The year is 2007. It was a national day of remembrance, and a day Curtis Jackson will certainly never forget. With bated breath, hip-hop fans awaited the official results, and people who bet on "at least 300,000 more units sold” probably felt like Miss Cleo, reincarnated. By the end of the first week, it was confirmed. The career of the most bulletproof rapper in hip-hop had been shot down by a former art student who loved to rap about his mommy.
Just a year before the historic album-release battle, Twitter was founded, and within two years of Kanye West’s historic victory, mobile phones and internet connections across the nation were accessing this online schoolyard. Everyone, and their best friend’s college roommate’s ex-girlfriend, tries to outwit each other with 140 characters worth of pure genius…or is it pure bullshit? It seems to me like many of the people who were forced to back up their big talk in the real world, now have the luxury of beefing up their prowess from the soft shoulder of the information super-highway. Party promoters can boost an event by guaranteeing it will sell out, and as they press send from their TweetDeck, a full stack of unsold tickets sits on their desk and continues to collect dust. Men and women who swear they keep it real fill timelines with posts about all the drama they aren’t about. Luckily, the person they are writing about has yet to create a Twitter account, so, there's no chance of getting caught and backing up all of the shit they’ve been talking.
Just like Fifty Cent tried to brush off his supremely embarrassing defeat by the Louis Vuitton Don, people use Twitter as a gimmick to beef up their social life and fend off any real-life self-doubt. I have no problem with self-esteem, nor do I have a problem with other people having high esteem of their @#&$#%^%@%#ing self. What I do have a problem with, however, is how our generation has become this pretentious and self-righteous group of naysayers and complainers. Everything is less than perfect, and nothing is worth bragging about, unless we or our friends are involved…and then, it’s the biggest accomplishment anyone this side of the Milky Way has ever witnessed. Everyone is stunting…by association. Every new Polo purchased is a pump of hot air into a head already filled up with its owner’s infallible opinion.
As always, you know who I blame: Hip-hop. Don’t get this twisted; I’m a lover of a perfect verse over a tight beat. But, I can’t stand to see men and women who haven’t seen half of life’s ups or downs exclaim that they’ve figured this thing out, and then proceed to tell the rest of us where our faults lie. Biggie told us that as long as we go from negative to positive, it’s all good. He didn’t talk about his diamonds and stretch Lexuses just for the sake of bragging and stunting on other people, but if you had holes in your zapatos you, too, would celebrate the minute you were having dough. Here’s the difference- you notice the man who runs the town hasn’t much time for blogging. He’s busy running businesses and jetting from country to country- he has no time for jogging your memory about how great his birthday party was last night.
I’m writing this because I think we still have a chance. We have the privilege of living in a world where access to information and opportunity can come at the click of a button. That is neither an excuse nor explanation for us to talk more and add more nonsense to the atmosphere. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Twitter caps us at 140 characters, do you? (Of course, someone found a way to Twitlonger.) You’re missing. The point. How about less talk, more using our heads now, huh? How about taking our eyes off of our keypads and putting them back on the #goal? You know, those things we aspired to before anyone even knew how to spell hashtag. Let’s step out of the limelight and stop advertising our accomplishments; instead we can be a person so consumed with and humbled by improving ourselves and others’ lives that people have to beg us for an interview. Let your track record, and not your trackball, do the talking. Then there will be no need to leave the spotlight just to come back and tell everyone you’re still the greatest. No, Hov did that so hopefully we won’t have to go through that.
*the dictionary definition of a "twitter"
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Apartment? Check!
The rumors are true. I know, because I started them. Yes folks, after traversing nearly every apartment complex in the greater Hyattsville-College Park-and-Silver Spring area, after run-ins with sketchy landlords and unpleasant leasing agents, after being follow-up called by more property managers than I can count, the search is over. I got my own place!
