Music Mondays: Luther Vandross - Anyone Who Had a Heart.

“Anyone who had a heart/ Would take me in her arms/ And love me too”. I heard those lyrics when I was around 8 or 9 years old. I found an old tape that my Grandparents owned and I was going to put paper inside the wholes at the top and record over it. Y’all remember recording over your parents tapes? I am still paying them back for it. Well, I pushed play and I heard a sweet voice; it was Luther Vandross! It was love at first sound. What touched me as a child were love songs, lyrics of love, pain, longing, yearning, and joy. What I now understand is that is the heart of a romantic. Romantic or The Lover, I was too young to understand this pull on my subconscious, but there I was listening to this sad love song. It reminded me of my personal life. How could my parents say they love me and leave? “You couldn’t really have a heart and hurt me like you hurt me and be so untrue”, as Lutha says. So the longing began. The need to be recused and fantasy flooded my mind of a better day and the perfect love. Love songs allowed me to escape a deeply emotional, scared, sad, and abandoned childhood. Of course I had wonderful Grandparents who raised me and I wouldn’t change my life experience for the world. But that’s not what this is about. This is the truth. My love story, not censored. My love story is a story about pain and redemption; to be whole, broken, and whole again.

To understand the life of the romantic you have to first go into their childhood. You have to look at the lover’s first heart break, the feeling of loss and despair. How could someone who loves love be so sad? It’s the complexity of the romantic. But also a beautiful reflection of life itself! To fully love life we have to learn to embrace both good and bad. To be fulfilled as human beings we must see our dark/shadow and light within ourselves. Being able to accept this paradox is what makes us whole!

When you listen to “Anyone Who Has a Heart” you enter the life of a true romantic. “Knowing I love you so” Luther sings. To still love and commit to a relationship that is damaging to your soul. To be able to let go, a constant struggle for the romantic! The hurt and abandoned that sums up the lyrics at the end of the song, “No one is going to make you feel the way I do”. My goodness… Below is one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite singers. Enjoy!

Music Mondays: Donny Hathaway - This Christmas and The Jackson 5 - Give Love On Christmas Day

In 1991 I discovered records. Now, my Grandmother collected records before I was born and I seen them in our home throughout my childhood. But up until I was 13 I had no desire to listen to records. The Christmas season arrived and my Grandmother went into her collection and played her records. I remember hearing Donny Hathaway for the first time, then she played the Jackson 5 and I was excited to hear Michael Jackson as a kid. When everyone was tired of hearing Christmas songs I would sit in front of the stereo with my Grandfathers headphones on and listen to music over and over. So when I hear The Jackson 5 Christmas or Donny Hathaway my childhood flashes before me. Today I wanted to share my favorite Christmas songs with you. I hope to share a little Holiday cheer! Enjoy….

Music Mondays: The Internet - You Don't Even Know ft Tay Walker

To stick with the theme of setting the mood I have another song to add to your catalog. This group is called The Internet. The entire album is filled with songs about love and making love, truly one of my favorite albums of the year.

The sensual ballad “You Don’t Even Know” starts off with the Syd singing, “You’re beautiful, you brighten up my day/ And when your skin touches mine/ I get goose bumps right away”. I swoon every time I hear that line. It is the simple gesture of saying a women is beautiful sometimes is all she needs to hear by the man she adores. That then opens up the door to so much more.

For those who are single like me this is an exciting time. Now that we are in the Fall season and the weather has gotten cold, it’s time to warm your heart with a new lover. This is what some know as “cuffing season”. This is when a man and a woman spend quality time together, hoping to build something great together. Once you’re blessed to have met that special someone you have to have your theme music! Enjoy…

Music Mondays: The Foreign Exchange - So What If It Is

"Don't you worry bout the pain of yesterday, just remember to live. Don't be afraid it's not the end of your world but so, so what if it is" ~Phonte

Riding the train on a long commute home from my former job in DC I checked my twitter timeline. Phonte Coleman posted that there would be a new song by Foreign Exchange coming out that day. Being a long time fan I went directly to his twitter page to get the link. As I heard the song first of all, the music during the intro gives me the most amazing feeling. I could stay in that space forever, listening to the intro over and over. Once getting to the lyrics I was blessed by the simple words “It’s not the end of your world…so what if it is”. Going home emotionally drained and wondering if I should quit my job, I felt like it was the end of the world. And it was the end of my world, at least that part of it. What I learned in that moment was so what if everything comes crashing down; your life gets turned upside down. It is heartbreaking, but if you’re blessed to see another day it will get better so remember to live! It’s not the setbacks that define us, but how we recover is what does. I have below the lyrics that helped free me from the prison of my plan and releasing my life to God allowing a new journey to take place. What must come to an end in your life? What is God asking you to free yourself of? While you reflect on that, enjoy the music below. With pleasure here is the new single on the upcoming Foreign Exchange remix album titled “The Reworks “, “So What If It Is”.

