This 19 year old beauty hails from Kingston, Jamaica and is the new, hot, fresh, young, face on the model scene. Check out the story at the jump of Jamaica's own Sedene Blake.
She has already done the following shows: Jason Wu, Costello Tagliapietra, Peter Som, Catherine Malendrino, Custo Barcelona, Carolina Herrera, Derek Lam, Philip Lim, Tommy Hilfiger.
She will appear on: Vogue Italia by Greg Lotus, Russian Vogue by Terry Tsiolis, W by Bruce Weber, POP by Tina Barney, Interview Magazine by Mikael Jansson, Teen Vogue by Sebastian Kim.
Read the Vogue interview of Sedene at the jump link. http://www.vogue.it/en/vogue-black/new-faces/2010/02/sedene
I woke up this Sunday Morning with a want for some Jazz music. I looked over several of my old CD and ran across some of my favorites in my collection. CD covers with awesome color and awe stared at me. From Donald Byrd, Coltrane, Horace Silver, Joe Sample, and so on, but one of my old CD stood out and gave me that, "Play Me" look. It's been a long time, but this was always one of my favorite CDs to put in the ride on a road trip or play during Sunday Morning clean up. Since I'm doing the later, this became the CD of choice for Sunday Morning.
This is the first track off of a great album GURU's JAzzmatazz Vol 1. entitled Loungin' featuring Donald Byrd. If you ever heard the song Doing It In The Park by Donald Byrd and the Blackbyrds, then you've heard Donald Byrd's music before. This album was a great combination of old and new. Donald Byrd drops knowledge and blows a mean trumpet as GURU gives smooth lyrics which hugs the track. This will always be a classic, so I figure why not have this classic as our final last day of Black History Month Track.
Common and others will be speakers at the Teach For America’s Community Speakers Series, a forum to connect communities and colleges in a conversation about the educational opportunities and challenges impacting men of color. If you're in the NYC area come join in engaging dialogue with renowned speakers to explore solutions that will help our community and country to reach their full potential. When: Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Where: Avery Fisher Hall @ Lincoln Center
10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023-6970
Time: 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
Panelists:
Common, Artist/Actor/Entrepreneur
Ruben Diaz, Jr, Bronx Borough President
Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, Associate Professor of Education at Teacher’s College, Columbia University
John Legend, Grammy Award-Winning Singer/Songwriter
HBCU were founded by visionaries for the advancement of black people. These schools were founded and established, because white America didn't want black people to attend their colleges. With the commitment of several scholars, professors, visionaries, and support, these schools show what America can be to anyone with a vision, a passion, and a dream.
This event event demonstrates the Obama’s strong appreciation for the historic role these institutions have played in educating our citizens and the Administration’s commitment to assisting HBCUs with accomplishing their mission.
Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have made historic and ongoing contributions to the general welfare and prosperity of our country. Established by visionary leaders, America’s HBCUs have, for over 150 years, produced many of the Nation’s leaders in business, government, academia, and the military and have provided generations of American men and women with hope and educational opportunity.
Since it's near the end of Black history Month, we have to take it back. Back to when a fan of Hip Hop can get a history lesson in a song. Big Ups to Krs-One and Boogie Down Productions for educating the youth. Enjoy Black History Month
Just in case your ears can't wait three more days for the release of Rah D's The Love and War Masterpeace, well you can get your free listen and preview at the jump link. This will be Rah D's third album with his two prior albums being bangers and an immediate sensation in the streets. Didn't take long for this brother to hit mainstream and get a grammy nomination, but this guy and his whole click are some hustlers. Some of this work I heard on some of his mixtapes, but not this whole project. Give it a listen and I'm sure your ears won't be disappointed.
Tabi Bonney can be heard rapping along with DC's Wale or MD's Raheem Devaughn on various tracks. Their whole click are music monsters who flood the streets with mixtapes like a DC GoGo band back in the days. Their hunger and creativity is throughtout their click and the fan gets plenty of music and plenty of great tunes. Check out this Tabi Booney and Rah D joint and you'll understand what I mean about this DC/MD family.
Sade rolls solo understand that youngin'. Word is Drake had visions of working with Sade on a joint collabo, but Sade simply informed he or whoever, "Thanks, but no thanks". Sade has what she calls a "safety net" in where she can be fully creative in her own space and zone without any interference. Thats why we go crazy for an album from her after so many years. And she still looks DAMN GOOD for 51. Go Sade. Sade Isn't Interested in Collaborating With Drake - The Boombox
Check out Georgia perform her song, "Roses." The new album, SomeOthaShip is in stores now. If you're in Philly tonight, you can check the duo out at The Arts Garage.
