I love when Negro pop culture blogs do those “who rocked it better” posts & always wondered if I would do that here. Well I’m not exactly out looking for fashion trends etc but I couldn’t pass this opportunity up.

So anyway, I ask you, who rocked “Island Life” best? Is it a toss up???

Behind the Island Life album cover:

Grace Jones’ former lover & photographer Jean Paul Goude took this photo of her in 1978 for a New York Magazine model profile.

Of the image, Goude has stated in his book “So Far, So Goude:”

“…unless you are extraordinarily supple, you cannot do this arabesque. The main point is that Grace couldn’t do it, and that’s the basis of my entire work: creating a credible illusion.”

The image is actually a composite of several photos stitched together to make this iconic image. Awesome work from the pre-Photoshop days!

Finding organic subjects is not always a easy thing to do during the cold Midwestern winters. I can’t wait until spring is here because I need to see colors other than white, gray, & brown.

I’m longing to see red, purple, blue & yellow. I’m ready to see leaves, bees, grass & flowers. LIFE!

Jíbaro, mi negro lindo
De los bosques de caña
Caciques de luz
Tiempo es una cosa cómica.

Jíbaro, my pretty nigga.
Father of my yearning for the soil,
The land,
The earth of my people.

Father of the sweet smells of fruit in my mother’s womb,
the earth brown of my skin,
the thoughts of freedom that butterfly through my insides.

Jíbaro, my pretty nigga.
Sweating bullets of blood and bedbugs,
Swaying slowly to the softly strummed stains of a five string guitar
Remembering ancient empires
Of sun gods and black spirits and things that were once
So simple.

How times have changed Man.
how Man has changed time.
“Unnatural,” screams the wind.
“Unnatural.”

Jíbaro, my pretty nigga man.
Fish smells and cane smells and
Fish smells and cane smells and
Tobacco
And oppression makes even God smell foul.

As foul as the bowels of the ship
That vomited you up on the harbors of a cold metal city to die.
No sun, no sand, no palm trees

And you clung,
Yes, you clung to the slimy ribs of an animal
Called the Marine Tiger,
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost Amen.

Jíbaro, did you know you my nigga?
I love the curve of your brow,
The slant of your baby’s eyes
The calves of your woman dancing;
I dig you!

You can’t hide.
I ride with you on subways.
I touch shoulders with you in dances.
I make crazy love to your daughter.
yea, you my cold nigga man.
And I love you ’cause you’re mine.

And I’ll never let you go.
And I’ll never let you go.
(You mine, nigga!)
And I’ll never let you go.
Forget about self.
We’re together now.
And I’ll never let you go!
Uh’uh
Never, Nigga.

Art Credits:
Poem: “Jibaro My Pretty Nigger” by Felipe Luciano
Image: “Obama” by Andrew Bannecker

2010 is shaping up to be the year of good Negro music. By now, the entire world knows that Sade released her latest album “Soldier of Love” last week. An album that was 10 years in the making & well worth the wait!

Interestingly enough, even the hip-hop world has been feeling Sade’s comeback. Rakim recently told “NY Mag:”

“I grew up on soul music, but when my pops introduced me to Sade just before Diamond Life hit, it was a revelation. That voice and her style just took out even the hardest hood at the knees. ‘Smooth Operator’ may have been a smash for everyone worldwide, but that was my track, and you can catch me referencing what she was trying to get across from Paid in Full up to my new album. Being in the biz for about the same amount of time, I respect and try to emulate how she floats above the industry … one of the few that can do things on her own terms, knowing her fans will watch out for her. To this day, she’s one of the artists I can listen to with 100 percent admiration. I can’t wait to get my hands on this album and congratulate her for continuing to build her already iconic place in the world.”

You gotta love that coming from one of the best hip-hop MCs ever.

As I had anticipated, I immediately fell in love with the entire album.  And frankly, as far as I’m concerned, Sade just cannot do any wrong. I’d drink this woman’s dirty bath water. I’m that deep in.

