Lyric Fire

Lauryn's Taxes - A Poem

Featured earlier this year on my Tumblr page, this poem is inspired by songstress Lauryn Hill:

An uncovering of self

divorced of commitment
broken down to the bones
we see 
a life partially deconstructed
the sound dimmed
acapella disaster

Look, no, really
look
beyond the legislation of it all
see her fear
feel the chords ripped away
from her most precious melody
remember your most
vulnerable time
don’t pity
look
no, really
look
send love waves
then
heal yourself
pray 
for the songbird
to sing again
but this time
free
no taxes

 

 

Lyric Fire: So Emotional - Sunset of a Superstar: Whitney Houston

I have been a life-long fan of Whitney Houston, as her voice mesmerized me early on. Her beautiful and infectious smile, take-no prisoners attitude and effortless way of singing a song like no other is truly unforgettable.

It's hard to put words together to honor and memorialize a woman whose body of work which includes music and film, often became the soundtrack of our own lives. Her contributions to entertainment and pop culture are astounding. Whitney was one of the rare ones whose music never got lost during changing times. Her voice floated above all others because of her range and classic tone. It's nearly impossible to imitate her and often when other singers attempt to take on her songs their renditions pale in comparison. It's not their fault, she was just one of a kind.

The news of her passing has not settled in yet for me and probably won't for a long time. It is rather ironic that she made her ascent one day before the Grammys. Her legend will always be tied to the very thing she loved and lived for. Music. Let's remember her in song and send love, light and prayers to her mother Cissy, daughter Bobbi Kristina, ex-husband Bobby Brown, her friends, extended family and the legions of fans who loved her. She will be forever missed.

Godspeed Whitney. We will always love you.  

 

Lyric Fire: Stream of Consciousness Take on Watch The Throne

This is not a review. I don't do reviews. Reviews are just glorified opinions. We all hear and see things differently so who am I to suggest someone like or not like something based solely on my opinion? That would be kind of arrogant wouldn't it? So here are my scattered thoughts on the new Jay-Z & Kanye West release Watch The Throne

 

auto-tuned

synthesized sounds

samples

screams

james brown

catchy rhymes

minimal contributors

still using the n-word

no defending ya

sing-songy in spots

obligatory beyonce hook

watch, listen, no

look

kayne so wishes he could sing

nasa voice-overs

jay'-z's phrasing

current affairs, but no lisa ling

recycled rhymes

broken and abbreviated

some like it

some hate it

otis had too much sample

nba ballers

kanye rambles

yeah, uhh,

that's right go on and feel it

reflections of fatherhood

hova sealed it

yet another "it's a new day" remake

beats are heavy 

can make your car shake

biblical, lesbian, dick, & michael jackson shout-outs

biggie, civil rights and momma kudos

not too much mention about cars, clothes and hoes

super hyped

saturated with imagery

not sure it lives up to the throne's destiny

merged minds with money can build a mountain

wish instead they had created a fountain

still thirsty

part 2?

 

My Blog Lyric Fire: I'm Not at SXSW, But...

I wasn't able to attend this year's South by Southwest Conferences & Festivals (March 11-20) event this year, but it has been nice to see everyone posting about their takeaways and adventures from Austin, Texas the past few days.

For those of you who aren't familiar with (SXSW), it is a conference that highlights the creators and distributors of music, independent films and emerging technologies. The conference features presentations, panels, music showcases, film screenings and much more. 

If you're like me and couldn't attend but still want to get in on the action, you can keep up with the SXSW happenings on Twitter. Attendees have been tweeting around the clock about the event using the hash-tag #sxsw. 

Also check out the SXSW website and the SXSW YouTube Channel  for video clips, event schedules and behind the scenes information. If you are in Austin and have any news, photos or video from the event to share please do so. 

 

My Blog Lyric Fire: Sexy R&B Power Singers Who Will Scare Your Clothes Off!

All this hot weather is making me focus on fun things so that's why you haven't had a post from me in a while. I thought I'd get back on the horse with a fun one this time around. I was watching an old school music video the other day and it brought to mind some of the male R&B singers that have those powerful voices that have sex appeal, but that can also scare the be-jesus out of you sometimes. In a good way though. There's nothing like a deep strong voice singing declarations of lust or love. Mmmm. 

The following are my top-5 R&B voices that produce romantic thoughts and also send a frightful shiver down the spine. Feel free to comment and let me know if I forgot anyone and add your own! Enjoy the summer! 

1. Dennis Edwards: He has that soulful old school gravel to his tone that makes you, well it can get you in the right mood. When he sang Don't Look Any Further he meant it. Just check him out in this video. Confident, strong and sexy. Notice how he grabs Siedah Garrett's arm at 3:12. Mmmm. Mmmdayohh, Don't Look Any Further indeed! 

 2. Johnny Gill: Anyone who knows soul music has heard of Johnny Gill. That man can sing his face off and literally he actually does sometimes. He hits low notes that would scare a bear away! Singing with passion is his greatest talent and in this video all that power is on full display. Get 'em Johnny! 

3. Teddy Pendergrass: When I was a little girl my mother and aunts used to go crazy when Teddy's music came on the radio. I didn't quite understand then, but I do now. When Teddy told you to Close The Door you did it. It didn't open until the next day either. "Come here woman!" We miss you Teddy! RIP! 

4. Shabba Ranks: All you need to hear is one word: SHABBA! Most of the time I had no idea what this man was saying but it sure sounded good. A lot of people say that Shabba isn't attractive, but it really doesn't matter does it? ;-) Champion Lover! 

5. Christopher Williams: You remember him from the classic film New Jack City. That scene when Nino Brown stuck that knife through his hand made all the women cry. Leave Christopher alone! With such a silky and powerful voice one wonders why his career didn't go as far as the notes he could hold. Oh well, Promises, Promises! 

Coming up on Lyric Fire: I highlight some of the most dramatic music videos of all time. Stay tuned!