Kya Publishing's Urban Toronto Tales

Get It Together, My Sisters!

2012-01-20T06:35:00.013-05:00

Sometimes...I can't blame the brothers for being annoyed. Sometimes I understand exactly why some men have no behaviour. I get it...I can see why they are apathetic when it comes to the antics of their female counterparts. Sometimes I don't want nothing to do with women because even I don't understand what's going on in your minds! CRAZINESS! I don't want to be a traitor to my gender, BUT sometimes I see things, and hear things, and think about things that drive me nuts! So this is my plea for women..."us women"...to smarten up, and get your shit together!

Yes, I'm single, unmarried, and I have no children. What do I know? Maybe this doesn't qualify me to even dare speak on these subjects. Maybe it qualifies me even more. Nonetheless, here is my bad advice to my sisters everywhere...but especially you in Toronto. Wake up!

1) Educate Youself ~ Education doesn't require thousands of dollars and a university degree, but it does require dedication. Pick up a book! Watch a documentary of some sort. Go to a seminar or two. Have conversations with intelligent people and stop gossiping about nonsense. These are requirements for mental expansion, and the strengthening of your critical thinking skills. Get in the habit of doing things that will challenge your thinking processes, and introduce you to new ideas and systems. Even if you have received formal education, it doesn't mean that you are automatically smart and well-rounded. The mind is something you have to feed and nurture on an ongoing basis. Be committed to consistently learning, growing, and expanding...indefinitely!

2) Know Yourself Before You Judge Others ~ It's so much fun to talk about what other women/people are doing wrong in their lives, why they are messing up, and why you are so much stronger and logical than they are. It's so easy to pass judgement on the people around us, even when our own lives are full of flaws and bad decisions. But there's nothing worse than having an un-informed person decide that they want to be the authority on someone else's life! If you don't fully know yourself, and have full awareness of how YOUR actions look, and how what YOUR behaviours represent, then it might be in your best interest to zip it. We can definitely learn from the actions (and mistakes) of others, but try not to be so quick to summarize and philosophize about another individual until you have your own life figured out. Keep your eyes open, because if there's something that bothers you about someone else...it's more likely a reflection of your own demons that you should work on conquering.

3) Just Because You Look Good Doesn't Mean You're Entitled to ANYTHING ~ You're pretty. We get it. Your breasts are huge, we understand. You live in the gym: you're ripped! You spend hundreds on new shoes, your wardrobe is off the chain, and men are hitting on you left and right. You're a video girl...we can see that! You should be a super model, and enter hair shows in Atlanta, and marry a rapper and live in Hollywood. You're that hot. OK...so what else are YOU bringing to the table? By all means: look good! Work out! We all want to be sexy and attractive, definitely! But don't make your dedication to your appearance the end of the road. By all means: dress nice, and put on makeup! Go for it! BUT, don't let that be the end of your attractive qualities. Because looking good might get you the job interview, and might get you a few "digits" from two brothers every time you touch the road...but what's going to keep that job? What's going to keep that man? Your new boots? Your new expensive hair? Yes...draw them in, but you better make sure you have the strength of character, intelligence, and sensibilities to be MORE than just a pretty face/hot body. Looking good doesn't entitle you to anything. Just because you're hot doesn't mean that men automatically must shower you with money and attention, or that people automatically must pay attention to your business ideas and aspirations. Put in the work on the inside too (cliche enough?), and don't rely on visuals to get you through. Because trust me, that shit is only appealing for so long...you need some other qualities to complement the hotness.

4) Stop Using Your Children as Collateral ~ If I had a dollar for every baby mama drama tale I hear, I'd stop blogging, quit my day job, and buy an actual writing career. For the love of JAH, ladies! If you're going to have children, you better realize that they are going to have a father. And if the father doesn't want nothing to do with his child (aka YOU) and doesn't have the common decency or intellectual ability to realize his role and responsibilities as a father/man...then there's not much you can do. I'm not making excuses for the deadbeats, but do not spend the rest of your life and your energy trying to teach this brother a lesson! Do not resort to police calling, violence, various forms of stalking and crank calling, and other crazy antics (I don't have the stomach to list them all) to get the man's attention, and get him mad. The last thing you should be doing is destroying the father of your child. The same father that you should want to have involved in your child's life--regardless. Asshole or not, kids deserve to have a father figure in their life. And I don't want to defend the loser dads out there that don't even deserve to have "pickney"...but I also don't want to condone manipulative behaviour and illogical activities that women resort to to "prove" just how bad a father he really is. If you have a child...whether you're single, married, living together...wudeva...your one responsibility as a mother is to nurture this baby, and give them every great opportunity and encouragement and love for them to go into the world. Do not bring the negative energies of hatred around them. Do not stop them from seeing their families and fathers...especially if the families and fathers love them very much. You as the mother will most likely always be the #1 caregiver. Don't take the joy away from others who just hope for even a fraction of time that you get to spend with the little one. And don't use this love for your child, as a reason to be evil and prop up your child as collateral for something else you seek...and may never realistically find.

5) Just Because He's Sleeping With You Doesn't Mean He Cares About You ~ Self-explanatory. Unless this is your MAN, and he's acknowledging you publically and proudly as his woman, and you have entered a mutual commitment...don't get your hopes up. It is what it is, sister. Even if it's THE BOMB! Reconize a relationship from a bootie call. Realize attraction from respect. Remember the difference between love and lust. When someone LOVES you...you'll know. You won't have to ask your girlfriends 101 questions and analyze 101 text messages, BBMs, and conversations to search for hidden clues. When he loves you, when he wants you, when he ADORES you...you'll know, because he will make SURE that you know. Anything else...is just a convenient arrangement. And more often than not...it won't be convenient for YOU, if you still have to wonder wha gwan.

