I'm Somebody's Baby

Hello people! Fo shame, fo shame I been away from the game. It's not been wasted time I'll tell you that. I've been working on revising my short story collection (Thanks A.S.K.) and dealing with everything else that stays and has appeared on my virtual plate of life's activities. I've got to do better. Honestly, since I've been tweeting on Twitter (follow me twitter.com/tlawrites) I've been even more lax on the blog. One day you won't know what to do when I start posting (almost) daily.

Wednesday I took my kid to a show with me. Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, one of my favorites. Yes, she used my fake writer juice to sneak behind stage, but I didn't stop her. I'm glad I didn't because she made it and got to meet the band. We even took pictures after the show with Ms. Jones herself. She was so short and sweet. Like an Aunt with talent. Ms. Jones (I feel like I have to show her that r-e-s-p-e-c-t by calling her Ms. Jones) was a 4"11 ball of energy that could sing and dance her ass off. She kept it up for two hours and didn't give that stage or audience any mercy. Whoever the unnamed fool she talked about that rejected her from a label deal all those years ago probably feels like a real fool right about now. I got my CD signed (real fannish right?) and copped this really cool tee shirt too. What more could I ask for on a Wednesday evening? Check out my review of the show that ran today in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

I couldn't find a video for one of my favorite Sharon Jones songs, "Nobody's Baby", so this live concert footage of it will have to do.




100 Days, 100 Nights is a close second on my favorites list.



Did I mention I reviewed the JHud (that's Jennifer Hudson in music talk) & Robin Thicke show too? Yup. Sure did. Check that out here.

I'm still working on that HUGE piece for the Philadelphia City Paper. I think I'm going to have to take #1 Muse with me for security while I do more research over the next few days. Yeah. It's that serious.

Happy Mothers Day in advance. I'm doing Race for the Cure this year with Mom and Daughter and I'm too excited. This will be our 17th year doing the race.

Do you or your family have any Mother's Day traditions? I'd love to hear from YOU readers.

I know, I know

I'm so late. I've been sick for a few days but I'm on the healing comeback train, so a new post will appear soon. In the meantime, here is my review of the Raphael Saadiq concert that ran today in the Philadelphia Inquirer. I went to the show with a 102.1 temperature hopped up on antibiotics. Crazy? Maybe a little, but I call it dedication. Next up? Something very interesting. I guess you'll have to keep coming back to find out what it is huh?

Did you know this video was directed by Lisa Bonet?

Ebert Doesn't Live Here

I took a few days off last week to visit my mother and we went to see "The Reader". By now my fellow movie heads will know that six-time Oscar nominee Kate Winslet won the best actress statue a few week ago for her role in the movie. Initially, I wasn't that excited about seeing another movie that was Holocaust related. I had already seen 'Schindler's List' and 'The Diary of Anne Frank'. The Holocaust was horrible, no doubt about it. I changed my mind about seeing it so after one star shaped hole punch on her frequent movie watcher card, we sat in plush stadium seating and watched Kate do her thing.

I won't give the plot away in case you decide to see it for yourself. I'd have to agree with the academy that Ms. Winslet did a great job. The movie was Holocaust related, but the horror of the event wasn't so in your face. You actually had a chance to focus on the well developed storyline and catch another good performance by the always stellar Ralph Fiennes.

After the movie, I wondered if aging in a movie equals automatic Oscar nomination? (Brad and Taraji anyone?) There's something about aging on screen and maintaining an accent for hours that just reels voters in. Meryl Streep knows what I'm talking about. Kate Winslet aged, maintained an accent, and turned in a performance that just couldn't be ignored. Triple threat. Kudos to Kate.

I did want to catch Milk and Doubt, but they will both be on DVD soon enough. Since I enjoyed City of God so much, its only logical for my movie loving mind to see 'Gomorrah' next. It's been lauded for being the "thinking persons gangsta movie". Of course I'll provide a detailed review later on. In the meantime, check out the trailors for 'The Reader' and 'Gomorrah' and tell me what you think. Seem interesting?

