Lately, I have not bought into my own advice.
I am an advocate of chasing dreams, maintaining hope, and persevering despite current circumstances, but I have been in a funk since my last blog post.
I found myself wanting to have a career as a writer more than I wanted air. My heart ached every morning as I placed my feet on my bedroom floor to begin a day and a life that did not correlate with the dreams I had just a few years ago as a teenager.
I felt like a failure, and my excessively rough work days were doing a number to my self esteem.
Yesterday, I was reading some of my favorite poetry and I ran across the late, great Langston Hughes. One of the greats of the Harlem Renaissance movement, I have always admired and adored every written word associated with him.
I read the following poem by him (all rights reserved to the owner):
A Dream Deferred
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
I took a look at my dream: to be a writer for a living. Was my dream truly deferred, or was it just taking time to manifest. I realized the latter was true. No, I was not there yet, but because I blog, write poetry, and do some freelance writing, I had not let my dream die. It was simply beginning to grow.
But, the more I focus my energy on what I have not accomplished and my dissatisfaction career-wise, my dream would suffocate and die amidst anger, frustration, and self-doubt.
We need to give ourselves credit for the small victories in life. No, we may not have the big prize yet, but every step forward is commendable!
Love Poetry,
-T. Amour
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Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
5 Female Artists You Need on Your Ipod
Approximately once every 3-4 months, I experience a burst of feminista energy. Yes, I am bold and relatively fearless on a daily basis, but this energy transcends the typical confidence I have in myself as a woman. I march into my predominately male job with my head held a little higher and with my shoulders a bit more squared. I make awesome to-do lists and I accomplish almost everything on my list and then some. Basically, I rule in every way imaginable.
In the midst of my "I'm Every Woman" mindset, I have a go-to list of female artists I listen to for inspiration. These women are confident, charismatic, and cold-blooded when necessary. No, you make not see them plastered all over your television screen or dominating the airwaves. They unapologetically remain true to their craft and this is why I love them.
Here are five fearless female artists you need on your Ipod:
Now that you know who my go-to girls are, I'm going to continue working on my list of goals I need to accomplish before 2012 comes to an end. Cheers to bring your dreams to fruition!
*Don't worry guys, I have something coming for you soon!*
Love Confidence,
-T. Amour
In the midst of my "I'm Every Woman" mindset, I have a go-to list of female artists I listen to for inspiration. These women are confident, charismatic, and cold-blooded when necessary. No, you make not see them plastered all over your television screen or dominating the airwaves. They unapologetically remain true to their craft and this is why I love them.
Here are five fearless female artists you need on your Ipod:
- Jhene Aiko
- Back during the B2K craze in the early 2000s, Jhene was the female background voice and pretty face closely associated with the group. Since their decline, Jhene has forged an impressive indie path of her own.
- In 2011, she release a mixtape, Sailing Soul, an introspective, moody, and emotionally charged compilation of Aiko's inner thoughts. Her sugary voice is laced with defiance and confidence whether she is leaving an ex in the dust or seducing her new lover
- Her upcoming album, Souled Out, is due out sometime this year. Check out "2 Seconds" here *all rights reserved to creator of the video*:
- Mya
- Mya has and will always be one of my favorite artists. EVER. A skilled tap dancer, Mya came on the music scene in 1998 with majah attitude in her first single "It's All About Me". Keeping it sexy, yet classy, Mya enjoyed a string of mainstream hits, including "Free" and "My Love is Like...Whoa".
- Since the release of Moodring in 2003, Mya has taken charge of her career. She has enjoyed success in the Japanese music market, started her OWN record label, and is making music on her own terms. She connects and interacts with her fans closely on Twitter, often sharing inspirational passages and encouraging others to bring their dreams to fruition.
- Her most recent release, K.I.S.S., is available in the US and is amazing. Mya's signature "lady in the streets, but dominating in the sheets" is still in full effect. Also check out her mixtape "Beauty & The Streets Vol. 1
- This is one of my favorite songs off of K.I.S.S. *all rights reserved to creator of the video*:
- Elle Varner
- A newcomer to the scene, Elle Varner is a refreshing voice to hear amongst mainstream female artists. A pianist, guitarist, flutist, and KILLER vocalist, Elle released her debut single in Fall 2011, "Only Wanna Give it to You". Since then, her star power has been on the rise.
