Anthem of The Week...

What's good, fam???

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and are enjoying your holiday season. Just stopping through to send a little musical love and inspiration. This song will be my anthem this week; just dug into this video a couple days ago. I have such a deep love for the whole Boot Camp Clik, I feel that they were probably the most underrated and overlooked Hip-Hop crew of the 90s. I mean, just listen to Buckshot's flow on this track... NUFF SAID.

Peace yall, have a beautiful week!
The new year is approaching. :-)

Tune in tonight: Classic Christmas Cuts!

Make sure you tune into my radio show tonight entitled, Classic Christmas Cuts! Some major tunes will be played!

Classic Christmas Cuts

Listen to
internet radio with Azure Lee on Blog Talk Radio

Winter Detox and Improving Your Health

As we have entered into the last month of the year and will be entering into the year of 2012 very soon, I realize that there is something that I HAVE to pay more attention to... MY HEALTH!

Now, I know many people may say that this would be the worst time to focus on my health because it is the holiday season. And this means that there are going to be all kinds of Christmas foods and snacks around almost everywhere you go. But let's be honest, we all know how much of something we really need to consume compared to what we want to consume. With this being said, Afya Ibomu, a Holistic Nutritionist and Health Counselor, has some great information and tips on why it is very important to cleanse and detox the body during the Winter (something that I have been thinking about doing for a while now). She also has an online book that is completely about Winter Detoxing and I am sure that she goes in depth. Check out some of her tips...

Why detox seasonally?

Each season has it’s own weather patterns and foods that are available. As the seasons and weather change so does our bodies immune system. This time is a critical point where many people can become sick. There are foods that grow and are harvested with each season that help to naturally build your immune system and give your body the necessary nutrients needed for each time of year. Cleansing with the seasons allows you to be more in tune with nature as well as rotate the foods in your diet.

The goal of The Nattral Winter Detox is to:

• Cleanse and nourish your kidney’s and bladder
• Excrete toxins
• Reduce inflammation
• Lose weight
• Reduce your cravings
• Improve your energy
• Build your immune system
• Begin to be able to read and know your bodies’ needs!

Health information courtesy of Afya Ibomu at Nattral.com

This Is Art: Pictures from the 2012 Korea Hair Collection

I am truly amazed by these hairstyles. I have always had a love for different Asian cultures and their unique sense of style and this is just making my love that much stronger. I mean, they really took it to another level with these wonderful creations.

These hairstyles are nothing short of amazing and are most definitely forms of contemporary art, if you ask me. OUTSTANDING!

Article

And The "Video of The Year" Award Goes To...

Yes, people, this duo has done it again! For those of you that follow my blog, you may remember the album review and video that I did talking about their debut LP, Black Up, which was released in June. Since then, they have been touring, doing a few interviews and staying under the radar (as usual). But low and behold, an official video entitled Black Up has been released by Sub Pop Records and it is the epitome of greatness.

This video is more like a short film to me. It is full of many different elements and it is like they are trying to tell an urban story. It is actually very hard for me to explain, but Shabazz Palaces is good for this. They want the people to make their own interpretation of the music and their art, which I have always loved and had respect for. But in retrospect, the videography is well done and it really leaves the viewer wondering, thinking and deciphering what they just saw. I love it. I also love that they played a mix of almost all of the songs from their album within this video, giving us a true taste of their musical talent.

This video is awesome, guys. Let me know what you all think of it.
This is one of those videos that you must forward on to people, it is that hot!




P.S. It looks as if Palaceer Lazaro A.K.A. Ishmael "Butterfly" Butler (the main cat in the video) will be very busy in 2012. He will be reuniting with the Digable Planets for a new album and tour! All praises due to the Hip Hop heavens!

Digable Planets reunion info: here
My review of Black Up

Stay Afloat

As the weekend has suddenly approached, I just want to send positivity and blessings to all of you. I just came across this photo, and I have been trying to remember the name of this movie for years! We watched The Red Balloon in grade school and there were no words, just a little boy chasing a balloon all around town. And it really inspired me then and still inspires me until this day to just chase after your dreams and stay afloat; meaning, maintain your happiness and keep doing what you love to do.

P.S. Welcome to December! ♥

Kelis on Dazed & Confused Magazine's 20th Anniversary Cover

Here at Purpleskyyys, we can never get enough of Ms. Kelis Rogers.