“Soldier of Love” follows the musical pattern of the rest of Sade’s releases, so if you’re looking for something wild & unexpected, it’s not here. What you do get is a 10 tracks that take you on an emotional ride of love, loss, triumph & of course sexiness.

The runaway hit is obviously the very strong & sultry “Soldier of Love” but backing that up are “Skin” a very modern smooth reflection of what Sade offers best, “The Moon and the Sky” an intensely sing drama with a sleek Spanish vibe & “The Safest Place’,” which is where you find warmth & love through melody.

If it takes another 10 years to get another album from one of my favorite song birds, I’m OK with that because “Soldier of Love” will get me through that “Long Hard Road.”

On more musical goodness, we also have José James’ 2nd full LP “Blackmagic.” Because I already knew José was the business, I was not tripping when I fell in love with this album upon 1st play.

“Blackmagic” represents the type of music that we need to hear more of on the radio’ it needs to be championed! It’s fresh, to the point, hypnotic & captivatingly sexy. The tempos float between jazz, beat laden R&B & some of that silky stuff your momma used to tell you about.

“New York Times” jazz critic Ben Ratcliff recently opined about José & “Blackmagic:”

“José James is a young American jazz singer who’s gotten most of his reputation making moody, post-D’Angelo R&B in Europe. He has traces of Gil Scott-Heron and Joe Williams in his voice; he can swing hard, murmur, sing ballads and chant cosmic chants. He still hasn’t made the serious jazz record my ear can imagine, but perhaps “Blackmagic” is fresher than that anyway.”

I wish I could pick a favorite from 14 tracks but it would be very difficult to do. Each track builds upon the next until you reach a totally lush eargasm. Fella’s if you need something to make your night to go swell with your boo, pop this album on, hit repeat & the rest will be history. Especially once “Love Conversation” & “No Tellin’” play! I’m so serious!

The last LP that I must mention is Robert Glasper’s 2009 “Double Booked” album. I’m late on this one yes I know, but better late than never. I’ve been a fan of Glasper’s since his last album “In My Element” so I’m not sure how this latest joint went below my radar.

Glasper explains the concept of “Double Booked” as:

“Most people, if they have different bands, they do separate albums,” says Glasper. “But I felt I’d be making more of a statement if I put it all on one joint.” The result, in essence, is a snapshot of Glasper’s life. “This is what I’m dealing with,” he continues. “It’s not like I play jazz but I also play hip-hop now and then. I’m in it, for real, both sides of the spectrum. That’s my life. A lot of people go in stages they might focus on trio for a long time, then they change or whatever. My thing is both, all the time.”

With that said, I now know that “Double Booked” is a must have for the jazz piano enthusiast. This album goes from trio style to soulful experimental jam session while inserting interesting hip-hop elements all in the stroke of a few keys.

The runaway jam on the album is “All Matter” which features a VERY unique emotional vocal performance by soul star Bilal, on jazzier side of things, I’m in love with “Yes I’m Country (And that’s O.K.)” & “Butterfly” prove to be gems than can be played over & over. As a matter of fact, I played the entire album on repeat last Friday & it helped me get through my work day.

Robert Glasper just can’t do any wrong. And no, I would not drink his dirty bath water.

One a single note:
Si*se, one of my favorite Latin bands is making a comeback March 12th with their release “Gold.” In the meantime, they have given a sample of the goodness to come with their single release “This Love.” Totally fucking hot!

Erykah Budu last week released her 1st single (I’m not counting “Jump In The Air” because it sucked) “Window Seat” & I’m not able to get enough of it. It’s classic Badu & it totally has me feenin’. March 30th (New Amerykah pt.2: Return of the Ankh’s release date) cannot get here soon enough for me.

Julie Dexter recently dropped “Transitions,” a new single produced by Zo! This is one of them songs that makes you move, snap your fingers & head bop no matter where you’re listening. There is no word of an album on the horizon but I hope that there is and is along the lines of “Transitions” because this shit is HOT!

This month marks my 6 year Brotherlock anniversary. Woo Hoo!!! No, it’s really not that exciting but yet here I am.

When I got my Brotherlock six years ago, it took 16 hours & $475.00 to lock my 2.5” hair. My ass still goes numb from the though of sitting that long. Today, my locks measure about 16”.

