Name that tune...

I was just going through my blogroll (don't you love my lingo?!--I was looking at some blogs I like to read) and saw a post on Honey Soul Music about Droppin' Science, Greatest Samples from the Blue Note label. They did such a thorough job in their posting that I'm going to share it with you...

On February 12, Blue Note Records will release Droppin’ Science, a unique collection of the legendary label’s classic late 60s through mid-70s jazz-funk tracks, all of which have featured prominently as samples in some of the greatest hip hop cuts of the late 80s, 90s and beyond. Hip hop artists ranging from Dr. Dre to the Beastie Boys and A Tribe Called Quest have sampled Blue Note grooves by such jazz greats as Lou Donaldson, Grant Green, Donald Byrd, and Lonnie Smith. All of these original Blue Note tracks have been compiled for the first time on Droppin’ Science, which Blue Note will release as a 10-track CD, a 13-track digital album and vinyl LP, as well as individual ring-tunes that are based on the exact sampled loop.

The list of artists both sampled and sampling includes some of the most famous names in the world of jazz and hip hop, and covers a large breadth of time. In 1992, Kool G Rap used Joe Williams’ “Get out of My Life Woman” in his classic cut “Ill Street Blues;” then, nearly a decade later Jill Scott used the same sample in the song “Brotha” featured on her seminal neo-soul debut Words and Sounds: Vol 1. Landmark tracks from Brand Nubian (“Punks Jump Up to Get Beat Down”), De La Soul (“Bitties in the BK Lounge”), and Lox (“Get This $”) all feature a groove from Lou Donaldson’s “It’s Your Thing.” A Tribe Called Quest used Jack McDuff’s “Oblighetto” in their smash “Scenario.” As recently as 2001, Dr. Dre sampled David McCallum’s “The Edge” in the infamous cut “The Next Episode” which featured Snoop Dog. The list continues, with Biggie Smalls’ “One More Chance” remix and Mary J. Blige’s “Everyday It Rains” featuring a sample from Lou Donaldson’s “Whose Makin’ Love.” Blue Note’s influence has even been felt in the pop world where Madonna used a Lou Donaldson sample (“It’s Your Thing”) in her song “I’d Rather Be Your Lover,” as well as a sample of Grant Green’s “Down Here on the Ground” in her song “Forbidden Love.”

I'm excited about this album. Bear and I often play a game of name that sample. This is one of those albums that old school and new school listeners of hip hop and jazz will enjoy. I imagine playing this CD at my parent's house on a Saturday as my mom and dad reminisce on their first experiences with the music; my brother, sister in-law, Bear, and I try to see who can think of the "new songs" that used this music as samples or remix beats; and Princess and Juicy Boy dance to the funky bass and rhythm just enjoying the pure energy of the music. (oh, yeah...Juicy Boy's walking now...he takes the most steps to music...his favorites are Gullah Gullah Island and Jay-Z. I guess that tells you a lot about what's going on at our house:) Oh, this is a must for any music lover--especially a jazz or hip hop head.

Run and get yours, 'cause I'm gonna get mine!!!

Mama Se, Mama Sa, Mama koo-sa

The other day, my girl's brand new car got keyed...at work. She was upset. I couldn't blame her at all. I was surprised that it happened at work. She told me that I'd be surprised at how much people hate on her. They hate so much that they tried to take away her joy by scratching up her car.

She's not the only person who has people "hating" on her. It happens all around us. I'm with Mary J. on this one..."Let's get it crunk, we gon' have fun up in this dancery...Don't need no hateration, hollaratin' in this dance for me." I wish people would understand that we don't have to "hate" on people doing well, moving forward, enjoying life, shining, giving their best, working hard, and achieving. It's terrible when people look at others and become jealous or envious of who others are or what others have. People need to break away from the ambient thought/noise that is infringing upon our consciousness (rephrased from Rev. Michael Beckwith of Agape www.agapelive.com).

Rev. Beckwith gave a sermon on a teleconference last week that really spoke to this situation. The ambient noise is the comprised of thoughts that there is not enough ________ (you fill in the blank) in the world; that we're not good enough; and that we are here to be consumers among other things. This noise makes us believe in scarcity (there is not enough joy, love, food, money, any/every good thing). The noise tells us that there is some flaw within us that we must overcome, overcompensate for and fix it. It brings us mental lethargy. The noise tells us regularly that we "gotta get all you can."

