He's been called the 'Poet Laureate of Soul' and Bob Dylan described him as 'America's greatest living poet.' William 'Smokey' Robinson made an appearance on HBO's Def Poetry Jam back in 2003. Take a look as Smokey recites his poem "A Black American"
t's death. Coroner Frank Miller said Sean died from complications of sarcoidosis, an inflammatory lung disease that produces tiny lumps of cells in the body's organs. However, the Levert family contends that his death could have possibly been prevented had he been allowed to seek medical attention during his stay in jail. Levert suffered from heart disease, high blood sugar and withdrawal from alprazolam, commonly known as Xanax, a drug used to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks according to coroner Frank Miller. Attorneys for the Levert family contend that "he was exhibiting classic signs of Xanax withdrawal. A doctor would have been able to recognize these problems. Had he been able to see one in that week's time things could have been different." It has been discovered that items belonging to Sean inventoried by the sheriff's department included a bottle of Xanax, which attorneys assert Sean asked for during his time in jail. Take a listen to 'Cassanova' and let your mind go back.Chapter 4: Labor Pains
"Mercy, mercy me...things ain't what they used to be...where did all the blue skies go...poison is the wind that blows from the north and south..."
"When I look at the world it fills me with sorrow...little children today are really gonna suffer tomorrow..."
"God is my friend..Jesus is my friend...He made this world for us to live in, and gave us everything...and all he asks of us is we give each other love..."
"And He'll forgive all our sins...forgive all our sins...and all He asks of us, is we give each other love..."
"Make me wanna holler..the way they do my life...this ain't livin',...this ain't livin'..."
"Mother, Mother...there's too many of you crying...Brother, Brother, Brother...there's far too many of you dying..."
"You know we've got to find a way...to bring some lovin' here today..."
These photographs were all taken in 2006 at various sidewalk makeshift memorials, prayer vigils, wakes, funerals, and burials in the city of Philadelphia. The deceased were all young African Americans murdered by fellow African Americans. This is not a Philadelphia problem. Black on black violence is a national problem. It's my problem. It's your problem. It's our problem. When will we solve it? The statistics are alarming; according to a 2005 Justice Department report blacks, who make up 13% of the US population, accounted for 50% of the nations murder victims, 93% of these victims were killed by fellow African Americans.
New Award for New Edition
Commenting on the Golden Note Award honorees, ASCAP President and Chairman Marilyn Bergman said: "Over the last 25 years, New Edition has experienced success on multiple levels to become true legends. The group has firmly left their mark on today's music, and ASCAP is very proud to honor them."
LaBelle Reunion
Patti, Nona, and Sarah have reunited to record their first album in more than 30 years, inspired by the recording of a tribute song to Rosa Parks in 2006. The recordings should wrap up next month and the album is expected to be released in the fall of 2008. The untitled album is being produced by Lenny Kravitz and the legendary songwriting team of Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff. The album contains a mixture of energized uptempo songs and heart-wrenching ballads. Nona said the group was able to "pull together as sisters and 'Labelle-ize'the music and the vibe and the spiritual side of what we do like nobody else on the planet." A tour to support the new album is planned, LaBelle's live performance has been cited as the groups greatest dynamic. Patti LaBelle, one who is never short for words, summed it all up "I think all you gotta say is 'we're here.' We're like that caged bird. If you love it, you open the door and let it fly because you know it's going to come back stronger. Well, we're back, baby. Anyone that knows Labelle knows we don't know how to hold anything back."Beyond The Elements
Earth, Wind, & Fire's 'Beyond The Elements' tour has kicked off. The tour is scheduled for 25 dates, making stops in LA, Chicago, Houston and NYC.F*ck Fly...Curtis Mayfield was SUPERFLY
Words can not 
I can remember being 12 or 13 and hearing 'Midnight Train To Georgia', from that point on I fell in love with the soul music of the 60's and 70's and a love affair with Ms. Knight began. I pushed repeat on the stereo and listened to 'Midnight Train To Georgia' over and over again. At times, I pretended to be on stage with G
The eldest daughter of Eulaulah and Donny Hathaway, Lalah Hathaway is back with a new single and new album, truth be told she never left. Lalah is now signed to recently revived Stax Records.Lalah describes her first single 'Let Go', a mid-tempo track, as a song " that came out of a need for me to let go of the worry, a few pairs of old jeans, and old ideas as well as some people who were taking up too much space in my life. I had to let go in the most literal and metaphorical sense, and breathe through it all with a goal of moving toward peace." Speaking of her new album, Lalah says "I'm very excited about this album. It's very introspective...I'm also excited about being at Stax Records because it is truly the home of soul music in this country." Self Portrait will be in stores June 3.
