Reggae Icon Rocker-T Readies New Album “The Hurban Warrior of Peace” with 5 Song EP “From Brooklyn to Oakland” due for release in Late December 2012

I have the honor of interning with one of my favorite reggae artists (although he is definitely a multi-genre musician). What's special about Rocker-T is that he lives the conscious and spiritual life of which he sings. Musically, he is a creative and clever lyricist, an innovative producer, and a dynamic performer. It my pleasure to support him and his music. Read more about him and his new EP from the press release below and find the link to purchase his EP "From Brooklyn to Oakland" on iTunes. For only $3.99....you certainly won't be disappointed.

For Immediate Release – December 5^th, 2012

Oakland, California - Over Nine years in the making, with over a dozen guest artists and many different genres represented, Rocker-T will release his new full-length album project “The Hurban Warrior of Peace” in 2013. The first release from this album will be a digital only 5 song EP titled “From Brooklyn to Oakland”. With the EP “From Brooklyn to Oakland”, to be released December 18, 2012, Rocker-T embarks upon the largest musical journey of his 21 years in the music industry. The EP from the forthcoming album “The Hurban Warrior Of Peace,” which will be released early 2013, encompasses tracks from the East, West, and International music realms. “From Brooklyn to Oakland” includes Dancehall and Roots Reggae, Hip Hop, EDM, and even some Alternative Pop, including featured special guest artists Gappy Ranks, Terry Ganzie and Zahira Soul.

Throughout his career, Rocker-T has always had an eclectic musical appetite. He has had Punk Rock, Rock, New Wave, Ska, and Reggae bands, and Hip Hop has consistently had an influence on his music. Rocker-T originally hails from Brooklyn, New York and currently resides in Oakland, California and the title track of the EP showcases his Hip Hop talent and influence while his track “Neva Chat Slack” with Terry Ganzie is decidedly Roots Reggae. “From Brooklyn to Oakland,” and the full-length album “The Hurban Warrior Of Peace,” are a reunion of the genres he has influenced and the artists with whom he has made meaningful connections.

Nine years in the making, the album “The Hurban Warrior Of Peace” is a songwriting and production collaboration that embodies Rocker-T’s diverse musical experiences, knowledge and tastes.  Featuring friends and family from every era of Rocker-T's career including; Skadanks, Boogie Down Productions, Jah Warrior Shelter Hi-Fi, International Rastafarian Transport Band, Version City Rockers, Zion Train, and Dubsmashers, it is indicative of his musical objectives. “I am an hurban warrior of peace, a product of the city environment who sees the small green branch pushing through the cement and cries for Mother Earth. The magical plant music is the healing of the nations. I can fight without fighting,” Rocker-T explains.

Rocker-T says he has “A profound desire to see all humans choose a peaceful life with each other,” and “…to bring healing to the minds and hearts of humankind whenever and wherever I sing and/or otherwise cause the divine sound to be audible.” “From Brooklyn to Oakland” and “The Hurban Warrior Of Peace” is an amalgam of Rocker-T’s musical journey with something for everyone to enjoy.

For more information, or to set up an interview with Rocker-T, please contact Luvinnitt Productions at luvinnittpro@gmail.com

download here: "From Brooklyn to Oakland" on iTunes

The 'Why' of It All

My heart is heavy with sadness and my head is a sea of perplexity, so of course my instinct is to write, but I can hardly find the words. We are all asking the same question…why? Why would anyone take a life, let alone 28 lives, most especially the lives of 20 tender souls and one’s own mother?

Was he sick or just evil?  I hesitate to say that the gunman can’t shoulder the entire blame, because at times like these, we need someone to blame…and it ain't us! (Is it?) But maybe we’re asking the wrong questions. Maybe we should be asking why this is happening so often these days. There are four or five mass shootings a year since 1995!

I’m sure if I did some research (I started but couldn't stomach it) I would find some correlation with the economic climate, the advent of new technology, media, or world events. But, I don’t have to do that. I already know that the consciousness of the world is out of sync. Too many people’s focus is on superficial, material, quick fix, and even destructive matter.

