A Soul Sistah's Life offers the candid view of current events from an urban and southern perspective. Whether there are every day issues, pop culture explosions, or new Soul,R&B, Hip Hop music, Yaya gives it straight with no chaser.
On my way to soak up the sun at Carolina Beach this past weekend the radio finally played a track that immediately caught my attention. During one of those kiss it or diss it segments, the DJ was as shocked as I was that the track he played titled,Life Jackets, was dissed my the audience. You gotta take it with a grain of salt considering this particular station plays Young Thug in heavy rotation. Intrigued, I began searching for the song and artist and was pleasantly surprised with the results.
Meet Luke Christopher, a singer/rapper that can be easily considered the next pre Young Money Drake. The Los Angeles songwriter/producer is only 19 years old and has more soul than many rappers twice his age. His smooth voice and captivating lyricism makes him a stand out and an artist to definitely watch for the upcoming 2015 class of newcomers. His latest single, Life Jackets, is a smooth R&B/Hip Hop fusion that is different but not so much that it can't cross over to mainstream markets. It doesn't hurt that he is a cutie pie also.
Check out his single, Life Jackets, below and let us know what you think.
If you have never been introduced to Bounce music boy are you missing out on one of the most energetic, expressive, and raw musical styles ever created. Distinctively New Orleans based, Bounce music thrives off of losing all inhibitions but more importantly its the soundtrack to ass shaking. Thanks to a musically inclined buddy of mine, I was introduced to Bounce artist Big Freedia and I have been hooked ever since.
Big Freedia, a New Orleans fixture, has worked overtime to bring Bounce to mainstream markets. The towering and fierce Freedia stands out in more ways than one. With his flashy fashion, tall frame, and fly hairstyles the Queen Diva was born to stand out. Granted not everyone will be into a big, flashy dude twerking across the stage but after seeing a show the audience immediately falls in love.
Freedia, shaking it fast.
Freedia began his music career in 1999 after performing backup for best friend Katey Red and was smitten by the rising Bounce genre. Thanks to the Fuse Netork, people from all walks of life have been exposed to a type of music that typically was geographically confined to the New Orleans area. Now fresh off the release of his album, Just Be Free, Big Freedia is aiming to bring Bounce music to the world.
Check out Big Freedia below and let us know if you are feeling it.
Recently a new phrase has been circulating in the world that stumped me a little. Though it can be easily identified as an insult by people cooler than me, I was not quite sure what it meant and after speaking with a popular and social media savvy college student I came to understand that this new phrase is just as deplorable as I figured. It is actually an acronym for "that hoe over there" better known as "T.H.O.T". What the what now?! As if there were not enough degrading words and phrases to describe girls and women. This phrase is far from clever but a bit redundant since "hoe" is already included. I find it to be just another moniker that is demeaning and specific to only females. Even in 2014 where women are the breadwinners for many households, hold executive level positions, and are on a more even playing field than ever before, we are still subjected to critical judgements that seem to relate all our faults back to sexuality. Despite moving out of the Victorian ages, it seems that a woman's worth is still subjugated to who she decides to share her body with. Double standards are nothing new and probably will be around to the end of time, yet it is no less disheartening that women must be bound by more name calling and judgements. Not to say that people shouldn't be concerned with who they share their sexual energy with, however, any word used to degrade or put down anyone should not become popular or be promoted. But of course at this point it is what it is.
I say "buck" it! Mankind will always find ways to make others feel inferior and using words has been one of the most powerful and efficient ways to do so. Words do hurt and ideally young women would not be affected by being called out her name but we know this is not at all true. In today's cyber age where anyone can anonymously post whatever they want about someone, no one is exempt from dealing with the severe mental or emotional anguish that comes with it. To say that it is mostly teenagers and young adults that do such things would be a lie. Immature, insecure, and hopeless people are the ones that find ways to make others feel less than and this phrase along with many others is just an easy means to do so. Prayerfully, this phrase will die a fast death like much of the other vulgar and useless lingo.
Chadwick Boseman as James Brown in Get On Up (2014)
Over recent years Hollywood has been obsessively working overtime to dramatize black history for the silver screen. This can be seen as a good or bad thing depending on who you ask or which way the wind blows. In 2014 alone, there has been the release of the James Brown film and production has been announced for movies about the incomparable Whitney Houston and the tragic death of singer Aaliyah. Unlike in years past, many of these stories are or will be told through the lens of a black person either as director or producer. As happy as I am to see color on the big screen does it come at a price that is harmful to black history? Movies are just that. They are written and produced to entertain not to educate and on several occasions films have failed to convey truth and accuracy for artistic purposes. This is understandable since cinematic value is important but usually it is achieved through embellishing the facts here and there. The problem lies not within the production and release of such films but the lack of education of their audiences. How many young people do you know under the age of 25 who care about the legacy of Mr. James Brown?
