Success (By Donald Mitchell)

OK...first of all, I just want to say, that this has been a thought in my mind for some time now.

So with that said...what defines "success"? Is it defined by the way you look? Or is it defined by how much money you make? Could it even be defined by what your social status is? Or there are those who think of success as if you achieved what you set out to do in life. Could it be that? What defines your meaning of success?

As for me, I'm one of those who is happy when what I set out to do gets accomplished. Prime example...there was a time when I wasn't happy with life....in general. I wasn't happy with my job, and because I wasn't happy with that, it started to affect the other aspects of my life. But I decided that I would make moves to change that...and with the help from God, I did just that. Hence why I chose the song that I did for today's post.

Now honestly, I wouldn't have expected a collabo between Trey Songz and Drake to be as hot as it is. But as always, a bangin beat would catch the attention when otherwise it would have gotten a real evil side eye when mentioned. It gives me a feel of the old school music that once attracted me to hip-hop in the first place. I could see this on the soundtrack of one of the hood gangsta movies that we used to watch back in the day.

Now I'm not really the biggest Drake fan (or even Trey Songz for that matter :-P), but I'm a big fan of this duo on this song. Who's to say that they can't do it again...I don't believe it, but as for right now, I'm content with saying that this is up there on my top list of favorite collaborations. Drake brings a flow to this song that I believe is a personal testimony of sorts, which makes this song that much more likeable.

Yeah, I want things to go my way
But as of late, alot of shit been going sideways

Who's to say that you haven't had this type of day...or month...or even year. I know 2009 wasn't the best for me, but at this point, '10 is definitely becoming more memorable than '09 was.

I want the money...money and the cars.
Cars and the clothes....I suppose
I just wanna be....I just wanna be
SUCCESSFUL

Maybe you don't want that same exact thing that Drizzy and Trey want...but in the end, don't we all want the same result: to be successful?

I know I do.

How Easy It Is To Recover (Thoughtful Thursday by Donald Mitchell)

Being an recovering undercover over love, Erykah seems to think is a hard task to overcome. So much that she lists a whole slew of things that she would do for the one she loves, even though she knows he doesn't feel the same about her.



This song poses very deep and thought-provoking questions: exactly how far do you go for the one you love? Is it worth you losing your sanity over? And if so, exactly how far into the realm of insanity do you go before you say enough is enough? And most importantly (at least to me): what makes this person the one that is worthy of you losing your sanity?

Erykah says that because she's trying to recover from this love, that it's too much for the brain, all the while, it's not enough to make her leave him alone. She says she would

And I’d lie for you
I’d cry for you
I’d pop for you
I’d break for you
And hate for you
And I’ll hate you too
If you want me too
I gotta do

That's deep. What's even more is that this person is someone that she's shared her love, innermost secrets, and even her living quarters with. And after all of this, the dude wants someone else...after all that she's said she would do for this dude, he wants someone else. That's gotta hurt somethin awful.

But even through all of that, she still is speaking highly of the man...all because she can't let go. Or is it that she doesn't WANT to let him go. I think it's a combination of both, although it probably falls moreso on she doesn't want vs. she can't. But honestly, let's think about that. Doesn't it always end up that way?

So how do you deal with the madness surrounding being an undercover overlover? Speak your mind readers!

Be peace.

eXactly what do Signs mean? (By Donald Mitchell)

Being as though this month's issue of eXcapethematix is about Zodiac signs, I figured it only be fitting that today's column is about the Zodiac. I mean, we all to some point, believe in the Zodiac...and if not the entire thing, then some part(s) of it. Beyoncè touched a lot on the Virgo side of this in this song:

Me personally, I'm not really big into the whole astrology thing, but I must say that the description of a Pisces (my sign) is ON POINT. Not just for me, but all of the Pisceans that I come across are pretty much the same across the board...give or take a few things. I think that's pretty cool right there.

Now here is the kicker. How far should/would you take the Zodiac reading? I mean do you let it guide your life...or do you just read them for kicks and giggles? Do you let it guide who/what you date simply because "some signs are more compatible than others"? Do you believe that because you mate with your most compatible sign, that you'll end up in eternal bliss? Or do you just let the chips lay where they fall, and once you are involved with that person, you read about how yours and their signs match up?

I think that some of that can be taken seriously, and some of it should be taken with a grain of salt. Reason I say this is because if I know the description regarding a Pisces is pretty on point, then I can assume that the ones describing the rest of the signs are pretty key as well. So with that being said, I guess it's not a crime to take this kinda seriously when trying to figure out if a relationship will work with it. I still don't...but hey...if you do...then do you. #nojudgmentzone here.

I think Bey put it best at this part:

I was in love with a Sagittarius he blew my mind
He also had a flip side too much like a Gemini
He was freaky like a Taurus the way he handled me yeah
Flirtatious like and Aries
Which sign is best for me?



Guess it's up to you to figure out which one.

Be peace my readers.

The Book I've Been Writing... (As Told By Northernstar)

Can Gay Relationships Be Successful? (As Told By Northernstar)

Thoughtful Thursday (When You Say You Love Someone by Donald Mitchell)

How much do you really love that person? You say that you would go to the ends of the earth for them...and that's all well and dandy, but what happens when someone else catches your eye? You know your heart belongs to the person that you're with, but for some reason, this other person has caught your interest so tough, that you're in a dilemma. Donell Jones described how he would handle this situation.

I had a full blown discussion with a couple of people that I follow on Twitter about this topic. They said that this type of stuff can happen to anyone, no matter what the situation or how long they've been in a relationship. I tend to agree with them. You can't help who you fall in love with, and if you put yourself in their vicinity for long enough, you'll find yourself mixed up in an emotional battle that you weren't prepared for.



