• Music,  Playlists

    MMXX ERA R&B (Playlist)

    MMXX ERA R&B is the first playlist I have created for this year, inspired by the new era of r&b resurgence that is taking place. Any of these artists deserve to be mentioned when it comes to modern “R&B” debates, which seems to be coming up often lately in the media. Do not sleep on these gems! If I could afford it, I would already be your favorite smooth DJ, with all the best selections you might not have heard before. Luckily, I am at least able to create my beloved themed mixes, and I am now curating playlists on Apple Music. Follow me there to keep up with my…

  • About Me,  Life

    Creative Expression For Release & Healing

    In my personal growth, I notice that I can no longer suppress what my spirit yearns to express. I suppose this is my unique experience of being guided into creating art for more than just myself. I touched on self-expression here before, but learning the importance of my voice has been something that I still find myself reflecting on often, in relation to womanhood. The truth is that I lost a sense of worth for a long time, and I have been re-adjusting since becoming an adult. I am now able to express my true self more freely than ever. When losing a sense of worth in oneself while being…

  • Mixes,  Music

    Love Echoes To The Cosmos Mix (+Download)

    As a true r&b/soul music junkie, it is not easy to find NEW songs about genuine romantic love between two people. These days, we are stuck with basic club and sex anthems, with the occasional heartbroken melody breaking through the airwaves. The other day, I was randomly inspired while designing collage concepts based on the beautiful aesthetics of the film Black Orpheus, to curate a list filled with current artists who speak on love and deeper experiences. I have done love-based mixes with heavier themes of lust, like Tease, Close, and Love Maker. This one is a bit different and has a classic soul – funk – jazz feel. The…

  • LPs,  Music

    JST DAVID – Snacks LP Feat. Jay Kale

    Earlier this week, the Lousiana-bred artist JST David released his debut solo album entitled Snacks. I previously featured JST David with his soulful rock band Honeyvibe. Their infectious jam Summersong was a theme that played in my head all last summer. It seems that JST David’s voice gets even better and more distinct on his new songs. Snacks is a unique storytelling project that was created with producer Jay Kale, in a few short weeks. There are powerful and necessary messages which come across throughout its length. I believe that many of us can easily connect to the vulnerability presented. My current favorites are In Need Of Your Helping Hands…

  • Music,  Singles,  Video

    TiDUS – My Energy Visual

    Late last year, TiDUS began teasing his fans with short previews of new music. He then released two songs, Honestly and FYTB. Both singles sparked more anticipation for his upcoming project titled Once Your Believe In Yourself. A couple of months later comes the incredible official video for his latest single, My Energy. Although the artist has yet to share an official date of his new album, it’s common for him to spring his releases on us, surprisingly. We can expect definitely more new sounds soon. This simplistic video features a lone TiDUS, dancing and delivering inspiring words over a self-produced beat. The music true to his style and showcases…

  • Mixes,  Music

    Light It and Play Me (+Download)

    Light It and Play Me is an incredible vibe that I curated especially for those similar to myself. It is an unspoken ritual to light something and jam out to good music. Whether it is with a candle, some incense sticks, Palo Santo, or a pipe stuffed with herbs, I frequently vibe out to some music as I recharge and reflect. You might get this feel while listening to my previous selections, as well. I feel now to be the perfect moment to finally drop this mix—as we head into a new year with expanding perspectives. Both this one and the next mix I’m dropping have been a long time…

  • Music,  Singles

    Rub n’ Alc – Poison IV

    Rub n’ Alc released the perfect new song for the peak of the summer. We are familiar with the duo through their collaborations with Cub J. Hailing from both Evanston and Chicago, in Illinois, they are currently preparing to release a special new album entitled Increase the Drip. The introductory single Poison IV is indeed a “trippy” masterpiece—fluid with smooth instrumentation that left me bopping my head from the very first beat. Along with the other songs you can stream via their official SoundCloud, the music embodies many classic rhythm and blues elements, while creatively touching on themes of mental illness. Like many of my favorite dance-inducing jams, Poison IV…

  • Music,  Singles,  Video

    Honeyvibe – TheSummerSong Visual

    Having built a following since they dropped a breathtakingly beautiful introductory song called Work This Thing Out, Louisiana band Honeyvibe has finally unveiled their official first single. TheSummerSong has an organic rock feel, layered with lots of happiness-inducing instrumentation to light up this summer season. It’s the perfect song to cruise out and hit the beach to, as demonstrated by the visuals through their VEVO release. The video features an animated version of band members JST David, Ric Jones, and Bruce G. Reid Jr., cruising around as colorful mirages embodying fun summertime energy flash above them. The animation was done by the visual artist Howard Morris. Check it out for…

  • EPs,  Music

    Jean Créme – Underwater EP

    Jean Créme (formerly Alem Bey / Alem Banks) recently dropped a Drum & Bass driven instrumental EP that I immediately fell in love with—start to finish. I decided to have my first listen to UNDERWATER while preparing to hit the city streets for the night, and I’ve been getting ready to it ever since. I suspect that it was designed to energize, as each track is complete with a hypnotic loop and beautifully layered sounds that beckon one to move non-stop. Even the slightly more laid back track Chopped Screws is a major hip-rocker. I would love to hear this in a bar or the clubs. Check out the project…

  • Life

    Father’s Day Note

    Captured at a rally in front of the Los Angeles Police Department on July 9th, 2016 Today is being celebrated as Father’s day, and I’m thinking about the recent unjust closing of Philando Castile’s case and the families of those affected by police brutality. I am thinking of how it will always relate to myself, as a woman of color. I brought my father with me to this rally last year, because I recall so many stories which I heard growing up, where my father was profiled and targeted by the police and other members of the society we live in, due to the color of his skin. I remember…