Beauty: What do your Eyes Behold?

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but it isn't. There is much that we behold that we fail to recognize as beauty, yet it is there. We have been told from birth what beauty is so as not to leave it up to our own eyes and hearts. So much beauty, then, goes unnoticed. The most unfortunate place to overlook beauty is in ourselves. There is beauty in everyone and everything, yet if you can't see it in yourself, how then is one to be sure that you know what beauty is at all? Poor beauty. For millennia she has been reduced to outward physical appearances as though she does not show up anywhere else. As many forms as she comes in, she has been further reduced to a small collection of attributes. I'm here to defend her.

In the past I have been vexed, sickened, and now just saddened by the parameters and importance society has placed on physical beauty. What has prevailed as the standard of beauty has derived from the media (mostly western), and always seems to exclude so many. Since man has been able to disseminate pictures to the masses from photographs, to the silver screen, to the small box, the media has told society "this" is beauty. From Jean Harlow, Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Natalie Wood, to Jennifer Lopez, Reese Witherspoon, Katie Holmes, Mandy Moore, and Jessica Simpson (People Magazine Most Beautiful 2011), the media has chosen what is beautiful for us. Even men, from Clark Gable, Gene Kelly, Rock Hudson, James Dean, Paul Newman, and Robert Redford, to Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Denzel Washington, Tom Cruise, and Zach Ephron, have been told this is what beauty is.  Most of these people have many similarities, however, most of the world doesn't look like them. If we buy into this standard of beauty, and we don't look like these people, that's when the problems arise.

In Mauritania, Africa, big is beautiful and stretch marks are sexy! Young women are fed 16,000 calories a day to fatten them up for their weddings. In Burma and Thailand, long necks on women are perceived as attractive and so from the tender age of five, females wear rings around their necks to elongate them and more rings are added over time. In Nigeria, women attend "fat farms" to gain weight. There are many different considerations around the world for the definition of physical beauty, yet the West seems to dominate the standard. People in China, India, Mexico, and Jamaica bleach their skin because lighter is viewed as better. Asian women have eye surgery to make their eyes "big and round." People around the world seem to go to great lengths to be seen as beautiful, and none of it seems to happen inside.

This, of course, is when we start to try to change our appearances with cosmetics, creams, surgery, add-ons, subtractions. It sometimes becomes an addiction, "I feel naked without my make-up" or an obsession. I wonder why people don't just alter the standard of beauty instead of altering the Most High's creation? It seems easier, and much more pleasant. I can speak from experience on the struggle between loving myself the way I am, and trying to live up to a certain standard.  I still struggle, but I have come to recognize that what I find to be beautiful in others has nothing to do with their outward appearance, so why hold myself to that? I thought it was just me, that every other woman had confidence and I just needed to get some. Lately, however, I have seen women who fit the standard of beauty, women who attract attention from admirers regularly, berate themselves either verbally, or through the non-self loving choices they make. This is epidemic.

What I have come to see about myself is that I have some beautiful physical features, but what makes me beautiful comes from within. It has taken me a long time to get here, and I still have work to do, so please don't mistake this as bragging. I have a good kind heart. I care about other people and I try to help them when I can. I am deeply spiritual, which some have told me is a turn off, but I find it to be my best quality. My spirituality enables me to see the Most High in everyone and everything. This allows me to see the good in people that others may not see. I appreciate what is good about other people because it illuminates their beauty. My Father the Mighty King made me this way, and He only creates perfection. For me to try to alter my physical appearance to please anyone other than H.I.M. is a slap in His face. I am a loving, caring, joyful, and lovable woman. I don't look like a twelve year old boy like today's supermodels. I have curves and a softness to comfort a man and nurture a child. My curves may not all be in the places society thinks they should be, but no one will EVER mistake me for a pre-adolescent boy. For this, I am thankful.

