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- You Should Know: Andreya Triana (Video Interview/Soul Bounce)
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- New Album Releases: May 7, 2013
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- New Album Release: April 23, 2013
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Record Store Day Official Film: “Last Shop Standing”
I think most every music fan at some point in their life has wanted to work in a record store. Not a big box chain store, but a small independently owned shop with a primary focus on music. It’s the meeting ground for like-minded music fans, nerds, artists, writers and DJs abound. “It’s like a library for your ears and your mind,” says Johnny Marr, about record stores, in the official RECORD STORE DAY film, Last Shop Standing: The Rise and Fall and Rebirth of the Independent Record Shop.
The documentary, directed by Pip Piper, is based on the book of the same name by Graham Jones where he “takes you behind the counter to discover why nearly 2000 record shops have already disappeared across the UK.” But it also delves into the rise, fall and re-emergence of record stores, as well as newer technologies like digital downloads.
Since 2008, Record Store Day has been celebrated every third Saturday of April. On this one day, independent record stores gather with artists to celebrate the “art of music” with exclusive vinyl, CD and promotional releases. Many stores host in-store performances and meet and greets as well. It’s a fun time for all!
So click here to see exclusives titles being released for RSD this year, which falls on April 20th, and start making your list!
BROOKLYN: Party with cultural critic Touré at Greenlight Bookstore, Mar. 29
![Pop culture critic Toure takes on Prince in new book, "I Would Did 4 U: Why Prince Became an Icon" [Atria]](http://www.uncloudedbyambition.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Pop-culture-critic-Toure-takes-on-Prince-in-new-tome-I-Would-Did-4-U_-Why-Prince-Became-an-Icon.jpg){kind=icon}
Though mastering the worlds of pop, soul, funk, R&B and rock music, Prince has always been an enigma. From overtly sexual lyrics in the 80′s and 90′s to pop-up concerts and a more toned down image in the new millennium, the producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has influenced artists and musicians alike in his near 35-year career.
Now author and pop culture critic Touré takes on the music legend in new tome, I Would Die 4 U: Why Prince Became an Icon (Atria, $14.00), out March 19.
Drawing upon “in-depth interviews with Prince’s band members, former girlfriends, musicologists, and even Bible scholars to deconstruct the artist’s life and work,” Touré weaves a tale of deep analysis and cultural perspective that has many ringing its praise.
“I’m a Prince scholar and this is the ultimate Prince book.” — Questlove
“Based on his Du Bois Lectures at Harvard, Touré has written a thoughtful and compelling book that is both a full and sensitive explication of the genius of Prince’s music, as well as his exemplary role as an seminal figure in contemporary American culture. It is must reading for any student of popular culture. – Henry Louis Gates
I, for one, cannot wait to read I Would Die 4 U.
That being said, if you are in Brooklyn, there will be a book signing as well as a dance party held on Friday, March 29 from 7 PM to 9 PM at Greenlight Bookstore (686 Fulton St.) in Ft. Greene, Brooklyn. Touré will sign copies of I Would Die 4 U and a guest DJ will spin popular Prince tunes. Below is a short bio of the author.
Touré is a co-host of MSNBC’s The Cycle and his writings have appeared in Rolling Stones, The New York Times Magazine, The Village Voice and Time.com. He is the author of four books: Who’s Afraid of Post-Blackness? (2011), Never Drank the Kool-Aid (2006), Soul City (2004) and The Portable Promised Land (2003). He lives in Ft. Greene, Brooklyn.
Erika Alexander co-writes graphic novel with husband and brother
Luca, the black female heroine, on the cover of Concrete Park
Mostly-known for portraying Maxine Shaw on the 90′s TV series Living Single, Erika Alexander returns to the spotlight as co-writer for a new graphic novel called Concrete Park (Dark Horse Comics).
According to the novel’s website, the series was written, drawn, and colored by Tony Puryear, Erika’s husband, and co-created by the actress and her brother Robert Alexander. Set in the future (of course) where evil bodies threaten to destroy the world, the main characters include Luca, a troubled gang leader and her lesbian lover Lena, as well as a motley crew of co-stars: Isaac, a violent convict and Silas, an ancient demi-god. Concrete Park is in stores now.