What's next on your movie list? TLA wants to know...

Casual Style Fashionista Dreams

I love watching the show 'What Not To Wear'. Stacey and Clinton perform magic on people. They take the drab and unstylish, transforming them into people who appear as if they were fabulous all the while. The only sad part about the show is that someone has to nominate you. That means someone in your circle thinks you are a clothing dullard. Ouch.

The nominee is usually full of emotion after getting over the initial shock of realizing that their style game is seriously lacking. After Stacey and Clinton raid your closet its off to NY for a style intervention, minus the plush hotel room with Candy waiting to whisk you off to rehab for the formerly chic. The beginning of this overhaul begins after you arrive at the studio. You are allowed to perform a few final spins of shame, modeling your sad threads in a 360 degree mirror for the world to see before they literally trash your clothes. Like in the trash can trashed. Sometimes I think they should spray bleach on them because people do dig things out and wear them on shopping day, (attachment disorder?)but I digress...

They send you out to shop in New York with the none too subtle product placed "Visa Check Card" for $5,000 and tips on what to look for when shopping. Afterwards, Nick and Carmindy hook your do and face up and its off to model the new you for Stacey and Clinton. They gush over you through three outfit changes and send you home to make your fashionable debut for the friends and loved ones that nominated you in the first place.

Sometimes while watching the show I imagine myself entering the party room, hearing the roar of a crowd so pleased to witness my unconscious hidden beauty being finally revealed. I'd smile, wave and blow air kisses to everyone. Of course someone would yell, "Spin around!" and I would twirl and think "In your face!" on the first spin and "Thanks for caring" on the second. Style is love, right?

My fashion game is definitely lacking. I'm such a slave for comfort many times I'm willing to forgo pants for jeans, sneakers for shoes. I'm a fast mover that usually always feel the need to be prepared to move fast, whatever the reason. A sudden downpour could occur. Who wants to get wet? Being able to move from one place to another with the wanna be speed of Jackie Joyner-Kersee is important. I've looked at people who wear heels on the regular and think, "I'd be past them so fast if I took off running right now. Thank you trusty sneakers." Even movies are smart enough to know that when the running high-heeled woman really wants to run, the shoes come off. You think Lola would have gotten far in Manolo's? Probably not.

I've always been a casual girl with dreams of super-flyness. I've already told my most stylish cousin Holly that when my big check arrives, I'll definitely hire her (per diem of course) to be my fashion go to guide. She even gives style counseling on the phone when I'm in one of my indecisive binds. A quick cell phone picture snapped is returned with a text of yea or nay, complete with suggestions. (Technology is magic I tell ya.) She helps me create temporary fashion illusions and choose clothes that will add to my small collection of grab and go outfits.

I must admit, I'm getting better with choosing clothes. I clean up nicely. For the most part, I still tend to shop on the need to have basis, but when I do, I think I'm making better, bolder choices. Who knows, one day I might be that fierce chick on the street with a style game that can't be beat.

What are you dear reader? Are you the stylist or the stylee? Do you phone in fashion 911's on the regular? Where are you on the fashion meter?

Movie Snob Anonymous

I was reading one of my new favorite blogs by Aliya King yesterday about the new Tyler Perry movie "Madea Goes to Jail". I cringed when I read it (ironically while watching "A Family That Preys") because I knew I was going to see it today. My other gig includes taking impressionable young women out to a movie that's "safe" to see from time to time. They begged to see Madea, and against my better movie judgement, today I found myself standing in a curling line of fans waiting for tickets.

I should have known I was going to be in the company of serious TP fans based on snippets of conversation I overheard standing in line. The five year old sporting fresh Tims while sucking his pacifier was nothing compared to the adult TP fans in line.

"You know I heard he is a cross dresser and invented Madea from that."

