celebrities I admire. I met the mothers of Michael Jordan, Ludacris, Usher, Common, Tyra Banks (who mother's last name is also is London), Mos Def, Kanye West and LA Reid. They were all beautiful and powerful women and it was an honor just being in their presence. We all were attending the National Association Black Females Executives in Music and Entertainment (NABFEME) Summit Convention in Chicagp. These mothers were being honored and awarded for their support in helping their children pursue their dreams in the entertainment industry. If it hadn't been for the mothers including mine guiding us on the right path and keeping us grounded, who knows where we would be. In conclusion that is the message I want to leave you all with. Give your mom a hug and kiss and let her know how much you "Appreciate" her love. Check out my website for upcoming photos from the convention

Luv,

LaToya

Hi y'all. I'm still up in the Bay Area, getting ready for a two-week long trip up and down the West coast. I'm visiting radio stations from San Diego to Seattle to talk about the new single, "Appreciate." It's going to be fun, but crazy. I hope y'all listened to the song! Did you know that I co-wrote it? I would love to know what you think. We’ll have the music video ready for you in a few days! And you should be seeing the new video on TV soon. It's hot! I still can't believe I did all that dancing when the temperature was soaring into the 90s.

More soon!

Luv,

LaToya

Hi Everyone,

I'm so happy to be living in Los Angeles! I love my new house and I'm really enjoying the city. That being said, it was so nice to go home to Oakland for the 4th of July weekend. I got to spend some quality time with my mom and the rest of the family. We actually got to look at the video for "Appreciate." They all loved it. Can't wait for you to see it too! On the 4th, we all headed over to San Francisco as I was singing at a Independence Day concert on the Wharf. It was so much fun. Can't beat seeing those fireworks under the Bay Bridge! And there's something really special about playing in front of a home crowd, too! Speaking of the home crowd, KBLX is now spinning the single, so be sure to call in and request! More soon…

Luv y’all,

LL

Hey ya’ll,

BIG NEWS...last week we shot the video for my first single “Appreciate”. It was an incredible experience. I was up till 3AM practicing my dance moves, and then had an 8AM call on set. I was so wired though, the lack of sleep didn’t even matter…The first scene featured BLACK THOUGHT from The Roots-what an amazing talent he is, and a super nice guy. After that we shot a bunch of different scenes with me and the dancers in different scenarios…I have to say my favorite was the shower scene, that’s where the dancers were wearing only a towel! Ladies trust me when I tell you this video will definitely be easy on the eyes! Anyway, we wrapped up somewhere around 11PM, and I really think the video will be totally amazing.

This past week I went to Detroit and Chicago to do a bunch of radio interviews…we ran around like crazy trying to get everywhere and see everyone. I’m definitely getting used to all the running around, ‘cause I know this is just the beginning. My next trip will be over to New Orleans and then onto Texas-so for any of you in those areas, listen for me on your local stations.

“Appreciate” is now being played on the radio all over the country and the time for you guys to help is now! Call you local station and request it!

Again, thanks for all your support, and I?ll be in touch soon.

Hey there,

I just got back from Atlanta. I was down there for the 1st annual Vibe Music Festival. It was a three day event and I had a blast. Friday I appeared on Good Day Atlanta” morning news show with the President of Vibe magazine, Kenard Gibbs. Then, later that day I did a lot of press and photos with other artists that were performing that night at the Georgia Dome, 112, Lyfe, and Keisha Cole. Also performing that night were John Legend, Common, and Kanye West. Saturday there was an expo, open to the public, with lots of different booths and vendors set up. I had a meet-and-greet with fans, then I helped judge a talent competition with Funk Master Flex. That night was the last concert at the Georgia Dome. Performing were Faith Evans, T.I., Ludacris, Big Boi from Outkast, and Lauren Hill. Sunday was finally my day to perform. It was outside during the day on a stage under a tent. Thank God for that tent because right before I was to go on, it started to rain extremely hard. The equipment was saved and when the rain cloud passed, the sun was out again and my show went on. It was a great show. I performed three songs off the album, “Scandalous,” “State of My Heart,” and “Appreciate.” I had male dancers dancing with me on “Appreciate.” While the show was going on a lot of people started to drift on over to the stage. There were more people then than there were before the rain came. My work was finally done that weekend once my performance was over. Overall I had so much fun and met so many important people. It was an honor just being there. Monday morning I had an interview with the biggest radio station in Atlanta, V103 with Frank Ski and Wanda. They also played “Appreciate” on the air. How exciting that was for me.