This sucks for a number of reasons: #1 being that the person that you're involved with has NO clue what's going on. They think that all is well in their life, when all along, they have no clue that the world that they know and love is about to come crashing down around them. #2 is because all the while, more than likely, you're about to lose something good because you allowed yourself to get caught up in the game. It's bad all the way around, but you got yourself into this situation....so it's up to you to get yourself out of it. There's plenty more reasons I could list, but we'd be here all day!

Now here's the kicker: I actually agree with the sentiment that he poses in this song. I'd rather you leave me alone, than to play me for the fool by juggling (or attempting to at least) a bunch of folks around while keeping me in the dark. So if you've got to roll out because of this, then I'll chuck you the deuces quick, fast, and in a hurry. It may hurt like hell, and we may not talk for quite some time, but in the end, I think I'd respect you more for ending what we have, than running around trying to hide it. I know this sounds strange, but it's the honest to God truth. I don't know if I can think of a single person who would say otherwise (at least truthfully). Think about it long and hard.

How do you feel about this topic? Readers...drop your thoughts!

Thoughtful Thursday (Let's Crawl by Donald Mitchell)

So here's my question: how far are we willing to go with the one that we truly love? I mean, of course people say that they are willing to do almost anything (and in some cases, anything) for that one special person. So what happens when you have to go farther than where you've been willing to go before? Do you give up? Or do you start from the very beginning?

Chris Brown summed it up right here.....and honestly, I think he's the one who can do this. Because as we all know...he made the mistake. Men (or even women) should learn that relationships can be as a newborn child....you may have to take them gently during the course of them, or more damage than good can come out of them. If you get upset, don't take it out on your spouse...unless they are the cause of your anger/irritation. But even then, that doesn't mean you put their forehead into a window (no matter how much you want to..lol)




But what happens when YOU'RE the cause of the drama that's happening at home? What do you do when your significant other is mad at you? Of course, you're going to want to do whatever you can to make things better...unless you're the type who enjoys the drama. Then you just may do things to make it worse...lol. But for those of us who enjoy peace and quiet at the end of a day, then here comes the time when you want to run as much damage control as possible.

In the case of extreme issues, you may have to crawl. This is when you don't have any other choice....BUT start over, if you want things to get back to how they used to be. I'm not talking about literal crawling on your hands and knees, but just as a baby learns to crawl before they walk, that's what your relationship will have to do as well. In my eyes, this is one step short of being reborn again. This is where you will start to learn that person again (or maybe the first time) and maybe, just maybe, you will actually know the person that you say you love.

Now be careful when crawling...you may get to some rough spots and places that may be hard to get over. But keep on striving, because the more you press on, the more you will learn to crawl to heights unknown...which in turn will make you realize that you're no longer crawling....but walking. Pretty soon, you'll be running before you know what hit you, and you're in that love that you proclaimed at first.


So where do we go from here
With all the fear in our eyes?
And where can love take us now?
We've been so far down, we can still touch the sky

If we crawl 'til we can walk again
Then we'll run until we're strong enough to jump
Then we'll fly until there is no wind

But you can't get to the point of no wind until you determine that you want to
crawl, crawl, crawl
Back to love, yeah

Lyrically Speaking (Signs by Beyonce)

Written by: Ccep J. Dew

I must admit: I learned all 12 zodiac signs, in order, by listening to this song. Similarly, Tyrese has a song called, “Signs of Love Making”, but this isn’t that type of article. (Look it up if you’re trying to get your grown and sexy on…)

I don’t know about you, but I’m always tickled when a song shouts out my zodiac sign. I’m a proud Taurus. Are we freaky? Yes… Yes, we are… Are we stubborn? Yup! But, we have other sides, too. And in corresponding and building relationships with people under different signs, I can’t help but take some delight in astrology.

It’s hard to say everything about astrology is accurate because, if you tweak your perspective of any given situation, things can be interpreted to mean whatever you want them to. I always bring up the fact that my big sister Chenita, a fellow Taurean goddess, said to me one day, “April Taurus are sweet. May Taurus are mean.” I immediately took offense, replying, “No, we’re not!” She then described how April Taurus deal with situations head-on and are very blunt and honest (just like my April 30th born dad!), whereas May Taurus are slow to anger, but, when we blow up, it’s catastrophic. I had to agree.

Similarly, Taureans are lovers of aesthetics. The April Taurus in my sister appreciates the finer things in life, like Vera Wang perfume and diamonds (her birth stone), whereas the May Taurus in me loves Bath & Body Works fragrance spray and cubic zirconia (emerald is my birth stone). Oddly enough, my niece Bajel, who was due in May, yet came early in April, seems to be caught in the middle. As far as appearance and aesthetics, she is an April Taurus just like her mom. But, as for her temper and stubbornness, she is just like her Aunt Nisey!

I say all this because knowing someone’s sign not only makes for great entertainment, but it can eXplain a lot about a person. One of my best guy friends has been classified as “arrogant” for as long as I’ve known him. So, of course I was not surprised to learn that he was an Aries: the most “arrogant” and “self-centered” of the zodiac. In a lot of aspects, he’s true to his sign, but to know his life’s story, you understand how he went from lacking confidence as a child to having the best self-esteem ever! And I appreciate that aspect of him, along with his overall caring nature and dedication to whatever he puts his mind to.

To View the article in its entirety, click the link below:

http://www.etmmagazine.info/Editorials/2010/articles/07/2010_07_lyricallyxix.html

Signs of the Times

The Internet Music Superstar
Written by: Billy Winn

When I was growing up, the idea of having my music heard all over the world was both fantastic and elusive. It was a time when the idea of getting a record deal seemed like a chance that few had the opportunity to partake in, and even fewer were fortunate enough to keep if they did manage to achieve it. But in recent years, that seemingly farfetched idea has changed drastically—as the internet has helped to launch dozens of music careers all across the globe. Artists like American pop singer Cassie and U.K. soul sensation Adele are just two eXamples of major music careers that started with the help of online sites like MySpace.com and YouTube. Internet radio stations are also helping to foster lucrative careers for artists who would otherwise go unnoticed. The question is, however: are most of these artists really being taken seriously by the public and the industry? Or will they simply be written off as overnight internet wonders?

