From the Darkness Comes the Light

For the last week and a half, I've been listening to an album that I only recently found out about...  a wonderful odyssey into the salvation of Hip-Hop.

Walk With Me - The Black Dot

I've been aware of The Black Dot as a teacher in the conscious community and as author of the book Hip-Hop Decoded. It was while watching one of his videos, I noticed that he was performing a song that I found very intriguing. I was moved to look for the album on iTunes. Once I found it and listened, I was thoroughly pleased because this is as satisfying of a listen as I've heard in many years.

Walk With Me begins with a surprise intro by the God MC, Rakim. This clip from an interview of Rakim has him explaining the cause of the current state of Hip-Hop. This serves as the perfect introduction for The Black Dot. Dot's rhymes, flow, content and musical soundscapes clearly aim to not only pump life back into Hip-Hop, but to also to return it to its rightful position as the universal community classroom. Black Dot succeeds. Starting with 40's the New 40, Dot rattles off a succession of songs designed to cause the listener to think and evaluate life's issues and redefine the place of Black people in Life and Hip-Hop in world  culture. Black Dot uses this album as a platform to teach about hidden history, culture and perseverance. The music is engaging and rooted in original Hip-Hop style, with emphases on samples of  soul, jazz and R&B music. That's not to say, its a relic, because the only song sounding "old" is a deliberate throw back (I'm So 88), which successfully captures the style of late 80s New York.

This album had me listening on repeat all day... for several days. If you're interested in listening to independent Hip-Hop that explores and exposes you to elevated perspectives of life and reality and tales of surviving today's hellish environment, then I highly recommend Walk With Me to you. In the spirit of keeping this short I haven't mentioned many great songs, like Order & Chaos, I Used to Love H.E.R. Too, I Just Can't  Understand, and We Ain't Movin' (Remix).

Standouts:

H.E.Y.R.O.O. - This is a catchy song reminding us about our divinity. 

Chicken Soup -  This is the song that first caught my ear, and it remains one of my favorites. This is a beautiful examination of salvaging the Black family, via hitting the reset button on how we see each other and how we see our women and start our relationships.

Walk With Me - The title track is a soul-induced, autobiographical walk through Black Dot's life and is used as an effective lesson on strength and perseverance, not to mention the importance of  spirituality and faith in the unseen.

Now Eye Know - The Jewel of the Album! This song begins slowly, then fires off into one of the best lyrical performances in the 21st century. Sweet lyrics and elevated, wide awake content... just perfect.

Take a look and listen to Now Eye Know...

If you're interested in seeing Black Dot teaching in one of his lectures, check this out...

  Until next time, Remember All of Life is Sound... Keep Listening.

Mary, Mary

This week has been busy... and throughout the entire week I have had the pleasure of spending it with Queen Mary J. Blige. This year has seen the release of two great albums from Mary, Think Like a Man Too and The London Sessions.

First up, Think Like a Man Too. This is a great album, that finds Mary mature and confident. It's a fantastically easy listen, that flows well. We are treated to a good collection of "Happy Mary", which is always a joy to behold and serves as a stable for anyone's "uplifting music diet". There's only one thing that holds this album back from being a classic. The fact that it's meant to be a soundtrack (for one of the best, funniest movies of the year, no less), but the music is not really featured in the movie (and in fact, the movie features many songs from other artists which are not on this album), makes it feel awkward. This was a real missed opportunity. Either the movie producers should have used all the songs in the movie (like Spike Lee is known to do) or Mary should have named the album differently. In my opinion, this would have served her catalog better, had it been named  Vegas Nights, Moments of Love, or The Vegas Sessions (with new cover art, of course). Still in all, this has some of Mary's best songs in years (she is indeed getting her "Diana Ross on"!) and should be on everyone's playlist. 

Stand outs:

Vegas Nights (Feat. The-Dream) - This song is the perfect going out song!

Moment of Love - The Jewel of the album. Grown-folks R&B dance music at its best.

Wonderful - If Moment of Love is the Jewel of the album, this is the Ring that holds it. Hip-Hop Mary returns, triumphantly!

Propose - This is the most loving song in the set. It's a perfect wedding song, and for anyone who has experienced true love, this song could easily play all day on repeat. It is filled with love, and fills the listener with that love.

