Badu! Badu! Badu! A Rare Artist, A Pioneer...

photos courtesy of Wikipedia

Two weeks ago I posted an entry about one of my favorite artists, Jay-Z. This week will focus on another favorite of mine, one of the pioneers in the rise of the Neo-soul movement. With her eccentric musical style, cerebral lyrics, and sense of fashion, ladies and gentleman, I introduce Erica Abi Wright, a.k.a. Erykah Badu.

Badu is a Grammy Award-winning artist who has been compared to the likes of Billie Holiday, who was a pioneer in her own right. Erykah blends unique musical ingredients to create rich textured sounds. On top of that, her intensely personal lyrics often challenge her audience emotionally. I must say, I love her!!!

Speaking of musical ingredients, a pinch or two of an old school sample is sometimes necessary. Today, I’m going to share with you the pinches of old school that helped spice up two Badu tracks. Ok, we’re going to start with the Worldwide Underground album (2003), the “Love of My Life Worldwide” track, which features Bahamadia, Queen Latifah, and Angie Stone. This track is technically a remix of Badu’s Grammy-winning cut with Common, but it’s also a blended remake of the track “Funk You Up” (1979) by The Sequence; Angie Stone was the original “Angie B.” of the group The Sequence. “Funk You Up” was the first rap record released by a female group, hence the choice of Latifah, Bahamadia, and Stone. Badu’s remake rollicks just as the original track, stimulating the memories of when hip-hop was all about the party and having a good time. Remember those times?? Where did they go??

Five years after the release of Worldwide Underground, the long awaited album finally arrived in 2008, New Amerykah Part One (4th World War). I love every single album she has released, but New Amerykah, in its grandeur, is ambitious in its sociopolitical lyrics and its experimentation with atmospheric electro beats, and minor-key melodies. “Honey” was the first single released from what is Badu’s fifth studio album. If you listen closely you will find that Erykah’s bass pounding, sultry retro-funk track has a hint of Nancy Wilson’s “I’m In Love” (1978). Personally, I have the taste for both tracks; it just depends on the day and my palette. FYI, Nancy Wilson has over 70+ albums and 3 Grammy Awards, to date. A singer of pop, jazz, blues, and cabaret, in addition to acting, she is often labeled as “the complete entertainer.”

For those who are not familiar with Erykah Badu, please, please, I urge you to take a moment and listen. Listen to any album, any track. If you need help choosing where to start, contact me. I’ll help guide you. Before you know it, you’ll be a die-hard fan as I am. I also urge you to bask in the sounds of the aforementioned artists, Nancy Wilson, Queen Latifah, Bahamadia (who is one of the greatest female MCs), and Angie Stone.


**check out the playlist below for original/sample tracks

Erykah Badu

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Killer of Sheep Movie Review (1977)

photo courtesy

Wow, can I just start off by saying the word “classic”? A lot of us use the term loosely when referring to movies or albums, but Charles Burnett’s “Killer of Sheep” is a classic in the true sense of the word. Let me back up a little and give you the definition of “classic.”

Classic- serving as a standard of excellence: of recognized value; historically memorable

Following up with the “classic” notion, I should add that this film is considered such a landmark in African-American cinema as well as America independent cinema that it was one of the first 50 culturally significant films chosen for preservation in the Library of Congress by the National Film Registry. In addition to this honor, who would have guessed, while attending UCLA’s film school, Burnett filmed “Killer of Sheep” on the weekends and served as the director, writer, editor, cameraman, and producer; he had a shoestring budget of $10,000 and used an amateur cast of friends and family.

“Killer of Sheep,” less plot-driven, more episodic, examines life in the LA ghetto of Watts during the mid-70’s; a portrait of the working poor, living from paycheck to paycheck and trying to make ends meet. The film, arguably called a “documentary,” is seen through the eyes of Stan (Henry Gayle Sanders), the film’s exhausted protagonist who slaves daily in a slaughterhouse, haunted by sleepless nights. We follow him as he deals with a malaise and an existential despair that refrains any pleasurable emotions and takes him to a space where his wife cannot reach him. Stan is confronted daily with the allure of violence, poverty, and misbehaving children. For instance, Stan is visited by two of his friends who want his help conspiring a criminal plan, as his wife advises him against dealings with such murderous men. We also witness the complications of negotiating the purchase of a car engine and how that came to an unlucky end. While these daily incidents add up to an illustration of futility, there are few but far between, occasions filled with splendor and contentment that ensures and adds meaning to life; Stan and his wife slow dance in their living room to Dinah Washington’s “This Bitter Earth.”

What I really love about this film is the gritty and raw cinematography Burnett provides, along with its undying sensitivity to mood and natural realism. He captures the action in a series of transcendent, tight close-ups, spewing his genuine artistic vision, creating a powerful poetic cinema as only he could. I am also in awe of the musical component, which includes artists such as Dinah Washington, Etta James, Little Walter, Elmore James, Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup and Earth, Wind, and Fire. Although Burnett’s score choices express the plight of his characters, they also convey the idea that life in Watts is “not so bad” after all; certain perseverance is offered.

