The Restoration

This month is special for those music lovers who follow the Christian belief system because it is the month in which the savior Yeshua aka Jesus Christ was born. In honor of that, we chose to highlight a genius of a gospel rapper who goes by the rap name Mike Body. A friend of ours  sent us an email back in September of this year and told us to check this guy out and we did. After listening, the team decided to do a story on Mike and his music. Mike Body reminded us of classic rap acts like Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth or newer acts like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole but do not be fooled that statement because Mike has a strong presence of his own . His style is very unique and the message he delivers is not so preachy that it turns the listener off to what he's saying. I believe any hip hop music lover could fine themselves getting into Mike Body even if you're not a follower of the Christian faith. Mike is from Baltimore Maryland and you can hear how the city must have molded and shaped his music and his subject matter.

We hooked up with Mike to learn more about his music. We asked Mike a series of question about his life and his music. First, Mike says: He has had a great love for music as far back as he could remember. He said he would listen to his mom as she would play music and dance around the house. Mike says his mom would play lots of artists but Michael Jackson, Guy and Anita Baker stayed in heavy rotation when his mom played music. Mike also credits his love of music to his dad as well. He remembers his dad having a large vinyl collection of records mostly from the 60's and 70's. I think most of us old heads can relate to that? Mike said he heard lots of music coming up but for him the song "Some Guys Have All the Luck" by the Persuaders was one of Mike's favorites. We asked Mike which artist was he directly influenced by and he said artists like 2pac, jay Z, and Nas but more so 2pac because he could relate to the pain and realism depicted in some of Pac's lyrics.

Mike said there are some good friends and producers that he grew up with that inspired him to rap also. Mike says he couldn't forget about these guys. Men like Charles aka (600 Rush) a friend he grew up with and Devon aka (Mayday) a producer he has worked with. Mike says Mayday is the first real producer he ever worked with and both him and 600 Rush inspired him to become a better rapper. Mike has other members of his family who are into Hip Hop also. Mike says he has two cousins one named Asia a rapper and the other goes by NAE, a rapper/producer. Mike told us hopefully next year we would be hearing from NAE's untitled project which Mike plans to executive produce for his cousin. It's a good thing when an artist has good people around them and even better when those people are family and friends.

Mike Body has been making music for about 10 years but he says he never took it seriously until he got with a group called the Nocklist. After the group disbanded, Mike decided to retire and focus more on his life as a Christian. Mike's retirement from music wouldn't last long and after a year he was back at it, but with a better perspective. Mike's producers M. Bennett and Kevin A. made Mike see that he needed to take the recording of music more seriously. Mike says while making his first solo album, M. Bennett's input and attention to detail was a big reason for that album's success. Mike Body says he has tried his hand at composing music but he prefers to stick to the songwriting aspects of making music for now. Mike says some of his most inspiring moment in his career came when he recorded the "Obituary" project. Mike says this was some of his best memories as an artist because the creation of the music was so organic at the time. He says he will never forget the reaction to that album because it was unplanned but at the same time, it gave birth to a new audience of listeners. He says I'm blessed to have that under my belt today.

Mike Body has some great works out there right now and we have listed a few for you to check out. One track is called "Gospel on Sunday" featuring a dynamic singer "Jarell Johnson". The song is an uplifting track that is full of hope and inspiration it was a close runner up for this stories feature song. Another track of Mike's we enjoyed is a track called "Selection Process" featuring singer "Devin".The song is about the choices we make in life and in love relationships. Also it’s about how we fight against the temptations we face trying build a better relationship God while attempting to maintain our love life.  As we reviewed Mike's many great works the consensus began to form around this month's feature song. The track is entitled "The Restoration". It is a clever run down of our weaknesses as men and women. The song speaks on our fight as humans beings trying to live up to the standers of the "Most High". "The Restoration" is about facing your inner demons and being true to yourself and God. We wanted to know Mike thoughts on  the song and he had this to say: The Restoration was about the imperfections we all have either in word deed and as human beings. I was talking about a restoration from a doctrinal perspective and a relationship perspective. When I say "I ain't perfect I can't lie" is because I'm aware true cleansing comes when I admit my imperfections to God. If we say we have no sin we make him a liar and the truth is not in us. 

Mike continues by saying: Now, everything ain't for everybody but with God, you have to be real with yourself and especially with him in order for that relationship to have any authenticity. I know of people that have fallen away because they were repeatedly scorned by the church because of some faults they may have had. Like, people having a baby out of wedlock or for having previous troubles with the law or because of their financial and education level. Sadly, I know of some people that are knowingly and unknowingly being taught a false doctrine. When I wrote the song I put myself in their shoes to hopefully shed some light on the issues and to let them know I can relate on some level, also to say that I care. The church is intended to be a spiritual hospital, not a courtroom, not a corporate business but instead it should be  a loving and supportive family environment. Mike says: The song is my contribution to the black family. We need more of that in music and life. I agree with Mike we do need more music like this and more people willing to make it. 

