Raw amber from Mali strung on leather.
Cannot believe that I was able to make the beads into a bracelet.
Next time, I want to try something more intricate with competing textures. Am I really sitting here talking about beading? Is this real life…
So I’m at Bagger Dave’s for lunch & this server walks up to me and gives me a hug. I’m like why are you hugging me. She’s like I heard you were sick and I missed you. I’m like I don’t know you.
Then she looks at me & calls me Yoda with a puzzled look. Yoda right? ??I said, I’m not Yoda, I’m Tafari bitch!
She apologized & slowly walked away.
Now I’m standing here post random hug like WTF?
I guess we all look alike right?
After I was done with I was done with my meal, I asked my server who Yoda was. He chuckled then explained that Yoda is a regular customer and that he goes by the name of MC Yoda.
When he said that I died. Another white person has assumed that I was a rapper… Then he told me that he was also some big Dungeons & Dragons player. Wow! I thought people stopped doing that in the 80s?.?.?
Then he went on to say that Yoda & I looked nothing a like & that the only thing that we possible had in common was similar hair.
After that, I paid the bill & dipped out.
So, now I’m in my car & I decided to Google this MC Yoda. The 1st thing to pop up were YouTube videos. And yeah, MC Yoda & I look NOTHING alike. Judge for yourself.
I posted this incident as it went down on FB & my friends died. I died to because it was really funny. But the question is, do white people generally not see the differences between Negroes. Are we some amalgamated group where you can only differentiate sex and possible age?
I’m also thinking that maybe I should try rapping as a career just to see what happens. Maybe I can pick up where PM Dawn left off.
Voodoo, Hoodoo, Black Magic, Obeah or Ms. Celie’s Curse. Don’t make me throw this on you.
I got potions, lotions, loaded thoughts, bones, bits and pieces & a few herbs.
I can be a witch doctor, a conjure man or a mofo you really just don’t want to deal with.
My great grandmother told me a secret.
We called her Ymoja. They called her Gal.
She was Black. Real Black! Black hands, black eyes, black tongue, black everything!
This secret is at least 110 years old & it protects my African soul.
It is both bad and good, just depends on the view.
When I watched her die, I was 9.
I saw this secret lift off of her body like a thin wisp smoke.
It was: Strange. Scary. Confusing. Comforting.
I think about her often. I think about the secret more.
If I make it, no when I make it to the phase of my life, I will share this secret with my oldest great grandchild knowing that I will slip into an unknown future.
Voodoo, Hoodoo, Black Magic, Obeah or Ms. Celie’s Curse. Don’t make me throw this on you.
(L – R) Queen Aaminah, Helene Faussart, ME, Celia Faussart, Alexis Juliard
Last night Suite Suzy & I attended the Les Nubians concert at the Magic Stick midtown Detroit.
When I learned of the concert last two months ago, I was sooo pumped! I’ve been in love with Helene & Celia since the debut of “Princesses Nubians.” I know all the words to each song but like most I have no idea what the hell they are saying but it all sounds so sexy. Actually, I do know the understanding of many of the songs, I’m just saying.
So as I mentioned, I was totally hype for the concert then last week courtesy of Soulbounce.com , I downloaded their latest single “Liberté” from the forth-coming album “Nü Revolution.” “Liberté” is the type of song that I come to expect from Les Nubians as it refreshing, energetic and packed with soulful meaning.
My mouth was totally watering for more new vibrations and boy did they quench my needs last night.
They performed many of their popular songs, which can be seen/heard below and they also gave a healthy dose of what to expect from the new album.
So the show opens up with “Les Gens,” which was co-written with my friend Detroit house diva Diviniti. It was a POWERFUL way to start the show & making it better was having Diviniti on vocals.
After the first song, Helene & Celia expressed their love for Detroit and shared with this audience the story of how the upcoming album all started in Detroit with the production help of Piranhahead & Diviniti. The crowd cheered. It’s great seeing our local artist out on the scene getting their grind & shine on!
The night went on with dancing, political messages, a shout out to Barack Obama (the group dedicated “Liberté” Barack), afro shaking and a request that all the women in the crown “master their pussy.” It’s not often that you hear master your pussy at a live event.
Once the event was over, I was able to kick it with the entire band and get some photos. Actually, it started off with me getting photos of Helene & Celia, then Celia asked if I would photograph the band. Of course I’m like sure. So once the group was assembled, Celia was like wait, don’t we need more light? I explained that I come equipped with my own light & the rest was history. They loved the photos.
Speaking of photos, you can get a glimpse of them here.
You can get a copy of the Nü Revolution EP from the newly revised Les Nubians website or at a stop along the remainder of their promo tour
Oh & peep the shout out via Twitter…
This past weekend, I visited New York’s Museum of Modern Art & fell in love in the photography gallery. I always fall in love in their portrait gallery so this is really no new news!
What made me fall during my most recent visit was Carrie Mae Weems’ “From Here I Saw What Happened and I Cried” presentation.
The presentation consisted of several familiar photos of Negros from US slavery & Africa’s past colored & overlaid with very powerful poetic words.
I stared intensely at these photos & all I could say was WOW, WOW, WOW!
The display seems almost out of place and by this, I mean that I could stand in a room all alone.
When I got home, I, of course I Googled her name & did her resume & was intrigued a) by her procurement of the photos from the Getty & b) her creative process in assembling one cohesive piece.
