2Serenity

Singer Maxwell is on TOUR !!!!

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 07:46:26 -0700

Presale information for his concert on Thursday, October 9th at 8pm at Radio City Music Hall

http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1D004110AF2C315F?artistid=778926&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=202

Password for Presale - HEWING according to presalepassword.net

Remember:

Maxwell - The Latest News
http://www.myspace.com/maxwell_thelatestnews

The Official Myspace Page of Maxwell
http://www.myspace.com/maxwell

Singer Maxwell -- is he back?

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 18:05:09 -0700

Thank you to The Latest Maxwell News on Myspace for the treat I saw today and my mouth FELL to the ground:

AHHHHHHH

Please check The Latest Maxwell news' blog on what is up with Maxwell because I am so ready to get tickets to see him NOW!

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=46718753&blogID=424629664

Now Issac Hayes - God needs his angels..

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 22:41:27 -0700

While working today on an online event, I received the tragic news of Isaac Hayes passing. He was a cultural icon and a legend who will be always known as the creator of the Shaft sound.

Isaac Hayes will forever be remembered as a one cool super soul brother who was a handsome, beautifully dark, mysterious man who possessed all that a woman could ever want!

Beyond him being physically fine he was a gifted musician who not only wrote for himself but for others such as Sam & Dave and Otis Redding.

In 2002 I had the pleasure of dancing with Isaac Hayes at my friend's wedding. It was a treat to groove with the #1 Soul Brother and I am forever grateful for him dancing with me.

Thank you for the individual who uploaded this live performance of Issac Hayes in 1973 on to youtube:

NYTimes Obituary:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/11/arts/music/11hayes.html?_r=1&ref=obituaries&oref=slogin

May God grant your spirit peace, protection for your family and may your fans and admirers respect your legacy always. Thank you for reminding us what it means to be a humble and sincere individual.

Loving Blip.fm when I am miserable about Bernie Mac

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 01:48:41 -0700

On Saturday, August 9 at 8am my mother told me some depressing news. Comedian Bernie Mac was now singing with the angels?
He was only 50 years old. So young, tragic and wondering why God needed him now? He did live a full life for he was married, had child and was having a successful career but now God needed him. I am not angry but wondering why so soon.

In my confusion today I was a little out of it to the point I did not watch tv nor did I listen to music. I was in silence most of the day.

I barely ate either only because I was recurring from a food poisoning incident from last night. Yuck. Expensive restaurants can give you the runs too. [please mind me but it is the truth!]

This evening I decided to log into blip.fm and I was trying to figure out how to use it and then it just *came to me.* I had blipped only 3 or 2 times and after my fun I was on there for a long time accumulating 90 blips. This is a sign of:

1) I really am a music junkie

2) what am I talking about half the time? Though I tried to talk about the songs I blipped, I ended up talking with my listeners.

Blip.fm reminds me of twitter but you have to add a song to move on. Coolness. But my music tastes are so off the wall that I cannot find half the artists I listen to. I will make attempts to contact the management of these artists so their music can be included in the database but I do not know, we will see...

So my sad day ended in the wee mornings on August 10 in smiles. Thank you blip.fm for making my internet addiction become outrageous. But it is all good. I gotta get the love of the net in control...

So I may have to go quiet for sometime but I am appreciative of the blip.fm service.

I need to slow down 8)...

Remembering James Brown's song, "Say It Loud, I am Black & I am Proud."

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:29:42 -0700

When I share my history of the African Diaspora my tone is not one of *black power* but for all of us appreciating the richness and diversity of not only African culture but all the beautiful cultures in the world.

Recently, I was told that I am *pretty big on this black power stuff" which I quickly took offense too because:

1. I do not buy into the theories of the black panther party but of acceptance of all people

2. what do you mean by *stuff* for our cultures are a mix of music, art, writings, science, and many other wonderful contributions so I took offense by the use of the word *stuff*

When I listen to James Brown's song, "Say It Loud, I am Black & I am Proud" it is my way of embracing my culture, loving myself and knowing someone else appreciates me because of my differences. It is not a time of me to think of the negatives but the positives.

Listen here.

Tonight and tomorrow in the USA, there is a television series on being black in America. If you live in the USA, I highly encourage you to tune in and WATCH. Contemplate on the stories that are shared with you and see for yourself some of the daily struggles that some people go through. I am curious to see what will be highlighted especially here in my own city which is New York City.

Here is a link to the show information:
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2008/black.in.america/

Amel Larrieux UPDATED her website - it's kinda dope

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 06:26:29 -0700

As an active member of Amel Larrieux's website, http://www.blisslife.com, I was surprised yesterday that she re-launched the site with new features such as you being able to send her youtube clips of what you want to say to her or use video to be interactive with other blisslife.com community members. This is the first time I have seen a request like this from a music artist. Tells you that Amel cares about her fans.

