Goodbye 2014...Hello 2015!

Happy New Year!

I won't hold you hostage with a super long post, but I did want to drop by and write something. Writing has been on my mind lately and just yesterday a friend asked why I didn't post anymore. Last post was in July. JULY. Now, I don't need to defend my absence but I will say that is a long time to be gone. Too long. Life was being lived. Feelings were being felt. Money was being made and spent, lol. I will do better, I have to. A lot happened in 2014. In a wide scope, America was being extra ugly towards my folk. Tragedy is never easy, but within the struggle there is beauty and the result of this unrest will be magnificent. People from all over came to Ferguson and the surrounding areas to show solidarity and let the powers that be know that this mistreatment is for the birds. On a more personal note, I got my own place, cut my hair...multiple times, bought a car, went back to school (<<<<<<I'm real excited about this one), I wrote my first guest piece on another site, went to some GREAT concerts, (OUTKAST, anyone??) D'Angelo returned to music and I willingly gave him my coins, I made some good new friends, dissolved some silly relationships, got promoted, switched branches, became uncomfortable. Most importantly, I loved, laughed, cried, lived and reveled in my being different. 2014 definitely had its share of ups and downs. I'm something like an optimist though so I tend not to dwell on the low points for long. I am definitely appreciative of all that happened and all that will happen. As far as resolutions go, I'm not big on them. I do like to have goals set though. My goals change throughout the year. As my mind shifts, so do the goals. I do have a little list for right now though.

 2015 Goals (so far)

• Take more pictures
• Dress up more
• Be more optimistic
• Do more art
• Improve
• Go more places ( here and abroad)
• Take no shit
• Organize
• Save money/make more
• Focus/Be attentive
• Learn more
• Be more awesome
• Be more aware
• Listen more (to God, to music, to myself, to others)
• Love myself and others more 

That's all I have to say right now. What are your plans for this year?
 Stay blessed or be pressed...




*soundtrack to this post was The Internet. Get familiar

Late night finds for the sonically inclined -European Invasion

Hey folks,

Let's get right into it. There are very few minutes of my day when I don't feel like cutting a rug. Internally dropping it or doing a mean shoulder shimmy that would make your uncle look twice. Just feels good and right. These selections make me feel good and I want to share them with you. All of the artists are from Europe. Mnek is a 19 year old Nigerian-British singer-songwriter. He recently dropped his first single, “Wrote a Song About You“, for his upcoming debut album. Next is DTwice De Bel Air from France. Now this isn't an original work, but it takes me back to younger, simpler times and I'm always a DC3 fan. Last, but not least, is Blonde. An duo of 18 yr olds who apparently are harboring some serious soul. Kind of puts me in the mind of Craig David's Walking Away, just a little bit. So there they are folks. I like to look for new music on the internet and I think I've found some winners. You should add them to one of your mixes.

Updates, potential, and more

What's up?!
Once again I've been MIA for a couple months but I'm out here living, and learning. I'm still settling into my new position trying to find my place in this new environment. I'm also adjusting to living by myself and without a car. It has it's rough patches but honestly, it's not that bad. I've got some loud and questionable neighbors but that's what happens when you live in an apartment complex. I'm sure they think I'm strange too, lol. As far as school goes, all signs point to starting in the fall. Finally. I've been out for a long time. Former classmates are graduating with their Master's while I've yet to receive my Bachelor's.  Truthfully, it did make me feel some kind of way...for a short while. Then I remembered that our paths are purposely different. I wouldn't trade what I've learned in these past 5 and a 1/2 years being out of school for anything. As far a dating goes, honey, the #struggle is real. LOL. I've had some brothers that showed promised then offed themselves with the foolishness. You say you want to come to my house on the regular to use  MY internet and laptop cause your hotspot is tripping? Brother, we've only went out once. How can you be upset when I say no? #ByeFelicia Y'all know my bs tolerance is low, and I refuse to raise it. In other news, summer is right around the corner, so if you are in my area look for me at various concerts. I plan on attending as many as possible and screaming and singing until my lungs get sore. Here's a little mood music to make your Saturday night as easy as a Sunday morning.

(Not so) Late night finds for the sonically inclined-Ahmed Sirour

Unfortunately, I didn't get to make it to the Trombone Shorty concert tonight because I'm trying to be responsible with my funds. I had a pleasant time anyway though. On this rainy night I've been up thinking,reflecting, watching movies and just enjoying my silence before the work week starts. I've been listening to this man for months and if I ever have an opening of some sort, or when I have a house warming he will definitely be on the playlist. I love soothing music that makes you feel sexier just by listening to it. Ahmed does that for me. Enjoy the following clip. Support.

Late night finds for the Sonically Inclined- Sohn

Another installment for those of you who dig good music. Check out this this group Sohn (English translation is sun). They're from Vienna/London and their sound is soulful.  Give them a listen, if you like them pass it on.

For the sonically inclined...The Flatbush Zombies

'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.

Q.U.E.E.N.

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..."

DO OR DIE IN BED-STUY!!!!

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)

Late night mood music-Wale

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...

Late night mood music

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)