6) Stop Waiting For A Man To Save You ~ Not going to happen. Financially, emotionally, spiritually...not going to happen. You've heard it before, but you truly DO need to love yourself before you can expect someone else to love you, and save you, and marry you, and start a life with you. And even if you're married...unfortunately, sometimes that husband isn't going to save you either. Sad and unfortunate as it may sound at times, you really have to learn to take care of yourself. Handle your own business! Learn how to boost your own self-esteem, and realize that there is no one in the world--not even your best girlfriends--that can rescue you from yourself. You really and truly have to put yourself in a position where you can sustain your own actvities and have control of your emotions (Good luck! PMS anyone...?) at all times. Keep buliding up your own methods of maintenance. Stability. Don't wait around for the perfect man to come and complete your life, because truth be told, even when he comes around, you are still going to need to know how to take care of yourself. YOU are all you'll ever need to be you and to achieve your best. Everything else is just a bonus.

7) Pay For Your Own Damn Self ~ Yes, it's nice to be taken care of. I'm sure it's freaking wonderful to have men purchasing cars, condos, clothing, vacations, and jewelry for you regularly. That does actually happen right? Well, I'm sure some women are fortunate to be pampered and put on a financial pedestal like that (all the power to you, ladies!) but you still need to be prepared to pull out your own wallet and handle your business. TRUST ME...I love chivalry like the next girl. Being pampered sounds GREAT to me. "But"...I am prepared to pull out my own wallet and handle my business. I am prepared to save, and plan, and know that if I want to enjoy the luxuries in life, while I hope an intellectual and nurturing sexy chocolate millionnaire (he exists, right?) will come and hand me a platinum card with a smile...that if he isn't around, I can still live the type of life I want to live...by my own methods. Or if something goes wrong and you no longer have access to his pocket or his pampering...that you can still take care of yourself. At the very least...have a backup plan in case your sponsor decides that he don't want to sponsor you again.

8) Stop Hating On Other Women ~ Hating manifests in so many forms! And few women are openly hating. Most are undercover haters. Women that secretly enjoy when you're feeling down, or having a bit of bad luck. Women who secretly think they're smarter/stronger than you, and look down on your choices and practices. Women who don't know how to help you celebrate success, or encourage you to do well. Only stupid women are bold haters that just come out and tell you. The majority if women are not going to admit their insecurities and true feelings...they are going to pretend that it's "all good" and pretend that they're "fine" and pretend that they are "fierce" and emotionally stable. But a true sign of a hater is a woman who isn't keeping it real with HERSELF. Stop watching what other women are doing or not doing. Do you. Celebrate yourself. Celebrate other women. There is strength in sisterhood, and you are more likely to progress in your own life if you learn how to help others, accept help, and genuinely put good energy into the world.

9) Build Your Own Legacy ~ You are here on this earth for a reason. I think the majority of us are dedicated to finding this reason, and developing it. Men and women are here to recognize their God-given abilities, and to put them into action. And our legacy can manifest in many forms: service to others, being a parent, or being involved in particular activities, businesses, or initiatives. There is no clear path to finding your legacy, or determining what it is that you are supposed to contribute to the world, but it is important to have something to build towards. Whether you have it all figured out or not, realize that you are going through life leaving a mark with everything you say, everything you do, and everyone you meet. Make sure this legacy is one marked with class, with integrity, and with purpose. Don't just go through the motions...find a direction, and don't lose focus of it. Stand for something! Represent something! Represent yourself exactly the way you want to be remembered.

10) Know Your Value ~ Once you find that legacy, and find that direction, you can live your life knowing who you are, and what you are worth. And if you are still searching for a direction and a purpose...know that you are capable of doing great things, and that your contribution is valuable. And if you don't believe that...then find a way to make it true. If you think you don't have any value, then create value for yourself. No one else will place a value on you...you have to stand firm in your worth, know yourself, and set some standards. Know exactly who you are, and don't allow anyone else to determine what you are worth, or what your contribution is going to be. Make this clear, so that no one can ever second-guess who you are or what you represent.

There! I got it off my chest! Maybe I need to listen to my own advice at times...but maybe we all just need to look at ourselves more than we look at those around us. Maybe we need to study ourselves, before we study other people. Maybe we need to realize that the only person we can control in this world...is ourself.

Most importantly, we have to recognize that we are women. We are powerful! We have the power of life. We have the power of love. We have the power of nurturing and strength...and we have some other powers that will always carry some weight... (don't make me post the YouTube clip of that Jamaican radio host and her recommendations!!!)

So women, get it together! Make your sisters and friends proud! Be strong! It's all very simple. Stay focused, be smart, and love yourself. Set a high standard and don't compromise (but be realistic). Expect people to respect you, and do so by making yourself WORTHY of respect.

You are a queen. Don't forget it. And don't make me have to remind you again, because I'm pretty sure this entire post qualifies me as #8 (haaaater)!

Written by Stacey Marie Robinson for Kya Publishing's "Urban Toronto Tales" blog.

Tyrese Gibson: If "Open Invitation" was a movie... (Part 2)

2012-01-13T12:20:00.017-05:00

When I hear good music, I realize it has the ability to take me out of the audio experience, and into a visual wonderland. The way the instruments collide, the movement of the bass and rhythm, and the overlay of the artist's voice create another dimension of experience.

When I hear good music, it inspires dialogue, it motivates creativity, and reveals storylines to me. As an author, I thrive on receiving new lyrics, and intricate sounds. As a music-lover, I appreciate receiving new creations and allowing them to transport me beyond the CD. Beyond the liner notes.

When I hear good music, I realize that there's nothing else in the world that can tell a story, and explain an emotion or personal journey, like music can.

Tyrese is an actor, and has the gift of storytelling, so as a songwriter, his talent is evident with the way this musical plot moves and develops. It is more than just an album, it is an experience.

