Day 52: Black Music Month - Eric Roberson

If not a current fan, you may still be familiar with Eric Roberson's music. He's written songs for artists like 112, Musiq Soulchild, Dwele, Carl Thomas, Vivian Green, and Jill Scott. He made his mark with his first single "The Moon" in 1994, which was a mainstay on urban adult contemporary radio. After nearly 20 years in the industry, Roberson's released 8 albums and has remained one of the most consistent, authentic, spirited, and relatable artists in the game. And he's done it all independently. He established his record label B.L.U.E. Erro Soul in 2001. His latest album is the acclaimed "Mister Nice Guy" (2011). Happy Black Music Month!!! :) 

Day 51: Black Music Month - Teedra Moses

Teedra Moses is like one of the industry's best-kept secrets. On that "Luxurious Undergrind," she's a singer-songwriter who's written songs for Christina Milian, Macy Gray, Trina, and Mary J. Blige to name a few. But it was her debut album, 2004's Complex Simplicity, that got fans really hooked. Not to mention, she's released several mixtapes that often rival her the studio album of peers. Her voice is distinctive, smooth, and pure. Her lyrics can pack punches just as hard some rappers. She's got a sweet yet street swag that is reminiscent of the sass of Cherrelle and Pebbles and the soulful, emotional grit of Mary J. Blige. Yet, she’s got a style that’s all her own. With her recent signing to Rick Ross's Maybach Music Group, it won't be long before the world knows just who Teedra Moses really is. Happy Black Music Month!!! :D

Announcing the Release of My First Book - "Prevail"

I'm so happy to announce the release of my first book - Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politics.  It's been an arduous journey but well-worth it.  I'm elated to have achieved one of my many lifelong dreams.  It's self-published through iUniverse.  Here's the description:

Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politics presents an eye-opening collection of poetry inspired by personal experiences, current events, history, culture, and social issues. This collection provides a glimpse into the mind of BuddahDesmond as he investigates our contemporary world. Written over the course of the last decade, these poems serve as an introduction to BuddahDesmond’s range, voice, and style.

Prevail is divided into three sections—life, love, and politics, each of which provides the author with an opportunity to thoroughly dissect his thoughts and feelings on each topic. “Life” challenges the notion of living happily ever after, considers the struggles of dysfunctional families, and shares the perspective of a laggard in a high-tech world. “Love” discusses the power of real, true love, the up and downs of relationships, and the difficulty finding a mate in the technosexual age. “Politics” explores the power of rhetoric and the underhanded maneuvering of politicians, as well as providing perspectives on many contemporary issues.

In this new collection, BuddahDesmond seeks to offer an underlying message of strength, persistence, and triumph.

The book is available for purchase directly from iUniverse, along with retailers like Amazon (Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle, Barnes & Noble, Book-A-Million (Paperback | Hardcover), and other retailers.  Please check it out.  If you like it/love it, spread the word and encourage others to buy it.  Be sure to stop by and "Like" the Facebook Fan Page as well.

Thank you to all the readers for the love and support over the years.  Enjoy!  Peace, Love, and Many Blessings!!!

Day 50: Black Music Month - Meshell Ndegeocello

When I saw the words "Alternative Hip Hop" emblazoned in the liner notes of Meshell Ndegeocello's debut album Plantation Lullabies (1993), I thought--how limiting. She's definitely not an artist you can lump a single category. After all, her last name in Swahili means "free like a bird." She can play/sing anything. Her music is passionate yet cerebral. And when it comes to funky bass players she's one of the baddest in the game! Happy Black Music Month!!! :D

Day 49: Black Music Month - Lenny Kravitz

When compared to his contemporaries Lenny Kravitz is in a league all his own. He's an extremely gifted singer, songwriter, arranger, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who marches to the beat of his own drum. His retro-leaning music is an extraordinary blend of rock, funk, r&b/soul, folk, and reggae (to name a few). Album after album Kravitz proves that you can have style with substance and purpose. Happy Black Music Month!!! :D

Day 48: Black Music Month - Janet Jackson

Just as Marvin Gaye did with "What's Going On," Janet Jackson's "Rhythm Nation" (the song and accompanying album Rhythm Nation 1814) proved that music could still be hit-worthy and entertaining yet socially conscious, relevant, soulful and funky. Happy Black Music Month!!! :)

Check out my previous post, All 4 Janet.

