Wish of the Day

I really wish I had this button in my office right about now.
Especially after reading your f*ckin' email.

But, I guess its best I didn't have it...I have too many Naomi Campbell moments.

f.negro/

Sound Bite Sunday

I love Timba! So much that, seldom do I go through a day without hearing at least one Timba track. Timba is what many call Cuban Salsa, but its much more than that. I won't go into extreme detail here, but there are a few points of importance. Most know that what is now known as Salsa developed out of Cuban Son. Puerto Ricans in New York are responsible for the giving it the name and bringing it into the mainstream via Fania Records. But while Salsa in the U.S., Puerto Rico and elsewhere was developing, a similar musical style was evolving simultaneously, but independently. Timba developed out a Cuban Son as well, but it has had several other influences. Timba is also strongly influenced by Rumba, Cuban spiritual traditions(Yoruba, Carabali, etc.), Songo(Los Van Van), Latin Jazz(Irakere), Funk and Hip Hop. All of this is heard in the music and seen in the aesthetic of Timba. For all of these reasons and more I dig Timba; musically it is extremely rich, full of incredible polyrhythms, fantastic harmonies, unconventional chord changes.... it is just inspiring and intelligent music! Anyway, one of my favorite bands is Bamboleo. Mostly because Lazaro Valdes(Founder and Director) is funky as hell and has a profound understanding of musica bailable. While the roster has continued to change, like most Timba bands, the sound has remained somewhat consistent--driving, edgy, forceful and melodic. But in my opinion Bamboleo was at its height when they possessed the voices of Haila María Mompié and Vannia Borges, Haila in particular. With a powerful and soulful croon reminiscent of a young Patti LaBelle, Haila has the skill and charisma to match her tremendous beauty. She went on to do several other projects(e.g. Azucar Negra) and is still a relevant artist today. However, I believe her most valuable contributions are found in her Bamboleo discography. Here is a live performance, a brief comeback if you will, singing two Bamboleo classics: Con Un Canto Con El Pecho and Yo No Me Parezco A Nadie. Enjoy!

Throwback Thursday

A Tribe Called Quest featuring Leaders of The New School - Scenario



Notes: 1. Inventive and Fresh: Challenged previous notions of video making 2. New Packaging: Redefined the structure and approach to the posse cut 3. Classic and Transformative: All 5 emcees are in rare form(especially Phife), but this is the true introduction of Busta Rhymes to the world. As a result Hip Hop, as we know it, is forever changed.

The Lush Life

I live in the middle of no where. So there are moments when I wonder what the hell I'm doing here, and when the hell am I gonna liberate myself from this dysfunctional-ass, barren wasteland. Then I remember that (as always the case) this experience has purpose and that I should make the most of it. I learned long ago that even the most difficult and unlikely situation can be turned into a paradise of cultural and social intersection, and I've developed a knack for pulling it off (thanks Stillwater/House of Nubians). So, in honor of the (Social)Lush Life I thought it would only be fair for me to celebrate the success we've been experiencing.

A close friend (ethnomusicologist, fellow music enthusiast and astrological compliment, Flaco) and I would sit and rant about the need for an alternative social space which not only brought together a diverse group of folks, but also provided an outlet for an experimental musical experience. We would discuss the possibilities for a year with no result. Then I met another young professional( Emily) in the area who was on the same wavelength. We both had been building community, hosting random parties and functions, but we were also looking for some way to consolidate our respective networks. After brief discussion and a little footwork, we arranged to host a gathering at a local bistro & bar. The irony is that some 15 years ago a similar movement occupied the same venue, so it seemed timely and appropriate that we would resurrect that energy. With Flaco at the helm as DJ and the advertising efforts of Emily and myself, the first function(AfroFunk) was a success-- with a significant turn-out and phenomenal participation. So much that, the management of the bar wanted to have the events monthly. The next function(AfroReggae) grew in numbers and left an equally significant impression on attendees, which has brought us to date.

