Just Because I Felt Like It: D'Angelo & the Vanguard on "SNL"

D'angelo is back!!! After shocking his fans with a surprise album in December, D'Angelo has been on a roll. He was the musical guest last night on "SNL." He performed "Really Love" which is a personal favorite of mine as well as "The Charade." What is so important about his second performance is just about everything. His band, the Vanguard, all rocked "I Can't Breathe" and "Black Lives Matter" tees. There was a chalk outline of a body on the floor where D'Angelo performed. "The Charade" is one of the most politically charged songs on "Black Messiah." They ended the performance with one of their fists raised in the air which is the symbol for Black power. All of this occurred after 12 so it was essentially February 1st & the beginning of Black History Month. This was poignant and calculated and greatness. It became a topic on all social media. Everyone was talking about it. D'Angelo made a statement and we all got it. We matter period. I love this. J. Cole took a stand on Letterman by performing his Mike Brown ode "Be Free" as did Joey Bada$$ on Fallon by ending his performance with his hands up. I really love my people. Both of D'Angelo's SNL performance's are here. Get into them.

"Crawling through a systematic maze

And it pains to demise

Pain in our eyes

Strain of drownin', wading into your lies

Degradation so loud that you can't hear the sound of our cries

All the dreamers have gone to the side of the road which we will lay on

Inundated by media, virtual mind fucks in streams

All we wanted was a chance to talk

'Stead we only got outlined in chalk

Feet have bled a million miles we've walked

Revealing at the end of the day, the charade..."

Just Because I Felt Like It: Dope Interviews

I learned of Nicki Minaj by word of mouth a few years back. I instantly became a fan once I heard "Itty Bitty Piggy," "Go Hard," & "Still I Rise." Actually, "Still I Rise" is STILL one of my fave Nicki tracks. I knew she had it and she would be a big deal. Fast forward to the release of her third project aptly named "The Pinkprint," and I was more than right. I loved her debut "Pink Friday." I thought it was dope. I liked her second project "Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded" a lot less. Her features on everybody's songs made up for it though. But, "The Pinkprint" resonates with me. This album shows growth and maturity. It's the album of a 30+ woman who's been through some things. The album has an air of heartbreak to it, which is why I think I dig it so much. My favorite tracks are "Favorite," "I Lied," "Feeling Myself," "Want Som More," & "Get On Your Knees." I do not think that "Anaconda" fits the album nor did I like it. But, it's a solid project to me. 

What I am loving about this promo run are her interviews. Nicki has been so relatable in every one. Her best interviews have been with Angie Martinez on Power 105, Ebro on Hot 97, and Elliott Wilson's "CRWN" series. I had to include them here. Great material. I do not think I could be going through my first real heartbreak with the world watching. Nicki is handling it well. She said something that has stuck with me. "This breakup feels like a death" is something that I can identify with on so many levels. I do feel sorry for her because breakups suck and they are even worse when you're in love. I loved seeing this real side of her. Seeing her vulnerable makes her more relatable. I feel like this is the real Nicki on this project. I am glad to finally meet her. She has made me a renewed fan. Gone are the days of the crazy outfits, colorful wigs and "safe" pop records. "The Pinkprint" feels familiar in so many ways. Get into it and these dope Nicki Minaj interviews.  

Just Because I Felt Like It: BeyMA's

Mrs. Carter came to slay the MTV VMA's. And she did. Last night, Beyonce' was the recipient of the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. She performed her entire "Beyonce'" visual cd in a little over 16 minute set. From the first note to the final one, Bey was e-very-thing!! Iconic. Flawless, Fearless. Dope. She gave a great performance. She was worthy of this award. She also took home 3 other Moonmen from the night, making her the 2nd most awarded woman behind Madonna in MTV VMA's history. Get into this performance!!

Just Because I Felt Like It: Jay Z "Unplugged"

MTV's "Unplugged" series was such a dope show. One of my favorite episodes ever has to be the one with Jay Z. I am a huge fan of his. The only better than his music is seeing it backed with a live band. There was not one misstep on this show. I loved it when it aired live. I have seen it more than 10 times. And, I own the Unplugged album. It's Friday and we all deserve some good music in our ears. If you've never seen this, I am shocked. You should go ahead and get into it. Enjoy Shawn Corey!

The Point Of It All: Randoms

° I HATE that I'm still sad. HATE that my heart was broken by the person I trusted the most. HATE that the entire situation makes me question my own judgment (I mean, how could I be so wrong?). HATE that I carry these feelings, this burden around with me. But, most of all, I don't hate the person who did this to me, who caused me to doubt so much, especially the existence of love. And, this is why I feel stupid. I'm not accustomed to that feeling. It's foreign and uncomfortable.