Films about black pioneers can be beneficial if they encourage people to seek more information about the dynamic figures outside of the visual aspects. Many a topics I have sought to learn more about after first being introduced to something or someone unfamiliar. Hopefully the influx of films based on black historic figures will serve as a introductory platform for those who have yet to be exposed to the richness and diversity of black history. Another great hope is that Hollywood will seek to provide black films not just based on slavery or musicians as well. We can only dream can't we.
Rolling high off the success of his feature on Schoolboy Q's singleStudio, BJ the Chicago Kid is continuing to pull audiences in with the release of his highly anticipated and soulful track, titled, Perfect. Known for a throwback style reminiscent of Bobby Womack mixed with a touch of Bobby Brown's crass, BJ is increasingly filling the void with his personal spin of urban soul music. Hailing from the Windy City has no doubt had a hand in influencing his passion for soul music like the city's other greats including Donny Hathaway & Curtis Mayfield. The Motown(how fitting) artist has built an avid and loyal following since the release of Pineapple Now-Laters in 2012 and being featured with critically acclaimed artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q and Big K.R.I.T. Now working to pave his own lane, BJ has officially released his single called Perfect which proves to be all the title says it is. The slowed up hip hop beat provides the backdrop as BJ's voice serenades us about the insecurities that women face in a world that expects us all to be perfect. BJ debunks the theory that all women should have fat asses and flowing weaves. Check out BJ the Chicago Kid's single, Perfect, hereand let us know what you think.
Public television has been on the forefront for years when it comes to gripping educational programming that covers varying degrees of viewpoints. With their Independent Lens series, PBS is offering up and coming directors and filmmakers the opportunity to display works that touch on many socioeconomic and political issues. Included in the series, is Yoruba Richen's documentary titled, The New Black, a film that explores the division in the Black community concerning gay rights especially within the Christian community. A portion of the films discusses the gospel/urban musician Tonex, also known as B. Slade. In a poignant clip, the anointed singer discusses his coming out on television and the backlashed he experienced after doing so. The film touches on an issue that has long divided everyone, not just blacks, but it forces a community of people that have long been disenfranchised to do some self reflection. It seems that somehow black folks have been labeled as the most homophobic race in the world, a label that I feel is unjustified. People of all races do not agree with homosexuality and it seems that only through attitude changes will the division become less and less. While I do believe that conversations need to be had on marriage equality, why are black people singled out as the only ones who hold such attitudes? With all of the issues that need addressing within the black community, gay marriage is not at the top of the list. PBS will be airing The New Black on June 15, 2014. For more information about this film and other Independent Lens films you can visit http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/new-black/film.html
The mind, body, and spirit are innately tied together in terms of wellness and living a healthy, balanced life. Even those of us that are not remotely close to becoming health professionals know that when one of the three is off track, the other areas also suffer. In recent years, citizens are beginning to notice the effects of the United States drastically cutting funds to mental and emotional health facilities around the nation. Families of those who suffer with mental health issues are left to find sufficient resources and care that has become increasingly harder to obtain. Imagine the suffering that they must feel as well when you actively search for help for loved ones but keeping running into dead ends. It seems only after someone has become violent or commits a crime that the system begins to take notice. Last year two young, intelligent, very well respected and liked former classmates passed on by their own terms. Blinded by their constant smiles and open hearts, many of us close to them failed to recognize or acknowledge the inner turmoil that they were evidently dealing with. Both black men, neither one of them that I know of, ever sought out help to battle their demons. Two glorious spirits, both seemingly successful beyond normal standards, are now gone too soon with parents, children, friends and colleagues left behind wondering what more could we have done to make their plight a little easier.