6 years later, the dumbest question that people still ask me is “how long I’m gone let them thangs get?” Oh the ignorance from my beloved Negro folk. If your interested in more of my hair annoyances invoked by others, click here.

Thinking back, I laugh at myself because my locks looked retarded & it took a good six months to feel totally comfortable with them. Now they’re longs as hell & wind up in my mouth while I’m sleeping. I guess I should put getting a 5-6” trim higher on my priority list.

No matter what, I’m happy that I went with the Brotherlocks locking method vs. traditional locks. They fit my lifestyle much better. For your reference, I started off with traditional locks & me & that process didn’t get along at all. I tried it for like 4 months & it was just a no go.

From time to time, I wonder how many brothers out there with Brotherlocks actually exist because I rarely see any no matter where I travel. I have my suspicions why.

I guess I will celebrate my 6 year Brotherlock anniversary with a bottle of expensive shampoo & a braid out when I got my money right.

Before I wrap this post, I must take a moment to acknowledge some rampant website jankiness that has gone on for far too long.

Dear Dr. JoAnne Cornwell,

The Sisterlocks websites is still outdated & janky as hell. And you still fail to mention Brotherlocks or any other type of inclusiveness.

A good website redesign would cost anywhere from $1200 – $2000, please invest in your business boo. As you know, first impressions are everything.

I’m just saying. OK. Thanks. Bye!

Gil Scott-Heron is back like a mofo with “I’m New Here;” his 1st album in 16 years. After listening to “I’m New Here” many times, its clear that Gil still has that magic with his powerful rough but smooth voice proving that he’s still powerful, relevant & on pint.

The release has 15 cuts & is a hot 28 minutes long but it packs a powerful punch with poetry, re-memories, hip-hop beats, blue grass themes & the devil!

“Me & The Devil” was the 1st single from the album & it really is a soul stirring, head bopping song that reminds me of why I LOVE Gil Scott-Heron so much. A musical bro-mance if you will. And damn the song’s video is almost too good. It’s just as raw as Gil himself & equally intense.

“On Coming From A Broken Home” (Part 1) & (Part 2) are haunting like “Home Is Where the Hatred Is.” These are the kind of pieces that makes me stop, play, process & repeat.

It’s no surprise that critics from NPR to Soulbounce are enjoying Gil’s latest work, because this shit is just all that; true amalgamation of musical & poetic deliciousness.

I’m happy that www.gilscottheron.net released a free preview! Check it out cause it’s so worth your time.

I’ll tell you, Feb 9, 2010 is a day of great musical releases. Gil Scott-Heron & Sade! Who could ask for more?

Back in November 09, I was finally able to see the movie “Precious” (Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire). I had not read the book prior to seeing the film, but friends who had “warned” me about what to expect.

To put things mildly, what I was told really didn’t prepare me for what I saw. I mean I left the theater without being able to close my mouth from shock.

There were several scenes that had me about to break down in major tears but somehow I was able to keep from going there. The emotional/sexual/physical abuse, overt colorism, etc were almost too much. But… the story of a young woman fighting to survive for her sake & the sake of her children helped me make it through the movie. I was hoping that this girl who had everything against her finally won.

Once I got home, I sat down to figure out how I was going to talk about the movie & was stuck. I guess I was stuck because I felt like I was missing something. What did the movie not cover from the book. And I also wanted to know more about Precious’ friends from the “alternative.” So, at this point, I logged onto Amazon & purchased “Push.”

Flash forward>>>>>>>>>>>>

I’ve read the book & it filled in all of the holes that I knew were missing and I was satisfied knowing the complicated back-stories of Precious’ friends.

One thing that stuck with me through the book was this passage from chapter 1:

“I big, I talk, I eats, I cooks, I laugh, watch TV, do what my muver say. But I can see when the picture come back I don’t exist. Don’t nobody want me. Don’t nobody need me. I know who I am. I know who they say I am-vampire sucking the system’s blood. Ugly black grease to be wipe away, punish, kilt, changed, finded a job for.”
~ Precious

Is the book hard to read? Yes! The vernacular is written phonetically & some may struggle with that as I’ve heard.

