on the black hand side

Artist I’m Feeling: Laura Izibor

There's not much to say except, gimme more, when listening to the music of Laura Izibor. I must say that I mistakenly thought her song, From My Heart to Yours, was actually performed by India.Arie, another of my favorites.

Izibor's Irish upbringing is a rarity (Irish mom, Nigerian dad) and another reminder that black people live all over the world. It's unfortunate, but the consciousness of many people need a reality check to understand just how big and small the world is and how we all are connected.

Here's a cool video on learning to speak Irish. It's deadly!

Official website: www.lauraizibor.com

CIA-The World Factbook: Ireland

If You Love Hip-Hop

I was channel flipping and came across an awesome documentary, This Is the Life. It’s about hip-hop and a movement spawned at this obviously legendary place called The Good Life Café in Los Angeles. I am so in love with the talent introduced to me tonight. Giving up mad love to Freestyle Fellowship, Medusa & KoKo, Abstract Rude, Figures of Speech, 2000 Crows and a slew of other folks whose names I can’t remember right now.

If you love real hip-hop, music history or pop culture; this is one film you don’t want to miss.

I know The Last Poets are smiling as the next generation spits truth in poetry and lyrics.

 

2009 BET Honors to Air Tonight

The 2009 BET Honors will air tonight at 9 p.m. EST. Talk of the awards show have permeated the internet since its January 17 taping. I’m looking forward to the wonderful performances but most of all I’ll be glad to see Ms. Whitney Houston present the award to Tyler Perry.

Whitney looked fabulous! Go on with your bad self!

 

© 2009, on the black hand side, www.blackhandside.net

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AlphaCat Spoofs President Obama

You knew it would happen, right? Here’s AlphaCat’s latest video after Barack Obama’s inauguration.

© 2009, on the black hand side, www.blackhandside.net

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NOTORIOUS the Movie and the Faith - L'il Kim Beef Continues

The film, NOTORIOUS, chronicles the life of gone too soon rapper, Christopher Wallace AKA Notorious B.I.G, Biggie and Biggie Smalls. The movie stars Derek Luke as Sean “Puffy” Combs, Angela Bassett as Biggie’s mom Violetta Wallace and introduces Jamal Woolard as Biggie. There are other talented actors in the flick; check out the official site at http://www.foxsearchlight.com/notorious/. The film opens on January 16.

L’il Kim has slammed the movie big time. For starters, she criticized her portrayal in the film and the actors chosen to play her and Biggie.  She’s also threatened to disclose damaging information about Biggie’s  mom and widow, Faith Evans. We'll see what bomb L'il Kim drops, if any. Faith Evans said Kim's actions are just sad.

Oh, well, I guess it couldn't be a movie involving rap without some beef involved too.

 

  

© 2009, on the black hand side, www.blackhandside.net

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Church Folks Gone Wild!

Do  check out the video below. It shows a portion of the celebration of the 132^nd anniversary of the Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church of Decatur, GA.  E. Dewey Smith, Jr. is the pastor.

 

That was fun. Which generation are you? Builders, Boomers, Busters or Bridges?  I’m in the Boomers category. While Miss Aretha’s “Respect” is an excellent song choice for that generation, I think I would have chosen this….

 

What song would you choose for your generation?

 

© 2008, Blogging Black Miami, www.bloggingblackmiami.com

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Remembering Odetta, the Voice of the Civil Rights Movement

Singer and civil rights activist, Odetta, transitioned on December 2, 2008. A classically-trained singer born in Birmingham, AL on December 31, 1930, it was folk music that would establish her as an icon.

From the Tavis Smiley Show:

Odetta

original airdate January 25, 2008

Called one of the great treasures of American music, musical activist Odetta has influenced such artists as Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin and Joan Baez. Since her '54 debut album, she's toured the world telling stories of America's southern experience in her songs. The Birmingham (AL) native sang at the March on Washington in '63, marched with Dr. King in Selma and protested against U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. In '03, the Library of Congress honored the Grammy-nominated artist with its rare "Living Legend Award."

 

Click here to listen to her interview and read the transcript from the Tavis Smiley Show of January 25, 2008.

 

Related Links:

Odetta, Voice of Civil Rights Movement, Dies at 77

Folk legend Odetta, 75, reflects on a pioneer's life

 

 

 

 

© 2008, on the black hand side, www.blackhandside.net

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Remembering Shakir Stewart

Def Jam Records VP, Shakir Stewart, died from an apparent self-inflicted wound. His body was found in his Atlanta home. Stewart replaced Jay-Z at Def Jam just this past June. He was a native of Oakland, CA and a 1996 graduate of Morehouse College. Ashe'

     

© 2008, on the black hand side, www.blackhandside.net

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Body of Boy is Julian King

The body of the young boy found in the white SUV was Julian King; he was shot multiple times. This brings the number of dead to three as a result of the multiple slayings that started on Friday.

There are no words to describe the pain that Jennifer Hudson and the rest of the Hudson family are experiencing. Ms. Hudson's brother-in-law is in custody and held for parole violations. He and his girlfriend gave conflicting information regarding his whereabouts.

To lose loved ones in such a tragic manner is more than devastating. The person or persons involved must be brought to justice. I pray for the Hudson family's strength during this situation. I also pray for the mercy and uplift for the souls of Darnell Donerson, Jason Hudson and Julian King. Ashe'.   

 

© 2008, on the black hand side, www.blackhandside.net

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Marching Band Formations: How do they do that?

If you attended or had the opportunity to visit an HBCU (Historically-Black College and University), you know that this time of the year, football season, is a particularly exciting and important part of the college experience. While football games are an important part of game day, it is half-time that truly rules for HBCUs.

The movie Drumline captured much of the black college band experience but there's nothing like being there.

Here is video of the Florida A&M University Marching 100. Band director Dr. Julian White explains the conceptualization and execution of the intricate formations by the 420 plus member band.

As you may know, perennially, there is much trash-talking about which school has the best marching band. I think that FAMU, my alma mater, is the best. You know, often imitated, never duplicated. Give your school's marching band a shout out if you think your school's band is the best.

Related Link: www.famu.edu

    

© 2008, on the black hand side, www.blackhandside.net

Vote for this blog for Best Pop Culture Blog and Best Blog About Stuff in the 2008 Bloggers Choice Awards.