Art.Music.Culture

Happy New Year! [This has been heavily edited but my heart still feels the same]

noreply@blogger.com (vanitaapplebum) — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 12:41:00 +0000

It's 2023 and I can scarcely believe it. God we thank you for another year. [I'm ever more so grateful for 2023. This post was never posted because of .....procrastination AND THEN on January 9th I had an aneurysm. Crazy right?]

Its been a minute since I have blogged and my commitment to 2023 is to write regularly. [I guess God wants me to stand by that commitment so here we go!] 2022 was wonderful. If you heard the sentiment "I lived two lives in one year", I embodied that. I said goodbye to my Radio One family and said "I'm back!" to my Howard University family with a new position at WHUR-FM...I'm so happy!

[What I will share is that my HU family has been so very good to me and although I have only been on for a short time, its as if I have been there forever with the amount of love being shown. I am so grateful.

My Radio One family has been calling and praying for me and I am grateful for all of it.]

[I don't know anyone who has survived a brain aneurysm so I figured since I survived it and 3 brain surgeries, I should talk about it a little. To keep me on track I have a small challenge with my son to write everyday and chronicle my experience. I am writing as I always do - from my own perspective. Be sure to ask me questions and add your thoughts in the comment section][Also, awww look at my cute lil nose ring. I had to take it out because it couldn't go through the MRI and CT scans. So my nose ring hole has closed and it might stay that way LOL #IYKYK but thats another blog post for another time.]

I will be posting stuff that I have experienced over the last 2 years as well as current shananigans that I stumble up on 😂(#latepost). As always, new music is my passion so I will be sharing my finds with you. There is so much out there and I know its hard to sort through and decipher...I want to do my best to present good stuff. I love yall! #artmusicculture forever.

Morning Goodness! Happy Friday Yall!

noreply@blogger.com (vanitaapplebum) — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 15:34:00 +0000

I would know this voice anywhere. Got me dancing first thing this morning!

Sananda Maitreya fka Terence Trent D'Arby. More please.

Check it out: Lonely - Love Regenerator x Riva Starr featuring Sananda Maitreya.

New Sky

noreply@blogger.com (vanitaapplebum) — Thu, 07 May 2020 15:31:00 +0000

So, I was minding my business and eating plants while streaming. That's what I do. @inglewoodsir and his current album is going and New Sky comes on. I'm vibing. That's nothing new - I've been turning his music up since 2016.

This time was different. @inglewoodsir jumped off the stream, reached over and unzipped my gut. Then he pulled a purse out of my gut and handed it to me. It was a pretty purse too (Kate Spade....even my baggage is fly LOL).

But I digress. As he did it he said, "flying away didn't fix a thing, I'm barely alive on this G5, a bottle away from me drowning...and blah blah blah or whatever." Dammit SIR!! Who told you to put poetry to music and then sing it for me to hear? Why did I go and listen to these lyrics. UGH!

Now I gotta take this purse to the therapist on Friday. Yep, I said therapist. Fuck y'all. #bullies

Anyway, I get to my therapist and show her the purse. We open it up and @inglewoodsir's ass pops up again talmbout "you never say that you miss me/I know that you miss me/I wish you were here with me"... I roll my eyes.

My therapist looks at me and says "let's talk about abandonment." DAMMIT. I pushed that down so I didn't have to deal with it. Even put it in a pretty purse. I ain't doing it. I don't want to. Nope. She just smiled Claire Huxtable style.

I know you know that smile from a black woman. So I said to her (begrudgingly of course) "Okay."

We talked. Rather I raged and she listened. There were exercises and tears. Then I took the "not so pretty anymore" purse and chucked it into the ocean. Good riddance.

Moral of the story: If you pay attention, @Inglewoodsir is outchea saving lives and relationships. Go get this album, a therapist and do the work. #vibratehigher

New Sky Lyrics

This is familiar, I feel ya
How can that be?
I thought I was gone now, on the run now
Tryna find a happier me
But flyin' away didn't fix a thing
Barely alive on this G5
Bottle away from me drowning
Start with a sip, then I down it
Land in Toronto, I'm tipsy
You never say that you miss me
But I know that you miss me
I wish you were with me, ayy

New sky, new sky
Won't you let the clouds go by?
Too soon, blue moon
Don't need you around
Bringin' me back down
Bringin' me back

A conversation that we never had replayin' in my head
I say the right thing and you smile just like you used to
Took me way back to when I knew you
This time, I don't make the same mistakes
I don't ever break your heart
You don't have all you can take
And we don't fall apart
Oh, this can't be real
Already made my escape
Somethings you can't run away from
I wanted to weather the change
Tried my best to outrun the rain
Only way I deal with the pain
I know you feel the same
I know you feel the same (Same)

New sky, new sky
Won't you let the clouds go by?
Too soon, blue moon
Don't need you around
Bringin' me back down
Bringin' me back

Life Lessons

noreply@blogger.com (vanitaapplebum) — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 16:42:00 +0000

You always have to be your own biggest advocate. No one can fight for you like you can.