The truth is that we live in a world of plenitude. (It's not always distributed in an equitable manner, but there is enough for everyone.) There is something inherently right with us, not wrong. We are God's children. We are here as co-creators with God. In order for everyone to understand this, there has to be a shift of consciousness. The Bible says that it is done unto you as you believe (it's not about what others think!). We have to have a spiritual awakening. We have to believe that there is enough in the world for everyone. The thoughts of scarcity are from someone else (think about gas). We have to recognize that thoughts about not being good enough were planted by someone else. Those thoughts don't belong to us. We don't have to satiate the need to consume in an effort to avoid true feelings. We don't have to shop or eat when we feel bad, sad, upset, excited, etc. We, oftentimes, need to be still and know that we are fulfilled...right now.

Now, out spiritual awakening won't stop people from trying to steal your Joy or Light. When that happens, do as Michael Jackson suggests in Wannabe Startin' Somethin' and "Lift your head up high and scream out to the world...I know I AM SOMEONE and let the truth unfurl. No one can hurt you now because you know what's true. Yes, I believe in me, so you believe in you. Help me sing it...Ma Ma Se, Ma Ma Sa, Ma Ma Coo Sa, Ma Ma Se, Ma Ma Sa, Ma Ma Coo Sa" WOOOOOOO HOOOO! He he he! Help me sing it! Heeeeee he! Hee hee hee! Heeeeee He! Sing it to the world! Sing it out loud! Heee He!

A Few of my favorite things...

Bear and I saw this guy at a basketball game with a dyed beard and cut. Bear was a few seats down and shouted that he was "feelin' some sort of way." I shouted back that "that jawn was corny and fake." He laughed. I told him there was no rounded nape and the guy was an impostor. That is an impostor for someone from Philly!

Philly...my hometown has some wonderful things about it, as well as some wack things about it. I love it and miss going home to Philly. So bare with me or join in as I write about a few of my favorite things...

water ice (not slurpees, not slushies, but water ice...you know from the corner, or Ritas), cheesesteaks (not steak and cheeses, or steak ums...the real deal chopped up beef from Pagano's on Ogontz Avenue with American...not that wack cheez whiz!), hot sausages and soft pretzels from the vendors (oh, how I wish I could get one...all they have here are half smokes...not doing the job for me), vendors at Temple (gotcha covered for breakfast, lunch and dinner), Habersett scrapple (need I say more?), Tastycake everything and anything, "Hey use guys...", using "jawn" and not having to explain or repeat myself, "feeling some sort of way", water pronounced "wooder", Lincoln Drive, Kelly Drive, Boat House Row, telling someone I'm going to the market and them knowing I mean Pathmark, not the farmers market, Pathmark, state stores (not ABCs), strombolis (I can just taste one from Demi's on Wadsworth Ave. with extra cheese), Tahitian Treat, Franks cream soda, sneakers (not tennis or gym shoes), orange cones in the snow, the "Muslim look" beards on dudes who are not Muslim, dyed beards, wax mustaches (they work miracles in barber shops at prom time!), folks coordinating their outfits, hanging out at South Street (well you can't really hang, but we used to hold down 4th and South), parallel parking on the regular, the Plateau, Fairmount Park, the Greek (glad my godsister got there early with the Winnebago), Girls' High (232!!!)....these are a few of my favorite things.

Did you realize?

The radio has been pumping songs from "Graduation," Kanye West's latest album. Bear bought the album so I decided to check out the rest of the album. I'm one of those people who find a favorite song on the album that never gets airplay, but becomes my jam. Well, I listened to a few bars from the first cut and moved on. Then the second cut TOOK OVER right out of the gate! So, true to form, I found my jam!!! I ran that song so much, that I knew the lyrics by the time I got home that day, and I only have 15 minutes in the car after I drop off Princess in the morning, and before I pick her up in the afternoon! This song became my anthem...

