Soul Tracks

I was digging through the crates looking for a song that captures my feelings of pride and joy in the aftermath of Barack Obama's historic moment. In the process I stumbled upon Stevie Wonder's 1972 release Music Of Mind. The album was a clear expression of Stevie Wonder, he broke away from the standard Motown formula and displayed his musical ambitions. Music of My Mind marked the beginning of Stevie's classic period ending with 1976's Songs In The Key Of Life. The delightful 'Happier Than The Morning Sun' sums up my post inauguration feelings. Barack Obama is my President and I'm happier than the morning sun. The song, an escape from Stevie's trademark funky sound, slips into Stevie's other musical personality. Simple yet eloquent, the song transcends time and space, taking the listener on an euphoric journey through the mind.
Stevie Wonder 'Happier Than The Morning Sun'

Soul Fixin'

Dwele + Boredom = New Song & New Video

When boredom sets in, the average person may watch television, make a phone call or surf the net but Dwele decided to write a song and record a video. Dwele's spontaneous creativity is definitely worth watching. The video, shot on MLK Day, is simply yet effective. The song, 'How I Deal (Waitin On Obama)' is soulful and addictive. Check it out.

Politics As Usual

Just My .02January 20, 2009. A day I will never forget. As I watched the inauguration, there was jubilation in my soul. A black man ascended to the highest office in the land. It felt like the ancestors were celebrating within me. Dr. King & Coretta were jumping for joy within me. Medgar Evers shed tears of happiness within me. Emmett Till stood in awe within me. Curtis Mayfield sang 'People Get Ready' within me. A Black President. A Black First Lady. A Black First Family. Genuine black love on display for the entire world to behold. A world that for so long doubted our love was authentic or relevant. Black love is black wealth.
I'm well aware that this moment transcends race and color. As Barack Obama once said, "I've always been clear that I'm rooted in the African-American community but not limited to it." Barack, a unifying force of gigantic proportions, reached out to all Americans in ways his opponents and predecessors failed to do. He changed the dynamics of politics and made Americans, young and old, black and white, Hispanic and Asian, rich and poor, feel apart of the process. We viewed Obama not as a politician but as a man who understood the plight and aspirations of average Americans during these troublesome times. For once, it genuinely feels like we've got a friend in The White House.

Fashion Foward

The $945 Dior Kicks
Dior has just released a new pair of black high top sneakers. The Eyelet High-Top Sneaker is far from cheap. The $945 price tag is what I pay in rent for a two bedroom apartment in NYC. Needless to say, I will not own a pair. I'm satisfied with a pair of Nike kicks. The Italian made shoe is made with smooth grained leather and includes soft calfskin lining and padded insole, logo-embossed accents, rubber sole and rounded toe. 

Soul Fixin'

Watch John Legend's Latest Video

John Legend has practically fallen off my radar. The new sound displayed on his recent release, Evolver, isn't my cup of tea. I'm longing for the soul of his brilliant debut, Get Lifted. Needless to say, J. Legend has dropped a video for his second single, 'Everybody Knows.' New York City serves as the backdrop and various couples from all walks of life make cameos throughout the video. Legend leaves a lot to be desired. Check it out and judge for yourself.

Soul Fixin'

Pioneers of R&B Need Our Help
One of the founding principles of The Rhythm & Blues Foundation, a non profit organization dedicated to the historical and cultural preservation of R&B, is to provide financial and medical assistance to older artists in the world of R&B. According to the Rhythm & Blues Foundation website, the organization has "helped pay for everything from eyeglasses and instruments to hospital stays and home care. Our grants have put food in empty cupboards, kept the heat on and made sure that the lights weren’t turned off. Sadly, families also turn to the Foundation to help bury artists who were once celebrated in life, but who have been forgotten in death." Without a doubt the R&B musicians and singers of the past have made immeasurable contributions to the world of music. In the words of rapper T.I "there would be no rap, hip-hop or whatever you want to call it, without R&B. I give props to the great artists from the 40's, 50's, 60's, and 70's...we got to take care of our own!" Many of the pioneering artist of R&B who were often underpaid and too often unrecognized are in need of financial assistance.They gave so much, now it's time we give a little in return. Donations can be made at the Rhythm & Blues Foundation website.

Random Sh*t

This Picture Is Priceless 

Countless photos of the inaugural ceremony and celebration are floating around the net. One photo stands out above the rest.

Video Soul

"ready or not, here I come, you can't hide
I'm gonna find you, and take it slowly..."

Soul Fixin'

Call It A Comeback
Long lost but not forgotten soul man D'Angelo is steadily working towards a comeback. Rumors surrounding a comeback have been floating around for years. Now, it seems like D'Angelo is following in the footsteps of Maxwell. This comeback is real, so I think. Let's keep our fingers crossed. According to Billboard D'Angelo plans on collaborating with Prince for his long awaited new album, reportedly titled James River. The album is expected to drop this summer via J Records. Collaborations with Raphael Saadiq, Mark Ronson, and Roy Hargrove are complete. D'Angelo plans on touring this summer, starting in Europe before hitting the road in the States. Cities and dates have yet to be announced.

Fashion Forward

Aretha & That Hat
Scanning the crowd at Obama's inauguration, I came across a slew of individuals rocking berets, fur trapper caps, fedoras and various other hats. The Hat of the Day Award goes to Aretha Franklin, a woman known for rocking gorgeous crowns. The Queen of Soul, a product of the Baptist church, wrapped her head in an over-the-top gray hat with an oversized bow and beading, a sign of nobility and prestige deeply rooted in the black church. Regal. Noble. Elegant. The makings of a Queen.