If Tyrese Gibson's 5th studio release "Open Invitation" (2011) was a movie, I believe it would tell the story of love, passion, self-reflection, and how a confident but sensitive man reaches out to the woman that completes his experience. Through a series of thoughts, confessions, descriptions, and rhythms, the album took me on a journey, with each song providing an independent soundtrack to a specific moment. Each song created a picture in my mind of what the music would translate into, if it were life depicted on screen or in fiction.

I'M HOME (feat. Jay Rock) ~ The credits role, the profile of a strong chocolate brothers enters the frame. You see the physical perfection, but you sense the emotional sensitivity, and the romantic hesitance. You hear his declarations as he introduces himself to the moment. He takes his place. The song rings of morning, of an awakening, and a new beginning. His face is reflective as he states who he is, introduces his intentions, and presents himself to the world... he is here. He is home.

I GOTTA CHICK (feat. R. Kelly & Rick Ross) ~ And what is the male protagonist of a story, without the introduction of his beautiful female counterpart? We meet the lady of his attraction, and listen to him describe why she is worthy. She's down for him. That's why he "fu*ks with her," he declares. The sound has that southern California bounce, that familiar sunshine aura, and is a mellow but funky groove that lets us know that something's about to go down. Something is brewing...

STAY ~ And the familiar sounds of a familiar hit are refreshing. It's the official introduction to this story. The title screen, and the beginning of the romance. He is a little apologetic, and acknowledges that he is a flawed man, but still promises to do whatever it takes to win the affection of his love. His intentions are deep. In a classic but powerful soul tune, he isn't too proud to beg, and knows what he may have previously lost in this woman. He is willing to now go that extra mile, to make her smile...he's ready.

BEST OF ME ~ The mood becomes joyful, the sounds are motivating, positive, and lively. He is happy to have this woman in his life. He believes she is sent from God to slow him down. He craves her support, for she gives him strength. This is a song of praise, a song of recognition, and a song of understanding. He knows that this woman is bringing renewed life and spirit to him, and he celebrates this...

NOTHING ON YOU ~ At this point, our male protagonist has fallen in love. You can hear it in his voice. You can feel it in the rhythm. He tells her: "You stole my heart, so I can't go far." He feels good, and his mood is complemented by the heavy bass of this good, old-fashioned slow jam. It's a moment. There is movement. He realizes that the other women have nothing on her. They don't even compare...

ONE NIGHT ~ So the brother is feeling good! He's in a good place. He has his lady. Life is nice! He's ready to hit up the club, catch a vibe, and enjoy the moment. You can feel the energy...it's sexy, it's light...something wonderful is on the verge of happening. He's taking a break, he's pausing to soak in the stage of his relationship, and celebrate it out on the town with his people. He reminices over when he first met his love, and how he had to prove himself to her. His seduction is deliberate, but still light, and confident. He knows what he has...yet he wants to make sure she knows that "what [he] has...will mess [her] mind up". Cause when this party is over, when he's finished riding this beat, and popping those bottles...it's about to be taken to another level...

IT'S ALL ON ME ~ Our main character is contemplative now. He's got big plans, making big promises, and preparing for a deep seduction. He's ready to put everything out there for this woman. He's being boasie (as my Jamaicans would say), and he's flaunting what he's got. He's dancing. He's bouncing. He's riding that beat. He's saying yeah, I've got the money, and yeah I can take you where I need to take you...but guess what? She's worth it. And guess what? She can have it all. He needs her more than he needs these prizes, and he's willing to give her his riches. He has the money...but the money means nothing. He's feeling good, the rhythm is dictating his mood...and it's all about the value of her womanhood. She's priceless.

TOO EASY (Feat. Ludacris) ~ So he's given up the riches (in theory) and let this woman know her value. Now: he's remembering his manhood. The sound is grimy; he's feeling grimy! He's back at the club, and he's back in the fast lane. He's not dancing, but he's definitely grooving. He's having a ball...but he's ready for what's next. He's cool, he's re-claiming his status. He's remembering his roots for a minute, because he's been working hard. He's been grinding. He's "doing it big, and hustling hard". He "makes it look too easy" and he knows it. He is proud, of himself...

TAKEOVER ~ We hear the thoughtful, light groove. The music is hopeful. It's reassuring. He's anxious. He's been preparing for a while, but he's ready to takeover. He's driving with a slight lean; he's ready to take full control and solidify his plans. "You don't have to worry," he says, because he finally has it under control, mentally. You can hear the confidence. You can feel it...

I MISS THAT GIRL ~ And while he drives in preparation for the takeover, he reflects back to the woman in his life, and the journey they've taken. He remembers when he didn't have her. He remembers why he now appreciates her so much. It's a sad, reflective soulful anthem with a combination of horns that makes you feel how his heart is fluctuating, and longing. He reflects on how lonely he was without her. He realizes to himself, "where would I be without [her]?" He feels the magnitude of the moment...and knows there was a time when he couldn't bear being without her. He never wants to be in that place again...

INTERLUDE ~ Oh, it's about to go down! It's sexy. It's a late-night phone call between the two lovers, and although there's light-hearted and playful banter between them, the deep baritone voice, the teasing tones, and the seductive language let's you know exactly what time it is.

MAKE LOVE ~ Mmmm! Without lyrics, the music alone sets the mood for a subtle yet agressive session of deep connection, heavy breathing, soothing voices, comforting whispers, and the strong vocals of a man carefully pleading for intimacy and easily receiving it. All of the contemplations and previous experiences have all come down to this one moment. Simplicity. A chorus of polite invitation. Harmonies of a mellow pleasure. Details of an expert lover. The passion sounds evident. The heat is evident.