Now that school and MCAT prep are underway, I'm glad to have some semblance of a routine back, because let me tell you, nothing makes me happier than a day that runs smoothly with a predictable routine. I'm not saying I like things to be uneventful; surely, since I've moved up here my experiences have been anything but typical. But, just like when we were kids, and we were used to changing into our after-school clothes, and having a snack before doing homework, there are certain things I need in my life to make me feel at ease. A major source of comfort for me is having a space to call my own. In this space, I can walk around wearing whatever I do or do not feel like wearing, I can and I will cook at all hours of the night, and finally, I'll be allowed to touch the thermostat. Getting my own place is going to be a huge adjustment, because although I've been home alone many times, I've never alone had my own home. Now, a College Park apartment is far from the home I grew up in, and I'll probably buy the cheap paper towels and save the fancy two-ply stuff for when I visit Weston. I'm still stoked about it, though. I am ending up right back to where this whole leaving-home-for-good journey all started. UMD-College Park will be right across the street, and being in a college town, with access to everything from IKEA to Buffalo Wild Wings all on the same street, is another huge comfort and reassuring element to this move.
I will only be about a 40-minute train ride away from school, too. That may sound like a lot, but considering I've made 40-minute drives to the train, to take a 40-minute Metro trip to school virtually every day since August 23rd, this is a MAJOR improvement. I was hoping to have a Super (Housewarming) Bowl Party, but that might be a little overzealous. For now, I'll settle for a weekend with my dad, who's coming up to help me lug my four suitcases and two trunks worth of clothes into my new spot.
As you can probably tell, I can't help but be excited for this new step. I have a countdown going and everything! I'm taking note of all these baby accomplishments that make me feel very much like a grown woman. Who knows, next time we meet, I may be in my after-school clothes eating a snack...and I'll feel right at home.
Now that school and MCAT prep are underway, I'm glad to have some semblance of a routine back, because let me tell you, nothing makes me happier than a day that runs smoothly with a predictable routine. I'm not saying I like things to be uneventful; surely, since I've moved up here my experiences have been anything but typical. But, just like when we were kids, and we were used to changing into our after-school clothes, and having a snack before doing homework, there are certain things I need in my life to make me feel at ease. A major source of comfort for me is having a space to call my own. In this space, I can walk around wearing whatever I do or do not feel like wearing, I can and I will cook at all hours of the night, and finally, I'll be allowed to touch the thermostat. Getting my own place is going to be a huge adjustment, because although I've been home alone many times, I've never alone had my own home. Now, a College Park apartment is far from the home I grew up in, and I'll probably buy the cheap paper towels and save the fancy two-ply stuff for when I visit Weston. I'm still stoked about it, though. I am ending up right back to where this whole leaving-home-for-good journey all started. UMD-College Park will be right across the street, and being in a college town, with access to everything from IKEA to Buffalo Wild Wings all on the same street, is another huge comfort and reassuring element to this move.
I will only be about a 40-minute train ride away from school, too. That may sound like a lot, but considering I've made 40-minute drives to the train, to take a 40-minute Metro trip to school virtually every day since August 23rd, this is a MAJOR improvement. I was hoping to have a Super (Housewarming) Bowl Party, but that might be a little overzealous. For now, I'll settle for a weekend with my dad, who's coming up to help me lug my four suitcases and two trunks worth of clothes into my new spot.
As you can probably tell, I can't help but be excited for this new step. I have a countdown going and everything! I'm taking note of all these baby accomplishments that make me feel very much like a grown woman. Who knows, next time we meet, I may be in my after-school clothes eating a snack...and I'll feel right at home.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
One down, three to go.
I must admit, graduate school didn't seem like that daunting of a task when I first applied. I didn't think it would be like going back to third grade or anything, but I underestimated what it takes to excel in a program like this. All of the people I've met this semester have been nothing short of impressive. Very impressive. It's not intimidating per se, but I know I have a lot of hard work to do to keep up.