True beauty to me is kindness, thoughtfulness, intelligence, humor, honesty, integrity, faithfulness, conviction, spirituality and righteousness. It is a smile, a song, a child, a kiss. I have seen so-called handsome men and pretty women become hideous with an unkind word or gesture or with selfishness, greed, arrogance, vanity, lies and abuse. I have also seen the plain, the plump, the skinny, the disproportionate, become gorgeous with a kind word or deed, a helping hand, a cheerful disposition, a humble countenance, and a loving heart. So, what is beauty, really, and do you see it when you look in the mirror? I hope so. Love and light.

The Time of My Life: My Mini Groudation Tour Part II

The Shows

Let me introduce you to the band. There's Kelsey Howard on trombone. He's quiet and unassuming, until he blasts you with his jazzy addition to the roots reggae sound. He and David Chachere (on trumpet) add a unique sound, a fullness to Groundation's music that is rarely found in reggae, especially roots reggae today. Few groups these days use a full live band, let alone one with horns. I like to say they are the Earth, Wind, and Fire of reggae. When you see them blowing, particularly on solos, you find yourself praying a vein doesn't burst in their heads or necks. Te Kanawa Haereiti keeps the rhythm on drums. Sitting in the back, one might forget about him, but don't underestimate his importance. He listens to the sound of the band and holds them together like the heart pumping blood through the veins.   Most importantly, he remembered my name after meeting him once! Impressive (I know, again, it was only a day later). Ryan Newman plays a soulful bass. There's something about the bass that music just can't seem to do without. It's sultry and Ryan makes it speak like Barry White or Isaac Hayes serenading the ladies. Marcus Urani sets fire to the keyboards. The piano is my favorite instrument, and then the drums. I've always wanted to learn to play. When Marcus plays, it seems like a crime, almost sinister. The look on his face and the sound he creates is like he's channeled Thelonious Monk, Fats Waller, and even Mozart! I half expect the keyboards to catch fire. I asked him to teach me to play when he retires, but it was really just a way to compliment him. Please don't ever retire Marcus.

Mingo Lewis Jr., or Mingo Star as I have decided to call him, son of Carlos Santana's percussionist Mingo Lewis, is Groundation's percussionist. He plays with such power, it's as if he was calling Queen Nyahbingi herself*. In fact, the smile on his face is as if he knows something we don't. Perhaps it's the joy of playing great music well, or maybe he does call the Queen's spirit. Whatever it is, he's filling the audience with that same spirit. Kim Pommell and Kerry Ann Morgan have the angelic voices bringing soulful feminine vibration to this roots gathering. The ladies accent Harrison's decidedly masculine voice perfectly, and their moves, well they aren't Motown choreographed doo wap moves. They are free, spirited, tribal, and rhythmic.

Finally, and with great trepidation that I won't do him justice, I introduce you to Harrison Stafford, the lead singer and driving force behind the band. He is slight and unassuming in appearance, much like His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, but make no mistake, much like His Majesty, this man possesses power and strength in his character, conviction, devotion to music, Rastafari, and humanity, and most especially his musical abilities. He writes all of the lyrics and with complete trust and faith in his band they compose and play the music together as though they were one. He, much like the rest of the group, seems to become possessed with the spirits of a million rastamen, Juden, sufferers, and Jah. It's no wonder he stays slim because the energy he expels on stage can fill a stadium. He'll give thanks to the audience for giving him the energy, but it really comes from him. His lyrics are conscious, thoughtful, poetic, resounding, and powerful. Hmmm, I'm a little in love with him. Actually, I'm a little in love with the whole band. He performs as though he gets paid by how well he does. They of course don't get paid nearly enough, but that's another blog. Offstage, he is kind, friendly, and giving to all of his fans. That's the best part of this experience; learning that the group I admire onstage, is just and wonderful off stage.

