Every year I work at a conference called The Student Diversity Leadership Conference. One of the homegirls on the staff, Priyanka, co-produced this here documentary. Lots of up and coming talent on here and an appearance by The Cool Kids. Watch , enjoy, share, discuss, and think.
Today, June 21st, marks the last day of Gemini as we move into Cancer. Like I said. I'm a Gemini, and I got lots of pride. And today, we're goin out with a super bang!
Let's celebrate the birthdays of...
Brenda Holloway. A very little known name from the Motown label but she made some great tracks. Beautiful woman with a beautiful voice. She often opened for the Beatles, and had a handful of songs written by Smokey Robinson. Apparently, the general trend of the music industry and Motown didn't bode well for her, and she felt that she should follow a more spiritual path, eventually retiring from music. She returned in the 80s doing more gospel music. For most of her years she was a background singer with her sister. You might be interested to know that it is Brenda and her sister Patrice who "backed Joe Cocker and the Grease Band on the 1968 cover version of The Beatles' "With a Little Help from My Friends", later the theme song to the 1980s television series The Wonder Years." Here she is, solo dolo, singin Just Look What You've Done.
Next, legendary Jamaican musician Augustus Pablo. Most notably known for his influence on dub reggae and introducing reggae music to the melodica. If you are into reggae, especially dub, be sure to get his stuff. Here's one of my favorite tracks by him "King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown". That little harmonica like sound you hear is the melodica.
And finally, to cap off why Gemini IS the best zodiac sign in the astrology chart...
Gotta play some catch up on the Gemini tip! June 19th was about the ladies.
First up!
Phylicia Rashad aka Claire Huxtable. She played a loyal, loving, yet fierce and sexy wife of Heathcliff Huxtable in the Cosby Show. A show that really defined a generation. You could call it, the 80's version of the Obamas. Smart, great family, educated, classy, all that. Yesterday was her birthday. Now aside from Pam Grier, I have to say Phylicia is also one of the baddest. She had the dope mom game on lock, WAAY before homechick on Fresh Prince of Bel Air (see I even forgot her name). I need a Claire Huxtable in my life. If you feel me, then check this site out. I'm gonna be gettin one of those shirts PRONTO! What many do not know is that Phylicia Rashad, formerly Phylicia Allen (sister of Debbie Allen), is also a VERY talented singer. Here she is, straight SANGIN', on a little known disco album she made in the late 70's.
Next up, everyone's favorite judge from American Idol, Paula Abdul! Former Laker girl who made it as a pop star in the late 80's and early 90's. And now you see her on ya tv screen. Here she is, stylin on you. Straight up. I'd still do her by the way. And yes, that's Arsenio.
On to today...
Errol Flynn! Australian actor. Now, you might ask, why in the hell would I mention him? Well, first, because his name is awesome. It's where we get the term "In like Flynn" from. Second, it's the name of a popular gang in Detroit! There is also a dance called the Errol Flynn, which, similar to the Crip walk or Blood walk, would signify the affiliation of the gang member to that gang. Looks somethin like this...
Next up, saxophonist, flautist, and bass clarinet player, Eric Dolphy. Very unorthodox style were he used harmonies and discords, similar to Monk and Coltrane. Peep him in action. He's got incredible skills.
And last...Lionel Richie! First establishing himself with The Commodores, then branching out as a solo artist, he has sold more than 100million records world wide. Interestingly enough, he's especially popular in the Middle East. Let's take it back to the 80s real quick with All Night Long. You know it's a party when the cop has to get hyphy. Doesn't get much happier than this I tell you.
Shout out to Zoe Saldana...with her fine ass. Ohhwee!
Since today is my birthday, I wanted to let you know, I don't give a fuck! Watch my birthday twin Krayzie rip the last verse. And I'm out! Shout outs to Igor Stravinsky, M.C. Escher, and Barry Manilow. Wil' out!
People can say what they want about "old" vs "new" Ice Cube. Bottom line though, he laid the foundation for a great many of the cats in Hip Hop.
I guess this is some kind of Dutch documentary on him from around 1991. You can agree or disagree with his views...but at the end of the day, respect is in order. Some live footage of him alongside Yo-Yo too!
And finally, no other than the late, great Tupac Shakur, who was born today!
Here he is sitting with Bill Bellamy gettin his interview on. Also, Dr. Dre steps in, and they talk about the music they created.
First...Gemini big ups to Jamaican dancehall artist Bounty Killer. His voice is vicious. If you got ganja on hand, then let this be your anthem.
