Flames to Dust, Lovers to Friends.... Why Do All Good Things Come To an End???

Yes, the time has come.  This will be my final post here on my first blog... Purpleskyyys.

This blog was and still is my baby.  One random thought in the winter of 2009 made me create this blog.  And never did I think that I would continually write and get so much love and appreciation just for my thoughts and points of view.

But as time goes on, I have grown, gotten older and many things have changed.  And it's time to create new things and new experiences.  So I will be leaving Purpleskyyys in the past, but will be bring all that it has taught me into the future.

And to all of you that have been with me from the beginning, viewing my posts, commenting and confirming to me that I have an audience…. Thank you!  And as Purpleskyyys has hundreds of posts concerning various topics, I like to think of it has a historical catalog for the public.  So I will not be deleting this site, because I want people to still enjoy the things on here.

In the meantime, I have created a new blog entitled, Sapphires and Sisters.  And I am absolutely loving how much fun I am having with it.  I would say it is a little different then this blog, because it is a little more personal, but still very fun and random… Like me! ;-)  So if you are interested in keeping up with me, please feel free to join me there!

I also have a new twitter account, so feel free to follow me!

Again, thank you all for your support.  And I will see you on the other side of liberation.
Long live, Purleskyyys! XOXOXOXO

R.I.P. Al Freeman Jr.

(March 21, 1934 – August 9, 2012)

I remember the first time I saw the movie, Malcolm X, on BET when I was in grade school.  That was pretty much one of those "defining moments" in my life where things were never the same.  And to hear that one of the actors from the movie, Al Freeman Jr., had passed away last month was truly saddening.

Al Freeman Jr. is one of those brilliant actors that you would see in a film, and out of everyone he would be one of the actors whom you would remember the most because his presence was so memorable and moving.  He is also one of those actors that you could never understand why he didn't get more breakout roles or recognition as an actor, because his skills were downright incomparable.

Freeman's career as an actor and director stems from the 1960's all the way up to the new millenium, as he played in various films.  His role as The Honorable Elijah Muhammad in Malcolm X is probably one of his most notable, but one of his most unsung roles was in a play turned movie entitled, The Dutchman.  Which was a movie that showed the realities that the African American male of the Civil Rights Movement era had to deal with.  And with such a rewarding career and true experience, Freeman took his skills to the classroom, becoming an acting professor at Howard University.

A Black cinema trailblazer and hero in his own right,  Al Freeman Jr.'s legacy lives on.

Ebony Magazine article

Happy Birthday, Diahann Carroll!

Incomparably talented and beautifully exhilarating describes actress and singer, Ms. Diahann Carroll.   As her legacy is often overlooked, we wish to send her love and salutations on her 77th birthday today.

She has to be one of my favorite icons, as he has always been versatile within the entertainment industry for over 50 years, and has always maintained a sense of integrity and class. Dare I say, sexiness, as well?

All hail, Ms. Carroll!

 

My Message To You Today

Happy Monday! 
Start your week off right and SHINE!  ♥

Summer is Here!

"Sweet days of summer, the jasmine's in bloom
July is dressed up and playing her tune"...

That joyous and oh, so fun time of the year has finally rolled around.  I have a very strong feeling that this summer is going to be one for the books, I just know that some great things will be happening.

I am very excited that I will be traveling again this summer, I will be headed to several cities in the Midwest and HOPEFULLY to a special place on the East coast that I have not been to in years!  I swear, traveling is the best thing ever.

I know that I have not been posting much recently, and that it because I have been working on several projects, and mainly a proposal to get one of my own books published...... So you all know that I am very excited about that!  I will definitely keep you all posted as much as I can throughout this summer, as it is a very eventful time for us all.  

This summer will bring some great things into fruition, and I hope you guys are ready for them!
What are your plans for the summer?  Let me know in the comment section.

 Stay cool, hydrated and most of all, HAVE FUN!

Happy Monday: Lil' Mo Interview

Hello, everyone!  I hope this post meets you in beautiful and positive MONDAY spirits.  For all of my music lovers out there, this interview is a must see.  Lil' Mo, R&B singer and songwriter, did an absolutely extraordinary (yes, I put all of those adjectives together) interview with The Skorpion Show.

I must say that this is one of the best interviews that I have seen all year.  Mo sang on some of my favorite songs from the early 2000's, "Put It On Me" and "4 Ever".  And in this interview, she talks about how she started in the music industry, what she has learned, how motherhood has affected her life and much more.  I don't want to give everything away, because there is so much to learn from  this interview.  And what I loved the most is how Mo's beautiful and warm spirit just shines throughout the whole interview; an amazing personality goes a long way.

