Sunday, February 28, 2021

Little Boy | Sault

Appropriately for the last day of Black History Month, here's a subtly powerful tune that contains our unfortunate truth.  A reminder that many things are still the same and we are still in the fight.   Together. 

Little boy...little boy... when you get older... 

you can ask me all the questions.  And i'll tell you the truth about the boys in blue...



{Streaming Now} 5 Movies Worth Checking Out ... #BlackHistoryMonth

img via glassell house


 There were a few movies I watched that highlighted our struggle and not in the beaten down typical slavery film way.  While Slavery is a MAJOR part of our history, there are countless other aspects to cover.  Black History does not have to be condensed to a month, the shortest month at that.  Celebrate us all year long.  Here are a few movies, fairly new- very recent, to check out:

High Flying Bird- NETFLIX.  Andre Holland (Moonlight), Melvin Gregg (Snowfall tv series), Zazie Beetz (Atlanta tv series), Sonja Sohn (The Wire).  I actually have the book that inspired this film: "The Revolt of the Black Athlete"- Harry Edwards, and posted a copy of it below.  Anywho, I thought of many ways to describe the plot, but I feel the trailer does more justice.  Watch below:

Time Warp...2011 : HiiiPoWer | Kendrick Lamar


Circa 2011. 
We ARE HiiiPower.  Something magical always happens when we unite.  The photo and the song speak for themselves.



 

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Westside Gunn announces opening of his Boutique Art Gallery, "Buffalo Kids"

"...you could talk fly if you want, but I'm the goat"- Westside Gunn/Gustavo

Adding more and more endeavors under his belt, the Flygod announces the opening of his first flagship store featuring art, fashion, merch, music, exclusives... Culture.  BUFFALO KIDS has found a home in Walden Galleria Mall (in Buffalo), next to the Starbucks and Footlocker.  Griselda puts on for they city man.   I ain't mad it.  No specific opening date has been shared, but March 2021 has been reported.  I can't wait to see what he has in store; double entendre.  I truly believe it will be worth the hype.


  

Related Post:  Time Warp...1972: I'll Find a Way | Black Ivory

Related Post:  Our Thoughts :: Top Albums of 2020

How You can Help the Texas Winter Storm Victims

via Yahoo

An unusual snow storm and cold temps swept parts of the south and midwest states at the beginning of this week.  Specifically, Texas seems to be hit the hardest leaving countless (my cousins included) with no electricity, no water, no heat, damaged property etcetera etcetera.  I have seen this first hand so it always hits a nerve.  To fathom this happening during a pandemic is unreal.  Mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion heightened.  Here's some resources to assist that may offer a helping hand...

Hunger in Texas- Click here to find food banks across Texas that may be close to your home or others in need 

Warming Shelter- Dial 211 or visit www.211texas.org to find a nearest warming shelter 

Mercy Chefs- deployed to Dallas and will start serving hot meals tomorrow, 02/19.  Location provided on the site.  They are accepting donations and volunteers, as well.

Time Warp...1994 : U Will Know | Black Men United

 

Circa 1994. 
This is just as important now as it was when it came out.  

And then I got stronger... 
inside of the pain...




Questlove's "Summer of Soul" documentary shines at Sundance


The Questlove jawn.."Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)" premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival last month and WON the U.S. Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award!  This documentary, also being Questlove's directorial debut, is about the 1969 'Black Woodstock' featuring never before seen footage to include performances by: Nina Simone, Sly and the Family Stone, Stevie Wonder etc.  Hulu and Searchlight pictures have acquired the doc, but there have not been any reports yet on release dates.  Keep a lookout for it.  


{Watch}:: Tiny Desk Concerts this Week- Rick Ross & 2 Chainz

 

Tiny Desk gives us a double treat in one week.  Concerts of the too cool Versuz mates, The Boss and Dual Necklace, both made their way for an appearance in the series... separately.  

Gosh, i miss concerts :(

  Watch Below and After the jump! 

Set List:  Super High, B.M.F, Aston Martin Music, I'm Not A Star, FxckwitmeyouknowIgotit, Tears of Joy

Saturday, February 13, 2021

Valentine's Day Edition- Time Warp...1971 : You're the Reason Why | The Ebonys


Circa 1971. 

Just because of you...






{New Book Alert}- Chronicling Stankonia: The Rise of the Hip-Hop South #BlackHistoryMonth


"The south got somethin' to say..."- Andre 3000.  

Andre' KNEW what was finna happen after that very moment.  The rest is history.  

This Black History Month, Author/Scholar Regina N. Bradley bestows this gravitating 136 page book upon us of culture, race, and southerness.  Particularly adjacent to Outkast's body of work, Chronicling Stankonia addresses how it helped define new cultural possibilities for black southerners coming of age in the 80s and 90s.  Read the official book description and catch the link to purchase after the jump!

