Browngirl Speaks

I mourn and celebrate the life of an artist. MJ was a man, a human, full of err just like the rest of us. However, he made contributions to the music and dance world unprecedented and never to be duplicated. Respect.

Mark your calendars. 7/7/09. Maxwell. BLACKsummersnight. Music has missed you man.  

Check out his new video for "Pretty Wings" here.

All my music geek comrades have been asking me about J*Davey. My response is always: “I just can’t seem to get into them”. This is a duo that I want to like…I’m supposed to like. And finally, finally, I’ve heard the song and seen the video that just may have converted me.

My husband and I are always talking about movies, books and music. Well, who isn’t these days? It seems everyone is into all three lately and I mean everyone thinks she/ he is the authority. Well, they’ve always been “my thing” since I made my little entrance into the world. I’ve asked the mr. a number of times what he’d take on that proverbial deserted island. But I threw in a twist. So now I’m going to throw it into the blogosphere: What’s your trifecta? What is your favorite movie, book and cd/album? You can only name one for each and please share a little about your choices. I’ll start…

Movie: Imitation of Life(1959)
I never tire of this movie. Can I watch it repeatedly? No. It’s so emotionally taxing but so much about relationships resonates with me in this movie. It’s melodramatic 50’s cinema at it’s finest. And please note it’s the ‘59 version that is my preference but I do own both versions.

CD/ Album: My Life - Mary J. Blige
This was the hardest choice to make of the three. I was torn between her and a Nina Simone album. But, alas, MJB gets the number one spot. Yeah this is when she was at the height of her deep funk, but the songs aren’t sad and loathsome. They’re passionate and healing. This one never gets old and is still in my CD rotation.

Book: Their Eyes Were Watching God - Zora Neale Hurston
I actually borrowed this from Lisa when I was about 14. It rocked my little world. This began my deep rooted love for African American literature and, especially, the Harlem Renaissance.

So, I guess there’s a rather obvious theme for my trifecta– relationships. Now, I’m passing the torch to HomeGirl, JustLisa, TruEssence and C. Enjoy!

it’s hard to write lately b/c life is kicking my butt. i haven’t done anything to life, but that probably has no bearings on when and what life chooses to bring upon me. anyway, i’m trying to keep up with my reading. not so successful there. i’m a friggin’ pedestrian again. this is quite pissy. i’m submerging myself in fabulous tunes. eureeka! my saving grace. as usual, music is my sanity. i recently discovered and artist, well two actually, that i have apparently slept on. on first listen, i felt ashamed and guilty. i felt like i had betrayed music. i felt like i had been sleeping under a rock! how? why did i not ever listen to georgia anne muldrow?!?!?! she is phe.nom.i.nal! right now, she and muhsinah are my audio crack and in heavy rotation on my last.fm. i almost didn’t share this information because i almost want to keep them both to myself. but i digress, i will share with those not already in the know. for those who did, shame on you for not telling me…

“Twice” - Little Dragon
Swedish electronica band

this is what’s hot…

so, i’m checking for what’s up on the today show and see raheem devaughn’s going to be on.  cool!  especially since i just saw him open for jill scott last friday.  i’ll pause for jealous gasps…. okay.  just as i turn on the show, they’re talking about some surprise mystery band that’s reuniting.  well, who bursts through the huge sheet of paper?  new.kids.on.the.block!  i’m like whaaaaat?!?!  are you kidding me?!?!?  they are not the freshest bunch on the block anymore ot ell the truth.  i couldn’t get over how old they look.  i just don’t know about this one….