And finally, the legendary Chic Corea. Jazz Pianist. Chick+ Miles Davis= The Jazz Fusion movement. His style is totally his own. Here he is, utilizing every part of the damn piano, with his own piece, Armando's Rhumba. If you smoked something to that song up there, this will surely take you somewhere else!
So, today is June 11th. There are lots and lots of famous people born on this day. Joe Montana. Jacques Cousteau And a handful of singers, and the like. But there is one man whose name you've probably never heard of until now (because it was the same for me).
He is also credited as one of the inventors of the Acid Jazz genre. I think all of this pretty much solidifies him as a legend. All you crate diggers and producers better start trackin his name down!
Here he is, 'splainin' to you how to do the "Purdie Shuffle":
Man there are a lot of musicians born on this day. I could only pick the best of the best though.
First: The legendary João Gilberto. Brazilian guitarist and singer. He is basically the man responsible for Bossa Nova, a style of music that blends samba and jazz. Why is that important? Well...without Bossa Nova, Runnin by The Pharcdye would never exist! Here is João playing one of his best known songs, Desifinado. I don't know what that word means in Portuguese, but I expect that it means something beautiful by the sound of this!
Next up...one of Erykah's baby daddy's, THE D.O.C. ! Man...Had he not been in a terrible car accident that damaged his vocal chords, I am MORE than sure that he would have been considered one of the biggest legends in the game. His flow and lyrics were way ahead of its time. Here he is droppin flows on Funky Enough, produced by that guy Dr. Dre..
And finally, Miss Faith Evans. Widow of Notorious B.I.G. (who had a birthday not too long ago). When she first came out I remember how often people would remark how soothing and beautiful her voice was. It was so soft and innocent. Ah yes. Here she is, looking oh so delicious and sexy in I Love You, one of my personal favorites from her....
Today, we celebrate the birthdays of two people who helped music evolve into the next levels.
First, great guitarist and inventor, Les Paul. Les Paul is extremely important for you to know, because this man revolutionized music by MAKING the solid-body electric guitar. Oh but it doesn't stop there. He also INVENTED: overdubbing, delay effects such as "sound on sound" and tape delay, phasing effects, multitrack recording, and reverb effects. So...because of him, we have Rock N' Roll music. Peep this mini-documentary, made in '05, celebrating his birthday. Take note of some of the cameo appearances too.
AND! Jackie Wilson. This man helped define part of our parents' generation. He was one of the important figures that transitioned Rhythm and Blues music into Soul music. He's often cited by Michael Jackson as one of his influences.
Here's the man himself breaking it down with the song "Lonely Teardrops".
TRIVIA TIME!!!
I have a special prize for you if you can tell me what 80's film this other Jackie Wilson track is featured in. Just type your email address in the comments box if you get it. And no, there is no time limit. And yes, this is an open book quiz! Use your resources!
Man it sure is a nice day outside...This calls for some feel good tracks for the Gemini babies today!
Happy birthday to:
Dean Martin! One part of the Rat Pack. Legendary entertainer. Here he is singing with fellow Gemini, Gladys Knight, along with the Pips of course.
Next...L.A. Reid! This is man is a straight up LEGEND in the game of music. He's put some of the most legendary people in the game such as: Mariah Carey, Toni Braxton, TLC, Usher, Ciara, Outkast, Dido, Avril Lavigne, Pink, Kanye West, Young Jeezy, Rihanna, Ne-Yo, The Killers, and Fall Out Boy! But before he was running a label and masterminding the industry, he was a member of a little group with Babyface Edmonds called The Deele. Here is one of their Jams, Two Occassions. If I'm correct, Reid is tthe guy singing in the 2nd verse, with a perm that is from out of this world! lol. By the way, when people say "That's my jam!", THIS is a prime example of what they might mean.
Next, LEGENDARY poetess, Nikki Giovanni. I mean...I don't even know what to say about this woman. She's just off the chain. Here's one of her most famous pieces, Ego Trippin. This version is from the Blackalicious album, Nia.
And finally. PRINCE. Nuff said. Just read his bio. He's written so many songs for people, put so many people in the game, it's not even funny, and plays so many instruments that he really doesn't need a band when making an album! Unfortunately, the Purple One himself has restricted just about any and all of his songs and videos from being streamed on youtube. Kinda upsetting for fans, but hey...he's makin sure to keep his money right, so I can't be mad at him for that. SO, I decided to put these two vids up. A little interview with The Twinz, 2 back up singers of his (who supposedly he dated AT THE SAME TIME!). This is kinda funny to me, cause the lady doin the interview wants Prince so bad it's not even funny.
And finally some scenes from his film Under The Cherry Moon cut to a Chris Issac track, Wicked Games. Watch as Prince gets his sensual seduction on. Ladies...hold on to your drawls.