Now, I've always loved Stevie Wonder, and it turns out so did Emily and Flaco. As the musical director for these functions, I knew that eventually I wanted to do a tribute to the Wonder of Stevie. March would have been the ideal time being that that's the month of his birth, but it just didn't work out that way. This weekend is the Billsville Jazz Festival and really the first sign of Spring, so we thought it would be a great time to bring Mr. Wonder to the fore. I know that DJ Spinna & Bobbito have being doing these "Wonderfull" parties for some time(in NYC, LA, every-damn-where) and I've never been, but I've always imagined that it would be a sight to behold. Inspired partially by their genius, I decided to title our function, "Wonder-ful," my own cheeky way of respecting their creativity, but stating the obvious: the world has been transformed by this man, so a tribute party is not really all that original. I just wanna do my part in honoring his legacy, while trying to maintain the sanity of myself and others. If you're in the area, feel free to drop by(check flyer below). Or better yet do your own tribute to Stevie! I'm sure your neighbors/co-workers/children/friends or whoever is in the vicinity when you're paying homage will appreciate the beauty and funk(see: Tricia Rose)! Otherwise just enjoy this clip of Stevie live--at his best! This is my mantra for the upcoming week...I'm gonna need it.

Stay Suck Free- f.negro

Party Flyers:

Sound Bite Sunday

As with most folks, my love affair with music is organized around memories: people, places, pain, joy, anger, genius, etc. I remember one of the first time's I feel in love with a band because of a woman. There was this sister named Fenyx who I was interested in at the time, and on her outgoing voicemail message was this song that always made me want to leave a message. The track was lush, jazzy, soulful and thematically rich. The lead singers' voices had such gravity that you couldn't help but listen and hope for more. I later found out that the group's name was Incognito. That was almost 10 years ago, to this day I'm still thankful for that sister's sophisticated musical tastes as they have continued to influence my listening choices and consumption.

This band has always touched me in very complicated and diverse ways, challenging and developing my emotional intelligence along the way. Hopefully, this introduction will open a similar portal for you. Please enjoy Still a Friend of Mine, one of my favorite tracks and in my opinion, Incognito at their finest--with Maysa Leak singing lead.

*Incognito are a British band, widely regarded as one of the key members of the English acid jazz movement. Throughout the band's history, it has been led and driven by composer, record producer, guitarist and singer, Jean-Paul 'Bluey' Maunick.


Incognito - Still A Friend of Mine



Stay Sucka Free,
f.negro

Top Five Friday - Books This Year (So Far...)

1. Timba: The Sound of the Cuban Crisis by Vincenzo Perna

2. Sibusiso Mbhele and His Fish Helicopter by Koto Bolofo & Sibusiso Mbhele

3. An Unbroken Agony: Haiti, from Revolution to the Kidnapping of a President by Randall Robinson

4. Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler

5. Darker Nations: A People's History of the Third World by Vijay Prashad

Do the knowledge and check one or two if you get a chance. Great reading!

f.negro

Lykke Li - Little Bit

I just had to share.

Bobby Brown - Get Away


Just because I know the feeling. Nothing like a lil Bobby to get you by.

Sound Bite Sunday (part 2)

f.negro: Hi. My name is fidel and I am a new found house junkie...
HA(Housers Anonymous) attendees: Hiiiiiiiiiii fidel!!!!

Yes bloggership, I am in love with house music. This is relatively new for me, but I have been feeling the need to publicly own my passion for deep, soulful, beat heavy house! I came to house through a rather unconventional route. I first begin to listen to music that had been strongly influenced by house, namely South African Kwaito and Angolan Kuduro. Both of which are infectious and pulsating, popular dance music in their respective countries and region. I have some good friends from South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique and Angola, they're truly the ones to blame for this unhealthy addiction that I have recently developed. Whenever I talk about house I feel the need to emphasize its origin in the Black community. As with most Black musical expression, house music has been appropriated and given a new face and cultural viability. Anyhow, I've chosen a couple cuts that speak to me. Whether you're a house-head or fairly new to the genre, I hope that you're able to appreciate.