Usher's 'Love In This Club' Video Contest
According to his YouTube channel "Usher wants to see young couples who met and found love in the club." Participants have to "upload a short video explaining how you and your man, or woman, met in the club...the winning couple will receive a $500 gift card from Travelocity and a signed CD from Usher. The contest ends June 12.
$500 gift certificate and a signed CD....they can do better than that...$1000 gift certificate, signed CD, and concert tickets sounds much better. Don't you agree?
Check out Usher's official video announcement.
Donny Hathaway's musical roots were firmly planted within the walls of the sanctified church. Donny never left the church, and the church surely never left Donny. Everything Is Everything, released in '70, captured Donny's gospel ubringing. Everything is Everything spoke of love, hope, pride,inspiration, salvation, the ghetto and tryin' times. The title track, "Voices Inside [Everything Is Everything]" is a straight up jam session, it's evident that Donny and his fellow musicians let loose in t
A picture is worth a thousand words...
These photographs were all taken in 2006 at various sidewalk makeshift memorials, prayer vigils, wakes, funerals, and burials in the city of Philadelphia. The deceased were all young African Americans murdered by fellow African Americans. This is not a Philadelphia problem. Black on black violence is a national problem. It's my problem. It's your problem. It's our problem. When will we solve it? The statistics are alarming; according to a 2005 Justice Department report blacks, who make up 13% of the US population, accounted for 50% of the nations murder victims, 93% of these victims were killed by fellow African Americans.
ReRe's Revival
Where: Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God In Christ
When: June 12-14
Who: Aretha Franklin, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Dorothy Norwood, Vickie Winans, Twinkie Clark, Bill Moss Jr.; evangelists Sandra Riley, Esther Smith and Ruby Terry and pastors Rev. Edgar Vann Jr. and Rev. Donald Parsons.
"I would love to see the city of Detroit come out to the revival and refresh their spirits and faith in the gospel and the word, and allow it to give many the support and the power that they need in these economically trying times." Franklin said in a statement. "Bring the children and give them the foundation that will stay with them for a lifetime, as it has with me."
Rizz Is Still Around
New Edition front man Ralph Tresvant aka Rizz is starring in the upcoming film Mama I Wanna Sing, a big screen adaptation of the hit stage play. Ciara, Patti LaBelle, Lynn Whitfield and Ben Vereen are also sta
Are you thinking what I'm thinking???Gov. Pardons Slick Rick
Rap legend Slick Rick received a full pardon from Gov. David Patterson, NY's first black governor, on May 23. According to The New York Times, Governor Patterson delivered the pardon to prevent the MC from being deported to England, where he was born and lived until the age of 11. 'Art of Love' Tour 
Def Jam recording artist Chrisette Michele performing "If I Have May". Check her out on tour with Raheem DeVaughn.
On a c
Casha'e was murdered in 2006 in Philadelphia. She was the city's 287th homicide victim of the year. Philadelphia has earned the dubious nickname Killadelphia. Makeshift memorials go up every few days in the hood. Last year 392 people were murdered in the City of Brotherly Love. The year before that, 406 people were killed, Philadelphia possessed the highest homicide rate of any big city in the nation, surpassing New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. A large majority of the victims are black males. City officials and law enforcement have blamed the worsening economy,a dismal education system, cutbacks in policing and social services and the availability of drugs and guns.
ided to not only talk about black folks in February but to talk about us in July. "CNN Presents: Black In America", a six-television event, examines the complex issues, successes and struggles of black men, women and families. The special will air in July. Check out the website.