Is the book graphic? Hell yes! The book makes the movie look like a PG rated after school special.

My favorite laughable take aways from the book not fully played out in the movie? “Cunt Bucket.” & “Hasta la vista, baby.”

“She look at me like I said I wanna suck a dog’s dick or some shit. What’s with this cunt bucket? (That’s what my muver call women she don’t like, cunt buckets. I kinda get it and I kinda don’t get it, but I like the way it sounds so I say it too.)” ~ Precious

——–

“My muver say, “Eighty –six that bitch.” I says into the intercom. “Hasta la vista, baby.” That’s Spanish for good-bye but when niggers say it, it’s like, kiss my ass.” ~ Precious

Without a doubt, “Push” is a MUST read, if you’ve seen or want to see the movie “Precious! The short novel fills in the missing links & believe me there are many. This is surprising because the book is a quick 192 pages compared to the 110 minute movie.

Flash forward one mo’ gin’ (Negro Dialect)>>>>>>>>>>>>

This past Monday I attended a MLK symposium talk sponsored by the University of Michigan titled “Push, Literacy, Women, and African American Literature” given by poet & novelist Sapphire.

Sapphire coming to town was too much like right! While at the talk, I planned on getting my book autographed & asking some of the pressing questions on my mind regarding the movie & book.

After the very exciting session was said & done, I wasn’t able to get my book signed but I did get the chance to ask two of my three questions which are addressed in the audio link here.

I wish I could have asked my 3rd question regarding the content on 111 para 4. I just wanted to be sure that what I read was what I read & not what I was thinking it was.

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

A few of my Tweets from the Talk:

• I’m at the Sapphire lecture & the hall is almost at standing room only. Wow! http://twitpic.com/yoj1t http://twitpic.com/yoj1h
• Sapphire is reading from “Push.” I’m loving this!
• White people are leaving the Sapphire’s talk. I guess they cannot handle her reading from “Push.” Interesting!
• Standing in line to ask Sapphire a question. http://twitpic.com/yow8y
• I actually talked with Sapphire. Posting audio later. I’m excited!!!!
• Sapphire just read this woman who tried to read her. Shit!!!
• Male rape victim now at the mic talking to Sapphire. Wow!
• The line was way too long to get my book signed by Sapphire but I was able to get a photo. Yes! http://twitpic.com/yp4kx

Did you see the movie, read the book or both? What are your thoughts?

Last month after having a phenomenal brunch @ Melba’s in Harlem with phenomenal friends, I ventured to 125th to stock up natural black soap (my secret ingredient).

During my stroll, I got a delicious cherry ice, did some great people watching & stumbled upon the Studio Museum.

Before actually getting to the museum, I spotted a huge Negrofied US flag. Yes Negrofied! It was red, black & green. The colors of Black liberation! At first, I was like wow; they have balls. I then said, well, we are in Harlem.

Once I got to where the flag was hanging, I noticed that I was in front of a museum; the Studio Museum.

In front of the museum was a store with lots of little items that made me curious; like the mug pictured above. After I ventured in, I was surprised & almost ashamed to learn that the museum has been in existence since 1968.

The funny thing is, I’ve passed this spot 3 times in the last year & never noticed it. Like walked right past it. I guess you can call it tunnel vision. So funny how national jewels, Black jewels easily go unnoticed.

Unfortunately, I did not have time to explore the museum but I did buy this must have mug. On my next NYC trip, visiting Studio Museum will be high on my priority list.

Have you visited the Studio Museum? What are your thoughts on its content and or history?

Museum History:
The Studio Museum in Harlem is an American contemporary art museum in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, New York. It was founded in 1968 as the first such museum in the U.S. devoted in the art of African-Americans, specializing in 19th and 20th century work as well work of artists of African descent. It is located on 125th Street, between Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd. and Lenox Avenue. The scope of the Studio Museum includes exhibitions, Artists-in-Residence program, education and public programming, a permanent collection, and archival and research facilities.