Love the easy navigation through the website such as media section, blogs for artists, etc. Take a look for yourself at www.blisslife.com

I appreciate her wanting to help other musicians because so many musicians ask other musicians for help and she has no problems in doing that.

What a joy to see this?!

Take a listen to why I adore Amel Larrieux:

Amel Larrieux - Bravebird

Maxwell performed at the BET Awards..

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:31:04 -0700

Did you see it?

HE performed Al Green's, "Simply Beautiful"

Bunny DeBarge of the DeBarge musical family

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 21:58:31 -0700

Remember this:

The musicial group DeBarge was popular in the 1980s but unfortunately the group disbanned and their were hurt feelings by the members who are all siblings. The most famous sibling out of the group is El DeBarge who has been having some personal issues these past couple of years.

Recently, I was informed that the group's mother known as Mama DeBarge and their sister, Bunny DeBarge, released books recently for us to know what has been going on in their world.

Mama DeBarge's Webpage - http://www.mamadebarge.com

Bunny DeBarge - http:// www.thekeptones.com

Mama DeBarge's book was a quick read which is known as, "The Other Side of Pain." Mama DeBarge goes into an overview of her life, the children's lives and what happened after the group rised to international popularity in 1980s and now are not well known. I highly advise you to read this book if you are interested. It is a quick read.

Bunny DeBarge's book will fill in the details that Mama DeBarge did not provide. Her book is known as "The Kept Ones" which she shares the ordeals of growing up as the oldest of the famous musical group and how she had to deal with her own demons as a biracial female growing up in the world during the 1960s at a time of blatant racial turmoil in America.

I am looking forward to reading Bunny DeBarge's book for I listened to a blogtalkradio.com interview that she did recently ,and she shared some details that she discusses in her book.

If you want to listen to the interview please check out this blog post I did which has links to the interview:

http://mog.com/SerenityLife/blog_post/168643

Also in the comments of the blog, I cut and pasted a comment that Bunny left on my myspace page! Yeah!

Aaliyah and R Kelly WERE not married

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 03:54:45 -0700

The marriage license that was in VIBE magazine was a fraud.

This one:

Aaliyah was listed as being 18 years old when she was 15 in August 1994 for her birthday is in January. Further, in order to have a valid marriage in IL you have to be 18. Marriages from 16-17 are allowed with consent of a parent or guardian but in Aaliyah's case her age was not authenticated nor was consent from her parents given.

This webpage here discusses the entire rumor and says that Aaliyah WAS NOT MARRIED!

http://aaliyahremembered2.homestead.com/MI.html

Also seeing media coverage like this made you wonder if they were married but they were NOT:

Real Renaissance has the IT factor..

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:58:01 -0700

Hmm, remember that plea I made on my profile for people not to ask to me to listen to their hip hop or rap? Well, I was pleasantly surprised by this young lady's music that was shared with me not on fuzz but through the lady who manages an online fan forum for the singer Maxwell.

Have you ever listened to an artist who is not known by the mainstream but you know they have the *it* factor?

When The Latest Maxwell news shared this following video clip with me, I screamed because the young lady was flowing with her verses. It is as though she was born to write, sing and be in the *biz* as they say.

The Latest Maxwell News - http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=46718753

Her use of Maxwell's Submerge sample has me begging for more because she used it in such a creative way that I had to give her much play. She is a Maxwell fan too so I know she used his sample in respect in sharing and appreciating his work too.

Maxwell's Submerge Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWkUmCxp8SY

Last night, I had to give The Real Renaissance some love on her myspace page but I kind of broke it to her and said that her 7000 plus fans on her myspace page are WACK because they are not viewing her video as she requested. She would like to get more views of her video. Her goal is to get 10,000 to view it and she has already cracked the 1000 views. I told her I watched it yesterday 5 times yesterday so that uped the factor a little bit.

The Real Renaissance - http://www.myspace.com/realrenaissance

Do you mind being a dear and giving The Real Renaissance a view? Thank you!

She has a creative flow and sincerity that I appreciate. I know she is prepared to do what is necessary to be on top of her game with her music, writing and singing. And, from talking from her - she definitely as a comedian. She cracks me up and she better stop it!

Also, check out her video here on blip.tv for she said that was the best view of it! Blip.tv present's Renaissance Thug Passion

http://blip.tv/file/860463/

I am buying Real Renaissance's CD, Life Soundtrack, from CD Baby for that is how impressed I am with her work! http://cdbaby.com/cd/renaissancetunes

By the way, WHAT THE HELL is going on with this Maxwell CD? I want my Black Summer's Night trilogy. I am really wondering what is going on now. It is his label I have issue with and not Maxwell. Come on, Columbia Records?! What GIVES?

Maxwell - http://www.myspace.com/maxwell

Journalist Tim Russert is singing with the angels

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 19:47:38 -0700

One of my favorite journalists is gone.