[Source: Clutch Magazine]
Book Review: “Groove Music: The Art and Culture of the Hip-Hop DJ” by Mark Katz
A new book exploring the evolution of the hip-hop DJ
Mark Katz gives appropriate shout-outs to Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton, Jim Fricke and Charlie Ahearn, as well as Jeff Chang for their tomes on hip-hop culture and its early beginnings. But to again discuss the inception of the hip-hop DJ that books such as Last Night a DJ Saved My Life (1999), Yes Yes Ya’ll (2002) and Can’t Stop Won’t Stop (2005) have already covered in various amounts of detail, makes Katz –an Associate Professor of Music at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, appear, well, repetitive in many respects.
But I digress, where other books simply told tales of those early years of hip-hop in the 1970′s, to include talks on, with and about the emcee, graffiti, b-boys and the DJ, Groove Music: The Art and Culture of the Hip-Hop DJ uses web 2.0 technology to showcase the culture in 2012.
Digital technology is the major difference with this book. Though Katz still covers the humble start of a culture that’s now massively appealing –he also incorporates a companion website that includes an extensive collection of audio, video and interview clips by many of the greatest DJs in hip-hop history. Think: Afrika Bambaataa, Kool Herc, Grandmaster Caz, Flash, Grand Wizzard Theodore, Grandmixer D.ST, Q-Bert, Shadow, A-Trak, Jazzy Jeff, Questlove –you name them, they’re a part of Groove Music.
As a music historian, Katz’s research does come off highly academic at times but the passion, dedication and detail for which he has written Groove Music, makes it a worthwhile read for any hip-hop head or general music lover alike. Mark Katz is also a violinist, radio DJ and aspiring turntablist.
(Original review posted at shortandsweetNYC)
Bedrock City Comics Gears Up for Comicpalooza
Photo/Bedrock City Comic Company
Comicpalooza, Houston’s comic book convention, hits the city May 25-27, and Bedrock City Comic Company is gearing up. All weekend long, the popular store, which has four area locations, held its annual Spring sale with “most everything 25-50% off”, according to their Facebook page.
Here, Chuck Schiel — store manager at the Washington location, talks about how comic books are no longer a “nerdy” thing to collect; it’s just retro, which is simply revisiting things from the past. Even graphic novels are a rather respectful option too.
So if you’re in Houston in two weeks, be sure to hit up George R. Brown Convention Center and visit Bedrock’s booth. In the meantime, peep this video while I decide on which comic book I’m buying first!
Blacks as Vegetarians
The types of vegetarians can be confusing but The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics define them as either strict vegetarian or vegan (excludes all animal products including honey), lacto-vegetarian (eats dairy products), lacto-ovo vegetarian (consumes eggs and dairy) and flexitarian or pescatarian (semi-vegetarian focus with some fish or seafood).
For many considering the lifestyle, adequate protein sources are a concern. The National Dairy Council says “animal protein is important to human health.” The USDA recommends 2to 5 ounces of protein per day (meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, nuts or seeds), depending on the age, sex and level of physical activity of the person. See chart at choosemyplate.gov.
Conversely, plant-based diets have been the mission of chef, activist and author Bryant Terry for a decade now. Terry, who is vegan, released his cookbook The Inspired Vegan (DeCapo Lifelong) in January, wants to “illuminate the intersections of poverty, structural racism, and food insecurity” and say vegetarianism isn’t a “white people thing.” He attempts to de-stigmatize vegan eating in a short-talk on NPR and an interview on BET.com.
“Unfortunately, when the media writes about healthy eating and veganism, it focuses only on privileged white people. Meanwhile my influences came from people of color.” Terry says he grew up in Memphis, where his grandparents had an urban farm and inspired him to “grow, prepare, and appreciate good food.”
The Inspired Vegan is soul food with a vegan twist, including recipes (and music/book selections) that show the versatility of organic fare: things such as black-eyed peas in garlic-ginger-braised mustard greens, sesame seeds, and tamari; and molasses, miso, and maple candied sweet potatoes.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Dietetics of Canada says, ”Appropriately planned vegetarian diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate and provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.”