It is a question that one would assume is asked often, or at least should be, especially if you are an artist working to gain success in this way. On the surface, it would appear to be a surefire way to skyrocket to stardom—post a song online and get as many people as you can to listen to it, until the hits reach the millions. But, is it really as easy as it sounds? With so many people who are not trying to become serious artists, but rather, gain their fifteen minutes of fame through shameless online antics, it is difficult to imagine that record companies and consumers of music are prone to jump on an artist’s bandwagon simply because they have a popular online page. Serious artists have to not only utilize the great resources of the internet—but, also continue to go about achieving their dream the old-fashioned way—which means getting to the top is really no easier than it ever was.

That doesn’t mean, however, that overnight fame via the internet is impossible. Many serious artists have taken a new age approach to the old ways of gaining eXposure, using sites like YouTube.com to post footage of live events and shows, informal unplugged performances, and even conducting interviews to tell the world just who they are. Many aspiring artists have also taken to garnering airplay on internet radio stations, which has not only led to great success for so many, but has helped to usher in the golden age of the independent artist. With stations like Pandora radio and Jango willing to play the music of the relatively unknown, as well as post links of where to find and purchase the music, many artists have abandoned the hopes of major label success and are focusing their attention on their internet fans. And considering that they’re able to do so and sell hundreds of thousands of records worldwide, it is easy to conclude that their careers are substantial.

To view the entire article, click the link below:

http://www.etmmagazine.info/freeyourmind/2010/articles/07/2010_07_signsofthe.html

Music Hits on the Spot (You're Like A Mirror to My Soul by Donald Mitchell)

...but a queen
And finally now I know just what that means

I'm not sure why this particular song has been runnin TUFF in my mind over the past few days. I DO know that it's been on constant repeat in my brain (and on the iPod, and on YouTube as well), but eh, it is what it is.



This is a deep line right here. I don't know what exactly is going on here, but if you find this type of woman that fits you like a glove....chances are, you're not going to want to leave her alone. Honestly....I have one question that always sticks out in the back of my mind:

Is there a such thing as the PERFECT woman or man?

Honestly, I can't say that there is that such person....BUT there is a such person as the perfect one for YOU. One that takes your breath away in one fell swoop...one that only has YOUR eyes. One that has you so caught up, that (in the words of the great Lauryn Hill) "Nothing even matters....no more".

When a person is in love...you've found that person. You're willing to look past their faults, and love their promises; their abilities; their love. And in that alone, makes that person perfect...for YOU.

"No matter how far I go
And no matter how long it takes
No one or nothing can change
Forever yours here I stand"

Stop Taking Shit For Granted (As Told By Northernstar)

Self-Explanatory...

Leave your comments, rate & subscribe! (And excuse the way I looked lol... I was tired but had to get this off my chest)

Music Hits The Spot (Thoughtful By Donald Mitchell)

I know I've chatted about this song before, but as I listened to it more and more, it made me think about some things that I never would have thought about before.

Loveaholism....is there a cure for that?

Raheem DeVaughn seems to think that there is. Unfortunately, the problem is this: once you have it the first time, it would seem that you would be addicted to it. Now there's not a problem with being addicted to this "Love Drug"; but the real question is this: do you have to have this drug ALL the time, or is it that you can have it in doses?

I would think that this is one of those things that you SHOULD have in doses; yet and still, it's one of those that you WANT to have all the time. Let's face it; if you are deep in love, then you'll need it all the time. And there's definitely nothing wrong with that...especially if the love that you feel is requited by the object of your desires.

This "prescription" should be handled with care though. Cause it's been known to take you sky high when you're lip locked with that special someone. It should probably be dubbed "The Starship Enterprise"....cause it takes you where "no man has gone before". LOL. But on the real though, I've been there before. It definitely had me addicted, and not where I couldn't kick it, but I didn't WANT to kick it.

The sad part is that whenever you happen to kick this habit, that means that you're no longer in love. And nobody wants to be there...because being in love can be one of the best feelings in the world: to know that you love a special someone, and that special someone loves you back. So whenever you come across this particular drug, make sure that you get as much of it as you can.

The demand is always there, but the supply can run low at times. But I always got what you need.....

Cause I'm your Mr. Midnight pusher man.

Music Hits the Spot Series (Rainy Days by Donald Mitchell)

Nah this ain't about that Ja Rule song featuring MJB...lol. It's a dedication to the weather outside, and if you know me, then you'll know that rain puts me in a relaxed state of mind. One where you wanna throw on some chill type music, kick back, and just enjoy....whether it be with your boo, or even by yourself.



This song is a perfect example of what's on my "Rainy Days" playlist. Soft soulful music like this, to help clear the mind of the day's ills. I've always loved this song even though this was nearing the end of what we knew as SWV, but they def went out with a bang.

Here is another one on my playlist:



This is a throwback/shoutout to 1994 when soundtracks were all the rage. This one is coming from the Sugar Hill Soundtrack featuring Kevon Edmonds (baby brother of great producing legend Babyface). Back in the time when harmonizing was what you wanted in life. Still love this song to this day. I'm sure all my REAL musicheads remember this one.

And you can't have a rainy day mix without the all-time favorite song about "rain":



New Edition's Heartbreak. Every black teen had a copy of this album (or at least should have..lol). Hearing these 5 dudes croon about how they had a love, and lost it, and having to stand the rain....granted, we were too young to know what they were talking about, but we loved the song nonetheless. Either way, we sang like we knew exactly what they meant. (At least I did).