- Her debut album, Perfectly Imperfect, is slated for a 08/07/2012 release and will be featured on my blog. I think my favorite song will be "So Fly", a record about accepting yourself for who you are (after a bit of lamenting about your flaws). Hear it here *all rights reserved to owner*:
- Jill Scott
- Oh Jilly from Philly, how I love you so. You are the epitome of an amazing, intelligent, and creative woman. Every since her first single "Gettin' In the Way" in 2000, it didn't take long before we all figured out the question her debut album posed: Who is Jill Scott?
- An accomplished poet and gifted singer-songwriter, Jill Scott has experienced the heights of commercial success without compromising her musical and personal integrity. Her voice is rich and expressive, channeling R&B/soul divas from past lifetimes and injecting a raw emotion that grips your heart and refuses to let go.
- Although I love virtually anything that comes out of her mouth, my songs for this week are "Golden" and her latest single (from album The Light of the Sun) "Blessed". You can't be in a bad mood and listen to these songs! Here is "Blessed" *all rights reserved to the respective owners*
- Melanie Fiona
- O Canada, thank you for letting us experience Melanie Fiona. Melanie is a true R&B diva who released her debut, The Bridge, in 2009. Her critically-acclaimed debut was largely fueled by the popular angst-driven single "It Kills Me" and the woman-in-charge single "Give it to Me Right" (my personal anthem). Melanie has been on fire since then!
- Her sophomore effort, The MF Life, celebrates the ups and downs of being a woman. Overall, it sounds like there are more ups than downs in her musical atmosphere.
- Here is my anthem :) *all rights reserved to the respective owners
Now that you know who my go-to girls are, I'm going to continue working on my list of goals I need to accomplish before 2012 comes to an end. Cheers to bring your dreams to fruition!
*Don't worry guys, I have something coming for you soon!*
Love Confidence,
-T. Amour
Sunday, July 8, 2012
BET Awards, Frank Ocean, and other happenings
Hi Guys!
This past week has certainly been a busy one, both on the music front and personally (for me).
As you know, the BET Awards were last Sunday and I did get to watch it in its entirety. I will admit, I am not a big BET fan. There is not enough music on a so-called music channel and the music you do see lacks variety (in my opinion). But, after hearing about a Whitney Houston tribute, a Melanie Fiona performance, and a comeback performance from D'Angelo, I gave BET my undivided attention for about 3.5 hours.
Overall, the show was what I expected it to be: a little ratchetness, a little gospel, and a ton of wth moments! The moments I waited for did not disappoint. D'Angelo sounded EXACTLY like he sounded back in the 90s and I will be checking for him on tour!
Melanie Fiona looked and sounded amazing. She is not a household name quite yet, but I think her performance woke up a few people who have been sleeping on her :)
The best moment of all was, of course, the Whitney tribute. BET may get some things wrong, but they sure knew what they were doing when they put this tribute together. Monica and Brandy, both mentored by Whitney and mega stars in their own right, STOLE THE SHOW. Monica had me in tears and Brandy showed everyone just how powerhouse her smoky vocals truly are.
But, when Whitney's momma came out and sang (yes SANG), everyone was done. Soulja Boy, Beyonce, and majority of the people at the awards and at home were in tears. I think I saw Kanye and Jay-Z holding back tears... Peace and blessings to them all.
Now, about Frank Ocean. For those of you who don't know who he is, Frank is a rising R&B star who is affiliated with Odd Future, Tyler The Creator's label. Still lost?? It's okay, Google him!!
Anyway, his debut CD is slated for a 07/17 release, and he shocked quite a few people in the R&B/hip-hop circle by posting intimate details about his first love on Tumblr. Why are people shocked? Because his first love was another man.
Here is what I think. I think Frank Ocean is incredibly brave. Regardless on how I or anyone else feels about the LGBT community, we have to admit that he was very brave to be so honest about his sexuality, especially when he is apart of a community that largely frowns upon "being gay". And, as far as I am concerned, his sexuality is none of my business and has no affiliation with his musical genius. Will the music community stand behind Mr. Ocean? Only time will tell. But, I will tell you this...hate and judgement never wins. There ya go....
What else is new? Chris Brown has a new CD out and I will take a listen and have some commentary on it. I am working on a blog post about him, so look for it!