"Why Madea breast always flying around?"

"Ooh I hope Mr. Brown is in this one. He is so funny." (He is funny--for about 2 minutes)

"I saw the bootleg on 52nd Street yesterday, but I decided to give a nigga my money today and take my son out." (son with pacifier)

Once the lights went down I tried to psych myself up. Get your mind right girl. You can do this. It will be over in two hours and you can get on with your life.

Sapphire's book turned movie "Push" was a good trailer. Oh, Vin Diesel is still fast and furious? The recession is touching everyone I see. Something about spirits living in a house with a family people who find out evil wants to claim one of them but they don't move out. Riiiiiiight.

Did this lady just give her daughter a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and an extra large HUG juice out of her purse? Yup.

The movie starts.

Fast forward one hour and forty three minutes.

The movie ends.

You already know how it went without seeing a thing. Madea cuts up, problems were presented, Madea cuts up, subliminal sermon mid way through, errors of ones ways are revealed, lost love gets found, evil person gets theirs, Madea cuts up one last time, the end. Oh yeah, and Rudy Huxtable is a heroin addicted prostitute. How's that for evil subplot?

If I could say anything to TP, I'd have only five words to say. Take it to another level.

I don't know, maybe I'm a movie snob. I like my films indy and my dialogue crisp. I actually don't mind thinking when I watch a movie. I like intelligent humor too. A harsh critic if you will. I pre-screen most movies without seeing a trailer. Extensive research on films is done prior to release. Any Sundance/Tribeca Film Festival/Cannes buzz? Who's in it? What's it about? Who wrote it? Directed & Written by? All these elements need to combine perfectly for me to plop down my frequent movie club card and ticket money.

What type of movie goer are you? Speak your mind...

Thank You Television

Last week I went to a taping in New York that VH1's Soul Stage series was having for India.Arie. I did a review of the show here, but while standing in line for two hours waiting to get in, my mind took a few laps on the meaningless deep end. Sometimes to avoid getting bored (annoyed?) when I'm waiting on line, my mind takes a trip, temporarily.

I admit that I'd always suspected casting agencies filled audiences at these types of shows with people who fit a particular demographic that record labels, sponsors, and those who don't take too kindly to seeing any ugmos* on the telly will find appealing. Of course these groups also include the perfect shades of an ever growing minority spectrum, with a few of the majority mixed in for good measure.

My guests and I arrived on time for the 6:15 call time. When we got there a smiling face with a clipboard greeted me at the door. He asked my name, gave us the quick up and down, (eyes only, still smiling) and pointed us toward the line. We were posted mid way in the line and waited for it to start moving. After an hour, we seemed to be on our way. Au contraire. People who were once behind us suddenly disappeared. People who were just arriving, moved right through. As more folks with clipboards appeared, the line kept creeping forward. There seemed to be a formula to moving forward. A clipboard approaches. Quick conversation. Disappear. Hmmm.

Once we finally got into our seats, my suspicions were confirmed. The Beautiful Ones were seated in front of the stage. You know, that section where the camera would skim enthusiastic, audience pleasing faces. My mind did a Psych and took me back to some of the faces I'd scanned in line. Was that the cute natural haired couple I'd seen who were all on their boo lovin' vibe in line? Yup. I see you trendy Asian punk rocky looking pair with the untamed tresses in the fourth row. Center. The Midnight Oil looking bald white guy? Check. The woman with the mushroom hair do, fur jacket, who went #2 and tried to dip out the ladies room without eye contact? First row. Behind the camera. Sorry.

Once the camera's started rolling, and after our applause was taped a few times, looks didn't really matter much. The Beautiful One's did not disappoint. The represented as hard as the rest of the crowd, if not more. After all, viewers deserve to see enthusiastic, non-stereotypical attractive visuals paired with their entertainment, right? Any other way wouldn't be Obama. Thank you television.

