Donny Hathaway- This Christmas



Enjoy this holiday classic by the late great Donny Hathaway!!

Man,You Need To Look Up: A Message from Author Lela Jefferson

A few months back I had the pleasure of interviewing this positive sister. Author Lela Jefferson has returned to Capricorn Groove as a guest writer blessing us brothers with some words of encouragement. 

Man, You Need To Look Up!
by Lela Jefferson

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

Recently I sat down and had a conversation with one of my dear friends about Men. It was not one of those stereotypical sessions where you have two girlfriends talking about guys and dogging them out. Trust me it was far from that scenario. We spoke of how important it is for men to see God as their ultimate source for how to love others unconditionally, to forgive and forget, to trust, to be an example of integrity, knowledge, wisdom and how quite simply provide for themselves and their families.

You see, God is the ultimate provider and father; when he created Man he fashioned him after himself. Man was created because God desired to have a family/people to commune, provide for and share his abundant kingdom with. Just like God, Man has that very same desire ingrained in him; to provide for those he cares for his own family.

In order for Man to be the true provider which he was created to be he has to be whole heartily in relationship with God. Without this relationship it will be near to impossible for him to be a true sustainer. When Man begins to trust in only what he creates of his own hands and things of this earth like money he is trusting in what is temporal. God is forever and will never lose value, dry up or spoil.

If there is no consistent communication between God and Man, the seeds of confusion can be planted and quickly take root and eventually bear fruit. Fruit like fear, lack, despair, depression, anger, and desperation on the side of man. God is confident in who he is. Man on the other hand until he is rooted and ground in the knowledge of God and his love will always try to make things happen out of his own abilities which are limited.

Man should never get this reality twisted. Man did not create God, God created Man. And when he did, he did so with a purpose in mind. Man was to be fruitful and multiple on this earth. He was to further God’s kingdom until it spread across all four corners of the globe; making a perfect copy of God’s kingdom in heaven on earth. Man was created to be the steward of this planet. Yet, when he disobeyed God’s commandment and did not take responsibility for his own actions, he created a communication break down.

First, he ate from the Tree of Life that God explicitly told him not to. Then he hid from God and lastly he blamed Eve who had not been given the commandment in the first place from God to obey. Man/Adam was the one that God ultimately held responsible for following the community / Garden of Eden, his rules. Here is where fear came on the scene and Man began instead of looking up for guidance from God, he began to look down and around himself to see how he could make things happen…

Man, you need to look UP!

For more Lela Jefferson check out her sites

www.lelajefferson.com

http://www.memoirsofablackgirl.com

http://poetryofablackgirl.podOmatic.com

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Back to School: The adventure continues

 I have been so busy this fall but hey I ain't complaining.  October was a very demanding month for me,  I had to prepare for a gospel concert, ( I had two solos), prepare my own solo set for the Sugar Bar concert,  learn my scenes for my acting class and try to maintain my A average at Berklee College of Music.   I don't know how I did it but I di it all. Everything turned out great.   I got standing ovations for my performances, great accolades  in acting class and I am maintaining my A average at Berklee.  This is what happens when you get focused and stick to you guns.  The point I am trying to make is to not get caught up in what you have to or how long it's going take to complete a task.  Don't worry yourself, don't talk about it be about and everything will be alright.

Albums you need to check out!!!

The holiday season is quickly approaching and some of the best in the business are offering up new albums, I've decided to highlight a few must haves.

Mary J. Blige: My Life II The Journey Continues  The Queen of Hip Hop Soul returns with the follow up to her classic My Life album.  Although Mary has been one of the most prolific artists in the game, her My Life  album  is considered her signature career defining effort.  Can My Life II measure up?  Mary rarely lets us down I'm sure this one will be another hit. Guest include Beyonce, Nas, Drake and Busta Rhymes. Go support the Queen!!