Prayers up for Rihanna (she lost her gran-gran Dolly last weekend) and Usher (he is going through a bitter divorce and now his former stepson is in critical condition after a 4th of July accident).
Trey Songz is heating up the music scene with two new releases from his upcoming album, Chapter V. "Dive In", a sexy signature Trey Songz record, and "Simply Amazing", another record where Trey steps outside of the box people LOVE to place him in, are both great records. I'm excited about Chapter V...this is going to be a CD full of hits!! Release date: 08/21/2012.
Love you,
-T. Amour
This past week has certainly been a busy one, both on the music front and personally (for me).
As you know, the BET Awards were last Sunday and I did get to watch it in its entirety. I will admit, I am not a big BET fan. There is not enough music on a so-called music channel and the music you do see lacks variety (in my opinion). But, after hearing about a Whitney Houston tribute, a Melanie Fiona performance, and a comeback performance from D'Angelo, I gave BET my undivided attention for about 3.5 hours.
Overall, the show was what I expected it to be: a little ratchetness, a little gospel, and a ton of wth moments! The moments I waited for did not disappoint. D'Angelo sounded EXACTLY like he sounded back in the 90s and I will be checking for him on tour!
Melanie Fiona looked and sounded amazing. She is not a household name quite yet, but I think her performance woke up a few people who have been sleeping on her :)
The best moment of all was, of course, the Whitney tribute. BET may get some things wrong, but they sure knew what they were doing when they put this tribute together. Monica and Brandy, both mentored by Whitney and mega stars in their own right, STOLE THE SHOW. Monica had me in tears and Brandy showed everyone just how powerhouse her smoky vocals truly are.
But, when Whitney's momma came out and sang (yes SANG), everyone was done. Soulja Boy, Beyonce, and majority of the people at the awards and at home were in tears. I think I saw Kanye and Jay-Z holding back tears... Peace and blessings to them all.
Now, about Frank Ocean. For those of you who don't know who he is, Frank is a rising R&B star who is affiliated with Odd Future, Tyler The Creator's label. Still lost?? It's okay, Google him!!
Anyway, his debut CD is slated for a 07/17 release, and he shocked quite a few people in the R&B/hip-hop circle by posting intimate details about his first love on Tumblr. Why are people shocked? Because his first love was another man.
Here is what I think. I think Frank Ocean is incredibly brave. Regardless on how I or anyone else feels about the LGBT community, we have to admit that he was very brave to be so honest about his sexuality, especially when he is apart of a community that largely frowns upon "being gay". And, as far as I am concerned, his sexuality is none of my business and has no affiliation with his musical genius. Will the music community stand behind Mr. Ocean? Only time will tell. But, I will tell you this...hate and judgement never wins. There ya go....
What else is new? Chris Brown has a new CD out and I will take a listen and have some commentary on it. I am working on a blog post about him, so look for it!
Prayers up for Rihanna (she lost her gran-gran Dolly last weekend) and Usher (he is going through a bitter divorce and now his former stepson is in critical condition after a 4th of July accident).
Trey Songz is heating up the music scene with two new releases from his upcoming album, Chapter V. "Dive In", a sexy signature Trey Songz record, and "Simply Amazing", another record where Trey steps outside of the box people LOVE to place him in, are both great records. I'm excited about Chapter V...this is going to be a CD full of hits!! Release date: 08/21/2012.
Love you,
-T. Amour
Sunday, July 1, 2012
My Album Review: Usher - Looking for Myself
Usher Raymond IV, better known simply as Usher, has been one of the hottest and brightest stars in music since the mid 90s as a baby-faced teen. His musical career has experienced astounding highs (ie Confessions) and very few, if any, lows. Just when you think Usher is getting "too old" or you think his career is done, my man reinvents himself. He has cemented his own place in music history as one of the best selling artists of ALL time and he is not going anywhere anytime soon.
On June 8th, 2012, Usher released his latest effort, Looking for Myself. If Usher is truly looking for himself musically, then he has a lot of places on look on this album. An eclectic gumbo of hip-hop, pop, techno, and other musical elements, L4M has something for everyone. Usher manages to take his signature sounds and stretch them to appeal to a plethora of musical palates.
