I’ve been pretty down for the last little while. The main reason is I was supposed to be on vacation right about now…in New York to be exact. For as long as I remember, I’ve been wanting to go to NYC but always said that if I go, I want to have enough funds to do all I want to do: go to restaurants, sight seeing, a Broadway show and shop ‘til I drop! So lack of funds and the fact that I really didn’t start traveling until last year are the reasons why I had not made it there. An opportunity was brought to me by my sister to go at the end of April for a week and I jumped on the chance! We were to stay at a cousin’s place the whole time and that was going to save us a bunch of money. I was extremely excited! Not only was I looking forward to a much need break cuz I’ve been so stressed at work etc.. but I made plans to meet up with Daru who was going to be in town with Barry King and Michelle who’s become like a little sister to me was planning to come from Jersey to meet me. Up until about 2-3 weeks ago, I was set to go and for reasons that were beyond my control (I don’t wanna get into detail cuz it just pisses me off), the plans fell apart.
About a week ago, I was on the phone with Daru and he mentioned that Reggie was coming to Pittsburgh. They were going to do a show in NYC and asked if I still planned to be in town. My heart sunk! I was so wrapped up in disappointment that I hadn’t even told Daru that my plans had fallen through. I was quiet for a bit but finally told him and said that I felt really bad. He comforted me a bit saying not to be sad and that we’ll meet soon. The next day I got the flyer for the show and saw that Rena was going to be there too with 2 other singers, Taihisha & Kissey! I called Jorge and told him that if I can’t be there, he has to find a way out there. He’s in Mass. right now so it’s about a 3 hour bus ride away. All week I spent promoting the show and all week I felt really sad about the fact that I would be the only one missing. Jorge even heard me on the verge of tears over the phone.
Here's the flyer:
This passed Monday was THE day. Jorge and his brother, Al left at 3 or so and got to NYC around the time I got home from work which was about 7. They got lost so I had to look up the address and text him. I didn’t hear from J for awhile until he sent me a text saying that he was going to call and not to pick up. After he called, my voicemail indicator went on. I picked it up and it was a message from Reggie saying he wished I could’ve come out. This happened a few more times until I had messages from Rena, Taihisha, Daru and Kissey. It was bittersweet for me. I was so touched that they all did that for me but at the same time, I knew I was missing out. J even called and left me a message when Reggie was singing so I could hear.
Even though I wasn’t there, it’s something that I’ll never forget. Thanks to Jorge, Daru, Reggie, Rena, Taihisha, and Kissey for thinking of me and almost making me feel like I was there. It means a great deal. Luv you, guys! xo
I’ve figured out away to get the messages on my computer so I’ll share them with you…be sure to pause the mp3 player that I have on the right hand side of the screen before pressing play on the players below:
Music is a HUGE part of my life. It eases your soul, makes you hype, comforts when your sad and helps you let out frustrations when you’re angry…at least to me it does. In view of that, this whole entry will be about….you guessed it, music.
Wednesday night, my girl Boogi and my cousin Jojo (yes, both names are nicknames!) went to take in the Heart of the City tour featuring Mary J. Blige & Jay-Z. It was a great show…not that I expected any less from them especially for the price we paid. Them tickets were not cheap!! Mary held it down! Vocally, she was great although I preferred when I saw her in concert alone a couple of summers ago. As much as I love MJB, it was really Jay-Z I wanted to see. I saw him…hmmm I’m guessing but it might have been 7 or 8 years ago. That was the Hard Knock Life Tour with Redman, Methodman & DMX. That was a great show but I missed most of Jay-Z’s set because I unfortunately got a bad case of food poisoning from a hot dog that I got at a street vendor before the show. Jay-Z was amazing! He was my high point of the show…no question. I also loved when they performed together. They started the show with Can’t Knock The Hustle and later, they performed one of my most fave tracks, Song Cry. I don’t think I’ve bounced around, sang/rapped along so much in my life! If they are coming to your town, check them out! Next concert….Erykah Badu!!! Then after that, Kanye!! I cannot wait!