 Betty Wright & The Roots: Betty Wright The Movie    The clean up woman is back!!  Funky soul legend  Betty Wright has joined forces with The Roots  for this wonderful new album with a 14 tracks and a cool title.  This is truly a match made in heaven.  Betty Wright and The Roots blend the old school with the new with guest like Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg and Joss Stone, but the album stays true to Betty Wright.  This album is a must have.

Rhianna: Talk That Talk  The sexy pop diva offers up another album, this megastar turns has been turning out new albums every year racking up the hits and tearing up the pop charts.  One thing I can say about Rhianna is she always offers up some fun and catchy tunes. 

Eric Roberson: Mr. Nice Guy   I know many of you might be saying who it the world is Eric Roberson? No he's not as popular as some of the others on this list but he is truly worth the listen. This independent soul crooner has written some of the most heartfelt soulful music you ever want to hear.  Check this album out you won't be disappointed.   One of my favorites is the single Picture Perfect featuring Phonte.

Etta James: The Dreamer.   After 50 years in business the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee,  Etta James retires from the game with her final album The Dreamer.  On this album Etta puts her signature spin on classic Jazz and R & B tunes.  Some of the artist she covers on this album are the late great Ray Charles and the rock group Guns & Roses (Welcome to the jungle).  Trust me you won't be disappointed  Etta James sang these songs in a way that only she could. She's one of the greats and this album would  a nice addtion to your collection. Go out and get her final effort.

Rapper Heavy D. Remembered

The sudden death of  rapper Heavy D last week shocked the Hip Hop community.   During the late 80s and 90s Heavy D and The Boyz had a string of hits such as  Now That We Found Love,  The Overweight Lover, Black Coffee,   Is It Good To You, he also wrote and performed the theme song to the hit 90s show In Living Color and was featured on several  R & B hits with groups like Soul 4 Real and icons Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson.

While other rappers were rising to fame in the 90s with their tales of gangster life, using profanity and violent lyrics, Heavy  D proved you could keep it clean and still be at the top of the charts without being considered corny.  Everybody loved Heavy D, he is one of the few rappers I know that even older people adored.    

Heavy who was born Dwight Arrington  Myers will be laid to rest next week  November 18, 2011 at Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, New York.    The rap legend died Tuesday November 4, 2011 after collapsing in the hallway of his Beverly Hills condo.  He was 44 years old.

Ashanti pays tribute to Whitney Houston. How do you think she did?

 Everybody knows Whitney Houston is one of the best singers in the business and it takes a lot of guts to try and sing her songs,  singer Ashanti must have a serious pair of balls to tackle two of Whitney's hardest songs. She recently sang the mega hits   I Will Always Love You  and  I Have Nothing from the classic Bodyguard Soundtrack.  I will say this I have never heard Ashanti sing like this before.  Well folks take a listen below.

Rahsaan Patterson, Lalah Hathaway, and B-Slade

Lalah Hathaway Live at The Highline Ballroom

My girl did it again! She surprised me with tickets to see Lalah Hathaway live at The Highline Ballroom on  October 21, 2011. I had a great time this woman is a true vocalist just like her father the late great Donny Hathaway.  Her voice is rich, soulful, smokey, sensational and will knock you off your feet.  She's a singer's singer, a true musician who really knows how to use her voice.  She sang most of my favorites, including her take on classics like Anita Baker's, Angel,   Earth Wind & Fire's  Love's Holiday,  and paid tribute to her father with the always moving A Song For You.  Other jams included  Baby Don't Cry,  I'm Coming Back (see video below),  For Always Forever For Love a Luther Vandross song that she in my opinion she has turned into her very own signature song. The show was one to see if she's in your town be sure to check her out and please get the new album  Where It All Begins, in stores now.

New Album in stores and on iTunes now

1 Marine vs. 30 Cops (Marine Wins) - Occupy Times Square

A Rant Worth Listening To.

I couldn't have said it better!!!

Apple co-founder Steve Jobs dead at 56.

Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc., responsible for introducing well designed computers such as the Macintosh, died on Wednesday at age 56.    Jobs suffered from pancreatic cancer and in 2009 he had a liver transplant. Just this past August he stepped down as CEO.