I have a confession to make (no pun intended). I had to listen to a few songs more than once to decide how I felt about them. I have a very open mind when it comes to music, but Usher represents a certain "figure" in my mind. I've always known and expected his capacity to change, but I wasn't quite ready for Looking for Myself. But, I found the more I listened, the more I liked who Usher is becoming. I can't speak for him on a personal front, but musically, he is not lost, but beginning a new and exciting journey.
Here is a track-by-track look at Usher's latest! Please note, these are my opinions and my review does not include the bonus tracks. You have to listen for yourself :)
*Like my brain, the songs are all out of order. Welcome to my world!*
"Looking for Myself"
When I buy an album, if there is a title track, I head there first. My expectation is that the song will give me an overall feel for the album. In Usher's case, this is a true statement. Featuring great production by Rico Love (he's amazing), there is a 80s feel to this song. Usher's vocals blend seamlessly with the laid-back beat and he, along with Luke Steele, create an infectious tune. ***5 snaps***
"Numb"
Remember when I said I had to listen to some tracks several times to get a feel for them? For me, this was one of them. The first time I listened, I wasn't sure how I felt about this song. But, I think I like it...yeah, I like it. Not the best song on the album, but certainly not a bad song either. ***3 snaps***
"Lesson for the Lover" -
This one's a winner. For the fans who love "classic" Usher, add this one to your playlist when its time to...play ;). This tune is sexy, dark, and brooding...Iwant need a video for this song. Rico Love did his thang on the production front once again!! ***5 snaps***
"Sins of my Father"
This track sounds like something I have never heard before. How can I describe it? It is....a 60s sound meeting a Caribbean vibe. Usher plays a scorned, bitter son (and overall man) well on this one. A surprise like from me. ***4 snaps***
"Euphoria"
Some things are not for everyone. I am not sure how I feel about this song. This one may grow on me....so I don't want to rate it unfairly.
"Can't Stop Won't Stop"
I have mixed feeling about this one. One one hand, this my new guilty pleasure. There is a perfect blend of Usher's R&B roots with a techno pop twist. There is a bit of overproduction vocally, in my opinion. I have never been a huge fan of Usher with auto tune. He doesn't need it. Only people who have no vocal talent do. Otherwise, this is a great song! ***4 snaps***
"Scream"
This. Is. Addictive. I need this joint like AC in the NC summer time. Love it! ***5 snaps***
"Climax" -
Amazing production by diplo. You can't lose with Usher and diplo on the same song. It is not physically possible. This one tears at my heartstrings and brings back memories of past love. Classic. ***5 snaps***
"I Care for You"
HOT HOT HAWT HAUTE...however you want to spell it. Usher snapped on this song (in a good way). There is a healthy helping of pop and techno with a dubstep beat backdrop. Who produced it? Danja!! Nothing more to be said. Easily one of my favorites on the article! ***5 snaps***
"Show me"
I love Usher Raymond, but not this song. But hey, no one likes everything...decide for yourself! ***2 snaps***
"Twisted"
Usher took a page out of Raphael Saadiq's book (which is one hell of a musical masterpiece). What an amazing sound delivered by the incomparable Pharell. Welcome back Pharell!! ***5 snaps***
"Dive"
Very 8701-ish ....love it. Rico Love does it again. He's my new fav producer. Not that he has to work hard when working with a vet like Ush. ***5 stars***
"What Happened to You"
Lyrically, this is my favorite song on the album. Usher gets all introspective and moody as he opens the windows and doors to his inner thoughts. Is he lamenting for an certain famous ex? IDK..I don't like to start rumors LOL ***4 stars***
"Lemme See"
Of course, every album has to have the song with urban appeal and mainstream radio play. This is this song. Not a Rick Ross fan, so he takes away some of the appeal of the song for me. But, Usher is a king when it comes to club music, and he does it again!! ***4 stars***
Overall, this is a very solid album from Usher. Did we really expect anything different?? Usher's voice has never sounded stronger, he's musically focused, and I smell a new tour coming up.
Congrats and continued success to Usher Raymond!
*This pic is from Usher's 2010 OMG tour...taken in Greensboro, NC by yours truly*
Love Usher,
-T. Amour
On June 8th, 2012, Usher released his latest effort, Looking for Myself. If Usher is truly looking for himself musically, then he has a lot of places on look on this album. An eclectic gumbo of hip-hop, pop, techno, and other musical elements, L4M has something for everyone. Usher manages to take his signature sounds and stretch them to appeal to a plethora of musical palates.