I fancy myself a writer, but these small words could hardly do Groundation or my experience justice. The only way to know what I feeling is to see them live yourself. If they are touring within at least 400 miles of you, I suggest that you make the trip to see them. It will be well worth the journey. I blogged recently on the power of music and I know now that I didn't even come close to expressing how powerful it is. No one leaves a Groundation concert without wanting to be, without being a better person. I will be giving thanks to the Most High for years to come for the gift of Groundation and Harrison Stafford, and Hossein Attar (my new brother) to me and the world. Love, Light, and Music.

http://www.groundation.com/live  Coming to a city near you!

*In Rastafari, Nyahbingi is the mystical power of the Most High to mete justice throughout the universe. Although the genuine origin of the word that means “she possesses many things” is Ugandan, as a concept and theology, Nyahbingi has come down to the Rastaman to signify “death to the oppressors, both black and white”. Therefore, it is through prayer, music and biblical reasonings that the Rastaman chants bingi, calling on the forces of nature to destroy the powers of wickedness. (named for African warrior Queen Nyahbingi)

http://www.rhythmweb.com/jamaica/nyabinghi.htm

The Time of My Life: My Mini Groundation Tour

"Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails."~Proverbs 19:21

We make many plans in life and sometimes they don't turn out the way we want, sometimes they turn out better than we could ever imagine.

My handsome brothers Hossein and Harrison:The real Royal Family

The Set Up

Those of you who have been reading know that Groundation is my favorite group. I made plans a few months ago to follow most of the California portion of their U.S. tour. I saved, made a  timeline for preparations, and asked for the time off. In the meantime, on one of those social networking sites I friended a brother who I thought I had met before. It turns out that he wasn't who I thought he was, but he was very cool. A few weeks later, I realize that he is the tour manager for Groundation. I promise you I didn't know this at first. This was Jah putting His plans into motion.

This star, Hossein Attar (or Hossein AStar as I call him) is actually one of the people I had mentioned in an April post entitled "Friends, How Many of us Have Them?" whom I wanted to become friends with in my new area. Serendipity. I felt like I had known his spirit for a long time. We reasoned, and connected as brother and sister. When I told him my intentions of going to the concerts, I did so in hopes of having an opportunity to finally meet him. This is when he offered to get me into the concerts for free. Mind you, the amount of money I am willing pay to see Groundation live would knock some of you off of your feet, unless, of course, you have seen them live. I felt a little guilty for taking money out of their pockets, but Jah knows they'll get it back from me as long as they keep making music. This was a huge and kind gesture, so I wanted to do something for him to thank him. I knew that in order for it to be as special as I  needed it to be, I had to make it.

Now, things  I can make include: an excellent friend, great vegan food, good conversation, and  a decent poem. I decided I wanted to make him a necklace. I had never done that before, but how hard could it be? Well, figuring out how to put a clasp on was impossible on my own, so I took a class. Once I figured that out, I knew I had to make Harrison Stafford (the lead singer) one too. I needed these pieces to be special, and cultural. I won't go into detail about the grand search for authentic African beads and pendants , but after several weeks, I finally found what I wanted. The beads and pendants came directly from Africa. I was proud of the pieces, and very nervous about them liking them.

 

The Moment of Truth

After many weeks of anticipation and anxiety, the time had come. I rented a car and drove to Santa Cruz. When I got to the venue and finally met my new friend and brother, what happened after that was greater than anything my mind could imagine. (And I have a HUGE imagination). The love this king showed me filled my heart. He introduced me to the band, and everyone else, as his dear friend. He constantly checked and doted on me, and he treated me like royalty. Ladies, this is the kind of brotha you want to date. If you date him though, you'd better be good to him or you'll have to answer to ME. But I digress. He loved the necklace, and it looked good on him. I asked him to make sure Harrison got his.