I want to end by saying, for all of you avid movie watchers and lovers, this movie is both a must-see and a must-have; if you have Netflix it is mandatory that you add it to your queue. It’s definitely a movie to have if you are a film student or looking to get into film directing.

GRADE: A+

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Tell me Something Good Thursdays--Inspiration

While browsing through various blogs, I came across you powerful quote by way of http://meditation-inspiration.blogspot.com.

"If we have no peace, it is because we have
forgotten that we belong to each other."

--Mother Teresa

What a powerful statement!!! I encourage you to look below the surface of the words.

Thank you Phil De Rosa, for sharing that quote!

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Wednesday Stimulation--Brain Teasers

Here's your dosage of mental stimulation.

Riddle #1
Submitted by: Larry

I was framed, yet I didn't commit a crime, and the person who framed me committed no crime. How is this possible?

Click here for answer

Riddle #2
Submitted by: Jim Taylor

Moutains will crumble and temples will fall, and no man can survive its endless call. What is it?

Click here for answer

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Revolutionary Art Work- Giving Life to the Revolution

The mention of the Black Panther Party can educe a wide range of responses, after all, according to mainstream media accounts, their mission was to frighten whites about armed revolution in retaliation for discrimination. Visually speaking, most people equate gun-toting, beret-wearing, angry young black men with the Black Panther Party from the 60s and 70s. Many cease to realize or even pay attention to the visual campaign of the Party, which was an enormously critical element of the message to “the people.” In part, Emory Douglas, the Panthers’ Minister of Culture, crafted the visuals that cultivated the party’s image.

Speeding up the story a little, in 1967, 22-year-old Black Panther and artist Emory Douglas met with Panther leaders Eldridge Cleaver and Huey Newton, who published the first two issues of The Black Panther newspaper. Newton and Cleaver both understood and wanted to discuss the importance of the emerging visual media culture and how the party should be portrayed graphically; showing the party’s work assisting people in their communities and preparing the oppressed for a violent revolution, if necessary. Douglas was the man for the job. Until The Black Panther ceased publication in 1979, he was committed to producing and maintaining its visual identity.



Photostats and presstypes, textures and patterns made publishing a two-color heavily illustrated, weekly tabloid newspaper possible. At its peak in 1970, The Black Panther had a weekly circulation of 139,000. Douglas’s distinct style featured thick black outlines and resourceful tint and texture combinations. He also collaged and re-collaged photographs and drawings, while performing graphic tricks. Two purposes were served by Emory’s images, 1) to illustrate the conditions that made the revolution concept seem necessary, and 2) to construct a mythology of power for people who felt powerless and victimized. Douglas maintained the dignity of the poor and oppressed while graphically illustrating the harsh occurrences.

Many of Douglas’s political cartoons involved showing policeman and those in power as pigs, which became another signature element of his images. He also illustrated components of the party’s Ten Point Program in his works, which outlined obtaining full employment, healthcare, decent housing, education, and control of modern technology. Black Panther community programs such as art events, clinics, schools, and free breakfast for children were featured in the paper, representing the implementation of the ten points. Exemplifying the strict coordination between the party, the paper, and the mission, most of the back page posters directly referred to one of the ten points. In addition, these back pages were often reprinted separately; throughout the ghetto these posters were pasted on walls and abandoned buildings.



Retrospectively, The Black Panther, as well as Emory’s drawings, were tools of liberation. The depiction of post-civil rights ghetto life for African-Americans elicited revulsion at the graphic violence, which encouraged physical (armed confrontation) or metaphoric (fighting oppression via self-help) revolutionary action.

“All power to the people.”

Link Resources:
http://tinyurl.com/5qqwph
http://tinyurl.com/cjyvwt
http://tinyurl.com/b35ynh
http://tinyurl.com/b4fry2

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Who is Deborah Bond?? Anyone??

photo courtesy of amplified online

Hello all!!! Hope you had a great weekend. I’ve been hearing this song called “See You in My Dreams” on the radio; maybe 4-5 times. I finally heard the artist behind this hot track, Debórah Bond (pronounced “De-BOR-ah”). Have you heard of her? I’m sure some of you out there have not, so that’s why I’ve decided to focus this entry in her.

Now DC-based, this New Haven, Connecticut singer has successfully blended her vocals with funk, jazz, and soul to create sultry, hypnotic tracks that seduce listeners. A few of Debórah’s idols are Anita Baker, Sade, and Chaka Khan, all whom possess very distinctive voices that have captivated audiences for years.

