I recently watched the documentary Marley about the life of the great Nesta Robert Marley. It was informative, entertaining, heartbreaking and definitely inspirational. I recently heard “Redemption Song” at the dentist office, and realized how timeless his music is. Such mass appeal. February 6th is also Bob Marley’s birthday, so I thought it only appropriate [...]
When we talk about music history, the name Bessie Smith doesn’t come up often enough. Artists like Janis Joplin, Mick Jagger and Cyndi Lauper have all been influenced by this great blues singer, and after learning this, I decided to feature her as our Day 4 pick for Black History Month. Check out the mini [...]
Josephine Baker has often been labeled “The First Black Superstar” due to her international fame. I’ve always admired individuals that moved against the grain; refuse to conform. During segregationist times, the bravery of Josephine Baker to stand up for her rights and pave the way for other African American performers is extremely admirable. Many of [...]
Continuing to highlight African-Americans that contributed to the arts, I couldn’t omit Gordon Parks from the series. I remember seeing his work in magazines like Jet and Ebony growing up as a child, and it wasn’t until now that I realized the prominence and impact that he has had, not only as a photographer, but [...]
In the world of the arts, I feel like a lot of folks (including myself), don’t know much about the life and work of Jean-Michel Basquiat. I’ve made plans to watch his biography on Netflix this weekend, and felt it appropriate to feature him on Day 1 of Black History Month. Read more about this [...]
Though he was born on January 15, 1929, today (January 21, 2013) is the day that we celebrate the life of a visionary in his own right: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We see many inspirational quotes from Dr. King year-round, but in honor of this day of remembrance, and 2nd inaugural ceremony of our President, Barack Obama, I [...]
The first Perspectives video of the new year comes from Hip Hop Journalist, Tia Scott b.k.a. Olivia Brown of Flint, Michigan. Olivia wanted to speak about behind-the-scenes music industry careers and jobs that folks may not know about. Everyone wants to be a music artist, but is not necessarily cut out to be one. Up to this point, [...]
PRESS RELEASE Duval’s independent artist’s community readies for the 3rd Annual Dilla Day Duval Jacksonville, FL – January 17, 2013: For the third year in a row, Aja Jackson, ill Clinton and Mr. Al Pete have organized a tribute to celebrate the life of gone, but not forgotten producer and musical mastermind, James “J Dilla” [...]
This particular post published by Hypebot was recently featured as a ‘Best of 2012′ post written by Hisham Dahud. As a historical figure, Indian nationalist leader, Mahatma Gandhi is commonly acknowledged for his non-violence, as well as his belief in living a simple life. Who knew that his teachings could not only be applied to [...]
I decided to compile this list because I’d love to make a playlist of songs that I obsessed over during the past year. Back in the day, I used to make mixtapes based on the season (“Fall 2004, Winter 2003, etc.”), so I wanted to bring back the concept of capturing a time in my [...]
President Barack Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden: For the Arts
“The arts embody the American spirit of self-definition” Though he was officially sworn into his second term on Sunday, January 20, 2013, today marks the day that President Barack Obama will be publicly sworn in and commencing his second term. As our President and Vice-President Joe Biden enter their second term, I’d like to take [...]