Day 47: Black Music Month - Chaka Khan

When Chaka Khan burst onto the scene as the lead singer of Rufus back in the 70s--the world was never quite the same. Jazz, Soul, Funk, Rock, Gospel, Pop--you name it she can sing it (effortlessly). Her inimitable, stratospheric vocals, unique style, and stage presence still leave audiences captivated to this day. A beautiful singer, songwriter, and musician--she's truly one of a kind. And most certainly--iconic and legendary. Happy Black Music Month!!! :D

Day 46: Without You

The pain hit me all at once.
I thought I was going to pull through.

It'd been three weeks since you left.
Didn't feel a tremor or shed a tear.
And suddenly, it was like the environment in the instance of a landslide–it just keep coming
And I'm wondering when it'll stop.
Guess you meant a little more to me than I cared to admit.

I couldn’t let the emotions get the best of me while in the relationship,
But they're tearing my ass up right about now.
I can't seem to keep my composure.
I've never fallen this deep.
I feel like pavement and the a loss of love pounds me incessantly.

All I know is I have to pull thru this.
But I don't know if I can make it without you.

© BuddahDesmond

Day 45: Whenever the Feeling Comes Along

Whenever the feeling comes along—the one that I can't shake because it shakes me—
I have to close my eyes, take a few deep breaths and think about something unrelated.

Whenever the feeling comes along I'm temporarily paralyzed.
Can't seem to move, think, or speak normally.
A momentary loss;
Have to make myself snap out of it to get beyond it.

Whenever that feeling takes over,
I have to regain my composure.
It's like I'm fighting against a foreign invader–with everything within me—to win.

Whenever that feeling comes along,
I have to do what I can to conquer it.
Don't want to be the victim of my own defeat.
Can't pass the blame on anyone else if I can't deal;

It all comes back to me.

Whenever the feeling comes along—I have to be strong.

© BuddahDesmond

Day 44: Once Upon a Groove

When the beat drops I just have to ride it
Never going against it,
Just naturally flowing with it
When it hits it captures me,
Seizes my soul,
Taking control of every word I say and every move I make

This groove colors the night,
Painting scenes never realized before,
Igniting otherworldly emotions,
And deepened connections.
Don't want this musical excursion to end.

Why should we ever have to step outside of this groove?
If I were its proprietor I could mass market this experience
      so that everyone could get a fix.
Cause after a groove like this–how can your life ever be the same?

© BuddahDesmond

Day 43: Closure

I've searched my mind so many times in the last few days

     to find whatever it is that I did to be whited out, erased,

     terminated from the picture.

The search results came back null.

Even when I did boolean, it rendered my time and efforts useless.

I'm still trying to understand how it all got to this point,

     and why everything feels so disjointed.

All I want is a reason—

     A real reason.

Aren't I good enough for that?

Aren't I deserving at the very least of that?

Maybe you acted in haste,

     but the actions still remain unchanged.

At least respect me enough to tell me what I did

     that was so wrong— 

So I can properly move on,

So I can learn,

So I won't repeat what made me obsolete

     in a world I was led to believe I belonged in.

But as as we know now—we were both wrong.

For the sake of closure—could you just fill me in?