You have less control than you think. And shit happens. STILL. Don’t try to do everything yourself.

Cry about it for a bit. But get to fixing.

-Luvvie Ajaye

My Mother-in-Love (her son and I have a beautiful son but we never married), stuck to her guns and through thick and thin, love and divorce, grandchildren, family losses, shenanigans and triumphs, SHE GRADUATED! CUM LAUDE no less. She is Black Girl Magic and super inspirational. I am so proud of her. The walking definition of amazing. I say her name - ARETHA PUGH. #yougogirl

Let's Talk

noreply@blogger.com (vanitaapplebum) — Tue, 12 Sep 2017 15:44:00 +0000

Let's Talk About Us.

The Bridge: An Inter-Generational Conversation with Leaders of Current and Past Civil Rights Movements in St. Louis will bring together the voices and perspectives of past and current St. Louis civil rights leaders to reveal how organizing and activism have evolved throughout history into present moments of social unrest, political transition, and heightened consciousness.

Bridging themes within the #1 in Civil Rights exhibition, this interactive conversation will inspire audience participation as it evokes reflections of past movements in the city, insights from current moments, and lessons that inform future efforts in the struggle for civil rights.

Panelists, moderated by De Nichols, will include:

•Jamala Rogers

•Blake Strode

•Rasheen Aldridge

•Kayla Reed

When: This Thursday, Sept. 14 at 6pm. Like, actually 6pm. LOL!

Where: The gorgeous Missouri History Museum’s McDermott Grand Hall

This is event is free (i.e. Free.com, Complimentary, Fall Through - I got you, Free before it closes pm.)

If you need more Info, jump into this Facebook Event Page: http://bit.ly/2jclxII or go straight to the Missouri History Museum Event Page: http://mohistory.org/node/59189.

See you there!

#sp

Anthony David Is HERE in the Lou!!

noreply@blogger.com (vanitaapplebum) — Fri, 26 May 2017 21:59:00 +0000

Stop playing and get on over to Metrotix and get that ticket!

We start on time so don't be late! Advance tickets are $20. Day of show tickets are $25.

See you there!

Links:

The Grandel Theatre

MetroTix

Rememberance

noreply@blogger.com (vanitaapplebum) — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 22:16:00 +0000

So I wrote this a few years ago on my Facebook page and decided to put it on my blog in remembrance. We miss you Frankie...

Facebook
April 1, 2014

I woke up this morning and found on my timeline that Frankie Knuckles transitioned to ancestry. A lot of memories surfaced….the first time I met him, the awesome production company I worked for sent me to deliver some records to him at a club off Westside Highway. I was in my early twenties, a baby to the scene and shaking in my shoes. He was the most famous DJ I had met at that time. He was sooooo gracious, chatting me up and making me comfortable. Fast forward a couple of years, he and the premiere artist from the production company ADEVA do an ASCAP Award winning record “Too Many Fish”. The video shoot was an opportunity to spend time with Frankie as well as Paris Barclay who was the video director. We had a few snafus (the makeup artist didn’t have the right colors for ADEVA and the stylist didn’t pull flattering outfits) but we handled it and both Paris and Frankie were gracious and fun. Frankie’s sharp wit kept us cackling. I am sad to hear of his passing. I am grateful to have been able to experience him. There is no other way to say it. You experienced Mr. Knuckles. My prayers and condolences to his family. Blessed Be.

It's All About Ethics

noreply@blogger.com (vanitaapplebum) — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 16:00:00 +0000

So, I attended dinner at Rosalyn's house. Rosalyn's cousin Peaches fell through with her BAE, let's call him #PeachBAE. It was all love. I had stuffed portabellas and salad and Jack Daniels. Everybody else indulged in crab, lobster and other such shellfish. And Jack Daniels.

So, the after dinner entertainment is standard fare - a Spades showdown. My skills are formidable. I was trained in the art of Spades in the esteemed halls of Howard University over late nights and weekends full of junk food and liquor. It is a way of life and serious business around my way.

So, Rosalyn and Peaches team up leaving me and #PeachBAE to team up. #PeachBAE is about that #spadeslife and understands the gravity of what is about to happen. The game gets underway. Our team is KILLING the other team. Music, Jack and Spades - we are vibing and everybody is having fun. It's 3 of 5 and we have won the first two. Rosalyn deals. Peaches frowns up at her hand and half smiles.

THEN SHE THROWS THE CARDS! Just tosses them. Like ain't nothing wrong. Talking bout, "My hand is not good". There are cards everywhere, all mixed up. I looked at Rosalyn and said "Did this chick (I might not have said chick tho - LOL) just throw her cards?" I couldn't believe it. It was everything for me not to flip the damn table.