We asked Mike what we could expect going forward: Mike says right now he has been busy promoting the new EP "Signs of Maturity". He is also planning to shoot a new video for his song "Call Me King" soon. Also, Mike is putting out the remix version he wants to get a special feature for that project. Mike say just stay Tuned! We asked Mike what message he was trying to get across to the people and Mike said if I could get a message across with my music it would be to tell people don't let the circumstances in life define who you are, keep living. We really enjoyed Mike Body's music and talking with a man who wants to do more than just make music he wants to serve God and give the highest praise. We wish Mike all the best and we also encourage you to put your support behind Mike because artist like him are few and far apart these days. We could sure use a good word and some awesome sounds nowadays. Mike Body has that and more check him out at the links below.  And as always we ask that you support the artist and support good music because the world could use some good music right now.

Sengbe Ben Yosef © 2016


Mike Body on CD BABY

Mike Body on ITUNES

Indifferent to Suffering

If you are indifferent to the suffering of people because of their race creed color or lifestyle choices then you are a fool and you are not fit to be called human. All too often people turn their backs on other people who are suffering because of deep seeded hate that has been taught to them by ignorant people in their lives. Many of these people don't even know a single person who is different from them. They allow their ignorance to rule the day. These people live in a bubble and they have never been brave enough to test theory against the real world. They are cowards who hide in their comfort zone of hate and intolerance.

What I'm saying should come as no surprise for those of us who because of race creed color or lifestyle choices have had to live in the darkness of hatred and oppression. Now I may not agree with every life choice a person makes but I am not removed from caring for those who suffer simply because they don't live as I do or form their thinking to match my own. I feel every human being is worthy of the compassion and love of the human family. I believe it is cowardly to bar people from human rights because I don't like them or I hold some personal bigotry in my own heart. Each person deserves to have their humanity respected even if that person does not deserve your respect personally. Personal respect is earned but respect for all of God's creations is a mandate handed down by God almighty.

Many in the human family have taken it upon themselves to declare that they somehow are more deserving of human rights than any others groups in our great human family. How absurd is the notion that your skin color somehow affords you more rights on this planet? To have the idea that your skin alone should give you more access to liberty justice equality and happiness than other races or groups of people is in itself a deep form mental sickness. This sickness must be wiped from the earth completely or mankind will be doomed to an existence of war. The cowardliness of hatred bigotry and racism must die if we as a species hope to survive. We are now at a pivotal time in human history, a time that may very well be our last stand as humans. I fear will be destroyed if we don't change our ways.

I write to you not to try to convince you because we all know the facts. We all understand that racism sexism bigotry and class warfare is wrong even if some of us don't admit it openly we know in our hearts it's wrong. Many are too cowardly to face their fears about race religion and sexual orientation. They would rather reach for hate than to be courageous enough to look in their own hearts. They would rather seek out division than to find common ground that could heal the divide. They choose intolerance over understanding. If people of good nature do not stand against this now then most likely living in the last days of hope of the human family living in peace. It's time for every human to decide which side they will be fighting on. Will you fight for equality and justice or will you watch as we waste away?

Sengbe Ben Yosef ©2016

Come Laugh With SHANG

This coming Tuesday November 29th the holiday fun kicks off at the world "Laugh Factory" in Los Angeles California. The show will be hosted by your truly fun man and comedian Shang from HBO and Comedy Central. Start your holiday season with a laugh.

The "Laugh Factory" is located at 8001 Sunset BLVD. Los Angeles, CA 90046

Call for show times and events 1-323-656-1336

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An Interview With Royalty

  Hello, friends and welcome, back to another edition of Unique Indie Artist brought to by your friends at Days of Joy Entertainment. It's been just over a year since our blog started celebrating independent artist in the field of music. Thanks to you we are still going because of your support. 

 

   This mouth's artist comes to us out of Kansas City M.O. and now resides in Atlanta G.A...  We came across him during our daily review of some indie artist on that famous site that everyone uses. After a few hours of listening to many artist that pretty much sound the same, we were about to give up when I clicked play on the next artist video. The artist was a young man that uses the handle "The Royal Chief". The artist was so impressive we felt it was necessary to share his talents and artistry with you.    

 

   "The Royal Chief" is the kind hip hop artist we need now days considering all the trash out there now. Chief has bar after bar of hot lyrics for your enjoyment and his wordsmithing is some of the best I have seen in a while. Also, it's refreshing to see and hear an artist that puts a great deal of effort into his work. The Royal Chief puts you in the mindset of an artist like Kendrick Lamar, J Cole, or Big Krit. Chief, however, has created his own style of hip-hop excellence. With the Chief's brand of hip-hop, you get the best of all worlds and I am sure you'll love his music if you give him a try.                                

  

   We got up with "The Royal Chief" by way of email to set up the interview.  He was delighted to share more about his music with us and our readers.  Chief shared some of his personal stories as well as his journey into the world of hip-hop music. Chief says he was always a big music head growing up and his mom would play a lot of soul and oldies around the house but Chief says his dad is the one who introduced him to hip-hop music. Chief says his dad's taste in music was everything to him so he got a lot of his early experience with music from his dad. Chief says he was always geeked up to listen with dad because dad always played the uncensored versions of the songs.