Debórah teamed with her soulful and musically adventurous band, 3rd Logic to release her debut album, DayAfter in 2003. Experimenting with various musical styles inspired by triphop, electronica, alternative, classical, gospel, go-go and more, such songs as “See You In My Dreams,” “Givin’ Up,” and “Don’t Waste Your Time” were born, turning DayAfter into a neo-soul cult classic. In 2006, Debórah and 3rd Logic team with an assortment of producers to bring her audience the follow-up sophomore album AfterDay; a collection of inspired remixes for use when sun sets. A remix album can be somewhat tricky, but Debórah was able to pull it off, maintaining her soulful creativity while providing new energetic twists to original tunes.

I suggest taking a few moments out of your day to indulge in Debórah and her velvety vocals while riding the harmonious instrumentation provided by 3rd Logic. Then come back and let me know what you think. Enjoy!

Deborah Bond


For further info:
www.deborahbond.com
www.myspace.com/deborahbond

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Ms. Hazel Scott, Please tell me you’ve heard of her!

photo courtesy of Wikipedia

1920 was the year; Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago was the place, where one of the greatest female pianist/vocalist was born. Under the guidance of her mother, Hazel Scott started playing the piano at age 2. Four years later, in 1924, Hazel and her family moved to the U.S. (NYC) where she began formal training. A pure talent, Hazel’s first American debut took place at New York’s Town Hall at the age of 6, only to have six scholarship offers to attend Julliard School of Music in NYC three years later; unfortunately, admitted students had to be sixteen or over. Well under the required age, Hazel ended up joining her mother’s All-Woman Orchestra, playing both the piano and trumpet.

By the time Hazel was 16, she was performing at the Roseland Dance Hall with the Count Basie Orchestra and a radio star on the Mutual Broadcasting System. During the late thirties, on the road to stardom, Scott appeared in the Broadway musical Singing Out the News. Appearing in another Broadway musical, Priorities of 1942, and in films such as, Tropicana, Something to Shout About, I Dood It, The Heat’s On, and Rhapsody in Blue, the 1940s transformed Hazel into a true celebrity. Many other successes followed into the 50s and throughout, including being the first black woman to have her own television show (the show was cancelled due to accusations of her being a communist), performing with the infamous Charles Mingus and Max Roach to create her most enduring jazz album to date, “Relaxed Piano Mood,” and being inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame in 1978.

You may be asking yourself, “was Hazel discriminated against, after all, her successes took place in the early to mid 1900s.” Of course!! We’re talking about the U.S. and a successful black American. Hazel portrayed positive screen and stage images, defying the stereotypical roles that were commonly offered to black Americans by movie producers. No stranger to Jim Crow segregation, even a celebrity of her ability; she acted with dignity while promoting racial integration and American patriotism, and denouncing communism. In addition, she took part in fundraising events, as well as fought for various groups in the name of equal rights.

In closing, Hazel Scott, known for her ability to blend jazz improvisations and classical pieces, was an astounding songstress and actress that created her own concept of black pride. After a long and prosperous career, she passed in 1981 from pancreatic cancer.

For all of us who stand on your shoulders, we say Thank You!


Take a few minutes to view the video below. (IE users click here)

Hazel Scott

Resources:
All About Jazz
Dailymotion
Wikipedia

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Trade Movie Review (2007)

photo courtesy of Marco Nagel & Lions Gate Films

We all know that money, sex, and greed are things that many in this world thrive off of. With that said, the movie Trade tells the story of the sex-slave industry, which encompasses the aforementioned elements. Director, Marco Kreuzpaintner (director of “Traffic” and “Man on Fire”) and writer Jose Riveria, successfully merged the real-life, unsettling tragedy of the sex trade industry, while producing a decent dramatic plot. After doing a bit of digging, I found that this film was loosely based on a New York Times Magazine article (“The Girls Next Door”) about the sex trade industry, written by Peter Landesman. The article revealed the fact that young girls from Mexico and elsewhere are smuggled into the U.S. and sold to American pedophiles. What slugs? There was some controversies surrounding the numbers he provided, but no one doubted that the trade exists.


Ok, getting to the movie. Trade focuses on two females, Adriana, a 13-year-old Mexican girl (Paulina Gaitan) and Veronica, a young Polish mother (Alicja Bachleda-Curus), who will be auctioned off like kept knick-knacks on Ebay, in New Jersey; Adriana is literally snatched off the street in broad daylight and Veronica is mislead and lured to Mexico City with the false promises of a work visa in the U.S. and a modeling career. As you watch the journey of these women and the terrors of sex trafficking, we are introduced to Adriana’s sincere, “hot-tempered” brother, Jorge (Cesar Ramos), who is befriended by a Texas police officer, Ray (Kevin Kline). Knowing the imprisoned would be heading to the U.S. (New Jersey), Jorge trails the captor’s get-away truck, only to lose them in the congested Mexico streets. Pissed at himself, Jorge stumbled upon the stash house where the slaves were kept. At the same time, Ray is searching through the same house for his own reasons, which you will later learn; noticing Ray’s license plate (Texas), Jorge climbs into the trunk of his car, which starts their friendship and gallant rescue of Adriana and others.


