Tag Archives: erykah badu

When You Gonna Get Up

03 Sunday Mar 2013

Posted by in Feeding The Music Jones, Let's Rock: Concert Reviews

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I know you’re down, when you gonna get up
I see you down, when you gonna get up

Forgive me for the lack of posts over the past couple months. At least it wasn’t two years this time! To say I’ve had a rough start to the New Year would be an understatement. To put it in perspective without spilling all my guts, one of the two traumatic events I was dealing with only happens to two out of one hundred people and I still have no explanation as to why I was a statistic. I can only imagine that it was a message, one that I am still waiting to receive.

During this time, I just couldn’t find the mental (or physical) energy to write here. I’m not the type that can “tweet through it” although I  tried to maintain some presence on Twitter so I wouldn’t totally destroy what I am trying to re-build. When I’m going through, I have to retreat and be still.

I also wasn’t attending any shows or listening to much new music so I didn’t have much to write about. So you know shit was serious.  I missed two epic shows that I had been looking forward to — Jessie Ware and Big Daddy Kane performing with a live band.  When I purchased those tickets, nothing but God was going to keep me from it! In a way, I guess He did.

This whole experience also taught me that you never truly know what people are going through. I have been walking around every day for the past couple of months carrying a lot. Just because folks are made up and smiling doesn’t mean their lives aren’t completely falling apart in the background. Check up on the folks that mean something to you. You may just save that person’s life with one phone call.

Moving on.

I am slowly but surely beginning to feel like myself again. Before all this happened, I didn’t know my own strength. I’m a bad mama jama and all but I will still likely end up in therapy, which you know I strongly advocate for if you’ve been with me for any length of time. I have so much to do this year and so much good music to share with you. I need to “get up” so I can give it to you.

As I start to get back into the groove, it helps that my musical new year has been off to a smashing start.  If Jose James comes to your city promoting his latest  release, No Beginning No End, run to get tickets. It was my first time seeing him and he and the band were absolutely amazing.

Check out my recap of the Jose James show containing my live tweets and some videos.

A couple of nights ago, Queen Erykah Badu came through to celebrate her birthday and blessed us with a performance of the entire magnum opus, Mama’s Gun. When the show was first announced, as I tripped over myself to cop a ticket, I side eyed her touring on old music when she needs to be up in the studio bringing us the new new.  When I tell you that woman  gave the best performance I’ve ever seen from her, that is an understatement. I have seen Erykah live many times over the years, dating back to the Baduizm days. Some performances are better than others but there was something magical about this one.

I may be biased because she was performing from the album which I consider her best to date. She simply owned that stage. She was having fun. “Orange Moon” [watch] and “Green Eyes” [watch] were  spiritual experiences. “Green Eyes” literally punched in my gut and knocked me off my feet. I was back there.

I can’t believe I made a desperate plea…
Never knew what a friendship was
Never knew how to really love
You can’t be what I need you to
And I don’t know why I fucked with you

LISTEN. She sang that like she was still there.

The encore found Erykah rocking “Danger” from Worldwide Underground to a go-go beat. Watch some not so great video that captures the fire she lit within all 2432332 people at the show.

If that tour comes your way, you should be there. I’m so thankful to these two artists plus a few more that have released  stellar music in early 2013. Look out for posts about that soon!

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There Was This One Night On Twitter: DJ ‘Loretta Brown’ on the “Wheels of Steel”

28 Wednesday Jan 2009

Posted by in Feeding The Music Jones, Music Legends

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Ever wonder what music is in rotation on some of your favorite artists’ iPods?

Ever think about hanging out with your favorite artist one evening and having them play DJ? What songs would be on the playlist?

The other night on Twitter, Erykah Badu left the building and “DJ Loretta Brown” got on the wheels of steel and turned Twitterverse into one big old school party. Some of these songs I wasn’t even familiar with, which made it even better.

The impromptu house party led to a new musical discovery.

Mama’s Gun just may be my favorite Badu album. Still debating on that one. I do know that that the Grammy-nominated song “Didn’t Cha Know” was a highlight on that album for me. What I didn’t know was that it sampled “Dreamflower” by the band Tarika Blue from their self-titled album released in 1977.

Listening to the original track and some other tracks on the album, make it a must purchase. All thanks to “DJ Loretta.”

Check out some of the other tracks on her playlist. Lots of classic soul here, which is why I will always respect Erykah as an artist. She knows her music.

Any of your favorites here?

Ya’ll better stop sleeping on Twitter. For those that say they don’t get it, if you still don’t after reading this post, I don’t get you!

Follow me here.