Now ST have been laying off of Tiger throughout his ordeal, but one of ST Followers submitted an article I couldn't just let sit in my inbox. With that said here goes:
Fame, fortune and notoriety can weaken the moral defense of the most upright individual; but, at the end of the day-we are human. American society uses a microscope to canvass the lives of celebrities and when it finds a blemish, suddenly we forget the skeletons extruding from our closets. Tiger Woods, a mere man, with an extraordinary talent, has let his “wood” get the best of him. His sexual addiction and infidelity has monopolized the media, the dinner table, and the black church. I don’t know why we’ve placed Tiger in the category of the “token black Negro”, the one who was supposed to save the African American culture from the mistakes of other prominent leaders. Tiger didn’t even identify with us, but I’m willing to bet that Tiger will be anxious to partake of anything black since white America has taken Tiger down to a cub. Don’t get me wrong, I am proud of his accomplishments and all the obstacles he was able to overcome in the golfing arena, I just wish he was smarter about some of the holes he knocked the balls into….hey, I’m just saying. My heart goes out to his family, and I pray that they have some solace during this time. I would start by cashing the alimony check, but that’s just me.
Now I never heard this Canton Jones song until this morning on my way to work. Since I have so many things going on in my life like many of us, this song and the lyrics were just what I wanted and needed. My daughter and I were in awe listening to the song and the lyrics and even chuckled on the funny parts of the song. We all have those 'moments' where we need to talk to ourselves, so we can make the correct choices in life. Stay Saved though Gospel or Gospel Rap, whatever the genre, this song is a great tune and what music should be about-UPLIFTMENT!!!
Amel Larrieux and Bryce Wilson made up the 90's duo Groove Theory before any of us were saying the word, Neo-Soul. Though the group only made one album, that one album is a classic. Whenever I take a road trip I play a song or two off of this album from my iPod. Now ST readers know that Amel has been doing her thing since the break up of Groove Theory and so has Bryce. After the two have been doing their own thing for so long, I look forward to the NEW product that they will put out together and when ST gets it we'll pass it on.
We told you guys earlier that the Meth, Ghostface, and Raekwon will be putting out an album. Well it seems the release date is next month (March 9th) and this is the video trailer to the first single, "Our Dreams".
President Obama will not give up on something our country needs, HEALTH CARE REFORM. The key word here is "Reform". Reform means 'change' and our current health care system is in need of a change. Since our country NEEDS this, it is confusing to me as to why opposition will come without anyone sitting to the table to discuss the needs of the American people. The people who oppose "change" or "reform" are not coming up with any ideas to fix this problem of high cost health care. I'm just glad this president is doing all he can to make both parties sit down, plan, discuss, and come up with a plan. In essence he's FORCING congress to work and work together for the people of America. I'm not saying President Obama's plan is full proof, but I am saying, congress needs to work together for Americans and stop bickering across party lines. After all, you guys were voted into office to work, not bicker back and forth like a bunch of children instead of moving forward.
This is Black History Month and here at ST we are taking some moments in Black History and posting it on the blog. Marvin Gaye is my 2nd favorite lyricist behind Stevie Wonder and that's only because Stevie can't see a thing (smile). Being a big Marvin Gaye fan (I grew up on Marvin) this was always one of my coldest songs to play on the CD. When I was in college, I had a ball explaining to my schoolmates that Marvin was talking about "cunnilingus" in this particular cut Soon I'll be Loving You Again. And if you don't know what that word means, listen to the words Marvin sings on this track or just go look it up in the dictionary. Celebrate Black History Month!
Ohio get ready for America's favorite Underground Neo Soul Artist, Mr. Eric Roberson. He'll be in Columbus at the Downtown Hyatt Regency and he will bring the sounds from all his classics and his latest LP, Music Fan First. Tickets are available thru Ticketmaster and prices start at $25. Along with Eric Roberson is Bobby Valentino and Twista. Sounds like a show not to miss.
Nneka has arrived and her brand new album, Concrete Jungle, is in stores now. Be sure to go out and get her unique artisrty in your iPod. Concret Jungle is edgy, smooth, jazzy, and funky all rolled into one. And if you didn't know who Nneka is, now you know.
Erykah Badu is keeping her word and releasing new content at 3:33 (from various time zones) from now until the release of New Amerykah Part Two: Return of The Ankh, which will be out 3.30.2010 AD. This is her newly leaked single, "Jump Up In The Air and Stay There" featuring Bilal and Lil Wayne. Erykah has confirmed that the song does indeed have 9 other versions with 9 different emcees. As for Lady E, she is currently at home working on the video treatment for "Window Seat" (which ST brought you in an earlier blog).