• Stardust was a one-time musical collaborative effort consisting of producers Thomas Bangalter, Alan Braxe and vocalist Benjamin Diamond. The short-lived group released the immensely popular club track titled "Music Sounds Better with You" in June 1998. The song, which is based around a sample from "Fate" by Chaka Khan, was an instant smash, and many have dubbed it the greatest house song of the millennium. It was recorded in Paris by Daft House productions, of which Bangalter, one half of the popular French house duo Daft Punk, is head. The song was conceived in Rex Club, Paris, where the trio were playing a live set. Bangalter and Braxe created the instrumental, which Diamond instinctively sang the title words over. The next day they laid down the track in the studio, adding the Chaka Khan sample. Enjoy this classic! Stardust - Music Sounds Better With You



• Shaun Escoffery is a British Soul/R&B singer who collaborated with turntablists/producers DJ Spinna and Ticklah to recreate his already soulful tune, "Days Like This". DJ Spinna(born Victor Williams) a relatively underground DJ and producer is known for his experiments with hip hop, soul and funk. He has done a tremendous amount of work remixing artists such as Mary J. Blige and Stevie Wonder, but is probably most known for his contributions to the underground hip hop scene. That being said, this track comes as no surprise, but is in fact an incredible testament to his musical sensibilities. Victor "Ticklah" Axelrod is the keyboardist for afrobeat supergroup Antibalas, but is also known for his trans-genre production, working with the likes of Mark Ronson, Amy Winehouse and a number reggae artists too great to mention. Obviously this terrain is not unfamiliar to him either. So, please sit back and enjoy this new classic! Shaun Escoffery - Days Like This (DJ Spinna & Ticklah mix)

Stay Sucka-Free Y'all!

f.negro

Sound Bite Sunday(part 1)


So, I'm sorry folks. I've been locked in the hyperbolic time chamber and have now emerged with some more biscuits(2) to share...I graduated from Oklahoma State University. There I met many of the folks that would eventually become my extended family. We were part of a small tightly-knit pan-African community that inadvertently responsible for my diverse and densely populated musical palette. One friend, in particular, was(and still is) largely responsible for developing and deepening my appreciation for reggae music--Ermias Wondimu. He helped me to understand the transcontinental importance of this expression, he helped me discover the political agency in the music, and lastly he helped me situate reggae in the dual consciousness of the African living and breathing diaspora. Now, before I met Ermi I listened to reggae, but did not realize the breadth nor the depth of the art form. From Wondimu I learned how to hear the difference between dancehall and ragga, roots and rocksteady, lover's rock and dub, and I'll be forever indebted to him for that. So courtesy of my Habesha brotha please, enjoy these biscuits from the Yard!

• Gregory Anthony Isaacs (born 15 July 1950) is a Jamaican reggae musician. Isaacs was born in Fletchers Land, Kingston, Jamaica. In the 1970s, he emerged as one of the most prolific and popular recording artists in Jamaica. He released a number of self-produced singles on his African Museum (JA) record label, formed in 1973 with Errol Dunkley. Much of Isaacs' output reflected the 'conscious' themes of roots reggae, but Isaacs is probably better known for his lovers rock material. The 'Cool Ruler' never fails to creatively inject romance and tenderness into a tune with his honey-laced vocals. These tracks capture Issacs' ability to be delicate and firm. Gregory Isaacs - Special Guest Gregory Issacs - Body Language