Next we have The London Sessions. When I played this album, earlier in the week, I couldn't stop playing it! Quite simply, this is the best Mary J. Blige album since Breakthrough (and arguably period). At a lithe 12 tracks, featuring song sequencing that tells a story, she has crafted a perfect non-stop, play-every-track, keep-it-on-repeat Banger! Mary has always been known as the "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul" and with this album she stakes her claim on the territories of Dance and Pop.... all this without compromising her self or sound. This is Mary... grown up! I could easily write a play-by-play about every song, but I am committing to shorter articles (and this is already running long). So suffice it to say, this is hands down: the best the Mary has ever sounded - on ANY of her albums. The vocal performances that she records are simply classic... priceless. The songs are beautifully orchestrated and paint vibrant sonic pictures for the mind (this album will be able to take you places, mentally). The genius of this album is that its so well constructed that it will appeal to everyone who loves and appreciates great music. This is the only reason I would even consider it in the Pop arena. Mary starts off heavily in her Soul music zone... and believe me when I tell you she's in the zone! Mary turns in a few songs that are near A Capella (Not Loving You, When You're Gone, Worth My Time) with little more than piano accompaniment, that are brilliant. The album really takes off into classic territory, once she shifts gears into a form of dance music that is informed by her Hip-Hop/Soul/R&B background. This is perfectly executed music. The production of these songs perfectly match Mary, allowing her to stretch out and explore... and Master new sounds. 

Mary reminds me a great deal of the Kemetic Goddess Ma'at. Her ability to represent the balance in us through her music (happy/sad, slow/fast, rough/refined, hurt/cherished, etc.) This can be seen in her whole body of work, and with this album, she achieves perfect balance. One more thing... I'll let you in on a secret. I've figured something out: Every time Mary puts out an album that features Black and White cover art, that album is one of her watershed points, where she grows as an artist and redefines herself. With each of these, she unveils a new facet not before seen. Check it out for yourself (What's the 411?, Mary, The Breakthrough, The London Sessions). I would be remiss if I didn't point out the fact that this album features Mary sharing wisdom in her songs... making this meaningful listening, not just delicious ear-candy. And one more thing... It's ALL Mary (no other featured vocalists, no rappers with guest verses... just the goddess).

Standouts:

Doubt - Beautiful. The heights of Be Happy with the reflection of MJB Da MVP. This is a lesson in how and why to let go of doubt. This is a portrait of Queen Mary, once she understands herself to be that. This is a prescription for success - take two and call me in the morning.

Right Now - Hip-Hop/Dance fusion. Genius, head-bobbing music for old school and new school B-Boys & Girls! Mary rides the groove and bring it to life. Perfect for dancing and driving.

My Love - The JEWEL of this classic album (which is saying a lot!)... perfect picture of new love unfolding... not to mention this is a perfect dance track. The immediacy of Mary's delivery draws the listener in... "nobody's gonna give ya a love as good as my love!" (True indeed.) The breakdowns and crescendos are also classic (think Real Love hyped up ten times).

Take a Long Hard Look - This is another of Mary's classes. Her delivery of this idea is alone worth the price of admission. If you have ever been in a true loving long term relationship (especially marriage), you will understand the magnificence of this song. Mary sings her heart out, and channels the spirit of Aretha Franklin, in doing. Lesson: never be so quick to throw away love... it's usually an unwise move.

Nobody But You - Another song illustrating the realization love's power. The sonic experience of this song is uplifting. It's almost gospel in scope... and the soundscape is aimed squarely at the heart. You will feel this and your heart will beat in sync with the dance rhythm, and your soul will sore with Mary's vocals.

If you haven't already done so, do yourself a favor and listen to what could be the best album of Mary's career.

Until, next time... Remember, All of Life is Sound. Keep Listening.

Pure Inspiration

Today two songs captured my thoughts.

As I drove my daughter to school and asked what she wanted to listen to, she selected and we listened to the sound track for Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. A marvelous cinematic masterpiece from the time of my youth (with deep spiritual significance, if one decides to look carefully). The song that stuck with me for the rest of the day was/is...

