Another Legend Lost

In the event of Guru’s untimely death at the hands of Cancer it got me to thinking about the Legends I have loved and lost in my 24 years. Unlike my younger cousins and even younger God-children who are being reared on Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Jedward and other manufactured trash, I had the good fortune of being exposed to good music with soul and real substance. Michael Jackson’s BAD album cover was the first poster on my wall. I remember him before the ridicule, the allegations and the unfortunate descent into madness and obsessive cosmetic surgery. It saddens me that my youngest God-daughter who is 2 this summer will not experience his legacy first hand. This is the same for other Greats of my time whose legacy I have been blessed to witness such as Luther Vandross, Tupac, Aaliyah and more.



Although we currently have superstars in our midst- aside from Mariah, Jay Z and not forgetting his wife (Oh and Whitney of course who already has one foot in the grave) are there any current artists who have real potential to leave a true musical legacy after death?

There are a lot of great artists out there – I could name a dozen from Lauryn Hill to Enya but will we ever see a true Icon such as Michael again in our lifetime? He is quite possibly the biggest artist and icon we have ever known. Will we ever have a pioneering artist lead a musical revolution such as Guru? The music industry today is full of clones and tribute bands who instead of creating something original choose to imitate the greats that paved the way before them. From Nicki Minaj’s 2010 reincarnation of Lil Kim to Lady Gaga’s daring swagger jacking of Grace Jones (who by the way refused to do a collaboration with her for this precise reason). Beyonce was heavily channelling Tina Turner a few years back and even Ne-Yo has been accused of mimicking the late, great MJ (although I can't think of a single male R&B artist who doesnt). We all have idols and role models who inspire us creatively - but who do we look to now for originality?

They say that you should never throw old clothes out of your wardrobe because fashion always comes back full circle. So if this addage is true, I wonder, can the same be applied to music?

I was lucky enough to meet and interview both Guru and his sidekick Solar (who is a grouchy little man) this time last year. Guru was incredible. Like the Oracle he was full of knowledge and wisdom and his innate love for Hip Hop was evident and as strong as ever. It was an honour to have him share a piece of his history with me. We spoke for almost an hour about many things and I reckon we could’ve spoken for hours more had management not kicked me out. Infact, he reminded me of an Uncle I had who would not stop talking if you got him started on a topic he loved (namely Jamaica or Cricket or a fusion of both - the West Indies cricket team ). I remember leaving the interview thinking that that was one of the experiences in my life I would never forget.

Never.

RIP Guru.

TB xx

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The 'Break' I needed...?

Yes that is my leg!

My beautiful 34 inch prized possessions were mauled in a car accident over Easter. I have barely had the will or the energy to write let alone do much else but my friends suggested I blog about the event in a cathartic attempt to find the silver lining in my (mini) tragedy.

I don't remember much about the accident as I fell unconscious shortly after the collision but I was later told that it took 45 minutes to cut me out of the car and that the police had been called to the scene in fear of a fatality. Can you imagine? To think I escaped with a busted ankle is truly a blessing!  My clothes had to be cut off of me (including a new pair of knee high riding boots which I was particularly distraught over)

- even my cutest lace La Perla set was snipped in two! *Nana Berry always warned me as a child to wear clean matching underwear to save embarrassment should I be rushed unexpectedly to hospital and so luckily I was well prepared in the advent of this disaster.*

Of course these things are insignificant in comparison to the bigger picture and can be replaced but still...

a loss is still a loss... no matter how trivial

Whilst in hospital I spent the majority of my days in a sleep induced limbo (courtesy of prescribed codeine and 6 other types of medication that I must take at 8 hour intervals daily). I had no phones and no internet (which aside from the food was the absolute worst thing about being in hospital). I was plagued by thoughts of backlogged emails, scarred legs that may never heal, ingenious ways in which to disguise my black eye and bodily bruises, and of course pending work that just won't do itself. I stressed about the obvious setbacks of being immobile for an exasperating amount of time (my GP reckons 6-8 weeks before I can walk again without aid), I fretted about being sidelined professionally (albeit temporarily) and I cried over the painful realisation that some of the people I thought I could count on in my greatest hour of need could not be counted on at all. 

