22 posts tagged “music”

In conversation last night the question was asked of me "what could I not live without?" My answer was music.

I am serious about my music. A lot of people use the commute to and from work or school to talk on the phone. Not I. I use it to listen to music.

I had a game night over the house recently and I used Genius on ITunes to make my playlist because I am anal when it comes to them. Like Jay-Z said his albums have a specific arrangement that can take a long time to come up with. I agree that song arrangement on an album or play list is an art. I go to parties or clubs (rarely clubs) but if there is a DJ playing I listen to the sequence of the songs. Its very very important and you will get scratched off as a good DJ for wack sequence. Anyway one of my besties is a DJ/Engineer/Producer and record collector. He know's music and has plenty of it. We share that passion and he has taught me a lot about it. And if I need to know an artist or song he is a wonderful resource. Anyway at the game night he was impressed with my music selections. So much that when it was his turn to host the gathering he was upset I didnt bring my laptop for the music.  I was gassed. Still am, can you tell?

But I need to get my music game up. I know there is so much I have yet to put my ears on. There is so much to fall in love with. Also there is this little thing about me. I often do not know an artist or a title of the song. I can often tell a song by the first few notes. I can also tell things that have benn sampled between songs to link up similar sounding songs. I can often tell the producer since they stick to the same element in their tracks. I also understand that Jay-Z is growing as an artist as he has grown as a person and I do not expect Blueprint 3 to sound like the first one.  But I am sure the people are upset like Gucci man too. Oh well.  Oh and words. I tend to make up my own.  How about.....funny story.... In Slick Rick's song, Mona Lisa, ok so how about the part that goes: "Let me spell my name out for you its Ricky, R Ravishing, I impress, C Couragous..." and he says a line after that I NEVER knew what he said until like 2 weeks ago. he says "C Couragous so Carless"  Ha! I made up my own words and they made no sense to even repeat here.

The things you continue to learn. I don't mind. Music is constantly growing and changing and I'm gonna keep growing and changing with it.

My story to make it real short.

One day lost my job. Decided never to depend on a corporate 9-5 world. Decided to start a business. Decided to focus on spoken word and soul music, but mostly spoken word.  Not as an artist but on the business side of it. Anyway it never took off but it was really because of being my own worst enemy.  I mean I did little promotion but my myspace page blew up.  People in Atlanta became to know my name (business anyway) and for some reason people were drawn to me to help them out. 

Two years later after the stress of life and letting it all go, I can't decide if I want to get back into it. Well not true. I don't have the desire or the drive to get back into it. But why do things continue to go in that direction? Why do I still get that tap on the shoulder?

Someone asked my for a little help this weekend, which brought me back to my knowledge of happenings here and around town and those involved in the music scene.  I get two friend requests out of the blue on facebook from people who I do not know personally but I know they are involved in the independent music scene around town.   

Is it all a coincidence or are these some signs I should be paying attention to?

 Who is this tapping on my shoulder? and should I turn around to find out?

Hot song as well!!!!!!

I like the mix on the Showtime Riddim! Sweet!!! Jamaica meh soon come! 

With this Adidas commercial. Number one the song is hot. Number two it reminds me of real parties I used to go to back in the day.  I want to have a party like that and play this song.  Being the geek I am I found the song in the original version and the original in pretty cool too!!!

I was driving to work this morning and on the radio they have a morning mix, which if they are playing old school is pretty damn dope. 

I often bump in the car. Hard. Thats just how I do. My co-workers often comment how they see me leaving the building or getting on the highway and I am straight bumping hard to some music. Its funny when they ask how do I do it and drive at the same time.  Rhythm and driving are natural to me. I don't have to think super hard about it, thats how. 

But I don't see people bumping in their cars. So I wonder what people think when they see me.  Like is it immature, or do I look like a nut? 

But its hard, to hear a great song and just nod my head.

Just to clarify, bumping is singing all the words, nodding my head pretty hard, throwing my hands in the air, rocking from side to side. Basically dancing in my seat.

Will there come a time that I need to stop bumping in my car?

I am watching right now.  You have no clue what place in heaven I am in right now hearing my old school! And Q-Tip was just rocking Timbs!!

Where did Hip-Hop go?

I mean you remember Potholes in my lawn????? and Saturday???  and EPMD??????  oh man.

Well not really, only because I have to work tomorrow.  Which I don't necessarliy mind.  But shoot I have to be here earlier tomorrow then on a regular work day.  Blah.

But, the extra money is what I need!

Just got a copy of Jazmine Sullivan's album. Will be checking that on the way home.

And I so need to wash my hair. Kind of cliche for a Friday night. Whatever.

Happy Friday!!!!

Watch the first five minutes of the VMA's and go HUH????????????

Means many things to me BUT the highlight is the month long production by the Alvin Ailey Dance Company!!!!!

I just received an email for early purchase of tickets for the event.  And the exciting part is always seeing what's new and what's coming back.  One year I had no one to roll with me, so I went by myself and actually cried at one of the performances it was so moving. Sniff.  Just thinking about it moves me and sad enough it's not part of the program this year.  BUT, there is reason to cheer just yet! 

Alvin Ailey is doing a live music performance with the one and only Sweet Honey and The Rock!!!! 

So yes, I will be buying some tickets.  And I will be flying up to NY for a weekend to see the show.

Life is to short to miss out on great artist performances. 

I present Sweet Honey and the Rock. Their singing is so beautiful you forget there is no music.

The dance of Brazil and I am attempting to learn it in my Latin Fusion class at the gym. I say attempting because its not so easy. 

An example

And this is one of my favorite songs to dance Samba too.  Talk about a work out.