Steve Jobs will be remembered as a visionary who brought us  innovative products such as the  iPod,  a portable music player that changed the way we listened to music and was responsible for the death of the  CD player.  Mr. Jobs is also responsible for bringing us Itunes, the largest and most successful online music store.  He changed the way we used cell phones with the iPhone which has dominated the market and spawned many imitators.  (I love my iPhone!!  I am a straight up Apple head lol)  

After the success of the iPhone he gave us the iPad, a portable tablet that has replaced the laptop and also sent other companies scrambling to duplicate it's success.   Steve Jobs gave us so much  it makes me wonder what else would he  have brought to the world had he lived.  I want to give my condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.    

Steve Jobs co-founder and former Apple CEO

The iPhone
www. Apple.com

                                                                 

• 

Whitney Houston and Jordin Sparks To Star Sparkle Remake!!



Whitney Houston

 Worldwide superstar, Whitney Houston is in negotiations to star alongside American Idol winner Jordin Sparks, in the remake of the 1976 film Sparkle.  Rounding out the cast will be  Derek Luke, Tika L Sumpter, Carmen Ejogo,  Mike Epps, and  Cee - Lo.  

 New Cast Carmen Ejogo, Jordin Sparks, Tika Sumpter

When I first heard they were remaking this I  thought to myself,  "Please not another remake."

I felt this way because the original has a special place in my heart. Sparkle alongside movies like The Color Purple and The Wiz,  take me back to my childhood. These films were watched so many times in my home.  Sparkle  is story is about three sisters from Harlem's rise from poverty to stardom and the tragedies they face.  Irene Cara starred as Sparkle, Lonette Mckee played her sister, oddly named "Sister" throughout the film.  Mary Alice, Phillip Michael Thomas and Dwan Smith rounded out the cast.   I remember being a little boy in the 80s swooning over these beautiful ladies.   Let's not forget about that awesome soundtrack sung by Aretha Franklin and produced by the late Curtis Mayfield.  My parents wore that record out.  I can still hear my mother blasting  the soundtrack and singing.   "What can I do with this feeling?" 

After learning the new film would be written and directed by  husband and wife team Salim Akil and Mara Brock Akil (creators of the sitcoms, The Game and Girlfriends) with the soundtrack produced by R.Kelly, I begin to have hope.   It's also being reported that Houston who plays the girl's mother will be singing not one but two gospel songs. That should be exciting.  I am glad to hear that Whitney is coming back to the big screen.  I have a good feeling about this film.  For those of you who have not seen the original or heard the soundtrack I suggest you check them out. Both are available in stores and on Itunes etc.  

Original cast members Dwan Smith, Lonette Mckee,  Irene Cara

Dwan Smith, Irene Cara, Lonette Mckee



DVD cover

Sparkle Soundtrack, Aretha Franklin

Apple unveils iPhone 4S, but not the "5".

 
If you are an Apple Head like me, I know you were disappointed with today's news.  For the past few weeks rumors were flying that today Apple would unveil the new Iphone 5.  Well folks they didn't instead they announced plans to release the Iphone 4S.   What is a 4S?

The 4S comes with a retina display, glass on the front and a black stainless steel band around and will be more powerful because it will be using the same A5 chip used in the Ipad. Phil Schiller company Vice President  said the big power boost will be especially apparent when playing games on the device.    4S will get eight hours of 3G talk time as well as nine hours of Wi-Fii browsing

Additionally, the 4S camera has an 8 mega pixel sensor that Apple says is 33% faster at taking photos and you can now print  8 x 10 photos. The  16 gigabyte version  is priced at $199,  2GB is $299 and  64GB model is $399.

I am sorry but I am not impressed.  Don't get me wrong I love Apple and the Iphone but this is not the news I wanted to hear. I just knew they would be unveiling the super duper Iphone 5 with features that will blow my mind.   I haven't giving up on Apple just a little let down. I will be waiting for the 5.