 

Later that evening, I was hanging on the side of the stage listening to Bamboo Station (another good reggae band) when through the door walks Harrison Stafford. To my surprise, he recognized me as one of his followers on Twitter! That caught me off guard and I was like a deer caught in the headlights. But what a charming burst of light this king is. His energy wrapped around me like a warm hug. Minutes later it was time for Groundation to take the stage and I made my way to the front. As the band came out, I noticed Harrison was wearing the necklace! I was worried it might be too substantial a piece, but he looked royal in it! I felt like a child who's dad wore the tie she made for him to work. The concert was amazing. The next day, still high on the music, I drove to L.A., and I caught myself smiling a few times. Nothing could top this, or so I thought.

 

Love Overflowing

Stephanie Mills sang a song from The Wiz called "Home," and the first line is "When I think of home, I think of a place where there's love overflowing." I hadn't seen my mom since May, and my brother and nephew since March. I was able to get some auntie time in with my phenomenal nephew who I missed terribly. My mom seemed excited for me and my great adventure. Concert number 2 for me was the day after I arrived in L.A. at the El Rey. It's a nice venue that was just intimate enough to get cozy with the band and the music. The next day, at the Galaxy in Orange County, was another cozy venue. One of the best things I learned about Groundation is how down to earth, kind, and just lovely the members of the band are. They not only remembered me (ok, it was only a day ago that we met, but you know what I mean) but they seemed happy to see me. I received so much love from them. I hope they felt the love I have for them. I love that they play music for the love of music. They see themselves as musicians devoted to their craft. What they may not realize is that they are actually messengers carrying out a message of love, unity, equality, and peace. Sound hokey? Well "hokey" is what the world needs right now. The passion and energy these artists put into their art is evident and contagious.

 

 The Shows

Let me introduce you to the band. There's Kelsey Howard on trombone. He's quiet and unassuming, until he blasts you with his jazzy addition to the roots reggae sound. He and David Chachere (on trumpet) add a unique sound, a fullness to Groundation's music that is rarely found in reggae, especially roots reggae today. Few groups these days use a full live band, let alone one with horns. I like to say they are the Earth, Wind, and Fire of reggae. When you see them blowing, particularly on solos, you find yourself praying a vein doesn't burst in their heads or necks. Te Kanawa Haereiti keeps the rhythm on drums. Sitting in the back, one might forget about him, but don't underestimate his importance. He listens to the sound of the band and holds them together like the heart pumping blood through the veins. Most importantly, he remembered my name after meeting him once! Impressive (I know, again, it was only a day later). Ryan Newman plays a soulful bass. There's something about the bass that music just can't seem to do without. It's sultry and Ryan makes it speak like Barry White or Isaac Hayes serenading the ladies. Marcus Urani sets fire to the keyboards. The piano is my favorite instrument, and then the drums. I've always wanted to learn to play. When Marcus plays, it seems like a crime, almost sinister. The look on his face and the sound he creates is like he's channeled Thelonious Monk, Fats Waller, and even Mozart! I half expect the keyboards to catch fire. I asked him to teach me to play when he retires, but it was really just a way to compliment him. Please don't ever retire Marcus.

Mingo Lewis Jr., or Mingo Star as I have decided to call him, son of Carlos Santana's percussionist Mingo Lewis, is Groundation's percussionist. He plays with such power, it's as if he was calling Queen Nyahbingi herself*. In fact, the smile on his face is as if he knows something we don't. Perhaps it's the joy of playing great music well, or maybe he does call the Queen's spirit. Whatever it is, he's filling the audience with that same spirit. Kim Pommell and Kerry Ann Morgan have the angelic voices bringing soulful feminine vibration to this roots gathering. The ladies accent Harrison's decidedly masculine voice perfectly, and their moves, well they aren't Motown choreographed doo wap moves. They are free, spirited, tribal, and rhythmic.