When I turned to track 2, "Champion," I heard three beats and then the Steely Dan sample from "King Charlemagne" permeated my body singing, "Did you realize, that you were a champion in there eyes?!" The beat was pumpin' and I got hyped!! Then I started listening to the lyrics, and although he has some of that Kanye swagger and a few -ISH words, I got emotional. I started thinking of the champions in my life...Mommy, Daddy, Bear, Nanny, Pop-Pop, Daddy Butch and Aunt Pat, Billy, Tahra, Tina, Mommychelle and Uncle Vincent, Aunt Sassy, the Horseshoe Honey, Pinky (yeah, I was the Brain and we were going to take over the world), October Breeze, Sooz, Dr. Trae, Dr. Moni, Omi, Mama Kim, both of those "K's" who are AKAs, Univesity of Michigan's biggest football fan, and the Fashionista...my friends, sorors, and family.

The tears were flowing...then I thought about my babies...Princess and Juicy Boy! Well, then that ugly face cry snuck up on me. I have to be their champions at all times. They are my blessings and I MUST treat them as such. I was dancing and crying and dancing and crying...it was becoming a bit spiritual for me. You know I make spiritual connections with music regularly. Earth, Wind, and Fire and Frankie Beverly keep me lifted and positive. This song has definitely been added to the list.

As I pulled into the parking lot of my school, I wanted to run to the building intercom and blast the song. I wanted everyone to be motivated to educate children that day instead of just "working." As a teacher, I should be a champion in the eyes of my students. The song says, "This is the story of a champion, runners on your mark when they pop the gun. Stand up, stand up...here he comes. Tell me what it takes to be number one! Tell me what it takes to be number one!" I have the responsibility to give them the information, tools, and strategies so they can be number one.

There are athletes, artist (specifically recording artists), and celebrities who are quick to say, "I don't want to be a role model...I'm not a role model..." There are people in the schools, churches, and community who don't want to be role models. There are people in families who don't want to be role models. Well, when children see you and want to be like you, for whatever reason, you automatically become a role model. "Did you realize that you were a champion in their eyes?!"

I wonder how different the world would be if everyone realized that they were a champion to someone. I wonder if we would be kinder, more thoughtful, more helpful, more loving, more considerate, more understanding, more open to new and different things. I wonder if we would be more positive and peaceful people...

I ask all of you who are reading this blog, "Did you realize, that you are a champion in their eyes?!" My friends...you are to me.

Jillybean

Happy Birthday Dr. King!

Let's work to keep Dr. King's dream alive...

WE ARE ONE (Maze, featuring Frankie Beverly)

Can't understand
why we treat each other in this way
Taking up time
With the silly silly games we play
We've got our love
And no matter how it's said or done

We are one no matter what we do
We are one love will see us through
We are one and that's the way it is

Sometimes I feel
That we try and make each other sad
The things we do
How we make each other feel so bad
We've got so much
We could all be having so much fun

We are one from the very start
We are one deep down in your heart
We are one
And that's the way it is

I can't understand
why we treat each other in this way
Taking up time
With the silly silly games we play
We've got our love
And no matter how it's said or done

We are one no matter what we do
We are one love will see us through
We are one and that's the way it is

I'm So Proud!!

My Bear is many things... He is a wonderful husband. He loves me, as I am, the way I need to be loved. He is my best friend. He is a wonderful father. You should see Bear and his cubs!! He loves them and protects them with the same ferocity. My Bear is a good friend to many. Everywhere we go, someone knows him...really, that is no exaggeration! We've known each other for almost ten years and in that time, we've only been one place where no one knew him...that was on our honeymoon in Bermuda!

My Bear has accomplished many things. He has worked for a world renowned neuro opthamologist. He's played basketball with and against many NBA superstars. Bear used to be an investigator for the Metropolitan Police Department. He was part of one mayor's security team, before "that B**** set him up!" Bear has been recognized as "Officer of the Year." He's even be awarded two silver medals of valor and one bronze medal of merit . He's been an executive protection specialist for many political, athletic, and entertainment figures...and now, he's a producer.

Bear is producing his second documentary film, in conjunction with May 3rd Films (www.may3rdfilms.com), "LEN BIAS"...the Legend you know, the Story you didn't. I am so proud of him! Please take a look at the trailer below. Visit the website www.Len-Bias.com. Tell some friends and let the "Breck shampoo" phenomenon take place (you know, I told two friends, and they told two friends, and so on and so on and so on...).

