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Play The Healing Game
Prior to COVID, I’d have all of these speaking gigs and book events all across the country; shit was sweet. You know, way back when getting bipped-up—that’s how you say haircut in Baldamore—was normal and I used to order a clean one against-the-grain, leaving-just-enough-hair-to-brush type of fade before every event. And then a few hours…
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The Discreet Charms of Malady
First, oh, the stories you will tell. I awake from a four-hour surgery with an epidural and pain pump full of Fentanyl to sounds of a man dying on the gurney next to me, separated only by a threadbare curtain. Codes blare over the PA system, calling for every available physician to assist while next…
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The Root Jams Weekly: 'The Bad Bitch Playlist' (8/7/2020)
Every now and then you have to reach into your bag for your inner “bad bitch.” Sometimes, that’s what it takes to get the job done. This week’s playlist is chock full of jams to harness the power of that inner “bad bitch.” “The Bad Bitch Playlist” (8/7/2020) Maiysha Kai Betty Davis “They Say I’m…
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10 Questions I Have in Preparation for the Greenleaf Series Finale Because Whew Chile!
[I shouldn’t have to say this given that this is about the SERIES FINALE, but SPOILER ALERT. ALL THE SPOILERS ARE PRESENT.] Though I haven’t written about it once this season, I’ve been, and still am, an avid watcher and fan of Greenleaf. Next week’s episode will be the series finale and I’m honestly sad…
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'Quiet Storm': A 2-Week Series About Mental Health on VSB
Like many folks who haven’t seen the hit stage play Hamilton in person, I relished the opportunity to watch it on Disney+ when it released on July 3, 2020. Even if you don’t care for musicals—or the subject matter of this particular musical—it’s impressive in its expanse and each of the stars of the show…
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The Root Jams Weekly (7/31/2020): 'Soundtrack Jams'
We all have movies that resonate with us. And in those movies, there are usually songs that help flesh out the story that become part of our lives. Today’s list is full of our favorite soundtrack jams. “Soundtrack Jams” (7/31/2020) Maiysha Kai Al Jarreau “Moonlighting” Johnny Mathis & Deniece Williams “Without Us” Labrinth “All for…
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I Think I Might Owe Jhene Aiko An Apology. My Bad, Jhene
Since we’ve all been some manner of “at home” since March, one of the most consistent forms of Black entertainment has been Verzuz—not always for the right reasons; doesn’t it seem like forever ago that Teddy Riley was trending?—and the arguments, speculation and unsolicited social media advice offered to multimillionaire entertainers who apparently all forgot…
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Jagged Edge Is Releasing a New Album Soon. Here's What I Think Each Song Is About Based on Its Title
Jagged Edge, easily one of the greatest R&B groups of all time—baby, baby baby, it’s actual and it’s factual—is releasing a new album, A Jagged Love Story, soon. Each member of the group has posted both the album’s cover art and track-listing on their respective IG feeds, noting that the album has been submitted to…
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6 Reasons Why Ray J's Song 'One Wish'—Which Just Turned 15—Is One of the Greatest Songs of All Time of Ever
On July 25, 2005, William Ray Norwood, Jr. better known to the world as Ray J, released his classic single, “One Wish.” Whether you agree or not with this next statement doesn’t matter, for its truth is indisputable: “One Wish” is one of the greatest songs of all time of ever. Fifteen years later, “One…
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The Root Jams Weekly (7/24/2020): 'Uncut Gems'
We all have our favorites. You know, the songs or artists that you love more than everybody else. The b-sides. The indy circuit jams. The artist with 10 followers. The artist on the rise. Or those jams that you know—with your whole heart—would change or should have changed the world…if only folks really listened. This…