And neither can the legendary magazine, Dazed and Confused, who have chosen Kelis and 19 other artists to feature on their December issue covers. The 20 + 20 Covers Project By Rankin is D&C's latest project which celebrates their 20 year anniversary of being one of the UK and the world's best magazines that contain articles on different musicians, artists and much more.

Pharrell Williams, Kate Moss, Bjork and Alicia Keys are just a few of the many legendary pop culture figures that are featured on these 20 different covers, whom also will have exclusive interviews in this issue. And to know that Kelis has been recognized in this way is awesome. She is someone who definitely deserves this honor and I am very excited to read more about her musical and life journey in her own words.

And the sickest thing about this whole project is not only the legendary cover artists, but the 20 other artists that they consider to be the new leaders of world culture. It's going to be so dope to see who the artists have chosen and why.

Be sure to check out the mini interview of Kelis and singer, Jamie Woon, below.
Now all I have to do is find out how this American girl is going to get her hands on a copy!



DazedDigital.com

Another Soldier Gone...

Yesterday, many music heads were sadly informed that Javon Coleman, better known as J-1, passed away. J-1 was a well known drummer and member of the band Master Blazter, which included Funk artist Dam-Funk.

What's so mind blogging about his passing is that recently I have been doing SO MUCH research on Dam-Funk, being that I am really feeling his music right now. And throughout this process, I began to learn about his performance band which included J-1. It's like I've seen J-1 in many different performances and videos that I have come across, but I never knew who he was as an individual artist. He was very talented to say the least, and seemed to have a very humble soul.

My condolences and love are with his family, friends and loved ones.

Life is too short family, cherish the day.
Peace ♥








More on J-1: LAWeekly.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you all have a wonderful Turkey Day! Whether you celebrate this holiday or not, you can never go wrong by being thankful for all of the blessings that you have. Spend some time with your family, call a friend... Do something that shows people that you care.

Give Thanks!!!

I Want To Be Seen, Green!

My favorite online magazine, Ghubar Magazine, has finally released their November issue. And what's so fabulous about this particular issue is that it is all about Green!

I honestly used to despise the color green as a child, but it was not until a couple years ago in college that I grew to love the color. A color of so many meanings and full of expression; I love how Ghubar Mag chose to focus on this color and how it has become a new favorite in the fashion world and everyday style.

I also like the fact that Ghubar not only talked about Green fashion, but how "going green" is an initiative that can be very beneficial for our environment and personal health.


This new issue is something that you can truly learn from, whether you are looking for some new fashion tips or new ways to be more conscious about your surroundings. Be sure to check this issue out, guys! I'm loving the photo shoot spreads, as well.

One love ♥

GhubarMagazine.com

My Message To You Today

LMAO! Have a fabulous weekend, peeps!

Purpleskyyys's Interview with Clara Star of Charisma Eclectic

As you all should know by now and if not, let me refresh your memory; I have a LOVE for accessories. Ever since I was younger, I have always felt that a fresh outfit was nice, but the accessories that you wear really make you stand out. So when I came across the amazing creations of Charisma Eclectic, I was undeniably in awe.

I discovered these beautiful accessories by chance, a couple months ago through a Vegan website that had an article about an African American woman and her experiences being a Vegetarian. One link led to another and I discovered the beautiful creations of Ms. Clara Star. This 31 year old mother, vegetarian, and jewelry and accessory designer decided to create her own business last year based around what she loves; creative accessories! And I must say, for her to only have been in business for a year, she has definitely made a name for herself amongst many style and fashion bloggers, websites and jewelry collectors.

I decided a couple weeks ago that I wanted to do an interview with Clara, because her creations really inspire. I purchased a pair of her "Wish You Would" earrings, which are of the 70's blaxploitation character Foxy Brown which is SO my style. What I like about Charisma Eclectic is that it is a collection that really represents unique and individual style. It reflects culture, merges styles from every decade and has a piece that anyone could be attracted to.

My interview with Clara Star of Charisma Eclectic.com:

What city were you born in and what city do you currently reside in?

[Born in] Louisville, KY [I currently live in] New Albany, IN

How old were you when you realized that you had a love for accessories and making things?

5 years old

Do you have a love or obsession for jewelry and accessories?

As a plus sized teen, cute and trendy clothing were hard to come by. I relied on accessories to define my style. I always loved colorful sneakers and handbags.

Were you always into making jewelry?

Being a hobbyist, I've toyed around with making jewelry in the past, but crocheting and graphics took up most of my time.

What inspires you?

