You may notice some things look a little different around here - I left MailChimp. I wanted to do something a little bit different and be a little more minimalistic and hope that you’re still digging it. Still going to keep the same content going though because I know you’d miss me if I left you forever.
Anyway, last weekend like many, I tuned into the Verzuz battle of Jill Scott and Erkyah Badu and literally got my whole life. Talk about queens personified. I loved it. Their banter and tunes spoke to my heart and made me relive some of my fondest musical memories. Yes, I still listen to them both consistently, but just seeing them together reminded me of the Sugar Water Festival (which they mentioned), making Neo-Soul mixtapes for my car and quoting songs out on my social media.
I lived for it and yes, they both started with their versions of “You Got Me,” which was a flex. I loved watching them talk, dance and sing along to each others music and hopeful for a Sugar Water Festival 2021. That festival was one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to and the first line up was Jill, Erykah, Queen Latifah and Floetry who are now broken up. For the show I’m putting into the universe, I hope it’s Jill, Erykah, Lalah Hathaway, and Ledisi. I feel like that would be an epic lineup. What do you think?
Here’s my playlist Lady Vibes, which features Jill, Erykah, Lalah, and Ledisi and more.
This week, here are a few things that I thought were worth sharing:
We lost three legends in the music industry: Little Richard, Andre Harrell and Betty Wright. Rest in peace to them all. Also, if you get the chance make sure to check out Betty’s episode of UnSung that aired a few weeks ago. Such a good episode I learned so much about her, and she will truly be missed.
I knew I wasn’t wrong for my Drake sentiments from my last issue. Apparently, there’s a whole generation of people outgrowing Drake. This part in particular hit me: “And Drake is making TikTok dances,” the times we are living in. Additionally, this part:
“His self-reflection is all platitudes and performance art, acting like vulnerability while keeping the truth at arm’s length. It’s music that kids eat up but people my age can see right through. I think Drake knows this. I don’t think he cares. He doesn’t make the songs for me to enjoy. He makes them for me to hear at every party, on every cellphone, on every twentysomething’s IG page. He makes lyrics for me to repeat — not for me to feel.”
One of my favorites trios or group Hablot Brown released their new EP OPAQUE, and Lianne La Havas announced her new album release date, July 17th and released a new single “Paper Thin.” Can I just say, with Lianne on track to release her new album - part of my 2020 musical wish has been made. I just need Corinne Bailey Rae to release a new album - where are you girl?
Probably wasn’t the best interview for Alison.
Can’t wait for Yvonne Orji’s “Momma, I Made It,” to air. Also, can I just say she (as Molly) is working my nerves on this season of Insecure? The only decent thing she has done/said this season is stay with that fine, fine, fine man Andrew.
I’ve been playing a lot of old Pink music. Her first album, Can’t Take Me Home when she was making R&B music, is a timeless classic. Do you remember when she was performing songs from this album on ABC Family Channel, on the show that came on after The Great Pretenders (hey Fergie)? I don’t remember the name of that show but I remember it vividly. Nonetheless, here are my favorite songs from that album: “Most Girls” “Private Show” “Hell Wit Ya.”
I’m reading Jessica Simpson’s memoir, Open Book and it’s quite interesting. I’m not finished yet, but it’s very enlightening and better than I thought it would be. John Mayer seems like the creepiest of the creeps though. Definitely wouldn’t want him on this wonderland that is my body.
I’ve really been enjoying the latest episodes of Netflix’s Strong Black Lead podcast with Bumper Robinson, Omar Epps and Taye Diggs.
Also in Podcast land, my favorite group ever, Little Brother was on the Questlove Supreme podcast and it was such a good interview.
Good read on Habits and Self-Care Rituals for Dealing with Career Anxiety.
That’s it for this week. Speak with you soon!