Nearly six months ago, I got on the B30 bus from BWI airport in Baltimore, hopped onto a train at Greenbelt station and spent an amazing two and a half months at my summer job on the University of Maryland campus. Months later, as an official Maryland resident, I found myself completely and utterly lost driving back and forth past Greenbelt station looking for my hairdresser's salon. Needless to say, I missed my appointment. I've traveled roads and rails in the DMV so often that now, I can find my way to Greenbelt without even using a map. I drove past UMD last night on my way home from DC; feeling nostalgic, I tried to head to the reflecting pool in the center of campus- it was my favorite spot this summer. I forgot, though, that I used to maneuver that campus in a golf cart, and my Altima couldn't whip through posts and over sidewalks quite as easily. I guess when you grow up and move on, coming back "home" isn't always so easy. What once used to be familiar has become the way I used to do things, and new routines have taken the place of "normal."
The independence and confidence I gained during this summer were so important in succeeding on my own here in the DMV. My coworkers went from complete strangers to like-family in no time flat. I was myself and made no apologies or accommodations for the sake of others. During the semester it wasn't as easy to be on my own, no friends or real family around to fall back on. But, I had already become comfortable in my own skin, and soon realized that I didn't need any one to vouch, speak, or explain for me. I was just, Celeste...and, what do you know? I made friends just fine.
Life's happening you guys. I think why I didn't realize that grad school would be so hard is because I've never known any one very personally who went through that experience. So, I just saw it from afar and clapped with the crowd when they got hooded. But it's real, and I'm here. There are so many slogans about making the most of your day and living each like it's your last. To me, we've done a terrible job at that because we assume that means don't sleep, work hard, get rich, and die. What about taking time for phone calls to old and new friends, or saying your prayers every night, or enjoying a cookie and milk? It's simple, and seems petty, but I put as much importance on doing well in grad school as I do in being present in every moment. In six months, when I look back on today that reflection will mean as much to me as it did to drive past UMD yesterday, and being able to tangibly measure just how far I've come.
Deliberate. That's my word for 2011. Forget new year's resolutions- everything I do and every decision I make will be done with deliberate thought and action. That's the only way to make sure I'm experiencing every moment for everything it's worth. It's been real folks- see you next semester. Happy New Year. Make a choice.
Nearly six months ago, I got on the B30 bus from BWI airport in Baltimore, hopped onto a train at Greenbelt station and spent an amazing two and a half months at my summer job on the University of Maryland campus. Months later, as an official Maryland resident, I found myself completely and utterly lost driving back and forth past Greenbelt station looking for my hairdresser's salon. Needless to say, I missed my appointment. I've traveled roads and rails in the DMV so often that now, I can find my way to Greenbelt without even using a map. I drove past UMD last night on my way home from DC; feeling nostalgic, I tried to head to the reflecting pool in the center of campus- it was my favorite spot this summer. I forgot, though, that I used to maneuver that campus in a golf cart, and my Altima couldn't whip through posts and over sidewalks quite as easily. I guess when you grow up and move on, coming back "home" isn't always so easy. What once used to be familiar has become the way I used to do things, and new routines have taken the place of "normal."
The independence and confidence I gained during this summer were so important in succeeding on my own here in the DMV. My coworkers went from complete strangers to like-family in no time flat. I was myself and made no apologies or accommodations for the sake of others. During the semester it wasn't as easy to be on my own, no friends or real family around to fall back on. But, I had already become comfortable in my own skin, and soon realized that I didn't need any one to vouch, speak, or explain for me. I was just, Celeste...and, what do you know? I made friends just fine.
Life's happening you guys. I think why I didn't realize that grad school would be so hard is because I've never known any one very personally who went through that experience. So, I just saw it from afar and clapped with the crowd when they got hooded. But it's real, and I'm here. There are so many slogans about making the most of your day and living each like it's your last. To me, we've done a terrible job at that because we assume that means don't sleep, work hard, get rich, and die. What about taking time for phone calls to old and new friends, or saying your prayers every night, or enjoying a cookie and milk? It's simple, and seems petty, but I put as much importance on doing well in grad school as I do in being present in every moment. In six months, when I look back on today that reflection will mean as much to me as it did to drive past UMD yesterday, and being able to tangibly measure just how far I've come.
Deliberate. That's my word for 2011. Forget new year's resolutions- everything I do and every decision I make will be done with deliberate thought and action. That's the only way to make sure I'm experiencing every moment for everything it's worth. It's been real folks- see you next semester. Happy New Year. Make a choice.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Poetry.
