Shout-out to the ladies
I'm writing this week's newsletter while listening to Azealia Banks "Liquorice," and "Treasure Island" and I forgot how much of a bop these songs were. Probably honestly because by default she's annoying, but these songs will always be a vibe. She can actually rap and sing, I just wish she didn't overshadow her music with her... personality.
We are just a few days away from the next Versuz Battle with Jill Scott and Erkyah Badu and I'm hype. Definitely curious to see who is going to pull the plug with "You Got Me," since they were both featured on the song. Going to have my wine, food, and candles ready.
I also got the idea to start adding in my playlists here more frequently, so here are two worth mentioning:
Anyway, here are ten things I thought were worth sharing this week:
1. JoJo is back with her new album Good to Know and I'm in love. This album makes me feel lots of things: in love (Gold and Think About You), sexy (Comeback), a little reckless (Pedialyte) and confident with what I need (Man). I just love it. On the songs, she does this harmony thing where she like duplicates the words or extends them out - and I'm here for it. YAY JOJO!
2. I've also been listening to the new EP from The Bonfyre Love, Lust and Let Downs: Chapter 1 which features one of my favorite singles from her, "U Say" featuring 6LACK. I've also been listening to Mahalia's Isolation Tapes, Drake's Dark Lane Demo Tapes, Amber Mark's EP 1984, Leven Kali's HIGHTIDE and lastly Mozzy's Beyond Bulletproof which I'm loving.
I will just say, mixtape Drake is better than album Drake, however, his voice is now annoying. I still thirst for his face and waves though. Also, I think the best Drake is Comeback Season Drake, sorry for living in the past but it's true. Hello, "Think Good Thoughts," with the Anita Baker sample, 9th Wonder production and Phonte and Elzhi. I can still rap the whole song word for word. Also, Amber Mark keeps releasing singles, and EPs but I'm hopeful that she will release a whole album soon since I've had mixed emotions on the EPs and singles.
3. My last music related thing is why was I so late on Westside Gunn Pray for Paris? This album is dope. His voice reminds me of like Roc Marciano and Ghostface - shameless plug, "$500 Ounces" featuring Roc Marciano is one of my favorite songs on the album.
4. Since Joe Biden is the Democratic Candidate in the 2020 election, I've been following him closely including the Tara Reade (not to be confused with Tara Reid who is tired of being confused for the other Tara) accusations. If you're not familiar, here is some reading material and a podcast episode to help you:
I'm curious how this will play out, and if it will hurt Biden's chances with voters. Granted, we already have a president in the White House who has been very candid about grabbing women by the pussy (too hideous to grab them by the heart) but I'm very curious. What do you think ? Let's discuss.
5. I finished reading Glennon Doyle's "Untamed" and it was a pretty good read. In parts, she dragged some and incorporated things that I didn't really care about. However, as I continued reading, I realized that it actually had a link to something else in the book. The book explores so many topics, but I think one of the central themes is the idea of being free. One of the lines in particular that I soaked up, and wrote in my journal was:
"When a woman finally learns that pleasing the world is impossible, she becomes free to learn how to please herself."
OKKUURRRRTTTTTTTTTT
6. Don't want to consume you with COVID-19 stuff, because this is a chill space, but here were a few interesting reads about social distancing that I've read:
The New White Lies of Lockdown
“We’re all very susceptible to the lies of others, and in fact sometimes welcome those lies because it gives us a graceful way of interacting with other people.”FOMO is Over. Give In to the Joy of Letting Go.
"As the days of quarantine drag on, many women are reveling in the relinquishment of high heels, painful waxes and constricting garments."What You Miss Most Is an Essential Clue to Who You Are
"... I think our pseudo-selves have kind of taken a backseat in this crisis."14% of women considered quitting their jobs because of the coronavirus pandemic
"Women leaving the workforce under the pressures of a global crisis could have long-term consequences. The 80-cents-on-the-dollar gender pay gap increases for working mothers, and lost earnings during a limited period compound over time."
7. Boredom? I haven't really found it during our social distancing. I miss turning up at brunch, and going to my local coffee shop only to complain about them having the music so loud that I can't concentrate. Social distancing and sitting my ass at home (I did this before) has, had me trying every cooking invention that I've wanted to do.
I learned to make a real tasty Shaved Brussel Sprout salad with shrimp. I perfected a bomb smoothie: spinach, banana, mango, water, ice, and a little coconut milk. But more than anything, as a native California honey, I learned to make two pieces of my soul and existence: HOMEMADE TORTILLA CHIPS AND GUACAMOLE. Yes, I realize I learned to make these things while living in Maryland but such is life.
My tortilla chips were bomb and easy: use tortilla shells, cut them up, deep fry them, and squeeze lime and salt on them. My guac was very onion-ey though, so I'm thankful that Chipotle released the recipe for their guac. Read and weep honey dip.
8. I'm still not over Little Fires Everywhere. I just start re-reading the book now that I watched the show. Here's my favorite question I've seen about the show: I love Kerry Washington with all my heart, but why does it always seem like she’s standing in front of a strong-ass fan?
9. I watched Normal People on Hulu and now I need to read the book. What a beautiful, yet depressing show? Not to seem like a horndog, but the sex scenes in the show were beautiful, as well as the kissing scenes - so much passion. We should read the book together to compare? You down ?
10. Critical people had issues with #BlackAF and Kenya Barris, but I enjoyed it. People said he couldn't act, but to me that logic feels inception-ey (not a word). I don't understand how you can act well as yourself when you're acting as yourself. Anyway, I really enjoyed this interview with Kenya and T.I on T.I's podcast.
Those were my ten things - talk to you soon.
I'll holla.
ALSO, LET'S BE FRIENDS ON THE INTERWEBS!