So enjoy, and support good music!
P.S. I think I am officially a fan of The Skorpion Show, how could I not be, I'm a Scorpio! 




Lil Mo's: twitter
The Skorpion Show:  Youtube channel

Float On: Donna Summer & Chuck Brown

The music world has lost two pioneers within two days.  This is too sad.  The beautiful and all around dynamic entertainer, Ms. Donna Summer, dubbed "The Queen of Disco" passed away today at the age of 63.  Yesterday, Funk and Soul crooner and Godfather of Go-Go music, Chuck Brown, passed away at the age of 75.

Chuck Brown, a DMV area music hero and legend, set himself apart from many musicians in the 70's and 80's with his songs that contained heavy percussion and prominent horns.  His music lives on as he performed for many years and has been sampled by many producers throughout the years.  Donna Summer really paved the way for so many Black artists in the 70's with her impeccable style and star quality.  She could probably be considered one of the first African American artists that really crossed over and made it big within the mainstream market with her music.  Not to mention, her beauty was truly undeniable.

May the spirit and legacy of these two musicians live on.

Jobs Are Not For Everyone; Everyone Has Their Own Path

As it has officially been a year since I graduated from college, I find it interesting that I knew this time last year that more than likely I would not be returning to school in the near future (like many of my classmates did) and that just picking up any job just to get money so I could get by would not work (been there, done that).  There are some people who cannot operate like that, me being one of them.

As I came across this video this weekend, it literally spoke to me, and I am sure to so many young adults out there that have seen it.  Nubia I Sutton, a wholistic practitioner and health advocate, created this video dedicated to one of her subscribers that is a young woman in her 20's that is realizing that working a regular 9 to 5 may please her parents and her ego, but is ultimately dissatisfying to her heart.

And this post is not to criticize nor judge those who do work regular jobs, because if you are following your heart and working within a field that is fulfilling to your passion, then you are indeed working in alignment with the true blessings and God given talents that were bestowed upon you.  And Nubia's message can also resonate with you in some kind of way, as we all go through life trying to find that perfect job, career or thing that makes up happy.

This video pretty much spoke directly to me and brought me to the realization of the importance of being real with yourself and who you are.

Nubia I Sutton:

Website
Youtube Channel

My Message To You Today: 200th Post

 

Life has no limits....
Reach higher, always!

Over 1000 Views... Humbled!

Since 2009, I have created this blog and abandoned it... Been consistent with making posts and often times, inconsistent. But through it all, I always put out things that affect me that I feel will have some sort of impact on others. So thanks to everyone that has hit up this blog, dedicated commentators and those seen and unseen! It is appreciated! The best is yet to come, fam!

Love is LUV!

Queen of The Week: Betty Chantel

I have been a fan of Miss Betty Chantel ever since one of her pictures popped up in my Tumblr feed last year. This pin-up cutie is a model and go-go dancer from Jersey City, NJ and has been featured in various fashion and style magazines and on several websites and blogs.

What I find so interesting about Betty is that I had actually not known of any current models of color that actually embraced and posed in the vintage, pin-up style portraits that she absolutely looks flawless in. It is actually very inspiring, and you can tell that she absolutely enjoys what she does and truly owns her unique since of style.

Big ups to our Queen of The Week, Betty Chantel! Rock on, girl!

Betty Chantel:
Facebook
Twitter
Profile

I am a New Writer for The Roy Ayers Project

YES! You read right! Ever since February, I have had the privilege of being added to the roster of amazing writers for one of my favorite online sites pertaining to music, The Roy Ayers Project!

Some of you may remember me making a post last year about the outstanding work that they are doing by creating a documentary dedicated to exposing the musical intelligence and legacy of Mr. Roy Ayers. I have been greatly influenced by his music ever since the first time I heard it, so it is really an honor to have been accepted by the director of the project and to be a part of something that is enlightening and truly historical.

Thus far, I have written two articles that I will be posting below. And for those that have not yet seen the trailer, I will post it again so that you may bear witness to what this documentary has in store for viewers. Again, I would like to say that I am TRULY honored to be a part of this, and the best is yet to come!

P.S. Like our Facebook page, follow us on twitter and hit up the site!



Post 1: Cavalier- Searchin'
Post 2: RE:Generation Project
Website

Elder Dick Gregory Speaks Out About The Death of Trayvon Martin, Whitney Houston and More

"Stop being emotional and start demanding answers."

Social activist, health expert and comedian Dick Gregory broke his silence about the death of our brother Trayvon Martin at a rally in Washington D.C. this weekend. This rally was dedicated to demanding justice and answers for the murder of this young man.