Michelle Obama launches Children's Cooking TV Show, "Waffles + Mochi"



Over the years, First Lady Michelle Obama has advocated publicly for better health and nutrition regarding children.  As an extension of that... welcome 'Waffles + Mochi', a children's cooking TV show that is centered around learning/discovering good food, cooking it, and most importantly.. EATING it.  Famous chefs and celebrities will be featured throughout the series. This will be presented in a light hearted way that the entire family can enjoy.  Michelle Obama, also honorary chair of PHA (Partnerships for a Healthier America), has teamed up with them in efforts to get fresh ingredients across the country to families in need during this pandemic.  
'Waffles + Mochi' releases on NETFLIX : March 16th.  
Watch the trailer below:

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Time Warp...1971: I Don't Wanna Cry | The After Hours



Circa 1971. 
The photo is completely unrelated, but I thought it fit well with post.  Please don't gooooo







Thousand Shot Mac sample by Westside Gunn  x Meyhem Lauren x Hologram x Conway

{New Book Alert}- The Motherlode: 100+ Women Who Made Hip-Hop #BlackHistoryMonth


ooooooh... ladies first.  ladies first.  

The Motherlode: 100+ Women Who Made Hip-Hop... authored by Clover Hope/illustrated by Rachelle Baker dropped today!  

This book highlights over 100 women in Hip-Hop who helped shape the genre continuously.  There were several female MC's who changed the game in one way or another (i.e. Roxanne Shante', Missy Elliot, Lil' Kim, Lauryn Hill, MC Lyte etc. just to name a few),  in the past and presently, who deserve just as much recognition and respect as the male rappers.  In this book, you will find 100+ profiles of each one and the story that goes with them.  COP.

Monday, February 1, 2021

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

my favorite pic of my momma (R) and my auntie (L).  


Guardi Guard did a phenomenal job with this editing.  I described this album in a previous post as being powerful.  This is a prime example of that feeling.  

 You can't talk like I talk

cause you ain't been where I've been... 



Taraji P. Henson's "The Boris L. Henson Foundation" offers Free Therapy for Black Americans


Not all heroes wear capes.  The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, founded by Taraji P. Henson and lead by Tracie Jade Jenkins, is a non-profit named in honor of Taraji's father, who suffered from mental illness after serving in the Vietnam War.  

It's disheartening sometimes how quick mental illness is dismissed in our community and within our families.  The cycle passes on from generation to generation, resulting in many of us holding everything in to prevent a possible adverse reaction.  Often times, that seems inevitable.  

"Through our partnerships, the foundation will ensure cultural competency in caring for African Americans who struggle with mental illness by providing scholarships to African-American students who seek a career in the mental health field; offer mental health services and programs to young people in urban schools; and combat recidivism within the prison system."

ADDICTION's 11th blog-aversary!



OMG.  11 years!?   I took some time off from blogging, refer to this post, but I'm so glad I brought it back.  I have much content that I'm excited to share. Thank you again to all my supporters, faithful and those who have just discovered.  I appreciate you all.    Take a shot for a quick cele!
XOXO- Dolcezza





"WONKA" gets an Official Release date, but who will play Willy Wonka?

via Twitter


Who can take a sunrise?....
Sprinkle it with dew?

Janelle Monae would be SICK as Willy Wonka, right?  Unfortunately, it's just a photo circulating.  She was not casted.

Actually, no one has been casted yet, so there's still hope.  According to Collider, sources are saying Warner Bros. has their eye on Tom Holland or Timothee Chalamet.  

Willy Wonka is a movie in my collection that I can quote word. for. word.  An avid fan of the 1971 original.  I hated the one with Johnny Depp.  Never finished it... never revisited.  

There has been a lot of speculation that this film will be a 'prequel', but no confirmation yet.  I'll keep you posted.  Let's see what they come up with.  WB should seriously look into casting Janelle Monae though.

WONKA is slated for release on March 17, 2023.  


Related Post: Just Dialogue: TV Shows I Watched during 2020 Quarantine

Previous Janelle Monae Post: Work it Out :: Watch Janelle Monae's new video, 'Yoga', featuring Jidenna

Eargasm: Tennessee State University musicians cover "Tryna Smoke" by. Jhene Aiko

 

You all are amazing.  This is absolutely beautiful.  I've lost count on the amount of times I've listened.  Float with me real quick...

 
 
Trumpet: Curtis Olawumi 
 Trombone: Zay Lashawn 
 Tenor Sax: Destin Miller 
 Baritone Saxophone: Jamal Cole 
 Electric Guitar: Paul Neil' 
 Bass Guitar: Kylan Parker