 

   Chief began writing hip-hop lyrics at the age of 13 and he has been writing steadily since that time. Chief says his main musical influences came from Tupac, Eminem, and Kanye West. I could believe that once I listened to Chief spit on a few more tracks. Chief's style of hip-hop is not confined to just one genre within hip-hop music he seems to be able to do it all from "Trap" to "Classic" hip-hop and everything in between. Unlike most rappers today Chief has that wow factor that makes him stand out from the crowd of clowns representing hip-hop today. "The Royal Chief" is the perfect name for this artist when you consider his skill level and how commands the mic like hip-hop royalty.                                      

   The Royal Chief has a brand new project out called "Dawn" and it has many great tracks on it. We have listed a few of our favorites for you to check out.  First, we have a wonderful track entitled "Wings". The song is a beautiful piece of work that speaks on the journey of a young artist and his struggles to make it in the industry.  Next, we go to a song that caught our ears as well. The track is a song called "Hanging Tree". The track's word play is just dope; this is straight fire and Chief went in on this track for sure. The song is strong and speaks to many real issues in life both personal and general. Everyone at the blog really got into the project but our overall favorite was the track "Shoot Me Down". This may have been the best for us because lyrically it was the most relevant to what's going on in America right now.

   

  We asked Chief about making the song. Chief says when he first sat down to write "Shoot Me Down" he felt held back by a lot of things and a lot of people doubted him at the time. They told him he needed to quit or try something different as a career. He felt that they were basically shooting down his dreams and that's what inspired the first verse of the song. Chief says the 2nd verse was more so inspired by the events going on around him in the world. Chief says they say art is an imitation of life and with all the police brutality and the injustices happening against minorities in America right now, I just felt the need to speak on it. Chief says the song is about him addressing the people who are trying to bring him down in his personal life. It's about the people trying to stop him from seeing his full potential. He, also says it's about those people who are trying to stop us as a people (Black People) from reaching our full potential.

   

   We asked Chief what he thought it took to write a song like "Shoot Me Down". Chief said all it takes is the decision to speak about something bigger than yourself. We want Chief to tell the people what his music is all about. Chief said my music is about struggle, joy, growth, understanding, and inspiring people to be everything they are meant to be. Chief goes on to say I just love seeing greatness in people. I love to see people win and overcome life's struggles.

   

   

We asked what he wanted fans to get from his music. Chief said I like to make music that empowers people. Whether I'm just trying to relate to them or showing them they aren't  alone or if I can get them through the struggle and just inspiring them to want to do more for themselves. I just want my music to drive people to be the best version of themselves that they can be".  The Royal Chief is a very talented an interesting young man and I hope you will give him and his music a chance because hip hop needs this kind of music. Check out the music at the links below and enjoy something special and new.

                                       

TheRoyalChief on SoundCloud

The Royal Chief on FaceBook

The Royal Chief on Instagran

Forgotten Future

Black youth abandoned

This story I will speak on a subject that has affected me from the standpoint of a parent and as a black man who has not forgotten my days as a young boy growing up in the inner city. When I was young I thought that the problems I had were because of the place I lived. I never thought that some of the same problems existed for my people outside of the ghettos but as a parent who has been blessed enough to have my children grow up outside of the ghetto I quickly learned that black children face many of the same issues no matter where they grow up. Much of the reason they face these issues has to do with us adults not breeding purpose into our children's lives.

First, let me say don't take this as an attack but we as black parents we are lacking in many ways and our failures are having a really bad effect on the majority of our young people. To a large degree, we have been leaving the youth out in the cold for at least a generation or two. We haven’t been given them a proper understanding of the world they live in and it is hurting their chances for a better tomorrow. I know most black households have to have both of the parents working in order to maintain a decent life for their families. This dynamic of a two parent working household has left holes in the gates we try to build to protect our children and we compound matter by not teach the youth about their history and molding their greatness.

We must work to build purpose in the lives of our young people we must inspire them to do more and the way to do that is to fix the way we interact with them. Our children have to first know that they are loved above all things also that they are sacred and essential to the survival of our race. Leaving our children out of the planning for our new day will not help us reach the goal of being a free and liberated people. In fact to try to raise up our people without the young people front and center has been one of the biggest mistakes we have made as a people and it's time we rethink that strategy. The youth must be our priority because our lives have been wasted and we are old and fearful but they are young and strong. 

I guess my point is that we can stop a lot of what's troubling our children if we take the time to build them up and stop blaming them for not knowing what we don't teach them. We can put an end to drugs guns and violence if we help to redirect the youth's focus. Lastly, I just want to say build something for your children even if you can finish it maybe they will and by doing so they can bring our people closer to freedom. I pray that all of you are reading this in good health and I hope that you will take this and build upon it because we can no longer afford to let the youth linger in the world as a forgotten future because the world is killing them. The young people need us to stand up for them today so that they can stand up for the next generation.

Bless UP!!!