And for good measure...here is a bonus track:



No explanation needed....at least I hope not. lol

REJECTED!!! (As Told By ^NorthernStar*)

Have you ever “beat yourself up” for not getting that promotion at your job you’ve desperately wanted? Or have you ever gone through a breakup with someone, you loved very much but they didn’t want to compromise with you? Or what about getting “shut out” from football team, you’ve hoped to be the quarterback for?! We’ve all faced rejection in our lives, but we must not allow those clouds to hang over our heads! Deal with the pain, but move on with your life. There will be many more opportunities in the future, and that obviously mean that what you were rejected by (job, boyfriend/ girlfriend, sports team, modeling agencies, record labels, etc.) it wasn’t for you.

If you were rejected by that job you passionately wanted, then maybe it wasn’t in God’s plan to allow you to work at that specific place. Maybe, you weren’t ready or you were TOO good for the environment! Or if Tavon isn’t interested in you anymore, maybe you need to work on self-love first or he just might not be the one for you. These things happen for a reason, and you will have to always face rejection wherever you go. Live in positivity, and stay motivated to prove to yourself that you can accomplish your goals & it will be the rejectors who will regret not giving you the fair opportunity.

I look at the story of a group Girls Tyme, whom lost against their opponents on the now-defunct “Star Search”. They later became Destiny’s Child… auditioned for Columbia Records, but were not signed. A year later, they were signed to Elektra Records and were dropped before releasing any material. The girls auditioned for the executives of Columbia Records, once again… and received a recording contract. They released their first two albums, and after getting their feet wet… two girls from the group left! But the remainder of the group, Beyonce Knowles & Kelly Rowland, kept working and found two new members. Five months later, one of the new girls left & they became a trio. After all of the drama, blood, sweat & tears… Destiny’s Child has become the world’s biggest girl groups ever!

If these girls could go through the leaps and bounds of life & still survive, then so can you! Don’t chase after anything that isn’t worth the while… everything works out in the end for you, but you must be able to accept rejection & grow from it!

Below is an inspirational song by Mariah Carey, which has helped me in the past, deal with rejection:

I Choose... Me (As Told By ^Northernstar)

Have you ever been in a situation where you've found yourself fighting against the odds & living in fear of what others might say?! Or felt like your decisions was based off the emotions of a loved one?! Or have you ever had good intentions about something, and it goes terribly wrong?! Ask yourself this question... do you base your decisions around yourself or others! Because at the end of the day, you can risk your happiness for someone else & they will NOT do the same for you. They will continue to do the things they want to do regardless.

In India.Arie's song "I Choose"... she expresses how she's tired of feeling guilty by being human & learning life's lessons. Why should we feel ashamed to make decisions for ourselves?! Yeah, we may hurt many people in the process of our decision making, but no matter how good our intentions are, or how honest we can be... someone will always get hurt in the end. As insensitive as it may sound, it's called life, and "I can't live for everybody, I gotta live my life for me".

Lady Gaga on Beyonce's Level?! (As Told By ^Northernstar*)

Okay, I would like to start off by saying I love Lady Gaga to death... I love her innovative style, her tone (voice), songs & "IDGAF" attitude. However, I'm hearing people say she's on Beyonce's level/ status... and I am APPALLED by that. I'm happy to see another woman (Gaga) be on top of her shit because I'm tired of Beyonce being the only one bringing something to the table.But people have to remember that Beyonce has been in the game since 1997, that is THIRTEEN years. Gaga has been in the game, since 2008. Yeah, she's headlining her own tour after a short amount of time & she has also won two Grammys so far in her career. But we've seen how fast "pop stars" can easily gain popularity & within one mistake, their career is over. Beyonce has experienced the leaps & bounds of stardom, and has managed to sustain longevity in a tough industry. And the girl is still getting better & better with each album. Only in due's time could I say the same about Gaga.

Performance wise, they both bring something interesting to the table. Gaga, is known for her crazy costumes, tantrum-piano playing, & singing-dancing simultaneously. Beyonce is known for her ability to sing & dance at the same time, throw around her lace fronts and still HIT notes. And let's not forget about her undeniable stage presence. I'd say Gaga only has one thing over Bey, and that's the ability to play the piano. However, her singing & dancing simultaneously has resulted to her fainting at a few concerts recently, and she has only been touring for about 3/4 months. Beyonce has a BIGGER catalogue than Gaga, her shows are 2hrs plus, and her recent "I Am.." tour ran from March 2009 to February 2010.. And not once has she passed out at a show!

Songs, I think it's a matter of preference. Gaga mainly sings dance music, but occasionally sings ballads & even sing acoustic versions of her dance records live. Beyonce is known for her uptempo songs, as well... but she can also rip a ballad to shreds. They both are versatile artists... but in my opinion, Beyonce could sing "Pokerface", "Bad Romance", & "LoveGame" in a heartbeat. However, can you really imagine Lady Gaga singing "Listen", "Single Ladies", "Dangerously in Love", "If I Were A Boy", or even "Crazy in Love", and still share the same brilliance Beyonce brought to those songs?!

Videos: I think is Gaga's strongest point, and she does take things to the next level. The "Bad Romance" video was pure brilliance & maybe one of the best videos I've seen in the past five years. And "Paparazzi" is awesome, as well. The video for "Telephone" featuring Beyonce is not one of my favorites. I believe the beginning & overused sexuality was very uncalled for. And I think her usage of sexuality may hurt her a bit... in the same sense that it almost hurt Madonna in the early 90s. Yes, it's a different generation, but many people aren't accepting of it!!! In my honest opinion, videos aren't Beyonce's strongest point.. but she has made a classic out of the "Single Ladies" video which she recorded in ONE take, and was VERY popular on YouTube with fans doing many renditions of the video! And her underrated video for "If I Were A Boy" was definitely one of her best!

