May 21 - Daft Punk, RANDOM ACCESS MEMORIES
May 21 - French Montana, EXCUSE MY FRENCH
May 28 - Rob Garza (of Thievery Corporation), REMIXES
Jun 4 - J.Cole, BORN SINNER
Jun 4 - Maxwell, SUMMERS'
Jun 18 - Kelly Rowland, TALK A GOOD GAME
Jun 25 - Femi Kuti, NO PLACE FOR MY DREAM
Jun 25 - Kendra Morris, MOCKINGBIRD
Jul 1 - AlunaGeorge, BODY MUSIC {UK release}
Jul 2 - Pretty Lights, A COLOR MAP OF THE SUN
Jul 9 - Thundercat, APOCALYPSE
Jul 16 - Candice Glover, MUSIC SPEAKS
Jul 23 - Gogol Bordello, PURA VIDA CONSPIRACY
Aug 6 - Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT
Eargasms: Crucial Poetics, Volume 1 released March of 1997, and included music in the vein of spoken word and conscious rap. The artists featured are a diverse list of poets, singers, actors, activists, playwrights, authors and I believe, one professor. It includes Saul Williams, Mos Def, Jessica Care Moore, Mike Ladd, Sarah Jones, Rha Goddess, Abiodun Oyewole of The Last Poets, Latasha Natasha Diggs and Kymbali Craig, to name a few.
Recommended spins: “My Pen,” “Twice The First Time,” “Metaphorplay,” “My Caged Bird Don’t Sing,” “Gunsmoke,” Last Days” and “Bladerunners.”
The new musical Langston in Harlem, which opened on April 15th at Urban Stages, is a rousing hip shaking, foot-stomping production for one of America’s most respected poets.
Langston Hughes was not only a poet but he was a dramatist, a novelist, a columnist, a soci-political mad man as well as an esteemed writer. He was also a young, Black, closeted man living in Harlem during the 1920s. As one of the founding members of the Harlem Renaissance, a period of prolific artistic expression, Langston in Harlem is set from the Renaissance through the Civil Rights movement. It showcases a young man who was often misunderstood in his early writings, but who later turned the critics into passionate followers of his work. The show was essentially a near-two hour production based upon one of Hughes’ most popular poems, “Harlem: A Dream Deferred”.
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore—
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over—
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
The production is an explosive mash-up of not only spoken word and jazz, but gospel, rhythm and blues, and swing dancing. It shows rather transports the audience back to a time where many writers actually wrote and lived for the people of their community. It expertly tells of love and lost, blues and sexuality, race and politics, a life Hughes so passionately lived. There’s never a dull moment, even when poverty and addiction enters several scenes, you never feel as if the scene doesn’t fit. The musical score and costume designs are spot-on for the life of a black intellectual during that time: middle-class bohemian at its finest. The casting is perfect. In essence, Langston in Harlem is like going to church; it’s exciting, educational and sometimes emotional…but mostly, it just makes you feel good.
Langston in Harlem runs through May 2nd at 30th Street Theatre-Urban Stages (between 7th and 8th Aves). For ticket info: visit www.urbanstages.org
If you didn’t know, now you know – I’m a HUGE Jill Scott fan! Nevertheless, the renaissance woman stopped by the Today Show last Wednesday to promote her appearance on Law & Order: SVU (which I missed), her upcoming movie Why Did I Get Married Too (which I will see!), her new baby, and her forthcoming album, Light Of The Sun (which I will buy).
I’m sure many fans, bloggers, journalists and media outlets will have a wide-array of comments and opinions on Erykah Badu’s new video, “Window Seat”. Safe to say, I’m not one of those people. (But I will say: before you judge, peep the message). New Amerykah, Part II: Return of the Ankh in stores on Tuesday.
After many years of battling personal demons, legendary poet, musician, singer and songwriter Gil Scott-Heron returns with I’m New Here – his first studio recording in sixteen years. Reaching beyond the social and political commentary of Pieces of a Man (1971) and Winter in America (1974), Scott-Heron is ever-more reflective at this stage in his life – he’ll be 61 on April Fool’s Day.