I also used this time to do some soul searching. Self evaluation is key to growth, and seeing as I've had a lot of time on my hands I took it as the perfect opportunity to evaluate the way I treat myself and others. I found myself asking why I constantly need to be in control and why I feel I must put on a strong font at all times? I wondered if I have been a loyal friend? a supportive cousin? a responsible daughter? a loving girlfriend? Whether people I hold dear are proud of me or disappointed? I questioned whether or not I am deserving of their time, their friendship, their love? 

So many questions, think it would take me another car crash to come up with all the answers.

I have always been a believer. Maybe not so much in the man made constraints of religion and its instruction, but more so in the idea of a higher power greater than ourselves. Although on the surface this accident may seem like a terrrible misfortune, I now look at it as a divine intervention - something unavoidable and fated by the powers that be. I had been putting unnecessary work pressures on myself and neglecting my health in pursuit of success. Now I have no choice but to literally put my feet up and rest (no pun intended.) I had been dividing my time and energy between people and relationships which I now see wasn't beneficial to me. Those who I had given my all to over the years were not the people at my bedside when I was battered, bruised, bleeding and broken. I now know with whom my time should be spent and have made active changes to the circle of people I have around me.

But most importantly I now know my worth - and it's a nice feeling!

So whilst its been tough being in such a visible position of weakness, I refuse to feel sorry for myself or dwell on this "little mishap." I recognise that there are people in our community who will remain at a handicap long after my ankle has healed. Having had first hand insight into how the other half live has given me a new level of respect for those afflicted with disability. Just two weeks ago I could probably find 101 reasons not to be happy and now I have none. Without attempting to come across desperately corny and sentimental I do realise how truly blessed I am to still be here with all my limbs in (relative) tact - despite the dreaded scars.

So whilst it is far from ideal, I firmly believe that breaking my ankle was indeed the 'break' I needed in terms of work, love and life...

Funny how life works out sometimes...

Hugs kisses and Bio oil,

TB x x 

p.s. I'd also like to say thanks to the staff at Kings College Hospital who put me back together again and nursed me back to health. We often neglect our skilled workers who humbly serve thousands of people like myself daily. I will forever be indebted.

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Random Enlightenment

Hey Guys,

Having expressed my frustrations on twitter yesterday about the lack of positive, inspiring and/ or educational tweets in my timeline, I decided to start a section on my blog called “Random Enlightenment”. Every now and then I will post up obscure knowledge bestowed to me in my school days that I have since had no use for (like the process of photosynthesis) and random facts learnt from documentaries and my smarter, well travelled friends (such as there are more pyramids in Peru than in Egypt.)

If you happen to know at least 3 of these facts then good on you. As clichéd as it sounds, knowledge is power and is probably the strongest tool you can equip yourself with on the road to success! It is always good to know a little bit about a lot of things! Plus, if like me you are a bit of a geek and love to learn, you will enjoy the read too!

· The English invented football when kicking around the heads of slaughtered Danish invaders.

· Viagra was originally designed to treat hypertension and angina when its main side effect was discovered

· The largest denomination of legal tender ever used in the United States was the $100,000 bill. It had a picture of Woodrow Wilson on its face and was never circulated to the public

· Given her proportions, if Barbie were a real woman, she would be 7'2" and her measurements would be 38-18-34.

· Technically, bananas are herbs

· Every month that begins on a Sunday will have a Friday the 13th

· The African cicada fly spends 17 years sleeping, then wakes up for two weeks, mates and then dies

· Hugo Boss designed some of the Nazi SS uniforms

· The human eye can detect up to 16.8 million colours

· Earth is the only planet not named after a pagan God

· Earthworms have five hearts

· The Mona Lisa used to hang on the wall of Napoleon’s bedroom

· Ghandi didn't allow his wife to take penicillin to save her life from pneumonia but took quinine to save himself from malaria

· Eating a packet of crisps a day is equivalent to drinking five litres of cooking oil a year

· Walt Disney, the creator of Mickey Mouse, was afraid of mice.

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Can you be happy in an unequal love?

Hi guys!

My brain is literally frazzled! I have had a very trying week – emotionally, financially and otherwise. Every cloud has a silver lining so I know that when my life starts to spiral relentlessly out of control or my karma (the bad sort from errors made when I was young, dumb and generally less of a nice person) boomerang full circle to happy slap me when I’m riding high, I know that I must take it all in stride. Balance will ultimately be restored in the end.