Accomplishments: They were both honored by Billboard as the "Rising Star of 2009" (Gaga) & "Artist of the Year" (Beyonce) respectively. I have to say for Gaga to be 23 years old, and to have been in the game for two plus years... she is doing the damn thing. Two Grammys, a world wide tour, two number ones on Billboard Hot 100 & she's a fashion trendsetter. Beyonce, I don't even know where to begin. She has many endorsement deals, broke a record of 16 Grammys (13 solo), five number ones on Billboard Hot 100, sung for the Obamas, sung at the Oscars five times in her career, first black woman to win an ASCAP Songwriter of the Year award, Number one in Forbes highest paid celebrities two years in a row, Billboard's Female Artist of the DECADE... so on & so forth! Come on now... do I need to say to more?!

In my honest opinion, I do think Gaga is one of the most creative artists I've seen in a very very long time. But will she last in this industry is the real question. Because at the end of the day, Beyonce has NOTHING to prove... she could retire today if she wanted to. On the other hand, Gaga has ALOT to prove... and she is NOT on Beyonce's level.

Embracing Your Personal Beauty (Written by: Chenita “Infinite Apex” Dickerson)

…And a child shall lead them; how amadamaphus it is to see the pure innocence that comes from children as it relates to their self-confidence, and acceptance of themselves and others. Often we want the opposite of what we are blessed or born with. There is nothing wrong with enhancing, changing, perfecting, embellishing, and molding all that we want to be different about our selves. But, loathing ourselves, sadly, is why the beauty industry is raking in all the dollars that everyone swears is lost to a so-called recession.

Being in the beauty industry myself, I witness first-hand those who I wish would embrace their own natural beauty and take enhancing as a “want” and not a “I’ll just take my rent money and get my hair done” thing. If a man’s hair is too thick, he wants it thinned. If it’s too thin, he wishes for thicker hair. When hair is long, they want short. Too short, they want long. People pay for perms to have curly and others pay for the curls to be straight with relaxers or keratin treatments. We fry, dye, and weave just to be able to eXcape from the reality of who we are.

“I’m too thin… I should eat…”

“I’m too fat… I should eXercise…”

“I’m too tall; my feet are too big; my nose is ugly; I’m not smart enough, funny enough, White enough, (this one kills me) BLACK enough…”

Why worry about what name is on your jeans? They are not paying you to advertise on your butt. It costs all of around $5.00 to make a pair of Nikes and we shell out upwards of $150 by the time our senses tell us we must have them, because we don’t love ourselves without the latest pair.

My gracious, no wonder we need pills to get up in the morning and another pill to go to bed at night; pills to stop constipation and another to stop diarrhea. We are a confused generation.

To view the entire article, click the link below:

http://www.etmmagazine.info/wakeup/2010/articles/04/2010_04_embracingyour.html

The History of Tampons (Written by: Kenneth- Michael)

Female readers will definitely understand and appreciate this article, but I am not certain if male readers will. This is because it focuses on the history of the tampon. For over a thousand years, the tampon has been one of the best inventions for the female body. The tampon has saved the female during her most frustrating times.Today’s tampon is made of cotton and rayon (a synthetic fiber), and used to absorb body fluids (mainly blood). The tampon supports the female during the menstrual period when inserted inside the vagina. The tampon is one of two options for women. The pad is a second option. Many women rely on tampons because it allows them to be physically active in their daily activities. Pads or panty liners can be uncomfortable for women because of the bulkiness and visibility of the pad’s outline.

The Egyptians invented the first tampon, which was made from papyrus: a tall, aquatic plant. The Greeks followed suit using a piece of wood covered in lint as their tampon. Several other counties used materials such as wool, paper, trees, and other fibers to construct their tampons.

The first tampon with an application was created in the United States in 1929 by Colorado physician Dr. Earle Haas. His invention was the first with an inner and outer tube with removal string. The outer tube is placed against the vagina, as the inner tube is pushed through the outer tube. This allows the inner tube, which has the removal string, to enter the vagina without using the fingers. The application tampon was patented in 1931, and trademarked under the name “Tampax”. Haas went on to sell the patent and the trademark to Gertrude Tendrich and the Tampax Company was founded.

To view the entire history of "Tampons", click the link below:
http://www.etmmagazine.info/future/2010/articles/04/2010_04_historyoftampons.html

Never Underestimate a Great Playlist (Written by: Billy Winn)

Never underestimate a great playlist—it’s a thought I know well, having created and ardently refined a number of them since purchasing my iPod two years ago. But, what’s so great about a playlist? For someone like me who eats, sleeps, and breathes music, a playlist is an eXhibition of my musical insight—showing off my knowledge of the timeless, the classic, and the cutting edge. What’s also great is that for someone whose life does not revolve around music, a playlist gives them an opportunity to eXpress themselves through the music they hold dear. Music is one of the universe’s oldest languages, and it helps us to define ourselves and claim our individuality. Scrolling through the contents of an mp3 player or checking out the music section of one’s Facebook page can tell you a lot about a person—just by taking note of the music they listen to.

Even when we are not aware of it, we turn to music for comfort, peace of mind, and inspiration—and having an awesome playlist only heightens those times, helping to ease the pain or to energize the eXcitement.So, what makes a great playlist? Although I’ve been making them since I was introduced to Napster in high school, I didn’t become a playlist junkie until after getting my iPod. The convenience of downloading all the music I’ve ever loved and adding it to the compact little device soon led to organizing particular songs into soundtracks for my moods. I have the typical playlists—for working out and for parties—but, I also have playlists simply to match how I was feeling when I created them. For me, a great playlist is one where you never have to skip through. No matter what plays next, you’re happy to listen and eager to hear what comes after—even though you’ve heard all the songs dozens of times. Every time the songs play, it’s an all new eXperience—and if you’re a shuffler like I am, listening to your playlist will never happen the same way twice, though the way the songs make you feel will never change.