Just my imagination...

I was taking some time tonight to look at other blogs when I saw that one of the bloggers http://mesdeaucents.blogspot.com posted a video of one of my favorite songs. I got so excited because, although this song came out in the 80's, I have never seen the video. Well, I start watching the video and I'm still feeling the song, but the video is distracting me. It has nothing to do with the song! Well...at least in my imagination. I realized that listening to music is like reading a book for me...my imagination and personal connections are much better than the movie/video.

Take a look/listen at the video to Din Da Da by George Kranz. That video is strange...and I don't like it (being sung like Larry Blackman...that jawn was my jam!). Now, take a listen to the song without watching the video...

This song has a personal connection for me. My mom threw my dad a surprise 60th birthday five years ago at the 23rd Street Cafe in Philly. It was a really good party! My dad's family, frat brothers, and friends (from childhood on up) came to salute him. In true Nichols style...we jammed. The dj was alright, but that didn't stop everyone from dancing, and forming a conga line while singing, "happy birthday to ya" (Stevie Wonder style). Daddy smiled all night long. The party wound down towards the end of the night, and the crowd got smaller and smaller. A few close friends remained as we began cleaning up. Well, the dj put on Din Da Da and all of the women in the room were able to witness a bonding ritual of black men. My dad started dancing to the song. My brother was out on the dance floor and joined in. The next thing I knew, Bear, Michael, Uncle Bill, and my Godfather all started dancing on the floor together. They were all feeling the beat and bouncing to a communal rhythm without talking. They formed a circle and one by one took a turn showcasing "their dance." It was awesome...together they were strong, graceful, creative and talented. They recognized that they needed each other to make this (life--my interpretation) work. But each of them also recognized that they were special and unique! WOOOOO! I am getting goose bumps now just thinking about this beautiful sight of Black men of all ages. So, when I hear Din Da Da...I think of that.

Now, the song was out way before my dad was 60, and this is what I used to conjure up in my head when I would hear the song. Can you see the African savanna with huts in a circle? Listen to the young, lone drummer calling everyone in the tribe to come...Din Da Da Din Doo Doo Din Da Da Doo Doo. One by one, members of the tribe come outside to see what he wants. They feel his celebratory energy and being to join in with their own expression of joy. The music begins to layer and so does the dancing. Men, women, boys, girls, old and young enjoying themselves call and respond to each other. The cacophony reaches a crescendo and then the lone maestro, noting the pinnacle of jubilation, directs the group to breathe...They all return to their huts with his lone beat and melody in their heads, and the joy of the impromptu celebration in their hearts....At least that's what I had going on in my head.

So, as you can see, this song, along with many others, speaks to me. Music makes me happy, makes me sad, makes me thankful and thoughtful. Music gets me through. Music is the background to my life experiences. Music makes me think of friends and call them up to play the song for them (Bear --Playing Your Game Baby, Dr. Moni --Michael Jackson, Ira --Sylvester, Ms. Espresso --Dr. Love, Mommy -- I Wanna Thank You Heavenly Father, Billy -- Soul Makossa, Daddy -- Doin' It to Death by James Brown, October Breeze - anything by our girls Jill and Erykah, the Dorsey Duo -- Band of Gold, etc...) Music makes me shake what my mama gave me and then some. Music lets me share my love for/with my Bear in many ways. Music moves my children (Princess has some mean moves, and can catch that beat with her neck that lets me know she is grooving! Juicy Boy has now started kneeling and waving his hands around to the beat while listening to music). Music is my life.

I still love this song, and when I hear it, I'll let my imagination run away with me.

I would have loved to be a part of this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79qqorSSBtA

FAITH

I just finished watching Grey's Anatomy, well, I should say, finished crying through Grey's Anatomy and was struck by the theme of the show. The program was all about faith. Faith in one's abilities. Faith in the sanctity of relationships. Faith in the strength of love. Faith in friendships. Faith in the honesty of others. Faith in the abilities of others. Faith that dreams do come true. Faith in forgiveness and understanding. Faith in healing. Faith in GOD. FAITH. A little word with a huge impact.