I took a deep breath and laughed. All I could do was laugh. I wanted to fight soooooo freaking bad. #PeachBAE just gave me that #kanyeshrug and I felt bad for him because he has to endure such shenanigans. I mean, it's the ethics of it. WHO DOES THAT? Clearly, she didn't know that in my world messing up a Spades game is grounds for an asswhipping...*sigh*

I got love for Peaches because she is a sweetie pie otherwise, but my SouthSide Shelly Obama SideEye is watching her....

What would you have done?

Team Back Pack Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (vanitaapplebum) — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 16:00:00 +0000

Yall know I love good hip hop and in recent years one of my favorite sites to keep up with the newness is Team BackPack.

SO, last year I noticed more and more STL artists showing up and showing out on the site. My heart was full. Fast forward to this year and Team BackPack is doing an entire weekend showcasing our city. LOVE IT!!!!

Check out the list of activities:

or you can go here and listen and see and vibe and get the info. Or Facebook.

I mean come on! In addition to Meet and Greets and performances, there is a MIDI live beat show and an Artist Development panel for learning about streaming. Get into this information so you can get your money.

Shout out to Mvstermind for spearheading and everybody that is making this a weekend to remember.

p.s.: I still love an occasional ratchet rhyme tho. LOL!! Gotta play hard too...

Coffee is Life

noreply@blogger.com (vanitaapplebum) — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 16:00:00 +0000

So, New Years Day morning, after my brown liquor shenanigans, I needed coffee. I crawl out of bed and head to the new coffee house around the corner.

I actually got in my car and drove half of a block to get coffee (I should be ashamed but I'm not for real, it was so bad). I stumbled in, shades on, hair wild in a sweatshirt and jeans and in a raspy voice said "Coffee". The angel at the counter handed me a to go cup with Americana in it and said "Your hangover cure is on me today". I stuffed a tip in the jar and stumbled back to my car. I drove back to the corner, parked, went in my door and got back in bed. BLESS THE COFFEE ANGEL.

Photo Credit; Rise Coffee House

A this past weekend me and MoHam dropped into the shop to catch up over coffee and cinnamon buns/snicker doodles. Another Americana. It was delicious. Fresh pastries. Dope Baristas. Cool vibes. I am over the moon. I got my new coffee spot.

I love you Rise Coffee House. Where is your favorite coffee spot?

Photo Credit: Rise Coffee House

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (vanitaapplebum) — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 16:00:00 +0000

So, I'm super excited about 2017! New possibilities and new opportunities abound.

Music is making me happy again, there was so much goodness dropped last year, my faith is restored.

I kicked the new year off with Queen T to the sounds of Nappy DJ Needles aka James Biko and Black Spade at the .ZACK was way fun. There was a delightful sampling of I, CED sharing new material, David A. N. Jackson on the drums and to top it off, the brown liquor added to the shenanigans LOL!

Shout out and belated Happy Birthday to my sweet Jessiree (whom Eric Roberson has renamed Jazzyrae....because true), we had a ball.

Of course a hater reared it's ugly head in the form of a strep throat/bronchitis combo deal. First week of the year I was

down for the count. I'm gonna look at it as a reminder to practice better self care. Lesson 1 of the 2017. #neverstoplearning

It's go time. What are your plans?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

My Current Music Obsession (This Week)

noreply@blogger.com (vanitaapplebum) — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 16:31:00 +0000

So, I kinda like new music. Aaand if you follow me, you probably like new music too. I feel inclined to share some new stuff that I am currently obsessed with. Where I work the lyrics into conversations. Like, I'm on my way to Chicago....

And with that, ZO!'s new album SKYBREAK is my ~~sorta~~ music obsession.

Danggit Muhsinah! That silky voice of yours....ugh. I can't get enough of this song. Coupled with the fact that her dope, cutting edge azz puts an ep out every month. Peep her soundcloud right here. I have been digging her style since The Foreign Exchange collaborated with her on "Daykeeper".

Taking a deep breath right now so I don't fall down The Foreign Exchange wormhole....back to ZO!

The next song on this album (and I mean that literally, its the next song) that makes me swoon is I Don't Mind.

Back down The Foreign Exchange wormhole....I couldn't get enough of Shana Tucker and Eric Roberson on that doggone "Better" song. I sing that jawn in my sleep - its so smoove.

Anyway, this tune is super catchy and the lyrics are definitely grown up lyrics, written and sung for grown ups. And I don't know why I am walking around saying "Bang Bang Bang" all day. And why I am completely cool with saying it.

If you haven't had a chance to check out Shana Tucker, wake up and get your late pass.

On to the first song on the album. I have to sit still like the peace of Lake Erie when I hear it.