To read the entire Playlist article, click the link below:
http://www.etmmagazine.info/freeyourmind/2010/articles/04/2010_04_neverunderestimate.html

Lyrically Speaking XVIII (By Written by: Ccep J. Dew, West Coast Editor)

“It’s the thought of Mecca that keeps me alive. That’swhat helps me face these days that are all the same,these mute crystals on the shelves, and lunch and dinner at that same horrible café. I’m afraid that if my dream is realized, I’ll have no reason to go on living.”–The Merchant in Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist.

I feel like I’ve been dumbing myself down because I am afraid of my own power. How do I embrace it? How do I let go? I have always tried my best to hide from the spotlight while knowing full well that’s where I’m destined to be. And there are excuses that have helped me to reason with why I cannot or have not done all of the things that I know I am beyond capable of doing: My own timeline… Perfectionism… Work… Stress… That’s why I have three “unfinished” novels, countless writings (plays, songs, poems, etc.), and other ideas that have yet to even reach page. That’s why I haven’t done a poetry cd and don’t promote my book: I am afraid of supplying a demand that I am not sure I am prepared for. It’s also why I could never bring myself to slam. [For those of you unfamiliar with “slam”, simply put, it is a poetry competition where judges rate your performance/reading of your poetry based on their own definition of what “poetry” and “spoken word” should be. And you go up against other poets whose style, “skill level”, appearance, etc. may differ completely from yours. And there is no way of knowing what the judges will respond to and appreciate…]

Ironically enough, yesterday (a Thursday), I agreed to slam simply to fill an empty spot. I keep poems memorized, but I hadn’t practiced to compete. I wasn’t prepared for judgment on a 0 to 10 scale. But, with encouragement from my sistah Jerrica, I went up there and gave it my best.

I sit in front of this computer screen today, still trying to grasp that fact that, not only did I make it through to the second round, but I tied both rounds, perfect scores (by slam rules of dropping the lowest and highest score), with Jason O’Neil. I’d seen Jason on stage before and was always captured by what I consider a Broadway-theater presence. His voice and the animation of his movement are far different from the “B-more attitude” that I tap into on stage. And, yet, we were pitted against one another. At the end of the night, with a tie-breaker round, we both still came out with perfect scores, but, by a slight point-something advantage, I was announced the winner.

To view the entire article, click the link below:

http://www.etmmagazine.info/Editorials/2010/articles/04/lyrically18.html

Music Hits The Spot Series (What's On My Mind By Donald Mitchell)

So the long awaited cd has finally dropped. People heard the first single, and then was amazed at the video that came along with it. I don't think that people were ready to see you strip down in real life in the middle of a major street in Dallas, TX. Well guess what, she's here, and she's letting the world know that she ain't playing the game anymore, because the game is hers for the taking.



This is definitely a change-up in the game from her first cd "New Amerykah, Pt. 1: 4th World War". It reminds me of her old style, which drew me to love her in the first place. I'm not going to go into that, mainly because I've done that already here, so you can read my thoughts on the first two cds. Only thing I didn't like about this is that it's super short...by the time you get into it, it's about to go off.

But she ended it on a great note with this song:



This song right here is the perfect song to end it on. It's almost like she's having flashbacks to when she and ole dude were together, but on the brink of being separated for good. Not sure if anyone else thought about this (although I know one person already has..lol), but this is giving me Green Eyes precedence. Think about it...she's talking bout all the things that she'd do for him, and all the while, realizing that she's been the fool for him. Green Eyes is just picking up where she left off. I also like the way she sampled different songs (such as Junior Mafia's Get Money and Sweet Sable's Old Time Sake).

All in all, I'll give this a 3.5 out of 5 stars. I think that if she would have made it a bit longer then I would have given it a higher rating. But I must say, this was a good comeback, cause in my opinion, she hadn't had a banger since Mama's Gun. This is a good rideout cd. It's somewhat a bitter in a love lost sort of way, but I don't see it making women want to go out and start stabbin up people's tires or bustin out windows. I endorse it.

Good job Erykah! You ain't lost it after all.

Correction to Kirk Whalum Breaking News....

ETM prides itself on making sure our stories are always accurate. It's of great importance that our Misfits know we would never just "make things up".

For this reason we touched base with Kirk Whalum to get more clarity on his "CEO of Stax" comment during our interview. He shared with us that his title is actually CEO of The Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and the Stax Music Academy.

Now everything has been cleared up. We would like to once again thank Mr. Whalum and we can't wait for everyone to check out the interview in our Health and Fitness issue of ETM which drops this month.

Kirk Whalum becomes CEO of Stax Records

BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!!

Saxophonist Kirk Whalum broke news to me this evening that he has become the CEO of Stax Records.

Stax Records was founded in 1957 in Memphis, Tennessee by Jim Stewart and was originally named Satellite Records.

Past Artists signed to Stax:

Isaac Hayes

Johnnie Taylor

Rufus Thomas

Otis Redding

The Staple Singers

The Dramatics

That's just to name a few.


Artists Signed to Stax (Present Day)

Lalah Hathaway

Angie Stone

Leela James

N'dambi

Teena Marie

Nikka Costa

Again, just to name a few.


Kirk didn't go into much detail but he shared with us that ETM/EYM was the first publication to find out so we want to send out a BIG congrats to Kirk Whalum and we hope you check out his cover story in the Health & Fitness issue of eXcapethematriX.com dropping in April.

CONGRATS KIRK and thank you for an amadamaphus interview, it was truly an honor.

Music Hits the Spot Series (Your Like A Mirror to My Soul By Donald Mitchell)

...but a queen
And finally now I know just what that means

I'm not sure why this particular song has been runnin TUFF in my mind over the past few days. I DO know that it's been on constant repeat in my brain (and on the iPod, and on YouTube as well), but eh, it is what it is.

