Monday, February 28, 2022

Time Warp...1974: Be Thankful For What You Got | William DeVaughn


Circa 1974.

...but remember brothers and sisters..
you can STILL. Stand. Tall.

As this Black History Month comes to a close, here's a smooth groove with an inspiring reminder.



Related Post:   Little Boy | Sault

{Watch}:: Megan Thee Stallion snags her Own Reality show, "Off Thee Leash"


Megan thee Stallion premiered a new reality series February 19th, exclusively on Snapchat.  Fans get a glimpse into her lifestyle as a Dog Mom on the Hot Girl Ranch.  Celeb friends visit each episode with their own fur babies and there begins the fun!  "Off Thee Leash" is produced by Will and Jada Smith's company, Westbrook Media, along with Five All In The Fifth Entertainment.  There are only two episodes out so far, so there is time to catch up.  Watch the trailer and a preview of the Ep. 1 after the jump!

{Book Alert} :: Letters to Our Black Children #BlackHistoryMonth


A group of 20 authors have come together to compile words of wisdom, encouragement, inspiration, and guidance for black children.  Messages like "You have a voice", "Don't be afraid to explore the world", and "Your dreams can come true"etc. are delivered through this book as a manual for direction.  Each author, also, shares their personal stories of struggle and triumph. Letters To Our Black Children can serve as an internal empowerment piece for black adolescents to young adults, searching for understanding and finding their place in the world.   



8 Things Used Every day That You Probably didn't know was Created by a Black Inventor #BlackHistoryMonth

In most cases, we are often taught about the same black inventors during our school years.  Madame CJ Walker, Garrett Morgan, George Washington Carver etc.  Education of our history during those years is confined repetitiously when there is SO much more.  Truthfully, black history should be taught year round.  The amount of information and worldly impact our culture has had is immeasurable.  For example, here are 8 every day items that you probably didn't know were invented by Black people.  

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Time Warp...1975: Valentine Love | Norman Connors x Michael Henderson x Jean Carne


Post Valentine's edition of Time Warp.  I normally don't hold too much weight for that holiday, however I must say... this is the best one I've ever had in my life so far :)

I want to honor the Philadelphia native behind this cut... Norman Connors.  Arranger, Composer, Producer, Drummer etc.  Invitation (Adaritha), You Are My Starship (Michael Henderson), Betcha By Golly Wow (Phyllis Hyman), Melancholy Fire (Glenn Jones), This is Your Life (Eleanor Mills) and so much more.  Thank you for your music and your influence.  Happy Early 75th Birthday (03/01).  

This song brings back childhood memories on 23rd.  Friday night.. WHUR quiet storm playing on the radio while momma and aunt glo discuss the weeks' foolishness.  Good times. 


{Personal Post} PHOTOS:: Pisco Sour Day x A Night at the Moxy

 


February '22 has been FULL of fun for me.  My truck has been up and down the highway and the streets.  This post' spotlight is on Pisco Sour Day and A Night at the Moxy.  Neither of us had ever had a Pisco Sour drink before, BUT it was the special at our Peruvian restaurant.. so why not join in on the festivities?  The ingredients has us a little weary, you'll see below, but it wasn't bad at all.  We ordered quite a few of them.  

Jasmine Guy has an Afeni Shakur Biopic in the Works... "Peace, Love, & Respect, the Afeni Shakur/Panther 21 story". #BlackHistoryMonth


Many know Alice Faye Williams as Afeni Shakur... the mother of the late and unforgettable Tupac, but know little about her personal story.  Authorized by the Shakur estate, it was announced that a biopic is in the works from Jasmine Guy and Jamal Joseph as executive producers.  Afeni was a prominent member of the Black Panther party and her story will now be visually told through "Peace, Love & Respect, The Afeni Shakur/Panther 21 story".  Joseph adds a special light from personal experience as he was one of the 'Panther 21' arrested with Afeni in 1969.  Dina LaPolt, who has worked with the Shakur estate for an extended period of time, will serve as the producer.   

"Peace, Love & Respect, The Afeni Shakur/Panther 21 story" is said to cover this crucial two year time period: April 2, 1969 where Afeni and 20 other black panthers were arrested and charged on conspiracies to bomb NY police stations, through June 16, 1971.. the day Tupac was born.  In addition, childhood and adolescent flashbacks will trickle within.   

For those wondering, Afeni became pregnant while

{Comedy/Watch}:: Need Advice?? Kevin Gates helpline is Open. #KGH

Gates be outta pocket most times lol, but he's always real... and the message is always relayed.  He and his best friend, OG Boobie Black, team up on this episode of 'Life Advice We Could All Live By' to connect with callers who need advice centering relationships, disability, and parenting.

If you think of a question of your own, contact Vice with your query!  kghelpline@vice.com | (718)-215-5701.  

"I respect ya'll, but at the end of the day... fuck em".