I have a confession to make (no pun intended). I had to listen to a few songs more than once to decide how I felt about them. I have a very open mind when it comes to music, but Usher represents a certain "figure" in my mind. I've always known and expected his capacity to change, but I wasn't quite ready for Looking for Myself. But, I found the more I listened, the more I liked who Usher is becoming. I can't speak for him on a personal front, but musically, he is not lost, but beginning a new and exciting journey.
Here is a track-by-track look at Usher's latest! Please note, these are my opinions and my review does not include the bonus tracks. You have to listen for yourself :)
*Like my brain, the songs are all out of order. Welcome to my world!*
"Looking for Myself"
When I buy an album, if there is a title track, I head there first. My expectation is that the song will give me an overall feel for the album. In Usher's case, this is a true statement. Featuring great production by Rico Love (he's amazing), there is a 80s feel to this song. Usher's vocals blend seamlessly with the laid-back beat and he, along with Luke Steele, create an infectious tune. ***5 snaps***
"Numb"
Remember when I said I had to listen to some tracks several times to get a feel for them? For me, this was one of them. The first time I listened, I wasn't sure how I felt about this song. But, I think I like it...yeah, I like it. Not the best song on the album, but certainly not a bad song either. ***3 snaps***
"Lesson for the Lover" -
This one's a winner. For the fans who love "classic" Usher, add this one to your playlist when its time to...play ;). This tune is sexy, dark, and brooding...I
"Sins of my Father"
This track sounds like something I have never heard before. How can I describe it? It is....a 60s sound meeting a Caribbean vibe. Usher plays a scorned, bitter son (and overall man) well on this one. A surprise like from me. ***4 snaps***
"Euphoria"
Some things are not for everyone. I am not sure how I feel about this song. This one may grow on me....so I don't want to rate it unfairly.
"Can't Stop Won't Stop"
I have mixed feeling about this one. One one hand, this my new guilty pleasure. There is a perfect blend of Usher's R&B roots with a techno pop twist. There is a bit of overproduction vocally, in my opinion. I have never been a huge fan of Usher with auto tune. He doesn't need it. Only people who have no vocal talent do. Otherwise, this is a great song! ***4 snaps***
"Scream"
This. Is. Addictive. I need this joint like AC in the NC summer time. Love it! ***5 snaps***
"Climax" -
Amazing production by diplo. You can't lose with Usher and diplo on the same song. It is not physically possible. This one tears at my heartstrings and brings back memories of past love. Classic. ***5 snaps***
"I Care for You"
HOT HOT HAWT HAUTE...however you want to spell it. Usher snapped on this song (in a good way). There is a healthy helping of pop and techno with a dubstep beat backdrop. Who produced it? Danja!! Nothing more to be said. Easily one of my favorites on the article! ***5 snaps***
"Show me"
I love Usher Raymond, but not this song. But hey, no one likes everything...decide for yourself! ***2 snaps***
"Twisted"
Usher took a page out of Raphael Saadiq's book (which is one hell of a musical masterpiece). What an amazing sound delivered by the incomparable Pharell. Welcome back Pharell!! ***5 snaps***
"Dive"
Very 8701-ish ....love it. Rico Love does it again. He's my new fav producer. Not that he has to work hard when working with a vet like Ush. ***5 stars***
"What Happened to You"
Lyrically, this is my favorite song on the album. Usher gets all introspective and moody as he opens the windows and doors to his inner thoughts. Is he lamenting for an certain famous ex? IDK..I don't like to start rumors LOL ***4 stars***
"Lemme See"
Of course, every album has to have the song with urban appeal and mainstream radio play. This is this song. Not a Rick Ross fan, so he takes away some of the appeal of the song for me. But, Usher is a king when it comes to club music, and he does it again!! ***4 stars***
Overall, this is a very solid album from Usher. Did we really expect anything different?? Usher's voice has never sounded stronger, he's musically focused, and I smell a new tour coming up.
Congrats and continued success to Usher Raymond!
*This pic is from Usher's 2010 OMG tour...taken in Greensboro, NC by yours truly*
Love Usher,
-T. Amour
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