Theophilus London is better known to me as the man behind This Charming Mixtape. That's when I realized how different and sort of special his music is. Now he's dropped a new mixtape, I Want You, hosted by Va$htie and sure to please the following he has generated. This is probably some of the best music I've heard in a while. Truly a collective piece that includes various sounds and inspirations. I actually enjoy when T. London covers a song because it gives you that nostalgic feeling with a touch of something fresh and new.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
For almost all women, hair is an important part of feeling and looking beautiful. There is a lot of money being spent every day to achieve specific hairstyles to make women feel good. Some women do it because they feel “they have to”, but the truth is you don’t have to! Deep down there are those who wish they didn’t have to go to great length breaking the bank just to feel beautiful. I am one of those!
Being natural can be one of the most rewarding things you can do to your hair and your self-image. But only if you are ready and willing to embrace that you are who you are and that is how the world should see you.
I am by no means a beauty expert or psychological counselor, but I have come a long way from not appreciating my hair to loving it.
All my life I have had extremely curly hair. At first I hated it because it was always hard to manage and never did what I wanted it to do. I use to wear high ponytails with a big puff ball of curls that was guaranteed to smack someone in the face if they came to close to it. So as I started getting older I began to deviate and experiment with my hair. At one point, I would apply so much heat and spend money almost every week to get my hair straightened. I admit, I liked my hair straightened because I had the conception in my mind from looking at television that straight = beautiful. Having curly hair made me feel kind of wild, when I wasn’t. I took my hair through extreme hair dyeing process to get it a certain color all to end up having to cut all the damage off. Then one day i decided I was going to wear my hair the way it has always been.
Don’t get me wrong, on certain occasion I will straighten my hair because it is an option that is out there,but it is not essential. I feel that our culture and the images we see on television are what push us to do or want certain things, but you have to be real with you. I could never have Kim Kardashian’s pristine hair, as gorgeous as it is, and wouldn’t want to do things that will get me her hair. There are a lot of men out there who appreciate naturalness, and I am on their side. I couldn't imagine running my hands through someones hair and getting them caught there. But hey it is what is…
Another thing to point out is if you want good hair, then act on it! Good hair consists of health and nutrition, styling products, and the commitment and dedication as much as it is about genes. Do your research and use the internet wisely because you will find people just like you wondering what they can do improve their hair. I tell people all the time to invest in good products and manage your hair as you would a garden of flowers-you have to consistently maintain it and nourish it to get the desired growth you want.
Pictured here is Bilal Oliver singing the vocals to Jay-z's Falling from American Gangster. Bilal has one of the greatest albums that unfortunately never made it to see the light of day. A Love for Sale was shelved and never came out in the United States, although you can find the whole album online. I wish more people would listen to his music because it truly is some of the best stuff I have heard in my life. Each song is like a mini-movie, he paints pictures and makes you feel what he is saying. He just has an eccentric feel that i love, so check him out.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
I was rolling around, in my mind it occurred What if God was a her? Would I try Herthe same? Would I still be running game on Her? In what type of ways would I want Her? Would I want Her for mind or her heavenly body? Couldn't be out here getting bogus with someone so Godly If i was with Her, would i still be wanting my ex? The lies, the greed, the weed, the sex Wouldn't be ashamed to give her part of my check Wearing her cross, I mean Her heart on my neck Her I would reflect, On the streets of the Chi Ride with her, cuz i know for me, she'd die Through good and bad call on Her like i'm chirpin her Couldn't be jealous cuz other brothers worship her Walk this earth for her Glory, i'm grateful to be in her presence I try to stay faithful.
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth.
Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same.
And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.
"The Road Not Taken" is a poem written by Robert Frost that holds a special place in my heart. It's a much more elaborate version of Ralph Waldo Emerson's quote, "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." It is one of the poems that I can read over and over again and remind myself about the beauty of being an individual and following your own hearts desires regardless of what others may think. As we go through different paths and stages in life, we have to remember who we are and what is our purpose in life. The first time I read this poem I was graduating high school-the words were written inside that piece of paper rolled up that's handed at graduation. Now that i'm on to a new path in life, i have to remind myself that each day i live it's to do what i have always wanted to do and not let anything stop me.
Patiently waiting for the completion of Rick Ross's video for the track Mafia Music 2featuring Chrisette Michelle. Great music if you ask me. You can't hate on that folks.....
Leslie's pure genius and Rick Ross, whose album Deeper Than Rap was sooo smooth ( best of '09?), work together on a track called Maybachs and Diamonds.
Have you ever felt like there just has to be some artist out there who appeals to all your senses? Someone whose words and rhythms you can relate to? Someone who brings back the true definition of R&B? Well, there is someone out there for you. But the truth is you will have to dig deeper to find this type of artist because as we all know today it's all about catchy music and the hoopla of who is fashionable and who is the bigger diva. For that reason my friends, I recommend to you Teedra Moses, oh so slept on, but someone you MUST listen to. Caution! If you want bubble gum music, corny lyrics, and if you have an immature ear and can't handle sultriness then this is not the type of music for you. But for all the YOUNG [LIONESS]ES and fellas out there, take heart to this singer.
Beginner songs: Be Your Girl, You Already Know ft. Lil Wayne, You'll Never Find ft. Jadakiss
On March 11th & 12th the singer, songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist & engineer Ryan Leslie comes to the world famous SOBs for two exclusive engagements following the release of his debut self-tilted album.
I know the weather is sucky but this weekend i'm thinking about mixing it up a lil bit...u kno grown and sexy ;-). Let your hair down, take off your cool, and drink to this.....
