Black Music Month

Depression and Chemical imbalance is real, if not recognized and treated, it could lead to many dark days.  I still remember where I was June 30, 1995, when I received the phone call, that one of my favorites singers had passed away from suicide.

It's hard to believe that today marks the 20th anniversary of actress, model and soul/jazz singer Phyllis Hyman's untimely passing. The often troubled chanteuse, left a wonderful body of work.  Her most successful album release was her 'opus' Living All Alone it was the seventh album, and her label debut released on Philadelphia International Records in 1986. The album contained the title track, which peaked at #12 on the R&B charts and has become one of Hyman's well-known hits of her career.

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Bye Felecia, Donald you're FIRED

More consequences for Donald Trump after his comments about Mexican immigrants: NBC dumped his beauty pageants and reiterated he will not be in The Apprentice anymore.The network, which has been under pressure to fire Trump since last week when Univision announced it would not air Trump's Miss USA pageant in Spanish, said in a statement that "respect and dignity for all people are cornerstones of our values.

"Due to the recent derogatory statements by Donald Trump regarding immigrants, NBCUniversal is ending its business relationship with Mr. Trump," the statement said.

"To that end, the annual Miss USA and Miss Universe Pageants, which are part of a joint venture between NBC and Trump, will no longer air on NBC. In addition, as Mr. Trump has already indicated, he will not be participating in The Apprentice on NBC," because he is an announced Republican candidate for president.

"Celebrity Apprentice is licensed from Mark Burnett's United Artists Media Group and that relationship will continue," the network added.

Welcome back Damita Jo ...

Pop Royalty ... Ms. Janet Jackson

Wimbledon starts Today

Game on!!!

Black Music Month

Rahsaan Patterson is One of the most talented singer, songwriter, stylist, producers in the Entertainment industry.  He's the male counterpart to Whitney Houston and Chaka Khan.  Vocally there's nothing he can't do.  The man is a best behind a microphone, and one of my all time favorite singers.  KK

Love In Stereo is the second studio album by Rahsaan Patterson, released in 1999, under MCA. The album peaked at #51 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.  The lead single "Treat You Like A Queen" was a modest hit in the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.  Clearly MCA dropped the ball in the promotion of this project, it's a soulful masterpiece through and through.

Patterson is a true pioneer and a 30 plus year industry veteran.  He is a 'must' see LIVE!!!

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Affirmation

Dear Heavenly Father,

I humbly come to you, asking for your love and mercy.  I am merely a vessel to spread the word and your goodness and mercies.  Please continue to guide and direct my path, as I continue to honor you in all ways of my being.  More and more I'm understanding patience and in waiting, self discovery is involved.  Please allow my relationship with you to continue to grow.  Forgive me of my sins, and teach me your way.  For all the Blessings in my life, I do give thanks.  Amen~

Black Music Month

An exquisite 'MASTERPIECE' and one of my all time favorite albums from start to finish. KK

'What's Going On' was the first concept album, it was met with resistence from Motown label head Berry Gordy, however Gordy quickly had to eat crow, as 'What's Going On' became a triple million seller and some 40 plus years later, it's still relevant in dialogue about the world in which we live in.

What's Going On was the eleventh studio album by Marvin Gaye, released May 21, 1971, on the Motown-subsidiary label Tamla Records. Recording sessions for the album took place in June 1970 and March–May 1971. 'What's Going On' was the first album on which Motown Records' main studio band, the group of session musicians known as the Funk Brothers, received an official credit.

The first Marvin Gaye album credited as being produced by the artist himself.  The album is told from the point of view of a Vietnam War veteran returning to the country he had been fighting for, and seeing nothing but injustice, suffering and hatred. The album features introspective lyrics and socially conscious themes of drug abuse, poverty, and the Vietnam War.  Gaye has etched his name of the music books of Greatness, as a scholar.

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Black Music Month

One of the most underrated singers in the business.  Shanice Wilson released her first album at 14 years old.  Through the peaks and valleys of the Entertainment industry, he vocals remain precise and on point.