Sengbe Ben Yosef ©2016           

STILL DANCING

Recently San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick refused to stand for the national anthem and it stirred up a lot of noise over the last week.  People having been very vocal about how they feel about Kaepernick not standing for the national anthem. Some have even gone so far as to burn Kaepernick’s jersey and make hateful videos about Kaepernick. Although I find that disgusting and I can understand that because after all, he is in America where a black man doesn’t have to do much to receive harsh criticism from a country that never had much love for black men.  You can imagine the names Kaepernick has been called and the attacks made on his character because he took a stand and chose to speak on some of the horrifying things that have been happening in America.

As I said I am disgusted with how some Americans are treating Mr. Kaepernick for simply using his voice for those who have no voice. This is what America has done whenever someone stands up and goes against the grain.  A lot of this was to be expected from some parts of white America and the mainstream media. Which by the way seem to be the PC police when the issue is something silly as how people stand or don’t stand for the playing of the national anthem. These issues took center stage meanwhile not a peep about the reason Mr. Kaepernick sat down in the first place. With all that said nothing has been as troubling for me as my fellow Americans of African descent coming out again Colin Kaepernick.

I wonder in my mind how anyone could find fault in what Kaepernick spoke on. He talks about justice not only for his people but justice for all peoples. Like I said it’s understandable given the history of this country that Americans of European descent would not agree with Kaepernick but how could any person of color disagree with what he said? Persons of color who choose not to side with Kaepernick I find this more deplorable than anything said by those outside our groups. Men I once had a great deal of respect for because of their work ethic and dedication to their craft are now speaking out against Kaepernick a man who has risked everything for people who look just like them. Men like Jerry Rice Victor Cruz and James Harrison making the statements you would expect  to hear from some part of white America but never from your own people.

These men have been on the front line of the racist culture in the NFL and they more than any fan or spectator should know about racism in America because they have faced it at the highest levels. These men are household names but their posters may hang on the walls of people who still refer to them as niggers. Of all the people you could think of that would not side with a black man taking a stand for justice freedom and equality you wouldn’t think these men would be the ones attacking Colin for his stance.  This is simply unthinkable and shameful in my opinion. Some of these men have even questioned Colin’s blackness. I mean really we should be questioning the minds of men that would stand against their own best interest.

The question I pose to these men in 2016 is: Why are you still dancing? The music has long since stopped yet some of my people can’t stop dancing. In all these years your dancing has gotten you nowhere so why keep doing it? To those men and women who don’t know what to do when a man or woman of African descent takes a stand for the people, let me give you some tips on what to do.

Step 1 when the media comes to you and you disagree with your brother or sister just simply say "No comment". Step 2 If you find yourself unable to escape the questions just say “I don’t have all the facts”. Step 3 If you must say something then say this “My brother / Sister has made a personal choice and it is not my place to question that so at this time I must continue to look into the issue and support my brother/ sister until I have a reason not too.

I forgive Jerry and those other guys because America has screwed us up and many of us are suffering from the effects of racism whether we know it or not. The pic for this story is a little over the top but I only poke fun at my brothers and sisters because no matter what I love them but I just wish they wouldn't dance unless some music is being played. To close we will listen to Colin in his own words.

Confused Love

Here is something that always troubled me... So called white people around the world; most of them hate us but they love our energy as long as it is not a threat to their ideas of white superiority... They love our slang our way of dress and our talents as long as we remain in the place they have prescribed for us... As long as we tow the line and portray the dumb down nigger they are happy with us... The minute we show any sign of self-respect self-determination or any of the values that an upright human should display they come around trying to put us back in our place... It all seems like a confused love affair to me… hat are they afraid of???

Well, let me say this to those so called white folks who believe that our place is beneath you: We came to this place slaves and some of us were already here and you caged us like animals but what you didn't know is  God was with us all the way... God knew that you would be irresponsible and immoral so he sent us in chains to deliver you from your own ignorance and as a sign, we are here to restore what you have trampled... We are here as a testament to the strength of the oldest people on the planet and what the power of God can do...

Now the time has come for God's glory to be realized and your salvation shell come from the very daughters and sons of those whom you have mistreated and enslaved... The will of God can not be avoided... I say this not because I think my people to be better than you...  I say this because you are unwell and the sickness you have been spreading is killing us all... All of humanity will be better off if you willing admit the lies of race that you have created... There is only one race, the human race... Also, you must admit that I am your big brother and it's time you respect that fact...

When you go against a part of the family you are against us all... Turn back from your evil ways and sin no more... In your fight to be superior, you have only proved how immature and ignorant you are... If you really want to show us something undo what have done and with the same energy, you used to give hate show the people peace... Some will get mad and not understand but that will only be because they have no desire to give up on hate... They will risk the lives of all humans to make their silly points; that at the end of the day mean absolutely nothing...

Once upon a time the so-called black man and woman ruled the world and they gave us 1000 years of knowledge prosperity and peace... You are leading the world now what will you do for the human race or is all you have us is chaos and war??? I got a little off from where I started with this but I will say this then I’m done… You may not like us or you may even hate us but when we ruled the world freedom and knowledge were abundant and people from every land shared wisdom and love…  So you’re the king now little brother; what will be your legacy???