Pure Imagination, by Gene Wilder

The simple uncluttered melody and "every-man charm" of Wilder's performance render's the song immediately attainable for the listener. The true triumph, however, are the lyrics. When you truly listen and allow yourself to envision yourself in the song, it takes on new meaning. This is about the possibility... or rather reality of our ability to shape our reality. This can happen personally, on a smaller scale or universally, on a much grander scale. This song is about the unseen power of manifestation. One of the keys to this manifestation is the coherence of one's thought, so the simplicity of the song is a key to understanding its hidden treasures. Take a listen, and see if it touches you in the same place (you might want to close your eyes and provide your own visuals)...

Listening to Pure Imagination over and over brought to mind another song and artist with which I only recently became acquainted.

Act I: The Pledge (Eternal Sunshine) [Full 15-Minute Version], by Jay Electronica.

I had heard about Jay Electronica off and on for a little while, but never pursued any of his music. (Maybe it just wasn't time yet.) I finally sought to listen to some of his work a couple of weeks ago and I was amazed. His thoughts, lyrics and delivery are amazing and he really inspired me. This particular song - a 15 minuet suite that tells a story and has Jay giving a few short rhymes that serve as an introduction to his person, his direction and purpose - I found (and still find) to be an excellent artistic work, lyrically, musically, and spiritually... rough edges and all. This is kind of like a modern day Pure Imagination, specifically designed for our people, with respect to where we are and where we can go. If the key to manifestation is found in Pure Imagination's thought power, then Eternal Sunshine is an example of how far and wide our thoughts can and should be, in order to escape the prison of today's commonly accepted reality. Jay's lyrics will require analysis and study, as well as his choice of samples (especially the clip of The Honorable Elijah Muhammad), which will make subsequent listenings all the more insightful. This gives me hope for the future of the culture (of Hip-Hop), our people, and of humanity at large... and serves as a personal reminder to me of the importance of my own thoughts and how they shape the manifestation of my own Universe. Take a listen for yourself...

Until next time, remember, all of life is sound - keep listening...

Two Words

The Return. Two years.

There have been many many changes in my own personal life, and certainly in the musical landscape of our collective life. I am picking up where I left off, however I'm going to go at this in a different way.

I'm going to highlight songs (or albums) that I've been listening to that day (or in recent days). I'll keep the articles much Much more brief (unless I'm just grabbed by the uncontrollable need to express some deep wisdom!)... for real. These articles are going to be short and sweet. I'm looking to share a little of my life's soundtrack/playlist so you, the reader, may choose to add these selections to your own soundtrack. Think of this as my "two cents" to take or leave as you see fit. Feel free to leave comments, if you like.

Today a song I was listening to captured my mood perfectly:

Two Worlds, by Yasiin Gaye. This is a song remixed (or re envisioned) by Amerigo Gazaway, a DJ from Tennessee, who put together one of the best Hip-Hop albums in recent years. Yasiin Gay (Mos Def) with Marvin Gaye (throw in a little Kanye West for good measure) and you can't miss! Perfect spirit! Thoughtful lyrics. Straight dope! On repeat...

Listen yourself.

... The Return

In the words of the great Rakim… It’s been a long time. I shouldn’t have left you…

It’s been a little more than seven months since I last wrote an article. I’d say that’s quite enough of a hiatus. It’s time to dust off this site and blow some new life into this idea. I think the exploration of music and its impact on our lives and the important aspect of the ability we have to transform our lives personally, and our existence collectively, is something that is worthy of continuing. I hope you agree.

There have been many musical happenings, since the last article, however before we get into that, we have some “homework” to get into.

First up: April Chase – In the Midst of Sirens & Still Breathing.

I first found out about April Chase when I was looking into website templates on wix.com. Their website was in the “Examples” section. The site was nice, but what really grabbed me was the sound of the band. They have a very fresh and immediate sound. I went to iTunes to download their music, and I was very pleased! This small independent band from San Jose, CA has a very refreshing sound. Reminiscent of early No Doubt, this band rocks and jams enough for you to want to jump around – whether in your own bedroom or a crowded club. Most of the songs are about love and relationships and, although most are on the hurting side of love, the deliveries of all of these offerings carry an uplifting vibration. The sweet juxtaposition of Carina Valdes’ vocals and the raw rocking of the band is a perfect pairing. This is especially so when the sound is toned down on a few of the tracks, where we’re treated to a close listen to Carina’s delicate vocals and the band’s intricate playing. Both of these EPs give a good snap shot of relationships in general… the good and the bad. The key is, each listen always leaves you wanting more… and this is just like love and relationships… as great or dreadful as they can be, we always want more.