I have had my faith challenged at times throughout my life. My faith in my abilities has been challenged. My faith was challenged the time that I didn't get the Thurgood Marshall scholarship to attend the University of Maryland after making it through the first round in the application process. After being ranked in the top 60 of my graduating class from high school, getting a 1.7 my first semester at the University of Maryland caused my faith to be challenged. Going to work at the U.S. Department of Education and having someone with less knowledge and education recognized as the expert in reading education by my boss was a challenge in my faith in my abilities.

I have had my faith in others and relationships with others(male and female, friendships and romantic relationships) challenged. Sometimes I understood why. At other times, I've had people just "fade away" with no explanation, rhyme, or reason.

I have seen faith in the strength of love challenged both near and far. I have also seen faith in forgiveness and understanding heal in these relationships.

My faith in healing was challenged when my brother was at Morehouse College and got sick with an illness that no one could diagnose, and that was so bad that his friends called my mother to come and get him. My faith in healing was challenged when my husband was diagnosed with diabetes after having a sugar level that, as our friend who's an emergency room surgeon stated, should have left him dead. My faith in healing was challenged when at 21 weeks of my pregnancy with Juicy Boy, I was admitted to the hospital after a routine sonogram because he was on his way.

All of these challenges might make some people give up on a lot of things. These challenges often knocked me for a loop, made me sick, made me anxious, made me depressed, made me retreat, made me sulk, made me angry...but more than anything else, they made me pray because my FAITH IN GOD was always there. After my emotional combustion dissipated, I knew in my gut and in my mind, the only thing that can help me through all of these challenges is my FAITH IN GOD. GOD ALWAYS MAKES A WAY.

Now, faith in God does not mean that situations are "fixed" the way you or I want them to be in the blink of an eye. God answers prayer when and how He wants. But, what it means is that God will often show you how to combat a challenging situation. He will often place others in your life (those angels on the ground) to guide you and encourage you. He will often make things happen, "by coincidence" --there are no coincidences - everything in life is by design...God's design [that's another post at another time]. God will often give you a second (and a 3rd, 4th, 5th,...nth) chance to make a situation right. Faith in God will teach you a lesson when you overcome the challenge. A lifelong lesson. Faith in God will give you hallelujah moments!! (I KNOW THIS TO BE TRUE!). Faith in God will show you that by doing His will, sharing the gifts He gave you, spreading His goodness in deed or word...all things are possible. Since all things are possible with faith in God, this faith also lets you know that dreams do come true.

So, when life challenges come your way, keep the faith and dream on dreamer...

Ready for Change!

Bear and I were just talking about how we used to say, "The first Black president...will be assassinated." As the possibility of Barack Obama becoming the first Black president moves closer to a reality, I pray that that is not the case.

America is tired of old "W" and his nonsense, irresponsible actions, and detrimental behavior. America is ready for change. Now, we'll have to wait and see what type of change and how much of a change.

There are two candidates who would obviously bring a change to the White House, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Hillary Clinton, if she were elected, would be the first female president of the United States. That change would possibly bring a change in perspective. If we accept a few stereotypes about women, Hillary Clinton as President would bring compassion, empathy, and emotion/passion to the White House. She would potentially have better relationships with Heads of State from other countries. She would understand what it means not be born into a world of access, privilege and class because of the combination of race and gender. Hillary Clinton would then conceivably govern, lead and protect our country in a manner different than America has ever experienced. She would be an agent of change.

If Barack Obama were elected, he would be the first African American president of the United States. He would be the first person of color to be the president of the United States. That would possibly bring a change in perspective to the White House. Because of Barack Obama's schema as a Black man in America, he would also bring compassion, empathy, and passion to the White House. He would potentially have better relationships with Heads of State from other countries. He would also understand what it means not to be born into a world of access, privilege and class. Barack Obama would then conceivably govern, lead, and protect our country in a manner different than America has ever experienced. He would be an agent of change.

I know that there are other candidates running for the position of President of the United States of America. I am following their campaigns also. However, these two candidates speak to me as a Black woman in America. These candidates are a promise of change in the future because and in spite of the fact that on some levels they are like me.

One thing that I do know is that, as Sam Cooke sings...A Change Is Gonna Come... I can't wait!

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

I am an educator. I graduated summa cum laude from Temple University with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. I graduated from Peabody College of Education at Vanderbilt University with a M.Ed. in Reading Education. Many of my colleagues have similar educational backgrounds. So, why is it that some parents think that they can tell us how to do our job?!