ANGEL (feat. Candace) ~ And the love making smoothly transitions into the after-glow. The same slow-paced snap and bass rhythm. The same vibrato keyboards. The same background vocals, smoothly calling out in joy. And it's now become a spiritual experience. He has planned and worked his way into his woman's life, and now he is giving thanks. Now he is singing out in satisfaction, and now he is joined by a female voice: an angelic complement to his vocal gratitude. He describes how he's opened up. He proudly declares his love. He describes his divine viewing "like a vision from the sky" and is motivated to share his discovery. He has been moved, for he has been to heaven.

WALK ~ And at the end of our character's journey, he asks you to walk with him. He wants to talk to you. He has been through a phenomenal experience, of love, that represents one person's connection to another. But now it's time to take a step back, and analyze what that connection means. To understand how one gets to that point where they're in a position to accept and appreciate that type of connection. And in a prayer to the Lord, Tyrese, our character in this fictional journey, opens himself up to his fans, and to his God. He is on his knees, praying. And in a sultry tone, with comforting words of wisdom, he speaks to us...the listener. The passion has come, the epiphanies have been reached, and now...he just wants to walk.

And as he walks, he acknowledges that he is thankful for his blessings. He asks God for clarity, and suggests we also seek that life is revealed to us. He addresses his insecurities, and his beliefs in God's plans and gifts. He "finds comfort in discomfort." He looks at the people he spends time with and accepts that his life will be a direct reflection of his surroundings. He becomes a dub poet and a preacher, a friend and a voice of reason.

He walks. He has placed his soul onto the tracks, shared the strength of his voice that is easily comparable to the legendary R&B crooners of our present and past. He celebrates the power of love and partnership, acknowledges the hard work he put in to get there, and then winds down to say thank you. He has let the music uplift the audience, and his voice summarize the listening experience.

If this album "Open Invitation" was a movie, it would bring us through the emotions of life, naturally, and conclude with an open end...and an opportunity to take away whatever conclusion our spirit desired at that very moment.

At the moment of taking in this album today, my spirit needed to hear the sounds of comfort, his voice of seduction, be reminded of the possibilities of true love and its bountiful benefits, and of course conclude with the focus on the Creator. Conclude knowing that none of these experiences--artistic or otherwise--would be enjoyed without His divine direction.

When I hear good music...I feel the spirit. When I feel the spirit, I feel alive. It is my drug! My sustenance. I am grateful for those who have been given the gifts to write, sing, produce, and share it. Therefore I gladly accept Mr. Gibson's "open invitation" to take part in this classical musical moment in time.

Next up...I review his New York Times Bestselling book: "How To Get Out Of Your Own Way."

Written by Stacey Marie Robinson for Kya Publishing's "Urban Toronto Tales" blog.

Tyrese Gibson: The Next Pop Prophet (Part 1)

2012-01-10T10:18:00.007-05:00

I am impressed by R&B singer/ actor/ model/ author Tyrese Gibson.

Physical beauty aside, I am impressed by the role he is claiming in pop culture, and the effort he is making to share his wisdom, carve his niche, and maintain his abilities across the entertainment spectrum.

He is a pop prophet on the rise: speaking by divine inspiration; a spokesman for a movement; gifted with moral insight and powers of expression.

There haven't been many lately. I think with the hype and excitment of Barack Obama entering the United States presidency, there was a huge void filled in pop culture discourse and "urban" cultural leadership. Obama represented the voice of reason, the voice of hope, and the voice of self-identity for many.

I've always felt that since the highly visible and highly vocal fraternity of the Civil Rights Movement, that there has been a lack of dominant leadership. Black male leadership, specifically. Rather than looking to ministers and politicians, businessmen and radicals to lead movements and suggest ideologies...young people and urban society-at-large did not necessarily have any organized movements to follow.

"The people" were lost, and I believe it was evident in the cultural products that were being created and disseminated. Hope was gone, the superficial was infiltrating big time, and there was a lack of upward mobility...or at least the public perception of this mobility.

Between the Martin Luther King Jr. / Jesse Jackson era and the recent Obama movement (which has argueably lost some steam), I truly believe that pop cultural icons have stepped up their game as of late, stepped away from their microphones and movie sets, and made great efforts to expand their reach.

We are seeing a new level of intelligence emerging. Lyrical content is improving. Creativity is expanding. And by no means am I judging society entirely on pop culture's contribution...but I do believe that the "prophets" of pop culture do have a great deal to do with social perceptions, and even the thought processes of those growing and developing within their era.

But there have been changes. A rapper is no longer just a rapper. An actor is no longer just an actor. Those who have been given a consistent fan base, considerable cash flow, fan-induced power, and an acute understanding of their demographic, along with the wisdom of transition...have indeed become the modern day prophets.

And rightfully so.

Now those engulfed in their world of science, religion, literature, dance, medicine, agriculture, or other fields will have their own trendsetters and their own voices of wisdom, leadership, and reason. When I speak of pop prophets, I am referring to mainstream mass media, popular culture, and those in the public eye...in North America.

I believe the church/religious organizations, political representatives, and others in positions of leadership no longer carry the same widespread influence...particularly when it comes to this generation of young folks. While every generation has it's griots and role models, I find that the "hip hop" generation of the past few decades has managed to skilfully create and sustain urban idols.

People who speak their language. People who understand their struggles. And most importantly...people who are a product of similar environments, yet who have obtained status and success as a result of their discipline and talents.

We've seen it happen with Tupac, with Will Smith, Jay-Z, and Russell Simmons. We see Kanye and 50 Cent stepping into their business shoes. Oprah. Some are extremely visible in their ventures, their best-selling books, and their philanthropic activities. Others move low-key, and make moves behind-the-scenes, undetected by E! News and TMZ.

As a self-professed entertainment junkie, I enjoy observing the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Yes, I keep up with the Kardashians, tune in to Ryan Seacrest, and frequently research the "who's who" of Hollywood and beyond because I truly believe a lot can be learned from our modern day "celebrities."