© BuddahDesmond

Day 42: 100% Phony

Nothing rings true
Nothing quite real
It's all staged and scripted
Better than make believe
Left wondering if anything gets past the pretense
So contrived
Like co-stars with bad chemistry
Though they keep trying--disbelief is never suspended
Except for those weak, naive minds who continue to fall for it
Meanwhile, those in the know are waiting for the showdown

If you ever wonder why the reception is icy
or lacks the warmth you feel you're accustomed to
check yourself
You may not be as genuine as you think you are
You may not be genuine at all
Just fake and phony
100% fake and phony

(c) BuddahDesmond 

Day 41: Apologies

If you really meant what you said, why apologize?
Anyone could feel the words,
they were jam-packed with passion.
Could the presentation have been different?
Yes.
Could your tone have been less caustic?
Yes.
If anything, you should apologize for how you said what you said.
Otherwise it's meaningless.
Phony apologies don't suffice in any instance.
Unless it's sincere and heartfelt--keep it to yourself.

(c) BuddahDesmond

Day 40 - Just Jill: Words & Sounds Live

Recently had the opportunity to catch Jill Scott live as part of her Summer Block Party tour. And what an amazing experience it was. Still think and dream about it to this day. So I wrote this poem as an ode to her magnificence.

Just Jill: Words & Sounds Live

There's something about Jill–
Natural beauty and wonder,
Talent that seems limitless,
Has a heart and soul so deep, so pure that it boggles one's capacity
     to understand.
She gets you as soon as she makes her appearance–
Immediately captured.
She's a musical wizard,
Who casts her spell within the first few notes.
The studio is great,
But there's nothing like the real thing live.

Jill's larger than life spirit commands the stage.
Head held high, never down;
Always standing in high-esteem like a regal Goddess,
Like the Queen that she is.
Undeniable authenticity,
And a familiarity that makes you feel as if you're in the good hands of a
     loved one.
Jill's better than your best friend–
     she's family.
So real, so genuine, so true;
She goes places very few dare to go on and off the stage.
Saying all things we'd like to say so beautifully, so eloquently–
She's not afraid to go there.
She's fearless.
She's wide open to the point of being selfless.
That's why we relate;
That's why we–your core fans–just can't let anything get in the way of 
     what we're feeling when it comes to you.

Jill takes us on a journey–one we'll always wish could last a little while
     longer.
The ride is an indelible experience–
One we'd relive any chance we get.
Because Jill's the whole package;
Never needing to depend on the pyrotechnics to put on a great show–
She's golden like that,
She's divinely touched,
And we are so grateful that we can experience the blessings.

Whatever it is, whatever it is;
Let it be, let it be.
YES!
Let us PLEASE let Jill Scott be!

© BuddahDesmond

Day 39: OUT (Written in Honor of National Coming Out Day)

In honor of National Coming Out Day, here's a piece that I wrote entitled "OUT."

Nothing worse than being silenced, especially in an environment where your voice has a rightful place to be loud and heard.
Nothing worse than living in fear because you don't know how family, friends, community or the larger society will deal with the "real" you.
Nothing worse than living a lie because you succumbed to complacency and conformity of cultural or societal norms.
Nothing is worse than hiding from everything and everyone (including yourself) because you've been led to believe that you are less than or simply not worthy.
It's bullshit.

Nothing should come before you, your authenticity, or your well-being.
You were made divinely and with a purpose regardless of what mortal beings may tell you.
So honor yourself.
Not just today but everyday.
Because nothing is better than being free.
Nothing is better than being your whole, true self.
Nothing is better than loving yourself.
Nothing is better than love.