Philly get ready. This Thursday February 18th, Mos Def, De La Soul, Hezekiah, Pete Rock, and special guest Slick Rick will all be performing at The Troc in Philadelphia. This lineup is for the REAL Hip Hop fan. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster or at The Trocadero box office. This is a show I know Philly is not going to miss.
NEW YORK CITY AND SURRONDING AREAS GET READY for S.O.B.'s this Wednesday, February 17th for another night of soulful sounds in the city. This month's show guarantees to be a hot one with none other than Keke Wyatt headlining the bill, who will be blessing those in attendance with her old hits and previewing tracks from her new album Who Knew that hits stores next week, in addition to indie acts Mari Solis, Erin, Christine, Ray Rush and Shara. As always, Grammy Nominee Eric Roberson will be holding down the hosting duties as only he can, which means you also get a song or two, maybe three of Eric Roberson as he introduce each act. Tickets are only $10 each at the venue's box office or online at TicketWeb.
Joell Ortiz and Novel dropped their highly anticipated collabo-mixtape, Defying The Predictable. The duo have often teamed up on records in recent years, but now the duo gives17 tracks. This Mixtape include Spree Wilson, Jadakiss, Saigon, One Republic, Papoose, and Slaughterhouse. Go to the jump for the free mixtape. Thanks Okayplayer. http://www.okayplayer.com/news/Joell-Ortiz-Novel-Defying-The-Predictable-Mixtape-.html
Check out the new video from Joell and Novel, "Call Me"
Wale does a great remake of an African Music Legend Bunny Mack. Bunny Mack's, My Sweetie My Sugar I've heard over and over growing up in NYC. Now when I say 'Over and Over' I mean the original song was heard at every West Indian Day Parade or played by a WBLS or KISS FM DJ that was feeling the classics. I credit Wale and his producer for diggin' so deep in the crate and making a DAMN GOOD REMAKE. Wale - My Sweetie (directed by tabi Bonney) from tabi Bonney on Vimeo.
This song will definatley make real fans go back to the root. And since real fans follow ST, I posted the original joint form Bunny Mack as well. I think Bunny was from the Ivory Coast of Africa if I'm not mistaken. Regardless, this is the original.
Erykah Badu drops her first single off of her upcomming album, New Amerykah Part Two: Return of The Ankh. Ms. Badu's first single is entitled, "Window Seat" and ST found this single via the net on Soulbounce.com. Go to the jump to listen to Erykah's first single produced by ?uestlove and The Soulquarians. http://soulbounce.com/soul/2010/02/you_take_the_aisle_erykah_wants_the_window_seat.php
Mellow, laidback, infectious and smooth all encompass Kev brown's signature “Low Budget” sound. Born in Land Over, Maryland in 1976, the prducer/rapper/songwriter developed a unique taste for “feel-good” hip hop music. Traces of his work can be found on DJ Jazzy Jeff’s album, The Magnificent, an instant neo-soul classic. His 2009 release, Random Joints, is reminiscing to that old school flair of hip-hop, when artists had "real" messages over electrifying beats. Random Joints, the second track on the album, immediately captivated me during the first listen. I don’t think I’ve ever snapped my fingers harder to any melody. Kev is cocky on the joint, proud of the masterpiece he threw together randomly, hence the title.
On the second track, Kev joins forces with neo-soul artist, Bilal, to create the organ driven piece, No Time. The track has slight church-feel to it, declaring that they have no time for love games-a mellow tune, indeed. Brown released his debut album, I Do What I Do, in late 2005, and I’m still swaying my head back and forth to this album. Put the cd in the player and get ready for the orgasmic journey your ears are about to take. Always, produced by 9th Wonder, tells of his relationship struggles, apparently the ladies don’t love Kev, nonetheless, the joint is smooth. Life is a Gamble, speaks for itself. It’s an up-tempo anthem, encouraging those to defeat all obstacles and stay on the paper chase. Hennessy Pt 2 is my jam. The joint is as honest as its title, straight intoxicating. You can’t go wrong with Eric Roberson and Raheem Devaughn humming and moaning on any track. It’s strictly for the lovers and if you’re looking to get into some pleasant trouble, this joint is for you. This is a must have album for any underground soul/hip-hop fan. Don’t sleep to long on Kev. www.myspace.com/kevbrown
Okay so Tuesday Sade's Soldier of Love Album drops and this is a much anticipated release. If you want a preview of what to expect, here is her second single, "Skin". At the jump is the FREE download link to this song and and another sneak preview single. Sade – Skin
Lupe kills a freestyle on Tony Touch's radio show. Lupe's delivery is one of the sickest in the game out of they younger breed of today's rappers. Even though he's having fun with the flow, he still tries very hard not to be negative and that's why it's G.O.O.D. music. Lupe Fiasco Freestyle on Toca Tuesdays from Toca Tuesdays on Vimeo.
