Meditate; not medicate. This is the crux of the message on J Cole’s new album, KOD. The title has three distinct meanings (Kids On Drugs, King Overdose and Kill Our Demons). So, it was only fitting that he released the album on 4/20 (the celebratory date for marijuana smokers). However, he hits the nail on […]
Nicki Minaj has been the highest selling female rapper (and one of the highest selling period) of the last few years. However, Cardi B is the woman to be right now. Her debut album, Invasion of Privacy, was certified gold by the RIAA on the first day of its release. As expected, there has been […]
Many current fans of Cardi B, per the “Bodak Yellow” craze, believe she appeared over night. However, she has actually paid her dues prior to her debut studio LP. The 13 song set, Invasion of Privacy, was preceded by two mix tapes, Gangsta B!tch Vol 1 (2016) and Gangsta B!tch Vol 2 (2017). She is […]
Many of you know that Nekter Juice Bar is one of my favorite places. I have posted several drink reviews from their various menu items. Now, let’s rewind back to last week. I was looking for something to knock out the last bit of a cold I had. I used to take turmeric pills on […]
The number eight signifies new beginnings. For veteran singer Toni Braxton, this couldn’t be more appropriate. Sex & Cigarettes is her first solo studio album since 2010’s Pulse. A lifetime of events have happened since then. She has become a symbol of triumph for lupus, starred in the hit reality TV series about her family […]
If you’re under the age of 35, chances are you may not know who Roxanne Shante is. She was an up and coming teenage rapper in the early 80s. She battle rapped in the streets of Queensbridge, NY and quickly gained the respect of her peers. During that time frame, her boisterous skills were unheard […]
Wale has always been in a class of his own in Hip Hop. He’s not overly conscious, yet he avoids falling into the trendy trap trenches. His style is somewhere in the middle, sprinkled with elements of pop and poetic appeal. Wale has quietly delivered some of Hip Hop’s most poignant hits in recent years, […]
Janelle Monae hasn’t released a studio album in five years. Although that’s an eternity in today’s music business, she hasn’t exactly been silent. Plus, her last release, The Electric Lady was a double disc effort. Meanwhile, she hasn’t been resting on her laurels. We have seen her in hit films like Hidden Figures, continue her […]
A couple of weeks ago, I was feeling like a cold was coming on. Usually my eyes start getting really itchy and my throat tingles a bit. I had a meeting to go to right after work on that particular day. So, I didn’t have time for a sit down dinner. I am slowly trying […]
Many of you know that I just released my latest poetry book, Commissioned To Love. One of the book signings I hosted was at one of my favorite wine bars, Two Corks and a Bottle. Their ambiance is really relaxing and it was the perfect place to usher in the official release of my book. […]