With the stresses of life temporarily weighing me down and my hormones running amok in preparation for my menstrual cycle (TMI – sorry) I have officially become the bitch monster from Hell! Think Naomi Campbell but not in the super model variety. I am a woman on the edge, close to the brink, ready to snap at any given moment over the most minute, irrelevant, nonsensical things. At present I cannot be reasoned with nor appeased as it only serves to aggravate me further. Knowing that I am presently in the foulest mood I’ve been this millennia, I have made a conscious effort to be anti-social in an attempt not to attack, alienate and/ or lose the few friends that I have. This means steering clear of all social networking sites including Blogger, Facebook and (arguably the worst culprit for misguided attacks on strangers) Twitter.

However, something on my Twitter timeline today stirred me out of my resolve, thus inspiring my blog post today! The tweeter in question stated that they had been advised to find a partner who loved them more than they loved said partner.

Based on my own experiences, I commented saying that this approach can only make a person happy for a short while as you will ultimately become unfulfilled, to which the tweeter replied “ a love reciprocated can never be unfulfilled”

After much to and fro I sensed some slight tension so concluded by saying that the unfullfillment will be a result of the imbalance of having someone love you more than you love them. I also expressed my belief that love should be equal and any kind of imbalance defies the central concept of what it is to love. I finished by pointing out the obvious –that allowing someone to love you more than you love them is ultimately hurtful and unfair to that person, which was all very bluntly received.

Having agreed to disagree it got me thinking –  
 Can you truly find happiness and fulfilment in an unequal love?

I mean, just because it didn’t work for me doesn’t mean that it doesn’t work at all right? And just because I don’t agree it doesn’t mean that the person is wrong. I have had men love me with no limit, offer me the world (and then give me half), forsake all others (supposedly) without a church union or a ring and it was happy days. For a while...

I understand the concept of this viewpoint to an extent – but feel that such an action is ultimately a defence mechanism to control the heart. Again, speaking from my own experience, I believe that the thrill of being in love is loving someone with your all. Not at a ratio. There is no better high than loving someone with everything you have and having that passion and intensity equally returned.

Just my opinion...

Anyway, enough of that! I am considering taking up a new hobby to release some of my frustrations and (recent misplaced) tension. A friend suggested kick boxing – I guess that would be a novel way to put my 34 inch legs to good use, but pain endurance is not my forte.

Think I'll pass.

Listening to classic Monica – and feeling better with each harmony

TB x x

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Hard work pays off...

Yes it's true.

I firmly believe that anything worth having is worth working hard for (my Louis V collection is testament to that fact)! However, the plan isn’t to work hard forever. I fully intend to be a lady of (relative) leisure by aged 30 – juggling the maintenance of my 6+ kids whilst balancing a successful business as a freelance writer from home. I may even write a novel one day on a completely remote subject such as Carping (random I know but it was the first thing that came to mind – which is odd because I don’t eat fish and, believe it or not, carping is not as remote a sport as it used to be...)

But for the immediate future grafting is key. Laying a solid foundation will indeed secure my riches in the future. Journalism is probably one of the toughest industries to break into but I’ve managed to wedge my foot firmly in the door through sheer hard work, determination and an unshakeable eye on the prize! As my portfolio grows so does my network of contacts (both equally as valuable as the other) but this doesn’t make the road to success any easier. In fact, I have recently come across obstacles which I thought I’d never have to face (I will revisit this in a later post as it is both a complex story and a political one) all the while knowing that the entertainment industry can be cruel, unforgiving, deceitful, cliquey and tougher than most. It’s all too easy to make enemies without even trying, make mistakes without ever knowing, and (in some cases) give up without even getting yourself on the first step of that success ladder.

Strangely enough, the above doesn’t faze me in the slightest (maybe it’s the Brixtonian in me, lol). My main fear is working so hard that I ultimately deprive myself in other areas – whether it be love, life’s little luxuries, or worst still letting myself go physically...
It’s imperative that you never lose sight of WHY you are working so hard. Otherwise you will never be happy. Nor will you attain the fulfillment that you desire - TB x

With that said I have been taking a long hard look at how much I work. Am I dedicating my time to the right projects? Am I making the best use of all my resources? Am I focusing my energy on things which will substantially benefit me? Or is my exhaustion all in vain?