Jojo, Me & Boogi before the show
Jay-Z & MJB on stage
Here's a clip that Jojo filmed for me:
Easter weekend, I went to a party at the Mod Club. It featured 3 local performers: a rapper named J Diggz, a singer named Dru & my boy, Famous who raps. I love showing support to independent artists or artists on the come up especially if they’re from Toronto. My girl, Tracey and I were baffled at the lack of a crowd. It’s a damn shame really because these guys are really talented and great performers. I’ll even post the clips I filmed here so you can see for yourself. There’s so much good music out there that a lot of people don’t know about. I always hear complaints about how they hate the shit they play on the radio or what they see on BET etc…If you hate it so much, take the time to research what you’re looking for or if you know about certain artists that you like, tell others about them. If you crave lyrical content in hip hop, search for it, it’s everywhere if you willing to look. It’s the same when folks complain about clubs, how it’s all the same shit, play too much commercial crap, it’s all youngins etc. I know from personal experience there are places to go and parties to check out that play quality music and cater to a more mature crowd. Man, I guess bottom line is you have no right to complain or bitch about shit unless you do something about it! More times than not, if you do something about it, you’ll find a solution!
This is a first for me but I’m going to be posting some download links to music. I’m trying to do my part in sharing the love of good music. First off, of course, is Darien Brockington . His manager released 2 tracks for me to hand out to the people of the Facebook group that I run and as well as honeysoul.com . The 2 tracks are called Girl It’s You & It’s Over…they are FIRE and I’m not just saying that because he’s my friend either! Next is my boy, drummer/producer Daru . He recently released a Spirit & Soul-Hop Sampler that’s hosted by Marc Mac of UK’s own, 4hero . Now for homegrown love: My boy, Famous , who I mentioned earlier. He raps now! He’s got a kick ass single, 4th Biggest City. The video for the track was honored by youtube.com for being the 96th most watched video! Look out for Famous !! Last but certainly not least is Ayah. I have loved this lady’s sound for a while. She’s got quite a sultry, soulful voice. She’s releasing her mixtape called Problem Woman in May but she has leaked 2 tracks called I Reminisce & Passing Me By. In I Reminisce, you’ll recognize the production of J Dilla (RIP).Ayah sang over Dilla’s song Think Twice. Passing Me By features the beat of the Pharcyde track with the same title. How they happened to feature 2 of my most fave tracks, I have no idea! It’s like she’s in my head!
LINKZ
All the links I posted are from my girl’s site: http://honeysoul.com (with the exception of Famous). Clicking on it will take you to location on her site that has the download link. To quote Honey, “Thanks to all the artists for making this free music available and giving us just a taste of their talent. Remember you can't live off an appetizer and neither can they." Support artists in any way you can!!
Disclaimer: All the music shared here was previously posted elsewhere on the internet; sometimes on the artists’ own site. In some cases, I do have direct permission from the artists to release them.
For those close to me, you know that I work in a doctor’s office. For those who aren’t close, now you know! I have been working in the same office for almost 14 years. From time to time, I feel the need to rant about work. This is one of those times!!! Yes, I am writing this at work, saving it on my flash drive so I can post it later!!! I need to or I'm going to burst! lol
Things that are inappropriate in a doctor’s office waiting room:
Grooming…any type
I’m talking about applying make up…not just lipstick/gloss either…Powder, foundation, mascara etc. Combing/brushing hair. As I type this, someone is actually in here clipping their fingernails!! UGH!
Cell phones/loud, excessive talking
I really think this is common sense but apparently not. I cannot tell you how often people sit here having loud, full out conversations on their phone…take it outside! Also please keep in mind that if the secretary looks busy, chances are she really is busy! I have trouble with that all the time. I usually smile and nod to be polite but sometimes it’s hard when someone’s constantly talking to you about nothing really important, just making conversation while I’m typing or answering the phone or doing paper work. Trust me, people even try to talk to me while I’m on the phone!
Kids
Before I go on, I feel the need to say that I love kids. I often gush when I see kids, babies. I used to baby sit before I worked in the office. I know kids will be kids but there is a limit. Time and time again, I feel like some parents have no control over them! Please don’t yell or scream in the office when you’re scolding them and if they are throwing a tantrum, simply take them out to the hallway. I’m sure the secretary will be more than glad to keep your place in line while you calm the situation. I find myself biting my tongue a lot because of this. It’s not my place to say something.
The last thing I have to say I couldn’t put in a category:
First and foremost, I am a music lover...It is my life, my heart and soul. Fave. genres include R&B/Soul, EDM and Rock but my first love is Hip Hop!
I am an avid writer/blogger who loves to laugh, meet new people and travel.
I'm also known as Colonel Firewall of 9th Wonder's Jamla Army.
I am also a huge Thirty Seconds To Mars (I prefer the drummer ;-) lol) & NKOTB fan! Echelon & BH FOR LIFE!
Thanks for stopping by, leave a comment to let me know you were here :)