By the way, India was fantastic. Something about her voice makes me think about hot biscuits. Hot biscuits with butter that's been sitting out, melting so perfectly, delicious when digested. She is NOT her hair, she is the soul that lives within.

*ugmo (ug-moe) An unattractive male or female.

I've Been Twittered

I finally decided to get on Twitter. You'll be able to get into my world better, stronger, faster. If you want to find me on it, search me out--tlawrites. If you are already on, follow me and I'll follow you too.

I caught "The Wrestler" over the weekend. It was good. Sad, but good. Mickey Rourke was all over that role. It was life kinda sorta--switch out wrestling for acting.

Thursday I'll be going to NYC for a taping fof VH1's Soul Series with India Arie. Should be good. Her new disc drops in two weeks. Or a week? I'm sure I'll Twit from there.

Anyone else see this today?

Remember Monie?

I came across this video today and thought I'd share. All my old school hip hop heads have to remember Monie in the Middle! Ladies First!

Mobile Blogging

10:35 pm--I'm testing out mobile blogging. If this works I'll be so excited.

10:36pm--It works!

A Day Like No Other

Today was the day. We finally got our day. Today was the day we all got a chance to say "No More Excuses". Barack finally got his day to enjoy the fruits of his (and our) grassroots efforted labor. I asked my 77 year old grandmother, "Did you ever imagine this day would come? She said, "You know baby, I really didn't". There are millions of reasons why older generations could never fathom a day like today. As for us twenty and thirtysomethings, with our cynical ways, our gadgets, our progressive ways of thinking, change has come. We must have imagined it was possible. If not, would today have even happened? Well, won't have to wonder anymore, because it has. What we'll have to wonder about this election and everything it represents will continue to change and inspire us all.

What's TLA been up to? I've had a chance to cover a show for the Inquirer on four time 2009 Grammy nominee Adele and Ledisi in the past few weeks. I even got a chance to interview Anthony Hamilton. He's nominated for a Grammy for his duet with Al Green "You Got The ove That I Need". Anthony is a very funny to say the least. Got myself into journalism school too. Times are a changing, and not just for Barack either. I'll continue to keep you updated on the happenings.

In honor of Barack, I'll leave you with this vid. Power to ALL People.

I'm Ready To Go Right NOW

John Legend is a true performer. His show this past Friday at the Tower Theater was fabulous. Everything was perfect. More than his band, the system in the Tower was working splendidly. With a voice like his, all creamy raspy Frank Sinatra like, with some Nat King Cole sprinkled in for good measure, having the proper acoustics is essential. It just so happened that his band did happen to be phenomenal. He had a three piece horn section that killed it the entire show. He must have went into someones Black Lilly-esque event in Detroit or something to find that trio. They were high energy the entire show and they sang. Not sing, saaaaaaang. I have to go pick up some copies of the paper today, but in the mean time, here is the link that ran in today's Philadelphia Inquirer if you want to check it out.

Unfortunately, Raphael Saadiq's show opening performance didn't go over so well. He looked great, sounded good, but the crowd response wasn't there. I think people wanted to hear some more old stuff. Not that his new old sounding stuff isn't cool, but I think if he may have dug in the crates more, people would have been into it. The crowd seemed to jam the most when he did "Dance Tonight", his single with the group Lucy Pearl.

I know one thing, the appreciation I had for seeing those guns when he took off that sharkskin suit is ling-er-ing! . That brother is in goooooooood shape.

Johnny has been on my brain since the concert. You get two for one goodness on "Greenlight". Andre 3000 is the man.

It Never Rains...

...in southern California. A metaphorical song about love using rain? Can you beat that on this rainy Sunday? Tony, Toni, Tone is one of my all time favorite groups. Their 'House of Music' is one of my favs. Lovin' You? What?!! Loves it.