Recently I have been quite hard on myself in terms of work and my career aspirations (I think I may be punishing myself subconsciously for my holiday in Jamaica where I did absolutely nothing for 3 weeks). I have made recent additions to my portfolio, including interviews with indie songstress and model VV brown

And youngest black female MBE, Justice Williams

*Both of whom are an inspiration in terms of what it means to be a focused and independent woman in 2010*

I also compiled a list of rising stars and people to watch this year...

 

A number of the people on this list have been working relentlessly on their craft for years and, are due to reap the rewards for their work as is karmas way.

I also did a review on UK boyband JLS recently. Their story sums up my entire post in the theory that there really is no short cut to success and that hard work pays off each and everytime.

Before hard work...

After hard work...

Well... pays off eventually... lol

TB x x
P.S. If you would like a FREE (yes, its free) hard copy of all the features mentioned in this post go to http://www.flavourmag.co.uk/ to download a copy or text FSUBS plus your name + address to 87474

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The power of (mis) interpretation

Happy Friday everyone!
A few days ago I wrote a post after watching the documentary below:



By way of example I posted a generic video typical of the hip hop genre which I felt highlighted some of the issues raised in the documentary. Although my bottom was indeed sore from sitting on the fence(my poor attempt at instigating an unbiased debate and flow of opinions) I felt that the key points were missed entirely. The issue was not of how videos are cast, Moonlights individual case or my passion (or lack thereof) for UK hip hop. The central question around the post was:

"Is this a reflection of the way society views us or simply a reflection of the way WE view ourselves?"

to which only a handful of comments (via twitter and FB respectively) addressed.

One of the key skills of a good writer is the ability to cleverly format your words so that the possibility of misinterpretation is reduced and your communication clear. I guess this is something I need to work on in order to perfect my craft as I felt my post was largely misinterpreted. Whilst I agree that everyone is entitled to their preference (just as they are their opinion) and should not be penalised for it, I still maintain that the respective powers that be (artist/ producer etc) within the media/ entertainment industry have a responsibility to promote a varied ideal of beauty - especially in such a multicultural genre such as hip hop. Unfortunately, Hip hop is becoming increasingly generic in both visual and lyrical content which is a shame considering its diverse roots.

- Just my opinion...

Anyway, in following the title theme of the power of words, I thought I’d do a quick post on books I have read recently. *Is that a resounding groan I hear...?*

I try to read at least two books a month otherwise my spelling becomes poor and my grammar slack. I am am a completely un-hinged reading activist. I believe it is so important. My mother was a real bookworm, often turning off the TV in favour of a crime thriller. I think she had an irrational fear that she would end up in a literacy hell somewhere between “yeah bruv” and “innit doh” without her beloved books. I often get asked what I’m reading (to which I always have two answers as I invariably carry 2 books on my person at all times - well depending on the size of my bag) so thought I’d write a post about the two books I have in my bag each month. I’d love it if you guys would leave your recommendations in the comments section or, if you have read any of my recommendations, to leave your thoughts about the book instead.

Just finished reading House of the spirits by Isabel Allende -

As a journalist I am envious of her writing technique and was moved by what an amazing story teller Isabel is. Her narrative is so descriptive and engaging that there is barely any need for dialogue. The story follows three generations of the De Valle’s – A priveliged family, based in Chile. The youngest daughter Clara De Valle has paranormal powers, with the ability to predict the future and move objects without touch. She marries a fiery self made millionaire, Esteban Trueba, who is the main storyteller.

Admittedly, this book is a slow burner. However, Isabel often alludes to dramatic or profound events well before they arise which inevitably holds your interest. On the surface, the book appears to be a whimsical tale of boy meets girl but by the end you are left with a very powerful politic message regarding democracy and freedom. Seeing as Isabel is the daughter of former diplomat and Ambassador of Chile, it is rumoured that her works fraw on her own experiences growing up in a politically charged household. I give it 5 stars!