Still a great provider of wisdom and candid imagery, I’m New Here brings the worlds of electronica and spoken word together for a unique blend of tunes. Opening the album is a dedication to his familial upbringing (“On Coming From a Broken Home (Part 1),” yet the lead single, “Me And The Devil” places the poet’s vocals up against these dark and gritty electro beats. Even the lyrics paint a gloomy picture (“bury my body down by the highway side/so my whole evil spirit catches a Greyhound bus ride”). “I’m New Here” and “Your Soul and Mine” remains reflective but its “New York Is Killing Me” that showcases the heavy burden of living in the city can bring. It’s a perfect marriage of Scott-Heron’s rough tone of voice and the heart beats of the city.
“On Coming From a Broken Home (Part 2)” closes the album, and once again Gil Scott-Heron proves, he’s just as respected in his sixties as he was in his twenties and thirties.
On Monday night singer, songwriter, actress, poet and new mommy Jill Scott appeared on The Mo’Nique Show to discuss her upcoming album, Light of the Sun; her Lifetime movie, The Sins of a Mother (airs Sunday, February 21st at 8pm), and the new (little) man in her life.
If you’re a fan of poetry, spoken word, poetry slams, hip hop, soul music, the neo-soul movement, acid jazz and blues, then the name Gil Scott-Heron should ring true…if not, cue my side-eye.
Simple: SOB’s, Sunday, January 17th, 2010. I’m New Here (XL Recordings) in stores, Tuesday, February 9th, 2010. ‘Nuff said!
A lovely dedication to Michael Jackson’s legacy by a poet named LIFE out of Tampa, Florida – using various MJ song titles. As a poet myself, I understand that sometimes the only way to best express ourselves is through the use of words. So this was nicely done!
One of my favorite singers and poets Jill Scott has officially confirmed that she and her fiance, Lil’ Jon Roberts, the drummer in her band, are in fact expecting their first child on April 25th. Six months pregnant, pregnancy rumors have been circulating for a few months. That’s right Jill, keep your private life, private. Congratulations!
A true artist, look out for her in the starring role of the upcoming HBO series The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, based on the Anthony Minghella book series.
Oh, she’s walking down the aisle next weekend! Baby, marriage, movie – wow!
As a self-proclaimed “dope poemsayer” Ursula Rucker has been rockin’ stages since 1994.
The Philly-bred Temple University graduate and poetess is known for her unique, honest and raw performances. Now with her fourth album release, Ruckus Soundsysdom (Five Six Media) she brings the pain once again.
With thumping electronica basslines, jump off track “Ever Heard Of It” brings mad truth to light, while “Read Between The Lines” unabashedly says … “perception is a mother.” Other notable tracks are the uplifting “I Am,” the candid “Anyouknowwhat?,” the sexy “Thinkin’ ’bout U,” and the cocky yet funky “Cypha.”
Be prepared, while listening to Ursula you’re gonna get slapped across the face with mad truths.
For many of us poets, actors, and emcees, the Lower East Side landmark The Nuyorican Poets Cafe is the best place to showcase our work. Especially during the Friday Night Poetry Slam.
For those who don’t know, a poetry slam is when poets read or recite their own work, and their performances are judged on a numeric scale by audience members who were selected earlier. It’s fun. It’s exciting. It’s fast paced. But both times I’ve gone, it’s been standing room only. So get there early, slam starts at 10pm, line at the door starts around 8:45pm. Ten to get in.
Nuyorican Poets Cafe 236 East 3rd (between Ave B & C) New York, NY 10009 212.505.8183
Back in April 1996, the National Academy of American Poetsstarted National Poetry Month which brings together an assortment of writers, publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, schools, libraries, and poets from around the world to celebrate poetry and its massive impact on American culture. Throughout the city of Houston there will be a plethora of events from readings, author signings, and events for kids.
Being a poet myself, I’ve always anticipated the month of April, not only because my birthday is 30 days away but because one of my most favorite poet’s birthday is April 4th. To be more specific both of my favorite poets share the same birthday: Dr. Maya Angelou and Ms. Jill Scott. To me they both exude mad confidence, regality, and profoundness in their writings.
Nonetheless if you’re a poet in training, here’s a few ideas to help jump start your entry into National Poetry Month: read a book of poetry. Two of my favorites are Maya Angelou’s Maya Angelou: Poems, which is a collection of poems from a handful of her books to include Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘fore I Diiie, and Jill Scott’s, The Moments, the Minutes, the Hours, in which I previously blogged about.
Or you could dust off one of your old poems and rewrite it, and attend a poetry reading at one of the following spots to recite it: Saturday nites at Eb5 International Coffee and Tea House in Spring or Sunday nites at The Shadow Bar in downtown Houston.