The Orlando Shooting

On the Orlando shooting:

   Now some news sources are reporting the gunmen is a gay Muslim terrorist. Now this story is starting to make no sense. If the shoot was indeed a gay man that would mean this was a gay on gay crime and not the hate crime the gay community has been trying to frame up. If the shooter was apart of the gay scene then that makes this different than what the FBI has been saying as well.

   

   The news source RT has reported the gunmen frequented gay night clubs and they said he also used gay apps to meet people. These facts would suggest we don't have all the facts and we should take a step back. If the man was indeed inspired by terrorist and was acting as a terrorist then that would means the FBI dropped the ball. It has been reported that the FBI interviewed the shooter three times and investigated him twice. If that's the case what was the FBI doing and how did they miss this??? 

   Given what's being reported by the media and the government I'm confused. On one hand they want to say the shooter was a terrorist but on the other hand there seems to be evidence to suggest something else is going on here. Both the government and the LGBT community seem to want to make a political grab to use this tragedy as political canon fire. The FBI and police investigations haven't even been completed and people have already formed opinions.

Now the government will be using this tragedy to push forward their political agenda and I suspect that gay community will do the same. While they fight over corpses of the dead the truth will get lost and we will miss our chance to keep such acts of violence from happening again. We should be working to understand what really happened so we can come up with reasonable solutions that safeguards all peoples rights and give us the security we need. But more than likely we will get emotional and nothing will get solved. 

         

Fùnsho

This month we honor young R&B singer songwriter from our nation’s capital Washington DC. The artist Fùnsho (formerly known as Seph Ade) has a very unique style of music that in keeping with today's music but he takes his concepts to new levels of perfection this is artist has very stylish and captivating music. I have been listening to Fùnsho for about six months and I felt the need to make my readers aware of this hidden talent.

This young artist has amazing vocal range and music talent. All though he has made waves on Youtube doing cover song make no mistake he is an original artist. His published work is wonderful. His first project is entitled Love Acoustically and it is truly beautiful. The album has that classic feel and I know anyone that listens will fall in love with the sound. The entire album is dope but one of my favorites is the track Sweet Lover.

Fùnsho's latest project is entitled S-H-E (Sound Has Emotions) and just like the first album this one is imaginative, inspiring and sexy. The mix of R&B and Hip-Hop on some of the tracks is some of the best work I have heard from a young artist in a while. The track I want to highlight is called Tonight; it is ready for prime time, This project has helped to move this artist forward in his creative abilities and I'm sure it will catch on with the listeners.

Okay I have talked enough and now I leave to allow time to explore this one of a kind artist. I really believe in the talent of this artist and I know if we support him the music will grow and who knows what could happen. Now the official music video for the track "Tonight" I hope you enjoy it and be on the lookout for Fùnsho he is going places

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The New Album by Sengbe Ben Yosef

This mouths artist is our very own Sengbe Ben Yosef, singer songwriter composer, and record label owner.  Since 2009 Sengbe Ben Yosef aka Ridgley Makins has written and composed 7 full albums. People have been calling for the artist to create real music that touches the hearts and imagination of music fans. I believe Sengbe has done just that on each of his previous six albums. Sengbe's latest work, album seven also delivers music that is true to real music and musical creativity. If you have never experienced the work of Sengbe I suggest you get acquainted with this unique artist and his brilliant music.

We talked to Sengbe about his history in music and how he got his started. Sengbe says that he has always loved music since he was a child. Brother Ben also added, "Music has always been a part of my life and I can remember performing as a young boy for my family at family gatherings". Sengbe says he gets his musical talents from his Dad who was a DJ and a member of a small funk and R&B group in his younger years.  We asked Sengbe who taught him how to create music and write songs. Sengbe says: no one really showed me how to make music. “I learned most of what I know from watching musicians and listening to radio”.

Sengbe says if he had to give credit to any one individual or group he would have to credit the local music scene and the native music known as “GoGo”. For those of you who have never heard of GoGo let me take a second to introduce you. GoGo is music local to natives of Washington DC it is a mix of Funk   R&B and Afro-Caribbean music's . He says the raw energy of the music made him want to create music for the people. Sengbe also credits Hip Hop music and all of the wonderful people he met while on his journey to discover his musical identity.  Sengbe  says there are some people he wants to thank for helping him to gain musical knowledge. He says he would like to thank cousins Daniel Marks and Marc R Joy for helping him to grow both as a man and musically. He says he would also like to thank Ezra Greer for the knowledge of formulating music into songs.

We ask Sengbe what he wanted people to get from his music. Sengbe says what he wants is for people to just listen and share his feelings. He says “If someone gets something out of my music and it helps them in a positive way then I thankful for that but my intention is only to share my life through the use of music”.  We asked him what’s next for him and He said he was going to take a break from creating his own music and start helping other young artist to develop their music and skills in the music industry. Sengbe wants to build the first black-owned multi-media conglomerate. He wants to create place where black media is owned and distributed by blacks. Sengbe says it’s a shame so much of music is created by blacks but so little of the industry is owned by the people producing it. He says this is what  he wants to work on and he hopes like-minded people come and help him realize this dream. 