an instant smash, producing hits "I Like," Groove Me," "Spend The Night," and "Teddy's Jam," and popularized New Jack Swing at the same time. Teddy Riley introduced us all to New Jack Swing by means of Make It Last Forever, Keith Sweat's '87 debut. However, Riley perfected the New Jack Swing sound on this album. Guy defined new jack wing and served as a blueprint for other artist. A blend of R&B, hip hop, dance, and funk Guy consisted of 10 tracks, irresistible uptempo party tracks such as "I Like" and "Teddy's Jam" and sweet slow ballads such as "Piece of My Love" and "Goodbye Love." Ranked one of VIBE's "51 Essential Albums" Guy, a study in New Jack Swing, is a must-have. Teddy Riley would go on to produce the classic Bobby Brown album Don't Be Cruel. Timmy Gaiting would eventually leave the group, he was replaced by Aaron's brother, Albert Damion Hall just in time for their 1990 release Future. The trio eventually broke up. Teddy focused on producing and songwriting and formed the group Blackstreet. Aaron Hall (the original R. Kelly) released his solo debut, The Truth, in 1994. Damion's Straight to the Point was released the following year. Guy reunited in 1999 and released Guy III in 2000.Luther singing "A House Is Not A Home" at the 1988 NAACP Image Awards.
The headline in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle read "Rochester streets devour another teen." 16 year old Daniel Davis was gunned down in Rochester, NY on May 12. Davis was killed blocks away from where two African American teens, Brent Coley and D'Marri Shaw, were killed in February. Davis was described by family and friends as a "good kid" who was beginning to head down the wrong path. Police have very little information about the circumstances surrounding his death. No arrest have been made. 
oth 15, were found, on the night of February 19, dying blocks apart after they were shot inside a house where drugs were being sold. Rochester Police Chief David Moore said the deaths were results of the teens' "high-risk lifestyle." Family of the victims described the boys as typical teens who were victims of a senseless crimes. Brent Coley is remembered as an energetic kid who loved playing football and hanging out with his friends. Da'Marri loved music, basketball and spending time with his seven siblings. In the words of Pastor Marlowe Washington, who spoke at Coley's funeral, "I cannot get immune to this...I'm sick and tired...of being sick and tired. I'm just sick of being sick."That's My Homegirl In The Video....
Simha Jamison, a 24 year old hair stylist testified yesterday that she recognized her childhood friend Roshona Landfair on the infamous R.Kelly sex tape. (Don't try to act like you haven't seen it.) Jamison testified "I believed it was my best friend" along with "her godfather R. Kelly." She estimated that Roshana was 13 or 14 when the tape was made. Jamison went on to say that Kelly would give Roshona "no less than $100...no more than $500" to go shopping. A 12 year veteran of the Chicago Police Department who was married to a relative of the girl on the video testified she learned of the video after receiving a phone call from former R. Kelly protege Sparkle, another relative of the alleged victim. When asked by the defense why she didn't take immediate action, Gibson testified that the entire situation was a very sensitive matter and neither the mother or father of the victim wanted to go forward with the charges.
Things aren't looking so good for the "Pied Piper of R&B"...Ron Isley is serving time, Wesley Snipes and Marion Jones are on their way to prison...R. Kelly might want consider going to Cuba with Assata Shakur.
ce = SoulCommune. According to it's website SoulCommune is the official portal to a growing community- the soul community. This is a place where soul lovers, organic hip hop lovers, soulful house lovers, and jazz lovers can convene, conncent, and cultivate friends, fans and business relationships.Many people consider ReRe's I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You to be the greatest soul album ever released. The recording of
Check out Gladys, brother Bubba and cousins Edward and Will performing "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" back in '72 at the Operation PUSH sponsored Save The Children concert.
I've decided to highlight the deaths of innocent young African Americans at the hands of other African Americans. Black on black crime is destroying communities of color across the country. A day after 15 year old Brandon Bethea was killed, 16 year old Tyreece Johnson was killed by a bullet to the head in the Far Rockaway section of Queens, NY. Ironically, Tyreece, the son of an entrepreneur and corrections officer, was shot as he was walking into a bodega on Monday afternoon, the day before FIVE people were shot on the same block, hours after Brandon Bethea was killed. Like Brandon, Tyreece no longer lived in the Far Rockaway neighborhood, he was sent to live with an aunt in North Carolina because of the violence that plagues Far Rockaway. Two black teens killed in less than 48 hours in the same neighborhood. When will it end?