I know it's been a while. The end of the semester is upon us and I have been doing my due diligence to do well on finals, but I did have time to finish a poem FINALLY! Such a relief...
Check it out at Down in the District.
Check it out at Down in the District.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Grad school makes me talk to myself
I don't really have anything that interesting to talk about. If you're still reading after that last sentence, I truly appreciate it and I want you to know that I started drinking coffee. Don't get alarmed. It's only a cup or two, here or there, but mostly when I'm in the library. Thus far it's been an iced vanilla latte from Starbucks, iced Coffee of the Day from Starbucks, hot Coffee of the Day from Starbucks, and a hot vanilla coffee from, that's right, you guessed it, Dunkin' Donuts. I don't know if it's just me, but they all tasted exactly the same.
In other news, I also figured out that I am a poet who struggles with words. For those of you who saw me perform (via Internet or live) my first spoken word, you'd think I had even some semblance of skill. But, no. Alas, that was my one-hit wonder, my Tardy for the Party, if you will. And, dammit I am PISSED. I have about three or four poems I've been working on recently and they just won't GO. I keep watching old Def Poetry Jams and realizing how UNlikely it is that I'll ever be on that show (despite the fact that it's canceled, but you know what I'm saying). Whatever, this isn't me fishing for compliments. I'm just typing here. Everyone is either asleep or tweeting. #notinterested Honestly, it's late, I just wrote an essay and I don't have it in me to start studying for another subject at 1:30 in the morning. If I start, I won't want to stop until I'm done. And if I don't get ample sleep, I'm going to be cranky and unfocused tomorrow. Or, maybe I can just drink more coffee.
In other news, I also figured out that I am a poet who struggles with words. For those of you who saw me perform (via Internet or live) my first spoken word, you'd think I had even some semblance of skill. But, no. Alas, that was my one-hit wonder, my Tardy for the Party, if you will. And, dammit I am PISSED. I have about three or four poems I've been working on recently and they just won't GO. I keep watching old Def Poetry Jams and realizing how UNlikely it is that I'll ever be on that show (despite the fact that it's canceled, but you know what I'm saying). Whatever, this isn't me fishing for compliments. I'm just typing here. Everyone is either asleep or tweeting. #notinterested Honestly, it's late, I just wrote an essay and I don't have it in me to start studying for another subject at 1:30 in the morning. If I start, I won't want to stop until I'm done. And if I don't get ample sleep, I'm going to be cranky and unfocused tomorrow. Or, maybe I can just drink more coffee.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
The Greatest of All Time...of ALL TIME!
During NSLC this summer, my coworkers and I had an interesting conversation in the cafe of the Smithsonian Gallery of Art about what ONE song we could listen any time, any day, any circumstance. To me, that's an unfair question. I probably have about 30 of those. These are the ones that, if I'm having a bad day, will automatically lift my spirits. As soon as the beat drops, it's a 'hands-in-the-air-eyes-closed-singing-at-the-top-of-my-OMG-I'm-driving!' kind of moment.I had to narrow it down somehow, so I picked the 17 songs that I could fit on a standard CD.
In no particular order, Celeste's All-Time Favorite songs (ask me this in 2011, and I may have an entirely different list):
Get Me Bodied, Beyonce Knowles
Apart from the lyrical and musical genius of this track (penned by Solange, and delivered flawlessly by Queen B), Get Me Bodied triggers some of my best college memories. This song was one of the first strolls my line sisters and I did. During our neo-victory-lap semester, our ENTIRE chapter did this stroll at a party and split the crowd right down the middle. Every time I hear this song, it's summer 2007 all over again. And yes, I still do the stroll when I hear it on the radio...driving or not.
Sunday Morning, Maroon 5
"Fingers trace your every outline/paint a picture with my hands/back and forth we sway like branches in a storm/change the weather still together when it ends" For those of you who've never been in love, I would say that this song is one of the best depictions of what it actually feels like. It's a happy, secure feeling- just as upbeat and steady as this track's tempo, and you yearn to be with that person more than anything, even if it's just driving slow around town on a Sunday morning. Also, this song is featured in one of my favorite movies, Something’s Gotta Give. So yeah, absolute winner.