After watching this video, I was very moved. Not only by what Gregory said about Trayvon's death, but also the death of Whitney Houston and about using your logical mind when it comes to situations such as this. This is definitely a must see. Please pass this on.




Petition

My Message To You Today

Have a beautiful weekend!
Peace ♥

Video Updates: Thought of the Day and My Tribute to Whitney Houston

What's going on, guys?!

I hope you all are enjoying the month of March and all of its wonder. I have not made a face to camera video since last year, so it was a must that I share one with you all this month.

I had been wanting to a video on the great passing of Whitney Houston for weeks, but I did not want to rush it and I wanted the making of it to be natural. So, recently I made one where I recited a poem that I wrote about her and also included some amazing pictures of her. Along with this video, I have another one that I created that talks about the concept of accepting others and how we all as people are one. Just to send out some inspiration, as usual.

Enjoy these videos, fam. I will be sure to be back with more posts once the Spring gets kicking. Are you ready for the sun, warm breeze and sandals?!? I am :-)

This Week in Hip Hop: Two New Videos by K'Naan featuring Nas and Yasiin Bey

I can tell that the year of 2012 is going to be a great year for music, especially, Hip Hop. And you may ask, how do I know this? The proof is in the pudding, or should I say, music.

K'naan, the Dusty Foot Philosopher, dropped a video featuring his good friend and Hip Hop royalty, Nas for his song, "Nothing To Lose". This song is featured on K'naan's More Beautiful Than Silence EP, which was dropped last month. I am really feeling this song and how K'naan opts to flow on this beat like I have never heard him flow before. I also love the message behind the song; as well as, the video. A Somali and African American brother that grew up worlds apart, but are related through their struggle and love for the people; I can dig it.

And Yasiin Bey, formerly know as, Mos Def, dropped the video for his song, "Niggas in Poorest" (his spin on Jay-Z and Kanye West's "Niggas in Paris"). Ever since the release of this song, many people have been confused by what message Yasiin is trying to convey to listeners through his lyrics, but this video makes everything crystal clear. The various images and film clips within this video are superb and really draws attention to the song and its subject matter.

I am sure that you all will gain some kind of knowledge and/or wisdom from the two of these videos. What's your thoughts on these two songs?

Peace ♥





K'naan's upcoming album: Country, God or the Girl
Yasiin Bey's latest project: Top 40 Underdog

TGIF, Friday Foster That Is...

In honor of the most anticipated day of the week finally rolling around, I decided that today I am going to FULLY enjoy myself. And for those that do not know, ever since I was younger (thanks to my parents), I have been a sucker for 70's movies; particularly, blaxplotation movies. I really get a kick out of watching them, as most of them are so action packed and full of drama. And on top of that, you cannot beat watching a predominately African American cast and falling into the style and lingo of this era.

And Friday Foster, happens to be one of those films. I watched this movie for the first time last month and I must say that this has to be one of my favorite Pam Grier flicks. Although many say Foxy Brown or Jackie Brown was her greatest role to date, Friday Foster ranks high in my book. I just love how Friday is really an everyday woman, yet she seems to find herself in the most adventurous and dangerous situations. I love it!

So in honor of today being Friday and me taking out time for ME, I'm going to watch this movie.
Have a great weekend, guys!

Get Your Valentine's Day Groove On, Raheem DeVaughn Style!

R&B and Soul crooner, Raheem DeVaughn, will be dropping a mixtape February 14th at 12:00 a.m. entitled, Destination Loveland. This Valentine's Day special is going to be a treat. Raheem can honestly do no wrong in my eyes, why? Because he is keeping real R&B alive, he loves his fans and he gives back to his fans by putting out a free mixtape on Valentine's Day featuring Dwele, Snoop Dogg and other amazing artists!

The music on this mixtape is going to be a trip, literally... All the way to Loveland.

Are you all ready to ride??? ♥

Download @ Datpiff.com

I Am My Biggest Asset: Health According to Styles P

Ever since I heard about Styles P, one of Hip Hop's greats, opening up his own juice bar in the Bronx, I've had nothing but love and support for him and his whole movement. As of recently, many people within the Black community have been falling victim to many health problems that have led to sickness and even death (Rick Ross, Heavy D, Patrice O'Neal, Etta James etc.). And I find it very important that we become more aware in the year of 2012 that we are not getting any younger, that no one is invincible to anything, and that it is never too late to become more healthy.

In this video, Styles drops some major jewels about why it is important to maintain a healthy and positive lifestyle by eating right and exercising on a regular. Its great to see one of our brothers stepping up to the plate to educate the people about this topic.

What health improvements are you going to make in the year of 2012?