Other events will be held at the Houston Public Library, Writers in the School, a non-profit organization who engages children in the pleasure of reading and writing. Additionally at Texas Poetry Events website there’s a wealth of other events in Houston and the surrounding areas.
In a February blog I said I was determined to see one of my favorite singers Jill Scott perform in concert–this year–if it was the last for-the-love-of-music thing I did.
Well last week I flew out to Philadelphia (her hometown) to visit a friend for a few days, before catching the super-fast Acela train on Friday to witness one of the most amazing shows I’ve seen in YEARS!
Jill Scott, the quintessential singer, songwriter, actress and poet performed to a sold-out crowd at D.C.’s Constitution Hall. And I tell you I am completely ruined for any other concert! She has “officially” set the bar. Again, like Raheem DeVaughn (her opener), she started promptly at nine pm, jumping right into “Let It Be” the intro from her latest cd, The Real Thing, hitting every vocal range from opera to r&b to rock. Even singing the damn song acapella. I literally got chills! It’s said that she has “a very rare facility to hit notes in the sixth and seventh octave.” Reminiscent of the late singer Minnie Riperton as well as R&B divas Deniece Williams and Mariah Carey. I heard it firsthand; it’s insane.
Nevertheless she continued on with “Gimme” from her live cd, Experience 826+, and then to “Cross Your Mind” from her third cd, Beautifully Human. The most unique thing about Jill is that she has this uncanny ability to make you feel instantly connected with her. From the moment she steps out on stage, you want to embrace her full force. She talks to you as if you’re sitting in her living room, talking casually about life, love, sex, whatever. She’s the consummate performer, artist, always wanting a deeper, closer connection. She’s raw, hella funny, extremely sexy, unapologetically honest, and absolutely exhausting. I so mean that in the best possible way!
Throughout the two-and-a-half hour performance (yes!) she spoke on her feelings of being newly single, how devastating her divorce was emotionally and mentally. And she even divulged that we “actually” found out about the divorce long after it had happened. So in the making of The Real Thing, it was cathartic for her, giving her time to heal, time to deal. The lyrical content on the cd showcases those feelings. She then sang “Honey Molasses” from her first cd, Who Is Jill Scott and “All I See” from her latest as well the shortest yet the most sensuous track on The Real Thing, “Crown Royal.” We sang every damn lyric; it was so hot. By this time, she had us completely transfixed as she went into “Long Walk” and “Only You.” I’m hear to tell you, Jill Scott is a GROWN ASS WOMAN; as she states “grown and nasty.” She’s hugely flirtatious, very voluptuous. Men and women have crushes on her (admittedly, I do!)
On a side note, that night I was so sick. I had an upset stomach from out of this world however once Jill came out on stage, her voice, her words, her presence really soothed me. It was weird. Anyway, she continued on with “My Love” and “Wanna Be Loved” from The Real Thing, as well as “The Fact Is (I Need You)” from Beautifully Human.
As like Raheem DeVaughn, Jill Scott had a surprise for us too. Making an impromptu appearance was the godfather of go go, Chuck Brown. This man had to be around seventy but the moment the first “Wind it up Chuck” chant started, people were up and out of their seats faster than I could say go go. Me, being from Houston and knowing about go go but not “knowing” go go, had no idea what was going on. So when in Rome…I jumped in and rocked it too. Upset stomach and all.
One would think that was the grand finale. Nope. She then left the stage bearing gifts from a few fans, but as with any true concert goer knows–if the house lights don’t come up, the show ain’t over. Minutes later she reappeared, and proceeded to blast off her most uplifting songs, “Golden,” from Beautifully Human and her most intense track from Who Is Jill Scott, “He Loves Me (Lyzel in E Flat).”
And then she started getting real. She began talking about those family members and friends who hate on you because you at the show, you rocking new clothes, you got a new car, you got money in the bank. By this time the audience was testifying. “Hell yeahs!” was going through the crowd, people were clapping and stomping. And before launching into “Hate on Me” she goes, “You know what I say to those people?” Everybody was like “What?” She goes “F**k ‘em.” After that, it was a wrap. She shut it down.
And as I was on the train back to Philly that night, I knew I needed to be around that type of energy everyday. Around people just like Jill Scott. People with energy, with fire, with passion. So with that said, I’m in the process of relocating to Philadelphia. Just like that, all for the love.