Lyrics by Phonte Coleman
Everybody's got their song and dance about
What it means to struggle and to go without
No one thinks that they're part of the problem yes it's true
It's true

People running scared amidst these changing times
Recession, depression, unemployment lines
Everybody needs a little healing yes they do
They do

Now's the time to raise your voice and lift your hands
Show your love to every woman every man
Nobody believes things will get better but I do
I do

Don't you worry bout the pain of yesterday
Just remember to live
Don't be afraid it's not the end of your world but so
So what if it is

Everybody's searching trying to find a way
Reaching through the darkness for a brighter day
Looking for the sunshine in a sky that smiles so blue
So blue

Now's the time to raise your voice and lift your hands
Show your love to every woman every man
Nobody believes things will get better but I do
I do

Music Mondays: Smokie Norful - I understand

We all have dark days, sometimes more dark days then light. Trying to make since out of the confusion in my life currently, I woke up Friday morning and "I Understand" by Smokie Norful came to me in my spirit. I instantly started singing the lyrics and began to feel healing in my soul. I have the lyrics and the song below. Please brothers and sisters know that you do not suffer alone. God sees all and HE does understand. Yes, it’s tough and I have gone from angry, to sad, to being at peace, to angry again. You do not suffer alone; I am going through it too. How do I seek comfort? Praise God through my confusion, hurt and pain. Be still and listen. And when I don't hear God's voice, I trust HIS plan. What an awesome testimony you will share when it is all over. Be blessed you all and I Love you!

Sometimes I feel like giving up
It seems like my best, just ain't good enough
Lord if you hear me, I am calling you
Do you see, do you care
All about what I'm goin' through

And then HE said, one more day
One more step, See I'm preparing you, for myself
And when you can't hear my voice, please trust my plan
I am the Lord, I see, and yes, I understand

But sometimes I feel like I'm all alone
I'm just like a stranger so far from home
I feel like I've done all that I can do
Please Lord, give me strength, I'm just tryin' to make it through
That's when HE told me

One more step, yeah
Oh my child, I'm preparing you, for myself
And when you can't hear my voice
Please just trust my plan
I am the Lord, I see you, and yes, I understand

HE knows just how much we can bare
And in the time of trouble HE promised
HE would always be there
Oh, I understand
The Lord is telling you, yes I understand
I am the Lord, I see you, and yes, I understand

This is what HE says
I am the Lord I changeth not
I won't forget nor have I forgot
You see everything works according to my plan
I am God, trust me, I got the whole world in my hands

Oh, one more day, yea (One more step)
I'm preparing you, all for myself
I'm getting you ready
(And if you can't hear my voice)
If you can't hear me speaking
Oh, just trust my plan

Yea, I am the Lord, I love you, I see you
And I understand, oh
I am the Lord, I see what you going through
Every problem, every trial, every burden, and every situation
I understand, I won't leave you
Yea Yea Yea, I understand, understand, understand
Thank you Jesus

Music Mondays: Ledisi - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

First of all if you have not heard Ledisi's Christmas album you are missing a treat. On Ledisi's "It's Christmas" album she sings some original Holiday songs and also she sings some Holiday favorites. One of the favorites she sings is "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" in which Ledisi brings her rich vocals to the track. As soon as the song begins Ledisi starts off with blended, perfect harmonies giving the timeless classic her personal twist. To help you get in the Holiday spirit, here is Ledisi "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas".

Music Mondays: Faith Evans - O Come All The Faithful

Feliz Navidad! Ha, Happy Holiday season to you. Yes, I know we just finished celebrating Thanksgiving; I bet you probably are still finding how many ways you can eat turkey left over’s. You know: turkey salad, turkey soap, turkey sandwich, turkey, turkey, turkey! I have moved on from Thanksgiving wanting to create my own Christmas spirit. Like some of you I live alone, far away from close family. Being away from home can be tough during the holiday season making it that much harder to be in the Holiday spirit. So my mission this year is to create the joy of Christmas by posting a Christmas song every week until the week of Christmas. Please feel free to add a song for me to add to the blog. Is Christmas your favorite holiday too? What special holidays do you celebrate in your home?

Music Mondays: Nas-Cherry Wine (CDQ)

Where do I begin? There are many words to describe Nas. Legend, G.O.A.T., The Don, GOD's son, leader, prophet, and father. The words I use to describe Nas is my favorite rapper. I have been a big fan since 16 when illmatic was released. Ten albums later Nas gives us another classic "Life Is Good". If you have not heard the album you have to pick it up. The album is well thought out and reaches every generation, which is a task few artist Nas age can pull off.

My favorite song on the album is "Cherry Wine" which features the late Amy Winehouse. In the chorus Amy sings about longing for a mate that others tell her is so close, but he feels so far away. Boy, can I relate! That is why I LOVE this song. Being open to new LOVE Nas talks about what he desires in a mate and the challenges he faces with meeting the one. A relate-able song and album. If you are a soul music fan your in for a treat. Enjoy!