Tyrese Booted From Radio Station!

Actor and singer Tyrese Gibson was escorted off the premises of a Delaware radio station on Tuesday after speaking out against liquor stores near elementary schools.

The “Fast Five” and “Transformers” star, a guest at WJKS KISS 101.7, in Delaware said that while driving to the station he saw a liquor store operating near a public school.

I guess Tyrese offended the station when he told the DJ. “Get them cats out of here selling alcohol right across from your kids’ school, homie put the pressure on them homie. You know how to put pressure on dudes selling in your hood.”

Tyrese was asked to leave the building during the commercial break.

According to reports, the radio station owner felt the actor was “disrespecting” the Delaware community with his comments. Tyrese confirmed the incident, tweeting “I just got kicked out of a radio station from a [program director] who had a problem w/ me speaking on liquor stores that are by elementary schools in Delaware. If you don’t STAND for something.. You will damn near fall for Anything. If you don’t know WHO you are.. Or your purpose in life.. You will go your whole life with people TELLING you who you are.”

I don’t see how what he said was disrespectful, aren’t we allowed to speak our minds and have an opinion? That’s just sad and ridiculous, I take my hat off to Tyrese for not being afraid to speak his mind and tell it like it is. Good job brother.

Vesta Williams Remembered

 

It breaks my heart to have to write about the passing of Vesta Williams, simply known in the late 80s and 90s as Vesta!!!  The sassy powerhouse R &B, Jazz vocalist was found dead in a LA hotel room on September 22, 2011. Vesta is known for her signature hit Congratulations, as well songs like Special, Once Bitten Twice Shy and  my personal favorite Sweet Sweet Love.   Although she faded from the charts in the 90s she continued to tour and was known for her soulful, sexy, humorous live shows.    The latest reports say they suspect she died from accidental overdose but nothing has been confirmed.  RIP  Vesta!

Her Story: A conversation with Memoirs of A Black Girl author Lela Jefferson

It's finally here! I know I've been saying for months that I was going to post this interview as part of the Your Story Series (where I showcase  independent artist, singers etc).   I sat down with the lovely Lela Jefferson, author, host, poet, singer etc.....  This woman does it all and she loves the lord.  I hope you all enjoy this interview. I know I sure did.

You have a wonderful blog,  Memoirs of A Black Girl is very positive and inspirational. Most  blogs today are filled with gossip and negativity. What made you take this route instead?

Lela Jefferson: Well, first off I just want to say thank you so much for your comments! To be quite honest, as you know I will be (smile)... I created Memoirs of a Black Girl (www.memoirsofablackgirl.com), its companion podcast and its sister site Poetry of a Black Girl (www.poetryofablackgirl.com) to be mediums where I could just be free and share my thoughts, my loves and my experiences. I have not really ever been good at following trends per say. I am kind of a throwback individual. I guess it comes from being a child of older parents. I was my parents second batch of kids.

Second batch? That's hilarious. So tell me how long have you had your blog?

Lela: I began posting the blog in 2008.

Here we are in 2011 and you are still going strong. You wear many hats tell the people all of the titles you hold?

Lela: Day job wise I work in health care coordination. Passion wise I am a author/poet. I dabble a bit in marketing and PR. I also spent the better part of a decade working as a web producer. Spiritually wise I am a volunteer project manager for my church's music department. I actually worked in full-time ministry for about 3 years.

Wow girl that's a lot of tasks? When do you sleep? LOL Tell us about your books? What was the inspiration for the books.

Lela: My first book "Poetry of a Black Girl the Darkness and the Light Volume 1" Is a collection of my poems spanning from age 10 - 30. So it's kind of hard to say what actually inspired the book. My life experiences motivate me to write. I know what inspired me to release it though. It was a number of major life changes, including the lost of a job, a failed romantic relationship and the passing of my mother. I hadn't written a poem in about 5 years before I began editing the collection to be published. I needed an outlet (outside of my prayer life) to get what I was feeling out, so I could move on.