° The Trayvon Martin rallies I've attended the last two weekends have given me something to set my mind on. The verdict was wrong. I will do what I can to effect change. It's needed. From the "Stand Your Ground" law to gun control laws, they all need to be reevaluated.

° I had a dream about my future daughter. That's significant because I haven't dreamed about kids this year. It made me smile. Even if it was just a dream, for that moment little Ms. YK_ existed.

° My sister and my cousin are both pregnant. Both were surprise announcements. Babies make me happy. Happiness is needed in my life.

° I'm thinking about unplugging for a while. No Twitter or Tumblr or Blogger or Facebook. Just no contact for a moment. A break is needed. I'm really thinking about that. It's all too easily accessible.

° I really hate hearing songs that bring me back to a specific moment. I heard "At This Time" by Algebra followed by MJ's "Heaven Can Wait" and literally broke down crying. I forgot I still had that playlist. I deleted it swiftly. ¡No más!

° I did something huge the other day. I deleted my online journal. Every single post. I was up to 200 posts for the year. I just didn't see where it was helping instead of harming. I need to focus on what's in front of me and stop questioning what's behind me. The journal is no more. And I'm ok with that.

° It's Sunday & it's rainy. So, I'm going to watch episodes of "The Newsroom" while eating kettle corn popcorn & sea salt caramel Gelato. I'll enjoy every moment of it

Just Because I Felt Like It: A Beyonce' Moment

I'm in a mood. My Beyonce' playlist helps. Felt like sharing! Get into Mrs. Carter por favor! 

Just Because I Felt Like It: Justin Timberlake on SNL

Last night, Justin Timberlake returned to "Saturday Night Live" as a host for the 5th time. Every time he hosts, he is awesome. He has great comedic timing. He always makes me laugh. He was also the musical guest as well. He performed "Suit & Tie" with Jay-Z (!!!) and "Mirrors." I love both songs. He brought back some of his famous characters in the skits. My favorite being the "Veganville" skit. I enjoyed almost every skit (minus one) last night. Just wanted to share for those who missed it. Get into JT!!

Oh and here are a few of my other favorite JT/SNL skits from his other 4 hosting appearances. "Dick In A Box" is SNL gold and a classic to me!!!

Just Because I Felt Like It: Beyonce'

It's no secret that I am a Beyonce' fan. So, last night I was in fan heaven watching her two specials. First was her one-on-one with Oprah. It was followed by her HBO documentary "Life Is But A Dream." Both were really good. If you missed them, you can catch them both below. Also HBO Zone is playing her doc for the rest of the day. And, OWN is re-airing her special tonight at 7pm. It's all Beyonce' all the time. Get into her, her words, her music and her family. Enjoy.

Just Because I Felt Like It: Jay Z Interview

It's no secret that I love Jay Z. Absolutely love the guy. I am a fan of his music, his shows and his personality. He has this dry sarcastic sense of humor that speaks to me because I have it too. I've never seen this interview from a few years ago with Howard Stern. It was right after the release of Jay's book "Decoded." So, I had to share it with you guys. It's actually one of my favorite interviews. Howard was really good about asking questions that aren't the norm. I loved how open Jay was. I truly enjoyed it. I know any Jay fan will as well. Get into it!

Just Because I Felt Like It: Ode To My 2 Favorite Hip-Hop Love Songs

Hip Hop love songs are an unusual thing. They are either really very good or really awful. My favorite two are Method Man/Mary J. Blige's "You're All I Need" and LL Cool J's "I Need Love." Both are hood love songs that I truly dig. Both of them always make me feel happy. Always. I can remember the first time I heard LL's song. I was in the car with my parents. I was enthralled with it and him. And, my favorite memory associated with Meth and Mary's song has to be on night in the HOB with my girl's. The DJ dropped this song at the end of a reggae set. The entire club went crazy. We were in the middle of the dance floor dancing to this song. It was just surreal. It was one of the best nights in a club of my life. We enjoyed every moment. I do not even remember leaving the club.This was really just because I felt like it. These two songs have been on my mind all day. Wanted to share them with you guys. Listen and vibe with me.

Just Because I Felt Like It

I was in a Beyonce' mood. She always makes me feel better. Her shows are always awesome. If you've never been to one, you should def check it out. No one can deny that Beyonce' puts on one helluva show. She can sing, she can dance and she is very engaging on stage. So, here is one of my favorite shows from her. Enjoy.