Regardless of race, healthy eating is about dining creatively to get all the nutrients one can get and to have fun with it. Dinner parties can even turned into meat-free potlucks to get friends and family on board.
Friday Nite @ the Movies: JULIE & JULIA [on DVD]
Honestly, it’s a fitting description for a film about not only finding your passion, but pursuing it at any cost. The butter? Well, it does make EVERYTHING taste better. Bon appétit!
Friday Nite @ the Bookstore: Warrior of the Light, Paulo Coelho
Since I couldn’t decide on a movie for Friday night, went with a book instead. Paulo Coelho’s Warrior of the Light (Harper Perennial, $11.95) is essentially a guidebook, a companion to his bestseller, and my fave The Alchemist. 
Moody Tunes: Makeda
Re-reading "The Alchemist" for the 4th Time
New York Times bestselling book The Alchemist by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho is one of my absolute favorite reads. Currently I’m re-reading it for the fourth time. Truth be told, I only heard about the book four years ago.
At the time I was dating a guy who was from Argentina (where the book is also a bestseller) and he put me onto it – saying it was one of his favorite books.
Now what I’ve realized, I always seem to re-read the book during a time of major change in my life. For those of you who do not know what the book is about … “it’s a fable about following your dreams”. Really, it’s the story of a young Andalusian shephard boy, Santiago, who dreams of traveling the world and finding this treasure in the pyramids, and so he leaves Spain to literally follow his dream.
I’ll spare you all the cosmic details (until the memoir) of the last five years but finally, almost six months ago, I had the courage, the chutzpah, literally the balls to follow my dream – and move to the city I’ve been wanting to live in for as long as I could remember. And now that I’ve been in New York, in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn for a minute, I can honestly say, it has been the best decision I’ve ever made. Sure, I’ve never been more busy and more overwhelmed in my entire life but I’ve never been more excited and more youthful in my entire life either.
Dr. Cornel West @ Borders Columbus Circle
The book is a pocket-size tome of inspiration and courage for us common folk. Hence, in his opening remarks he goes “Brother Tavis [Smiley] (who was in the audience) wanted to know if I would ever write a book for ordinary people to read.”
Wearing his signature black tuxedo jacket and vest, he opened with excitement in the face of change as President-elect Barack Obama enters the White House. Going on to say “It’s the end of the Regan-era, conservative politics” and that we as a people are “In a spiritual constipation … we want to do good; but it just won’t come out.” What a visual?
“Hope” is a series of essays on topics ranging from “Courage” and “Faith” down to “Leadership” and “Wisdom.” Also included is a free CD that’s part interview by Tavis Smiley and part spoken word with Dr. West.
In person he’s more down-to-earth than the radical persona we see on television. Don’t get me wrong, Dr. West is still opinionated just more relatable in person. With an audience of twenty and thirty-year olds on up to fifty and sixty-year olds, he reeled us in by weaving talks of music into his speech. Saying how we’re all connected by it, this universal language. Name-dropping greats like John Coltrane and Curtis Mayfield to convey certain points, he has an eclectic love for music. Even in the “Music” section of book, he mentions Lil Wayne and Jay-Z. Dr. West is 55.
It’s funny, even before I decided to write about this event, I was taking notes as if I was a student in one of his classes. It was that kind of atmosphere, I wanted to retain as much of his wisdom as possible.
Nonetheless, being that I’m still in that transitory state of settling into New York City life, one of the most inspiring messages I grabbed from Dr. West was “Stay in your lane.” Meaning stay true to your life’s calling, as did John Coltrane and Curtis Mayfield.
Hope On A Tightrope in stores now.
In The Mix … This Week!
Looking for some action this week? Well, there’s a lot of it going in the realms of books and TV; anywhere else…you’re on your own. So check it . . .
Also if you’re interested in more on the DL subject, check out the New York Times bestselling author of “On The Down Low,” J.L. King’s latest book, Love On A Two-Way Street (Pocket Books, $24), as well as his first.
Back on the road again are 90′s hip hop jazz trio Digable Planets. Ladybug Mecca, Doodlebug and Butterfly will perform at B.B.King Blues Club and Grill in NYC on Wednesday, October 8 at 8pm. For more show details, check out my October 2 post.