That's wonderful you took  painful situations and did something positive. Give us a little bit of background. How was your childhood?

Lela: Let me see. I am one of 11 of a blended family. I am the youngest both parents were married before they had me. My youngest older sister was 15 when I was born and is my godmother. My youngest older big brother is 15 years older than me if you get the picture. I am a native New Yorker.  Brooklynite and grew up in the 80s and 90s. My childhood was privileged because I was well loved.

I come from a big family as well, my mother was one of 12.  We have a lot in common, I represent Brooklyn all day everyday.  LOL  Let me stop being silly.  Back to the questions. Describe your writing process. How long does it take you to write?

Lela: Writing for me is very organic. What I mean by this is that I generally am moved by something. I jot down a few lines and then go back and expand OR not on the brainstorming session. I have some pieces that took me just minutes to write and others that were years in the making.

How did it feel when you finally completed your book and it was published?



Lela: When I finally completed the book and published I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. All that I had went thorough the first half of my life was documented in a way in the book. My memoirs series will really spotlight different segments, but "Poetry of a Black Girl" allowed me to dress up my emotions with prose so they would not be so raw.


When did you realize you wanted to sing and write?



Lela: Singing for me has always been a bit of a mixed bag. I just enjoy doing it. I feel truly blessed to be able to sing when I can at church (the main venue where I get to minster.) I think I have been writing since I could hold a pen :)

Did anyone ever try to discourage you from going after your dreams?



Lela: Only two people I can recall I could ever I consider being my haters. A former boss, who was also my friend (still is) and my ex. I used them as stepping stones in my development because of them I am better than who I might have been.

I totally feel you on that.  I always say I don't have no time for the haters it takes up too much energy. What would you say to the little girls out there today trying to find their way in life?


I would tell them to follow their dreams  with all their passion. If the adults around them are not supportive find ones that are. Or like myself I found mentors from a far in the books I read. As one of my current mentors always says "Success leaves clues."


Who are some of your biggest influences?
Lela: God my pastors, my parents, my uncles and aunts and my big sister cousins have been my biggest influences. After them, people like Maya Angelou, John Maxwell, Langston Hughes, Gordon Parks and Nikki Giovanni.

What inspires you?

Lela: Life inspires me. God's word inspires me.

Amen to that! What’s next for Lela Jefferson? Any new books, any music up ahead? List all of your projects.


Well, I recently became engaged to my very own God-designed Boaz; whom I affectionately call  "The Coach"  :-). My fiance, he coaches football professionally.  So my #1 project right now is preparing myself mentally, spiritually, and physically to be his wife. I also have two novels in the works. I enjoy writing and video blogging for myself.  Lastly, I have been asked to begin feature and guest write on a few other blogs. All and all I am always leaning on God and the Holy Spirit for guidance to how I should order my steps so that I can remain in balance and always in His perfect will for my life.



Wow Lela!! Congratulations on the engagement and all your wonderful projects.  Please let me know when these new novels come out.  You are truly a jack of all trades keep doing it sister. Thank you for your time and thank you for the positive things you do. I think that you will have a very bright future ahead of you. I love how you are keeping God in your life.

Lela: Thank you  for the opportunity to share my thoughts. I really enjoy your blog and see it becoming really popular! Shine on my brother shine!

Thanks Lela!! Folks if you want to learn more about the lovely Lela Jefferson be sure click on the links listed for her website and check out the video below.


http://www.memoirsofablackgirl.com


http://poetryofablackgirl.podOmatic.com

Get your finances in order Part 2: The update

  In February I posted some tips on how to save money and I can say that things have been looking good.   It's so easy to get discouraged when it comes to saving money. We hear everyday on the news about the poor economy.   I didn't let that stop me.  I took baby steps,  I made a list of all the things I was spending money on.  We need to know where every dime is going and I mean every single dime. That is the only way to get a grip on things.   Stop being in denial not opening the bill is not going to make it go away it will only pile up. So now you have a bunch of dept and a pile of envelopes taking up space on your desk. 