Foremost originality inspires me. Original forms of music, visual art, spirituality, anything that is fresh and exciting keeps me motivated to create.

I can tell that you have a love for shapes, the boldness of colors and patterns etc... Where does that stem from?

I adore bold colors and shapes because they usually speak for themselves. A circle is just a round object alone, but pair it with a triangle and it becomes a design. I used to spend countless hours in the library skimming fashion, photography and music books. Throughout all of these I found inspiration for color, patterns and more.

Do you try to send out a message/feeling with your art?

My objective for every piece that comes from Charisma is individuality. I want the piece to speak to the owner and the viewer. Like art, I see my works as conversation pieces. If I have on a pair of Nina Simone earrings, I want someone to say, "Hey, that's Nina. I love her music!". We may then talk of poetry or black feminism. However, another may ask me who she is or why I'm wearing her on my ear. This is then a chance to introduce her and her works. I want my designs to be a statement for fashion. A lot of people need to know [that] the definition of style has changed. We are in the age of individuality.

Many of your pieces are pictures of musicians, artists and activists; why?

I think my whole life has been made up of music, art, and community activism. Since Charisma is a product of me, my pieces definitely reflect such. Growing up, I hung around my Uncle Roey a lot who was a local singer. He introduced me to Al Green, Parliament, and Cameo. I kept the love for these musicians in my adult years. Music is a melodic art form that fuels my creativity. I was so inspired by Al Green's charismatic personality, that I named my business Charisma Eclectic. Art has always been conducive to fueling movements. Many items in my collections are inspired by community activists, groups, or spirituality. Both are near and dear to me for they have the power to change lives.

Are all of your pieces handmade by you?

Yes, I am a one woman show and every piece is handmade by me.

I can tell by many of your pieces, you have a nostalgic love for the 70's (like myself), is this true?

I love the 60's and 70's. Often times, I wonder if I had a past life that took place in the 70's! I feel like we're reaching an era like the 70's now. Everyone is into rocking vintage pieces, clothing and jewelry. I love the 60's and 70's for its fashions, slang language, bold interiors, huge cars; all of that funk!

How important is it for African Americans to have jewelry that reflects who we are and our culture?

I think African Americans can wear jewelry and anything for that matter and make it ours. We can throw on a sweatsuit and a Chinese jade necklace and be fresh! I'm glad to see the resurgence of African prints, Navajo patterns and more. When I was a teen these items were mocked because they were so opposite of the European styles the mall sold. I think its important for us to wear what reflects us, be it metaphysical crystals or antiqued brass.

What is your favorite item to make and what is your favorite piece that you have made thus far and why?

I love creating earrings with faces. As a graphic designer there's nothing like having a vision, rendering it, then seeing it manifest.

As a Black woman and business owner, how has your experience been owning and operating your own business?

I've had a wonderful time running my business. I think its because I'm the sole owner and only employee (smile). This means I have full creative reign, marketing, and financial power of my business.

What kind of advice would you give to people out there that may be interested in owing their own business based around their own personal creations?

This is a good time in the world for Black women to start their own businesses and utilize their creative skills. Find your niche and research it. Analyze what makes your business different from someone else's. Perfect your product, master it.

Do you have any new items that you are currently making?

I've been working on a new collection for Winter. I'll also relaunch the home decor section of my site soon. Sometimes I shell out pieces one after another. Other times I wait for the inspiration and vision to move me. I guess you could say I'm trying to be like Maxwell and D'Angelo, hahaha.

What are your futures plans and dreams for Charisma Eclectic?

I love seeing my goods in boutiques so I'm working toward landing more wholesale accounts especially overseas. And of course I dream of my fave female celebs in my pieces!

Quote that you live by:
"Be and it is." -Bible
__________________________________________________

Thank you so much, Clara for doing Purpleskyyys's first interview! It was truly a pleasure and I wish you love and luck in your future endeavors with Charisma Eclectic.

To check out more of Clara's amazing creations, peep:
CharismaEclectic.com
Email her: lotusenergy@yahoo.com

Let's Talk About Love

I didn't even know what I would title this post honestly, just felt the need to share this with you all.  I mean, words can't describe how breathtaking this photo is for me.  Beautiful Black man, strong Black wombman, whom you cannot see, but her presence is definitely felt through the expression of her soul mate and through the being that is growing within her womb.  I mean, the man's expression is what really sets this photo off.  The pure bliss and feeling of elation that he gives off is enough to make anyone smile.  There is nothing like the union and bond between the Black man, woman and child.  Puts me in the mind of Ausar, Auset & Heru and their holy trinity pertaining to Egyptian spirituality and the story of the beginning of mankind.