Music Mondays: Gonna Be Alright (F.T.B) Feat.Ledisi - Robert Glasper Experiment

You know the feeling, when you hear a good LOVE song as soon as the music begins to play you start smiling? That feeling is what happens to me as soon as “Gonna Be Alright” by The Robert Glasper Experience featuring Ledisi comes on! The band plays this drum kick and then the rest of the music plays for up to 32 seconds and then Ledisi begins to sing. Heaven!! I instantly connect to lyrics, experiencing what the songstress is expressing with words. The lyrics are simple and repeat “Just bring me the sunshine with your smile, and I’ll be okay”. As a hopeful romantic this song does everything for me! Hope you enjoy it the same.

Music Mondays: Ah Yeah feat. Musiq Soulchild and Chrisette Michele

Music Mondays: Robin Thicke-The New Generation

Robin Thicke new release "LOVE and War" hit shelves on December 6, 2011. This album is a soulful and smooth listen. The CD begins with up-tempo songs and then smoothes out towards the end. While there are a few skips on the CD overall it is a great listen and worth the buy. There are several high lights from the album but one song that touched me deeply is "The New Generation". The song is a tribute to our current generation and how we are beginning our own revolution, a revolution of LOVE, peace, and resolution. It is by far one of my favorite songs out currently and after a listen I know it will be yours too! The song has great lyrics, with a catchy tune and live instruments. Check out the entire CD in stores now! Enjoy.

Music Mondays: Chris Brown feat. Benny Benassi - Beautiful People

This video has given me life! Chris Brown has footage of him working with different artist in the music industry, private footage of himself and also his fans. My favorite verse is: "Your beauty is inside you...don't let them bring you down"! Allow that to inspire you this Monday morning:) Blessed day Beautiful People!

Music Monday: KING-The Story

Yesterday on twitter producer 9th Wonder, Singers Erykah Badu and Lala Hathaway went crazy on twitter giving these girls LOVE. I had to listen to find out what the fuss was about. At first listen I was hooked and have had this song on repeat sense yesterday. Take a listen to three girls based out of LA, they have written and produced their own music. I am a firm believer in supporting the art of music. Please join me! Here is KING "The Story".

Music Mondays: Mary Mary - I'm Walking NEW SINGLE!

I'm Walking by Mary Mary is my theme song right now. Back with a new single Mary Mary shows that walking with the Lord is not easy. It is a day to day process. My favorite line is "Cause I know that Jesus walks with me". Knowing who you are in Christ is half the battle! It does not matter who you are or what you have done, the Lord LOVES you and accepts you as you are!

National Children of Alcoholics Awareness Week

February 13-19 2011 is National Children of Alcoholics Awareness week. The mission is to bring to light an issue that has been in the dark. I have jumped on board because this issue hits home with me. My mother and my grandmother suffered from alcoholism for my whole childhood up until I was 22 years old! My childhood was robbed of LOVE, affection, attention, nurturing, stability, order, and care.

Nick News goes inside the lives of young people who tell their story. Meet four kids whose lives have been upside down due to alcoholism. We can all help by being aware and seeing the damage it does to our children who will one day be adults carrying years of pain in their hearts. If you want to see this episode on TV with your family tune in to Nick tonight at 6 p.m. EST, 5 p.m. CST, and 3 p.m. PST.

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Music Mondays: Anita Baker - giving you the best that i've got

This week is Children Of Alcoholics awareness week. I am honoring my own childhood and Valentines Day by posting my favorite childhood LOVE song. Anita Baker is one of the reasons I dream of LOVE. Growing up in a home where no one said "I LOVE You" due to alcohol, I would listen to LOVE song over and over. I would dream one day someone would LOVE me like this. My favorite lyric of the song is Somebody understands me/ Somebody gave his heart to me/ I stumbled my whole life long/ Always on my own, now I'm home. That is my heart and soul in those lyrics! Today celebrate LOVE, not just with a LOVER, but your family and most importantly with you!

Music Monday: Mint Condition - Caught My Eye (new single 2011)

I was raised on Mint Condition's music. I was in the 7th grade when Pretty Brown Eyes was released as a single. I have been a fan sense! Caught My Eye is another LOVE ballad from one of my favorite groups. Hope you enjoy:)

Music Mondays

David Hollister's song "Glow" from his 2008 Witness Protection CD reminds us how we have to use our light in dark places. GOD wants to use our life! Let your greatness shine where ever you go! Do not be afraid to glow!!!

Music Mondays

Music Mondays

David Banner and 9th Wonder come together for classic music! For people who say that there is no longer good hip-hop need to listen to this single. Death Of a Pop Star is the CD title of 9th and Banner's new CD that will be out tomorrow in stores and also itunes and amazon. I have followed both of these two artist for years and think it is dope that they came together. Here is "Be With You"