In my opinion, the acting in this movie was effective, but mediocre. I can say that this movie is an eye-opening depiction of how the sex trade works globally. From watching various documentaries one would think that this only exists in foreign and third world countries, leaving no notion that the U.S. is linked in, although, we all know that it occurs here in our great nation. Overall, this movie is so-so, but from an educational standpoint, it successfully exposes one of the world’s most monstrous crimes.


GRADE: B-


Check out the movie trailer below. (IE users click here)

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Tell me Something Good Thursdays--More Funding for Lupus

For those who don’t know me, my aunt was diagnosed with lupus over 10 years ago. Since learning about her diagnosis, I have kept on top of research developments and news over the years. While browsing the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) site I was happy to discover new developments in research funding.

President Obama, on Tuesday, signed into law the America Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. With this act and the leadership of Senators Tom Harkin and Arlen Specter, Congress secured a $10.4 billion funding increase for NIH (National Institutes of Health). This is a victory for those who suffer from lupus specifically, and other diseases, the medical community and the scientific community.

This past November marked 50 years since the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved a new drug, specifically for lupus sufferers. In comparison to other diseases, lupus is very unique, both in the lack of FDA-approved treatments, and in the scarcity of research endeavors to identify quality treatments and eventually a cure. With that said, government funding for lupus research is more important than ever.

Personally, I want to thank President Obama and Congress for supporting NIH research, which will help find better treatments and a cure for this life-threatening, debilitating disease.

If any of you out there would like more information about lupus, volunteering, or donating, please visit the LFA site. I appreciate your interest/help.

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Wednesday Stimulation--Brain Teasers

Hello all, here are a couple of brain teasers to keep your mind sharp. Give them a shot before viewing the answers. Feel free to leave your comments or submit a riddle or brain teaser to be featured. Good luck.

Riddle #1
Submitted by: easterbaby2003

It doesn't hurt to take a hard look at yourself from time to time. This little test should help you get started.

During a visit to a mental asylum, a visitor asked the Director what the criteria is that defines if a patient should be institutionalized.

"Well," said the Director, "we fill up a bathtub. Then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup, and a bucket to the patient and ask the patient to empty the bathtub."

Okay, here's your test:
1. Would you use the spoon?
2. Would you use the teacup?
3. Would you use the bucket?

"Oh, I understand," said the visitor. "A normal person would choose the bucket, as it is larger than the spoon."
What was the director's response?

Click here for the answer.

Riddle #2
Submitted by: cyberstar5150

There was once a college that offered a class on probability applied to the real world.

The class was relatively easy, but there was a catch. There were no homework assignments or tests, but there was a final exam that would have only one question on it.

When everyone received the test it was a blank sheet of paper with a solitary question on it: "What is risk?"

Most students were able to pass, but only one student received 100% for the class! Even stranger was that he only wrote down one word!

What did he write?

Click here for the answer.

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South Florida's Dekal

For you art lovers out there, have you ever ran across someone’s work that literally jumps out at you? South Florida’s Dekal’s work did just that. I was amazed by the intricate details, the realism, and the color schemes of his work; they seem to have the urge to walk off of the page. I’ve recently had a chance to interview Dekal- take a look. Leave your comments and let me know what you think.

1. Dekal, thank you for granting me this interview. How are you? How’s the art world treating you?

Today I'm ok. Things can always be better or worse. I’m not too big a fan of the art world so I try to stay out of it. It's filled with too many people who have a very different view of what art is than I do.

2. You’re from Florida, right? Tell me about where you grew up. How does the Florida art scene differ from other cities you visited? Does the art scene differ from city to city within Florida?

I grew up in South Florida and have been in between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale my whole life. Around here is pretty hectic, always something happening and so many different types of people, especially in Miami. I’ve never really been outside of South Florida so I don’t know about other cities. Within Florida though, I think Miami is the most art savvy area I've been around.

3. I stumbled upon your work while I was searching “artists” on Myspace. Your work is stunning. How did you get your start as an artist? Was it a hobby that evolved?

Yea, I just always enjoyed drawing since I was pretty young and just never stopped doing it.

4. How would you describe your work?

Oh I don’t know. I think that’s for other people to do. People say my stuff is “dark”. I guess I agree, but that’s not what I say to myself as I draw. I guess that’s just the look I’m attracted to.


5. From what I’ve seen on your site and Myspace page, it seems that you use a variety of mediums. What mediums do you work in? Do you prefer a particular medium(s)?

I’ve used a lot of media but my favorites are pencil and digital. I use the wacom tablet to draw and paint right into the computer. I love it. The media is the most versatile I’ve ever witnessed.

6. Coming from a non-artistic person, you’re work would be classified as fine art, right? What other types of creative forms interests you? Graffiti, sculptures, photography…?

Fine art? Sure. I love anything with the skill and expression that catches my attention. Yes, graffiti which I do, and photography are both things I admire. The illustrated figure is really my favorite thing to see in art.

7. Many artists seem to have an in-depth interest in music, if not, a musical background, which influences their work. What influences or inspires your creativity?