Follow DJ Loretta here. She’s about to turn from “an apartment into a restaurant.” (meaning the baby’s birth is imminent). So get while the getting is good!

Highly Anticipated Albums for 2009…And A Wish List!

06 Tuesday Jan 2009

Posted by in Feeding The Music Jones, Upcoming Album Releases

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You’ll remember at the end of my post on albums I was anticipating in 2008, I stated that I would start keeping vigil for albums from certain artist the second 2009 rolled in.

Light a candle and let the vigil begin!

We had a plethora of good music last year, particularly in the last half of the year. 2009 promises to deliver some very heavy hitters. However, promises is the key word. Music lovers, that’s why we have to use our collective energy and wish upon a star that these albums see the light of day.

Let’s start off with a list of  albums that I’m anticipating that actually have release dates….whatever that means.

January

  • 13 – Syleena Johnson, Labor Pains (already available on Itunes)
  • 13- Heather Headley, Audience of One (gospel album)
  • 20-Platinum Pied Pipers, Abundance

February

  • 10-India Arie, Testimony, Vol. 2: Love and Politics
  • 10- Muhsinah, The Oscillations: Sine (available on Itunes)

March

  • 3 – Tamia, Live in DC (CD/DVD will include three new tracks)
  • 6 – Tortured Soul, Did You Miss Me? (helllll yea!)
  • 10-Cornielle, The Birth of Cornelius
  • 17- V
  • 31-Chrisette Michele, Ephiphany Sigh.
  • Tweet, Love, Tweet (After the Dresden Soul Symphony album, I am so ready for this)
  • Kevon Edmonds

May

  • 5-Chrisette Michelle, Ephiphany

June

  • 16- Laura Izibor, Let The Truth Be Told
  • 30–Chico Debarge-Addiction

July

  • 7-Maxwell-Black Summers Night

 

August

  • 25 – N’dambi, Pink Elephant

Now there are some artists that have promised to deliver albums this year. No release dates yet of course. So we can only hope they made New Years resolutions to keep their butts in the studio 24/7 until the final track is done.

  • Prince We’re supposed to get THREE albums this year from everyone’s  favorite joy kill. We shall see. Stay tuned to his new official website and the internets for details. Update: (We got three albums, but only one of them was worth listening to. Sigh.
  • Erykah Badu (I’ve seen dates of 2/17 floating around but since I’m her close personal friend on Twitter, I seriously think she would have let me know. However, I do feel confident that we will get New Amerykah Pt 2 after the bambino drops. And hopefully another tour!)
  • Eric Roberson (I hear that he has fifty tracks already completed. Let’s get with the getting!)
  • D’Angelo (I will want to shut this whole shit down if we don’t get this album by year’s end) o_O Glad I was smart enough to say I would want to shut it down because I hear we’re not going to see the album until 2010.
  • Deborah Bond
  • Yazarah (After the Prelude she gave us, I need for her to hurry up this way again)

I won’t likely purchase these three but I will give them a listen.

  • Dr. Dre, Detox
  • Jay Z, Blueprint 3
  • Eminem, Relapse

I was scrolling through my iPod today and came up with a wish list for the artists that I hope, wish and pray are preparing to step back in front of the mic. Some of the people on this list I could have put on a separate “where are they now” post. If you’ve heard anything about when any of them will get back in the studio, please let me know in the comments.

  • Amel Larrieux (The standards album was cool and all but I’m going to need something else from her) Update: She’s been releasing a track a month, available for download on Amazon and iTunes.
  • Amerie (I got my hands on the unreleased album. Let’s see if it ever sees the light of day) Now that she’s on Def Jam, her fate, or better yet, the fate of a palatable album lies in the hands of the music gods.
  • Angela Johnson (“Presenting” others is cool but I want the next album to be all Angela)
  • Anthony David (I need NEW music from you, Acey Ducey)
  • Brand New Heavies (I know we got something in 2007 but I’m greedy!)
  • Brown Baby Girl
  • Corrine Bailey Rae
  • D’Nell
  • Darien Brockington (I hope he stops traipsing around with Little Brother and gets his own album done!)
  • Faith (The way to feed your family is with that voice. Quit the foolishness and pick the mic up!)
  • Fertile Ground
  • Georgia Ann Muldrow
  • Goapele
  • Jaguar Wright
  • Javier
  • Jazzyfatnastees (I got my hands on some unreleased music that I assume was from their third album, The World Is Coming. Good stuff. Needs to be heard.)
  • Joy Denalane (She was great on the Dresden Soul Symphony album. Let’s get on that solo material!)
  • Keite Young
  • Lizz Fields
  • Liv Warfield
  • Marie Tweek
  • Omar
  • Peven Everett
  • Ra-Re Valverde
  • Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings
  • The Rebirth
  • Stephanie McKay
  • Teedra Moses (Will Young Lioness ever see the light of day?)
  • Van Hunt (after Popular was shelved, will a new album ever see the light of day?)