Standouts: Turn It Down, Paper Mache, Too Short to Ride, All You Need to Say, Time Won’t Tell, Ones & Twos.

Stevie Wonder – Isn’t She Lovely.

Ok, there’s not much I can say about this song that hasn’t been said already. I listened to this song after the birth of my daughter and I had an even deeper appreciation for this masterpiece. At least once a month everyone should listen to this song. There is a little girl, big girl, woman, wife, girlfriend, mother in everybody’s life that they can place in their mind’s eye when listening to this. However even beyond that… this song is a praising of the female, period. Listen to it. What would life be without the feminine aspect of life? Or, more to the point look at what life is because of the feminine energy that we experience in life. This song is a celebration of that. So any time you’re looking to appreciate that part of your life, this classic is a great place to start.

Earth, Wind & Fire – You.

This is one of the classic group’s best songs. Also, this is one of the unsung masterpieces of the group. From the soft piano beginning, the song paints a portrait of love and a loving relationship. However, beyond that, this song is an account of what happens when a person finds himself in love (or herself). The need of love is deep and essential, like the sun (“you brighten up my day”) and it swells as it proceeds… just as the sound of the song. By the middle and end, the horns are in full effect and it’s no longer the small quiet intimate song it started out as. Now, it’s alive with sound and melody and as catchy as any of their other classics. And then, on another level, this is  an exploration of what happens when one is on a spiritual quest and reaches the enlightenment of understanding how we are connected with the creator (no matter the given title). This is a song of devotion and dedication. On the surface it is written as one between two people, however “you lighten up my way… brighten up my day… change my point of view… now I look at life the way you do…” suggests a connection with something larger and more significant than a physical, personal relationship. This song is a realization of love and its effects, at the deepest levels.

Robert Glasper Experiment – Black Radio.

This is a wonderful album. This has all of the different elements of black radio (as referenced by the title). This is the best of black radio… or what black radio should be. Robert Glasper Experiment is a jazz group, led by Robert Glasper (of course), so the base of the music is jazz. That being said, the feel of each track changes and evolves to reflect different aspects of black music. Afro Blue, one of the first songs, finds Erykah Badu in top form. This is a beautiful, cool, late night R&B quiet storm track that is exemplary of what we should be hearing on the late night magic/kiss 107s around the nation. This is sweet and sensual, without being overly sexual. The same goes for the next song, featuring the vocal talents of the under appreciated Lalah Hathaway. Hathaway gives a heartfelt rendition of Sade’s Cherish the Day. Now, this song is a new standard of the American songbook, from the 20^th century and Hathaway’s treatment of it is a testament to this fact. She delicately dips into the song like a warm bath and delivers a version that is hers, while still being homage to the queen of quiet storm. The album then subtly moves from the soft sounds of R&B to thought provoking Hip-Hop.  Always Shine, which features the vocals of Bilal and the verses of Lupe Fiasco, we explore the state of black music’s mission to remind its listeners of their greatness.  All too often this challenge is shied away from, not taken seriously, or simply ignored. Fiasco steps up to the plate, to swing for a home run. Each of the verses is a vivid look of the motivation behind the choices that go into making the music that ultimately serves to program our children.  We can either choose to program them to understand themselves as Stars in the Universe or as consumer/post-slaves in a world that belongs to everyone else.  This song deserves several listens. This is what hip-hop should strive for… this is what should be on the radio. This is how the whole album flows… this is a straight listen; no need for track skipping. There is R&B, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Dance Rhythms and even a rock song re-envisioned (Smells Like Teen Spirit)… everything that we need to reshape Black radio into something more culturally useful.

Stand outs: (well… the whole album… but here’s the tops of the tops and the featured artists) Afro Blue (Erykah Badu), Cherish the Day (Lalah Hathaway), Always Shine (Blilal & Lupe Fiasco), Gonna Be Alright (Ledisi), Ah Yeah (Musiq Soulchild and Chrisette Michele) and Black Radio (Mos Def).

