God's Time and not Ours....

I was blessed tonight to attend to a prayer service which was theme was about "HOPE" They discussed how we sometimes we allow the pressures of life to invade our thinking capacity, lose faith, and abandon the HOPE we have for our future. I will admit after losing my job, lost relationships, finances, and taking some time to go back to school I lost hope and sunk into a state of depression. Even though I never showed it, it was something that ate away at my idle mind and I began to think: Why God? Why me? Will I ever get back the things that I thought meant the world to me. So I picked myself up, brushed off the dirt, and claimed 2010 was a rebuilding year. It was a time for God to work on me and renew my strength. Sure it gets depressing because even after completing school there still is the battle to find a job in my career. I hear so many stories about people in my field and those close to it who are having problems finding work in their respective studies. 


I realized now is not the time to give up and lose HOPE. God has a way of turning things around when you least expect him to and will raise you up out of that dark place you thought you were destined to stay in forever. For the past couple of days after the New Year I questioned myself and my worth and if things were ever going to get better. Then I picked myself up and regained my FAITH and tonight God granted me confirmation as he always does in times of trouble or doubt . This story right here which I was blessed to see on the internet today allowed me to see God's power. A story about a homeless man who seemed to be on his last ends was given another opportunity to showcase his God given talent and regain the life he thought was dead forever.





After so many hits the above video went viral and now he's been blessed to appear on CBS The Early Show. He's shaved his hair, has prospective jobs offers, and never gave up his faith and HOPE in God. No matter what your situation is God has a purpose for you in life no matter how big or small.


I have a cousin who dropped out of college, dealt with some rough times all before the age of 21. However God stepped in when he least expected it and now he's blessed to be traveling to the Philippians on a job offer within his company for training which could turn into a longterm thing if he choses. Wow see how God works... 


When I look at those type of stories it gives me HOPE for myself, community, church, family, friends and people everywhere who despite hard times never gave up HOPE to keep their dreams alive and unsuspectingly God steps in and sends you places you never HOPED or dreamed. I'm not giving up HOPE for every season comes heartaches and pain, troubles, and storms, but through it all my Faith is built on nothing less.


Blanco

Marsha Ambrosius - Far Away {Video--}

Very great video and the message was very powerful. Let's stop the hate. Nobody is perfect and we should embrace everyone. Think as God would think...

My top Albums of Last Year.. yeah I'm late..

Ok so I'm tardy for the party.. big whoop de whoop.. I listen to music constantly so I'm always caught up in the mix. I decided to do a lil list of my favorite albums of 2010. They are in no particular order. I love them all for various reasons and keep them all on repeat at various times. So here goes...

Far East Movement - Free Wired

Trey Songz - Passion, Pain, and Pleasure

Keyshia Cole - Calling All Hearts

Kelis - FLESHTONE

Keri Hilson - No Boys Allowed

Jazmine Sullivan - Love Me Back

Erykah Badu - New Amerykah Part Two

CeeLo - The Lady Killer

Diddy/Dirty Money - Last Train To Paris

Rick Ross - Teflon Don

Janelle Monae - The Archandroid

Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday

Fantasia- Back to Me

Drake - Thank Me Later

Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

2012? Ok What's Really Good?

So things are really getting serious in the paint. Now before anybody reads this I'm very spiritual and I believe in a higher being but don't front like your parents, friends, or family didn't get antsy when Y2K came around after we concluded nothing happened and cars still managed to work. My whole take on this craze which has intrigued people for years is something is bound to happen and here's why.

Something like this has already stirred people in a frenzy from the attacks on the World trade Center to Hurricane Katrina to the oil spill in the gulf. It seems as we embark closer on the date of 12/21/12 which happens to be the day before my birthday O_o all kinds of crazy conspiracies and notions are going to open up the flood gates and make people become skeptical about the Mayan Calender Prophecies and perhaps want to go out and get a survival kit.. #JustSaying. 

I was just watching the news today and birds and fish just abruptly died with little to no explanation of death. Things that make you go hmm and question this whole theory! I'm a history and science buff and things like aliens, history, and the unexplained have always intrigued me. In the end I believe in a greater power and disregarding this all as reason to stir up the masses. Now I have been tempted to build a bunker outside my home in the backyard and start stocking up on supplies for survival. Hey you just never know..  lol just joking.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thelookout/20110103/ts_yblog_thelookout/massive-bird-fish-kills-in-arkansas-leave-many-scratching-heads

Blanco

Happy New Year Fam!

