The Live Version of the Song is ALWAYS Superior to the Original (Pt. 1)

Tony Krash/Badu World

Can you believe this draft has been sitting since 2022?  I was vibing the other week and had a light bulb reminder.  I never published it!  What better time than now?  Half of the U.S. is snowed in today.   

Live versions are unique.  Typically filled with vivaciousness and exclusivity to that specific performance in all aspects.   It takes a special kind of everything to put a live song in the category of being considered better than the original/studio version.  That special thing where you prefer to hear the live version instead.  The common denominator is simply this.  It contains soul that the original just does not acquire.  

For instance... 

Marvin Gaye - Distant Lover

Could be the screams.. could be the horns... could be the yearning.  It's. just. there.

5 R&B Records that Could Have Been Gospel Songs

You ever have a record hit you with spirit out of the clear blue sky and realize it's not a Gospel song?  Like mid song... mid sing.  WHAM!  right in the chest.  Message!  The lyrics express a level of love that is immeasurable.  There are several that fit in this category and undoubtedly some I've never heard before.  I've compiled a list of 5 that hit every single time:

5.  He Is- Brandy

It's the only explanation to the question at hand.  Like years of pain, gone away, in a single day.  There's nothing that compares...

If there weren't key indicators like 'kiss on my lips' or the 'love you made with me' etcetera

floating in the lyrics, this right here is giving praises to the most high.  Also, to find Warryn Campbell wrote/produced this lets me know there could have been some gospel influence.

Women's Empowerment Wednesdays :: Step by Step | Whitney Houston ... #BlackHistoryMonth

...This old road… is rough and ruined
So many dangers.. along the way
So many burdens.. might fall upon me
So many troubles… that I have to face

Oh, but I won’t let… my spirit fail me
Oh, I won’t let… my spirit go
Until I get to… my destination
I’m gonna take it slowly… cause I’m making it mine.

Step by Step
Day by Day
Mile by Mile
Go your own way…

Oftentimes, we lose patience when hardships come our way and want to throw in the towel. Focus your sight on the goal no matter how far away it seems. Humble yourself from the journey and be patient. Keep hope alive. Claim the prize!

Hope your beautiful soul is resting easy. You're missed.
Whitney Houston.
August 9, 1963 - February 11, 2012.

Motivation Mondays: I'm So Grateful | Crowns of Glory ("3 Kings"/Rick Ross sample) + RIP Whitney Houston...

I am so grateful….

Of the things he’s done for me….

When was the last time you said thank you for what you have instead of being distraught about what you do not have?  Take a look around you…trees.. the sky.. your hands.. everything.  Life alone is simply amazing.  Be grateful.

Xoxo have a great week loves.

Sn: If you haven’t noticed, this is the “3 Kings” sample with Rick Ross x  Jay-Z x Dr. Dre.  Although, they are getting sued for the song since the track was published without receiving clearance on the sample, that song and definitely THIS song is still powerful the same.  In addition to that…

RIP Whitney Houston

I was completely devastated when I heard the news Saturday evening.  I went to visit my mom and I must say.. I haven't seen her with that facial expression since Phyllis Hyman died.  This one hurt. 

We were all routing for her.  Many fault Whitney and shine the negative, but we ALL fall short of the glory of God.  The important thing was that... she never forgot who was important (God and her family).. and got back on track.  It saddened me to think of what her daughter Bobbi Kristina is going through.  I can't fathom the feeling.  Her mom... and her ex-husband Bobby Brown, who just lost his dad not too long ago.  Factors like that are what break my heart the most... aside from.. someone being gone forever.. *sigh. 

 They haven't released an autopsy report but many of course are speculating the worst (per her previous drug addiction).  I pray that's not what happened, but I will say... I am happy she returned to the Lord and her roots with him before all of this happen.  I'm at peace that HE called her home.

However... I won't post any tracks or footage of Whitney for this one.  Close ones know I still listen to at least two songs from the Preacher's Wife sdtk. everyday... and adored several of her ballads.  I can't handle either of them now.  It's weird that I was in the mall earlier that day in the food court and they were playing "I wanna dance with somebody" on the screen.  Who knew.. that hours later..the news would report she passed away.  

Needless to say... not only was she a LEGEND and ICON in the music industry... but she touched a lot of people's lives. 

She will be missed.

"If I should die... this very day..

Don't cry...

Cause on earth I wasn't meant to stay"-

Whitney Elizabeth Houston

August 9, 1963- February 11, 2012

My prayers/condolences go out to her family and loved ones.

Ms. Houston Turns 48

Through all the good and the bad in the media over the years... no one could ever DENY that you have talent and will remain an icon.  It's so refreshing how you "found your own strength" pun intended and decided to take care of yourself.  You go girl! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
and many more to come. 

Sincerly, Dolcezza .. xoxo.