If you’re not familiar with any of these artists, consider this my ringing endorsement to get acquainted with their earlier projects until we get new music.

Share what albums you’re most looking forward to this year. Who needs to get their hindparts back in the studio ASAP?

I’ll be keeping this list updated so check back.

Top Ten Songs Of 2008 That You’ve Likely Also Had In Constant Rotation

22 Monday Dec 2008

Posted by in Feeding The Music Jones

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by vivrant thang on Top 10 Songs of 2008

We’re nearing the finale of of my year-end countdown. For those just joining us, here’s what you’ve missed.

Next  up, are my ten favorite songs (plus some honorable mentions) that you’ve likely had in heavy rotation as well.

erykah_thathump

1.Erykah Badu, “That Hump”

I was one of the few that dug New Amerykah from first listen.  There were many standout tracks for me. However, once I heard that slow, thumping bass line  of “That Hump,” I knew it was a song I would have on repeat. Many a day over the past year, I was right there with her. I look forward to what’s in store for Part 2. If you want a sneak peek you must follow her on Twitter. (And yes, it’s really her). If nothing else, you will be thoroughly entertained.

erro_letmeknow

2. Eric Roberson, “Let Me Know”

I first heard this song on the radio late one night and nearly lost my mind. Is that Erro?! I heard he had a new song out but had no idea it would have a soulful house flavor to it. It’s hard to sit still when this one comes on, as evidenced by my very shaky video of his performance this past summer. I won’t even bother to try to capture it when he comes to DC for Inauguration Weekend. I’m just going to let my hair down and follow his command and “shake it!” I hope we see more of  this on Erro’s next project.

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3. Jazzanova f/ Leon Ware and Dwele, “RockinYou Eternally”

This entire project would be on this list if I had the room. However, this remake of this 1981 classic by Leon Ware featuring Dwele drew me in from first listen. When this comes on, I have to just sit back, close my eyes and just groove. I dare to say it surpasses the original for me. I have said it before and I’ll say it again, Dwele needs to stick to guesting on other’s projects and step away from the solo material for a minute.

I would also encourage you to take a listen to Leon Ware’s new project Moon Ride. Like Al Green’sproject, it’s simply good ole classic soul that doesn’t seem dated. Both projects would make great stocking stuffers for that seasoned person in your life who is still hip but has no use for what’s on the radio.

algreen_johnlegend

4. Al Green and John Legend, “Stay With Me (By The Sea)”

This was another album that you could just let play through. Classic Al, but it didn’t feel dated. That’s what happens when you get Questlove involved (who is also on Twitter here and here – and yes, it’s really him. Ya’ll better get it while it’s hot!). There were so many outstanding collaborations but there was just something about John and Al that made the perfect combination. Or maybe I’m just a big ole romantic at heart.

qtip3

5. Q-Tip, “Life Is Better”

I had about four different songs here as my top pick from Renaissance. “We Fight/We Love. ” “You.” (I had to give this one an honorable mention). “Gettin Up. ” “Manwomanboogie.” They have all been in constant rotation since I got my hands on this album. However, Norah Jones’ sound (which I wouldn’t have recognized had I not looked at the liner notes) and the hip hop history lesson made this song a must-add. However, what pushed me over the edge was re-watching my videos from the concert last month. This song just begs for live instrumentation.

foreignexchange2

6. Foreign Exchange, “Sweeter Than You”

Another album where it was absolute agony trying to choose my favorite. This is also my album of the year.  When I saw the live performance of “Sweeter Than You,” I felt like I was transported back to the 1920s and 30s, one of my favorite eras. I could picture myself sitting in one of those jazz clubs dressed to the nines and smoking those skinny cigarettes. Phonte on the mic crooning and then the band comes in. Watch and you’ll see what I mean.

Now that I think about it, this should have been an easy choice. Sweetness has been a recurring theme throughout my year end list:  Hil St. Soul’s “The Sweetest Days” and Angela Johnson and Julie Dexter’s “How Sweet Life Is.”  Hmm…may be something to ponder for the ’09.

ericbenet_youretheonlyone

7. Eric Benet, “You’re The Only One”

I’m glad Eric released this as the first single on his album. In my opinion, this is the standout track on an otherwise so-so album. This is vintage Eric, taking me back to his first two releases which still remain in constant rotation to this day. It makes me feel sexier than “Chocolate Legs”  does (although I must say his acapella version and explanation makes me rethink that statement. Hell nobody said the man couldn’t sannnng any woman’s granny panties off. No dispute about that!) Overall, this album, sans this simply beautiful song,  just didn’t do it for me.