While history and politics are also excellent subjects for character studies and human understanding, my interests have always remained with the here and now. What's hot. What's new. What's popular...and why.

Particularly because these individuals obtain such a high level of financial success and such extreme visibility that I am often fascinated by their perspectives on life....after getting what most of us are striving to get, to a certain extent.

After you get the money, the cars, the power, the influence...for the well-adjusted, I believe this is prime opportunity for you to reflect on what is REALLY important in life. Some of us can realize this without obtaining ridiculous riches...some of us will never be satisfied until the level is reached, and the goals are met.

But it's always interesting to listen to the words from those who have struggled, and who have "made it"...and then to heed their lessons and learn from their experiences, and hopefully walk away realizing that all that glitters is not platinum...and that they too continue to strive for basic wisdom and understanding.

Enter Tyrese Darnell Gibson. He just turned 33 years old, born in Los Angeles, been on the scene for just over 15 years, and still staying visible. Discovered while riding a bus in 1994, he began his career modelling, but that soon transitioned into a lucrative acting career when he was cast as "Jody" in 2001's Baby Boy, followed by roles in movies like Four Brothers, Annapolis, and the Transformers and Fast and the Furious sagas.

I've watched many of his interviews, I'm one of his 2,261,233 Twitter followers, I'm a fan of his movies, and I distinctly remember how his 3rd studio album "I Wanna Go There" got me through a challenging and inspirational part of my life. It soothed and comforted me when I was at a pivotal point in my growth as a woman, and remains a special album in my collection for what it represents.

Did I mention that I have a steady rotation of his photos as my BlackBerry wallpaper? But I digress.

So I'm an admirer of his talents, and my interest in his intelligence has been piqued. I'm finally going to review his 5th album, "Open Invitation" (released in November of 2011), and read his book "How To Get Out Of Your Own Way" (released in April of last year).

And then I'll continue my thoughts with "Part 2" of why I believe Mr. Gibson will indeed by one of the great thinkers of our generation in pop culture...

Written by Stacey Marie Robinson for Kya Publishing's "Urban Toronto Tales" blog...

Why I'll Always Love The Muppets

2012-01-04T16:54:00.011-05:00

As a child of the 80's, it should be no surprise that I grew up a fan of the Muppets. As an adult of the millennium...sometimes I still think of them fondly. I realize that there was a consistent theme within their shows, their missions, and their passions that are still evident in my present-day interests.

So they're puppets, I know. So their stories were fictional: I get it. And believe me, they're not the ONLY source of motivation and direction in my life, but every now and then I realize how much I loved them as a child...and I completely understand why.

Created by puppeteer Jim Henson, the Muppets were a gang of fun-loving and dynamic animals and personalities who were introduced to society through the television show: The Muppet Show. Beginning in 1976, this program brought viewers 120 episodes and embedded them in history for life.

Every night on The Muppet Show, theatre director Kermit the Frog would try frantically to bring the show together, despite inevitable mishaps, chaos, and problems. Each episode would feature a "human" guest star, and the versatile multi-layered humour would make the show a favourite with adults...as well as children.

The cast was loveable: Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy the diva pig who was always in search of stardom, stand up comic Fozzy Bear, Scooter the nerdy gofer, Gonzo the odd stuntman, Rowlf the piano dog, the gibberish-talking Sweedish Chef, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew the scientist and his lab assistant, Beaker. And how about the ultra-cool band: Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem featuring Animal on drums, Sgt. Floyd Pepper on bass, Janice on guitar, Zoot on sax, and Lips on the trumpet.

Then there were Statler and Waldrorf, the grumpy old men who would heckle the Muppets from their box above the stage.

Classic stuff!

Looking back, I can see that the elements of "showtime" were always strong. Especially in two of my favourite childhood movies, The Muppet Movie (1979) where the group takes a cross-country trek to find stardom and success in Hollywood, or The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984), where they head out to New York City to take their show to Broadway.

They were always about the show, about the song and dance, about entertaining others, and getting through their crazy issues to put on a spectacular production.

The latest Muppet film, The Muppets (2011) starring Jason Segal, Amy Adams, and Chris Cooper, also features a memorable musical soundtrack, as Jason and the cast attempt to save the old Muppet Theatre from destruction. I haven't yet seen this movie (and may never)...but I love that they are still relevant. At least to some of us.

The love of everything entertainment is a dangerous, yet seductive addiction. Loving the spotlight, loving the hype, the glamour, the energy, the people, the fame, and the success. But at the root of it, as an artist, is the love for producing something and sharing it with the world. Whether it's a book, a movie, a song, or a dance or athletic performance. There's usually an artistic driving force behind this passion that is unavoidable, impossible to subside, and something that you can't shake...no matter how unreasonable or farfetched your desired results may seem.

That's why you gotta apreciate them. They were ridden with disaster and personality clashes, obstacles and unfortunate events...but they kept going! They kept singing. They kept dancing! They worked together as a team, and they travelled and journeyed wherever they had to go to make their dreams come true.

And that is why I'll always love the Muppets. For encouraging Stacey Of The 80's to love the arts, and take the ups and downs knowing that the final show was always worth the wait!

Toronto Raptors Home Opener

2011-12-29T08:51:00.013-05:00

I've been to Raptors games before, but this one definitely had a different energy. A lot of the guys are the same, a lot of the fans are the same, but there was something extra "Toronto-ish" about last night's home opener against the Indiana Pacers.

The evening of Wednesday, December 28 began at 6:00pm, with Toronto-native Jamaal Magloire addressing the crowd, thanking the management, and promising the fans an exciting season. Although a new member of the team, it has been great to see the media unofficially annointing Magloire the "voice" of the Raptors.

My footage from the game intro...