I need a video for this song asaptually. DO YOU HEAR ME ZO! With the FREAKIN AMAZING Sy Smith. She needs to be sitting on a balcony overlooking a lake, drinking tea. Wait, maybe its me that needs be on the balcony with the tea. On a chaise lounge. At sunrise. With an afro and a flowing dress. And fly jewelry.

I'm not going to insult your intelligence and I will walk in faith that you are hip to Sy Smith already. If you are not, don't diminish my respect for your musical geekdom and tell me. I don't want to know. It will make me question our friendship. LOL!! Just do your homework. Google loves you.

Back to ZO!

I'm a fan. His ear is wonderful. His keyboard work is righteous. His songwriting skills are superb. This album is my current obsession but his last one (Manmade) and the one before that (Sunstorm) held me hostage as well. Get on over to his site and support GOOD indie music.

Which songs on this album are your favorites?

I think I will make this a weekly column because whatever I can do to give more shine to deserved artists like this, I will do.

Smooches.

And The Winner of the James Brown "I Don't Know What He Said But It Goes Good With The Music" Award Goes To...

noreply@blogger.com (vanitaapplebum) — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 16:21:00 +0000

So SuperJam 2016 happened this past weekend and it was...eventful. Lots of people, lots of artists and lots of fun. And lots of work.

One of the highlights for me was the eye opening interview of the up and coming rapper Desiigner. Since I was working the media room his interview went something like this:

https://www.facebook.com/stlhot1041/videos/10154431638210555/

You will have to click it - I tried to embed it but...copyright stuff.

Anyway, you know the last recipient of the JAMES BROWN "I Don't Know What He Said But It Goes Good With The Music" AWARD was Mystikal. No idea what he is talking about, but I don't care because he's FINE.

#stlabl

A video posted by Vanita Applebum (@vanitaapplebum1) on Jan 23, 2015 at 9:14pm PST

photo courtesy of AB+L

Yes Lawd. Whooooo! *fans self*

I'm sorry boo but you are gonna have to pass that Award on down to Desiigner. His multi-syllabic meandering tortured my ears. But his exuberance and sheer graciousness to EVERYBODY he came across that night, impressed me.

While I wasn't able to decipher ANYTHING he said, I understand how he has gotten so far. Good vibes take you a long way.

Dude is a completely lovable cartoon character.

Hey Desiigner's management, label and other professional people attached to him:

Get him a superhero cartoon where he is a mix between Roadrunner, Bugs Bunny and MushMouth from Fat Albert. Put him in a red outfit and let him fight crime like Stretch Armstrong. You have a winner with this kid.

SO guys, what are your thoughts? Who would you nominate?

MUSIC MONDAY 3.7.16

noreply@blogger.com (vanitaapplebum) — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 22:42:00 +0000

Hey Loves,

I'm back. Took a hiatus to get my life and I think I'm back on track now. Let's go....

Three things came across my desk today and I want to Spread Love and stuff. Looks like its a Soul Music Monday - LOL!

WE ARE KING
King released a new video today. Check it out:

BASHIRI ASAD

The dope indysoulsinger Bashiri Asad has dropped a GoFundMe campaign in anticipation of his new EP #Proximity. Its so he can do intimate concerts in your market and keep the overhead low. But what's cool is all the gifts he gives when you donate. Check it out here:

CLICK HERE FOR HIS GOFUNDME SITE

Then check out this vid of him doing his #indysoulsinger thang:

THE INTERNET

This group is not playing with yall. They snuck/dropped a video while yall were sleeping.

I had to blog about these things. Its only right.

Comment and discuss. Otherwise, I will see you tomorrow.

Smooches.

THIS IS HOW ITS DONE

noreply@blogger.com (vanitaapplebum) — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 19:22:00 +0000

So, Nic and I stepped over to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in Clayton to have some happy hour drank and catch up. We scored a wonderful seat on the new patio and commenced to chat. Let me tell you about this new patio...cool, private feel and comfortable.

We got a couple of drinks and YUM!!!!! I had an Old Fashioned and Nic got a Cosmo. I eventually got a cosmo too because I didn't realize an Old Fashioned was STRAIGHT BOURBON! Aint nobody told me nuffin!! And yall know I'm a lightweight. It was good tho. Relaxing...

Ordered some food. I hadn't been to Ruth's Chris since before I became vegetarian. Good thing somebody suckered back into meat eating with my weakness for wings because the food was AMAZING. We split an RBar Burger, asparagus fries and regular fries. So. Much. Food. We were both full. Of food. Stop playing. LOL!!

Oh and the bread they serve before your meal...warm, soft and tasty. Mmmmmm. Then there was dessert. So the lemony cheesecake was delicious but what I thought was a chocolate cupcake turned out to be Chocolate Mousse on a Chocolate crumbled cookie base. DELISH!! *faints*

So it turns out this happy hour is Monday through Friday from 4-6pm all summer at the Clayton spot (1 North Brentwood, Clayton, MO 63105). I am sure the downtown spot is dope as well.