The NBA players of today have one person that they need to thank, Mr. Spencer Haywood who took his argument all the way to the Supreme Court and won his case. He went to junior college, but didn't complete his degree because he went on to the ABA. But after his ABA experience he had to fight his way into the NBA, because he didn't have a college degree. He was the one that open the way for players who were ready for the NBA, to enter without a college degree. Read his story and how the league will honor him next week in Dallas for All-Star Weekend. After 40 Years, Spencer Haywood Finally Gets His Thanks -- NBA FanHouse
The Daily Kos put out his questionnaire survey for only Republicans and the opinions or views won't startle you. Whatever way you felt about Republicans, you're probably right. These statistics don't surprise me, but as Americans we have to be a little concerned. Some people are living inside of a bubble in their own little world and have no idea of the world around them. Republican agendas populate the rural areas of America, but not the areas most populated with people. The places in America where diversity in its people is embraced usually have an independent/liberal/democratic view on things.
The rural areas of America are in a closed box and not open minded to anything out of their norm. The sad part is FOX News and others are making a killing off of being divisive. And being divisive is more important right now for Republicans, then working together to better this country.
It’s outrageous to think that so many people think Sarah Palin is a better fit to run this country than Obama. The majority of those surveyed are from rural areas in America in their little closed boxes. I mean didn't Palin quit on the folks in Alaska? She has never served a complete term, but the Republican Party has her face all over the place. She’s been on the tube longer than she has worked for the taxpayers of Alaska. Click the link to observe these questions and results of the Replublican Survey taken.
This is one of the first poems I ever learned. From this poem I learned to, "Dream a Life, then live a Dream". A DREAM energizes the imagination and as Einstein said, "Imagination is more important than knowledge". I remember when I first saw this commercial and I thought-CLASSIC.
Dream Deferred
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
Word is that Little Brother will be dropping their final album, Left Back this year and it is expected to drop in April. The one thing about this album in comparison to the groups previous works albums-no 9th Wonder on production. As a grown man who still enjoys Hip Hop, Little Brother was/is my favorite rap group. Rapper Big Pooh and Phonte' are two of the nicest MC's in the game. The two powerful, descriptive MC's and 9th Wonder made up Little Brother. I know everyone must eventually hang up the jersey and retire, but true fans always wish they could last a little longer.
Word is Phonte' is already working on his solo album, Rapper Big Pooh just drop a mixtape and is said to working on various projects, and as far as 9th Wonder goes, well 9th stays busy and is one of the most sought out producers in the game. I know all will do well in their personal endevors and I haven't heard anything off of this last album, but I know LB only puts out FIYAH!!!!! One of my favorite cuts off of their first album, The Listening.
Being a native of California, I developed a taste for conscious music came after I finished high school which makes me a novice with the art. I appreciate a deep and unique storyline, nice punch line, double-meaning metaphor, which uplifts the knowledge of its listener. All this while having an amazing beat emanating under the lyrics is complete bliss. Lupe Fiasco's music embodies this and much more. I have been an instant fan ever since his rookie debut hit single "Kick Push" which wasn't as much about skateboarding as it was about having an escape from the trials and tribulations of life. This is a perfect example of Lupe Fiasco's ability to have catchy tunes with metaphors that has a deeper message. I'm still struggling to find his underground mix tape "Street Smart" which is seemingly elusive and impossible to find.
So having this love for Lupe Fiasco's music, you can imagine how bad I wanted to see him perform live. Though I’ve seen artists such as Nas, Keri Hilson, DJ Biz Markie, and KRS One perform; I still felt emptiness with not seeing Lupe perform. When Sprite announced that they were hosting the Sprite Step Off at Texas Southern University, I was excited about attending. When I saw a flyer stating that the lovely Latoya Luckett was performing along with Lupe Fiasco, I was ecstatic. The doors to the show opened at 6:00 p.m. to the colossal HP&E arena Located on the campus of Texas Southern University. A friend and I waited in the blistering cold for an hour and a half. We missed a couple of the step performances, but were still hyped to see Lupe Fiasco.
When he finally performed, people came as a herd to the stage. He brought so much energy to the stage. He performed music from "Food and Liquor", "The Cool", some of his underground music, and tracks from his much anticipated album "Lasers". It was riveting to see him perform and a sense completion came over me when he finished. Well maybe not, I still have to see Chrisette Michele perform live.