Sengbe Ben Yosef is a one of a kind artist his music needs to be heard.  Drop by one of his sites and try some of what you have been longing for in the industry. Get out and support the new album as well as the music of Sengbe Ben Yosef.       

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Humble Beginnings

 Humble Beginnings

The rebirth of the songwriter

By

Sengbe Ben Yosef

  Spring is here and this month on the blog we have something fresh and new for our readers. The featured artist is the 2015 "Guitar Center" singer-songwriter contest winner. This artist has also appeared on the “Jimmy Kimmel Live” show in January of 2016. When I first heard her sing I was kicking back drinking a glass of wine playing around on that social site that everyone likes so much, you know the one I mean.  At the time, I was wishing I had some sweet tunes to listen too. Just as I was about to cut off my computer for the night I pushed the play button on one last video and the artist Lanita Smith was singing a very moving and soulful song. The track struck a chord with me and so I listened intently, hanging on every note. It sounded so good; I listened, at least, seven or eight more times.  Afterward, I shared it on my timeline so that all my friends could have an opportunity to hear some music that had meaning and soul. 

   Since that night, Lanita has taken her career to new heights. She has expanded her reach in the music world but she is still that humble singer I saw a little more than a year ago. Most people in her position wouldn’t make time for a small little outfit like ours but, Ms. Smith is not like everyone else in the industry. So it gives me great pleasure to be able to present to you a true singer-songwriter that has proven that real talent still outweighs studio gimmicks and public relations hype. Lanita Smith is a brilliant songwriter, a throwback to a time when songwriters used both skill and imagination to compose music that inspired and moved people. Her singing voice is raw but it is very soothing to listen to. When I first heard her, I thought of great live singers like Roberta Flack and India Arie. Even the crackling in her voice has musical charm. I am just happy she took some time out of her busy schedule to answer some questions and share with us more about her talents and her artistry.  

   We began with a bit of Lanita's history and background in music. Lanita has always loved music and from a very young age, she was curious about music. I asked her to tell us more and she replied: “I grew up singing and playing for the children's church choir at my home church. I would say I started to play piano at the age of six. I would always sing at home or with family, but I actually started leading songs at the age of five in church when I was placed in the choir”. Now when I listen to her sing I understand where she gets that soulfulness. As we continued with the interview I would gain more insight as to where she gets her complete soulful sound. Then I asked her if she had any family members who were into music or if any of them played any instruments and Lanita replied, she was the only person in her family that plays an instrument, but she explained that her father and late grandmother were both singers. Her grandmother was a background singer for R&B soul legend Sam Cook and her father (John Perry) sang in a group oversees for years in Germany. Now it was coming full circle and it was clear singing and soul is in Lanita Smith’s DNA. 

   Next we talked about what instruments Ms. Smith plays and the person who first taught her how to play. Lanita said she plays the following instruments, alto saxophone, violin, and acoustic guitar and she also teaches a drum line class. As for her first teacher she replied, “The first person to ever teach me about music was my old pastors’ wife, Mrs. Ferguson. I would always ask her how to play things after church or sit next to her during service and watch her play. She pretty much took me under her wing and helped to groom me.  I remember asking her about different chords and how to play certain things. At the time, it was difficult because I didn't know what I was doing and literally going off of sound and memory. I would go home every Sunday and practice on whatever she would show me just so I would have it down by the time I saw her again ". To close out this line of questions, I asked about any fond memories she had from the past. Lanita said, “My fondest musical memory was playing in my college Pop band Sound Fuzion; we were more like family than a band”.     

   The first song I heard from her was “Listen to Your Heartbeat” and this is also our feature song for our story. I ask the young songwriter to explain the meaning of the song as well as what it takes to write a song like this. Lanita said, “Listen to Your Heartbeat was a song I wrote about a relationship I encountered. The general meaning for the public was no matter what relationship you have with a significant other, friend, sibling, or whomever, things happen but love never changes and the heart will always revert back to what’s real and meant to be”. As for what it takes to write a song like this she says; “It took a lot of soul searching and really tapping into that personal side of Lanita in order to write Listen to Your Heartbeat. I had to make it real to me in order to execute the delivery to others. Once it became a reality to me it was easy to flow and create lyrics because they were real”. I believe Lanita has captured the feeling she was going after. The song is truly wonderful and everyone should listen to it and experience the genius of the song. The Official "Listen To Your Heartbeat" Music Video
 

   Next I turn to what Lanita feels her music is all about and she said: “My music is all about being real and telling stories. I want people to be able to relate and connect when they hear my music. I try to put people in an atmosphere of feeling free and create a way for them to escape. I want my EP to be something where people can press play and let go”. Lanita says: “I don't look to be acknowledged as the one hit wonder; I want to be a singer-songwriter who creates something timeless that will be remembered for all times”. I asked what made her music different and she said “For me, it's not being different; it’s about being real and being you. I want people to get Lanita when they hear my music and I don’t want to be seen as fabricated”. I then asked why she chose the style or way she makes music. To that, she replied, “For me, I just love great music. I have no boundaries when it comes to my music taste because I have true love for music and an openness to accept different styles. Within music I love great stories, awesome hooks, and the artist being real or different. I also like to hear the accompaniment of great sounding instrumentals with songs”. I truly believe that music is the universal language and I embrace that to the fullest. So, I guess to answer your question, I chose music period”.  She says: “it doesn’t really matter the style, as long as it’s good music".         