If you want to peep the site and menu click here. Website Menu

Or holla at them @ruthschris on the Twitters.

I got to thinking that this a great place for a first date (or any date) or to catch up with old friends like we did. Beautiful space. I might have found my hangout for the summer.

Anyway, it had been so long since Nic and I caught up we had to take the obligatory bathroom selfie.

Not the greatest pic but the drinks were REALLY good. LOL!! Good friends, good food, good times.

The Theme is Cake. Eat some, Spend some.

noreply@blogger.com (vanitaapplebum) — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 17:01:00 +0000

So I want to yell "Carol is showing her art!!" and parade around carrying a sign but I think that would embarrass her. But I'm excited. She does such beautiful work and she's so humble about it hardly any of our friends know. And she has won awards and everything! It hasn't been until recently that she has started to really display ~~AND TALK ABOUT~~ her art.

Here it is, you have probably bought something from her over the years, a personalized handcut, handdrawn greek paddle, a fly t-shirt with a design printed on it, any number of hand painted homegoods (glasses, pottery, placemats, lightswitch plate covers) all featuring adinkra symbols like gye nyame (Only God) and other life affirming images. What you probably didn't know is that SHE free hand paints these things and with the wood offerings, she actually cuts the wood.

Ask me to sing the horn line in any Earth Wind and Fire song, I got you. Ask me to draw something....*blank stare*. She actually could do both (and quote lines from almost any movie, EVAH) and do it well. Which makes her kinda awesome. The collection is on display now through March 5th at the 14th Street Artist Gallery. The reception is Friday. Her husband DJ Willpower (Soulition representing!) will be spinning and there will be cake (as an added incentive). Eat some cake, spend some cake, cake cake cake cake and enjoy the art, talk to the artist, soak up some ART, MUSIC, CULTURE (right up my alley huh! LOL!) and support my sister. Yep my real, blood, same parents, sister.

Peep her website: MwazaCarol's Website

I want to see you there.

Smooches,

v.

P.S. You may have seen this piece before. The fam took pics in front of it. Here is a pic of me and the boy. For perspective, the boy is 6 feet tall.

FOR MY NYC PEEPS

noreply@blogger.com (vanitaapplebum) — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 17:11:00 +0000

If you didn't know, I have been working with an awesome singer/songwriter named Teresajenee. Guess What? She will be performing at SOB's tonight with a full band at the RAW One Year Anniversary Showcase and rocking with Reebok. Soooo, if you haven't had a chance to check her out live, BOOM! Here is your opportunity. Hit me up asaptually to be put on the list for a discounted ticket.

(click image to enlarge)

Can't make it to the show tonight? She is also doing an acoustic set in Brooklyn at Friends and Lovers (641 Classon Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238) on Valentine's Day. And yall know her power ballads are the truth! She will be sharing the stage with Tati Ana, Lynette Williams and Akie Bermiss.

So if, you haven't been on MTV.com to peep her, or heard any of the music I sent you (LOL), here is a teaser. Gone head and get to one of the shows and support. You will love it.

ODE TO OCTOBER

ELECTRIC YELLOW

TAHITIAN VANILLA LIVE

ONE OF MY FAVORITES

Umm, she's what's NEXT.

Smooches...

v.

Film Fridays - 1/10/14

noreply@blogger.com (vanitaapplebum) — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 17:49:00 +0000

Belle

Based on the true story behind the seminal 1779 painting of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the storyfollows the eponymous character’s conflicted life as a mixed-race girl raised in nobility in 18th century England.

Sexual Healing - The Marvin Gaye Biopic

Still waiting for this one. It looks soooo good. Jesse Martin rocks.

Ride Along and About Last Night

Its a Kevin Hart-A-Thon. He stupid. LOL!! Between Cube and Teacake (Mike Ealy) #doe, Imma have to see both.

Ride Along

About Last Night

See ya Monday with more new music. Smooches!

New Music

noreply@blogger.com (vanitaapplebum) — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 19:18:00 +0000

We Are On The Move - Zo! featuring Eric Roberson and Phonte

HOW COULD YOU NOT LOVE THIS. Such good music *faints*

Pink Crushed Velvet - Raheem Devaughn

This right here is more than I can handle. Yall know I'm corny and conservative. The vocals are off the chain but Raheem, you so mannish. Your whole album is an ode to the honeypot. LOL!! NSFW.

Shoot I need a glass of wine now. LOL!

My Random List of 2013

noreply@blogger.com (vanitaapplebum) — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 20:40:00 +0000

In no particular order:

Badass of the Year - Shonda Rhimes

I hate her. And love her. And Scandal is like crack to me. Every commercial break I'm like "DAMN SHONDA!" Phrases from the show have entered me and my friends daily conversations, from rocking back and forth mumbling 752 to saying ''girl you in trouble" and "its handled". Shut up - I know I'm corny. She should get more awards. Shonda Rhimes = Definition of Badassery

Webseries of the Year - RoomieLoverFriend

This show is absolutely delicious. I, too am a real fuckup in romantic releationships. Clearly, I am not alone.