I stepped back and looked at all that I was doing.  I asked myself was I spending too much money on foolishness?  Was every bill that I had a necessity?   Then off course I separated my wants from my needs.  Got rid of the magazine, music and book clubs.  I started putting a little money aside every week.  I stopped with the damn credit cards, my attitude was if I can't buy it with cash then I don't need it.   

Everything has worked out good for me so far.  I have a nice little savings and an emergency fund that I have not touched  No I am not rich, (not yet anyway) but I am headed down the right road.   While on my journey of saving money I stumbled upon this great show called The Dave Ramsey Show.  I can't credit him for getting my finances together because I had already started several months before ever hearing his show, but I can say listening to his show is very motivating  and keeping me on the right track.   Check out www.daverasmey.com   I listen to his podcast on Itunes.   This man tells it like it is and hearing the stories of others who overcame debt is sure to inspire.

ARETHA FRANKLIN - Bridge Over Troubled Water, Coney Island, 08/04/11.

Now this is what I call a performance. At 70 years old Ms. Franklin still knows her way around the stage.  Aretha gave a rousing free summer concert in Coney Island Brooklyn. Please watch this to the end she took it to church with this one. This is stuff that legends are made of.

Martin Luther King Memorial: The Dream Lives on!

 On August 28, 2011 the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial was officially dedicated on the National Mall in Washington, DC.   Despite all the latest rhetoric between Tea Party, the Democrats and Republicans it's great to know that a man such as King who stood for tolerance and justice for all is being memorialized.   I know we have a long way to go but some progress has been made. Let's home that we all can learn to truly live in peace and harmony.  Hopefully one day we will all learn to respect each other and our different views on the world.      For more information visit www.mlkmemorial.org

Folks taking pictures at the Memorial

MLK

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Update on the your boy!!! My life thus far.

 Okay It's time for me to update you all on what my progress with school. I got an A in my Desktop Music Publishing class,  and I am currently kicking ass and taking names in the Future of the music business course I am taking.   Shout out to Berklee School of Music, these classes are off the hook.   Meaning they are great. Hey to all my hip folks out there do people still say off the hook or am I dating myself?  Anyway as I was saying.......  Where did I leave off.  Oh yes I was kicking ass in my music classes. Well folks  let me tell you how the acting class at Stella Alder went.  My  scene study class ended last week and I was sad to see it go.   I really learned a lot and found out a lot about myself. Who knew that  I could memorize lines so quickly?  I sure didn't. Anyway I received a lot of great feedback from my teacher and my classmates all of whom I thought were great actors.  That's not the kicker!!!! Drum roll please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!    I was invited to the invitation only  Scene Study 2 class.  That's right you heard me INVITATION ONLY class.  I was so excited about that.  I must have really made a great impression on the teacher because after the invite he called me to make sure I registered.   I am ready. Look out Denzel there's a new man in town.  I know, I know, I just went too far.   Later y'all.

Legendary singer songwriter Nick Ashford dies.

 The music world has lost another great, Nick Ashford singer songwriter and one half of the legendary group Ashord & Simpson has died from throat cancer.  Nick along with his wife Valerie Simpson penned tons of hit songs for the likes of Ray Charles,  Diana Ross,  Marvin Gaye, Tammy Terrell and Chaka Khan to name a few.  You know the songs,  Ain't nothing like the real thing, Ain't no mountain high enough, I'm Every Woman, Your Precious love,  the hits go and on.   If you grew up in the 80s you jammed to their hits, Solid as a rock, and Street Corner. Who can forget their sexy love ballad Is it still good to you.

Ashford & Simpson hold a very special place in my heart.  Nick and Valerie opened the lovely Sugar Bar  where they have showcased many up and coming singers, poets etc.  I have had the privilege of performing at The Sugar Bar on numerous occasions and for that I will be forever grateful.   Nick passed away Monday August 22, 2011 and is survived by his wife and two daughters.  He was 70 years old. Rest in peace Nick you music lives on forever.