There is too little concern about the environment and how what we are doing to it affects our beings and not enough care about how we feed our minds, bodies, and spirits. Some may say this is ‘new aged hooey,’ but what else is different now?  If people who commit these atrocities are sick, what is making them sick? If they are evil, where is this evil coming from?

There’s always a lot of talk about gun control laws after these massacres. One thing I've seen is that people will give up their right to privacy in a second…but don’t you dare take away their right to bear arms!  Something needs to be done about the accessibility of guns in the U.S. to be sure.  But just in case that doesn't happen, shouldn't we find a way to heal these sick/evil people lest they find other means to carry out their madness?

I wonder if we were kinder, more careful, considerate, and thoughtful about the way we interact with one another, if that would make a difference. Is there something in the air, water, or FOOD, that is causing a sickness?  How harmless are certain games, movies, or song lyrics?  Are we spending enough time teaching, guiding, and loving our children? I wish I had the answers instead of more questions, but it seems that we need to start asking more questions. 

I wonder if we were more mindful of each other, paying attention to one another’s well being and caring enough to help, would we be able to see a disturbed mind or spirit before something horrific happens.  I’m having a difficult time believing that these troubled individuals showed no signs of fracturing prior to their actions. All I know is, I’d rather willingly pray for the souls of the living than be forced to pray for those of the dead. I would much prefer to cry at weddings and graduations than at vigils and funerals. 

A change is going to come for sure. Whether it is positive or negative is entirely up to us. Do good and love.

I Am That I Am

One of the things I've learned recently while looking for a new job, is that more often than not, we are judged as either being too much or not enough. I applied to literally hundreds of jobs, and I was either over qualified or under qualified, and sometimes I was just qualified enough, but not what they were looking for...or as they like to put it "decided to go another way."  One's self esteem can take a beating and she can begin to see this pattern in every aspect of her life, putting the notion in her head that she should simply settle for less.

I've come to understand that it all comes down to perception, expectation, and desire.  Our perception of ourselves often does not match how others perceive us. Deepak Chopra says "Physical reality is a perceptual experience in a given consciousness through a particular brain. The brain is influenced by culture, history, religion, belief, so every brain creates different perceptual realities." So reality is different for each person. Based on our experience, culture, religion, etc., we tend to have certain expectations for different situations. Then there is desire. It seems that desire is almost impossible to fulfill in any aspect, be it job requirements, friendship, material possession, or love. Within the teachings of Buddhism, craving is thought to be the cause of all suffering.

Sometimes I get caught up in the idea of being everything for everyone, but the fact is, I can only be who I am at any given time in any given situation. Whether I am too much or too little, is up to others' perceptions, expectations, and desires. I can almost wrap my brain around this and live with it...if it wasn't for judgement. It seems with all of the different realities, demands, and cravings, often comes judgement on those who just don't quite make the cut. And yes, I am aware that my perception of this reality causes me to expect and want a different reaction...which is leading me to judge. So, is there a way around this?

Without getting too deep...because I'm not sure I can go that deep on this subject...I'm inclined to believe that all of these things come from the ego.  The ego is always wanting and never satisfied. So, it seems to me, the best thing to do is to take the ego out of the equation as best we can. I know, easier said than done. But if we live in the  moment and just experience others and what they have to offer, just for the sake of experiencing, might we be able to suspend craving, thereby ending our suffering? I'm not sure, but this is something I am working on. The experience of being rejected when I know I would be great at the job, or relationship, has caused me to consider what I may miss out on because of my own perceptions, expectations, and desires.  Each person is unique, and I have always been drawn to that which is most unique, whether it is ideas, people, or even fashion...perhaps because I often feel so different from everyone else.  This is why I am going to put every effort into not judging people or experiences and seeing what life has to offer. I hope you will too. Love and light.

Which Way is the Wind Blowing?