Finally, and with great trepidation that I won't do him justice, I introduce you to Harrison Stafford, the lead singer and driving force behind the band. He is slight and unassuming in appearance, much like His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, but make no mistake, much like His Majesty, this man possesses power and strength in his character, conviction, devotion to music, Rastafari, and humanity, and most especially his musical abilities. He writes all of the lyrics and with complete trust and faith in his band they compose and play the music together as though they were one. He, much like the rest of the group, seems to become possessed with the spirits of a million rastamen, Juden, sufferers, and Jah. It's no wonder he stays slim because the energy he expels on stage can fill a stadium. He'll give thanks to the audience for giving him the energy, but it really comes from him. His lyrics are conscious, thoughtful, poetic, resounding, and powerful. Hmmm, I'm a little in love with him. Actually, I'm a little in love with the whole band. He performs as though he gets paid by how well he does. They of course don't get paid nearly enough, but that's another blog. Offstage, he is kind, friendly, and giving to all of his fans. That's the best part of this experience; learning that the group I admire onstage, is just as wonderful off stage.


I fancy myself a writer, but these small words could hardly do Groundation or my experience justice. The only way to know what I'm feeling is to see them live yourself. If they are touring within at least 400 miles of you, I suggest that you make the trip to see them. It will be well worth the journey. I blogged recently on the power of music and I know now that I didn't even come close to expressing how powerful it is. No one leaves a Groundation concert without wanting to be, without being a better person. I will be giving thanks to the Most High for years to come for the gift of Groundation and Harrison Stafford, and Hossein Attar (my new brother) to me and the world. Love, Light, and Music.




http://www.groundation.com/live Coming to a city near you!

 

 

*In Rastafari, Nyahbingi is the mystical power of the Most High to mete justice throughout the universe. Although the genuine origin of the word that means “she possesses many things” is Ugandan, as a concept and theology, Nyahbingi has come down to the Rastaman to signify “death to the oppressors, both black and white”. Therefore, it is through prayer, music and biblical reasonings that the Rastaman chants bingi, calling on the forces of nature to destroy the powers of wickedness. (named for African warrior Queen Nyahbingi)

http://www.rhythmweb.com/jamaica/nyabinghi.htm

Reflections

Lately, I have been reflecting on my experiences and what, if anything I have learned. Since this is a blog about my journey to the throne, or my growth, I thought I needed to get back to this meditation. It is the journey that is important, of course, not the destination. Dictionary.com has an etymology of the word destination as "Modern sense (1787) is from place of destination, where one is "destined" to go," so I know I will get there. But how I get there will determine the longevity of my stay.

I have learned not to get too upset or sad when things don't go the way I'd hoped because they happen that way for a reason. I've also learned not to get too happy when things go the way I would like in order to have balance. Since I began to put real effort into this journey, life has thrown me some curve balls. But just like a batter, I have to learn to hit them because it is part of life's arsenal of pitches, much like a pitcher in baseball. (Forgive the sports analogy). Curves are just different directions, not necessarily bad ones. I have found that these new directions are often necessary in order to get on the right path and bring even more enlightenment and joy. It is not easy wearing this crown, as it can get quite heavy with every jewel placed in it. The jewels are the growth and blessings I receive.

I have lost some friends in the past few months, but  I have gained one who has proven to be worth all of those times ten! In fact, I would say I've gained another family member. Some people see things in us most others are not able to see. I'm of the opinion that people see in others things which they themselves possess which may be good or in need of change. My new brother has shown me more love in one day than some people have shown me in a lifetime. All he did was treat me with honor and respect. Yes, that's really all one needs to do to show love to another. I hope I have shown him as much honor and respect as he has shown me because I would love for him to feel the joy I have felt. Much love to you STAR.

I have learned some things about myself recently. I have learned that I am who my Father the Mighty King has made me, and that is good. Again, not everyone can see the blessings I have to offer, but some do, and will. I just need to make sure I see, accept, and honor these qualities in myself as well. I recently went through a great deal of anxiety over wanting to be liked and accepted in many areas in my life, until I just told myself, 'I am being the best me I can be at this moment in time' and let my Father take care of the rest. The real lesson, something it took me until now to figure out: Accepting and loving yourself =CONFIDENCE. This doesn't mean I've conquered all of my fears, but I'm on my way. Currently, I'm crushing on someone whom I see as "out of my league." This only tells me I have a little ways to go towards total self acceptance/confidence. Will I pursue it? Let him know? I don't know. It doesn't matter. Like I said, it's the journey, and this step is about building my confidence.