Thursday, October 9 at 9pm is the start of the tenth season for everybody’s favorite crime show, CSI. Now that lead character William Petersen will be on the show less (to pursue other projects), he’ll be replaced by the enigmatic Laurence Fishburne, who will play a forensic scientist with a secret. More drama, nice! Laurence joins the show’s tenth season on the ninth episode.
Now for one that’s making want to fork over the dollars to get cable! The Queen of Erotica, Zane is now bringing her Sex Chronicles to “Skinemax” aka Cinemax Friday, October 10 at midnite for 15-episodes. The series will focus on the relationships of four sexually liberated women of color (three African-American, one Latino.) All I can say . . . if the show is anything like the book Sex Chronicles: Shattering the Myth (Atria, $14), have a lover on standby . . . one who’s down for whatever you suggest.
Until later . . . Ciao!
ND
Quick-Mix Monday!
Alright all you would-be cooks (myself included), Wednesday, October 1 from 1pm to 3pm, Food Network star Giada de Laurentis will be signing her new book, Giada’s Kitchen: New Italian Favorites (Clarkson Potter, $32.50) at King of Prussia, Williams-Sonoma store. Space is limited to the 1st 450 customers, so call to reserve your spot. (Williams-Sonoma, 160 N. Gulph Rd, King of Prussia, 610.265.5970)
And lastly, Friday, October 3, electro-funkateers Chromeo will bring their East Coast Fancier Footwork Tour to The Trocedero (1003 Arch St, Philadelphia, 215.922.LIVE). Check out my review of their cd, Fancy Footwork.
In The Mix … This Week!
The always loving, always inspirational, always amazing (and my favorite poet) Dr. Maya Angelou releases Letter To My Daughter (Random House, $25), Tuesday, September 23. Though blessed with one son, Guy Johnson, Maya sends a message of courage, love and wisdom to thousands of her “daughters” worldwide. (Bonus: click on the link and watch the video … and be inspired).
Even A-list actors eat humble pie every once and a while. One as of late: Angela Bassett, who joins the cast on the last season of the top-rated ER (NBC), Thursday, September 25, as a doctor with a troubled past. Oh, the suspense.
Chris Rock hits the stage in his fifth stand-up special, but this time in an around-the-world event called Kill The Messenger (HBO), Saturday, September 27 at 9pm EST – It’s kinda cool, he toured the world doing his routine, and edited it into one-major event. An HBO original.
However, if you’re in the Philly-area, stop by I Ride For My City, a 12-mile Bike Ride and BBQ (btwn the Falls Bridge and Strawberry Mansion on the 1800 Block of MLK Drive) (that’s the address on the flyer!) on Saturday, September 27 from 10am to 3pm – It’s an initiative aimed at high school juniors to study abroad at Temple University’s Rome campus. Any questions, log onto TheRICKFoundation.org or call 267.243.6003.
Also on Saturday the 27th Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew Live with Season 1 winners Jabbawockeez and BreakSk8 at Commerce Bank Arts Center (519 Hurffville, Cross Keys Rd. Sewell, NJ 08080, 856.218.8902) at 7:30pm. Fun for the entire family.
Let’s Have a Pep Talk
Sandy Denton aka Pepa from the pioneering hip hop group Salt ‘n’ Pepa just released her tell-all memoir, Let’s Talk About Pep (VH1, $23.95, August 2008), and I’ve read it – though I’m not particularly shocked at the behind-the-scenes antics of drugs (weed mostly) and partying like rock stars. What I am utterly shocked by is the 10-year emotional and physical abuse she endured by the dude she only calls “Brad.” I won’t spoil it – a must-read for any woman though.
God Is a DJ
Alright, I confess: I have a dream of being a DJ. Always have. So over the last past several months I’ve been devouring any book I can get my hands on that talks, tells and gushes about the DJ, the disc jockey — the musical God. And so I found this little nugget: Last Night a DJ Saved My Life: the History of the Disc Jockey (Grove Press, July 2000, $14.00) and it confirms what I already knew: the DJ is God.
Last Night a DJ Saved My Life is the definitive life story of dance music.