The R. Kelly Trail Has Finally Begun...Jurors View Sex Tape
I saw the video...if that isn't R. Kelly not only can pigs fly but I Believe I Can Fly..
Let's Meet the Jury....
Juror #69...white male...30's...listens to NPR...reads Forbes and Wall Street Journal...believes the justice system has a bias against minorities...believes R. Kelly is guilty but judge based on the evidence.
Why isn't Black America outraged? We march and protest when the police kill us but black men are more likely to be killed by other black men than they are to be killed by police. It should come as no surprise that law enforcement can shoot a black man dead, WE don't respect OURSELVES, how can we expect anyone to respect us?
Social activists, clergy,community leaders, public officials, and the hip-hop community need to take a stand. Truth be told, WE ALL NEED TO TAKE A STAND!!!!
In light of Ty's death I've
2008 BET Award Nominations
Lil Wayne, MJB and Nelly helped announce the 2008 BET Award nominees. T-Pain's non singing a** leads the pack with 5 nominations. Kanye, MJB, A. Keys, Lil' Wayne and Keyshia Cole are nominated for multiple awards. Quincy Jones will receive the Humanitarian Award and Al "Grits" Green will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. I'm looking forward to seeing Keyshia's mama, Frankie, act a fool on the red carpet. The BET Awards air June 24th at 8 PM. I'm not a big fan of BET, but the BET Awards are hands down the best award show on TV!!!!! It Takes 3 To Make A Thing Go Right
Here is an excerpt of the article...
Essence: One thing you all have in common is that you each had a debut album that was a phenomenal success. How do you feel when you hear those songs now?
Mary J. Blige: It’s been about six months since I’ve listened to What’s the 411? I was in Japan working out, and when I heard it, I could definitely feel my youth, but I could also hear that I’ve always had an old soul. When I think back to that time, I remember that I was singing to escape. I understand that some people are stuck in that place, but I firmly believe that if you don’t evolve and grow, you will die.
Essence: From the outside looking in, it seems that success has been yours since day one, but there probably were, and are, disappointments. How do you cope when a project doesn’t pan out?
Jill Scott: This is life, and if something doesn’t work out, then it wasn’t meant to. I feel that there is a divine plan in all things. All I can do is the best I can do, and if it’s well received, then, yeah. If not, I hope life will give me an opportunity to try again. Do I challenge myself? Absolutely. But beat myself up? I just can’t do it.
Essence: Have you ever regretted folding to pressure from record labels?
Alicia Keys: In the beginning, I didn’t understand the concept of boundaries. I wanted to make sure the music was heard, but there’s a price you pay for that. I did everything and anything to promote my first album, like flying from New York to Los Angeles and back on the same day, which was a bit excessive.
Essence: Have you figured out the ingredients for the perfect song?
Mary: Yes, but I won’t tell. [Laughs] For me, it’s about being real and honest. And the lyrics have to be relatable.
Jill: Oh, I wish I knew. I think Ne-Yo knows. I think Carvin Haggins, who does a lot of writing for Musiq Soulchild, has the ingredients, too. My songs are mostly about life experiences, about being human and falling and getting back up. About loving and losing.
Essence: But aren’t those the ingredients right there?
Alicia: It’s always a bit of a mystery. A song should deal with a widely understood emotion, have a really strong, clear explanation of that emotion and a great melody that makes you want to sing it at the top of your lungs. Then the music should evoke the same feeling as the lyrics. Somewhere within all of that lies the perfect song.
Speaking of Mary, I think I speak for many, I'M SO PROUD OF MJB. When she entered the game back in '92 she was the around the way girl we could all relate to. She reminded us of the women in our lives; mothers, aunts, cousins, friends, girlfriends. We understood and felt her pain, the pain of a young black girl from the projects longing to find her place in the world. I think it is safe to say that Mary has finally found her place.
