Talk About It

The long awaited album from soul artist D'Angelo delivers a strong connection of soul and rock, I can't deny it when I first heard this album I heard a slight resemblance of Prince almost to the point where I almost shed a tear, remembering listening to early Prince songs as a kid. The album titled D'Angelo and the Black Messiah, brings back the originality of music with elements of Prince, Sly and the Family Stone, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder that implodes throughout the album. Really Love begins with a soft orchestrated piece as the guitar blends ever so beautifully in with the beat, this is classic D'Angelo circa Brown Sugar at its finest. Another soulful track is Another Life which tugs at your emotions, very early soul sound brings you back to a time where musicians really put their heart into their music. The Door  starts off with a heavy back beat followed by contagious whistling, this song by itself placed D'Angelo in whole other category, The Door...

This documentary follows the life of Booker Wright, a African American waiter that worked in a restaurant that was whites only. In 1965 Wright made a appearance on a short NBC documentary titled Mississippi: A Self Portrait, during the interview Booker Wright spoke openly about racism and his treatment as a waiter in a all white establishment. The broadcast had catastrophic consequences for Wright.    The documentary provides background, interviews, expert analysis and details of associated facts related to the Central Park jogger case and the conviction of the five suspects This documentary explores the rich history of African Americans, it explores the evolution of    the African-American people, as well as the multiplicity of cultural institutions, political strategies, and religious and social perspectives they developed forging their own history, culture and society against unimaginable odds. This series comes on the PBS network and is on-going, Netfl...

Okay, so while I was glancing over my Facebook page I came across this passage titled Bitchology, while reading the passage a certain complex feeling came over me, the passage was describing what it is to be a woman not a bitch. Since when did this term become a substitute for a woman, last time I checked a bitch is a female dog. Taking it a step further the term is also used to describe an female with unlady like qualities, basically a female who doesn't carry the qualities it takes to be a strong woman. When looking at how the world has changed I believe certain terms can't be generally washed away or renamed to match an undesirable lifestyle. Some may say that the word today doesn't carry the same meaning it had in the past, well think about it like this if someone comes up to you and says; "Hey Bitch" would you still look at that word as a positive term for a woman? also ask yourself would I rather be referred to as woman or a bitch? Think about it, Ladi...

So when I first heard the term live-in mistress I was confused, how can a woman who lives with her boyfriend be a live-in mistress. The whole idea of one being a mistress is being the man's side chick not the one he lives with or has a relationship with right. Well let's take a look, when I asked what in the world is a live-in mistress I was told its basically the woman is being used for a living space or temporary emotional fix for a man until he finds the one he desires to marry. During that time the man dates other women as if he is single, once he begins to envision himself with someone else or becomes closer to the other woman your place becomes more like a mistress and less of a girlfriend. The work he usually puts in to your relationship he is now focusing on something that is more permanent, something he can see himself growing from. The problem that exist is some women don't know that they have become the live-in mistress, they assume if the man is still the...

As I read some post regarding natural hair versus weaved hair, I can't help to think about the song by soul artist India Arie titled "I am Not My Hair". In the song Ms. Arie explains what I do to my hair is not who I am on the inside, I agree, far too many times we judge people based on their outside appearance versus how they are on the inside.  Leading us to make inappropriate judgment calls, I for one have worn my hair natural, relaxed, weaved, braids and so, how I wear my hair weighs on what I believe looks good on me, not on what the public believes how I should look. People should look at each others personalities not how their hair looks, I have found rudeness in both people that wear natural and weaved hair. I have also found low self-worth in both hair types, it's not the hair that makes the person genuine or more self-aware it's the connection within themselves and their awareness and understanding of the world around them. Black women throughout time ...

Is it possible to be in love with two people at the same time? 

As the world evolves and generations past some people are astonished by the overwhelming situations women still put themselves through. I compiled a list of thoughts that women should tell other women about: 1. Loving yourself is more than buying yourself fancy clothes, the latest shoes and driving the latest car. Loving yourself comes from within; it comes from being comfortable within your skin setting goals and values and living in the light rather than the dark. 2. In order to build a strong family you must first have a strong relationship with each other. We as women tend stay in unfulfilled relationships hoping for a change, but the change never comes. Instead of realizing that the relationship is a bust, we tend to attempt to build a family using shaky and worn out foundation that will soon crumble and fall.  3. Stop having babies to get you closer to the alter. Point blank if a man wants to be with you and marry you then guess, what he would have done it ...

As I was channel suffering this past Saturday morning I came across this interesting panel, discussing the different cultures involved in the civil rights movement. Among those speaking was a gentleman who was a former member of the Black Panther Party, what I found interesting was the abundance of community projects and programs (some still in existence today) that this group in correlation with other multicultural groups started. I share with you a part of history that has been brushed to the side. A time in history where people of different backgrounds worked together for a common cause. http://www.c-span.org/video/?321701-3/discussion-civil-rights-multiracial-cooperation

True love nourishes your mind, body and soul it gives you what you want and more importantly what you need.

Remember that old line I love you but I am not in love with you, is there a difference between the two or is it just a tired line?