I finally got some new music and picked up John Legend's 'Evolver' and Esperanza Spalding's self titled debut 'Esperanza'. I'm still giving both a good a listen. Sometimes with new purchases, I tend to listen to the songs that catch my ears on repeat then give the others a chance. Esperanza gives me that bossa nova type vibe a la Astrud Gilberto with a bass guitar. John Legend is John Legend. I've always found the combination of his voice and lyrics captivating. Almost like a positive spell being cast on me. I think he could sing peanut butter and jelly over and over and I'd like it. Speaking of Legend & Saadiq, I'll be reviewing their show this Friday with Raphael Saadiq for the Inquirer. I'm a big fan of Saadiq and hope he sings the cuts I love from him as a solo artist and with Tony, Toni, Tone. I still rock to Instant Vintage. Often. In the mean time, I'll leave you with one of my favorites from him. You know you used to sing it...




One mo thing. I got Ledisi's disc last year from the program director at a radio station and really liked it. If you havent heard of her check out this vid from a recent performance. Then get the disc.

Ledisi singing "Use Me"

Thanks Anthony Hamilton & EWF

You gotta press play on the vid to read this... (but only if you believe that dreams can become reality)




You ready for some big news? I just came back from picking up the newspaper. Actually, I picked up six copies. Six copies of todays, November 17th, Philadelphia Inquirer. For my Philly friends, go pick up a copy. Section D. Page 8. Why you ask? Today marks my debut as a freelancer for the Philadelphia Inquirer! Not only do I freelance for the Inquirer's Image section (nothing published-yet) but also for Arts & Entertainment. Thats how I got over to the music section and the opportunity to review the Anthony Hamilton concert. The details will come, but for now, share my excitement. For those not in the area, here is the link.

Yeah baby!

Change, Made Me Wanna Hustle-Pt. Uno

First, press PLAY and let the music take you through this post.

Yeah I know the Donald Byrd song is Change-Makes Me Wanna Hustle, but I'm way past that. Change made me want to hustle. I'm living with, in, and on my changes and it feels sooooooooo good. I quit my job to make more time for writing. I got an excellent freelance gig (I'll save that for next time) to add to the mix too. With all my changes, I'm hustling hard, but living happier for sure. You'll get filled in on the details soon becaues I'm in the middle of composing what will be my 'updated because I've been away so long post', so just hold on a little while longer.

In the mean time, be thankful for the change and chance I hope most of us took last Tuesday. If you are thinking like me, I hope Barack will be the man that can continue to keep us all as politically ignited as we've been this year and on board the change train. In the mean time, I'll leave you with this vid. I wish it were a more interactive video, but right about now, the lyrics are just hittin me. Change, nothin' stays the same....



Back soon. For REAL this time.

I Didn't Forget

I'm waiting to tie up a few more loose ends before I make some BIG announcements! Big as in HUGE life changing type stuff. I'll be back...

Its Coming

Things have been HAPPENING in TLA's life and I'm long overdue with filling you in. Everytime I said I would post, something else would happen and the list kept (and keeps) getting longer and longer for news. But now that things are settling down I'll be back after these commerical messages....

Until then, be on the lookout for me to talk about day job changes(YES ITS FINALLY HAPPENING!), what I've been up to on the writing grind, my vacations, movies, music, and the fantastic old school Hip-Hop show I went to in Central Park on Friday! Somebody say hooooooooooooooooooooo! Stay tuned!

Super Tuesday

I promise to come back and provide all the details, but my latest went up today on HipHopDX of the red carpet coverage I did this past Sunday on the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network event in Philly. I have a few more things in the works and I'll fill you in soon.

Until then, all my Pennsylvanians GET OUT AND VOTE!

I Stay Woke

I know, I know. Its been a minute since I last posted. Sometimes I think I delay posting so I can feel like when I do post I have something worthwhile to say. Not that I don't usually have worthwhile things to say, but I have to ask myself if its blog worthy or not. Its like that phone call you don't make until you have a chance to compile some interesting info to ensure the worth of the call for the recipient. Should I share the boring minutia just like I share the exciting things? I'm still not sure yet and I'm already on the seventh line. What I am sure of is that I predicted 2008 was going to be great for me and my life as a writer. This first quarter is proving that I must have a little Dionne Warwick psychic friends network blood flowing all up and through because its turning out to be so true.