For those of you who remember pudgy Usher singin "Just Call Me a Mack", here is the new and improved, grown up Usher. I attest a lot of this "maturity" to what he's been through in the past few years between relationship issues with Chilli, getting married and becoming a father, not to mention coming into his own as an artist. I also think that what he has endured enabled him to sing this song with such conviction that makes you believe that whomever he's singing this song to is "The One" for him.




Previously, I did a post on wedding songs, but I'd definitely add this one to my list. Only thing is that instead of him singin it, I'd sing it to my wife (yeah, betcha didn't know I could keep a tune...lol). Or if not that, this would definitely be the first dance song....cause this is the impression that I'd want to leave in her mind from the moment that I say "I Do".

No matter how far I go
And no matter how long it takes
No one or nothing can change
Forever yours here I stand

Watch Me Fly: The Janice B interview Part II

Written By: Raven Ekundayo
Photography By: Quill Wordsmith



FINALLY! For all of you patient Janice B. fans out there I apologize on behalf of all the Misfits for taking so long to get this to you. We missed February but here ya go, Part II of my conversation with my big sis Janice B, eXclusively on the EYM blog. We discuss Racism, meeting Mo-rece and joining Stinkiface music and why music tastes like Popyes to her. We pick up the convo where we left off in the magazine on part I. I wanted to know what "Blue eyed soul" meant to her. Enjoy....

Janice – Well, that’s a good question. I think “Blue eyed soul” is a term that the record industry puts out there to promote their “blue eyed” singers (Laughs). Usually the people that fits that category like Joss Stone and people like that have voices that sound, I don’t want to say African American, but they sound like a sister. You know? I think that’s the way they market it. I don’t think that’s me and I don’t put myself in that category. I don’t think I sound like that, country maybe (Laughs). I think that’s kind of why I say I do music with soul, not soul music. That goes back to my age again because when I was growing up there wasn’t an R&B section it was a soul section. The music was soul music and if the person who was singing it was Black they were in the soul music section. If you’re Black you’re in the soul music section, that’s how it was….eXcept for the Doobie Brothers (Laughs). Now while I don’t think I fit in the “Blue eyed soul” category I do think I’m different in the sense that you can’t label me. I tend to write for me and I write what I feel. Some things are my story and some things are other people’s stories or whatever I feel at the moment. But yeah, so I don’t think I’m “Blue eyed soul”, “Brown eyed soul”, Light skin soul”, whatever (Laughs).

Raven – (Laughs). Light skin soul!

Janice – I’ve had people think I was Black before when they hear me speak.

Raven – Of which I could understand.

Janice – And I think I told you when I did my first interview on Blog talk radio with Barron.

Raven – That was your first interview?

Janice – Yes!

Raven – Oh wow I didn’t know that! That makes me feel so good that I was a part of that.

Janice – That was SO much fun (Laughs). A lot of people from my job heard it and one guy said to me “Wow, you really turned on the street”. I was like no honey I was turning off the corporate (Laughs). People are funny because they want to put you in a box and that makes me so angry. I think my purpose is to blur those lines of what people think a white vocalist is and a country singer is. To me if a song is good it doesn’t matter how you sing it. A lot of people don’t agree with me on this but I think a song takes on its own life according to who’s performing it. India.Irie has songs that sound country. It doesn’t matter what your skin color is but people want to put you in that category and I don’t do well with that. If you’re a true musician color means nothing.

Raven – Ok, if I can take a step back a little bit. We talked about how you first got into music and when you met Earl and Brian O’Neal and all but we need to discuss Maurice (Mo-rece) and Stinkiface music. I know you’ve told me things came to you through prayer it seems.

Janice – When you visualize it and you act it out and you speak it, it’ll come to you if it’s supposed to be for you. Before I met Earl I prayed; we had gone to see this band, it was my birthday, and it was an acoustic Latin band. There was something about that night where I told myself I need to do this. I didn’t know what capacity because I wasn’t even writing songs then but I knew I needed to be in that energy.

Raven – Ok, was this like the last year before you decided to leave the group?

Janice – This was 2002.

Raven – Ok

Janice – So I went home and I prayed on it. I never say “gimme this” (Laughs). God doesn’t like that.

Raven – Right, like “I want this now!”

Janice – Right (Laughs). I say this is what I feel and if this is what you want from me I’m ready so show me what I need to do. Literally within a week I was talking to Earl and he had songs he wanted me to hear. You have to be open to change. A lot of people talk about the big things they want to do and are going to do but they don’t want to step out….you know all about that.

Raven – (Laughs) Yes I do. lord knows I do.

Janice – We’re going to make a lot of friends with this conversation. Lol. But yeah, I believe Maurice (Founder of Stinkiface music), contact me initially. He came to the bands myspace page and asked about a sound person.

Raven – What year was this?

Janice – This was (Thinking) Oh lord. What year are we in again?

Raven – Oh boy. Lol

Janice – We probably started talking at the end of 2007 and Brian O’Neal sent me some tracks and I wrote lyrics to them and Maurice worked with me on them and recorded them. That’s how we started together. A lot of people have approached me lately because (in a sarcastic tone) we’re so popular now (laughs). It trips me out when someone’s like “You’re Janice B” and I’m like “Yes” (Laughs).

Raven – (Laughs).

Raven – Ok, so we’re winding down with the questions.

Janice – What does music smell like?

Raven – Why? Why Misfits? (Laughs). Why is she already prepared? What is going on (Laughs)?

Janice – I read (Laughs). I do my work. I don’t have an answer for it (Laughs), but I read.

Raven – Ok (Laughs). Well here we go. What does music taste like to you?

