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