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photo credit: tamara dulva

8. Raphael Saadiq “Oh Girl”

It was love at first listen. It’s the track I keep going back to on this album. It you don’t want to throw this on and grind real hard with your boo, something is wrong with ya! I had to include the live performance with this one because the choreography only enhances the listening experience. And looking at that picture, that is one seasoned gentleman I wouldn’t mind getting down on one knee and crooning to me!

estelle_substitutelover

9. Estelle, “No Substitute Love”

Another outstanding release where it was hard to pick a favorite. I need at least one island flavored track on my list each year and Estelle does that so well. Besides, the sentiment was one I had to express a little too often this year for my taste. Here’s hoping for a better 2009 in that respect.

roots_chrisette

10. The Roots f/Chrisette Michele and Wale, “Rising Up”

In the words of DJ Stylus, it’s plain and simple. This. Joint. CRANKS. Impossible to sit still on this one. That go-go beat, over which DC native Wale represents, is infectious. Even if you don’t get down with go-go, there is no way this track doesn’t move your body. Except if you live in Baltimore. They were stiff as hell when The Roots performed this at the show up there back in May. I can’t forget my girl Chrisette Michele who is absolute perfection on this track (come back soon!).

Very Honorable Mentions

Erykah Badu, “Master Teacher”

John Legend, “I Love, You Love”

Anthony Hamilton “Please Stay”

Q-Tip “You”

Musiq Soulchild, “SoBeautiful”

Robin Thicke “Sidestep”

Avant,”When It Hurts”

As always, share your favorites in the comments.

Gossip Folks: How Dare You Disrespect The Queendom?!?!

15 Tuesday Jul 2008

Posted by in Feeding The Music Jones

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by vivrant thang on erykah badu pregnancy

SECOND POST FOR TODAY

What’s up fools?
You think I aint knowin yall broke Milli Vanilli
J.J. Fad wannabes aint over here gossiping bout me?
Yo how bout you buff these Pumas for 20 cents so your lights wont get cut off
You soggy breasts, cow stomachs
Yo take those baby GAP shirts off, too
You just mad cuz Payless ran out of plastic pumps for the after party
Yo by the way, go get my album
Damn!

In case you’ve been living under a rock or better yet wrapped up in more pressing issues (which I’m too worn out to rant about but you should know where I stand), you may have missed the news that Ms. Badu is expecting her third child – presumably by her man, Jay Electronica. However, as someone said to me behind the scenes, it could very well be Grandmaster Flash’s kid for all we know. Badu marches to the beat of her own drum and who knows where the day will take her. I’m hoping it’s Big Daddy Kane’s. I’m just saying.

I actually called this when I saw her on the Vortex Tour in May. I remember telling my friend that it seemed like she was hiding something underneath that get up. When she came out in the more fitted outfit, she seemed more swole than usual. But hell, I was eating up some shit too when I was in a relationship so I didn’t think anything of it.

When I saw the news posted on one of my favorite celebrity blogs, Crunk and Disorderly, along with some picture evidence (post has since been deleted or I would link since I lubs me some Fresh), I admit my judgemental side eye started twitching. Three babies, three different baby daddies? It’s one thing to screw around but why keep getting knocked up?

Apparently a lot of folks out there on the Internets are asking the same questions, but not as nicely. I didn’t see the original post on the Okayplayer message board where some people were apparently calling her way out of her name and insulting her kids, something a black Momma is NOT going to stand for ( I’m wondering why Michelle will blow but that’s another post). I’m glad I missed it though. I checked out some other sites and you would think some of these folks are the Virgin Mary reincarnated.

Apparently, somebody done fucked up now because Ms. Badu took the time to fire off a very long missive, which I’ve excerpted here. If you want to read the whole thing and aren’t on Okayplayer, you can find it here:

peace,

HOW DARE YOU DISRESPECT THE QUEENDOM…AND MY CHILDREN AND MY INTELLIGENCE.

ive never been so disgusted in all of my life .

I’LL STATE MY PEACE

i am a great mother and care giver to my 2 children and to this world . my children are 2 of the kindest and happiest people i have met. I home schooled them and taught them the ways of good to the best of my ability. i am their doctor and their nurse . and even sometimes their mother and their father.

every relationship i have been in was because i loved the person DEARLY and was dedicated to us “exclusively” FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS.

the fathers of my children are my brothers and friends . we have a great deal of respect for one another and always will. WE LOVE OUR CHILDREN TO NO END. we took our own “vows” and CONTINUE TO UPHOLD THEM.