Despite the well-appreciated presence of Bargnani, Calderon, and DeRozan, I think the fans, the media, and the team are enjoying the toughness and personalization that Magloire's addition to the team brings. Giving him the mic to start off the season is a perfect indicator of what he means to the franchise at this time. Magloire "is" Toronto. Naturally. It's a good look.

The game itself...close at times, occasionally disappointing despite the hype, but definitely exciting! DeRozan scored 22, Bargnani 21, and Bayless 13. The Raps fought the good fight, but still were defeated by the Pacers 85-90. Sucks...but it's only day 2 of 66. There's plenty of time and many moments to be had.

But trust me, the The energy in the Air Canada Centre...craziness!

I don't know if it was the waving of rags (and memoirs of the energy of carnival) that I have grown to love...but there was something about the vibe in the ACC that was definitely intangible. It was great to hear Drake's voice while the Raptors video intro was on, and during the player introductions.

It was wicked to see Kardinal Offishall performing at half time, and DJ Doc tearing it up on the court.

Cool to see Mark Strong; I was psyched to hear 4 Korners playing "Palaaaaance" up in the place, and a few other soca tracks. For the first time, really ever, this felt like MY Toronto Raptors. Like a real Toronto event, and a real Toronto team.

Even little Bieber was there. It doesn't get more Canadian than that! Exciting stuff. Only thing missing was Drizzy, and it would have been the complete current picture of the face of Toronto culture.

Not taking away from the previous 16 years of the organization...and I will always appreciate the Raptors through thick and thin, because I'm all about the home team...however, this time was different.

As mentioned, the setting, the fans, and the team may have been consistent for the most part over the past few years at least, but there was an added sense of personality this time around. Of familiarity. Of passion. Of excitement.

I don't want to be a bandwagon-ist but I'm definitely feeding off of the energy of last night, and hoping to channel it into the future games. I love to see people supporting "their own." Whether it's the Leafs, the Blue Jays, the Olympic teams, or individual players like Tristan Thompson or Cory Joseph. I love hometown pride, I love Canadian patriotism, and it's moments like last night that really bring out the Canuck in me!

Despite the fact that we're starting to hit double-digit temperatures below zero right now, I'm just grateful for the energy that this whirlwind NBA season is bringing in general(how is anyone supposed to keep up with 7 games a night?!) and I love to feel like Toronto is developing as an urban centre, developing it's identity, and really having fun.

I can remember the days when vibes in Toronto were lacking...in relation to other exciting places like New York, Miami, or LA. I remember when it wasn't necessarily cool to rep Toronto, or to sound like a Canadian, or listen to Canadian music. But now, the culture is definitely changing.

I look forward to attending more Raptors games. I look forward to seeing more Kardinal, Mark Strong, and all of the other hometown greats that bring personality, recognition, and energy and entertainment to our city.

And even though this cold weather is reminding me that our Canadian winter is finally here (boooooooooo)...I'm just going to be grateful for the local amenities that make being a Torontonian super-fun.

Proud of Drake

2011-12-08T12:53:00.007-05:00

How can I not like this guy?

I'm admittedly a bit late jumping on the Drizzy bandwagon, but I'm definitely on it now that I picked up his "Take Care" album. For years I only semi- paid attention to his lyrics, his stories, and his relevance, but like everyone else in this city, I was proud of him nonetheless.

Proud of what he represented. Proud of his mannerisms and the way he carried himself. Exceptionally proud that every time I stepped into the U.S. over the last two years because their top hip hop stations and clubs were downright over-saturating the airwaves with this guy's hits.

Proud is probably an understatement.

We take our people real seriously, don't we? I remember when Kardi was on Jay Leno a few years back performing his hit "Dangerous," I damn near had tears in my eyes! Didn't know the brother personally, but I knew the environment from which he came, and the great footsteps he was taking on behalf of all of us.

Even in sports! Toronto native NBA player Jamaal Magloire is signing with the Raptors this week, and again...you can't help but get that sentimental feeling.

It's motivating to see one of our "own" (whether we know them or not) achieve their goals. Maybe this is commonplace in New York, LA, and other major cities. But for Toronto, we feel each success strongly. We realize the impact of these movements, and the hard work, the dedication, and ultimately the perseverance that it takes to get to that place.

We know, firsthand, that it ain't easy.

So I did the patriotic thing and finally bought a Drake album, "Take Care." And it's great!

I can't lie...I bought the Rihanna "Talk That Talk" CD the same day, and was a lil bit surprised to hear that Rihanna's album was edgier than the rapper's. Rihanna's album had me moving...Drake's had me...reflective I'd say.

I thought to myself, as their collaboration "Take Care" came on..."this is the album that will inspire me to finish my latest book."

I've mentioned this many times before, that I can only write when I'm creatively or emotionally inspired. Sometimes that means every day. Sometimes that means I don't write a thing for weeks. Sometimes I am in a complete literal standstill! But right now I can thank Drake for penning the soundtrack to my latest Urban Toronto Tale.

I can't even break it down track by track yet. I'm still taking the album in collectively. It's inspiring something in me, and if I analyze it too closely, I might lose the very inspiration that I am seeking.

It does remind me in essence of my dear Kanye, in that there's lots of choral sounds, lots of instruments. It's like real mood music to me.

What threw me off was that Drake went all KC-I and Jo Jo on us, with the high falsettos and R&B vocals. Wasn't quite expecting that, but I guess he's just riding the riddim and following his soul. I can tell that Drake has an inner Keith Sweat to him that he really can't keep back. As much as he's a rapper...this boys loves to sing!

Not mad at that.

It's boooooooooooooooooooorderline corny just how incredibly sensitive he is...but at the same time, I believe it shows his confidence. Yeah, he'll sing about women, and love, and sadness, and heartache and he doesn't care who wants to judge him!

Again, why this boy is so appealing. He's cool. Confident and cool, without trying too hard. Yes, he can maybe tone back the Yankee accent at times (your dad is from the south, we get it), but otherwise I think Drake's as authentic as they get.