Chuck Brown – We Got This

 

This was one of the last albums by the Go-Go legend, and I was listening to it recently. It’s a fun listen, which center’s around a live performance which is energetic and very smile-provoking. The first five songs are new studio songs, perfectly fit for any dance club. Beyond that, however, this is fell-good music which is perfectly suited for raising your vibration. Laughter and dance are some of the healthiest activities one can participate in, so this is healthy music. By that standard, the healthiest of them all is the song Love, featuring Jill Scott. The sound is classic Go-Go, and Scott’s presence on the track brings a vibrancy that is positively infective.  This is a perfect jump start for the rest of the set, where Brown and his band rips though old classics, whether his or not. This set is pure fun. You’ll find yourself bopping your head, shaking and twisting your waste and hips… and then your feet will get into the action. This is one of those albums that could very well be the antidote to a bad day, if you would just put it on. That’s really one of the primary roles of music in our life, and, as Chuck and Jill remind us, “That’s how it is; that’s how it’s supposed to be.”

Stand outs: All For You, Love, We the People, I’m Your Man, Moody’s Mood for Love, Harlem Nocturne, Chuck Baby.

Take a listen to these songs and albums, and next time we’ll get into a smaller selection.

Until next time, keep listening to the music all around you and explore the music that serves to uplift your life. Thanks for reading and come back for more!

Up next: SADE.

Home Work!

Greetings All!

Yes, I know it's been a while (almost a month!)... however, I'm determined not to let this blog slip into the shadowy abyss of neglect of which many first-time blogs die a slow, lonely death. I've had a whirlwind month, that's included moving, almost moving, packing to move again, house hunting, and, by far not in the least, witnessing the birth of another daughter! I've been in a completely different rhythm for writing, so I haven't been bringing you the thoughtful examinations of the music of our lives, and the effects of musical vibration on our psyche, as well as the latest musical developments and appreciations of musical classics. Well... that time is coming to an end. My life is still slightly less-than-stable and in-transition, however I'll be writing shorter articles to keep the process going.

For now, I'm giving you all some homework. These are a few of the songs/albums I've been listening to and enjoying. I've wanted to write about them... and I will. So, the homework is for you to check out these artists and their works...

1.  April Chase - In the Midst of Sirens EP & Still Breathing EP

2.  Stevie Wonder - Isn't She Lovely

3.  Earth, Wind & Fire - You

4.  Robert Glasper Experiment - Black Radio

5.  Chuck Brown - We Got This

These are the next selections I'm going to be posting articles on... and in this order (unless something else comes up to change that). So, sit back and listen to these tracks from our collective soundtrack, and I'll have the next article up in a short while.

Thanks for reading and keep returning, because there's more where that came from!

Love, Whitney...

In the recognition of the loss of one of the most significant voices in the expression of love and lovers, I am writing this article... remembering Whitney Houston, who passed on from this existence to the next, on Saturday, February 11, 2012.

This article is about Whitney Houston - The Voice; The Sonic Paintbrush of God, utilized to clearly illustrate our emotions and experiences of love. I'm writing about Whitney's magnificent contribution to the Soundtrack of our Lives. So, if you're interested in reading about her faults, flaws, unwise agreements, or the questionable nature of her death, this is not the blog for you. We will explore her lasting legacy, as an artist, and as, quite possibly, the greatest female voice of the second half of the 20th century. No matter what anyone thought of her, no one could rightfully deny the power, beauty, and clarity of her voice, as well as her supremely capable skill in expressing it to touch the souls of people all around the world... literally.

For this exploration and remembrance of Whitney's music and effects, I will select certain love songs from throughout her career and identify the memories each song connects me with. That is what happens when songs impact us in a way that they become part of our life's soundtrack. When you hear it, you are automatically connected with memories of your own life and experiences, which have been associated with that song. As I chronicle a few of the moments in time that, for me, are now associated with these songs, I invite you to do the same. What memories do these songs bring to your mind?

You Give Good Love. Just barely into my teenage years, I had absolutely no idea what this song was about. It would be much, much, much later when I truly began to appreciate it, however, this song single-handedly  got me interested in the notion of love and provided me with a... feeling... a vibration of how to identify love. Needless to say, it was one of the first songs that carried a personal significance to me... and I'm sure I'm not alone.