• Steel Pulse is a well-known roots reggae musical band. They originally formed at Handsworth Wood Boys School, in Birmingham, England and comprised of David Hinds (lead vocals, guitar), Basil Gabbidon (lead guitar, vocals) and Ronald McQueen (bass). Hinds, as songwriter, has always been the engine behind Steel Pulse, from their early days establishing themselves in the Birmingham club scene onwards. Formed in 1975, their debut release, Kibudu, Mansetta And Abuku arrived on the small independent label Dip, and linked the plight of urban black youth with the image of a greater African homeland. Their first release for Island was the Ku Klux Klan 45, a considered tilt at the evils of racism, and one often accompanied by a visual parody of the sect on stage. By this time their ranks had swelled to include Selwyn 'Bumbo' Brown (keyboards), Steve 'Grizzly' Nisbett (drums), Alphonso Martin (vocals, percussion) and Mykaell Riley (vocals). Handsworth Revolution was an accomplished long playing debut and one of the major landmarks in the evolution of British reggae. Pulse has always struck a chord with me because of their musical clarity and ability to perform fiery protest material. Hopefully these tunes will convey, in part, their profound impact on the genre. Steel Pulse - Ku Klux Klan Steel Pulse - Blues Dance Raid

Stay Sucka-Free Y'all,

f.negro

Richard Pryor At His Finest


Just a reminder of why our comedians are important.

Sound Bite Sunday

I grew up in Sand Springs, OK. A place where my appreciation for the blues was nurtured deliberately and inadvertantly. At this point in my life that appreciation has become a signifcant part of my identity as it reminds me of home, informs my world perspective and comforts me in those moments of frustration and despair. Because of my childhood experiences I've grown to enjoy bluesicians such as John Lee Hooker, Robert Johnson, Leadbelly and Muddy Waters, but that wasn't my generation of the blues. I was introduced to the blues through my constant visits to this juke joint down the street from my house called QV's(Queen Victoria and yes that was her legal name, gotta love Black folks). I loved going to QV's because they had a Ms. Pacman game, a pool table, a jukebox and some of the most colorful personalities ever! From Wayne Jenkins the most popular neighborhood wino to Baker the neighborhood womanizer(and father to some 10-20 children, no one really knows). QV's was a place where conflict was negotiated, a place where revenge was exacted, a place for celebration, a place to gamble, but most of all it was THE source of music during my adolescence. It was the only place to get the most up to date music from Hip-hop to R&B. But QV only had those tunes in the jukebox for us young folks who came to play Ms. Pacman and an occasional game of pool. For the most part she had the contemporary blues classics spinning. I'm talkin' 'bout Clarence Carter, Johnny Taylor, Bobby 'Blue' Bland, Millie Jackson, Tyrone Davis and Latimore. Yeah, those where the giants, but there are some signature tracks that define my experience in her juke joint. Hopefully y'all can appreciate these quintessential blues artists and tracks...

• Arziel Hill (September 30, 1935, Naples, Texas — April 27, 1984, Dallas, Texas) known popularly as Z. Z. Hill, was a blues singer, in the soul blues tradition, known for his 1970s and 1980s recordings for Malaco. His Down Home Blues album (1982) stayed on the Billboard soul album chart for nearly two years. The title track was the best-known blues song of the 1980s.This track, plus the songs, "Someone Else Is Steppin In" and "Open House" have become R&B/Southern soul standards. Z.Z. Hill has been a integral part of my life soundtrack. Down Home Blues is a quintessential blues cut, rich with a classic bassline and incredible guitar solos. Z.Z.'s signature voice is gritty, passionate and provoking, easily inspiring the most sober of us to grab a fifth of Wild Irish Rose and find somebody to grind on. I only hope that this tune reminds you of or properly introduces you to one of the last great blues icons. Z.Z Hill - Down Home Blues

• Milton "Little Milton" Campbell, Jr. (September 7, 1934 - August 4, 2005) was a blues vocalist and guitarist best known for his hits "Grits Ain't Groceries" and "We're Gonna Make It." Most popular in the sixties, he eventually became one of the lesser known greats of the genre, combining traditional lyrical structure with smoother production. Although Little Milton has greater notoriety for the aforementioned tunes, his 1984 classic "The Blues Is Alright" is somewhat of a modern anthem for the genre and briefly revived his career. If you've never heard the blues, this is a great place to start. Its uptempo, funky and emotional. Guaranteed to get any southern party jumping, listen to Little Milton and learn to testify. Little Milton - The Blues Is Alright