Rachet Quote of the Year - "You Can't Handle My Mouth Muthafu&$*"

Yeah I know. I only pretend to watch Love and Hip Hop. LOL!! Whatever. Judge me if you want to. That danggone Erica Mena, the trollop we love to hate actually put it down with this one. In a fit of rage (as usual) she yells this at wackazz Peter Gunz and I really felt her on this. They didn't take her seriously when she said she didn't want to work with him. She was frustrated and felt these men disregarding her direct requests and she popped. I don't know a woman who hasn't felt that moment when no matter what you say or do, you are "just a woman" and what you want doesn't count. Coupled with the fact that Peter Gunz only likes women he can control with his community penis - Boom! It's cray cray in there. Erica said HEAR ME ROAR! And I confess, I was here for it.

Love and Hip Hop 4

Dopest Bio of the Year - Hillary Clinton

I am saying of the year but I think I mean EVAH!!

"Wife, mom, lawyer, women & kids advocate, FLOAR, FLOTUS, US Senator, SecState, author, dog owner, hair icon, pantsuit aficionado, glass ceiling cracker, TBD..."

Hillary, girl you stay busy out here in these streets....

Guilty Pleasure of the Year - The Smack Heard Round The World

Love and Hip Hop 4

Now if you know me, you know I would never condone reaching out and touching someone if you can talk it out like grownups. Also, you know I abhor hood shenanigans on television. But. When Amina threw the smartazz "I married your babydaddy" thing in the face of his 2 children and 13 years together Live In Girlfriend Tara, I cackled out loud when Tara put them paws on her. Tara smacked her so hard that every sister who had a jumpoff spout straight disrespect in her face hollered in glee. I even tweeted

My inner rachet can't stop giggling every time I see Tara smack the taste out of Amina's mouth. #loveandhiphop #dontjudgeme #loudcackles
— Vanita Applebum (@vanitaapplebum) November 16, 2013

I'm not right, I know. That's why its the guilty pleasure of the year. Seriously tho - ladies for realz, your issue is Peter, not each other. I hope your self esteem rises and you remove yourselves from the situation he has put you in with his lies and tomfoolery. You deserve better AND you can do better.

And last but not least:

Album of the Year - [Tie] - Raheem DeVaughn "Welcome to Loveland" and Frank McComb "Remembering Donnie Hathaway: Live at The Bitter End"

RadioRah went indie and came with that fire. Frank McComb sang Donnie Hathaway live and I melted. I couldn't choose. If you didn't know, now you know.

Film Fridays

noreply@blogger.com (vanitaapplebum) — Fri, 31 May 2013 14:30:00 +0000

First up is Denzel Washington's new movie. Sexy as always.

That's gonna be GOOOOOOD!!! In theaters August 2nd

Kevin Hart's Let Me Explain is coming too!!

That boy stupid! ROTF!! Look for it July 3rd. He is full of Negro shenanigans. *loud cackles*

Next up is the Venus and Serena documentary.

In Theatres May 10, 2013 (shut up, I know I'm late *eyeroll*)

Next Friday, we will check out some short films that you can watch online (if you have 15 to 30 minutes to spare). Good stuff.
I'll Holla!!!

Poetry Month - Erykah Badu and Dave Chappelle

noreply@blogger.com (vanitaapplebum) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:02:00 +0000

Since the last two days have been kinda skrong, I figured I would lighten it up a bit.

Erykah. She keeps me in loud cackles. Her shenanigans are legendary.

Friends, fans, artists must meet
Which 1 are you which 1 is me
Friends, fans, and artist must meet
Which 1 are you which 1 are me

FANS
God, please o please let her breathe my way
if she sing my song today i can be ok
See I understand the message in the song she writes
i was really happy for her when she won tonight

She's a rebel for the struggle fightin just like me
i know she down to sing at the cookout for free
i was kinda dissappointed with the song she wrote
went to her website wrote a long as note

she done made a million dollars but she down to earth
she be rockin chuck taylors and a thrift sto' purse
signin autographs til the park was dark
i know it's kinda hard when they luv ya art

in the magazines they be twistin up the facts
but her response was fair i like how she come back
she be sangin for the world sharin all her pain
when she fell up in the game she had changed

fans, friends, artist must meet
Which 1 are you which 1 are me

FRIENDS
folk in the face like she aint da same
still da same b**** she just changed her name
she don't really like to hang around wit us no mo
wasn't nothin like that back in '94

she be fallin in the spot wit a fat a** grin
now she roll a benz she don't need no friends
she only really made it cuz her skin is light
don't nobody really understand that s*** she write

she done made a million dollars she can give us some
she be havin fun s*** we wanna have fun
seen her early in the morning looking bad as hell
gone be lookin really funny when her s*** dont sell

airport, bouta miss a flight
4 carry-ons talkin bout "pack light"
oo please o please give da queen her tea
i only come to da show cuz i get in free