Just life in general. Nature to be specific. Sometimes man-made things but the beauty of nature is what I enjoy recreating and re envisioning. Music also though. Rap is my favorite and pretty much all I listen to. The expression in it is so raw. Eminem is pretty much my favorite emcee and I find myself trying to show the same expression with my work that I hear come from him. He puts everything he has into his art.

8. I’ve come across a few of your commercial pieces. What other musicians or magazines have your created works for?

WeMerge magazine, which I did the cover for their 3rd issue. A local artist spotlight magazine. I’ve done album work for C-Rayz Walz, Intifada, The Deadbeats Writers Lab and a few more.

9. I have many favorites from your collection, but here are a few, “Vampyric Tendencies,” “Our Beautiful Society,” “Amaterasu,” “Bliss in Chaos,” and “Flawed Beauty.” I could go on; that’s just the illustrations, not to mention my favorites from your sketches and portraitures. Name 3 of your personal favorites and tell me why. Also, I’m just wondering if the subjects are real people or are they figments of your imagination?


I don’t really have favorites of my work. I like my sketches a lot lately. And I like my Medusa and Red Sonja paintings. My subjects sometimes start with a reference but are finished with my imagination.

10. What are some of your creative achievements?

Just my own personal progress that I have made these past few years. And I guess graduating from college.

Check out more of Dekal's work at jeffdekal.com or his Myspace page.

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New School Southern Crooner

R & B fans out there, if you have the taste for the likes of Jimmy Cozier and Calvin Richardson, then you will appreciate the sounds of LeVar Thomas. A South Carolina crooner, who not only sings, but also writes, records and mixes his own tracks as well. He’s a triple threat! Of course, I stumbled upon him via Twitter (I’m addicted to twitter, by the way) and clicked on his Myspace link. What a great voice!!

With inspirational influences such as Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, and Luther Vandross, along with gospel music, LeVar belts out such tunes as "Missing You", "Ain’t So Bad", and my favorite, "Come See About Me." Through these songs, you can hear the passion for the craft he loves so much. As of now, LeVar is an unsigned artist, but in my opinion, that will change with his continuous output of similar tracks as the aforementioned.

Don’t take my word for it, check out a few of his music/profile links and take some time to read our interview below. Feel free to leave your thoughts in the “comments” area. I’m sure LeVar would be glad to get your feedback.

1. Hello LeVar, I want to thank you for granting me this interview. How is everything going?

Everything is going wonderful. Thanks for taking the time to chat with me.

2. So, I’m going to jump right in. Through my digging, I found that you are a southern man. First, elaborate on growing up in the south and southern living as a whole. Secondly, I’m interested in knowing how growing up in the south shaped your sound. Has living in NYC influenced a change in your sound?

Yes. I am born and raised in South Carolina. Life is like anywhere else but laid back and you know people in your community more personally. I spent most of my time at my grandmother’s house while my parents worked. I have a huge, loving family and when I needed to be alone, music was my refuge. There was plenty of it around.

Growing up in the south taught me humility and hospitality. I now live in NYC and strangers are pleasantly surprised when you ask them about their day or hold the door open after you. Not saying people are rude in NYC, life is just fast and you don’t think of things like that when you’re so busy. Back home, it’s just second nature to do that for people.

My sound is influenced by a lot of things, I think my accent might play into it somehow (lol) but I’m most influenced by gospel and those balladeers like Otis Redding, Luther Vandross and Freddie Jackson. Since moving to NYC, my songwriting output has increased but I think my sound and the subjects I sing about stay true.

3. Did you always have a passion for music? If so, at what point did you realize that you wanted to be a singer/songwriter? Do you prefer one to the other; which do you like best, the performance side or the songwriting?

I’ve always had a passion for music. My mom says I’d kick to the beat of my dad’s stereo before I was born and I’ve always been involved in music one way or another. I’ve sang in an R&B group, at church since 7, chorus in middle and high school and still love doing it to this day.

In 2002, when I moved to Atlanta, I started collaborating with local artists and found that I was a good songwriter as well. I started writing songs for myself but then others started showing interest in my writing skills. I would be satisfied being a singer or a songwriter I love doing both. As a writer, it’s exciting to see an idea become a finished song. As a singer, I just love to stack the harmonies and think up different ways to sing a song for maximum impact. I just want to leave my imprint in music like so many that have inspired me.

4. Along with singing and songwriting, do you play any instruments at all? What are some of your other hidden talents? Are you a secret bid whist champ? Are you a black belt in karate? *Laughs*

LOL! No I don’t play any instruments, which I know is a virtual requirement for a songwriter. I have picked up a guitar and piano to learn before, but my hand is mostly drawn to the pen and pad so I write.

I don’t have any outstanding hidden talents to mention but I dabble in lots of things! I do pretty well at trivia, and I do web editing for myself. Most of the day though, I am creating music.

5. If you had to pick a genre(s) that represents your music/style, what would it be? What other genres do you enjoy or influence you?