Many of us know "crazy" people. We may laugh at them, ignore them, or avoid them all together. One of our biggest failures is not noticing that seemingly normal people can be just as "crazy". Black people are slowly coming around to recognizing the power and freedom of seeking help from professionals concerning therapy and other mental or emotional heath treatment. The idea that visiting therapists, is slowing becoming less taboo in the Black community as more of us recognize the dire need for it as we see more of our family members and friends suffer in silence. Dan Barry recently published an amazingly well written and researched piece in the New York Times titled, "The Boys in the Bunkhouse". The article beautifully details through first hand accounts the mistreatment, gross negligence, and outright suffering that thousands of men suffered simply because they were found to be intellectually inferior or sometimes "too much to handle". Some spent decades working on a turkey farm completing disgusting tasks with little to no oversight or pay. Their story is what most of us would consider a total lack of regard for human life. Reading Barry's work invokes an array of emotions. It was at times very insightful, sometimes disgusting and heart wrenching but most of all it was informative. Though many of the men involved suffered horrid conditions, their abuse produced a silver lining concerning a large victory over the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. More importantly it brought national attention to the way we treat those considered mentally incapable. While great lengths have been made over the last 50 years concerning diagnosis and treatment mental illness, there is a long road ahead to offering effective and constant support to those in need. As individuals we must learn to recognize signs and symptoms so that we can be a resource to those who may need it. If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional or mental issues, please see some of the available resources below. The National Institute of Mental Heatlth (NIMH) www.nimh.nih.gov Mental Health www.mentalhealth.gov Active Minds www.activeminds.org Substance Abuse & Mental Health Administration (SAMSHA) www.sam
It seems that new R&B is more hood than ever and leading the pack is the dreadlocked and tatted, Los Angeles singer, producer, and sometimes rapper Ty Dolla $ign. A myriad of Drake, the Weeknd, and Ice Cube best describes what his music sounds like. It's smooth enough to pull you in and raunchy enough to keep you interested. This is definitely not your mother's R&B. Though Ty is now gaining notoriety in the urban markets as a solo artist, many are familiar with his work without knowing exactly who he was. He produced and wrote the popular "Toot It and Boot It" hit by Atlanta rapper, YG. To date, he has released two critically acclaimed mix tapes Beach House and Beach House 2 since late 2012. He recently dropped the Beach House EP on January 21st. Ty was genetically passed the musical genes with his father being a musician in the funk band, Lakeside. Not to be pigeoned into one category, he also plays bass, drums, and the guitar. Now signed to Wiz Khalifa's Taylor Gang Records, Ty is gaining steady popularity with his single "Paranoid" which features B.O.B. The creative visuals and relatable lyrics provide the perfect recipe for his come up. Check out Ty Dolla's Paranoid below and be sure to give the Beach House series a listen.
As a admitted sneaker head, I have to confess my sneaker collection is pretty extensive. As I find myself having to attend events that cater more to the grown and sexy, my retro Jordan 7's were just not cutting it. I love dressing up but heels are my least favorite accessory! Thanks to one of my fabulous and stylish friends, I have been introduced to the comfort of a great wedge heel and cute sneakers that now coincide with my adult status. Check out some great sneaker options below that are hot and won't have your teenage children or siblings raiding your closet.
5. Coach Alegra Sneakers, $118.00
These "tomboy slip-ons" provide maximum comfort and are easy to wear. The come come in a camel, beige, and the tiger lily color seen below.
4. Vans Suede Camryn Slim, $65.00
Vans' Camryn style are not only are fashionable but are also very reasonably priced. They are made of suede and have purple accents on the inseam fabric as well as on the soles. Very Girly!
3. Canvas Lace Hi-Top Sneaker by Charlotte Russe, $14.50
These sneakers come in various patterns and colors making it a sure fit for all tastes. The fact that they are priced to go makes it affordable to own several pairs to match your mood. I absolutely love the zebra printed ones below.
2. Diesal Sunrise Pit Sneaker, $104.99
Diesal brand may be known more for jeans than sneakers but the Sunrise Pit sneaker is great for everyday wear and when I wear them I constantly get asked where'd I'd buy them.
1. Nike Dunk Sky Hi VT QS, $220.00
I know not everyone is crazy about wedge sneakers but as a shorty do wop, I love the extra height and all day comfort that a great sneaker wedge provides. The Nike Dunk Sky Hi version of the sneaker wedge is almost perfect.
Happy Belated New Year to everyone! Hopefully everyone ate plenty, drank until they called Earl, and spent many enjoyable hours with family and friends. I'm not one to gossip but um….. This is the phrase that I heard over vacation when some acquaintances of mine begin to go in on some private information about one of our mutual friends. Though I love tea as much as the next woman, I never felt good afterwards after indulging in tidbits about someone who was not around to deny or accept what was being said about them. It took it happening to me to really accept the gravity and emotions that being lied upon and gossiped about can bring. As the saying goes, one can never know until they walk a mile in your shoes. In the world of thousands of gossip blogs and news outlets that report more on celebrity "news" than actual current events, it can be a daunting task to not to fall victim of being caught up in someone else's business. Many of these outlets fail to realize that words they say or print can cause serious detriment to the people that they report on. Sometimes retractions or apologies afterwards are not enough to repair the damage already done or heal the broken spirits that come with spreading false information. Resolutions are not my thing but as we walk our way into 2014 I encourage everyone to recognize the weight of hurtful words and believe in the importance of kindness and encouragement. Gossip not only creates a never-ending cycle, it is never fun when one becomes the center of that gossip. Focusing more on what can make us better people and how we can be beneficial to the world makes for much more exciting news than who is sleeping with who or how much money someone makes. Let's make 2014 a great year by sharing our commonalities more than exploiting our differences. Many Blessings, Ms. Yaya
