This time of year always makes me a bit misty eyed. It reminds me of when I started college, and even more importantly when I joined the band. My bestie sent me a video of the yearly merge of freshman and upperclassmen bands and it inspired me to write this. If you don't know, being in a Black college band is like a full time job. Seriously. All night practices, road trips, intense training, etc. It started with band camp in August of 2005 with the full fire heat of the Mississippi sun beaming down on me. General meet and greet with the people who would be the only ones I knew for the next 4-5 months. Then our parents left and the craziness began. Now you must understand being in band in other parts of the country pales in comparison to being in one in the South. I went from being first chair and band president in my high school to last chair before the sun set. Next morning, it got real. I'm dressed in all white standing with my peers before dawn. It was still dark out and the next thing we hear is someone running and then another yells "YOU BETTER NOT LET HER BEAT YOU!!!" So we take off running, and it begins. A month full of military style physical training and intense musical rehearsals weeding out the ones not built for The BOOM. It was a challenge to say the least but I couldn't let them defeat me. My parents had allowed me to go school so far away from them and I had made the decision that I wasn't going down without a fight. It paid off, I made it. I had the ugliest and oldest baritone, but it projected every wrong note that I hit, LOL. I couldn't hide. With the help of my crab brothers and sisters I got better. I had to, getting worse and quitting wasn't an option. This time of my life was one of learning, living, discovery, and growth. I became stronger, both physically and mentally. Being in a section that is 99% male definitely changed me. I have so many memories that I could share with you all about this time but I won't, not now anyway. What I will share is a video that I found on YouTube of my first home halftime show against Texas Southern University. I was approached by the lead Drum Major to be apart of a skit and after a couple hours of consideration and discussion with one of my besties, I agreed. With much trepidation, of course. In the video, I'm the one in the middle dancing while the band plays David Banner's Play . My heart was beating so fast and we practiced that skit numerous times (s/o to my CS Bianca she's on the left). I distinctly remember one of the last practices before we performed, I was on the ground in a split and Mr. Murray was yelling and telling me to "BOUNCE IT! BOUNCE IT!" You can't imagine how strange that was. I can laugh about it now. I was only in The Boom one year, but that year changed me forever. I don't look at challenges the same, I don't listen to music the same and I'm not the same girl that walked into that band room so many years ago. Because of band, Jackson State, Mississippi, John Phillip Sousa, Secret Garden (Quincy Jones' version) and The Temptations' Get Ready will always hold a special place in my heart.
CHAIR!!
(You can watch the whole video, but the skit starts around 7:30)
That's me in the center, I didn't get permission from the other people in this picture. I posted this because you can't see my face in the video. They probably don't read this blog anyway though, lol.
'Sup, I know it's been a while since I've posted. I can't believe I let a whole month and a half pass though, I've got to do better. Black Music Month is well on its way so I'm go to throw this in. Anyway, today I'm introducing to some and displaying to others the hip-hop trio The Flatbush Zombies. They aren't your average rappers, and I mean that in the best way possible. If you're like me and always looking for what's next in music, genre be damned, then get into these guys. They're underground but not so deep that they can't be featured on Jay-z's website Life+Times. (I forgot his site was this good.) Enough of my chatter, get some newness into your life. Download.
Okay, so two of my favorite artists have collaborated and made me pause my world. I'd been hearing murmurs of this on Afro-punk. Then the song dropped and now they've blessed us with a visual. I'm referring to genre bending Janelle Monae and the soulful Ms. Erykah Badu aka Low down Loretta Brown . I won't say much more just watch and enjoy. "You can clip my wings, but I'm still going to fly..."
I'm baaaaaackkk! Another installment of late night mood music, another peek into my burgeoning audiophile-ness. Let me present you to The Stuyvesants. This is one is mostly instrumental fused with retro gold. Sit back, lay down, crack open that book, sip that drink, cuddle up, etc. This group right here is wonderful. I'm biased because I like them and it's my blog. Deal. Wit. It. You can download their music for FREE.99.You all know I likes to get mine for the low, low. (Hey Tasha, that's for you,lol) But, if you're so inclined support these men by purchasing a shirt.
(Okay, so these guys never said they grew up in that famed project, but they do rep Brooklyn)
I took advantage of the crazy snow on this spring day here in STL, I caught on music, film, and NCAA. Quality time was spent and overdue phone calls were made.
This is one of my favorite artists. He's constantly on the grind while trying to remain true to him and not give in to the fame machine. I've been down since the first mixtape. This single gives us a peek into the softer side of Wale. It's off his latest mixtape, Folarin that debuted Christmas Eve 2012. Enjoy...
Sometimes, I like to be in my feelings. Tonight just happens to be one of those nights. I like to just get in bed watch a good movie (Brown Sugar, Medicine for Melancholy, etc.). Then drift off to some soothing, meaningful music. One of my FAVE local artists Ms. Theresa Payne has delivered. I won't front and act like I don't envision my future with a tall, dark, handsome Mr. who makes me his Mrs. and this song just fuels it. She even hash tagged it #dearfuturehusband ! On this beautiful autumn night, snuggle up and grab a nice, tall glass of whatever beverage you like to indulge in and enjoy. ( Go and listen to more of her music)
You all should know me by now. I am a music lover. So in my effort to keep great music pumping through your speakers and veins here's a new track from Phonte ft Elzhi produced by 9th Wonder. Pay attention and let this music move you. For all fans Phonte's albums drops on Sept 27 and for all my STL folk he will be in town Nov 14. Enough of me, here's the new hotness. "Not Here Anymore"
I was visiting one of my fave sites, YOUTUBE and I stumbled across this artist. His name is Sho Baraka. This is my first time hearing this rapper and I like what I hear. This particular song is about love becoming more than lust. Starting, developing, and maintaining real relationships. SO without further adieu...Sho Baraka "We Can Be More" Let this be a mantra for your love life. (He has a new cd out to Liars & Lions.)
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