The style that represents me best is R&B and Soul but I’m no one-trick pony. I try them all but I feel more in my element singing and writing R&B.

I can’t pinpoint one genre that influences me more because I enjoy music from all genres. There basically just has to be a great song there and a great song can transcend genres.

"I’ve always had a passion for music...I’ve always been involved in music one way or another."

6. Speaking of music and genres, you said on your Myspace bio, “I believe music needs reform.” Please elaborate further. Also, how will you personally aide in reforming music?

When I said music in this case, I meant the music industry. There is a disconnect between what the fans want and what they are being given.

People go to the web to buy singles and listen to songs free because who wants to invest in 2 good songs per album. More focus should be put into finding truly talented artists who can deliver a great CD from top to bottom. Reforming music is a tall order and I can’t do it alone. I just put the energy back into creating the kind of music that has inspired me.

7. I’ve listened to a few of your tracks and I really love, “Come See About Me.” What was the inspiration for that song in particular and what inspires you overall? In addition, out of all of your tracks, what are/is your personal favorite(s)?

"Come See About Me" is the first song I wrote after moving to New York. I was missing my own family and friends, I knew of some friends leaving for college and some family that was going overseas in the armed services. I just put myself in their shoes and a great song came from it.

My overall inspiration comes from my ambition. I’ve been working at music for a while and I can’t stop now! In my quest I get better and better. I just want to make good at my lifelong dream and I have a crazy love for the art of music. I love to hear what other’s create and just want to be a link in the chain that keeps great music coming.

I have a large catalog of music and a lot has yet to be heard. It’s very hard to pick from the songs I’ve written because I put a lot of thought and effort into each one. I’ve even recorded and mixed them myself so each of them gave their pain and I see growth in myself from song to song. I am most proud of the first song I wrote called Ain’t So Bad. It really sums up my love for my family and music and I was really proud after it was all done. On Myspace, I rotate my songs quite often but this one remains on the list because of what it means to me!

8. As I said, I’ve listened to a few tracks and you remind me of singers such as Calvin Richardson, Avant, and Jimmy Cozier. What artists have influenced you and your musical style? By the way, who are some of your favorite artists to date; who’s in your cd player/ipod?

Thanks (Virgo27/Homebody Blogger). The guys you’ve mentioned above are great vocalists and songwriters and good company to be in.

The artists’ who have most inspired me is Luther Vandross and Stevie Wonder. My mom was a big Luther fan and played his music all throughout my childhood and when I left home, I purchased all of his CDs for myself. He had the best male vocals and ballads around that inspire me to create the level of music and artistry he created.

Stevie Wonder is also a huge inspiration for me. As I began to choose music for myself, I bought more and more Stevie records. Beyond being blind he plays harmonica, piano, drums, writes, sings and has 26 + Grammys to his name. He’s a philanthropist and his music to heals and teaches and that’s definitely something I aspire to.

On my iPod right now is a crazy mix of things but it’s all music I love; Kanye, Beyonce, Pink Floyd, Erykah Badu, Tom Petty, Jazmine Sullivan, Chicago, & Common to name a few. I don’t know who isn’t on there. (lol)

"Reforming music is a tall order and I can’t do it alone. I just put the energy back into creating the kind of music that has inspired me."

9. What are 3 unique qualities, in your opinion, that set you apart from other artists out here today? Why should people indulge in the sounds of LeVar Thomas?

My drive, my humility and sincerity! I do my own singing, songwriting, recording, mixing, and web promoting. When I write songs I stay authentic to who I am and create music I feel will last and stay with people for years to come.

10. So, as of right now, what is in the works? Any album releases? Any collabos? Any performances in the Washington, DC metro area?

Right now I’m working with some other songwriters at a major studio creating songs that I’m confident that will be placed with signed artists. I can’t mention names, but hopefully 2009 will be my year!

I’m featured on several mixtapes right now. On the Ears & Voices mixtape with Asian rapper extraordinaire Kato (Myspace.com/katohiphop and iTunes) and on rapper Starr Nyce’s (Myspace.com/StarrNyce) latest mixtape, Allow Me to Re-Introduce Myself 2.0. I hadn’t compiled an album for myself yet but I release songs pretty often. You can hear and download them on Myspace, iTunes or LeVarThomas.com.

11. In the next, say, 3-5 years, where do you see your music career?

I hope to be a sought after writer with a few awards and/or to have released my first major album. I feel these are very attainable goals for me. I’m in the right place, with the right people and I go hard!

Take a moment to enjoy other tracks by LeVar:

LeVar Thomas Playlist

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My Tribute to Jay-Z, The Ohio Players, and The Stylistics

All of you who know me personally, know that Jay-Z is one of my all time favorite artists. As my co-worker once told me in a conversation about today's singers, "we all stand on someone else's shoulders." I believe that whole-heartedly. With that in mind, I want to share and expose you to a couple of old school groups that helped Jay-Z's debut album, Reasonable Doubt become an undisputed classic.--Feel free to argue that:-)

Some of you youngins' out there have never heard of The Ohio Players, nor have you heard of The Stylistics; go do some research! Ok, getting on with it. In my opinion, every song on Reasonable Doubt is a hit, but I've chosen two in particular to talk about, "Politics As Usual" and "Brooklyn's Finest."