Writing and sharing this journal and my poetry blog (shamelessplug: http://crowningwrites.blogspot.com/) is a huge step for me. Up until a few months ago, I very rarely shared my writing. Now I plug it every chance I can get, knowing that not everyone will like everything I write, and that's ok. I've got to pat myself on the back for that one. Meanwhile, I am riding a joy wave as big as a tsunami and so I must give continual thanks and praises to the Most High, my Father the Mighty King, for the blessings. I had to take time to reflect on my progress, and despite what those on the outside looking in might think, I have made some good tracks. I pray for a safe journey for all of you trodding to the throne as well. Love and light.

The Good News Blog

A brother on one of those social networking sites has often asked, "Where is the good news blog?" Lately, I have found myself wondering the same thing. With all of the natural disasters, famine, riots, stocks plummeting, and various other woes, life can seem overwhelming, even oppressive. We need to be able to see the good, the beauty, the love in the world to keep us inspired and motivated. So today's post is devoted to The Good News.

Marley Family Launches Bob Marley 'I'm Gonna Be Your Friend' Campaign*

Last week, the children and wife of Bob Marley launched a campaign with Save the Children to help raise funds for food, water, and medicine for children and families suffering from the famine in East Africa. The campaign has garnered the support from over 150 well know celebrities and combined resources with Universal Music Group, Yahoo!, Facebook, MSN, YouTube, Twitter, and others to reach an audience of over a billion people. The Marley family has put together a video of images from East Africa with Bob Marley's "High Tide or Low Tide" playing over it. The lyrics say, "I'm gonna be your friend" which is the title and message of the campaign. You can download the video and song and donate money to help the people of East Africa. The video/song can be downloaded on iTunes for $1.29, on www.imgonnabeyourfriend.org, or Bob Marley's facebook page. Big ups to the Marley family, true conscious compassionate warriors.

'Broom Army'**

On Monday, following the riots in London, a large group of citizens took to the streets with brooms to clean up the mess made in their community. This show of pride and solidarity was captured in a photo by Andrew Bayles, a citizen from an area not affected by the riots who went to help with the clean up.

This is a great display of community and hopefully a boost of optimism for them.

Youth

• 9 year old girl hoped to raise $300 to bring clean water to an African village, but dies after a fatal car crash, just short of her goal. A few days later, 16,000 people donated a total of $500,000 to "Charity Water" in her honor.***
• 10 year old boy writes and publishes a children's book for charity. All proceeds from "Cameron's A-Z" go to "Habitat for Humanity." He was moved to help those affected by the tornadoes in Joplin, MO****
• 11 year old Ghanaian school boy has raised $500 for victims of the famine in Somalia. He told the BBC he wanted to raise $13m during his school holidays from private donations*****
• 12 year old girl rescues 12 year old boy from drowning in the pacific ocean. ."No matter who it is and if they need help, I will risk my life, I will do it," she said******

These are some amazing young people, and I know there are more of them out there. Don't count the youth out. They're doing big things.

Other Good News

• 98 year old woman in San Francisco becomes the first woman to be promoted to judo's highest level: 10th degree black belt. Only three people in the world, all men living in Japan, have ever reached that mark. ******* You're never too old, and it's never too late
• The United Arab Emirates gifted $500,000 to Joplin, Missouri schools to spend on laptops to help the tornado ravaged schools to prepare to open next week********
• The best news of all YOU WOKE UP THIS MORNING

There's some really good things going on in the world, and we have to take the time to notice them and be thankful for them. The best news on any day, is that we woke up to see another day. No matter what is going on in our lives, there is always something good. Please feel free to share any good news you have. Love and Light.