There has been a change in the culture of school from the teacher knows best to I (the parent) know better. Why? What other profession gets this kind of blatant disregard? How would those parents feel if we, the educators, came to their places of employment and told them how to do their job or how to do their job better? How would they feel if we wanted them to solely focus on meeting our specific needs? Do these parents have the educational foundation and background to tell us what to do? NO!

Parents have confused parental involvement and parental advocating with parental interference thinly veiled as a desire for their child to be properly challenged. Educators welcome parental insight, support, concern, and cooperation. Parents should be sure that their children are getting the best education possible. However, the best way to achieve that goal is not by insulting the education, intelligence, and professionalism of the teacher by instructing them how to teach your child. Some parents, not all, think that since they have completed elementary school, middle school, and high school that they know how to teach it. Although educators are very talented and make teaching look easy, it is not.

I wish some parents would stop thinking that their financial status, age, race, position, job, or family name gives them the right to treat educators in this manner. We, as educators, have a responsibility to provide an optimal learning experience for all children in the least restrictive environment. We should prepare our students to be successful, lifelong learners. We do this well when we work TOGETHER with parents who are concerned about their child's success, who ask questions, who don't make assumptions, who follow through and follow up, who support the learning that is taking place in the classroom and who cooperate. We do this well when parents understand that many educational experiences today are very different from the educational experiences of their youth. We do this well when the lines of communication are OPEN in both directions. We do this well when you may not understand how your children are learning when they seem to be playing, creating, acting, singing, and dancing a lot, but you recognize that all essential information is being taught, understood, mastered, and retained.

I am asking that parents give the teachers of your children RESPECT. Respect that they have college educations that prepared them to teach your child. Respect that your child's teacher is abreast of the latest successful methods of teaching because s/he continues her/his education by taking course work and seminars. Respect that your child's teacher was chosen to be a part of your school and not placed there by default. Respect that your child's teacher is doing the best that they can. Respect that teaching is not a career, but a vocation for many. Respect that your child's teacher is a professional. Respect the time that your child's teacher invests in preparing for your child's education outside of the classroom. Respect the judgement of the teacher. Respect the teacher enough to communicate with them, and not demand or tell them what to do. Respect....Respect goes a long way to create an optimal situation for all. R-E-S-P-E-C-T....I know what it means to me...and my colleagues.

Take the time...

2007 was a year of celebrating lives. It was the year that my family and I celebrated the birth of Juicy Boy and the life that God had given us/him. It was also a year that a few of my good friends celebrated the lives of their fathers, mothers, and other family members in home goings. Although my friends and their loved ones morned the physical loss of their parent, they also smiled, shared memories, and laughed. They were able to do that because they had wonderful relationships with their parents. They spent time with them. They bonded with them. They told them and showed them that they loved them.

We, my friends, are maturing...and despite my personal rose colored glasses, so are our parents. I am so blessed to have Nick and Glo as my parents. They raised me and prepared me to be a contributing, loving, silly, positive member of society. They taught/showed me to love myself. They taught/showed me about the love of God. They taught/showed me about my history (family and culture). They taught/showed me to love others. They taught/showed me to believe in myself and my abilities. They taught/showed me to take a stand. They taught/showed me to enjoy a challenge. They taught/showed me how to quench my thirst for knowledge. They also taught/showed me how to have a good time. To enjoy art, dance, nature, new things, old things. They taught/showed me how to enjoy life. Because of this and more...my parents are my friends. I love hanging out with them. We have a good time singing, dancing, talking, dreaming, praying, and playing. I am blessed.

I wanted to take the time to say something that I say to them regularly, but want them to always know. Mommy and Daddy, I LOVE YOU! I am fortunate to have you and your love. I am blessed that God chose you two as my parents, a perfect combination. I am blessed that we are family.

In 2008, please take the advice of my grandmother. Nanny says, "let people know that you love and appreciate them while they are living." Don't let the opportunity go by thinking that they know it, or that you'll get around to telling them. As Stevie Wonder says, "Ones you say you cherish everyday, Can instantly be taken away, Then you'd say I know this can't be true, When you never took the time, To simply tell them I love you."

This year, please, take the time...