Rashaan Patterson - Stop By

One of my favorite artist. The one and only Rashaan Patterson. This brother is no joke, if you like good music give him a listen. My girlfriend surprised me with tickets to see him live at BB Kings, last month and it was quite a treat. His new album Bluphoria is in stores now.

Avery*Sunshine - All In My Head Music Video

Shortly after I posted about Avery Sunshine I came across the video for her new single, All in my head.   This is my jam right here.

Hot New Artist: Avery Sunshine!!

Last month my girlfriend surprised me with tickets to see singer Rahsaan Patterson at B.B. Kings here in NYC.  Opening for Mr. Patterson was this beautiful young lady by the name of Avery Sunshine. I never seen an artist  win an audience over so quickly.  From the very first second that she hit the stage she had us in the palm of her hands. This was a hell of an opening act, she was funny, sassy, soulful and engaging.  Her her voice is simply beautiful.     Below is a little snippet of her playfully covering the Jill Scott classic, "He loves me".  I would have recorded more but I needed my hands free so that I could groove properly.    Please people if you love good music go out and get this woman's album and found out when she will be in your town, this is one sister you have to see live.   www.averysunshine.com

Frasier for Office? Actor Kelsey Grammer Ponders Politics.

Actor Kelsey Grammer best known for his role as Frasier Crane on the hit sitcoms "Cheers" and "Frasier", spoke to the New York Post about his political dreams.  Grammer the producer of such shows as "The Game" and "Girlfriends" is  currently staring in the upcoming Starz series "Boss" where he plays a fictional Chicago mayor. says he is thinking of running for office.

 “I have had a great career and extraordinary opportunities, but I look at my political aspirations as that last piece of my life — where I hope to do something good for people and pay back a little.”

Grammer  became interested in politics after watching the Republicans and Democrats create a mess over the country's budget.  It was reported that he couldn't believe how the two parties couldn't come to an agreement and risked ruining our credit rating.   Grammer said he would run as a republican.  He was a huge supporter of Senator John McCain's 2008 campaign and is very conservative.  The rumors are he may run for major of New York City. This should be interesting.  I like him as an actor but I would need to know his views before he got my vote.   Will he join the list of actors to politicians such as Ronald Regan, Sonny Bono,  Arnold Schwarzenegger and George Bush?  Yes I said George Bush. I know he wasn't an actor but he sure did a lot of comedic acting while serving his two terms.   Let's see where all this goes.

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Amy Winehouse Remembered.

Soul singer Amy Whinehouse, whose album "Back to Black", tore up the charts in 2006 was found dead in her apartment in London on Saturday July 23, 2011. Sadly her talent took a back seat to her troubled life and her struggle with drugs and alcohol. Amy's music was sassy, soulful, raw and real.  Amy sang her pain, told her story through her music with no shame.  Many people will unfairly judge  her by the antics they read in the tabloids or the YouTube videos of her drunken performances.  I think that's wrong, nobody knows what kind of demons she may have been fighting. Everybody has a story. That's why I was disgusted by some of the holier than thou, cold hearted,  judgmental comments made about her death. Despite what anyone feels about what she did in life, is it not still a tragedy to see a young life lost?

My heart goes out to her family. It was reported that her father Mitch Whinehouse learned of his daughter's passing once he landed in New York City.  Mitch was scheduled to perform at the legendary Blue Note, but of course he cancelled the show and headed back to London to be with his family.

Although Amy's time with us was short she left us wonderful music and in my opinion her success influenced British singers  such as Duffy and the lovely Adele,  both talented but neither as  raw and gusty as Whinehouse.   Amy Whinehouse was just 27 years old when she passed, another talent gone too soon.  Rest in peace Amy.

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Please stay tuned............

