RIP.

The music world suffered two major losses this week. Amy Winehouse passed Saturday and Joe Arroyo passed just yesterday. Although from very different genres both musicians were influenced by black music and each of them struggled with drug abuse. While they'll be missed, I hope their souls are finally at rest.

Just An FYI . . .

This is my new bitch and my new theme song.

"We don't have to be dramatic, just romantic."

Taking another sip of Black Coffee this evening. This song is so sexy and features the same vocalist, Bucie, as "Turn Me On." It's definitely one of my new favorites. Shout out to Craig, my spin instructor at NYSC 125th!

My Jam of the Week!

Damn, I don't know if it's pride month {Happy Pride!} or what but I am crushing hard on Ms. Janelle Monae. Her slick hair, crisp suits, amazing voice, and high energy dancing, what's there not to love? I'd say the adoration really hit full swing after watching Ms. Monae on Letterman. Her first note made my heart sing. Listen and be dazzled:



Here's the actual video:

"Hey Lloyd, I'm Ready to be Heartbroken. . ."

I really can't get enough of this song, I adore it so much. And the video is like the musical fantasy of a depressed, lonely girl.

Patience is a Virtue!

I have been waiting for this tune to officially drop for about 8 months now, I f'n love it! That's what's up Wiley!

Let Love Live!

Valentine's Day is finally here which means love week is coming to an end. {sadness} I hope you all enjoyed the peaks and valleys of, "This crazy little thing called love." I think it's best to end on a high note because after all I am a romantic in spite of everything. Here are some of loves most lasting emotions and side effects.

Hope


Transformation



Stability


Passion


Everlasting Love

Humility . . .

Longing . . .

"If I never met you, I wouldn't like you. If I didn't like you, I wouldn't love you. If I didn't love you, I wouldn't miss you. But I did, I do, and I will."

Love Week Begins . . .

Valentine's Day is 7 days away. For many it's either one of the best or worst holidays of the year. I usually don't pay it much mind if I'm single, but shit, I'm really dreading this year. Perhaps because I'm getting older and having a valentine is supposed to be a done deal by now. Whatever the reason, the yoga side of me decided not to approach the day with resentment or hostility. So I'm going to dedicate my blog this week to the peaks and valleys of love. Because just like Valentine's Day, love itself can be the best and worst thing to happen to person. I'm starting with my absolute favorite type: fearless love. There are so many things to be scared of in this world, natural disasters, terminal illnesses, boring people,  but my dear friends, love should not be one of them.

St Nick's Pub.

t Nick's Pub is an intimate, unpretentious, jazz spot with history seeping from it's walls. It's easy to pass by the rickety door on 149th & St Nick and pay it no mind.  For me, in a time of high flying singers and robot performers {anyone watch The Grammy's?} there is something pure and refreshing about listening to artists on a small stage with a few spot lights share their talent. It's this type of simplicity that makes me proud to call Harlem home. To live in a community where strangers wish you Happy New Year as you pass them on the street, or will help you carry a heavy package to your apartment is truly priceless in this unforgiving city. I can only hope that St Nick's Pub has a few more good years in her. 

Be sure to stop by Devin's Seafood if you get hankering for some tasty fish. It's right on St Nick between 147th & 148th. I had such a lovely chat with the owner Wally, who is quite the world traveler and very friendly.

Classic Rock Monday.

Some people may be surprised to know, I'm actually a Black Sabbath fan. Listen, I haven't been to Ozz Fest or anything, but about 10 years ago a friend of mine lent me a cd of their greatest hits and I was hooked. What can I say, they're wicked and their explosive energy also translates into good cardio. Here are two of my favorite songs. Bill Ward is so ferocious on the drums in the first clip. He may be one of my new favorites after Keith Moon & Animal. {Yes, the muppet.} 

 

Whoa, peep little Jack Osbourne! Okay this video is a bit cheesy but it was the 80's. Regardless, it's a beautiful song about regret & transition.