Janice – Oh wow (Thinks for a minute). I think music tastes like everything like chicken wings and hot sauce and macaroni and cheese and popyes and lake trout and.

Raven – (Falling out laughing). Wow, well alright.

Janice – And that’s my answer.

Raven – I’m not mad at you. (Laughs). What does music look like to you?

Janice – Wow. These questions are tough (Laughs). I think it looks like all of us. I don’t think there’s a face on music. Whatever God looks like is what I think it looks like, though I don’t know what God looks like.

Raven – Wow.

Janice – (Smiles) is that a good answer?

Raven – Yeah, even though you’re not supposed to ask me that (Laughs).

Janice – I just think music is heavenly. It’s like life blood.

Raven – I’m feeling that. What does music smell like to you?

Janice – You’re killing me, I hate you (Laughs).

Raven (Laughs).

Janice – I think it smells like earth (Pause followed by a laugh). It smells like arm pits.

Raven – Oh boy (Laughs). This works perfectly because the label you’re signed to is stinki!

Janice – (Laughs). See you took it there.

Raven – (Laughs). So now we’re to the final question. When Janice B. thinks of eXcaping the matriX, what does that mean to her?

Janice – I wasn’t prepared for that. I think it’s like everything we talked about. Blurring the edges, looking at things differently. I think it’s stepping outside of the box that society tries to put us in and persevering through that. People talk about what they want to do but I think that you need to decide what you think success is because it’s not always walking the red carpet at the MTV awards. You know? There were so many people trying to hold me back and telling me it was too late or I’m too old and I’m like huh? If it’s in you it’s in you. Your magazine and your company is a whole different world and you feel what I’m talking about all around you guys.

Raven – Thank you!

Janice – Was that a good answer? Where’s Vanna?

Raven – (Laughs). You’re hilarious. I would like to say that I have truly enjoyed this. Thank you so much.

Janice – Thank you. I enjoyed this too.



For More information on Janice B:

http://www.stinkifacemusic.com

What's Beef (Music on the Spot Series) By: Donald Mitchell

And nah, I ain't talkin about what's for dinner...or even where is it. I'm talkin about that stuff that got niggas shot up about....that stuff that produced many a bangin track, cause someone decided to rip someone apart.


Here is how beef is described by Biggie:

What's beef? Beef is when you need two gats to go to sleep
Beef is when your moms ain't safe up in the streets
Beef is when I see you
Guaranteed to be in ICU, one more time
What's beef? Beef is when you make your enemies start your Jeep
Beef is when you roll no less than thirty deep
Beef is when I see you
Guaranteed to be in ICU...

Today is a special day in the life of hip-hop, because this is the day that the great Notorious B.I.G. was murdered. Biggie was one half of one of the greatest beefs to ever hit music (2Pac being the other). I know folks loved to hear those two go back and forth about everything from style/swagger to cliques they rolled with. To me, Biggie kept it real, raw, and uncut. It was what it was. And that's all it was goin to be.

Even though he only dropped 3 albums (well some say 2, but eh #kanyeshrug), his flow and music was nothin to be effed with. Biggie dropped tracks that were club bangers (and some of them still are), those that were ride outs in the car, and even those that riled up the inner thug in you (that's if you got some of that).

I already posted once about my favorite song by Biggie - see here, but here are some of my other favorites that I always bang on the iPod...even though they all came out in the 90s.

10 Crack Commandments: Rules that all street pharmaceutical salesmen should live by.

Who Shot Ya?: During the height of the Biggie/Pac battles. Biggie wasn't playin. lol

One More Chance (remix): This song was so great, that even Ashanti could bite the music and make a hit. lol

You're Nobody (Til Somebody Kills You): This is the real though. People don't know you til you're no longer here.

Fuck Me: Real raunchy, but this interlude was HILARIOUS!

Livin the Life: One of the best tributes to Biggie....HANDS.DOWN. Snoop, Luda, and Bobby V set it out on this one.

Biggie, your lyrical mastermind will always live on. RIP Christopher Wallace

Sex is Complicated?!

On How Love Is:The Complications of S-E-X
Written by: Billy Winn

Why does the introduction of sex always seem to complicate things?! It’s a question I’ve asked myself time and time again—never seeming to find an answer that satisfies the circumstances. A relationship that has not yet made it to romance could be going in the perfect direction for romance—then, out of nowhere, the act of sex changes the perspectives of everyone involved, leaving the situation in utter ruin. It’s happened to me time after time, and, as I once again find myself surveying not just mine, but the circumstances of others, I wonder if the question isn’t “Why does sex complicate things?” but rather “Why do we allow it to?”

We started off as friends—sharing many of the same interests, frequenting the same places, and running in the same social circles, so upon first glance it looked like it could be a match made in heaven. For whatever reason, though, the relationship stalled at a friendship, which is by no means a bad thing, but the thought of taking it to another level still loomed large. Neither of us shared our feelings out right—perhaps we hinted around to it, but that only proved to be anti-productive, because at the end of the day, we remained just friends. That is of, course, until that faithful night when it became clear we both had feelings that transcended the “friends” line, and, before I knew it, we’d crossed that line, never to return again.

What I realized in this situation was that we both did, in fact, have feelings beyond a friendship. But, because we never actually stated what those feelings were, we each assumed that the other felt the same way—when in truth—we were in two different places altogether. While one of us was considering the possibility of love, the other considered the possibility of sex. We both obliged to the latter however, and that’s when the complications took over. I didn’t know this was a situation all too familiar to many, so when I shared it with a friend, I was shocked, but relieved to know someone else had eXperienced what I was going through. It made me stop and think—for real this time—about our approach to relationships and where eXactly we were going wrong with it all. My answer: we were going wrong by offering sex with the hopes that love will eventually manifest.

To see the entire article, click the link below:
http://etmmagazine.info/wakeup/2010/articles/03/2010_03_howloveis.html