*http://hangout.altsounds.com/news/133075-entertainment-industry-launches-bob-marley-campaign.html

**http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-14490167

***http://www.news24.com/World/News/Girl-gets-charity-wish-after-death-20110728

****http://www.happynews.com/news/892011/10-year-old-boy-writes-children-book-charity.htm

*****http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14474860

******http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2015870605_miracle11m.html

*******http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2011%2F08%2F05%2FDD181KHUV0.DTL

********http://www.happynews.com/news/8102011/uae-donates-500-000-help-joplin-schools.htm

The Power of Music

Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman. ~Ludwig Van Beethoven~

I have written about music before, and I'm sure I will a few more times. I have always been struck by the power of music. Music can evoke emotion, stimulate creativity, and it has even been proven to enhance intellect and memory. I recently read a story about when Albert Einstein was a young child, he did very poorly in school. He did so poorly, in fact, his teachers told his parents to take him out of school because he was "too stupid to learn." They suggested his parents get him an easy manual labor job as soon as they could. But Albert's mother didn't think he was stupid, so instead, she bought him a violin. He became very good at it and it was the key to him becoming one of the smartest men who ever lived. Einstein himself attributes playing the violin to his intelligence* In fact, many studies  have found that children who study music, either by learning an instrument or songs or listening to it fair better in mathematics, spacial temporal reasoning, and retention.** 

I've often told people who wonder how I know music that was made before my time that music is like history, it never goes away. But music is history. It marks the time, the social, economic, and political trends and happenings of the period. Music from the Harlem Renaissance depicted the discontent of African Americans of that time. Songs like Billie Holiday's "Strange Fruit" lamented the horrors of lynchings that were prevailing during this period. Bob Dylan's "Blowin in the Wind" , written in 1963 spoke of issues from war to slavery. Edwin Starr had a song called "War" protesting the Vietnam War, Marvin Gaye spoke of war, poverty, racism, drug abuse and more in "What's Goin On." These are just a few examples of music reflecting the sign of the times. I cringe at the thought of what some of today's music will say about our times.

Artists like Bob Marley, Public Enemy, and KRS One, sang songs that uplifted and empowered people: "Get up stand up, stand up for your rights," "Fight the powers that be," "You must learn,"  Songs today are about bling, violence, disrespecting women, taking some one's man, or being the baddest chick. Love songs used to be about love: "I wanna love ya, and treat you right, I wanna love ya, everyday and every night," "I've got sunshine on a cloudy day, when it's cold outside, I've got the month of May. I guess you say, what can make me feel this way, my girl"*** and women had self respect: "R-E-S-P-E-C-T find out what it means to me."**** I know I sound like an old lady to some of you youth, but I want you to think about this. Music is one of if not the most powerful medium we have at our fingertips. If you know you can use your talents to effect change in the hearts, minds, and spirits of man in a way that would improve the world, wouldn't you want to do it? I mean, wouldn't you want your music to make life better for people other than yourself too? Music has that power.

Don't get me wrong, there are musicians today who are making powerful music. GROUNDATION of course creates conscious roots reggae with Harrison "The Professor" Stafford at the helm, SA-ROC is spittin conscious rap that is out of this world, and conscious rapper PARIS is following in Public Enemy's footsteps. ALOE BLACC has brought love back into love songs, BLUE KING BROWN has created her own genre of reggae, rock, hip hop fusion with thought provoking uplifting lyrics. There are many more artists who are considered "underground" because they can't get any mainstream airtime, which means their music must be powerful. I hope you have a listen to these artists, and share with me others who you know that are using the power of music for the good of society. If you are a musician in the struggle, on the rise, or in the top 40, please be aware of the power you have been given along with your talent. Your music will not only shape the perceptions of young minds, it will also tell the story of these times. Make us look good. Love and light.

 

 

*http://www.cerebromente.org.br/n15/mente/musica.html

**http://www.musicandthebrain.org/research.htm

***The Temptations

****Aretha Franklin