This is Love

Rest In Peace, Heavy D!

 

Dwight "Heavy D" Myers

May 24, 1967- November 8, 2011

Hearts around the world ache as the news of Heavy D passing has struck us.  I still can't believe it.  All that I keep seeing people say on twitter and other sites is "what a good guy he was" and how "he always wore that smile".  And this does not surprise me, because you could tell that he had a sincere heart and beautiful spirit.

What I love the most about him is that he added his own unique flavor to Hip-Hop.  From his stage presence, to the way he rapped to his impeccable dance moves... No one could touch my man!  He made music that the youngins could listen to all the way up to the adults.  Dwight Arrington Myers will be missed.  May you rest in peace, my brotha!

What is your favorite Heavy D joint?

This was my song in grade school, I loved singing the chorus!


Video courtesy of:  Egoggles's Youtube channel
More on Heavy D's life and legacy:  nytimes.com mtv.com

Who Got Next: Fable

I happened to come across this video via Facebook off of my friend's wall, shout out to Savage Ballet. Being that he is a Hip-Hop artist, many of his posts are videos or links of up and coming or already established artists that are really dope. A couple days ago, he posted this video and I was amazed.

Fable is a Hip Hop artist from Chi-Town and this is the debut video for his song entitled, "I Beg To Differ", and it's HOT! This song screams Hip-Hop; the lyrics, the laid-back beat. And what I like about the video is that there is no special effects (rumpshaking, Benzs & flashing lights); real scenery that matches the content of a real song.

This video is just so refreshing to see because, it let's me know that people out there are still pumping out that real Hip-Hop. Big ups to this brotha, this is for the real Hip-Hop Headz out there!

Peace & Enjoy ♥



Fable's website: Fablebangers.com

Photo of the Week: D'Angelo

I came across this photo today via Tumblr and I thought it was so sexy. Very soulful, urban and sensual. It gives me a random photo taken in a juke joint in the south type of feel... you see me? I believe this photo was taken inbetween the time of Brown Sugar and Voodoo.

And what's so funny is I was reading an interview that D'Angelo did for Pulse! Magazine this past weekend. So now, I only have one question...... D'Angelo, where you at brotha???

Last week's episode:

Listen to internet radio with Purpleskyyys on Blog Talk Radio

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

I am a strong 22 years old today and I am so happy to see what this new year has in store for me. I feel very blessed to be here today and to have experienced all that I have experienced thus far in life. This past week and weekend has been truly magical for me, guys. I have received so much love from so many people and it has shown me what is really important in life and how much I mean to people.

Just wanted to stop by to put a lil' something, something out there and to say thank YOU ALL for all of your love and support throughout the time that I have been operating Purpleskyyys. It has truly been an outlet for me to post things that I love, feel and want to inspire with.

Enjoy your day, and make it a great one!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

Musik+ology 101: Tune in tonight!

Hey guys!

I hope you all are having a fabulous week. I am just here to post the media player from my 2nd Musik+ology 101 episode from last week entitled, Jazz: An American Genre of the Past?

During this show I interviewed the lecturer, organist and my former music professor, Dr. Anthony Williams, about this topic. We discussed the history of Jazz, whether African Americans have deserted this genre for others and what we can do to keep this genre alive and relevant. Needless to say, it was an EXCELLENT show.

But tonight at 8 p.m. ET, I will be doing my first freestyle show, where I randomly created a playlist of songs to play. And tonight's show is entitled, Sexy, Smooth Grooves, and when you hear the songs you will know why.

Check me out tonight and tell a friend!
PEACE ♥

Tonight's show: Sexy, Smooth Grooves

Listen to internet radio with Purpleskyyys on Blog Talk Radio

Tribute to Soul Train Edition 2: Ashford & Simpson

Ok guys, my second and final tribute to Soul Train for the month of October is to an amazing duo that is ever so deserving of one, Ashford & Simpson.

When I tell you that I watch this video almost everyday, I am NOT exaggerating. The lyrics of this song are phenomenal.

"...If happiness is what you seek, first you better realize you're walking down the wrong street. 'Cause I found it, yeaaah.. And it's DEEP INSIDE and I want to take you there."

