Blogiversary + Interview + Reviews

Wassup Blogworld?!! Hope everything is cool. It's been a minute since I've updated. Life has been keeping me busy personally and professionally. Things are going well though. I've been so busy I missed my own 4-year Blogiversary. Happy Blogiversary to BuddahDesmond's Rapture! Can't believe it's been that long. Lots of life changes since then (all for the better - thank god). But one thing's for sure - I'm much happier now than I was when I started blogging. I feel so much stronger, wiser, and better about various facets of myself and my life. It's an ongoing process. The internal work is never seems to be done. Even when it's all good there's always room for improvement. As I reminisce, I may update this post with links to some of my favorite posts over the last few years.

Be sure to check out my interview on the Encore Status Entertainment website with indie singer/songwriter/performer Lafonda a.k.a. The Bronx Bombshell. Also, check out my review of Maxwell's BLACKsummers'night and Vanessa Williams's The Real Thing on the Pictures and Frames website.

Until next time, be safe. Have a great weekend!

~ BuddahDesmond

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Now playing: Chrisette Michele - Epiphany
via FoxyTunes

R.I.P. E. Lynn Harris

I was stunned when I heard that E. Lynn Harris died. I couldn't believe it. I thought it was just another rumor. But as the reports came in I soon realized it was, in fact, truth. Harris was a tremendous talent. He was voice of a community that had often been silenced, not existent, or unacknowledged in the literary world. His contributions helped pave the way for many of today's black gay contemporary writers. He inspired dialogue. He opened minds and hearts. E. Lynn Harris was a treasure and he will forever be missed. Thank you for inspiring us. Thank you for sharing our stories. Thank you for helping me, and I'm sure many others, who - at a young age - was struggling with my sexuality but learned accept and embrace it. Rest in peace E. Lynn Harris. We love you!

~ BuddahDesmond

Never Knew

Never knew I could feel this way about someone
I always thought about it
Always dreamed about it
Fantasized about it
Prayed for it
But never knew it would be like this

What I’m feeling far exceeds expectations
It trumps predecessors
It squashes competition
Smashes records
Wins every time
I had a feeling before but it doesn’t equal the real thing

Everything I’ve ever wanted in a man
I’ve found in you
All the wonderful things that dreams are made of
All the qualities to brag about
All the characteristics I find attractively appealing
Intellect and wit that keeps me on my toes
Handsome sexiness that I can’t resist
Tenderness, care and compassion that brings tears to my eyes
With flaws and all you are simply beautiful, inside and out

Never knew I could find everything and more
I always wrote about it
Always sang about it
Talked about it
Wished for it
But it eclipses all that I’ve ever hoped for

Didn’t know it would be like this
It’s better than I expected
And I’m glad to finally have it
I’m glad to be in this place
Glad to have this feeling
So glad to be this in love
And for this, I will continue to express my gratitude

~ BuddahDesmond

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Now playing: Chrisette Michele & Ne-Yo - What You Do (Single Version)
via FoxyTunes

R.I.P. Michael Jackson (1958 - 2009)

Legend.
Icon.
Innovator.
Trendsetter.
Humanitarian.

You were truly gifted.
An inspiration to many.
You were the greatest entertainer in the world.
Touched so many of us with your heart, soul, and spirit.

There will never be another like you.
So we are grateful that God kept you here as long as he did.
We are sad that you had to go so young.
But it was time.
You were called.
And now peace is finally yours.

You will truly be missed.
Your music and legacy will continue to inspire, uplift, and shape us all
You will never die.
You will always live on.
We will always love you, Michael Joseph Jackson!!!

~ BuddahDesmond

The Death of Subtlety

Is Burger King blowing your mind with their new sandwich or are they blowing something else?
Check EW.com's article about Burger King's latest ad: http://tinyurl.com/n6gurx.

Janet.

I'm finally sharing some of my artwork online. And what better way to start by showing a picture of Janet Jackson that drew almost 12 years ago. She's one of favorite people to draw. And it's more than obvious at this point that she's one of my all-time favorite entertainers. Growing up, I was inspired by and adored her music, style, and presence. I must say though, I miss seeing her on the scene.

It seems like Discipline was released so long ago - though it was only last February. It debuted at No. 1, "Feedback" became her first top 20 pop hit since 2001's "Someone to Call My Lover," and then like that - it was all over. Yeah, there was the tour (the show was EXCELLENT!!) but - you know what happened with that.... Aside from the Superbowl Incident (I still say she was blacklisted because of that incident), issues in the Jackson family (not going there either), and record labels who have no idea how to promote her (anymore) - her musical career seems to be at a crossroads.

She's accomplished more in the last 27 years than most artists will in their entire careers. She's done it all. She set the tone. And you can see that with many of today's hottest female entertainers. The influence is unmistakable. But her music just hasn't "hit" the way it used to. I don't think it's because the music is bad. It's definitely had however, some sub par moments over the course of the last three albums. But lackluster production, poor marketing, no airplay, and minimal label support have all played major roles in the downward spiral of Janet's musical career.

Now, the lady is BAD!!! Always will be. She can grace the stage - not say or do a thing - and the audience will go wild. Nothing can take away her talent or the history she's made. But it's time to hit 'em hard. Hit 'em with something they'd least expect. Or go back with Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. The chemistry they have in the studio is magical. And last I heard - they were talking of going into to the studio to work on the next album. Great news if it comes into fruition. Cause one thing's for sure - I won't be unhappy if JD isn't producing on the next album. No offense - I love his work. But it's just not for Janet. It may work for Mariah and Usher (to name a few) - but not for Janet.

All the greats have periods where they hit that brick wall or their music slumps. And most usually return to the top spot better than ever. It's usually when everyone has counted them out - when you least expect it - when their prominence is solidified again. Whatever happens - Janet's got my support. I'll be rocking with Janet 4 Life!

Check me out on Twitter!

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Now playing: Janet - Can't B Good
via FoxyTunes

Sade Returns to the Studio!!!

What wonderful news, ain't it? I was so GLAD to hear that Sade has returned to the studio to begin work on their new album. I CANNOT WAIT!!! It's been 9 years since the release of their last studio album, Lovers Rock, and 7 years since the release of Lovers Live.

Sade never disappoints. Each album is a masterpiece in its own right. Sade's style, voice and lyrics, the band's instrumentation and production - all the elements always seem to come together so well. The music is timeless. It never sounds dated. And that's what sets them apart from so many of their peers.

You know, it doesn't matter how long the wait is for a Sade album. Because the quality always prevails. They take their time to create music. If the feeling isn't right in the studio when they convene to make the next album - they leave and come back another time. It's a method some of their peers need to follow. Unless you got it like that - take your time between releases. There's no need to be in everyone's face every five minutes - especially when the music leaves something to be desired. I'll take quality over quantity anyday.

It's rumored that the record may be out before the end of the year - but we'll see. There's just joy in knowing something good is coming....

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Now playing: Sade - No Ordinary Love
via FoxyTunes