Refuge, John Legend
Ok, honestly- his voice can make the Itsy Bitsy Spider sound like a masterpiece. I would argue that Get Lifted is one of the greatest RnB albums of ALL time...of ALL time (Kanye voice). Depending on the day, any song from that album could make this list. But, more often than not, it’s Refuge.
One Last Cry, Bryan McKnight
Probably one of the best love songs ever. We all know Bryan can sing- this isn't even about that. I have a special connection to this one. Watch my performance on my other blog (celesteaurora.blogspot.com) and you'll get it.
I Am The One, Kurt Carr
We performed this when I was in the choir at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Orlando. It reminds me to be grateful for EVERYthing that God has done for me and brought me through. He is a way-maker.
Circle, Marques Houston
I love this song partially because of his physique and the foot move he does in the music video, and partially because of the empathy I have for a situation like this. Been there, and done with that. But, it doesn't hurt to sing about it.
Neither One of Us (Wants to Be The First to Say Goodbye), Gladys Knight and the Pips
It's probably from listening to my parents' 'Solid Gold' collection that got all of the Motown classics ingrained in my mind forever. My dad always quizzed my sister and me when we listened to the oldies "A-whoa! Yuh know is who sing dis? I give yuh a dolla...first person to tell me who sing dis." There are a lot of classics but, this one stands out for me because seriously, who can beat Gladys' voice and the passion she exudes in this song? Not many. Now I want a Midnight Train to Georgia.
Stay With Me, Ne-Yo feat. Peedi Crack
In my humble opinion, Ne-yo has never topped this track. It was his first single and after this one, every song sounds exactly the same! I don't know how he's managed to accomplish that and still sell records but hey, if it ain't broke...Regardless, I love the lyrics of this song and also the way he talks about music as the love of his life. That's something I can definitely relate to.
If, Destiny’s Child
As easy as they make it sound, this is a TOUGH song to sing. How do I know? If my car seats could talk, they'd tell you it's a great thing that I've never performed this in front of actual people. But I sing it, anyway. Wrong and strong.
Made Up My Mind, Lyfe Jennings
“Do they really think they can pull the wool over your eyes Lord?/do they really think that by fakin’ it they can claim that they will get the same reward?” It took a convict and his guitar to get through to me that you have to walk by the word, and not with the world. Sue me. The song is brilliant and heartfelt.
Never Let Me Down, Kanye West feat. Jay-z and J-Ivy
Not only is this one of my all-time favorites, but my absolute favorite track of Kanye's, as well. Yeezy, you may be cocky, but you speak truth. This was back when Kanye was still super excited that he finally became the Louis Vuitton Don, and the enthusiasm and passion for his message is heard when he spits bar after bar after bar on a single breath. Then he gasps for air just to continue the verse. Jigga was great on here too, but J-Ivy probably had the most poignant phrases on this one. "So I guess I’m one of a kind in a full houe, cuz whenever I open my heart my soul or my mouth a touch of God rains out.” What?! Classic.
Tell Him, Lauryn Hill
If you claim to love hip-hop or RnB, and you don't love this album...well, I pretty much will never value your opinion on music ever again. Amidst all the doo-wop'in, rapping, and heavy bass-beating tracks on this album, there are a few gems of just Lauryn's angelic voice softly singing what her heart feels but can’t say. The track is stirring- the first time I heard it, I had chills and replayed it at least 5 times. Tell Him is Lauryn, a drum, a guitar, and a few fleeting appearances of a backup choir. That's it. Her voice twists and turns through the 13th chapter of 1st Corinthians and over her own words to express that above everything else, if she loves the Lord, "everything's gonna be alright." Beauty.
Bartender, T-Pain
Umm, can’t really explain this one. The melody is great. The lyrics, at times, crass. But, I love it anyway. This one was an instant favorite the very first time I heard it. Kinda like love at first sight.
