Soul Fixin'

'If This Isn't Love' It's A 'Dreamworld'
Here are two spanking new videos for you to enjoy. First up, J. Hud's 'If This Isn't Love.' The girl has been on a roll lately. In the aftermath of an unspeakable tragedy, Jennifer has emerged to sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl, win a Grammy and deliver a performance at the Grammy's worthy of a standing ovation. She hasn't missed a step with her latest video. Simple and straightforward for obvious reasons, it's a moving symbol of one woman's enduring spirit. The next video comes from blue-eyed soul crooner Robin Thicke. I was the digging the track 'Dreamworld' the moment I heard it. The somber tune, that invokes the memory of Marvin Gaye among other things, proved to be a magic moment on an album that failed to please the masses. Sit back and enjoy the charming video.

Video Soul

Soul Fixin'

A. Ham's 'Soul's On Fire'
Anthony Hamilton is a rarity in contemporary R&B, he is one of a few artists who could have succeeded in the 1960's & 70's alongside the likes of Otis Redding, Bobby Womack, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, or Gladys Knight & The Pips. Without a doubt, A. Ham is revered around these parts. In the wake of dropping The Point Of It All, A. Ham has hit the road with his brand of authentic soul. In the midst of releasing an album and touring, Anthony created his own blog, Playin' It Cool, which chronicles his journey on tour. His latest post features a heartfelt performance of 'Soul's On Fire' from The Point Of It All. Hit play and enjoy!

Random Sh*t

I Got That Good Hair

After being asked, "Daddy, how come I don't have good hair?", comedian Chris Rock set out to make a film that chronicles the trials and tribulations of black hair. Chris collaborated with writer and pop culture critic Nelson George on the thought provoking, funny film, which grabbed a grand jury prize at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. The doc digs deep into the culture of black hair, visiting salons and styling battles, scientific laboratories, and Indian temples exploring the way black hairstyles impact the activities, pocketbooks, sexual relationships, and self-esteem of black people. The film is set to premiere on HBO.

Soul Fixin'

Etta James Got Jokes
When audio of Etta James' rant against President Obama and Beyonce hit the net, I had a feeling the 71 year old legend was simply joking and entertaining her audience. I was absolutely right. It was all a joke! Check out what Etta had to say. "I didn't really mean anything," James said. "Even as a little child, I've always had that comedian kind of attitude. ... That's probably what went into it....they were all laughing, and it was funny." As for Obama, James said she "always thought he was handsome and he was cool." [NYDN]

Soul Fixin'

It's A Family Affair
The second cover of VIBE's March 2009 issue features Keyshia Cole and her beloved mother Frankie. Keyshia & Frankie prove to be the first mother & daughter to grace the cover of VIBE. The March issue hits newsstands nationwide February 17. Be sure to check out the video below, Keyshia talks about her latest project A Different Me.

Politics As Usual

Yes We Did!!! Maybe, He Can Too!!!
"I will not promise you this path will be easy, yes, this will be hard, but if we find our way, we can build a state like we have never known, not at some distant point called one day, but right now, in our season."

U.S. Rep. Artur Davis has announced his candidacy for the office of governor in the state of Alabama. The Harvard educated lawyer and close friend of President Obama is hoping to become Alabama's first black governor. It won't be easy. Davis will need to clench a large number of white votes in a state where Obama got fewer than 20 percent of the white vote.

Video Soul

s

Soul Fixin'

Leela James Plans New Album
I'm pleased to announce that Leela James is making a comeback. The wait is finally over! Four years after releasing A Change Is Gonna Come, Leela has switched labels and plans on releasing her Shanachie Records debut, Let's Do It Again, in April. Get ready for some authentic gut-bucket soul. Leela pays tribute to soul icons and her personal influences including the Staple Singers and Bobby Womack. Don't sleep on Leela James, be sure to cop the album when it drops.

Video Soul