(c) BuddahDesmond

Day 38: Adriana Evans - Walking With The Night

There’s something about Adriana Evans. That “something” enraptured me (yet again) while I was finishing my last final exam this weekend. Within the first few bars of “Waiting,” the first track off of her latest album “Walking With The Night,” I was spellbound by her rich musical landscape. Her music is an intoxicating mix of classic soul, funk, hip-hop, jazz, and Afro-Cuban and Brazilian rhythms. Her voice--an instrument that is reminiscent of the preeminent jazz vocalists of our time--is the soulful, sweet, sublime element that brings everything together. Like all great singers, she could sing anything and make you pay attention. It’s artistry. It’s realness. It’s music from the heart. And you can feel it. Whether it’s the latest album or one of her previous efforts, it won’t be long before you can’t get it out of her hypnotic music out of your mind. Aside from “Waiting” and the title track, songs that stay on repeat are “Surrender,” “Midnight,” “Set in Stone,” “Never Thought” and the album closer “El Sol” (which is one of several songs from her catalog that I believe provides an excellent snapshot of her artistry). Like her previous releases, I’ll be jamming to “Walking Into The Night” for life.

Evans made her self-titled debut back in 1997. This effort was one of several to lead the pack of what was being dubbed “neo classical soul” in the mid-to-late 90s. Her singles “Seein’ Is Believing” and “Love Is All Around” received moderate airplay on urban adult contemporary stations. But just as she was making headway, she disappeared from the “mainstream” music scene. I had been wondering for years when we’d be graced with her presence again. And in 2004 while finishing my final quarter undergrad, I came across some music from her “Nomadic” album. I was ecstatic. Fast forward to 2006 when I discovered that Adriana Evans “Remember The Love” (from the “Nomadic” album) was chosen to be the theme song to Patrick Ian Polk’s “Noah’s Arc” series. A black gay series on television with a soundtrack supporting indie and underrated musicians – it was a win-win. The series featured several other songs from “Nomadic” and Evans 2007 release “El Camino.” Thanks to Polk Evans and other artists music was exposed to a wider audience. It’s still a shame that music like this isn’t flooding the airwaves. However, unlike the non-believers whose ears aren’t to the ground, we know that real music still exists. Therefore, we must continue to support it. We can’t wait for mainstream to pay attention. We must talk it about, blog about it, tweet it, and share it on our social media and networking profiles. Keeping good, real, authentic music alive is a necessity!

Day 37: Love & Bills

"Love don't pay the bills!"  How many times have we heard this statement?  If we could cash in every time we heard it, we'd probably have some hefty bank accounts.  While it may be true, shouldn't we be digging a little deeper?  Love is more powerful than money.  More spiritual.  More meaningful.  Money is tangible but does not last forever.  Love is ever-lasting.  Once you've got it--you've got it.  You may not always be in love.  But you will always love and be loved.  That's what makes you rich. 

Whether you're by yourself or in a committed relationship--you'll find a way to pay the bills.  With love on tap, you'll work to find a way.  That's if you want to.  That's if you care.  That's also when faith, loyalty, devotion, and due diligence come into play.  Money can bring you lots of things, but love is not one of them.  And love can bring many things as well...  So much so that you may not realize how truly blessed you are.  Maybe that's what The-Dream was getting at on Love Vs. Money...  Well, one hopes that's what he meant. :-)

Day 36: Analog Life Vs. Digital Life

I think my analog life will always win over my digital life . There's just something more personal, more comforting, more reassuring about it.  While my digital life may have greater reach in a shorter period of time, it's hard for me to believe that it will ultimately have the same touch, impact, and feel of my analog life.

Day 35: The Gift & The Curse

The further you run away or ignore life's gifts, the more they will haunt you.  The haunting can make them seem curse-like.  It's a calling that we each must heed eventually.  It's where passions, dreams, and destiny all meet up.  It's an extraordinary collision course that puts us in the right place, the right time, and the right moment.

Day 34: Communication

Sometimes when I say "I wonder why I bother," it's due to some miscommunication or misunderstanding.  But I can never own up to it as being a sole responsibility of mine.   Communication is typically not a one-way happening.  If you end up in a place where I didn't intend to take you (and vice versa), it's the responsibility of both of us to get back to where we each need to be.  We have to work together, actively listen, pay attention, and make light of confusion or pinpoint where issues need to be addressed.  That's the only way we will ever be able to successfully communicate with each other.