The first big news is that today my undercover shelter piece for the Philadelphia City Paper was finally published here. I made both the print and on line editions and its been pretty exciting. Its been a long time coming but well worth the wait. I love the entire process of writing; from thinking of an idea, pitching it, having that pitch accepted to writing, editing, and finally seeing the end result in print. Going through the editing process was also very positive which isn't always the case. Sometimes an editor can chop up and rearrange your words beyond recognition. Luckily for me this wasn't the case because I had an editor who worked well with me. When I read the almost final draft I could both see and feel my voice which is very important for me as a writer. Check out the story and let me know what you think.

Since my last post I interviewed a relative new comer to the Hip Hop game, Rocko, for HipHopDX. Although a lot of folks have no appreciation for his rhyme style, all the feedback left in the comments is a good look for me as the writer. Con-tro-versy. I also had the chance to interview Guru from the legendary Hip Hop group Gangstarr for Scheme Magazine. You can kill all your dreams about ever seeing another Gangstarr album because based on our conversation its never going to happen. Guru is back on the scene with a new partner and ready to move forward in a new direction with a new sound. Check out the interview that his new partner MC Solar (not the French MC Solaar) tried his best to dominate. Good thing I know how to keep things moving.

I just got booked to speak at MC3 again in May. Last time went well although it didn't go exactly as I would have liked. Someone actually sat facing left the entire time I talked. It took everything in me to keep my sarcasm about his rudeness to myself. But now that I know what to look for as far as keeping the listeners attention I can step my presentation game up and have those students thinking they were listening to Maya Angelou up in that piece. Well maybe not Maya, but close enough.

On the music front, I have picked up a few CD's in the past couple of months. Of course I had to get my girl Loretta Brown AKA Erykah Badu's New Amerykah Pt. 1: 4th World War. This is Ms. Badu on her other world Parliament Funkadelic vibe. She has never sounded this refreshingly far out. I'd have to say one of my favorite cuts, (aside from the bonus track Honey of course) is Master Teacher. (I stay woke too EB) When Badu starts harmonizing her brown sista power philosophies over funk filled tracks you can't help but get caught up in her matrix. Pt. 2 drops in July so pick it up. My man Johnny Legend has a live CD out (only available at Target) that was recorded at Philly's Tower Theater. If you are already a Legend fan you will appreciate the subtle changes made to some of his songs. I loved how he got straight gos-po-delic on 'I Can Change' which didn't have me missing Snoop's verse at all. There is a duet of 'Where Is The Love' that of course can't top the original version by Donny Hathaway & Roberta Flack but I give him and Corrinne Bailey Rae a 'B' for effort. Not that I don't have enough (can you ever?) Stevie, but his #1's in all its eco friendly packaging was the big selling point. Just kidding. I haven't gone all the way green, but I did think that was a cool thing to do. Last night I was riding, blasting 'That Girl' and thinking, "Damn, Stevie had some serious feelings for That Girl." Ever listen to the lyrics? That brother went there with his feelings and put it in a song. You have to admire people that are able to express their feelings in song, put music to it, and make a classic. Keep trying Neyo.

I have been thinking about starting a series within this blog and today is its premier. Its called WTF. For all my cybertext talkers, you know what it stands for. Today's WTF is being brought to you by the Rev. Pat Buchanan. After you read this nonsense you'll probably ask yourself is this the same Rev. Pat that said, "Hitler's success was not based on his extraordinary gifts alone."? Yep its him. Can the same mouth used to praise Hitler be the same one that bashed Obama's former pastor Rev. Wright so strongly? But guess what? I'm using a direct Buchanan quote and making it seem as if he just praised Hitler today. The quote is actually from 1977 but media has a way of making controversial words seem fresh. Maybe I didn't agree 100% with Rev. Wright's 'God Damn America' or his 'The Day of Jerusalem's Fall' speeches, but who hasn't already heard (or maybe even said) what Rev. Wright has the courage to discuss with his congregants? Nod your head if you feel me.