And not only are the lyrics moving, so is watching these two lovers perform this song. You can really see and feel the passion between these two. You can tell that they mean EVERY word that they are saying to each other and it is just a testament of the true love that was shared between the two of them.

Music like this is in dire need right now, especially in these times. Love songs will always stand the test of time and they live on forever due to their message, and this is definitely one of those kind of songs. A song that will be listened to for years to come.

And as I close out this post, I would like to reiterate my appreciation for the show Soul Train and what it did for African American artists, American history, and most importantly, its viewers. I am sure many people can agree with me when I say that this show really SHOWED the world what talent looks like and documented the African American musical experience for many years.

I will also be playing this song on my upcoming radio show this Thursday, so tune in!

And Purpleskyyys is wishing you, LOVE, PEACE & SOULLLLLLLLLL! (LMAO)




Previous post on Ashford & Simpson

My Message To You Today

Peace & Blessings! ♥

Queen of the Week: Nyne Lyves

"The Nyne Lyves Brand is a lifestyle. You're only given 1 life, live it x 9."

Nyne Lyves photos have been circulating throughout the web ever since I came across her this Summer on Tumblr. I recently stumbled across more photos of her this week and I really love her style. Truly inspiring, and one a kind. She is also a jewelry designer, artist and model. She has been featured in various magazines and her jewelry; infamously known for her nose ring chains, has been worn by the likes of Shanell of YMCMB and many other artists and models.

Funky, fresh, innovative and unique... This is why Nyne Lyves is the Queen of the Week!





Nyne Lyves: website

This Halloween....

I would love to look like this. The Queen of Blending (Lauren), a creative and very imaginative makeup artist, created this amazing look based off of inspiration from the cartoon character, Rainbow Brite.

Adorable, right? I totally forgot about Rainbow Brite, to be honest with you... So I could not re-call who she was trying to portray through her makeup. And after doing her makeup, she even said that she realized that it came out a little different than the way she expected it to...But loves it the same way, and so do I.

She calls is "Gangster Rainbow Brite", but I call it dope ass techniques. Guys, if I post pictures of myself November 1st and I have random blotches of makeup all over my face because I attempted to be Rainbow Brite... DON'T JUDGE ME! lol

Check her out! (I ♥ the streaks in her hair)



QueenofBlending Youtube Channel
QueenofBlending Website

Black & Blue

This is why my favorite color is Blue and why I love dark colors so much....

DOPE-ness

RhaRha of TheCapitalofCool.blogspot.com

October: The best month of the year! (Video Update)

This picture pretty much cracks me up, but makes me smile at the same time...Doesn't it do the same for you???

I know that you guys knew I could not let this month go by and NOT do a video or post about the greatest month of the year. The Fall is officially in full force, my birthday is in 21 days and that means that HALLOWEEN is right around the corner. I have considered going trick-or-treating, my friends... PLEASE don't judge me! LOL

I just thought I would stop by with a video to update you on how I've been and to see how you all have been doing. I can say that this video shows more of my personality than all of them, I really had a blast making this one. Enjoy, guys!

Can Two Win or One?

"The Sylvers" album photos courtesy of lpcoverscorner.blogspot.com

Ok, guys. This post was a MUST-DO. Recently, I have been really DIGGING into the music of The Sylvers. This family-group were and still are talented beyond comparison and have one of the most unique sounds of any musical group that I have come across.

And as my digging has obviously led me to great music, something random happened. I learned that one of the songs that I came across entitled, "Only One Can Win" by The Sylvers was sampled by one of my favorite producers, J-Dilla. When it comes to songs being sampled, it usually happens the other way around... I will hear the cover and/or sample song first, then have to back track to the original, but this time it happened the other way around...But I complaining!

So as I am listening to the original version, I am mind-blown by the production of the song and how The Sylvers manage to make their voices blend so well. I am also amazed by the maturity of Edmund Sylvers voice, who sung lead on this song as he was only a teenager. Then, I marvel at the way Jay Dee was able to mix this record and make a 70s R&B joint sound so fresh, with a Hip-Hop type of twist to it.

And this leads me to the question of whether only one can really win? Because in this case and musically speaking, I am totally in love with both of these songs. Although, it is only one song that has been re-mixed, there is a true dynamic between the both of these songs. A dynamic that makes them both unique in their own right....And this is why I LOVE music.

Take a listen guys and tell me what you think? And PLEASE listen to the high note that Edmund hits; as well as, how The Sylvers make their voice echo/vibrate in unison... CRAZY!

PEACE ♥