Well 2010 is gone and we stand in the midst of a brand new year which is full of endless possibilities and new challenges as we set goals, resolutions, and ridiculous things and ideas as we set to make change. I can't say I had a bad past 12 months as I take last year as a rebuilding year and allow God to re-position me to greater things. I was blessed to see a lot of things, meet some new people, and visit many places. I turned the magical 3-0 as I waved goodbye to my roaring 20's.


Instead of making a resolution about losing weight, finding a mate, or coming up with some crazy hair brained scheme, I'm trusting God to expand my territories, increase my finances, and open doors that were once closed to me in years past. I know whats in my heart and what I want to accomplish and I'm trusting in God to get the gears rolling in that direction. I'm in a great place right now and I'm keeping nothing but positive energy around me and I challenge all of my readers to do the same thing.


This year is bound to bring around some new experiences, exciting times, and a few storms. I'm just going to equip myself with the necessary armor to endure the challenges and pray for the best throughout. I know my post have been few and far between but I'm looking to expand some things I've been doing and introducing you guys to some other aspects of my life. Hopefully you will enjoy and turn someone else on to the ride..


Love You Guys...

Blanco

Real R&B according To Eric Benet and Jazmine Sullivan...

I rarely buy music.. not that I'm a bootlegger but with blog sites, Youtube, Facebook, and now Twitter new music and even full albums are virtually at our fingertips. The days are gone where local Dj's would break the new music.. I don't really listen to the radio anymore.. kinda over it. but anyway upon previewing albums for Jazzy and Eric Benet these two had me sold on supporting My #RealMusic campaign...


Okay so ladies 1st..

Jazmine Sullivan proves why #RealMusic isn't dead and the power of soul is everlasting. Her Sophomore album "Love Me Back" is a refreshing and excellent  return for the powerhouse songstress. This album is full of everything and for everybody. She speaks from the heart as well as the struggle of women.


Standout tracks:


Holding You Down- the lead single is a sure party starter, the Missy assisted track gives that old school Mary J feel.


10 seconds- The 2nd single.. very emotional and showcases the great voice of Jazzy. I didn't actually listen to this until I purchased the album. Great follow up. 


Don't Make Me Wait- This sounds like some 80's joint. Think Vanity/Prince with hints of Kelis I could be a bit off, nevertheless she shows her versatile voice and makes this song a winner.


Redemption: This sounds like something Lauryn Hill would have recorded had she continued doing music following "Mideducation".. She sounds like a female Common, spitting rhymes, and bringing it all together with some soul and gospel.. Definitely one of my favorite tracks off the album.


Excuse Me- She gives me the voice that made me fall in love with her. Really a great standout track vocally. This sounds like something you might have grooved to in high school.. it has that teenage love appeal. Real nostalgic..


Famous- Famous has to be a track for anybody who ever feels like the world has so much more to offer. I can kind of relate because I've always felt like I was destined for more. As far back as a child I wanted to be someone famous, over the years repressing the dream and living it inside my head. If I ever meet her I want her to know just how much this song means and thanks for creating it...


Seriously if you want something that you don't have to skip over tracks then pick up "Love me Back".. you won't be disappointed.

Man I haven't listened to Eric Benét in years. But after listening to his lead single "Sometimes I Cry" on early morning radio "Steve Harvey Morning Show" this song literally stuck in my head on my way to school. This has to be truly what today's musical R&B dudes are missing. Trey, Chris, and Ne-Yo ain't doing it classic like this.


Never Want To Live Without You- Right out the gate, Eric Benét turns back the hands of time and presents the classic vocals and soul you missing hearing on the Midnight Love or the Quiet Storm...


Feel Good- When him and Faith are in the studio I already know it's gonna be a problem. They made magic on Georgie Porgy and again with Feel Good. I really hope they release this as a single. These are two of the greatest.


Sometimes I Cry- Is what sold me on this album. Man this dude is speaking the truth. Without all the added rap features and loud beats unearths a song that is truly classical. When I tell you this man is singing.. no sanging..  The words are sincere and you feel the pain that he evokes vocally. I know the subject because I been to the places he's singing about. Great Track.


Always A Reason- He takes you back on this song. I feel like I popped open some of my parents old records just to reminisce. Remember there's "Always A Reason" to fall in love..


Paid- He brings aboard Eddie Levert for this ride of poverty and struggle. I feel like I'm riding in a Quinton Tarintino Movie when this song comes on. Great lyrics and vocals. It almost feels as though they are having a sing off on certain parts but Benét ultimately allows Eddie to have his shine. This song stays on repeat.