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Time Warp...1984 : Black Butterfly | Deniece Williams #BlackHistoryMonth


The promise was unkept 
But your faith was as sure as the stars 
Now you're free 
And the world has come to see
 Just how proud and beautiful you are   


Today is 2/22/22... but what exactly does that "mean"? Here's the short version.


" ...seen 'em Twenty-Twos... We in Room Two Twenty-Two"- Rozay/"Hustlin" 

RIP Raul Julia.  Obviously, 2/22/22 is special in its own right and falling on a 'Twosday', well... that's just icing on the cake.  However, there is another underlying meaning that has people celebrating.
The angel number, 222, is said to be overall positive.  A message or sign of hope, balance, and harmony in all aspects of your life.  Work, Relationships, Life Choices etc.  
If the numerology and spirituality of the number hasn't tickled your spidey senses, here's a fun fact.  2/22/22 falls during an eight day palindrome.  That means from 2/21/22- 2/28/22, each day can be read the same forwards or backwards.  A once in a lifetime occurrence and you're here to see it ;-).  Shalom.

For the Culture:: Artist Kid Kardiac transforms your Favorite Black Music and Sports moments into Stylish rugs

  Kendrick's rug gives me the Wizard from the Wizard of Oz vibes.  A double entendre in my eyes of everyone hailing him, but at the end of the day.. he's still human.  Alluring.

An Ad popped up for the Frank Ocean rug.  I clicked off curiosity and my oh my.  I was blown away.  Our people never cease to amaze me.  From album covers to sports figures to moments of our culture in general... Salute Creative Artist, Kid Kardiac.  WOW. 

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Time Warp... 1994: Brother Sister | Brand New Heavies #BlackHistoryMonth

Grandma said at times you'll feel a sting
There'll be sharp turns and uphills and closed doors 
Then she said hold on to your faith
'Cause in this world you've got to go and get yours...
So you stand up
Be strong
Go out there
Hold On
To the real things
That matter...



Questlove and Black Thought help kids explore the topic of Race through Music in Disney's new "Rise Up, Sing Out"

"...Not only do I think this will educate kids, but this is also a crucial tool for adults to learn"- ?uest.

Grammy award winning members of the Roots, Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson and Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter, have partnered with Disney in their new musical animated children's series.. "Rise up, Sing Out".  According to Disney, the goal is to showcase an inspiring, empowering, and optimistic message to kids about race, culture, community, and celebrating differences.  It began airing on Disney+ last week.  "Together we can create such a wonderful world".  This is a great, enjoyable start of a conversation and understanding for both parties.  Watch a preview after the jump!  

{Listen}:: Conway shares his unreleased verse on Kanye's song, "Jail"


This wasn't easy, I overcame every obstacle.  
Placed in front of me when that shit seemed impossible. 

I heard this verse on Twitter a couple weeks back and was blown away.  Honestly, I think it outshined everyone featured on the song and that's why it was left off.  I can only HOPE that it's on Donda 2.  Conway was talking that talk.  The cadence behind said talk made it hit even harder.  Listen below.  Who you?

{Book Alert} :: The Three Mothers ...How the Mothers of Martin Luther King Jr, Malcolm X and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation #BlackHistoryMonth


 Alberta King.  Louise Little.  Berdis Baldwin.  The mothers of three of the most influential Black leaders in our history.  Anna Malaika Tubbs dives into their lives of Black motherhood during the Jim Crow era.  Passing strength, knowledge, courage, and wisdom, these three women instilled the worth of Black people into their sons.  This book goes through the journey of each specific story and how it shaped them into the powerful leaders we learned of today.  Long overdue, Tubbs gives us the untold story of these phenomenal women.

Click Here to read an excerpt.  

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Hip Hop Art:: Veazey Studio presents... the Atlanta Rap Map

 

"...the goal was to honour and document the culture, and use the proceeds to directly benefit and give back to that culture.”

Artist Joseph Veazey designing and illustration credits stretch long over the last 11 years including some heavy hitters under his belt such as Adult Swim, Apple, Coach, Nickelodeon etc.   According to It's Nice That, Veazey took a year to research for the map, listening to songs and writing the location references, including minor ones.  After 3 years, the Atlanta Rap Map was completed.  



ADDICTION's 12th blog-aversary!

12 years ya'll.  Cosmic Order.  The number of space and time.  I can't thank you enough for the support, inspiration, and love.   It's UP!  Shot tiime!
XOXO- Dolcezza


Time Warp...1971: What's Happening Brother | Marvin Gaye #BlackHistoryMonth

 

When will people start gettin' together again?

Unity has always been a theme in our community.  More complicated now than ever.  What's Happening Brother?  

The hometown live version was only right.  

     


Related Post:  For US, by US: {Unofficial video} Ghost of Soulja Slim | Jay Electronica x Jay-Z #BlackHistoryMonth

Related Post:  Time Warp...1998: Just Be Straight With Me | Silkk the Shocker x Master P x Destiny's Child