My Message To You Today

Veuillez veiller sur vos reves.

Peace ♥

Black History Month Fact #1: African Brazil

Welcome to Black History Month and the wonderful month of February!

I hope you all are ready for the amazing things that this month has to offer and looking forward to celebrating Black History Month. Throughout the month, I hope to make several posts about different facts related to Black history, from a national and global perspective.

Today's fact:
Did you know that the country Brazil has the largest African population out of all of the countries that African slaves were shipped to?

Many may assume that the Americas would have the largest population (as I did), but Brazil was the first country that the Europeans shipped a large amount of African slaves to.


Bahia, Brazil is a very historical state in Brazil that has the largest population of Afro-Brazilians. And what is so interesting about the people of African decent in Bahia (and throughout Brazil) is that many traditions and pieces of African history and heritage that were brought over to Brazil has been preserved for hundreds of years by them. The African deities of the Yoruba people of West Africa are still worshiped by a large percentage of Afro-Brazilians and throughout time, these deities were combined with different saints and parts of Christianity (the religion of the Europeans/slave masters) and is called Candomblé. This religion is practiced by many Afro-Brazilians.

Carnival is also a special celebration that has been celebrated in Salvador, Bahia and Rio De Janero for years. It is a fusion of music, dancing and extravagant costumes that has made Brazil widely recognized around the world. Although this celebration originated in Europe, it became widely practiced in Latin America and the Caribbean. In Brazil, it is has most definitely been kept alive through the efforts, spirits and traditions of Afro-Brazilians.

Amazing information, right? This is why I love history, especially, Black history! I hope you all enjoyed the fact of the day. And lastly, don't ever let ANYONE try to tell you your history, this is OUR STORY.

Peace

Photos and Song of the Week: Freddie Gibbs and Madlib

Hip-Hop artist, Freddie Gibbs, and the cosmically-gifted producer, Madlib, have teamed up to create an EP entitled, Thuggin'. These photos are from their recent show in Brooklyn. Loving the photography and song. Enjoy!

Freddie Gibbs & Madlib - Thuggin' by Rappcats

D'Angelo is BACK!!!

As I am writing this post, just hearing D'Angelo's video play in the other tab has got me emotional (no lie). Remember last year when I featured one of his vintage Voodoo photos as Photo of the Week and I asked where has he been? Well, there is no need to long for our soul brother, because he is back!!!

The internet has been set ablaze ever since videos have begun to surface of D'Angelo's live performance in Stockholm, Sweden, where he has kicked off his European tour. This is his first live performance in over a decade and he looks and sounds better than ever. Just to see an actual band play and sound so funky should put any Soul music lover into a daze, not to mention, he and his background singers sound out of sight!

According to many sites and music blogs, he performed tunes from his earlier albums; as well as, new songs from his forthcoming LP entitled, James River. Can't wait to hear more from D'Angelo, can we all say American Tour Coming Soon??? Let's keep our fingers crossed!

P.S., the audience is LIVING!





D'Angelo European Tour Dates

The Beauty of Stillness and Silence

There is an ounce of beauty in all things. No matter what society teaches us, we can learn and be inspired by anything that we see and experience in life. As I continue to mature, I have realized that one of the Universe's greatest gifts is silence. And I know that this may sound funny to many of you out there, but think about it... When was the last time that you really sat down by yourself with no T.V. on, the laptop shutdown, and the phone turned off and you just indulged in the sound of SILENCE.

This is very hard to do in our society because we are so used to having a daily routine and I am learning that as people (and functioning humans) we MUST learn how to do this more in order to live a more balanced and clarified life. So I created a video talking about this a little bit, just to share my thoughts about what I have learned by practicing this in my life.

Enjoy and let me know what revelations you have had if you have practiced this.
Peace ♥

Artist Profile: Key

Key is an amazingly talented artist born and currently based in Brooklyn, NY. She has been singing ever since she could remember, as she was greatly influenced by her mother and sisters whom sung and worked out harmonies when she was a child growing up. It is honestly no surprise that her musical upbringing has led her to becoming one of the most eclectic and original singers that I have come across.

Key's songs, mostly all written by her, are full of life, wisdom and love. She is also prolific in the sense that her lyrics sit deep within your soul, almost as much as her voice, which is mellow, yet so powerful. Her song entitled, "Storm", exemplifies this as she asks;

"What time is your storm? Will you feel it too? Gaining momentum, destroying, all that you thought were the essential pieces of you."

Key really designs a song as her own with her voice, whether it be a jazz standard or R&B cut, she owns it.