Well this is the beginning of a long journey for me and it seems I’m starting off in the right direction. I’ll holla at ya’ll later.

Peace,
La Toya

What’s up ya’ll,

I’m back with updates. Final touches are being put on the album now. I’ve got my thank you’s in, my pictures, etc. I’ve got some great stuff happenning soon. My video shoot is scheduled for June 23rd, I’m singing at the Vibe Magazine festival in Atlanta on the weekend of June 10th, I start radio promotions down there starting June 8th, then I hit the west and east coasts. I am too excited for words. I can’t wait to hear the single on the radio for the first time, I’m gonna cry. This is all becoming more and more real. Hopefully when I come to your town you’ll call in to the radio station and say hi. Love ya’ll…until next time. Peace.

La Toya

Hi everyone,

I hope everyone's holiday went well. What a busy week it was and more to come!! On Monday there was the American Idol Press junket, then off to Alabama for the finals and then back once again to perform Thursday night at a party in Hollywood for Life and Style Magazine (lots of celebs, great party- lots of fun). Next week I begin a promotional tour for my new single and album - that starts in Atlanta. I am doing a concert for Vibe Magazine and meeting lots of radio folk. I'll tell you all about it in my next entry. When I come back we will start working on my video…CAN"T WAIT!!! Black Thought will be appearing in it so its bound to be hot. Then out again for a whole month visiting radio stations to promote the single. I'll tell you all when to start calling and requesting it. :)

'till next time...LL

May 5, 2005

Hey everyone! I hope all is well with you. I would like to wish all the mothers a Happy Mother's Day, and a free "Whip Yo' Kid's @$$" card if they act up on "your day". Ha ha just kidding.

Anyway I'm just relaxing at my new place (finally), taking advantage of this time I have off. I'm going to visit family this Mother's Day weekend so I'm really looking forward to seeing my mom and big head brother you all know.

Guess what ya'll, it's almost time to shoot the video for the 1st single. I am sooooo excited. I've been checking out the work of some hot video directors to see who I want to work with. This is such a dream come true. Hopefully I'll make it on every t.v. station's countdown with your help. Shoot, and mine too. You know I'm going to be calling in for my own video, "Hello my name is Peaches and I wanna request LaToya London's new video..." He he he, and I am not playing about that one.

Well I'm signing out now. I guess I'll start organizing around here and get ready for my trip up to the Bay Area. Talk to you all next week.

Love ya'll,
LaToya

April 15, 2005

Dear Friends,

Long time no talk. I've been EXTREMELY busy between recording, interviews, shows, and finding a place to live for me and my cat, Jewels. My life has been full of many blessings and surprises (good), and again I want to thank you all for the support. I would like to give a big shout out to my label, Peak/Concord records, and the art and new media departments for this wonderful website. Make sure you sign up for the Members-Only section. There you can hear samples of exclusive tracks from the upcoming album. Plus, see a behind-the-scenes video with a few of the producers I am working with. Leave a message on the board because I do read them. I honestly can say that I am incredibly pleased where the direction of my album is going. As I mentioned before, this album is a true extension of who I am as a person, and where I am in life.

Enough of that… let me inform you what I’ve been up to. I've been doing a lot of boring things…just kidding!! Actually I am currently on the Coca-Cola tour with Mikalah Gordan, AI4 finalist, and the legendary George Huff. We have visited Boston, New York, and Philly, and the turn out was absolutely fabulous. Also the crowd response was wonderful. In addition, I am still corresponding with E!Network for American Idol Season 4. This past week I was in Chicago doing interviews and a photo shoot with Sophisticate's Black Hair, which is one of my favorite hair magazines. I am really excited about this issue because I got to experiment with various hairstyles and clothing pieces. The staff was very warm and made feel comfortable being there.