What is appealing to me--now that I'm a fan--is how he conducts himself in interviews, his humility, his ability to articulate himself, and really and truly that he has mastered the game of music and entertainment, and probably has the intelligence and talent to stay on top for a good while.

This isn't so much an album review as it is a slight tribute to our homeboy Aubrey. I will joyfully add this CD to my collection (yes, I'm old school and don't do iTunes...or bootleg). I will put it in rotation with my Rihanna and "Watch the Throne," and I will allow his stories, music, and rhythms help me to formulate the plot of my next book.

I absolutely live for this. Music is my fuel!

Written by Stacey Marie robinson for Kya Publishing's Urban Toronto Tales blog.

Album Review: Talk That Talk ~ Rihanna

2011-11-28T13:27:00.012-05:00

I like this album! And this time I'm not surprised. Last year when I purchased Rihanna's "Loud" album I was almost shocked at how much I was grooving to it...but this year, as an official "fan" of Ms. Fenty, I know that this CD will be on rotation for a while.

Something can be said for music that makes you feel good. There are albums that inspire me. Albums that motivate me. Albums that excite me...and then there are albums that just simply make me feel good.

Produced by Rihanna and Roc Nation, "Talk That Talk" is a combination of hot dance tracks, and traditional Rihanna pop numbers. High energy and fast paced for the most part, it's a great mark of Rihanna's evolution as an artist and woman, and a tribute to her stability in life.

There were periods of darkness, insecurity, and sadness in Rihanna's music, and this second consecutive album of positive and uplifting compositions shows us that she's growing, she's enjoying life, and she's still not afraid to express her needs, since most of the songs are based around the subject of love and longing.

There's no real exposition of her strong vocals or any heart-heavy ballads, like we've heard in the past. But as a testament to Rihanna's talent displayed thus far, I think she can get away with passing on those elements for this album. We know she can sing. We know she can tear up a slow jam...but for now, we just want to dance.

My first impressions of the album, released on Friday, November 18, 2011:

1) You Da One ~ This has a slight island vibe to it, which is always appreciated from Rihanna. Although she rarely goes all out into a full reggae or soca track (not since the early days of her career), I do think it's important that each of her albums attempts to contain an element of her Caribbean heritage.

2) Where Have You Been ~ I think Rihanna continues to stay on top of her game is because she's a favourite with men...and women. The content and subject matter of her songs can always hit that emotional chord with women, when she speaks exactly what's on their minds. Again, early out, she sets the tone for the album with a dance track, letting the listeners know that she's going all the way there...almost to the point of trance and out of the pop realm. She wants you to dance. She wants you to feel good, and she makes this very clear early in the album.

3) We Found Love ~ This song is seriously hot! Loved it from the first time I heard it. Love the energy, love the video (below), love the pace of it. It's the kind of song you can get lost in, on a dancefloor, in your car, or even just watching the video...can bring anyone into automatic Vegas-style fist pumping.

4) Talk That Talk ~ This song is cool. Didn't love it immediately, but know it will grow on me with the right presentation (video, live, or otherwise). The end breakdown segment is dope...very dancehall-esq. The rest...your average Rihanna/rapper collabo. Even if that rapper is Jay-Z, the track is just aright.

5) Cockiness ~ Whoa whoa whoa. Vulgarity from the jump! Suck wha...? Well, it wouldn't be a Rihanna album without a song or two sexually going over the top. Being provocative has kinda become her thing. Well, not her "main" thing, but at least a "side" thing. So this song is partially an expectation at this point...while still being borderline uncomfortable. I remember feeling uncomfortable for the mothers accompanying their 10-year-old daughters to the Rihanna "Loud" tour's stop in Toronto due to similarly provocative content. But it is what it is...she's grown, she is a fan of expressing this side of herself, and it makes for an interesting song, nonetheless. Sounds like a sure shot strip club anthem to me.

6) Birthday Cake ~ OK, so another song that will make an audio appearance at King and Diamonds and other establishments of that nature. "Sounds" sexy, and the lyrical content matches. Truth be told, almost sounds like Beyonce could rock this as her own. I wanted to hear where this song was going, but it ends abruptly. Almost too abruptly like an error, or an unintended interlude.

7) We All Want Love ~ This is a nice peace-n-love feel good Olympics type song. Nothing spectacular, but pleasant lyrics and a "nice" feeling as a result.

8) Drunk on Love ~ Definitely my favourite song on the album. Nice vibe right from the start, with a hint of 80's synth and drums. I love mood music, and think this is definitely movie soundtrack worthy...the breakdown in particular is tight.

9) Roc Me Out ~ A strong song, and another high energy track. A bit forgettable, as even as I'm writing this...I forget which one it was! But fundamentally, I remember it was a good song.

10) Watch n Learn ~ This one was interesting, and again, I appreciated the slight reggae undertone to it. It's no "Man Down" but a good attempt at bringing in that vibe.

11) Farewell ~ This is surprisingly the only read ballad-like song on the album. Again, an average song, and the vocals aren't particularly impressive...but a nice song. As this wraps up the album, you can see that while she committed to themes of love and passion, she wasn't going there from a place of extremely vulnerability, but moreso from a place of recognition, celebration, and partially diving into the core of the emotion.

From I first saw the video for "We Found Love," I had a feeling this album would be a little bit carefree, a little bit reckless, and that images of the red-haired party Rihanna might be taken to another level. The album imagery completely compliments this mood of potential disaster yet total emotional intoxication.

Job well done again for the complete packaging and slight reinvention of Rihanna's image with each album. While the songs themselves paint a picture, and develop overtime, so is the story that is Rihanna's career and visual metamorphosis.

Writtey by Stacey Marie Robinson for Kya Publishing's "Urban Toronto Tales" blog.