Friends, fans, artist must meet
Which 1 are you which 1 are me
fans, friends, n artist must meet
Which 1 are you

ARTIST
folk in ma face cuz i'mma supastar
n****s hang around cuz of who i are
get alotta love cuz of wut i got
say they happy for me, but they really not

sell alotta records and i roll a benz
fall up in the spot now i'm losin friends
all i wanna do is give da world my heart
record label trynna make me compromise my art

make a million dollars, make a million mo
tax time come around still a nicca po'
i wanna say wait but i'm scared to ask
the world start spinnin and it's movin fast

try to stay sane it's the price of fame
spendin my life trynna numb the pain
i shake that load off and sing the song
liberate the mind and i go on home

Dave. He is a mess. I love HE. LOL!!

One night at 3 AM I went to the corner store
I forgot why...oh, that's right, I wanted a bite
because I had the munchies and I was high
The store is owned by Mr. Fong
And every day he sees me, he does me wrong
He's Korean, and I never say that I hate all Korean people
I haven't met all Korean people, that hate talk is for savages
But even though I don't generalize, I do do percentages and averages
So far I hate 1 out of 5 Korean people I've met so far
So I come in the store..."hello Mr. Fong", I say
And he just scowls at me and growls at me
"Buy something...hurry up"
Now look, I'm not stealing the least
But if you're shopping, and you know someone's watching you shop
That sure makes you look like a thief
Mr. Fong said, "Hey! I've been watching you since you came in the door,
buy something now, or get out of my store!"
Now "I" couldn't take it anymore
"Hey, Hey!" I said, raising my hand, "get your fingers out of my face
China man!"
Mr. Fong say "Hey! Hey! what make you think I'm Chinese? You must have no what you saying!
You made a mistake "brack man", Mr. Fong is Korean!"
Now, I was wrong. I was wrong, I said, uh, Mr. Fong, I sorry to offend
by mistaking your race,
but you gotta admit, if it was a Chinese look-alike contest, your *** would place!
You're a dead ringer for a Chinese
But don't be mad at me, I didn't mean to offend you in the least
Some people say all black people look alike, we call those people, "Police".

Poetry Month - Saul Williams - Penny For A Thought/Untimely Meditations Mashup

noreply@blogger.com (vanitaapplebum) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Saul Williams is one of my favorite spoken word artists. I may do several posts from him.

This one is a Penny For A Thought/Untimely Meditations mashup. If you have ever received a personal email from me, the quote at the end, "I am too fly, not to fly," is from Saul's Penny For A Thought.

Although he didn't get to do this when we brought him to the STL, he has so much GOOD thought provoking material I almost didn't miss it. Notice I said almost! LOL!

Here is the Penny For A Thought excerpt:

time is money, money is time
so i keep 7 o'clock in the bank and gain interest in the hour of God
I'm saving to buy my freedom, God, grant me wings, I'm too fly not to fly
I soared further past humans without wings so I soar
and fine tickling the feathers of my wings
flying hysterically, over land numerically
I am seven mountains higher than the valley of death

Seven mountains higher than the valley of death
Seven dimensions deeper than dimensions of breath

And here is Untimely Meditations:

The fiery sun of my passions
Evaporates the love lakes of my soulClouds my thoughts and rains you into existenceAs I take flight on bolts of lightingClaiming chaos as my concubine and you as my me
I of the storm you of the seaWe of the moon land of the freeWhat have I done to deserve this? Am I happy?Happiness is a mediocre sin set for a middle class existence
I see through smiles and smell truth in the distanceBeyond one dimensional smiles and laughterLies are hereafter where tears echo laughterYou'd have to do math to divide a smile
By a tear times fear equals mere truthI simply delve in the air and if that's the caseAll I have to breath and all else will followThat's why drums are hollow, and I like drums, drums are good
But I can't think straightI lack the attention span to meditateMy attention spans galaxies here and now are immenseSeconds are secular, moments are mine
Self is illusion, music's divineNoosed by the strings of Jimmy's guitarI swing Purple Hazed pendulumHypnotizing the part of I that never dies
Look into my eyes are the windows of the soulIt's fried chicken collies and cornbreadIt's corn milk flour sour cream eggs and oilIts the stolen blood of the earth
Used to make cars run and kill the fishWho me? I play scalesThe scales of dead fish of oil slicked seasMy sister blows wind through the hollows of fallen tress
And we are the echoes of eternity, echoes of eternityEchoes of eternity maybe you heard of usWe do rebirths, revokes and resurrectionsWe threw basement parties in pyramids
I left my tag on the wallThe beats would echo of the stoneAnd solidify into the form of light bulbsDestined to light of the heads of future generations
They're releasing it up in the form of OMMaybe you heard of usIf not then you must be trying to hear usIn such cases we can't be heard
We remain in the darkness unseenIn the center of unpeeled bananas we exist uncolored by perceptionClothed to the naked eyeFive senses cannot sense the fact of our existence
And that's the only factIn fact there are no facts, fax me a fact and I'll telegramI'll hologram, I'll telephone the Son Of Man and tell him he is doneLeave a message on his answering machine
Telling him there are noneGod and I are oneTimes moon times star times sunThe factor is me, you remember me
T slung amethyst rocks on Saturn blocks?'Til I got caught up by Earthling copsThey wanted me for their army or whatever, picture meI swirl like the wind tempting tomorrow to be today
Tiptoing the fine line between everything and everything elseI am simply Saturn swirling sevenths through soothThe sole living air of air and I, and, and all else followsReverberating the space inside of drum hollows
Package and bottles and chipsAnd tomorrow then sold to the highest niggaI swing from the tallest treeLynched by the lowest branches of me
Praying that my physical will set me free'Cause I'm afraid that all else is vanityMere language is profanityI'd rather hum or have my soul tattooed to my tongue
And let the scriptures be sung in gibberishAs words be simple fish in my soulquariumAnd intellect can't swim so I stopped combing my mindSo my thoughts could lock
I'm tired of trying to understandPerceptions are mangled matted and knotted anywayLife is more than what meets the eye and ISo elevate I to the third and even that shit seems absurd
And your thoughts leave you third isolatedNo man is an island but I often feel aloneSo I find peace through OM

*faints*

April is Poetry Month

noreply@blogger.com (vanitaapplebum) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 17:10:00 +0000

Since I love poetry, I have decided to post a poem that I love every day for the 30 days of April.

It's funny, last year I tried the "30 Poems in 30 Days" challenge and as soon as I committed, writers block and extreme shyness took over. Right, me? Shy? YESSIR! If you know me well, you know that I am an artist and I am sensitive about my shhhh....

One day (maybe soon), I will share on this page, but right now... #privateblogsince2005

I'm starting out with Nikki Giovanni's "Ego Trippin". iMelt! Sooooo powerful. Check it out!

No, that's not me. LOL!! I just think she does a really good job. Except she says "Ay-Rab" instead of Ahrab. LOL! (Danggone Virgo perfectionist asshat that I am...)

This would be a picture of the lovely Yolanda Cornelia "Nikki" Giovanni.

Here is "Ego Trippin"

I was born in the congo
I walked to the fertile crescent and built the sphinx
I designed a pyramid so tough
That a star that only glows every one hundred years
Falls into the center
Giving divine perfect light
I am bad

I sat on the throne
Drinking nectar with Allah
I got hot and sent an ice age to Europe to cool my thirst
My oldest daughter is Nefertiti
The tears from my birth pains created the nile
I am a beautiful woman

I gazed on the forest and burned out the sahara desert
With a packet of goat's meat and a change of clothes
I crossed it in two hours
I am a gazelle so swift
So swift you can't catch me

For a birthday present when he was three
I gave my son Hannibal an elephant
He gave me Rome for mother's day
My strength flows ever on

My son Noah built new/ark and
I stood proudly at the helm as we sailed on a soft summer day
I turned myself into myself and was Jesus
Men intone my loving name
All praises All praises
I am the one who would save

I sowed diamonds in my back yard
My bowels deliver uranium
The filings from my fingernails are semi-precious jewels
On a trip north I caught a cold
And blew my nose giving oil to the Arab world
I am so hip even my errors are correct
I sailed west to reach east
And had to round off the earth as I went
The hair from my head thinned and gold was laid across three continents

I am so perfect so divine so ethereal so surreal
I cannot be comprehended except by my permission

I mean...I...can fly
like a bird in the sky...

Film Friday

noreply@blogger.com (vanitaapplebum) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 20:57:00 +0000

So many new films coming out, perfect for a Sunday afternoon film fest with family or friends. ~~Check out that alliteration right there~~. LOL!!

This new one features Common and a slew of other dope actors and its called LUV. I'm gone be first in line!! Peep the trailer:

He so fahn.

Moving on to Will Smith. He and his son have a new joint coming out as well called AFTER EARTH. It looks like Avatar meets Independence Day. Peep the trailer:

Jaden is growing up and the tweenaged girls are certainly here for him. Our babies are growing up!

Lastly, for this episode of Film Fridays, your favorite writer/producer/director/actor/actress/theaterstage person evah, Tyler Perry is baaaaccckkkk!!! Lance Gross giving us full grown man and Jurnee Smollett giving us gorgeous grown woman. Peep the Trailer:

What do yall thank? Holla...