Every Little Bit Hurts, Alicia Keys
I first heard this song when I saw Alicia's mTV Unplugged special. The audience got into it, and she looked like she was having the time of her life. The hoarse crooning that has become signature Alicia is perfect on this song- it's almost as if she's been crying and yelling at her man all day just to find out why he treats her this way. And when Alicia begs to know "why you treat me cold, yet you won't let me go" you feel every little bit that hurts.
Song Cry, Jay-Z
Another mTV Unplugged performance that will remain in my memory. Do you remember it? He just sat there nodding his head to the beat for a while after the lyrics ended. I think it was after seeing that performance when I finally appreciated Jay-Z’s musical talent. Now I’m on the bandwagon with Barack and the rest of ‘em.
I Wrote This Song, Monica
I'm not really a crier...most of the time. However, knowing the story behind this song and hearing how candid Monica gets in her lyrics can certainly bring a tear to my eye...or to my chin. Yeah, so what? The man took his life in front of the love of his life. That's serious stuff. And the song is brutally honest- Monica says it's hard for her to understand, so she wrote him this song. At the root of it, that's what music is all about. It expresses the inexpressible, helps you rationalize confusion. Monica gets two thumbs up for this one.
I Love You, Cheri Dennis
I think it's the bridge that does it to me. This song wasn't as heavily rotated as it should have been (I blame Diddy), but it is a really catchy song. Cheri's voice is sweet and the music is light-hearted. Nothing special, just a well-written, well-sung typical RnB track. Simple, but not simplistic.
Heartburn, Alicia Keys
This song reminds me of Madison, because we went to the Beyonce/Alicia/Missy concert together and Alicia opened her set with this one. We went WILD! It will get even the stiffest, surliest of people tapping their foot and singing along.
Forever, Lil Mo feat. Fabolous
Have you ever been in the room when a bunch of girlfriends start singing this song? Some take the top, the rest do the harmony and background- (usually it's me on the Neptune-sound). And then, when Fabolous' verse comes in, one person, the one who knows all the words, takes lead, and everyone else becomes a hype man at a rap concert- just hittin' the last few words of each line "tan on.....pants on...". It's a hot mess, and it is SO much fun. And besides, what girl doesn't fantasize about her wedding day, or proposal day? At LEAST once we've thought about it. At LEAST! Right? Exactly- classic.
What's on your list? Download some of my favorite tracks here:
In no particular order, Celeste's All-Time Favorite songs (ask me this in 2011, and I may have an entirely different list):
Get Me Bodied, Beyonce Knowles
Apart from the lyrical and musical genius of this track (penned by Solange, and delivered flawlessly by Queen B), Get Me Bodied triggers some of my best college memories. This song was one of the first strolls my line sisters and I did. During our neo-victory-lap semester, our ENTIRE chapter did this stroll at a party and split the crowd right down the middle. Every time I hear this song, it's summer 2007 all over again. And yes, I still do the stroll when I hear it on the radio...driving or not.
Sunday Morning, Maroon 5
"Fingers trace your every outline/paint a picture with my hands/back and forth we sway like branches in a storm/change the weather still together when it ends" For those of you who've never been in love, I would say that this song is one of the best depictions of what it actually feels like. It's a happy, secure feeling- just as upbeat and steady as this track's tempo, and you yearn to be with that person more than anything, even if it's just driving slow around town on a Sunday morning. Also, this song is featured in one of my favorite movies, Something’s Gotta Give. So yeah, absolute winner.
Refuge, John Legend
Ok, honestly- his voice can make the Itsy Bitsy Spider sound like a masterpiece. I would argue that Get Lifted is one of the greatest RnB albums of ALL time...of ALL time (Kanye voice). Depending on the day, any song from that album could make this list. But, more often than not, it’s Refuge.
One Last Cry, Bryan McKnight
Probably one of the best love songs ever. We all know Bryan can sing- this isn't even about that. I have a special connection to this one. Watch my performance on my other blog (celesteaurora.blogspot.com) and you'll get it.