I got a signed copy of James McBride's, author of 'The Color of Water', new book 'Song Yet Sung' a few weeks ago. I just started it last week and thus far its pretty good. I never gave much thought to how slaves used multiple ways to plan escape like codes and songs, but they did. Although the book is a work of fiction McBride included lots of factual information which has made the read thus far very interesting. When I'm done, I'll review it here.

Saw a bunch of good Netflix rentals as of late. Sometimes I hit a bad pick spurt, but lately I've been thinking that my power to select good movies skills are coming back to me. I enjoyed The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford and Gone Baby Gone which both had Casey Affleck as its star. I see Casey is trying to get out of the shadow of his brother Ben and I like it. How was anyone going to know he had the skills if he didn't ever get a chance to flex them? Yeah, Ben directed Gone Baby Gone, but so what. Both were good flicks. I watched No Reservations with Catherine Zeta Jones too. Rom coms (that's movie talk for romantic comedy ya'll) aren't my favorite genre of film, but since it had the cute little girl from Little Miss Sunshine in it and my man Aaron Eckhart from Thank You For Smoking . I gave it a chance. Bad move. One word. Yawn. I'd have to say the best pick of the bunch had to be Sean Penn's Into the Wild. The way the story was both told and filmed were superb. Strong performances and good cameo appearances just added to the film. The movie was adapted from the book of the same title, so if the movie peaked your interest you can read the true account. Two thumbs up for sure and I didn't need Ebert or Roeper to cosign that fact.

I gotta run but I promise not to stay away too long this time.

First of the Month Musings & More

Wake up wake up wake up, Its the first of the month, get up get up get up so cash your check and come up. Who remembers the fast flowing rhyme stylings of Bone Thugs & Harmony? They are the group responsible for one of, if not the only, best songs about the greatness that the first of the month holds for millions. I'm sure for some its the 15th and 30th that makes them excited, but that wouldn't sound right in a song now would it?

Last night I had a very interesting conversation about music. A good friend of mine let me know she checked out the new E. Badu video. I told her I was really looking forward to Erykah's return to the music scene because it needs a jolt of something new right now. Finding good music to listen to isn't easy. With the influx of weak rhymes and vocals flooding the Top 40 airwaves, we asked each other, "Who are we going to be listening to when we're older?" Who are those artists that will be able to sustain a career long enough to make it on to PBS for the annual fundraising specials? Which songs will be included on the 2028 version of 'Smooth Grooves' or 'Lets Dance'? Yesterday, it all seemed to make sense about why our parents still love the music of the 60's, 70's, and 80's. Its for the same reasons we hold dear our late 80's and early 90's Hip-Hop and R&B--Good music is hard to find. Sure it's out there, you just gotta dig for it.

Guess what month it is? Thats right boys and girls--Black History Month! Time for the libraries to display the books on our great Afro-Americans (yes, I said Afro! Someone said it to me the other day. An afro is a hair style, no?) Its time for profiles in newspapers and magazines on all the contributions we've made to society. What am I looking forward to this month? Henry Lewis Gates' PBS special on the genealogical history of some notable black folk. I'm talking real life Roots ya'll. I watched when this special last aired and it brought tears to my eyes. Imagine being able to learn who your people are through documents and pictures? Seeing the handwriting of someone who bought and sold your great great great great grandparents? Check it out if you can--its going to be good.