Follow Your Dreams, The Alchemist
The Alchemist (HarperCollins, May 1995, $13.95) by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho is a fascinating read on following your dreams. And one of my most favorite books. It’s a simple story, with simple truths. Santiago, a young shepherd boy has a dream of seeing the world/finding a treasure in the pyramids of Egypt – and literally – leaves his hometown in Andalusia, Spain and sets off in search of it.
It’s empowering, it’s enlightening, and the principle is so simple: Follow your dreams. The story of my life.
The Adventures and Misadventures of Grandmaster Flash
DJing since the 70′s, his creative genius created the art of breakbeat DJing – physically manipulating (cutting and mixing) vinyl records and turntables as if they were musical instruments. Genius.
In this honest and candid memoir Flash recounts his love for “the beat” as early as three-years old. His love for his dad’s killer record collection. His love for his family. Simply, his love for music.
At times Flash’s story is shocking: his decent into drug addiction/freebasing (gave me chills) but what’s inspirational about his story is that he never gave up doing what he was meant to do, doing what he was born to do, which is to: Cold. Rock. Parties. And for that, we are thankful.
ND
Explore, Find Your Open Road
Webster’s dictionary defines “explore” as a way to travel over (new territory) for adventure or discovery. To take it a step further, a few synonyms for “explore” is to delve, dig, inquire, investigate, probe, to research — basically, to be nosey. And to drive it home (pun intended) a slew of related words of “explore” is to examine, inspect, sift, study, view; browse, peruse, scan, skim (through), thumb (through). Either way you look at, exploring your open road in life will take a lot, and I mean a lot of soul searching.
If you’re on that journey (like myself) finding the open road: a guide to self-construction rather than mass production (Ten Speed Press, $17.95) by college friends Mike Marriner, Brian McAllister and Nathan Gebhard, is the book for you.
In my possession are cassettes, 45s, LPs (if you don’t know what an LP is, yo’ ass shouldn’t be reading this!). I’ve spent countless hours just listening to music online via MySpace, YouTube. I still own VHS tapes of 1988 Soul Train performances, Showtime at the Apollo tapings from when Sinbad was the host. What?! I got Video Soul tapings. Man, I’ve wanted to relocate to cities known for their music scene.
One of the reasons I’m moving to Philadelphia–it’s an hour away (by train) from New York City (the mecca of music), plus Philly has mad history as far as music goes. Teddy, Patti, Gamble and Huff, all came out of Philadelphia. Additionally, I just bought concert tickets to two upcoming shows in Houston: Philadelphia’s own the legendary Roots Crew, June 18th at The Warehouse and Jill Scott, July 3rd at Verizon Wireless Theatre.
With chapter themes like “Don’t Fall Asleep at the Wheel,” “Exit the Freeway,” and “Follow What Excites You,” this is your ultimate guide to creating the roadtrip of your freakin’ life! I know I’m having a ball creating mine.
Explore, I Say!
What City "Sings" to You?
Why Are You Here?
Maybe we’re all like John in some way, searching and praying for something unbelievably different yet we have no idea how to make change happen. In comes three questions on the cafe menu — Why are you here? Do you fear death? Are you fulfilled?
Seems simple right? Through wisdom and humor this book will lead you on your path to finding your purpose for existing. It has for me. (More on that later:)
Take a Message
She compiled the right songs for the right mood in this motivational tome. Its content is inspiring; her stories of her life are relevant. It is one-hundred of the greatest hip-hop songs connecting us through love, spirituality, sex, politics, life, everyday situations, I love it! She focuses on the positive side of hip-hop, not all that negative BS. I connected to so many of the songs, so many songs I’d long forgotten I loved that it took me down memory lane, back to my high school days of digging!
One of my first records I bought back then was Digable Planets 1993 hit single “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)”, song number 13 on her list. This song was my affirmation to be as cool or (even not as cool) as I wanted to be or as I thought I should be. Even today, it spurred one of my most recent poems “Winter Breeze” which is posted on my myspace page.
Over the years, I’ve read many motivational books, some good, some okay, but non with the creative ability to combine music, experience and humor in a way that’s seriously stimulating. I carry it in my bag for personal everyday motivation. This is definitely a book to own for the new year, for a new you.