I Am The One, Kurt Carr
We performed this when I was in the choir at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Orlando. It reminds me to be grateful for EVERYthing that God has done for me and brought me through. He is a way-maker.
Circle, Marques Houston
I love this song partially because of his physique and the foot move he does in the music video, and partially because of the empathy I have for a situation like this. Been there, and done with that. But, it doesn't hurt to sing about it.
Neither One of Us (Wants to Be The First to Say Goodbye), Gladys Knight and the Pips
It's probably from listening to my parents' 'Solid Gold' collection that got all of the Motown classics ingrained in my mind forever. My dad always quizzed my sister and me when we listened to the oldies "A-whoa! Yuh know is who sing dis? I give yuh a dolla...first person to tell me who sing dis." There are a lot of classics but, this one stands out for me because seriously, who can beat Gladys' voice and the passion she exudes in this song? Not many. Now I want a Midnight Train to Georgia.
Stay With Me, Ne-Yo feat. Peedi Crack
In my humble opinion, Ne-yo has never topped this track. It was his first single and after this one, every song sounds exactly the same! I don't know how he's managed to accomplish that and still sell records but hey, if it ain't broke...Regardless, I love the lyrics of this song and also the way he talks about music as the love of his life. That's something I can definitely relate to.
If, Destiny’s Child
As easy as they make it sound, this is a TOUGH song to sing. How do I know? If my car seats could talk, they'd tell you it's a great thing that I've never performed this in front of actual people. But I sing it, anyway. Wrong and strong.
Made Up My Mind, Lyfe Jennings
“Do they really think they can pull the wool over your eyes Lord?/do they really think that by fakin’ it they can claim that they will get the same reward?” It took a convict and his guitar to get through to me that you have to walk by the word, and not with the world. Sue me. The song is brilliant and heartfelt.
Never Let Me Down, Kanye West feat. Jay-z and J-Ivy
Not only is this one of my all-time favorites, but my absolute favorite track of Kanye's, as well. Yeezy, you may be cocky, but you speak truth. This was back when Kanye was still super excited that he finally became the Louis Vuitton Don, and the enthusiasm and passion for his message is heard when he spits bar after bar after bar on a single breath. Then he gasps for air just to continue the verse. Jigga was great on here too, but J-Ivy probably had the most poignant phrases on this one. "So I guess I’m one of a kind in a full houe, cuz whenever I open my heart my soul or my mouth a touch of God rains out.” What?! Classic.
Tell Him, Lauryn Hill
If you claim to love hip-hop or RnB, and you don't love this album...well, I pretty much will never value your opinion on music ever again. Amidst all the doo-wop'in, rapping, and heavy bass-beating tracks on this album, there are a few gems of just Lauryn's angelic voice softly singing what her heart feels but can’t say. The track is stirring- the first time I heard it, I had chills and replayed it at least 5 times. Tell Him is Lauryn, a drum, a guitar, and a few fleeting appearances of a backup choir. That's it. Her voice twists and turns through the 13th chapter of 1st Corinthians and over her own words to express that above everything else, if she loves the Lord, "everything's gonna be alright." Beauty.
Bartender, T-Pain
Umm, can’t really explain this one. The melody is great. The lyrics, at times, crass. But, I love it anyway. This one was an instant favorite the very first time I heard it. Kinda like love at first sight.
Every Little Bit Hurts, Alicia Keys
I first heard this song when I saw Alicia's mTV Unplugged special. The audience got into it, and she looked like she was having the time of her life. The hoarse crooning that has become signature Alicia is perfect on this song- it's almost as if she's been crying and yelling at her man all day just to find out why he treats her this way. And when Alicia begs to know "why you treat me cold, yet you won't let me go" you feel every little bit that hurts.
Song Cry, Jay-Z
Another mTV Unplugged performance that will remain in my memory. Do you remember it? He just sat there nodding his head to the beat for a while after the lyrics ended. I think it was after seeing that performance when I finally appreciated Jay-Z’s musical talent. Now I’m on the bandwagon with Barack and the rest of ‘em.