Since opening in a rented loft at Fifth Avenue and 125th Street in 1968, the Studio Museum has earned recognition for its catalytic role in promoting the works of artists of African descent. The Museum’s Artists-in-Residence program has supported over ninety graduates who have gone on to highly regarded careers. A wide variety of education and public programs have brought the African-American experience alive for the public by means of lectures, dialogues, panel discussions and performances, as well as interpretive programs, both on- and off-site, for students and teachers. The exhibitions program has also expanded the scope of art historical literature through the production of scholarly catalogues, brochures and pamphlets. (Source: Wikipedia)

BTW, have a look at my latest NYC photo journal here.

I wasn’t going to watch CNN’s series “Black In America 2,” but at the last minute I decided to tune in against my better judgment.

By the time the airing was over, my blood pressure was up & I had a major headache. Why? Because I spent precious time watching some bullshit vs. completing a project.

I know CNN’s Mammy Soledad O’Brien is trying but I’m just not, nor will I ever feel her, her style, & her all of the sudden uber Blackness.

As I stated last year when “Black In America 1” aired, this program may be about SOME Black Americans but it is not intended for a Black audience nor does it dig deep enough to paint a halfway decent portrait.

Lets not get it twisted; I think we all know the collective issues that plaque our community. Sure, we may not have exact statistics but we know that the Black family is & has been in jeopardy, we know that our children are not academically on point like their counterparts, we know that AIDS/HIV/Poor sexual behavior is killing us, we know that Black men make up roughly 72% of the prison population while WE only make up 12.8% of the US population. And we know that we can catch Tiny & Toya on BET Tuesdays at 10pm. Need I go on?

Who is the audience for “Black In America?” White America! Why? Because CNN found it important to introduce the nation to Negroes since one was running to become the Supreme leader of the land; the same leader running this bitch now.

With this said, I only watched because I wanted see if CNN would do another fucked up job portraying Black life in the US. Here’s a clue; they did!

After wasting my time last night I can say that I did not see anything that represented my socioeconomic status, education, life style, family, neighborhood, associates etc. What I did see was the bottom of the bottom & the top of the top in Negroness.

As a middle class Negro, I was like is this all CNN thinks of Black people. Are they saying that Black people are either from a broken home, can’t read or write, living on aid, have ghetto names or are so rich that they do not necessarily consider themselves to be a Negro or are somehow better but yet face racial tension? Well maybe I’m exaggerating a bit, but still.

I really saw a big disconnect. Yes I know that they are trying but I think the effort needs to be abandoned if they desire to show a one dimensional platform. If you want to tell the story of Black like in America, you need a 2 week long series to examine it all. Yeah, that’s a start.

So while watching, I was Tweeting live along with many other Blacks in America. Here’s my micro analysis.

- Maybe I will watch Black In America just so that I have something to bitch about. I’m in the mood to be angry + I’m sick of CNN’s Mammy.

- I may be Black man in America but I hate watermelon, peach cobbler & getting arrested.

- CNN is acting like Black in America is the biggest thing for Negroes on TV since Roots.

- Honestly, I grew up in the ghetto & I can relate to some of this shit on BIA but my kids cannot. They have it good & are far removed.

- My kids have both parents, middle class neighborhood, good school, productive activities etc. We all ain’t hood w/no daddies. #blackinamerica

- I’m watching! I feel shame!

- RT @jovanmiles: feels like shows like BIA are often decidedly one sided. @bygbaby WORD!

- Look at that monkey boy play them drums.

- White people gone think all we do is sing, dance, play drums & have HIV/AIDS.

- Great, more dancing.

- Parents need to be arrested for having illiterate children.

- That nigga ain’t gone get serious about school. Soledad please.

- What about helping kids in their own neighborhood or elsewhere in America. I’m just saying.

- RT @MizJJ: I hope they do more than shop as their way of doing service in South Africa. Seriously. #blackinamerica #CNN @bygbaby POINT!

- Damn. Latino in America is next. Soledad is working! What’s next? Jewish in America/Muslim in American/Gay in America/Broke Bitch in America?