 

Currently reading Ancestors by Paul Crookes -

I’m only a third of the way through this book but it’s been quite a good read thus far. After 13 years of tracing his ancestral heritage Paul Cooke’s journey took him to the slave ships off the Gold Coast of Africa which is where the book begins. Two slaves who bond onboard a ship to the western land are sold only to be reunited later through their ancestors. I found the initial few chapters difficult to read as the ill treatment and suffering aboard the slave ships were highly descriptive. However, it is proving to be an enjoyable read and has made me all that more curious about my own family roots. Although ‘Ancestors’ is Paul’s attempt to reconstruct his lost family lineage, this is a fictional novel based loosely on his family history. I give it 3 stars with the flexibility to gain half a star more depending on the ending!

As always feel free to comment and/ or subscribe. I am really looking forward to this weekend. My girl Nics is finally back from her holiday in Trinidad and I’ve missed her loads! We are going to get up to all sorts this weekend which no doubt will NOT be documented...

Listening to Calvin Harris - always gets me in the weekend mood!

Have a good one guys,

 x x


 

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Complexion Obsession?

A good friend of mine over at Urban XL sent me the new video for their main artist Moonlight – entitled “Call Me”. Now I am not a fan of UK Hip Hop on the whole – the PS2 made beats and pseudo American dialect/ twang actually makes me cringe. I don’t live in a council estate, do any type of “skank”, wear Nike trainers and gold chains (apologies for the gross generalisation, but I am aware the majority of UK Hip hop is not targeted at my demographic, whether it be in terms of age, lifestyle or otherwise) so it’s safe to say I am not a fan and usually dread the endless mix tapes that come my way because a)I’m not interested and b) I am not an A&R so sending me these things really is pretty pointless.

However, I was pleasantly surprised by Moonlight’s efforts. The video (shot in Puerto Rico if you please, not Acton town) was incredibly polished and looked like money well spent. The production was really quite good and reminded me of the type of beats that American counterparts would use. Moonlight’s delivery was strong and had a distinct UK sound which I liked. All in all a good video, a good track and I’m grateful that when I told my friend that I thought it was dope I didn’t have to lie. Lol.

One thing that did stand out to me though was the choice of models featured. They are noticeably of better pedigree than what we are accustomed to here in the UK. But I was disappointed to note that once again there weren’t any darker ladies featured in the video.



Now I don’t want to take anything away from these ladies as they are all beautiful in their own right, particularly the lead. But it is a constant bone of contention within the industry that artists and directors prefer to use a light-skin long haired female as opposed to a brown/dark-skinned short hair one.

True or false?

I stumbled across this clip on Joy Daily TV entitled complexion obsession which is a documentary about what society deems beautiful in regards to black woman and how this is conveyed in the entertainmnent industry. You’ll recognise a lot of famous faces – rappers, models and producers alike who all give their take on the subject. Some excerpts are below:

"It’s pretty obvious that there is a preference to light skin women" – Melissa Ford

"From the beginning of time light skin girls get more respect than the black girls. That’s because light skin is closer to white and white holds the power in this country..."- Cassidy

"The Hip hop market is so multi-cultural – if you use a light skin girl she can go for Spanish, Dominican, latino, Italian... there’s so many multi racial markets you can hit just off of one girl..." - Dollicia Bryan

"Girls lie all the time about their breakdown and where their from because they now that will ensure them getting a job..." -Editor show mag


At first glance I’m inclined to agree with Dollicia – it seems that on the surface using a lighter model is nothing more than a savvy marketing tool. Yes, the ratio of darker female leads to light ones in largely disproportionate but it seems to make good business sense. Or does it? We all remember the uproar when Jeremiah cast a Caucasian lead for his debut smash “Birthday sex”. UK artist Taio Cruz has also received similar backlash. It begs the question; Are you more beautiful because your nose is a little smaller? Your hair a little softer, longer? Your complexion a little lighter? Do your exoctic features make you a more bankable asset? Do these genetic attributes give you an advantage over other females in both career and love?

Is this a reflection of the way society views us or simply a reflection of the way we view ourselves?

I’d be interested to know your thoughts....

Anyway, I’ve posted the Moonlight video below – I would be interested to know if you guys share my enthusiasm for this track. Although there are few UK artists that I listen to (mainly due to the type of music I like e.g. neo soul and revival) I will support those who I believe are truly good artists with potential. The music scene in the UK isn’t great so we must get behind those artists who bring good music to the fore.



Listening to “Fronting” by Pharrell Williams - a great track, a great video, and a stunning leading lady.

TB x x

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