I Wrote This Song, Monica
I'm not really a crier...most of the time. However, knowing the story behind this song and hearing how candid Monica gets in her lyrics can certainly bring a tear to my eye...or to my chin. Yeah, so what? The man took his life in front of the love of his life. That's serious stuff. And the song is brutally honest- Monica says it's hard for her to understand, so she wrote him this song. At the root of it, that's what music is all about. It expresses the inexpressible, helps you rationalize confusion. Monica gets two thumbs up for this one.
I Love You, Cheri Dennis
I think it's the bridge that does it to me. This song wasn't as heavily rotated as it should have been (I blame Diddy), but it is a really catchy song. Cheri's voice is sweet and the music is light-hearted. Nothing special, just a well-written, well-sung typical RnB track. Simple, but not simplistic.
Heartburn, Alicia Keys
This song reminds me of Madison, because we went to the Beyonce/Alicia/Missy concert together and Alicia opened her set with this one. We went WILD! It will get even the stiffest, surliest of people tapping their foot and singing along.
Forever, Lil Mo feat. Fabolous
Have you ever been in the room when a bunch of girlfriends start singing this song? Some take the top, the rest do the harmony and background- (usually it's me on the Neptune-sound). And then, when Fabolous' verse comes in, one person, the one who knows all the words, takes lead, and everyone else becomes a hype man at a rap concert- just hittin' the last few words of each line "tan on.....pants on...". It's a hot mess, and it is SO much fun. And besides, what girl doesn't fantasize about her wedding day, or proposal day? At LEAST once we've thought about it. At LEAST! Right? Exactly- classic.
What's on your list? Download some of my favorite tracks here:
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Date Night
One of my best friends had a simple wish for my birthday this year. She asked me to do what I want to do, and say what I want to say, and not make any excuses for it. No more over-analyzing, and no more waiting. Just do. So today, I did.
I wanted to see The Social Network and was at home not being nearly as productive as I had originally planned for this 24-hours. My BlackBerry Movies app said I had forty minutes to make the 8:20pm showing at a theater 20 minutes away. After a quick outfit change (since I was still in my sweats), I found myself an aisle seat before the opening credits started.
I was initially nervous/afraid/worried about my personal date night, but it really wasn't intimidating. I didn't have to entertain any small talk, nor try to uncomfortably maneuver over the armrest to cuddle with someone. I was completely at ease and it was nice to do things just the way I like it. Even when I spilled some of my popcorn, I shrugged it off and laughed at my never-ending clumsiness, and kept shoveling handfuls of the buttery goodness in my mouth. I don't think I stopped the hand-to-mouth motion until the bag was completely empty.
The movie was very entertaining, in case you're wondering. But even more importantly, being alone and not feeling lonely was a new and very reassuring feeling. I put on an oldies radio station on my way home, and when Tracks of My Tears came on, I sang along with Smokey and the crew. Since I can't always count on having substitutes, I've decided to enjoy the company of Celeste. She's the permanent one, and that's just fine with me.
I wanted to see The Social Network and was at home not being nearly as productive as I had originally planned for this 24-hours. My BlackBerry Movies app said I had forty minutes to make the 8:20pm showing at a theater 20 minutes away. After a quick outfit change (since I was still in my sweats), I found myself an aisle seat before the opening credits started.
I was initially nervous/afraid/worried about my personal date night, but it really wasn't intimidating. I didn't have to entertain any small talk, nor try to uncomfortably maneuver over the armrest to cuddle with someone. I was completely at ease and it was nice to do things just the way I like it. Even when I spilled some of my popcorn, I shrugged it off and laughed at my never-ending clumsiness, and kept shoveling handfuls of the buttery goodness in my mouth. I don't think I stopped the hand-to-mouth motion until the bag was completely empty.
The movie was very entertaining, in case you're wondering. But even more importantly, being alone and not feeling lonely was a new and very reassuring feeling. I put on an oldies radio station on my way home, and when Tracks of My Tears came on, I sang along with Smokey and the crew. Since I can't always count on having substitutes, I've decided to enjoy the company of Celeste. She's the permanent one, and that's just fine with me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)