On the heels of the re-election of the first African American president in the United States, many people of color are feeling empowered and swept up by what they believe are the winds of change. What they fail to realize in all of their excitement, is that the winds of change are blowing in the wrong direction.

Yesterday, I found this on the hood of my car:












This symbol, the "swastika," has positive origins and meanings particularly in Indian religions like Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism and in many cultures is seen as a symbol of good fortune and a meaning of "higher self." In Nazi Germany, the symbol was adopted by the Aryan race and has stigmatized the symbol with negative connotations.

It is quite possible that misguided youth did this to my car as blocks and blocks of cars and houses were marked with this paint...though I was the only one who received this symbol. I highly doubt it was a band of Buddhist or Hindu youth celebrating my goodness and wishing me good fortune. So I am apt to believe they are aware of the negative connotations the swastika has been given by the Aryan race. If misguided youth did this, was there malicious intent? I don't know. What I do know is that they learned of this ignorance from somewhere.  

I started an online magazine last month called "Conscious Comments"* for the very purpose of awakening the collective consciousness in order to create enough higher energy to combat lower energies such as this. In other words, it is my intention to draw out the good to overcome the evil.  The  more of us who are aware of the level of negativity and hate swelling in these "winds of change," the more of us there will be to change their direction. This incident tells me I'm on the right path.

My family told me I should take the Lion of Judah symbol off of my rear view mirror so that I would no longer be a "target." They tell me to get a stun gun or pepper spray. What they don't realize is that Lion of Judah necklace is my shield, and love is my weapon. I can't find it in me to fear ignorance. Too many before me have shown me that there is no reason to do so.

My grandmother marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as did countless others of our ancestors, black and white. A great deal of change resulted. Do not, however, mistake a change in law (or president) for a change in heart. Hatred may have been silenced a bit, but was not eradicated. It was passed down like a family heirloom. I say this to say that the work Dr. King, my grandmother, and your grandmother began is not finished. The work of Gandhi, Mother Theresa, Nelson Mandela, and many others is not done. 

Marching may not be the answer for this type of incident, but education and a saturation of love is certainly in order.  Do not get swept up in the wind until you are aware of which direction it is blowing. Meanwhile, I will take the original meaning of the swastika and live from my higher self.  Love, light, and consciousness.

*Conscious Comments

My Gift

Your live is the Most High's gift to you. What you choose to do with it is your gift to the Most High

It's been a while since I've posted here and that's because I've been busy with a project that is very close to my heart. I have created an online magazine called "Conscious Comments."   A while back, I spoke of wanting to do something great for the world. I wasn't really sure what that would be. I don't have obvious talents like singing, Nobel prize genius, or even Solomonic wisdom. Then one day I thought to myself 'I know a lot of people who would live a more conscious life if they knew how simple it can be, and how little sacrifice it would take'

Many of you may have heard of the concept of "Meatless Mondays" or recycling, or "upcycling" and meditation and all of these wonderfully conscious acts. But what does it all mean, really? What if you had a place you could go to in one click to find a simple, tasty meatless recipe?  Maybe you've always wanted to meditate but didn't know how? Perhaps, you simply want to see how people around the world do these things.

I've called upon some of my most conscious brothers and sisters to bring some of these ideas and much more together in one place. Well, I'm not a musician, I haven't created an innovative life saving or energy saving device, and I may not even be able to impart any sage advice. But what I am good at, is recognizing these things in others, or finding those who have these talents and persuading them to share their gifts and knowledge.

I've gathered some wonderful souls together to share with you what they know. Reggae artist Rocker-T, a very talented, spiritually and socially conscious being is writing enlightened Guest Editorials. My brothers and sisters are all knowledgeable in the areas of healthy living, the environment, music, and the joy of life(Joie de Vivre) which are all  categories included in the magazine. My talent? To point out the light of the suns around me. I'm just one of the moons reflecting their brilliance. Please check out Conscious Comments below. Love, light, and Consciousness

Save this link----> http://www.joomag.com/magazine/conscious-comments/M0109693001347912898 for future issues

What We Think is a Challenge May Really Be a Gift

I haven't posted in a while because I have been living life, which often means going through transformations. I often feel like I have to have reached a conclusion of a matter before I write about it, but today I had an epiphany. Not only am I not obliged to have the answers before I write to you good people, but often times, the journey itself can be much more revealing.