'Shanice' is the fourth studio album by American R&B singer Shanice, released March 3, 1999 on LaFace Records. The album peaked at No. 15 on Billboards Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and No. 56 on Billboard200. The lead single, "When I Close My Eyes" held the record for the biggest leap in 1-week on Billboard's Hot 100 (from #91 to #16) up until 2006. The song peaked at #12 on the Hot 100 chart.  Other singles released from the album were "Yesterday" and "You Need a Man." The album was certified Gold and has sold over 488,200 copies to date.

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Love Just Won ...

Black Music Month

One of the best concerts that I have ever witnessed, pure magical genius. KK

The 'Natural Wonder' cd and tour ... It's a measure of Stevie Wonder's place in our collective unconscious that merely saying his name immediately conjures up good vibrations.  To many listeners, especially during the past decade, when hip-hop so dominated the black-music scene, Wonder has been increasingly perceived as more of a soul-music icon than an authentic presence. Which is precisely what makes Natural Wonder — a double CD recorded live with a 30-piece symphony orchestra at concerts in Osaka, Japan, and Tel Aviv, Israel,  such an important and revelatory statement. Because throughout the course of this 45 year retrospective, Wonder repeatedly demonstrates the remarkable extent to which his distinctive inner visions have been ahead of the musical curve.

Songs like "Superstition" ('72), the R&B standard "I Wish" ('76) and the reggae-bopping "Master Blaster (Jammin')," from 1980. In retrospect it's clear that when Wonder sang, "Music is a world within itself with a language that we all understand" on "Sir Duke," his '76 tribute to Duke Ellington, his kaleidoscopic, pancultural musical philosophy was already firmly in place. Listening to his wordless, soaring East-meets-West vocal gymnastics on "Love's In Need Today".  All illustrate the seamless, eclectic genius of Stevie Wonder.

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Remembering ...

Never Ever Be Another Ever - Michael Jackson, I remember the Day The Music Stopped. When I heard the announcement come through over the radio, I was driving on the 110 freeway in Los Angeles, I almost crashed my car. What I remembered most was the Unity in Los Angeles for two solid weeks, at every red light, at ever intersection, and throughout any circles that I travelled, everyone was bumping Michael Jackson music, and for those brief two weeks, the world stopped hating, and battling our differences, uniting because Michael Jacksons music transcended race and cultures.

The Day The Music Stopped

Never Be Another - MIchael Jackson

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Cool - Maxwell

Hipster Cool - Maxwell

Black Music Month ...

'Finally Karen' moved me in ways that I can't describe, but I will tell you this GOD was in the building.  Clarke's ministry has come to my rescue on more than one occasion, GOD sent me an Angel right here on earth. KK

Finally Karen is the debut album of gospel singer Karen Clark Sheard, released on November 4, 1997. The live portion of the album was recorded at Bailey Cathedral in Detroit, Michigan.  The album was Grammy-nominated for Best Soul Gospel Album in 1998. The song "The Will of God" launched the gospel career of her daughter Kierra "Kiki" Sheard, who won her first Stellar award on the strength of her vocal performance. Finally Karen also won the Lady Of Soul award for Best Gospel Album the same year. 

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Headlights ...

Taraji P. Henson's time is NOW!!!

Lester Holt makes History ...

Lester Holt took over NBC Nightly News yesterday replacing the ousted anchorman Brian Williams, who had issues with telling the whole truth and nothing but.  It's bittersweet, while I remain a fan of Brian Williams, I also really dig Lester Holt's journalism.  At the end of the day Williams clearly crossed the line.  Below is excerpts from 'Holt's' take in the debacle with Williams. *kk*

Even Lester Holt didn't know what was going on while the Brian Williams scandal nearly burned down NBC News.

The NBC brass kept Holt uniformed during the nearly five months he filled in for the disgraced anchor. Finally, last week, the 55-year-old network news journeyman became NBC’s new news star as he was officially anointed the anchor of the flagship program, “Nightly News.”

Ultimately, the embattled Williams lost his prestigious perch behind the anchor desk after an internal investigation revealed that he had spent years exaggerating his role in world events on talk shows, speaking engagements and at parties.

The two newsmen had traded some emails during Williams’ suspension, but they spoke last Thursday for the first time since the scandal.