Soul Fixin'

Take A Ride With Q-Tip & Amanda Diva

Q-Tip's 'Manwomanboogie' has finally received the video treatment. The fourth video from The Renaissance was released last week. Somehow, it managed to slip under my radar. A train ride, with a host of characters including Native Americans, serves as the backdrop as the video explores the compelling relationship between man and woman. Check out the video directed by Rick Cordero and let us know what you think.

Fashion Forward

Michelle Obama, Simple & Classy
Weeks prior to the inauguration, every fashionista speculated on what Michelle Obama should and would wear. The day has finally come. The First Lady wore a bright yellow retro dress and matching jacket by Cuban-born designer Isabel Toledo. Mrs. Obama chose a pair of Jimmy Choo Glacier pumps and J. Crew gloves to keep her hands warm. Simple and sophisticated.

Politics As Usual

Good Bye Mr. Bush!!!

Video Soul

"like a moth to a flame
burned by the fire
my love is blind
can't you see my desire?..."

Soul Tracks

Yes, the album cover is repulsive. A 40 year old Bobby Womack decked out in a hot red leather outfit surrounded by hanging purple fabric. Blame it on the creativity of the 80's. Bobby Womack's 16th studio album, The Poet II, a follow up to 1981's brilliant The Poet, was released in 1984. Patti LaBelle joined the gritty soul singer, a protege of Sam Cooke, on a trio of songs, including the emotional 'It Takes A Lot Of Strength To Say Goodbye.' The chemistry between the two singers is dramatic and satisfying. In a career that has seen scattered moments of greatness, 'It Takes A Lot Of Strength To Say Goodbye' finds Bobby Womack at his finest as a singer, songwriter, and producer. In honor of Dr. King, included in this post is Womack's ode to MLK, 'American Dream', which features snippets of King's 'I Have A Dream' speech.

Bobby Womack feat. Patti LaBelle 'It Takes A Lot Of Strength To Say Goodbye'
Bobby Womack 'American Dream'

Politics As Usual

Is Obama Just More Of The Same?
Barack Obama's historic campaign centered around a single word, CHANGE. As it turns out, Barack Obama isn't quite different from past Presidents. In a recent New York Daily News article, author Ian Strock highlights the similarities between Obama and previous Presidents. Strock concludes that Obama is more typical than John McCain. Let's take a look at some of these similarities based on characteristics:

Age of Presidents on Inauguration Day
Barack Obama: 47 years, 169 days old
Average Age of Previous Presidents: 55 years, 117 days old
John McCain, if elected: 72 years, 114 days old
Children
Barack Obama: 2 daughters
Previous Presidents: 3.7 children
John McCain: 7 children
President/First Lady Age Difference
The Obamas: 2 years, 166 days
Previous Presidents: 5 years, 16 days
The McCains: 17 years
College/Career
The most popular college for future Presidents is Harvard. Obama becomes the eighth Harvard alumnus in the White House. Half of Obama's predeccessors were lawyers, as he is.
Family Tree
23 of the 42 Presidents have been related to each other.
Obama is related to at least 6 former Presidents, James Madison, Harry Truman, Lyndon B. Johnson, Gerald Ford, George H.W Bush and George W. Bush.
McCain is not related to any former Presidents.[NYDN]

Soul Fixin'

Aretha, Aretha, Aretha!!!
As I read and watch the coverage of the upcoming inauguration, I'm reminded of Aretha Franklin. Aretha will lend her voice to Barack's big day. A woman who has sang for Dr. King, kings and queens, and former Presidents, will be on hand as Barack Obama enters the history books. It's no suprise the Obama family enjoys Aretha's music. My love affair with Aretha began about a decade ago thanks to I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You. There have been a few bumps in the road; down right horrible recordings, a silly feud with Beyonce and Tina Turner, and questionable wardrobe choices but the love is still strong. On the eve of Aretha's historic performance, here are a trio of overlooked Aretha tunes from her days at Atlantic Records. Aretha and then husband/manager wrote the tell-it-like-it-is 'Good To Me As I Am To You' for 1968's Lady Soul. Aretha transformed Gamble & Huff's 'A Brand New Me' into a jazzy declaration of new beginnings. Aretha's voice soars to unheard heights on the Curtis Mayfield produced 'I Get High' from 1976's Sparkle.
Aretha Franklin 'Good To Me As I Am To You'
Aretha Franklin 'A Brand New Me'
Aretha Franklin 'I Get High'

Random Sh*t

Through The Eyes Of A Child

The New York Daily News asked kids from the NYC area to send in letters to President-elect Barack Obama. More than 1,000 kids responded - here are my two favorites.
Mustafa Sener, age 6, Brooklyn.

Maurice Williams, age 4, Brooklyn.

Soul Fixin'

Mary Sings At Lincoln Memorial

I was delighted to learn that our girl, MJB, would lend her voice to The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial. The event was broadcast live on HBO, that channel is a luxury around these parts. Needless to say, I came across Mary's performance on YouTube. I expected to see this Obama supporter saaanging. Full of soul and emotion, wearing her heart on her sleeve. Cheesy song aside, Mary was Mary. The Obama family seemed to enjoy every bit of MJB. There is one problem, song selection. MJB played it safe, very safe, with Bill Wither's 'Lean On Me.' Why not 'People Get Ready' or 'Someday We'll All Be Free' or 'This Is My Country'?

Artful Thinking

A Childhood Dream Come TrueKansas born artist Tom Otterness created a paradise for children.

{Photo Courtesy of Tom Otterness}