Just the Lonely Talking Again. When the second album was released, I was fully in high school and this song takes me back to that time. I was one of the lonely, smart boys, who either stood on the walls and watched other people dance, or just didn't go to the dance, at all. I really was (or, at least I thought at the time) really ready for love... Don't we all think that, around that age? Anyway, I can recall pensive moments alone in my room, thinking about the many girls who were the various objects of my would-be affection. They're names are much more difficult to recall, now, with the effects of time and experience... but I can see them clearly, and when I listen to this song, I can feel the need to have love returned.

Lover For Life. When this came out, I was in college and had actually experienced my first lasting, successful relationship (albeit with the temporary self-life that collegiate romances tend to have). This song, although never released as a single, I always found to be one of the best on the album. It had a prominent appearance on my first mix tape (back when they were still actually mix tapes!)... When I listen to this, I'm transported to dorm rooms and back roads to and from college and off-campus apartments... This, for me, connects me with the earliest conversations of long-lasting relationships... it brings to mind the plans couples make for the rest of their lives. This song is blissful comfort, wrapped into a tight package of less than five minutes.

I Will Always Love You. This is Houston's most famous, signature song. I, like many of the rest of you, have many memories associated with it. This song is timeless... it is, quite simply... perfect (in both execution and intent, as well as impact). However, that having been said, the memory that rises to the top, when I hear this iconic love letter, is much more recent. This song now brings to mind my daughter, who first began to notice, recognize and develop opinions about music and artists with this song. I can remember her asking, from the back seat of the car, for me to play "Whitley" Houston I Will Love You. It still makes me smile, to this day.

Why Does it Hurt So Bad. When this song came out, I was graduating from one college and going to another to start post-graduate studies. Just as with most major life transitions, there were a great many changes that had to be made. This song brings me back to that time, where relationships were closed out, like chapters of a book to which the reader becomes emotionally attached. I remember starting over in a new state and the loneliness of the initial weeks. Knowing that this feeling will pass and going through the passing process are two different things. It reminds me that it's never as bad as you think it is, while it's happening (no matter what "it" is).

I Believe in You and Me. This reminds me... of being newly married. The freshness of true adult love and commitment. I remember this song as if it were a part of my wedding (and, no, it wasn't)... I "discovered" this song some years after it was originally released, due to changes in my personal life and, subsequently, my listening preferences. One day I watched the movie, and was struck by the soundtrack so significantly that I went out to find it. I listened to and studied this song... It is a perpetual wedding march... the capturing of the purity of love and commitment in a sound recording. This reminds me... of newlywed smiles and bright eyes... it reminds me of... leaps of faith taken by young lovers.

My Love Is Your Love. This song reminds me... no... it takes me back to a time when I understood the concept of forever, as it relates to relationships. I remember going through hard times, and having to depend on my wife, and my wife having to depend on me... This song makes me remember the true nature of marriage, being a team effort.

Million Dollar Bill & Worth It. When these songs came out, I was excited to finally hear Whitney again... and I was filled with the exuberance of youth! My wife and I both loved these songs. Million Dollar Bill, reminds me of driving around town, running errands, listening to this song on repeat! After many years, and too many dysfunctional relationships, I actually understood and fully knew how to appreciate love and the celebration of it. Worth It brings to mind the enduring quality of love. "This is for the lovers just gettin' on their feet. This is for the lovers 'bout twenty years deep." These are some of the best lyrics Whitney's sung... experience is a wonderful thing. I can relate to ( and even remember) almost all the lyrics in this song, from a first hand perspective. This song especially makes me remember looking into my wife's eyes and thinking, "yeah... it's worth it." "What's worth it?" you might ask... well if you have to ask, then you're not really ready for the answer...

So, this is not a "Best of Whitney Houston" list, this is just a short sampling of her contribution to the Soundtrack to Life.  Be free to write your own list and maybe even leave a comment or two. Whatever you do, make sure to take the time to listen to, and enjoy, a few songs from one of the greatest voices ever to be given to the world.

Until next time, keep listening and stay tuned.

You Give Good Love (official video on youtube)

Just the Lonely Talking Again (Rest in Peace Edition) (video on youtube)

Lover for Life (video on youtube)

I Will Always Love You (official video on youtube)

Why Does it Hurt So Bad (video on youtube)

I Believe in You and Me (official video on youtube)

My Love is Your Love (official video on youtube)

Million Dollar Bill (official video on youtube)

Worth It (video on youtube)