Starting with "Politics As Usual," you cannot ignore this smooth, R & B sounding track; the vicious horns and soft drums. It's one of the most suave tracks on the album, no thanks to the sample from The Stylistics', "Hurry Up this Way Again." It is a track found on their album entitled, Hurry Up This Way Again/Closer Than Close/1982.

Now, a more up tempo song, "Brooklyn's Finest." This song has a crazy piano loop that ensues head-bopping and finger-tapping. After you listen to The Ohio Players' track "Ecstasy," you'll understand why. Ecstasy is the name of the track, as well as the name of the album, which was released in 1973.

Take a moment to listen to the original tracks that Jay and his crew sampled, you may have a better appreciation for the artists aforementioned and their craft. I've put together an imeem playlist for your listening pleasure. Enjoy and don't forget to leave your thoughts and/or comments.

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Slumdog Millionaire Movie Review (2008)

photo courtesy of IMDb

What can I say?? Great movie!! British director Danny Boyle, who directed such movies as Trainspotting and 28 Days Later, captured the audience again with Slumdog Millionaire; a heartfelt movie that encompassed love, hate, happiness, sadness, friendship, and kinship.Boyle takes you on a journey through India as Jamal (Dev Patel), an impoverished, unlikely “slumdog”, fights for love and a chance to take all (20 million rupees) on India’s version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire. This modern day fairy tale takes place amid the squalor of Mumbai, India, slowly unfolding the story of the all-too-real sinister impulses of lust, greed, and cruelty.

Bouncing from one horror to another, we initially meet Jamal (Dev Patel) hand-cuffed, being tortured by electric shocks and the fists of a detective (Irfan Khan). The police believe that this long-standing game show contestant has been cheating his way to the possible 20 million rupees; they cannot fathom the idea of an uneducated “slumdog” rightfully answering the tough questions posed to him. Sympathetically, detectives release the cuffs and electrodes and allow him to explain the depths of his knowledge; he illustrates how coincidences in his life advantageously provided him the answers via flashbacks. As Jamal’s narrative of life flows seamlessly, we are introduced to his mother (Sanchita Choudhary), young Jamal (Ayush Mahesh Khedekar), his brother Salim (young Salim-Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail and older Salim-Madhur Mittal) and the love of his life, Latika (young Latika-Rubina Ali and older Latika-Freida Pinto).

We are taken on an expedition through the vibrant, vast, colorful ghetto shacks and struggling humanity. You will fall victim to your emotions when the young brothers witness their mother being murdered by prowling extremists armed with anti-Muslim epithets; Latika, another orphan is befriended by the brothers and joins the expedition. Here, the love story between Jamal and Latika begins. As Boyle continues setting the stage for the finale, we watch as the orphans fall prey to a villain’s exploitation, guns, and violence. Further along, the threesome breaks up due to unfortunate circumstances, but Jamal never loses sight of his love for Latika. By the end of the movie, all is conquered; Jamal proves his worthiness to love Latika, Salim proves he is his brother’s keeper, and the 20 million rupees, well…. Go see for yourself!

I assure you, not only will the storyline capture your attention, so will the cinematography, which was greatly sensitive to color. This movie provides an undeniably awesome package of thrills and tears along with postcard perfect tourism. My personal opinion, it’s worth spending the $$ and seeing on the big screen.

GRADE: A+

Check out the movie trailer below. For IE users click here.

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Tell me Something Good Thursdays

With all of the bad news we take in from day to day via the television, radio, and internet, good news is often looked over.

Whether it's a story about a "stand-up citizen" or "do-gooder," whether something delightful happens in the world of politics, in a local community, or internationally, I will find it and share with you. With the dire economy, people losings jobs and money, good news can do no harm.

If you have any stories you would like to share, especially about your local community, please contact me with the information. I'd be happy to spread the goodness.

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Rant & Rave #9

To all of the "lolly-gaggers" who are chillin' in the fast lane, PLEASE get out of my way!! Can you not see that I have some place to be? Are you blind? Do you not notice that I'm flashing my high-beams off and on? Maybe you're just being an asshole, like so many others out here (hence my previous post Rant & Rave #27). All I ask is that you acknowledge that I am behind you and that you are in my way. The fast lane are for those crazy drivers (I admit, I am one too) who want to be on their way, while the middle lane and far right lanes are for those people who are (1) courteous to others, (2) have time to spare (3) want to stay clear of the amateur Nascar drivers or (3) want to be close to the exit lanes (s).

Here's my plea, simply hit your signal, you know, let the other drivers know you are coming over, and move out of my %^&*$ way! Thank you:-)

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Word of the Day--"kitsch"

Today's WOD is KITSCH.