- Maalak’s weave is on point in SA as so many suffer around her. #ilikebeingcritical

- RT @ButtaBaby: Loving this hashtag: #blacksinsoldeadsamerica (via @laidbackchick)

- RT @womanistmusings Can these kids learn that there’s intelligent Africans doing well. Why is Africa always presented as the savage continent?

- Jeremy needs to know that a bright smile will only get you so far. Just ask Chris Brown.

- Steve is representing for the light skinneded brothas. We are coming back bitches!

- RT @jovanmiles is about to get a can of pomade and slick down my waves so I too can be like Steve Perry!

- The best grilled cheese sandwiches are made with government cheese. Let’s not act siditty now! #blackinamerica

- Women will be throwing all kinds of pussy at Steve Perry tomorrow.

- @jnez that’s a tight hairline on your man too. Steve Perry #blackinamerica. Perry has an excellent barber @bygbaby Ain’t that shit tight? My hair line was never that precision.

- Soledad seems to be great at finding the most fucked up Negroes on the east coast.

- She may be accepted to 4 schools but she ain’t get no play with “Glorious” on her resume. #negronamegames

- Oh Soledad is gonna flip the script. Negroes with money & status?

- Hmmmm, Black separatists. #sidittynegroes

- @buttababy I have yet to see myself or practically anyone I know represented on this CNN Black In America 2 mess. @bygbaby Me either. Sigh! I love how they went from one end of the spectrum to the exact opposite without stopping in the middle.

- I could not fit in with any of these negroes. I’m too earthy & so not mainstream.

- Black in America showed us tonight that there are only extreme have nots & Negroes with it all wanting more. Hmmmm

So the funny thing is, well I guess not so funny because I partially expected this; none of my associates felt a connection to the program & the term janky & bullshit came up more than once.

I wonder how CNN or their PR firm will feel about me now after reading my review. They have been sweating me for weeks asking me to watch & sending me promo info. I don’t know how many times I had to tell them to back up off me.

I guess I will tune into part 2 of BIA2 tonight just to see. If I feel my pressure start to rise again, I will have to turn away.

By the way, if you are not following me on Twitter, you really should be!

Since we got the news well over a week ago, I have submerged myself into a Michael Jackson/The Jacksons/Jackson 5 musical coma while fighting back my emotions.

On the day the world stood still, I had a hard time keeping myself together but I managed. I tried to focus on all of what Michael represented. I thought about how my aunt gave me the “Bad” LP for my birthday when I turned 14. I thought about how I love to work out to “I Can’t Help It” & how I sing aloud without a care in the world.

Like millions of others in the world, I did not know Michael but I feel like did. Maybe its because he was a part of my life musically since I was a baby.

Shit I remember my momma having the “Off The Wall” & “Thriller” albums displayed on our living room wall, along side some of her other favorites of that time.

I remember so much & I only have good memories.

I remember teasing after the “Pepsi commercial” when I was in elementary school.

“Michael Jackson went to town thinking he was pony down. Pepsi Cola burnt him up, now he’s drinking 7-Up. 7-Up had no caffeine, now he’s singing Billie Jean.”

Who made that shit up & why was it so funny back then? We may never know.

So anyway, last week, while on vacation in NYC, I made it a point to visit Harlem so that I could experience 1st hand the frenzy of love circling the Apollo Theater.

When I walked upon the theater, it was hard not to get emotional. I almost had to detach myself from my personal being to work as a photojournalist. It was not an easy task as I’m a very emotional person anyway.

I can only imagine what Harlem will be like today (July 07, 2009).

So, it’s the day that I never thought would come but here it is & I guess finally considering all of the drama being reported out. I mean, Michael converted to Islam months ago & here he is still above ground. I feel that he has been totally disrespected in so many ways.

Will his soul ever be able to rest?

I’ll miss Michael but from the looks of things, he will continue to grace us with music for a long time to come. I’ll be there for every release. I am a fan & I’m not afraid to say that I LOVE Michael Jackson, no matter what.

To see other images that I captured at the Michael Jackson Tribute Memorial at the Apollo Theater, click here.