AND THAT IS WHAT THAT IS .

question?
WHAT IS MARRIAGE ? WHO IS THE JUDGE? WE ONLY UNDERSTAND THE EXAMPLES WE ARE GIVEN ( well sort of)

WOULD IT “LOOK BETTER ” TO MARRY AND DIVIORCE AND MARRY AGAIN ? WOULD THAT BE MORALLY CORRECT ? WHATS THE DIFFERENCE ? the government’s involvement i guess. IDEALLY , IT WOULD BE EXCELLENT TO FIND THE MAN OR WOMAN WHO FULFILLS YOUR SPIRIT AND STAY FOR EVER AND EVER ( thru sickness and health till death do us part ) AND HAVE HEALTHY STRONG CHILDREN AS A RESULT OF A HEALTHY AND STRONG UNION. (this CAN happen … we need much training , however.)

OR

IS IT REALLY “GOOD” TO STAY IN A RELATIONSHIP WHERE BOTH PARTIES ARE UNFULFILLED , LONGING FOR RELIEF , BRINGING one another down as a result of improper training , creating BAD ENERGY AND EXPERIENCES FOR THE CHILD TO REPEAT ? (As a product of that kind environment I say AAAA-MEN!)

HOW MANY OF YOU GREW UP IN 2 PARENT HOMES THAT WERE MISERABLE AS FUCK ? (Preach!)
OR 2 PARENT HOMES THAT WERE NOT PERFECT BUT WORKED?
HOW MANY GREW UP IN ONE PARENT HOMES WHERE THE MOTHER WORKED HARD TO MAKE SURE YOU WERE CARED FOR BUT SHE WASNT QUITE HAPPY?
HOW ABOUT A HOME WHERE THE FATHER WAS THE MAIN CARE GIVER AND DID THE BEST HE COULD -LACKING NURTURE?
HOW MANY OF YOU HAVE A SIBLING THAT HAS A DIFFERENT FATHER OR MOTHER?
DOES HE OR SHE MEAN LESS TO YOU?
HOW MANY OF YOU HAVE MORE THAN 1 MOTHER OR FATHER OF YOUR OWN CHILDren ?
HOW MANY OF YOU HAD /OR / ARE PARENTS RESPONSIBLE ENOUGH TO MAKE GOOD DECISIONS FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR CHILDREN ,THAT DONT QUITE FIT ANY OF THESE DESCRIPTIONS?
HOW MANY OF YOU STAY IN UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS FOR FEAR OF GOING TO HELL?
HOW MANY HOS OUT THERE … THAT HAVE KIDS TO GET A PAYDAY?
HOW MANY PEOPLE GETTING THEY ASS KICKED AND ARE FORCED TO SUBMIT CAUSE YO MAMA GOT HER ASS KICKED?
THEN WHAT is CORRECT?

if i loose you as a fan because i want to continue to have children then FUCK OFF… WHO NEEDS YOU ….CERTAINLY NOT ME … KICK ROCKS … CALL TYRONE … PACK LIGHT …. BITE ME

i know you are having fun , but what if it were you and your children? my son is 10 . my daughter, 4 .

peace

ANALOGUE GIRL

and if this post is not clear
kiss my placenta.

Alrighty then.

Ms. Badu is certainly making some good points here. As someone who grew up in a two-parent household that was miserable as hell and am currently in therapy to unlearn some of the bad behavioral traits that resulted, I can see why marriage and the traditional two-parent household isn’t always the answer. My mother stayed primarily to give me that. It definitely afforded me some better opportunities – such as a suburban upbringing, better education and exposure to things like travel and interacting with people from different cultures- things I may not have gotten growing up in Jersey City, NJ. However, she suffered and it’s definitely affected me in various ways. Erykah is trying to avoid that for her kids.

This three baby daddy thing still gets my side eye a twitching. But bottom line, who the hell am I to judge? I am not without sin myself so I don’t need to be casting any stones! Besides, as long as I don’t have to pay for the crumbsnatchers what do I care how many babies she has? I’m more concerned about Keylolo in the hood dropping kids left and right that my tax dollars have to feed. Can we get her ass to stop popping out kids instead of concerning ourselves with what a woman who has more money than most of us will ever see in a lifetime is doing with her vagina?

So no, Ms Badu, you won’t ever have to worry about losing a fan over here. At the end of the day, it’s all about the music.

Let me know what ya’ll think about this in the comments.