He passed away today at the age of 58.

My prayers are for his family and friends.

News will not be the same for me for I have been watching him for most of my life even here in Washington, DC on our local news channel - NBC WRC - TV.

Loving his spirit always!

Obituaries on Tim Russert

NY Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/14/business/media/13cnd-russert.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

Washington, DC
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/13/AR2008061302423.html?hpid=topnews

Consumerism in an economy that is not prosperous..

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 19:41:37 -0700

Are people really buying music?

Honestly, are you?

I have a monthly emusic.com account that I use and that is where I buy my music.

I am patiently waiting for Maxwell's new CD [http://www.myspace.com/maxwell] but otherwise I am not buying a lot of music. My wallet cannot afford to buy too many things when my necessities are becoming more expensive. [Housing, transportation, food]

However, I am going to a few live concerts this summer such as Amel Larrieux and some jazz concerts in New York.

So, my question to you is are you buying any new music? If not, are you going to concerts?

Prince is 50 today!

Sat, 07 Jun 2008 20:23:02 -0700

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7440841.stm

I've been loving him since January 26, 1980 when I saw him perform on American Bandstand. It was my 6th birthday. I have been in love with him ever since.

[[Princey POO POO]]

=P

Happy Momma's Day to all the MOMMAs

Sun, 11 May 2008 09:49:02 -0700

Source of Picture: http://s196.photobucket.com/albums/aa172/Gypsylillies/

Sending love into the universe to all the people who are Mommas or act like Mommas. Don't forget that EVERYDAY is MOMMA's Day!

Remember the famous saying by Bill Cosby?

In one episode of the Cosby show, Bill Cosby said to his son Theo, "I brought you into this world AND I can take you out!"

AlexCuba is BEYOND gifted but a musicial prodigy

Sat, 10 May 2008 07:48:50 -0700

[Picture of me with AlexCuba]

Mini Documentary about Alex Cuba

WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW..

As much madness as I talk about Prince, Jesus, I swear AlexCuba has IT! Seriously! I saw him perform live tonight at Joe's Pub here in New York City and my mouth kept on dropping wide open in LOVE with his voice and his persona on stage. AlexCuba is very well grounded, hilarious, cracking jokes in both English & Spanish. He truly is a person who LOVES himself for he exudes a humbleness and sincerity that comes across in his music too.

You know what your girl did? Yep - I cracked a joke on him. I could not help it. I told him, "My, you are tiny!" Then, I had the NERVE to tell him that he needs to eat more potatoes. He laughed at me as I did at myself because that is usually something I do with people I have known for years but, I could not help it. He was too adorable for me not to crack a joke on him! [Me love AlexCuba]

Now, WORLD == >>> please please please Check out ALEXCUBA live, get his album, get a t-shirt and just love him like I do.

No, I do not work for him but merely a music fanatic who gets captivated by certain artists that propel me into another dimension. Alex DEFINITELY has that Prince appeal of musical talent and appeal for me. So, Prince, please DON'T be jealous but I LOVE ME SOME AlexCuba's music.

I love AlexCuba's music so much that I bought his CD and a t-shirt. HE even AUTOGRAPHED my CD, and he signed my t-shirt. However, I am SO ANAL that I am going to get my t-shirt framed and put it on my wall in my humble abode.

Remember that independent music artists cannot survive without us - their loyal fans. So, please consider blogging and saying something nice about those independent artists you adore. You know I DO!!

**Also, I MUST REALLY love me some AlexCuba because I WENT OUT IN THE RAIN to see him!!** Now that is called LOVE & RESPECT!

**I WANT A LIVE ALEXCUBA CD!!!**

Links:
http://www.3121.com/ [Prince's Official Website]
http://www.alexcuba.com [AlexCuba's Official Website]
http://www.joespub.com/

Rev. Wright Interview on Bill Moyers Journal

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 23:45:02 -0700

Rev. Wright is the pastor of Sen. Barack Obama. Bill Moyers recently interviewed Rev. Wright, and it was one of the best interviews I had seen in a long time.

Here is a link to the youtube videos that I linked from my other music journal

http://www.last.fm/user/2Serenity/journal/2008/04/26/709971/

Enjoy and learn! ;)

I may get shot 40 times and the NYPD officers get away with it...

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 08:34:16 -0700

Link to my post. I had to revise it:

http://tinyurl.com/3naxhr

More on the N word - the discussion will NEVER end

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:30:00 -0700

N Word Documentary

http://peaurl.com/qaUI

Roots of my Frustration (so much more but this is a good start)

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 20:38:35 -0700

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1091431409617440489
Video - A Girl Like Me by Kiri Davis

Lord, stop this but this has been going on forever..

The children know or those who are empowered know but STOP acting so stupid.

How do you change? Choose to change how you want to conduct your life?