“I was trying to look at the history of photography and the way in which African Americans had been particularly depicted and inscribed through and in American photography. I used images that were preexisting, and my intervention was to re-inscribe them by making them all consistent, in terms of size and scale and format and adding the use of color so that, for instance, I used the color red to annunciate the image. I wanted to use oval or circular mats because I wanted to have that sense of looking through the photographic lens, which is a round surface…”
I was also quite amazed to learn that the photo presented above sold at Christie’s (auction house) for a cool $25,200. Wow!
You can see the entire display of “From Here I Saw What Happened And Cried” here.
I love discovering Black photo heroes!
The hottest & most intriguing news story these last few days has been the Eyjafjallajokull volcano. I really think the earth is trying to tell us something big! With earthquakes happening everywhere creating havoc & two Icelandic volcanoes halting all Trans Atlantic/intra-European travel while blanketing much of Europe with ash, I wonder what’s next. Well, maybe I don’t want to know.
In other totally unrelated Black news:
Vivica Fox has a new wig line, Guru (hip-hop legend) & Dorothy Height (civil rights pioneer) are dead, Kwame Kilpatrick is guilty of violating parole & Cirque du Soleil announces plans to create Michael Jackson show. What a day in Black history.
Just saying.
When VA Gov. Bob McDonnell announced that the month of April will be “Confederate Month” in his state by decree it was just a matter of time before blood started leaking out of old oppressive wounds.
Not only did he note that April was Confederate Month in VA, he also failed to mention SLAVERY or the events that initiated the the civil war. Double fail!
It wasn’t until people raised concern over his foolish & hurtful decree that McDonnell saw a need to include the mention of peculiar institution of slavery. Then he offered this sappy mea culpa:
“The proclamation issued by this Office designating April as Confederate History Month contained a major omission. The failure to include any reference to slavery was a mistake, and for that I apologize to any fellow Virginian who has been offended or disappointed,” said McDonell.
The abomination of slavery divided our nation, deprived people of their God-given inalienable rights, and led to the Civil War. Slavery was an evil, vicious and inhumane practice which degraded human beings to property, and it has left a stain on the soul of this state and nation.”
Racists love to apologize and want to hold hands after they have been busted shitting on the existence of other people.
Then you have this jump off here with Roland Martin & Brag Bowling.
Bragg illustrates exactly why we need to stop using the words “post racial.” America is straight up racial! And Obama’s presidency really doesn’t mean shit when it all boils down to it.
Part 1
Part 2
All I can say about Bragg is a fool will never comprehend his own ignorance.
On a related note; If you ever wondered what America would be like if the Confederate army actually won, then you have to see the “Confederate States of America” movie! MUST!
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!
Just for shits & giggles, I decided to see what a few random Google auto searches would yield by simply typing in “black people…” I guess a lot of people are Googling such topics like illustrated below. Is it BS, racism, coincidental or just crazy?
And for the record, I don’t act like an animal, smell like cocoa butter or sour milk, nor do I love watermelon. In fact, I hate watermelon but I LOVE some good fried chicken.
The last week, has been heavy since the news of the 7.0 earthquake in Haiti. The images alone haunted my dreams fro days. The concern over what would happen to my brothers & sisters in the Diaspora in the wake of chaos, destruction & panic broke my heart, as I’m sure is the case with most people who watch and wait for the slightest bit of good news.
The only thing that I knew to do immediately was donate cash for this cause & that was easy. I sent a text message to 501501 with the word Yele. Later, Suite Suzy went online & made a larger donation to the same organization.
Yes, these are small donations but every dollar adds up quickly. So I encourage you to act with a cash donations ASAP.
Here are a few links:
As I stated on Twitter earlier this week: “I hate to be the bearer of bad news but prayers don’t deliver food, aid, medicines or missing loved ones. Cash will make all of the above happen. I’m just saying.
On a similar but somewhat related note, I’d like to address Pat Robert’s most ignorant statement to date. In case, you missed it, that fool said… What, you can see for yourself in the video below followed by two on point rebuttals.
I’d like to say Pat Robertson; you have officially been checked bitch!
One a final note, I spotted this very witty note from the devil to Pat Robertson written by Lily Coyle, of Minneapolis on NPR’s website today.
“Dear Pat Robertson,
I know that you know that all press is good press, so I appreciate the shout-out. And you make God look like a big mean bully who kicks people when they are down, so I’m all over that action.
But when you say that Haiti has made a pact with me, it is totally humiliating. I may be evil incarnate, but I’m no welcher. The way you put it, making a deal with me leaves folks desperate and impoverished.
Sure, in the afterlife, but when I strike bargains with people, they first get something here on earth — glamour, beauty, talent, wealth, fame, glory, a golden fiddle. Those Haitians have nothing, and I mean nothing. And that was before the earthquake. Haven’t you seen “Crossroads”? Or “Damn Yankees”?
If I had a thing going with Haiti, there’d be lots of banks, skyscrapers, SUVs, exclusive night clubs, Botox — that kind of thing. An 80 percent poverty rate is so not my style. Nothing against it – I’m just saying: Not how I roll.
You’re doing great work, Pat, and I don’t want to clip your wings — just, come on, you’re making me look bad. And not the good kind of bad. Keep blaming God. That’s working. But leave me out of it, please. Or we may need to renegotiate your own contract.
Best, Satan”
Photo Above:?
Photographer: Unknown
Decedents: 2010 Haiti earthquake victims
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.