Stay Sucka-Free y'all...

f.negro

Healing

I need some healing (Erykah Badu - The Healer). As I sit in this moment feeling abandoned, I wonder about my relationships. I question what is real, who is in my life without compulsion and what deserves to be edited. I've always had what I like to call a healthy paranoia, but that takes a lot of energy to maintain. However, the consequence of trust can sometimes be irreparable. A few weeks ago I posted a John Mayer video called, "In Repair." Somehow I never fully recovered from that situation and since then more has decided to pile. I am navigating the pain of betrayal. In my battle to fight the robots and vampires I have been confronted with the gross abuse of my commitment to that which is greater than myself and still stand alone...Again, holding the bag.

I appreciate all of my companero/as who have been there to urge my sanity and strength. I find solace in knowing that even in this hyper-reality there is still truth and love. That there is loyalty that supercedes the xeroxed interactions afforded by fuckery and duplicity.

In times like these I'm reminded of my purpose. And I'm reminded by the women in my life of what I must do. Here's to my conscious, the voice of sistas: healers, warrior-queens, lovers, historians, brokers of patience, liberators, mothers, educators, black, brown and beige you are.

Thank you for the reminder Mahalia and Duke-Black, Brown and Beige, Pt. 4 ( Come Sunday).

Stay Sucka-Free Y'all...please
f.negro

Last Word(s) Before Super/Fat Tuesday (Si Se Puede!)

Right now Papa Legba is prolly visiting New Orleans as folks get ready for Mardi Gras. He'll remind the people of why Congo Square is important and how the spirit of revelers past must evoked. The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club already feted....celebrating. The Mardi Gras Indians just now arriving, folks waiting to join the krewe. All the while the presidential race is a stewin'. I could use a piece of that celebration, so I'm going home to pay tribute in my on way and think about the potential consequences of tomorrow. Here's to choices, or at the least the illusion of them...

Stay Sucka-Free Y'all,
F.Negro

Prince - The Beautiful Ones(Purple Rain)

So I was having a moment today..."a haunting musical tale of emotional longing and unrequited love." Can I find some of this? Just a gram.

Sound Bite Sunday(s)

I am a knower that music is a vehicle and medium of change. Political, emotional, mental and spiritual change. It has this power to impact us on a subatomic level, transmitting beautiful and ugly notions alike. I prefer the former. So in honor of music's positive aesthetic and purpose, I would like to introduce Sound Bite Sunday. Every week I'll post some of the most delectable musical biscuits this quadarant of the galaxy. Old and new, domestic and international, all of which are suited to inspire and contribute to a more colorful and diverse musical palette.

I love soul and funk. These genres lay at the foundation of my childhood. My mama sings and my father was a musician, both are music junkies. So, this post is a tribute to their generation. A time when music was rich with good vibes, even if the lyrics were infused with pain and tumult.

• Roy Ayers, vibraphonist and Jazz/Funk icon, has given the world an incredible soundtrack to live to. Although probably best known for tracks like Everybody Loves The Sunshine and Searching, I would argue that Running Away is one of his greatest contributions. From the first, "doo be doo/run, run.." it is impossible to be still. With an infectiously funky bassline, heavy polyrhythms and story of a one-sided love, the groove is clearly made for a disco crowd. But this cut is timeless, made for Sundays and moments of celebration. Take your time(slow load) and enjoy... Roy Ayers - Running Away
  



• A fairly obscure funk and soul singer, George McCrae has a few tunes in his discography that apparently made a serious impact in the 70s, only one of which that I know. And the only reason why I know the tune is because of its heavy sample usage. Here' s my attempt to turn on the rest of the planet to Sir George and his undercelebrated genius. Check this cut and let me know if you can identify the (most popular) songs that used this sample... George McCrae - I Get Lifted

Until next time....Stay Sucka-Free y'all.

f.negro

Harry and David Mystery(Hardy Boys?)

