What My World Sounds Like: Mulatu Astatke
March 2, 2010 | Filed Under What My World Sounds Like | Leave a Comment
‘Jazzy’ is probably the best term to describe my sonic climate right now. It started some time ago, but began to overtake other genres when I started really listening to Robert Glasper. Since then, it’s been ‘Robert Glasper Radio’ on Pandora all day long. Just recently, I was hipped to Mulatu Astatke (also Astatqé) of Ethiopia. Father of Ethio-jazz, a combination of jazz and Latin music influences with traditional Ethiopian music.
What My World Sounds Like: Bilal Salaam
February 24, 2010 | Filed Under Listen, Pay attention, Spotlight, What My World Sounds Like | Leave a Comment
I just took the time to listen to Bilal Salaam. It was a good idea.
Here’s “Razor Tongue” off of his Langue De Rasoir (animated by TMelchishua), reminding us to be careful of the words we choose to use with others. The idea can be extended to how we talk to ourselves. Our words can create, build, destroy, hurt, and heal. Let’s be mindful.
For the women who need it
February 18, 2010 | Filed Under Inspiring, What My World Sounds Like | Leave a Comment
Janine from Come On Sistas sent me this a while ago. I appreciate it. Sometimes, these are just the words we need to hear. Share with the beautiful flowers in your life.
India Arie “Beautiful Flower”
What My World Sounds Like: Unplugged
February 9, 2010 | Filed Under Inspiring, Listen, Moment of Truth, What My World Sounds Like | Leave a Comment
The evening of March 10, 2002 was a glorious one. Despite this fact, I wouldn’t remember anything that happened that day had it not been for MTV airing Lauryn Hill’s Unplugged No. 2.0 that night.
I remember being completely engrossed, and when I watched it the next day, that excitement and wonder was still there. This work was a piece of underrated genius. There was so much raw honesty, truth and intensity. It’s a light in the darkness.
Lauryn encourages listeners to free their minds, see beyond the illusions, and heal. It’s hard to listen and not self-reflect: how free am I? how much do I truly see? how honest am I? what am i scared of? does my walk reflect my talk? how much of myself have I compromised? what have I compromised?
Enjoy life!
January 25, 2010 | Filed Under Moment of Truth, What My World Sounds Like | 3 Comments
Enjoy life. Every minute of it. Parts of the journey will be tough, but they will just be a part. Parts will be lonely, but those moments are just stretches in time.
There are ups and downs and both are necessary to develop us into the people we are to become; we’re all works in progress. So many of us are so so fearful of the imminent challenges, so we don’t live, but trust yourself. Trust your body, trust your instincts. Pay attention to yourself. Pay attention to your body. Know who you are, how you feel, how you react to certain situations…you can’t change anything in life until you recognize what’s what.
These were my thoughts this morning. Now’s the time to be great. There are times when I slack on my mission, but I’m getting better about staying focused.
Today’s my born day, and although I should do it every day, I really like to think about the people who enrich my life. That said, I’d like to thank all my readers. I appreciate you taking the time to share my world a little and reading my thoughts. Means a lot to me.
Here are a few selections from AFTA-1’s Love Is Real, Vol. 4 compilation I’m enjoying on this fine day.
SPOTLIGHT: Nneka
January 10, 2010 | Filed Under Listen, Pay attention, Spotlight, Watch this, What My World Sounds Like | 1 Comment
I could barely contain myself as songstress Nneka (pronounced neck-ah) introduced this live performance of “Heartbeat” at the World Cafe in Philadelphia. The authenticity of her musicianship and the sincerity of its messages are immediately evident. Confrontational and political, yet humane, Nneka’s music forces you to feel. Perhaps she embodies Bob Marley’s message of being able to cure hate and anger with music. Perhaps…
What My World Sounds Like: Sonnymoon
January 7, 2010 | Filed Under Plain cool, What My World Sounds Like | Leave a Comment
Welcome to Sonnymoon, Boston band comprised of Anna Wise and Dane Orr, both on vocals and effects. They’re pretty awesome. Reminiscent of Portishead, Feist, and Little Dragon. I won’t write too much; just listen. It’s good music, and I’m confident you’ll be hearing more of Ms. Wise in the future.
In repair.
December 16, 2009 | Filed Under Consider this, Moment of Truth, What My World Sounds Like | Leave a Comment
Hurt, concealing and dealing. Just barely. In conversations about the true nature of humans, I always mention how hurt–and yet to be healed–people are. Hurt people hurt people. It’s really simple, but recovering from the mix of all that suffering isn’t, apparently.
What My World Sounds Like: “Hold The Light”
October 23, 2009 | Filed Under Listen, Pay attention, What My World Sounds Like | Leave a Comment
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What My World Sounds Like: “Come Alive (War of Roses)”
October 13, 2009 | Filed Under Listen, Watch this, What My World Sounds Like | 1 Comment
Why do I love Janelle Monae? Because she’s friggin brilliant! Her music is phenomenal and this latest offering, as part of the Kia Soul Collective, is no exception.
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