For all my Gryffindors out there (Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs too, Slytherins get no love around these parts).

This book series changed my life. I read every single installment in 3 days or less; I legitimately could not tear myself away from a new copy's pages once it's sturdy spine graced my fingertips. Can't wait for this movie!

Need some heartbreak repellant.

Good morning' ya'll. Not currently in the best of moods, please keep me in prayer. It's flabbergasting to me how selfish some human beings can be. So sad. I'm kinda wishing that I kept it gangsta like my man MJ when he straight-up told Billie Jean "You are not my lover, shorty. Fall back." Or...something to that effect. I might be projecting a bit. Oh well.

Anyways, Aloe Blacc mashes the cover. Enjoy!

Letting the strings speak

I'm fascinated by moments in cultural history like the one above. Since I was a little boy , I've always heard mixed reviews about Farrakhan. To some he's manipulative demagogue, to others an undervalued hero, and to all, arguably, a voice that cannot be ignored.

I was pretty familiar with Louis Farrakhan the orator. I was far less familiar with Farrakhan the violinist. What a beautiful thing it is to be surprised.

Shouts to Chinaka for the link :-)

Props to Pops

Hadn't watched this video in a while. Figured in honor of Father's Day (I know I'm late, leave me alone) I had to put it up. Daniel Beatty remains one of my models for where I need my stage performance to get one day, and "Knock, Knock" is a bonafide classic.

Shouts to all the fathers brave enough to be the spine of their household, strong enough to fight every day against a world that says every day that they are not enough.

P.S.

I love you, Dad. Thanks for coming home.

Didn't know cats were freestyling in offices now. Dope!

Chiddy Bang - Translation Freestyle from Kibber Films/Jackpot in the West on Vimeo.

Got a lot of love for Chiddy Bang, ya'll. Stellar production, creative rhymes, unmistakably youthful feel to the music. In a moment where the "bang bang shoot em up" genre of rap is still holding on but certainly weakening its vicegrip on the airwaves, it's good to know that cats like Chiddy and Xaphoon are there to fill in the gap. Enjoy!

The oh-so-necessary World Cup Post

Figured with it being World Cup season I should put this clip up. I remember reading an article when I was a little boy about how Pele used to play soccer with a ball made from socks. Talk about adversity breeding champions...

The freshness of Anton Chekhov

This man is the reason I first wanted to become an academic 5 years ago while reading "Race Matters" on the way to school. A lot has changed since then (and I've been back and forth about pursuing academia as a full-time career) but what remains unchanged is my admiration for Cornel's ability to make theory, and theorists, accessible for anyone with a desire to listen. The way he talks about style, both in a general sense and from a broader perspective, is absolutely on-point. How many brothas you know cite Chekhov as their primary sartorial influence? C'mon son!

When I did my "admitted students" visit at Princeton this past year, I bumped into Cornel on my way to the bathroom. He was incredibly kind, and seemed thoroughly interested in knowing whether or not I was coming to Princeton. I told him I was still deciding. He said he would pray for me. Not gonna lie, I took that as a sign. Hopefully, the Lord will anoint my time there in the future. Beyond excited to get this part of my life on the way.

You are such a lady...

I've liked everything I've come across from BJ The Chicago Kid. I rarely if ever (actually never) include mp3s with my posts, but this cat is ill enough where I feel like we may have to step the game up over here at Bruce and Carrie's Son. I grew up listening to Motown, and as a lifelong fan of the classics its clear to me that there's a heavy old-school soul influence on his style. Flat out, BJ can saaang.

Doing a D'Angelo cover, and then throwing in a line about turkey bacon? Magic.

Download the Chicago Kid Lady Lady 2010 2dope mp3

August's Own

August Wilson is the GOAT. Peep this clip of Mr. Washington absolutely crushing his monologue. Definitely trying to see "Fences" before the summer is over. As it stands, "In The Heights" and "The Color Purple" are the only Broadway plays I can recall seeing, and I would love to add a classic like "Fences" to the list. Let's make it happen!

Focused...

Gotta give it up for quality pop music. As the reigning heartbreak king of the clique, this track really strikes a chord. No more searching for love (not the temporary kind at least).

I'm in super grind mode. Every day, either reading a chapter of a book or writing a song/poem/story.

"Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."-James 4:14

No time to waste.

My role model

Found this, and it made my week. back before my growth spurt or poetry slams, seeing Carlton (fictional character he was) made me feel not so bad about always being the nerdy Black dude in the room. I also officially have this dance down pat. Took me about 20 years, but I eventually got there. Shouts out to progress!

This video left me, well, you know.

OK, I know I was hyping up Janelle Monae a couple of weeks ago. My love for the reigning queen of afropop-soul-rock-hop still stands firm. Can't lie, though. I would pay very good money to see Lady Gaga perform live. All of a sudden, I simply can't help but watch her live performances online. Haven't been disappointed yet.

Jaden Smith who?

Just came across this clip today. Wayne Dalglish is/was a beast. This video, from what I can tell, is at least 8 years old.

Hats off to the young man for the unbridled passion and clear work ethic. Makes me want to step my stage presence up.