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Another video:

Death of Two Sons
www.deathoftwosons.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNGl3JhA5Y8

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxox

Hattie McDaniel OPENED doors of opportunity for black actors and she died penniless. Thanks, America! Article: http://peaurl.com/8ph8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRbh0Gp9n6Q

This book opened my eyes - Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies and Bucks by Donald Bogle
http://tinyurl.com/66wovd

xoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxox

And this takes the cake but it is so true:
http://www.bamboozledmovie.com/

xxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxooxoxoxoxo

Despite all of these negative images in the media, there are many and gems in the black community such as Cornell West (professor), W.E. Dubois (writer/scholar/professor), Alice Walker (writer/professor), Judith Jamison (dancer), Aesha Ash (dancer), Dr. Benjamin Carson (medical doctor/researcher), Dr. Mae Jeminson (first black female astronaut), Mellody Hobson (finance expert) and many more.

It just hurts that some of the not well known individuals are not being taught for the world to see there are other dimensions of the African American experience not shared on a mainstream level.

To all my Niggahs and NIGLETS (yes, I said it)

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 11:55:51 -0700

[this is not to anyone in particular but to anyone who thinks they are these terms ESPECIALLY ONLINE then I guess this may apply to you. We will see if you know how to R-E-A-D!]

WAKE UP!

Do I have to use a term that was used to destroy your credibility as a human being to get your attention.

Do I have to continuously say HEY NIGGER or NIGGERESS or NIGLET to get your BUTT OVER HERE AND REALIZE that you are continuously bringing yourself and your community down by the use of the term.

Why DO I HAVE TO KICK YOUR LAME KNUCKLEHEADS down to get your attention when you are some of the smartest individuals on this planet. I know you are SMART, BEAUTIFUL, BRIGHT and have a future if you have confidence in yourself.

Do you know you do NOT have to have all the college degrees in the world to be a success story.

You know a GED is just as good as high school education if you cannot get the work done in a academic environment that does not cater to your learning style.

However, if you have the academic ability to go to college or junior college please GO!! Research for a scholarship and go to your local community college and get your Associates Degree!!

Have you heard of something such as vocational school? Auto mechanics, beautician, visual artist, clerical work in an office -- see more here:
http://www.ed.gov/students/prep/college/consumerinfo/index.html

You know many PEOPLE ARE NOT going to confront you and say what you are saying (online and off line) is wrong in fear of how some people react. Some people are scared that you are going to get too loud with them or physically hurt them. Why? Just because.

Also in the music industry some major record labels enjoy the economics of a race (black and white - look at Marshall Mathews aka Eminem) continuously exploiting and killing ourselves off. Don't believe me read here: Just read the preface of this book is enough to let u SEE what is going on:
http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=FBV4lf9v_ssC&oi=fnd&pg=PR6&dq=economics+of+hip+hop&ots=bBCywF5GWG&sig=NSvSahrh9dcMm6LNYprsvPyq3uw#PPR6,M1

[oops MY BAD I was TOLD u DO NOT KNOW HOW TO READ and

you know what some people say behind your backs? ---> SEE HERE:
http://www.pointsincase.com/columns/justin/12-11-05.htm (it's all true because some ignorant people have asked me these questions both black and white. Yes, even black people asked me this? How am I to know? I am only living for myself!)

Why do you think some of us are in a vicious cycle of POVERTY? (black and white too) Hmm.. because some of us do not know any better and that is the SAD ASS TRUTH! (You know the SAT test - that is the SAD ASS TRUTH)

I only did this to make you WAKE UP and realize that this insanity needs to STOP with the name calling.

Try to have some patience with one another.

Try to be open minded.

Try to just give people a chance to share with you how they may feel. I know it can be time consuming but if we want to progress as a nation then we have to have some patience.

My assignment to you is for you to LOVE yourself and if someone tells you that you have too much pride in yourself then that is their problem because they are jealous that you have a rich history.

Listen to Taalam Acey and I think this may help you on your way to stop self-destruction:

http://serenitylife.vox.com/library/post/if-you-have-to-use-the-n-word-then-be-constructive---taalam-acey.html

Think about what you are doing to yourself.

As my friend said here when you are on the internet and saying all of this for the ENTIRE WORLD TO SEE WHAT YOU ARE SAYING this is what we think: * domineaux said: * domineaux's Avatar * 23 Apr 2008, 17:31

Sometimes it is easy to forget the power behind the stroke of a key and the click of mouse. The internet is a wonderful and powerful tool. It allows it's users the opportunity to communicate with others and travel the globe at light speed. However, I try to keep in mind that those three w's (www) before each address stands for WORLD WIDE WEB. With that thought in mind, I think it matters very much how we conduct ourselves while online. Much respect Jennifer
**

I DID MY DUTY so don't say I did not care.

Much <3 and respect