Holt describes the conversation as “personal,” so he declined to give the details, but he did reveal that he and Williams are on solid ground as colleagues.

“It was a conversation that we both had been craving but didn't know how to initiate,” Holt says. “The bottom line is that we expressed our friendship to each other. We acknowledged that while some might see this as awkward, nothing that has transpired was between the two of us. We are friends and the best way to characterize it is that Brian and I are good.”

During the Williams suspension, Holt quickly became aware that he wasn’t merely filling in for Williams on television. “I was asked to lead the newsroom through this time and it was hard — especially in the first few days and weeks when all of those eyeballs were focused on us.”

Black Music Month

Sax according to Kirk Whalum, his lungs are incredible.  Kirk Whalum was born July 11, 1958.  He  is an American smooth jazz saxophonist and songwriter. He toured with Whitney Houston for more than seven years and soloed in her single "I Will Always Love You", the best-selling single by a female artist in music history.

'For You' was released on Warner Brothers records in 1998 and quickly became oine of my favorite Jazz albums of all time.  It's a collection, of classic popular soul and pop records.

Kirk’s musical accomplishments have brought him a total of 12 Grammy nominations. He won his first Grammy award in 2011 for Best Gospel Song (“It’s What I Do”, featuring Lalah Hathaway) alongside lifelong friend and gifted writer, Jerry Peters.

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Opening July 3rd ...

Amy Winehouse

Lester Holt ... NBC

Making history as the first Black news solo anchorman.  Congrats Les

Black Music Month

Usher's 'Here I Stand' was very underrated, unfortunately he's still trying to live up to his 'Confessions' cd.  'Stand' was a very mature album and in terms of artistry, I think this project solidified 'Raymond's' place in soul music.

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Black Music Month

Jazz,Fusion,Soul - Brand New Heavies

Affirmation

Heavenly Father,

I surrender all to you. Please forgive me for my faults and shortcomings.  I honor your presence in my life.  Thank you for being better to me than I am to myself.  Please continue to watch over me.  Guide. Protect and Direct my path.  For all the Blessings in my I do give thanks.

Amen~

Happy Father's Day

Happy Fathers Day

Remembering

Ed Bradley ... 

A Gentleman's Gentleman and a class act!!!

Black Music Month

Canadian born vocalist Glenn Lewis

TGIF

Trust your instincts and know Thy self. #TGIF

Black Music Month

Monica

Black Music Month

One of my faves from the Jacksons

Warriors Champions

MVP ... Step Curry

Keep Ya Head Up!!!

Remembering Tupac Shakir

Black Music Month

Best selling jazz CD of ALL time!!

UNBREAKABLE - Janet

L'eggo

Affirmation

Heavenly Father,

I humbly surrender my all to you.  I come to you asking for forgiveness and Improvement.  Please continue to Bless, Guide and Direct my path.  My way is not always the right way, your way requires patience, and more and more, Im learning to lean on you, trusting that my Faith, is a mere testimony of what's to come.  I love you and need your presence in my Life.  I am a Vessel to spread the word of your goodness and your mercy.  For allowing me the opportunity to Grace a new Day.  I do give Thanks!

Amen~

Black Music Month

Teena Marie the Blue-Eyed Soul loyalist who never faltered in her love for the art and existence of Black Culture and Soul Music.  Irons in the Fire is the third album by American R&B/soul singer Teena Marie, released on July 6, 1980 by Motown. Her first self produced effort, it was dedicated to her father, Thomas Leslie Brockert. It received positive reviews on its release.

From the thumping baseline of her top five r&b hit 'I Need Your Lovin' Marie had her audience wrapped around her fingers.   Irons in the Fire peaked at #9 on the Black Albums chart and #38 on the Pop Albums chart. Lead single "I Need Your Lovin'" peaked at #4 on the US Black Singles chart and #37 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also reached #28 in the United Kingdom, making it Marie's second and last top 30 single in that country.  Quiet Storm radio formats showcased selections like the exquisite 'Irons In The Fire, You Make Love Like Springtime and Tune In Tomorrow.   In addition "I Need Your Lovin'" peaked at number two for two weeks on the dance charts. 