Last week week I had the pleasure of interviewing lesbian Hip-Hop group KIN for AHH and it turned out great. Both the group and I received a lot of feedback about the interview for obvious reasons, but these ladies really do have skills. Check out the interview here and read some of the comments too. I knew when readers saw lesbian Hip-Hop group in the byline it was going to bring attention, but who knew it would be this much. In addition, USA Today's popular Pop Candy Blogger Whitney Matheson chose me as the reader of the day. Check out my profile and read some of the comments.

I better be careful about what I write because last week Ireceived word from Jigsaw, that I got my life threatened. Two other writers from AHH also received threats, so I didn't feel alone. Initially I was a bit shook because I could only recall writing one piece that may have had the slightest bit of controvesy to it, but who knows? From what I've been told a police report was filed and I shouldn't worry.

I finally saw Juno last week and I really enjoyed it. The combination of acting and writing were perfect. Since I'm in one of those frequent movie watcher clubs, I earned a free ticket when I saw Juno, so I'll be checking out Atonement with my solo ticket as soon as possible. I'll probably go when the Superbowl airs; it will be like my own private showing. Or at least only filled with fellow football haters.

Will the Groundhog see its shadow? Does anyone still believe this has anything to do with season control? Winter will do what it do baby.

Until next time....

I'll Take You There

Hotep! All my former BSU members may remember that greeting from our leather Africa necklace wearing fight the powers that be heyday. Its Friday and a long weekend for some of us, so whats not to love about today? Not much. MLK day is being celebrated on Monday and if you are looking for a place to honor the memory of MLK, you'll find some useful information here to let you know where to get your service on. I can still remember my fifth grade speech in front of the class about Martin Luther King. (You know it was in February too, but thats another story) For a little extra added oomph, at the end of my presentation I read his 'I Have A Dream' speech. Perhaps I was channeling MLK with my voice because the spirit of his words moved me so that my voice cracked and I started to cry. What a great man. Not a perfect man, but a great man. I wish he were here to address this mess. Maybe Sharpton will jump on it because Tiger Woods has already said its all good.

TLA has been biz-zy with the writing as of late. I've still got two pieces to put to bed and another lined up to complete on Monday. A few people have been wondering about the topic of my piece for the City Paper. Well believe it or not I stayed the weekend at a homeless shelter. They wanted me to write a piece on my experience and any connections I may have made while there. You will have to wait until publication to read all the details, but I can say that it was one of my most humbling experiences. I had a lot of time on my hands since I made a commitment to spend as much time inside the shelter as I possibly could. I finished Walter Mosley's latest in between scribing over 20 pages of hand written notes. It's going to make a good read for sure.

I'm set to make my radio debut tomorrow between 11 and 12 noon. I'm going to confirm my appearance tonight, so if you are in the listening area, tune in and check me out. Lots of horehound tea for me tonight to try and rid myself of this lingering cough. Can't clear scratchy throats live on air. The Hot Boyz showed me that.

Has everyone seen Steve Harvey's new look yet? I don't know if he was really rocking an Afro wig or what, but I think the new look does him some justice. What do you think?

I caught No Country For Old Men recently which I highly recommend. Javier Bardem, who won a best supporting actor Golden Globe earlier this week, was the highlight of the film. Next on the list is Atonement and There Will Be Blood. I may have to see Atonement sans my #1 muse, but he's always down for a Daniel Day-Lewis flick.

I copped Raheem Devaughn's new CD this week. I haven't given it a full listen yet, but what I've heard so far I like. I have a couple of his mix CD's and his first disc, which grew on me immediately. I love his voice so I'll give his latest time to get under my skin. Lyrically, he doesn't tend to be overt with his sexy red light bulb lyrics which I appreciate as a lover of lyrical subtlety.

Positive quotes are posted around my desk to keep my mind right so that I don't let evil TLA creep out on the some of these folks I come in contact at the day gig. Someone almost tried to take me there today, but Rev. Run's words calmed me. What did he say to me you ask? He said, "Patience, humility, and the willingness to eliminate what isn't really working will always free you up." Stay willing.