I have been doing a lot of self reflection and mind, body, spirit work on myself for the past couple of years, as you may know. I thought I had come a long way and was ready for any challenge. Then, someone entered my life who made me rethink that progress. It was as if I was living in a snow globe and this person just came and shook it up. Have you ever met anyone who pushed ALL of your buttons? I mean, this globe shaker seemed to posses every quality I didn't like about every significant person in my life! 'I'm being tested like Job,' I said to myself repeatedly. If I was being tested...I was failing. 

I kept referring to this person as my "challenge" or my "test," making it difficult for me to focus on the real challenges within.  The worst part about it, or so I thought, was that I couldn't seem to shake this person, who, to be fair, is a wonderful spirit...when we're not shaking each other's globes. We're actually a lot alike in many ways, one of which is that we don't stay angry very long and we forgive with ease. That's when it hit me. This person is not my "challenge" or "test," this person is my mirror and my gift!

Every "issue" that I still struggle with is reflected to me in our clashes, but then I receive the gift of forgiveness and another chance to get it right.  I was right in thinking that this person was sent from my Father, the Mighty King, but I was wrong in thinking that this person is a test. Really, this gift of mine is more of a tutor or study guide giving me intensive study sessions for the big exam. 

Don't get me wrong, I adore my tutor/gift who has a loving spirit and kind heart. I was reminded of something I read in one of Wayne Dyer's books where he talked about soul mates. He said that your soul mate is not necessarily the one with whom you get along all of the time or with whom you have everything in common, nor is it necessarily a lover or spouse. Your soul mate most often is the person who  challenges you most to step up your game and be a better you, and that can be a friend, sibling, parent, in-law, etc. Have I found my soul mate in this person? Only Jah knows. What I do know is that who I thought was a thorn is actually the blossom itself. I give thanks for the blessing. Love and Light.

Give Us the Teachings of His Majesty

Yesterday was my Father the Mighty King His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I's 120th birthday, or Earthstrong (the day one arrives on earth and is strong enough to stay) as rastas say. In celebration, I attended a binghi (a gathering of people for the purpose of creating unity and freedom through drumming & chanting.) One of the chants, "By the Rivers of Babylon" has a line that states "let the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in thy sight oh Fari."

 I began to think about just how difficult a thing this is for us as humans. All of us, including myself, say, think, and feel things from time to time that may not be acceptable to the Most High, or each other. I began to think about how important forgiveness is for us.


It is often difficult for many to forgive others' offensive words, thoughts or actions. Even when we forgive, we sometimes fail to allow the offender to feel forgiven. I wonder if it is forgiveness if we hold grudges or seek to  punish one another.  Recently in the news, a gunman shot 71 people, at least 12 of which are dead. Does he deserve forgiveness? Are we as humans even capable of such forgiveness?


In the documentary "Holding On To Jah*," which is a Rastafari/Reggae history 101, I learned something remarkable about His Imperial Majesty. In 1943, when Haile Selassie I returned from exile after regaining control of Ethiopia from the Italians, He told Ethiopians not to harm the Italian soldiers, instead, have them rebuild what they destroyed. I thought, only a divine being would be able to show such mercy to ones who have killed His people and ravaged His country.


Perhaps we are a long way from having the capacity to forgive a mass murderer in such a way as Emperor Haile Selassie I...though I believe it is in us. What we can and should do in the mean time is gain perspective on offenses of the mouth and heart and learn to truly forgive one another and move forward in peace.  I think if we study the words of our own mouths and the meditations of our own hearts, we will find that we all may find ourselves in need of forgiveness from time to time. Peace, love, and blessings.

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