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Black Music Month

Before Selma and his Academy Award rapper/poet/activist Common.  His 'Like Water for Chocolate' is the fourth studio album released March 28, 2000 on MCA Records. It was a considerable critical and commercial breakthrough for Common, receiving generally favorable reviews from major magazine publications and selling 70,000 copies in its first week.  The album was certified Gold on August 11, 2000, to date the album has sold 748,000 copies.  The video for "The Light" was frequently shown on MTV, adding to Common's exposure. The album also formally marked the formation of the Soulquarians, a collective composed 

of ?uestlove (of The Roots), Jay Dee (formerly of Slum Village), keyboardist James Poyser, soul artist D'Angelo and bassist Pino Palladino, among numerous other collaborators. 

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TGIF

Eyes hold the secrets to your soul, things you may not speak on, does not mean, you're unaware. #TGIF

Black Music Month

Two time Grammy Winner and Southern Grown artist Robert Glasper was born April 5, 1978 in Houston, Texas, He is an American jazz pianist and record producer. His 2012 album Black Radio won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album at the 55th Grammy Awards.

On February 28, 2012, Glasper released Black Radio, which featured performances by many neo-soul and hip hop artists including Lupe Fiasco,Bilal, Lalah Hathaway and Yasiin Bey. 

On June 16th, 2015, The Robert Glasper Trio will release the upcoming album, Covered, featuring instrumental covers of various genres.

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Black Music Month

H

All good things come to an end, same can be said, when ego's get the better of you.  Interestingly enough titled 'The Love Movement' is a 1998 album by hip hop group A Tribe Called Quest. Unfortunately little 'Love' was left between the trio.  It was the group's fifth and final album of original material. Musically, it followed in the same vein as Beats, Rhymes and Life, featuring the smooth, and jazz-oriented beats of The Ummah. Critical reaction was mostly positive, for the album was a return to the original positive sound of their first three albums.  The lead single, "Find a Way" secured major airplay on mainstream radio stations, even in the UK and was a particularly good example of the relaxed vibe which defined this farewell album. Despite their odds with each other Tribe Called Quest were innovators, and will always being viewed by rap loyalists as trendsetting Rap political poets.  'Love Movement' was certified the album gold on November 1, 1998. 

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Black Music Month

It gets no better than Gladys Knight & The Pips.  'Imagination' was released October 1973.  It is a masterpiece, and partnered the group with songwriter Jim Weatherly.   After leaving a 'tense' situation at Motown Records,  the project sold two million copies, AND earned them, their first Grammy Award, It was the sweetest revenge. 

Imagination is the eleventh studio album recorded by American R&B group Gladys Knight & the Pips, released in October 1973 on the Buddah label. The album, the group's first for Buddah after leaving Motown, Knight felt that her group was being overlooked because all the focus and attention was on their labelmate Diana Ross

'Imagination' includes their first and only Billboard Hot 100 number-one hit "Midnight Train to Georgia", which also reached number-one on the R&B singles chart.

The album also produced other the successful singles, including "I've Got to Use My Imagination" and "Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me)", with both songs peaking at number-one on the R&B singles chart and top five on the Billboard Hot 100.  The album was also their second studio album to make the top ten on the Billboard 200 and their second of five R&B albums chart-toppers.

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Remembering Jackie Wilson

Happy Birthday Jackie Wilson

Black Music Month

Ne-Yo is easily one of the most talented singer/songwriter/producers in the game, covering 'all' genres of music.  Remember 'to the left, to the left' when Beyoncé' called to be the songwriter, we'll not so fast, 'Irreplaceable' was Ne-Yo's creation.

Year of the Gentleman is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Ne-Yo, released September 11, 2008, on Def Jam Recordings in the United States.  Ne-Yo worked with several record producers for the album, including Stargate, Chuck Harmony,Polow da Don, Stereotypes, and Reggie "Syience" Perry, among others.

Peaking at #2 on the Top 100 and #1 on the R&B Album chart.  'Year' was a commercial success, charting in the top-10 in several countries. It produced four singles, including international hits "Closer", "Miss Independent", and "Mad". Year of the Gentleman has been certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.   It has also been certified double platinum by the British Phonographic Industry.

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