Parts of Speech:
noun or adjective

Definition:
1. a tacky or lowbrow quality or condition
2. something that appeals to popular or lowbrow taste and is often of poor quality

Example:
The kitsch kitchen had rubber-ducky yellow wallpaper and aqua-and-white checkered curtains.

Feel free to use this word in a sentence in the comment area or offer your own WOD to be featured next Wednesday.

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Wednesday Stimulation

Welcome to Wednesday Stimulation.

Wednesday, also known as "hump day" occurs in the middle of the week; most people's brains are already fried. Everyone is dreading the last two days of work, thinking "the weekend can't come soon enough."

Get out of that "hump day" slump and stay mentally strong. Stimulate your mind as the week draws to an end; learning a new thing or two never hurts, so each and every Wednesday I will provide a new word (word of the day or WOD), its definition, and its part of speech. If I'm really feeling good, I may use it in a sentence. From time to time, I will throw a riddle, a brain teaser or an optical illusion your way.

If you all have some spare time, in the comment area, write a sentence using the WOD or offer a WOD, its definition, and its part of speech to be featured on the blog; submit a riddle or a brain teaser too.

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Rant & Rave #2

Is Subway that hard up for veggies? I went to get a footlong turkey today, with my usual toppings; jalapenos, tomatoes, lettuce, spinach, banana peppers, relish peppers, pickles, black pepper, a squirt of mayo and oregano.

Why did the Subway sub-maker place 6 pickles, 6 jalapenos, and about 8 banana peppers on my sub? Geez!! For one thing, the turkey footlong is not included in the famous, "$5 Footlong," so I'm paying regular price. A second thing, I need more than 6 pickles, 6 jalapenos, and 8 banana peppers. Third, I'm not asking for double meat, just a few extra veggies. Isn't that what Subway is all about, promoting "healthy eating"?

Just wondering...

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Hey, it's Take a Look Tuesdays!!

Make sure you take some time to check out "Take a Look Tuesdays" here at Homebody Blogger.

There are many up and coming artists out there and I've stumbled upon various works while cruising the world wide web and by meeting people throughout my travels. The purpose of my entries every Tuesday will be to feature the works of one of those many artists out there; help expose them and their work to my readers. You may read an interview I've conducted or see a variety of works I've chosen to display, just know that if art is not your thing, you may have a change of heart.

Happy reading and don't forget to leave your thoughts and opinions. Thanks.

Ps. If you are an artist or know of any artists that may be interested in being featured or having their works featured, please contact me or pass this info along.

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Rant & Rave #27

What the hell ever happened to common courtesy?? People are so *%@#$%rude!! Has our techie, narcissistic culture (whatever culture that is) pushed aside empathy for other human beings?

Anyway, I went to the AFI theatre in Silver Spring to see Slumdog Millionaire, which, by the way, was an awesome movie (while you're here in my cyber residence, check out my personal movie review)!! So, I'm leaving the theatre, and being the nice person that I am, I held the door for the person behind me. Mind you, I look this lady directly in her eyes while holding the door, and she did not part her mouth even a little bit to utter the words "Thank You." I'm looking like WTF!? Am I asking for too much?? I mean, my mother taught me manners, didn't hers?? I could have easily let the door crush her in the nose, but...

Now, do I fall into the narcissistic ways of others? Why should I continue being polite to these ever so rude people? It's a shame that one gets excited when someone says "hello" or "thank you" or "excuse me." In my view, it should be automatic!

It's not in my nature to be discourteous, but I'm debating...

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Your Intro to Musical Mondays

Back again with the scoop on Mondays here at Homebody Blogger's virtual space.

Each and every Monday, my blog entry will focus on music. Whether it's an artist interview, a review of an existing artist/album, a look at a choreographer, or an unsigned/underrated (in my opinion)/up and coming artist that I've stumbled upon, you should make sure to stop by.

Music touches everyone, it's truly a universal language! Therefore, everyone speaks music and has an opinion. I encourage you to share those opinions as you continue visiting and reading my blog.

Enjoy and thanks again for stopping by!

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Welcome to Old School Saturdays

Hello and thanks for stopping by. Each and every Saturday my blog will feature entries about old school musicians, singers, choreographers... Any and everything old school that I want to share.

Please check back daily to read various posts and do not hesitate to leave your feedback.

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Welcome to Film Review Fridays

Hello all, glad you stopped by! I want to introduce you to Film Review Fridays.

Each and every Friday, until further notice, my blog entry will be a film review of some sort. All of the reviews will convey my personal thoughts and I welcome you to share yours, in a respectful manner, of course.

I am a self-proclaimed film critic, so some of you will not like what I have to say, while others may agree. Some may or may not like my tast in films, but who cares? This is my blog and each entry has a welcoming "comments" area that I hope is utilized.

With all that said, please stop by daily and check out what's being spewed. Thanks

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