So, for the past couples weeks I been trying to figure out a mystery. I typically don't like such suspense, but this was situation was peculiar. Three weeks ago I received this big ass box. It had nothing on it except the names: Harry and David. I'm like who the hell is Harry and David, and what do they want?! Because, we know that often gifts have strings attached, especially from people we don't know. I was extremely slow to open the box, because I'm distrustful...I mean calculated like that. A week went by and I was like, f@ck it!, let's see what's up in this joint!. To my surprise there are all types of goodies...Milk Chocolate Truffles, Bing Cherry Chocolates, Mint Chocolates and Dark Chocolate Moose Munch(yeah I was like what the hell is that too!). Heavenly. I'm not a huge chocolate fan, but I occasionally have an ultra-sweet tooth, so it was right on time. I've shared with visitors who are almost always beyond satisfied. But there was something else in the box that made my month. There are certain items in the fruit family that just touch me in a special place because they remind me of my childhood, like plums and peaches. To my content there was three of the most beautiful PEARS I've ever seen in my life!!!!! Now, I STILL don't know who the hell sent the package, but I would like to thank them for the clandestine contribution to my happiness. So maybe y'all can help me figure this out, any thoughts? Any of y'all got clues or strategies of discovery that I can employ? I'm open to the possibilities.

**Questioning my sucker-free'ness since I fell for the okie-doke and took the bait.
f.negro

Still Here
I’m tired. Only because I know what this really means.
Listening to the highly disregarded as there is conversation about …more nothing.
No meaning. No card carrying. Just more cotton silently being picked.
And we wear the bags with pride, possessing not even the decency to be indignant.

I’m exhausted from wondering when the alignment will be right for the shift to occur.
But until then… until then, there will only be more rape and disempowerment.
I’ll hold my dick hoping not to get lynched in the meanwhile.
Because we will be niggas until we collectively decide to be…*frustrated sigh*

Can We? Resist. Lament. Rage. In Cage?
My friend is afraid of the water, the air and the stare--so where will she find the gall to say:
“fuck you, I’m not your slave!”?
Not in Essence, or on Oprah, or at Berkeley. We are industrial.

You’ve been programmed. Wake up. We miss you. Why are you/we still here?

In Memoriam: Martin Luther the Kang, Andy Palacio.

Podcast Junkie?
If you haven't checked the Rappers I Know Podcast(volumes I-IV), ya slippin', sleepin' and doing ya'self a serious injustice. Always refreshing and musically kaleidoscopic(werd?), Kay and the crew keep me engaged. And although these podcasts are nothing more than digital mixtapes, it still feels dope when I'm rockin' out like Bilal and The Flaming Lips-just imagine.

Sidebar: If you think your horribly transparent attempts to be disengaged are worthwhile, feel free. I still reserve the right to balk at them wolf tickets you trying to sell.

**Sucker-free, continually
F.Negro

Morning Glory II

So I was inspired by my sister this morning. I read her blog last night and it made me think,"how have I been spending my mornings?" I too live really close to my job and I too take my sweet ass time getting to work. However, my mornings are typically a lot less productive than my dear sibling's. But this morning I woke up with purpose. And here's what I did:

• Ijuba(prayer)
• Put on Rappers I Know Podcast Volume I, which is a wonderful way to ease into the day.
• Busted some suds, those dishes had been calling.
• Reorganized my closet and prepped laundry.
• Packed my lunch(Sauteed Mango Pasta..mmmm).
• Finished acquiring the afro-latin music collection of Mr. Niko Laboy(gracias sir!).
• Finished watching Venezuela Rising.
• Shaved, took a shower.
• Made breakfast.
• Did lesson plan for dance class.
• Screened Bomba Video Montage.

all before 9:30am....thanks for the inspiration sis!