For those who got the memo, and their tickets on time, Jill Scott performs tonight at eight pm at the Verizon Wireless Theatre(downtown, 501 Texas), while those of us who dropped the ball, sulk! The show sold out about a month ago, and I knew about the show months ago, however I got cocky, thinking I’d just buy my ticket “later” forgetting she’s one of the hottest performers on the soul circuit right now. Plus she dropped her third cd, The Real Thing, a few months back, which of course increased everyone’s desire to see her live because the cd is so freakin hot.
Now to soothe my pain and bruised ego, I’m stuck watching her Live in Paris DVD, which was released a couple of weeks ago. It’s a great performance, she’s flirtatious and funny, poetic and intriguing however, it’s a taped performance. I’m missing out on her talks, as she’s known to do with her audience, her boldness, her sassiness. It just doesn’t hold the same appeal.
Nonetheless, I am determined to see this woman’s show–this year, if it’s the last all-in-the-name-of-music thing I do! So more to come…
I’ve always been a late bloomer. From learning how to ride a bike at eight-years old, to taking my first swig of Cuervo at 21. I’ve always sort of eased into new things, new situations. Not that I wasn’t cool (I don’t think) or that I was afraid, by nature I’m a people watcher. I like watching what other people are doing, seeing their results, and if I feel it’s right for me, then I do it my way. Poetry was no different.
My love of words came early though. At around 11-years old I started highlighting words I would look up in Webster’s dictionary. I wanted to be different, be better somehow, yet not really knowing how to do it at that age, I aquired this weird affinity for astronomy. I liked learning about the stars and the moon, so I would create these faraway stories in my head, always with thoughts of traveling to another city in mind. I guess somewhere in between my verbs and nouns, my sixth-grade English teacher, Mrs. Mitchell saw something and began encouraging me to write more–which meant doing extra credit assignments (and oddly enough, I didn’t mind!).
Fast-forward years later, I was a twenty-one year old Airman serving in the United States Air Force who lived as freely as I could, expressing myself as often as I could (take that anyway you’d like!) in Tucson, Arizona, and always with a notebook in tow. Around the same time, the poetically-focused Larenz Tate and Nia Long joint, Love Joneswas released in theatres, which opened my eyes to this whole new way of creative expression. To me, nothing was more liberating than sharing a snapshot of my life, a moment really. It was confessional, I could say things on paper I wouldn’t dare say verbally. I loved it instantly. I started reading as many great poets as I’d heard of at that time, and Maya Angelou was at the top of my list. After reading her inspiring works, I was officially a poet-in-training.
Now that I’m in my thirties, I can confidently say, first and foremost, I’m a poet.
Nearly three years after its intial release (it goes to paperback in April), The Moments, the Minutes, the Hours (St. Martin’s Press, hardback, March 31, 2005), a beautiful and personal collection of poetry by gifted poet and singer Jill Scott, has not left my hand, my bag nor my bedside in nearly two weeks.
It’s erotic and confessional and spiritual and funny and honest. She speaks on life, love, happiness. She has this magnetic way of telling a story and making it playback in your mind, long after you’ve read it.
“Potty Trained” is about “squeezing” out a lover that’s seriously been in your system for far too long. Yet “Across Your Bread” and “Selfish” showcase the beautiful and inspirational side of love. Though I’m not currently in love, I am in that sort of love mood, so I’ve been consistently rereading her more tender pieces.
Now that Valentine’s Day is a couple of weeks away, this could be the perfect gift for the one you love, or just something beautiful to treat yourself to.
One of my favorite singers and poets Jill Scott has officially confirmed that she and her fiance, Lil’ Jon Roberts, the drummer in her band, are in fact expecting their first child on April 25th. Six months pregnant, pregnancy rumors have been circulating for a few months. That’s right Jill, keep your private life, private. Congratulations!
As a self-proclaimed “dope poemsayer” Ursula Rucker has been rockin’ stages since 1994. 
For many of us poets, actors, and emcees, the Lower East Side landmark The Nuyorican Poets Cafe is the best place to showcase our work. Especially during the Friday Night Poetry Slam. 
Not only is this month National Poetry Month but two of my most favorite women poet’s birthday is today!
but because one of my most favorite poet’s birthday is April 4th. To be more specific both of my favorite poets share the same birthday: Dr. Maya Angelou and Ms. Jill Scott. To me they both exude mad confidence, regality, and profoundness in their writings. 