To the three people that do follow this blog, I want to say thank you. I know this month I haven't been posting a lot. (or at all)  At lot of things have been going, between school, work, vacations and other news.  Please stay tuned folks because I plan to bring you some special interviews and more exciting posts.  Maybe then I can get five people to view the blog.   Peace.

Kelly Price- As We Lay ft. Shirley Murdock @ 2011 Essence Music Fest.

The Essence Festival was filled with great music, one of the highlights was a beautiful duet between Kelly Price and Shirley Murdock  who originally recorded As We Lay in the 80s.   Kelly Price remade this classic on her in 2000 on her Mirror Mirror album.  Enjoy!!

The Summer Joint Jill Scott - Shame (feat. Eve & The A Group)

This joint right here is fire. If you don't have Jill's album what are you waiting for?  The Light of the Sun is in stores now.

True Inspiration!

 Last Monday evening I took my Scene Study acting course at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in NYC. I must say it was very cool.  There were people for different backgrounds ages 18-40.  When the instructor asked us to introduce ourselves, I was particularly  inspired by this 20 something year old girl, who stated that every weekend she drives to New York City from her home town of Tennessee.  Yes you heard me correctly,  I said TENNESSEE.  The entire class looked at her as if she was crazy. She went on to say how the 12 hour drive allows her to focus and although it sounds crazy she believes in it so much and how acting is her passion and she will follow her dreams no matter what.

I sat there thinking about so many people that are here in New York City surrounded by all this opportunity  and ain't they ain't doing a damn thing with themselves.  Here is this girl driving alone 12 hours chasing her dream. You have to respect that.   I want to thank her for sharing  her because that motivated me to keep going after what I want.   Hopefully the 5 people that are reading this blog with be inspired too.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!!

 I would like to wish all the father's out there a very Happy Father's Day.   Although there are some dead beats out there we need to use this day to salute the real fathers and father figures out there. The ones who hold their families down, encourge and inspire.  I want to shout out my grandfather and my father for always encouraging me. To this day I carry their teachings with me.  I love you and thank you for everything.  RIP!!     Happy Father's Day!!

Still striving!!

 What's up folks I haven't posted in a few days because I have been busy getting my ass handed to me in this Desktop Music Production class.  I am proud to say I have been maintaining an A in my assignments but this still takes a lot of work.   Next week is my last week in this class so I have to make sure I have my stuff tight.   Damn it feels good to be doing something I love.  I'm not quite where I want to be but I am glad that I am taking those steps towards.  Stay up people and never give up on yourself.   PEACE!!!!

P.S. - Be on the look out for two new inspiring interviews. Stay tuned.

Jill Scott ft. Anthony Hamilton- So In Love (Official Video)

That soul sister from Philly is back with a sexy soulful summer jam  titled "So In Love" featuring Anthony Hamilton.  Enjoy and don't forget to pick up Jill's new album "Light of the sun"  in stores  June 21, 2011

BYE OPRAH: The End of an Era!!

I would like to salute and say farewell to the reigning Queen of all media, Oprah Winfrey. Unless you've been under a rock, you know that The Oprah Winfrey Show ended after 25 years of inspiring millions. Ms. Winfrey told us what to read, what to watch and even who to vote for as President.     She used her platform to inspire others to live their best life.   The woman has an empire.  On May 23rd and 24th she aired her suprise farewell spectacular which featured A- list stars such as legends,  Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle, Stevie Wonder,  actors Halle Berry,  Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise,  Will Smith,   Jada Pinkett, pop star  Beyonce, Josh Groban and basketball legend Michael Jordan to name a few.  On Wednesday May 25th, she aired her final show where she was the only guest and thanked her fans for 25 years of great television.   Although the show has ended Ms. Winfrey will still be busy with the Oprah Winfrey Network.

Oprah  & Michael Jordan

Beyonce

Aretha Franklin

Diane Sawyer

Stevie Wonder,  Jamie Foxx and Oprah

Halle Berry,  Katie Holmes, Queen Latifah

Tom Hanks  & Oprah

Will Smith, Jada Pinkett - Smith  & Oprah