Overall if you miss the great R&B of the 90's and your looking for something that will please your ears and your soul then get into "Lost In Time"... Eric Benét truly takes you back...




B

Anderson Cooper is my hero!

The above video just proves how much certain groups in "Congress" still have a vendetta against President Obama. The guy literally plays himself with incorrect facts and statistics. Just goes to show you how much we have came since Martin Luther King's march on Washington. I love Anderson Cooper because he proved just how narrow minded certain leaders are and the lengths they will go through just to throw dirt on Obama's name. I love the video in its entirety and I watched it like 4 times already before I even made this post. Like him or hate him he's the leader of the free world and despite the current state of the US he's still our president. While I don't agree with a lot that's going in our economy I will say that he's trying to make a difference and make things fair for everybody even Republicans. I'm sure the 2012 elections are going to be down right dirty. I encourage everyone to get out there and vote. This world is headed for destruction and it's happening right within our own country.

Does Sex Really Sell?

First preview the video's....




Keri Hilson




I think in today's music business everybody doesn't posses the work ethic of such greats as Patti Labelle, Luther, Marvin Gaye, or even a Alicia Keys... Today's artist nowadays can't use just their voices to stay relevant like a Sade or Maxwell so they rely on other tactics to keep themselves in the public eye and people talking.


Let's be real publicity to a celebrity is welcomed good or bad and some pull out more bad stunts just to make people notice. Remember Erykah Badu getting naked in downtown Dallas to send a message about "creative expression" and was slapped with a fine? Crazy..!


In the age where Michael Jackson no longer exist and most of the legends like Whitney and Mariah not performing to the best of their abilities real R&B seems to have taken a back seat to a more risque era..


R.Kelly did his thing on the Soul Train Awards.. but I find it upsetting when you short cut artist like Eric Benet and Tank who are bringing pure good R&B


While I'm all for artist creativity I just believe we fail to pay attention to real artist like Bilal, Kelly Price, and Jazmine Sullivan. I just pray their messages don't get taken the wrong way in conveying their artistic motives to the fans.


Just My Opinion..


B

Peeling back the layers of Pink Friday....

So Pink Monday... Tuesday... Friday or whatever is over with Nicki Minaj making history for a female rapper in 1st week sales which I congratulate. It seems she built her brand as a vibrant, sex influenced, female version of Lil Wayne. While we miss the "Old Nicki" she as transformed herself into the new age black Barbie denouncing her sexual bravado to a more reserved and laid back chick empowering young females whom she calls her "Barbies" and Kens.


Most people have compared her to Lil Kim, Busta Rhymes, Ol DB, and Ludacris.  She's animated with her quirky faces, crazy costumes, and colorful wigs something that's made her a standout among her peers. She's worked with just about all the big names in the Biz..


Jay-Z
Kanye
Mariah
Xtina
Eminem...


She has a resume that rivals even the most seasoned musical exec and there's seems to be no stopping her reign...


Well heres my personal opinion of Ms. Minaj....(In Short Form)


I think she's terrific and while I'm not very impressed with her debut album "Pink Friday" I do think she will become a long term staple in the biz.. I'm a lil upset her and Kim have this "Beef" but I'm sure the powers that be can hash out the cattiness and make amends. 


She has some great features on her new album although nothing that stands out as CLASSIC. I love her flow on "Roman's Revenge" and most of the songs she SINGS on.. something most people have complained about..


Save Me
Moment 4 Life Feat Drake
Last Change feat Natasha Bedingfield ... are great songs where she allows you to see the softer more slowed down version of Nicki..


In the end I believe Nicki has more of her story to tell while she establishes herself among her peers, the industry, as lastly her fans. Hate her or Love Her it's good to a see a female back in Hip Hop... I just hope we don't have to wait another 10years before we see another one..


Shout Out 2 Lil Kim... Let's eat this beef ish and make music again...



B

And I'm done with school.......#FistPump

So it's been a long 18months but God saw me through the best and the worst. As of March 2011 I'll officially be a Surgical Technologist. I can't say its hit me quite yet but the feeling is indeed overwhelming. I met a lot of people along the way some of which I can call my friends today. The road has been rough both mentally and financially but as in all things, faith can take you a great deal when it comes to believing in yourself. I'm just thankful for the path I've been blessed to travel and the storms I've endured. 


Remember no goal is to unrealistic to accomplish and defer from engaging in negative energy that plagues growth within yourself. Keep strong and steadfast. I'm excited for the next leg of my journey and the people who are to become apart of it.

B....