I want to take the time out to discuss something that I've learned on my musical career path, and that is persistence and hard work. When you have a passion for something or truly believe in an issue or cause, never give up. I've noticed that during this period of my life, there have been numerous obstacles that have been thrown my way. I've wanted to scream, cry, and surrender, but I can’t and I won’t. Music is something I've wanted to do my whole life. There has been times I've wondered when and how I was going to make it. I always kept the faith. I knew that I could do this even if I had to do it "All By Myself"(smile). I'm a hard working Capricorn, my family was on my a**, and had my back at the same time. Thank God I didn't give up because I finally got the exposure I needed.The point is to stay true to yourself, your goals, and have a strong support system. Let your determination overrule you. If you believe in yourself and your passion you will succeed, and I am a living testament. Anyway sleep is calling me. Until next time…

LUV always,

LaToya London

February 20, 2005

Dear Friends,

Where to start? Let’s rewind to the night of February 13th. I had the opportunity to sing at the Concord/Peak Records Grammy Party, and I really enjoyed myself. I wined and dined with notables such as Isaac Hayes, Quincy Jones, Norah Jones, and Stevie Wonder. I performed "Through the Fire" originally done by one of my favorite artist, Chaka Khan! Well let’s just say that I was in the fire at the moment!! A big uh oh happened, I forgot the second verse! I was extremely embarrassed, but your girl ended with a big bang, in a good way. I still got compliments, but personally I felt that I could’ve done better!

A couple days ago I was an E! Entertainment Television correspondent, and I was working the red carpet. For once, I was the one on the other side of the microphone. American Idol is releasing a new magazine, and I interviewed the top 25 contestants, Diana DeGarmo, and the American Idol staff.

During this past week the recording studio has been my first home. I feel strongly about the tracks that I’ve recorded. I’ve written half of the songs, and it feels good to have heavy input in the structure of the album. I’m just reminding everyone to pick up the album when it drops. Or else, I am going to hunt you down. LOL! Just kidding! The album is going to be a timeless hip classic album. It’s something that you won’t regret buying. Anyway, I have to get going, the recording studio calls me!!

LUV always,

LaToya London

February 11, 2005

Dear Friends,

First and Foremost I want to give thanks to God for the road I have traveled, and the opportunities that lie ahead of me. Without you, none of this would be possible.

Thank you fans, and the extended LUV (LaToya United Voters) family, for being my core support! Kudos to all of you!!!

I’ve been extremely busy over the past couple of months with performances across the country, recording for my debut album, and with appearances. Although physically I get tired, mentally I am not, and I know this is the career definitely for me.

I had the opportunity to attend the festivities during the super bowl weekend with a couple of family members and friends, and I never knew the excitement for football could be so real! Fans faces were painted, including the grandparents and children, men were grilling barbeque, while kids were playing their own game of football in the parking lot. It was a great to see family spend time together, and I had a ball (no pun intended). If my schedule permits me to attend next year, I will gladly be there!

Speaking of family, it feels good to have the support of my family and close friends. One of the best times I have with them is during Christmas. Each one of my family members is different and their personalities range from calm to extravagant. I love all of my aunts, uncles, cousins, my friends who I call my family, and especially my mom, father, brother, sister-in-law, niece, nephew, and grandmothers. Although each of us are different, I wouldn’t exchange them for nothing in the world because they are a reflection of me and vice versa.

Now that I don’t get to see them as much since my schedule is hectic, I appreciate them now more than ever. They understand how demanding my career is, and how important this debut album is to me. This album is an extension of my soul, and it’s something I’ve been preparing long before people knew who Latoya London was, and even before I knew who I was as a person.

I am enthusiastic about writing in this journal because it allows my extended friends to read my inner thoughts, about life, love, family, friends, and my career while my debut album enhances the feeling of familiarity between you and me. Much love and respect to all of you, and God bless!!

LUV always,

LaToya London