When asked about another artist that she liked she replied, “I think every artist in my genre is amazing”. She says she definitely likes artist like John Legend, Adele, Torri Kelly, India Arie, Sade, Tracy Chapman, or John Mayer. She said she respected the talent and musicianship of the artists named above.  She also names a few more she has respect for like Robert Glasper or Snarky Puppy. Not only is Lanita Smith a great artist in her own right but she has great taste in music as well. I turned my questions to live performance and the stage and Lanita said she started performing at a young age.  She actually started performing in talent shows as a kid and she was a part of a company called Kidsville USA for a while. She replied, “I was never shy to get up in front of people for some reason, it always came naturally”. She indicated that her most memorable moment was when she performed live on the “Jimmy Kimmel Live” show. Lanita explained what it was like for her on the biggest stage of her career.  She said, “I had a chance to perform my own music in front of an audience of millions. What can really beat that? Every time I think about it I'm still in awe and can't really believe I did it. That definitely was the icing on the cake for me as well as a life-changing experience”. Live On Jimmy Kimmel

   I asked how she handled her everyday life and balanced it all, music, family, and work. From her answer, I got the feeling she was up for whatever life brings her and she doesn't mind working hard and going all out for what she believes in.  Moving forward, she wants to write more and produce more good music for her fans. I asked her about any final thoughts and what she thought about the state of music now. I also asked if she had any final messages for her fans. She replied, “I think people have started to put out more songs now that have meaning behind them and more artist have actually started to become better storytellers. I feel someone always comes along and dares to be different and they raise the bar in music. Music is about evolving and we will constantly evolve. I don't think there is a perfect way, a wrong or right way to do a song; music can be whatever you want it to be. The artist is the creator painting the picture for the audience to see". I believe this young songwriter has the talent and ability to make her name a household name and I am just happy that I had a chance to be a part of the history she is creating. Please support this wonderful artist because it would be a shame if the world did have this music around for generations to come.

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Photo images snipped from Lanita Smith music videos "I Love You" Director - David C Yanez. Also from "Listen to Your Heartbeat" and Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Who Is Trazsh Man

Who Is Trazsh Man

The Concert

Live from the School of Rock in Cherry Hill New Jersey its the "Who is Trazsh Man" concert. South Jersey's own Traszh Man will be live in concert March 18, 2016. The School of Rock presents one of the undergrounds best, live in concert. Don't miss the the return of true MC'in and the rebirth of Hip Hop. Trazsh Man is going to rock the School of Rock. Come out and show love. 

Wanting Weed

Wanting Weed

The Marijuana Take Over

By

Sengbe Ben Yosef

After many years of fighting to legalize marijuana, it seems the proponents of legalizing weed are on the cusp of a huge victory in the fight to legalize marijuana. However, even before they people who have worked the hardest and sacrificed the most can raise their glasses to celebrate, big business looks poised to jump in and take over. The states that have legalized the use of recreational weed, they have seen a boom in their economies and have made large amounts of money. In Colorado, one of the first states to legalize pot for recreational use has already seen the profit of legal weed to the tune of nearly a billion dollars in the first year. If all of the states pondering legalizing marijuana come online the pot business could become a 30 plus billion dollar industry overnight.

Sounds like a win, win situation for everyone involved, right? But it may not look so good when large corporations enter the picture. They have already started looking down states and lawmakers to try to corner the market and shut the small growers out of the game. In my opinion, it would be a tragedy if the people who risked everything to get legalization of the table got pushed out of the pot industry. The prospect of that happening seems totally unfair given the fact that some of these same corporations and their owners may have fought against the small marijuana farmers in the early goings of the fight to legalize weed. I sincerely hope that small businesses are not shut out by the large agricultural companies.  I hope lawmakers work to make sure the little guy can stay in the picture.

Outside of that one issue, I believe that weed could be good for the overall economy of this country especially given the fact that America doesn’t have many homegrown industries left in this country. Just think if lawmakers don’t drop the ball this could be a boost to our struggling economy and a way for smaller business owners to get back some of what was lost during the collapse of Wall Street. This could also be a way back for the American worker and may alleviate some of the fanatical hardships the people have endured over the last few years. I want to see this industry grow and blossom in our struggling economy but if that means it’s going to become one more thing that the masses of the people are shut out of then I don’t want to see it happen. This movement to legalize marijuana needs to stay in the hands of the people who have suffered the most and work the hardest. This industry should not become just another means for business to shut out those whom they deem unworthy.