When you see someone's life going in the wrong direction (rather it be your ex or current) do you say something to them about it or do you stay quiet ?

One of my favorite producers beat tape I hope you enjoy it!

"As we travel through life on the quest to find love we must remember love brings out our most beautiful and enduring qualities, it doesn't make one jealous, envious nor desperate."

As stumbled upon my Facebook news feeds I came across an article featuring Love and Hip Hop Hollywood couple Omarion and his girlfriend Apryl. The titled of the article stated couple decide ti take their relationship to the next level, when I clicked on the title page and read the article in its entirety I was surprised to find that the next level was getting  tattoos of each others name. Now don't get me wrong tattoos can be a beautiful piece of artwork, but by no means it's not taking any type of relationship to the next level. As history has shown us getting a tattoo doesn't prove solidarity in a relationship, if the relationship fails many people end up concealing or attempting to erase their painful past. So today's question is getting a tattoo the new next level in relationships or is it just another smokescreen to avoid marriage?   Let me know what you guys think!

This is a clip from the documentary "Hidden Colors" I found this clip interesting because it gives another view point on the African American relationships between male and female. Tell me how you guys feel about this clip. Let's Talk About It!

Good morning,  Today's question, what happend to dating and falling in love?, has today's society ruled out the essentials for love?

Did the Women's liberation movement harm the development of African American families?

Some woman want to fall madly in love and get married.  Some of us plan out our wedding day before we even meet the man of our dreams, in all of it's splendor we pick out our dream location and yes, even the dress.  But as we trickle along the dating field we find ourselves becoming more and more restless in our efforts to find that special someone.  It seems in today's society a relationship has become more of a business deal rather than a emotional base. Couples sit at a table and negotiate how the relationship should be, the problem arises when one person wants a little more than what the deal originally states. This slighted emotion usually falls within women,  some women want more than what they originally presented. When this happens you may have some women who break off the relationship, seeing that it is not going in the direction they hope for. Then you have those who keep trying therefore placing them in the following categories: 1- The Settler...

What is your definition of love?

"Look no further than in the mirror for the love you so desire"

Do you agree with living together before marriage? yes, I agree no, I don't agree I don't know Other Please Specify: Poll Maker

Being single is not an easy task before I wrote this piece I had to take time out to reflect on my single journey.  Graphing the various observations and experiences I posed a question to myself what do men think when they first view women. I've been told by several different men that a man knows what he wants from a woman when he first comes into contact with her. Men have prior knowledge on rather they want to wife you ( and I mean wife you literally, not playing house) or sex you. There's some truth behind this statement,  when I worked as a engineering assistant I encountered this guy who was let's just say almost perfect. The attraction was mutual, one day after work we went out for drinks as we sat and conversed about various different subject matters, he informed me that while he was very much attracted to me I was not the type he would play with. He stated I was the type that a man would settle down with and marry, he was not ready to settle down. He s...

To know the truth is to know thyself,  seeking love in this hectic society can be both challenging and sorrowful. The promise of securing a special relationship is a process of first knowing and embracing yourself.  Although it may sound cliche' when you know yourself you're already in a better position of finding someone for you. Some women make the mistake of allowing a relationship to solidify their identity, a relationship is not suppose to solidify your identity but enhance the beautiful traits that lie within your identity. Taking time out to find out what you want in life and in a partner can present a new perspective in your life. Self reflection will also assist in viewing your personal imperfection, when you look at your faults you're able to correct them. Take time to know and love yourself first then allow the right person to love you.

When looking at relationships in today's society I can't help to ask myself why we as women keep repeating negative relationship cycles? In past times it has been the norm for us to blame the man for relationship downfalls and in certain situations I can agree. But in some other situations one has to ask herself what part did I play in the downfall. Did I really listen and look at what my boyfriend was telling me or did I just build this relationship around what I wanted and needed. One mistake women make is not paying attention to what is going on in the relationship.  Many of us feel slighted or "blind-sided" when the relationship ends, were we really blind-sided or was our partner telling us all along what was coming. Men display certain signs that they aren't interested in moving forward with you. Some signs consist of: Suddenly withdrawing-the man is separting from you. This can be in both mental and physical.  Conversations are at a minimum-he ha...

How many times have we heard the quote "Life is what you make it", we tend to read the words but not  really comprehend what the statement is saying. In this wonderful existence we call life, we tend to desire a certain way of life. When we make mistakes or the path we are walking on begins to shake some of us get off the path, some of us stay on the path and some of us tear down the path and rebuild another one. When you get off your chosen path you are basically giving up on your dream, your chosen path has shaken and you find it impossible to stay on it. When your paths shakes and you stay on it, you have chosen stick to your plan and no matter what comes your way you will conquer it. When you decide to rebuild your path you are tearing down your foundation and have decided to rebuild another one that has nothing to do with your ultimate goal. When you tear down your path and rebuild another one, you are basically settling for a different life but not a happy one. In t...