What I also love about Key is her style. It is very rare that you see many artists nowadays that exude individuality as she does. Very classic and chic, she is slightly reminiscent of a young Diana Ross within her photos; playful and very intriguing. But all the while, her music is what really draws people in.

Key lived in Japan around 2001 and actually released an album their entitled, Thoughts From Key, and soon moved back to the States. Since then, she has been creating a name for herself as a solo act performing at different venues in New York; such as, the Blue Note Jazz Club and also performing background vocals for other artists. But what would be awesome is if she released an album this year, I am so ready for that! When you listen to songs like, "Deep Green" and her remix to J-Dilla & The Roots "Antiquity", you cannot help but to wonder what other kind of musical magic she has up her sleeve.










Check out more of Key:
http://www.youtube.com/user/ladyplum
http://ladyplum.wordpress.com/

RIP Etta James and Winston Riley

It saddens me to report that Ms. Etta James and Mr. Winston Riley passed. Two musical greats that really left a true mark on the music world. Etta James had been battling Leukemia and to get her health back for years. A couple weeks ago, she had just been released from the hospital and all of her fans were hoping for a speedy recovery. She was such a powerhouse when it came to singing. I will never forget when my friend in college played "I'd Rather Go Blind" for me, I was blown away by the soul and pain in her voice. Nobody could SANG like Ms. Etta James.

And Winston Riley is a legend in his own right. As the founding member of the Reggae group, The Techniques, and producing for the likes of Buju Banton, Super Cat and many more, Riley's work has made a huge impact on Reggae music and its evolution throughout the years.

Salute to both of these amazing artists, we will never forget their contribution to Black culture worldwide.

Peace ♥

Another Capricorn Birthday...

Happy Birthday to the Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul, Mrs. Mary J. Blige-Isaacs. A woman of so much class and style, who's beauty has always stemmed from the authenticity that she gives to the world. I tend to relate a lot to Capricorns as they are very powerful, yet emotional people that have amazing ways of conveying messages to people. And Mary is NO exception to this. The reason why she has been able to have so much longevity in the music industry is because of this. A true innovator and diva in her own right, all salute the Queen!

Photo of The Day: Eden Park

Click to enlarge for a full view

This is a picture that I took at my absolute favorite park here in Cincinnati, Ohio. I took this picture this past Fall and it is one that is truly a mind opener. When I look at this picture I can't help but to day dream, gaze, imagine etc... Pictures like this are sure to calm the mind, the conscious and make you feel at ease. Float on, yall!

Peace ♥

Happy Birthday, Zora Neale Hurston!

Happy Birthday to the amazing writer, woman and one of the greatest African American story tellers of the 20th century, Ms. Zora Neale Hurston. SALUTE!

"No matter how far a person can go, the horizon is still way beyond you."
- Zora Neale Hurston

"That is SO GHETTO!"

I hated hearing people of other ethnicities making comments like this in high school. Or, "Oh, My God! Can I touch your hair?". I heard comments and phrases like this all throughout my matriculation in high school, which was a predominately white, all girl school.

It is very uncomfortable to say the least to have a white person ask you about using the "N word" and hearing them sing a rap song assuming that you like the song and in hopes that it would make them look more cool (so corny). So to see Chescaleigh decide to make a video about typical things that white girls say to black girls is so spot on for me. Now that I look back at it, it is actually very hilarious to see that so many other Black girls have experienced this. Some may find this video offensive, but if you have never experienced this then you wouldn't understand.

I love how Chesca does this in a very tasteful manner. It's as if she is bringing awareness to this topic in a very comical/satire manner. I love it.

Have you ever heard any of these comments before? Share your experiences below.




Want more Chescaleigh?

Chescaleigh YT channel
@Chescaleigh

Figures of Neon: Abdi Farah

The work of Abdi Farah has inspired me ever since I saw him on Bravo's premiere of their amazing show, Work of Art. After watching the first episode, he immediately became my favorite artist on the show. Not only did I love the fact that he was an African American male showcasing his gift and raw talent to the world, but his art was extraordinary. And so are these neon figures that he created.

Known for his many imaginative sculptures, Abdi shines when it comes to creating life size and small figures that are very intriguing to the eye. And I must say, as a person that loves fluorescent colors, I found these plastic human-shaped figures to be so cool. I can honestly say that I cannot tell whether they are done being cleaned up or not, either way around, I think they are awesome.




Abdi's art is truly one of a kind and I cannot wait to see what he has in store for his fans for the year of 2012. We shall definitely see, but in the meanwhile, I will continually look at these creations in neon amazement.

Peace ♥

More on Abdi Farah:

Abdiart.com
Flickr.com
@AbdiFarah on Twitter