So legalize marijuana because the people want it and it’s the most responsible thing to do when you consider that the alternative to legalization hasn’t worked. Think of the money that could be made if we execute this properly. Think of all of the jobs that could be created for the people and the lower crime rates because people will have dignified work instead of hopelessness. Think of the courts and law enforcement and all the resources that could be freed up to deal with more pressing issues in our communities. Think for the weekends and less drunken bar fight and more happy times. This is just the opinion of one former pot head and dealer who would like to see a change in this economy for all people. Plus I don’t big business growing my weed.             

The Cornerstone of Freedom

The Cornerstone of Freedom

The fight to save Forestville High School

By

Sengbe Ben Yosef

One of the cornerstones of a free nation should be the proper education of its children. In America, it seems that the education of some children is valued over the education of others. Many like to say that the black and brown community is always playing the race card on every issue, but in many cases, our communities are only playing the cards that we have been dealt. I do not see education as a race issue. I see it as a fundamental right for all citizens without regard to race, creed, or color.

With that said, one cannot overlook certain historical facts about race and education in our country. America has a history of sabotaging and under funding schools that have a core student population of black and brown children. Many years the education system has purposely underfunded schools in the black and brown communities, a tradition that seems to be still here sadly. All over this country, this phenomena, continues even though our government claims that such practices have long since been eliminated in America; however, for those of us on the ground, we know that this is not the case.

Schools in the black and brown communities seem to be on the hit list of some unforeseen force that doesn’t want productive schools in our neighborhoods. One such school that has come under attack recently is Forestville High School located in Prince Georges County, Maryland. This school has been scheduled to close at the end of the school year.  It is a part of a broader plan set forth by the P.G. County government,  along with PGCPS at the bequest of a County hired consultant firm.

The larger plan is to close twenty-nine (29) schools by 2035 according to the “Washington Post” newspaper reports. I can’t help but wonder if the people making the decisions for the residents of Prince Georges County have any vested interest in what happens in the County school system. Why is it always left up to outsiders, i.e., consultants, education experts, etc. to make plans for schools in our districts?

The plan seems to follow the same pattern in our communities. First, they play games with the school districts to offset the true numbers of children that actually live in the district and attend schools in the region.  This is done so that the powers can isolate their targets and soften them up for the kill. Then like clockwork, they under fund those schools identified by the consultants to create a problem where there didn’t have to be one. In the case of Forestville High they did all these things, and even went a step further. They removed the schools military academy, which was the first of its kind in the State of Maryland. According to school advocates, the military academy was a great success and it added value to Forestville High School and the PGCPS system a value that can't be replaced.

This action cut student enrollment, which some parents and alumni say helped to put Forestville High School on the chopping block.   Members of the school’s alumni association have made similar points and have been outspoken about their views on these issues.  At a county school board meeting on February 4, 2016, members of the alumni addressed the board about their concerns, and the education of children in Forestville, Maryland.  But how often have you heard that black and brown people don’t care about the schools in their community? This show of support by the Forestville High Alumni should dispel that myth.

Many people in the community have spoken out and one of those critics of the school board calling for the closing of Forestville has been Kimberly Harley, a longtime resident of Prince Georges County, and alum of the Forestville High School. Ms. Harley and many of her family members have attended Forestville High School, so for people like her, the closing of Forestville High School would be like cutting out a part of their family history.  Nothing preserves a community like family history and the pride that comes with being able to say I grew up on this block and I went to that school. These are the things that make a community whole and worth living in. At the school board meeting, Ms. Harley and others spoke to the school board and the following is some of what Ms. Harley and her fellow alumni had to say:

Ms. Harley spoke to the board for maybe three (3) minutes, but I believe the things she said summed up what school should mean to people and the community at large. Her words brought attention to the real reasons the school should be preserved for generations to come. Kimberly Harley is a shining example of what good schools produce. Kimberly said, “The school has produced doctors, lawyers, politicians, and yes, even P.G. County board members”. She explained to the board her concerns about the military academy being removed and how it has affected the school enrollment. Kimberly also stated, “The school had problems in the past but the school, its students, faculty, parents, and alumni have all helped the school to overcome those issues". Ms. Harley indicated that the school is still a valued part of the community and the lives of the people living in the surrounding areas.

Now, my friends, it is up to you to act. The residents of the Forestville High School community need your help. Together we can make a difference. We can save this landmark High School and its students past, present, and future. Join Kimberly Harley the parents and educators in their fight to save education in their school district. Forestville High School and Forestville Military Academy are pillars in our community, the cornerstones and foundations of all we hold dear in our lives. We should not deny a single child the opportunity to experience all that Forestville High has to offer.

Education is fundamental human right and no one should be denied access to a quality education in their own community. Forestville High School/Forestville Military Academy has so much to offer right now, the school has a nationally ranked girls’ basketball team, nationally ranked Drill Team, County and State ranking Dancers, Football & Basketball organizations. As we speak, the school is still making history and shouldn’t we work to safeguard that history? Friends we have no time to waste we must act now. Please come out and support the Forestville Knights at the next board meeting is scheduled for February 23, 2016, check the school board site for correct times and details.

Save a school and stabilize a community.