When looking at relationships I tend to go with my natural feeling, I go with my heart. But the older I get I feel frustrated with looking at the games people play for the name of "love", I see relationships not built from the natural heart but from deception and manipulation. Has this become the new standard in having a relationship, it seems that the heart and natural feeling has no place in today's fast pace lock-them world. When a relationship is not built from the heart  but built out of what the person has or trying to gain something from them it is doomed to fail. No matter how much furniture and kids you put around it the outcome will still be the same, so let's get back to love. Let's get back to loving ourselves first, and finding true love without hiding ourselves. Let's get back to Love.

I recently took a trip to my local beauty supply store (Kali Beauty Supply) after viewing a YouTube video about one of their hair extensions (Diamond Elite Hair). Upon analyzing the hair I stated to the customer service rep that I liked hair that was thicker in texture, he showed me the Sapphire hair. The hair felt thick, when I ran my fingers through there were absolutely no shedding nor tangling. I decided to purchase the Sapphire hair (using my own money of course), I purchased one bundle of 14 in and one bundle of 16 in, the pattern of the hair is Brazilian Body Wave.  This hair usually comes in a natural black hair color, but fortunately they had a 1b color that matched my hair perfectly so I don't have to dye this hair. I will install this hair sometime during the week and will post pics. See ya Soon!

What's your natural hair type?

Cantu Shea Butter is one of my favorite products to use on both my natural hair and my weave hair.  Not only does this product smells great but it performs extremely well with both natural and relaxed hair. I began using this product when I installed my Bohyme Brazilian Wave hair, Cantu worked wonders on this hair it detangled and made the hair more manageable. I also used the product to help maintain the hair's original curl pattern; my nightly ritual would consist of using Cantu Shea Butter leave-in conditioner in connection with a little bit of water I would twist my hair, in the morning I would take down my twist and I would have beautiful deep waves that lasts for days. You can purchase Cantu Shea Butter leave-in conditioner at your local Walgreen's or beauty supply store. Click on Hair and Beauty tab above to purchase the full line of Cantu products.  

So, I am finally going to purchase some hair through Aliexpress, after researching many vendors I have chose to go with  Qingdao Hot Hair Products Co., Ltd.(Department No. 1)  the specs on the hair I am ordering are:  Lengths 12,14,16,18.  Color: 1b.  Type:  Peruvian Hair Wavy,  100% Human Hair Total cost: $128.00.    *According to the site this hair can be dyed,curled and straighten  When the hair arrives I will post pics of the hair in it's natural state and will post pics of my install. See you soon!

I know this is a bit out of my usual topics, but I just couldn't help it. I am a true fan of real hip-hop music and one of my favorite producers (9th wonder) has a wonderful beat tape and I wanted to share it with you guys. Here is Beat 48 off of 9th Wonder Presents Bladey Mae (grandma's Blades) beat tape. Enjoy

One of my guilty pleasures is watching The Real Housewives "reality" show franchise, and the ladies of ATL are one of my faves. But Sunday night's episode was emotionally disturbing to me, to recap the happenings of the Georgia peaches;  Phaedra had extravaganza of a Christening for her handsome son Mr. President in which a long missed Dwight who created the event made his appearance. Ms. Kenya and her friend Ms. Lawrence visited the local sperm bank, to find her perfect baby daddy (confusing I know seeing as though she has her oil tycoon boyfriend). Ms. Cynthia and Peter discuss what happen at the vineyard and Kandi's comments towards Peter. Kandi and Todd land a big name artist for their play and Nene hosts a couples real talk session that goes awry.   Facebook, Twitter and almost every social networking site is ablaze over this epic episode, there people picking sides and even some siding with Kenya calling her a victim. As I read some the comments I can...

A lot of us make New Years resolutions but how many of us follow them. Some of the top New Years resolutions are; losing weight, beginning or ending relationships, eating healthy foods, etc. Keeping the resolution is the hardest part of building the new you, so many times we chart out our goals and somehow that chart gets lost in the plethora of things we have surrounding our everyday life. Here are some tips on keeping such our goals active: 1. Live by your list; the best way to conquer each goal is to put the written word into action. 2. Put your list of resolutions in a place where it is visible to you 3. Start slow; if your goal is to lose weight start off slowly, ween yourself from your favorite food by substituting it. 4. Give up the ghost; when building the new you, one must give up the past. You can't rebuild you unless you tear the old you and that means letting go of the past. 5. Decide rather you are ready to commit to your goals; (this one should have been ...

I recently took a gander at this website dedicated to learning the ethnic background of famous celebrities. As I was skimming through the names I was quite surprised how many have either African or African American in their families. I was also taken on how completely open they were about their diverse cultural background.  As I scrolled down to read the comments about each celebrity it seems some people did not want to accept that their favorite celebrity had African or African American in their bloodline. A prime example is supermodel Adriana Lima who hails from Brazil, she has a diverse background that consist of African, Swiss, Indian, and Native South American. Some of the comments below were unsettling, people did not want to except the fact that she had African in her blood nor did they want to accept that she considers herself Afro-Brazilian stating that she is a "mixture of a little of everything".  That got me thinking why were some so quick to denou...