12 Reasons Why I Should Have Bought "Watch the Throne" Tour Tickets

2011-11-23T12:22:00.016-05:00

Yes, I'm bitter. I was "stickin" as the Trinis would say. I was stickin, and I didn't jump on tickets the day they went on sale like I normally would. And so, tonight and tomorrow night (Nov. 23 & 24, 2011), Jay-Z and Kanye West will be just mere kilometers away from me, down at the Air Canada Centre for their Watch the Throne tour...and I will be at home, listening to the CD and cursing my bad timing.

But so it go.

Big concerts for me are like inspiration waiting to happen. Especially from big artists. It's an opportunity for me to take in someone else's phenomenal creativity, internalize it, and eventually reproduce it into my own art form: writing.

Here are 12 reasons why I SHOULD have bought "Watch the Throne" tour tickets...

#01) No Church in the Wild ~ I originally loved this song because Frank Ocean really reminds me of Canadian rapper K-OS. And I think K-OS is dope. The sombre rap-singing (now made signature style by Drake, of course) but it truly fits the ongoing crescendo of this song. Perfect intro to the album.

#02) Lift Off ~ Right now this is my favourite track on the album. I don't know about Miss Beyonce...but her vocals have really strengthened lately. I notice that this year she's got a new passion, a new depth, and new texture to her voice that I haven't really heard before. This song inspires me, and she blends well with Ye and her huuusband. Love that Q-Tip helped produce this.

#03) Niggas in Paris ~ This song is a banger. Labour Day weekend this year I was tuned into Hot 97 in NY online, and the DJs literally played this song around the clock. Every half hour, easily and I was hooked! A couple weeks later during a trip to Miami, it was also on heavy rotation. That makes this song the unofficial soundtrack to the end of 2011...and it still sounds good!

#04) Otis ~ I didn't like this song at first, but it took me going back to the original Otis Redding track to truly appreciate it. It doesn't have the vibe and style I've grown to love from Kanye, but definitely has a distinctive Jay-Z flavour to it. It always sounds like a bit of an interlude, rather than a full track...but I can still vibe to it same way.

#05) Gotta Have It ~ Love the production on this song. So crisp. This was done by Kanye and The Neptunes, and it's great. I like the bounce and the punch to this song, and particularly how Kanye flows on it...Maybachs on bachs on bach on bachs on bachs...fantastic!

#06) New Day ~ Lyrics on this song are dope. I love Kanye. Honestly. I love him because there's 101 reasons to NOT like him, but I really just take to his spirit. Behind that braggadocio there is total vulnerability, and I think this song is a perfect example of that. This track reminds me of his last album...could easily blend in with that mood/feel. Jay-Z's verses are aright...not as powerful, but still continues to the story...less vulnerability, but same passion.

#07) That's My Bitch ~ Not my favourite song on the album, but very reminiscent of the early 90s to me. Kinda reminds me of Eric B & Rakim's song from the movie "Juice," Know the Ledge. It moves.

#08) Welcome to the Jungle ~ This song is funky! Produced by Swiss Beatz; I don't mind it. The track is a little bland (since my preference leans more to Kanye's orchestral riddims), but I do enjoy the little bit of melody that comes in and out. Lyrically, it's aright...but overall just a smooth interlude...

#09) Who Gon Stop Me ~ This is the type of song that needs to play at the end of the movie when the credits are about to roll. Very powerful, very conclusive, very heavy. Jay-Z flows nicely on this one...

#10) Murder to Excellence ~ Swizz Beatz again...and while I don't doubt he's a great producer, I can definitely feel the difference between his tracks, and Kanye's. I'm a Kanye fan 99% based on how his songs make me FEEL...this one doesn't have it. Definitely has it's own vibe, can't help but dig the piano loops. My favourite parts are when Kanye and Jay rap over the riddim breakdowns. Also love the second half of the song when the beat changes entirely...Jay-Z definitely shines here.

#11) Made in America ~ Sweet song, sweet vibe, very fitting for the end of the album. Again, I love Kanye's storytelling abilities. Love Jay's family tribute.

#12) Why I Love You ~ This song is cool. I love my rock music when I'm ready, and I particularly love it when it's infused with hip hop or other urban genres. Heavy strings, can't go wrong. Now this one would go hard in the big arena...but guess what? I won't get to hear it in the big arena for now.

So there's 12 reasons why I have had this album on steady rotation for a while now. 12 reasons why I SHOULD have called Ticketmaster the day the tickets went on sale for this week's "Watch the Throne" tour stop in Toronto...and 12 reasons why I will eagerly await the YouTube footage tomorrow morning to see how Yeezy and Jigga tear down the place tonight.

Here's some footage from the Madison Square Garden show back on November 7. I hear they pulled up "Ni**as in Paris" like 3 times...and rightfully so! These guys are dope. Top of the world right now, and a nice moment in hip hop history.

Written by Stacey Marie Robinson for Kya Publishing's "Urban Toronto Tales" blog.

Remembering Heavy D (Dwight Myers) 1967-2011

2011-11-11T13:15:00.011-05:00

This week music lost another legend. Jamaican-born rapper/actor Dwight Myers aka "Heavy D" passed away on November 8 in Los Angeles due to respiratory distress. He was only 44.

His death came only 4 days after the release of "Tower Heist," starring Eddie Murphy...a movie that would rejuvinate Heavy's acting career. Do you remember him in recurring roles on Roc, Living Single, and even on A Different World? New Jersey Drive, Life? He was a talented brother.

What's crazy is that just a few weeks ago, he tore up the stage at the BET Hip Hop Awards (footage below). I was so happy to see him looking well, still moving like the ol' Heav, and bringing back the hits that I had grown to love. The crowd loved him, and it reaffirmed my appreciation of old school hip hop. No matter what Weezy, Jeezy, or Yeezy ever did on that BET stage...nothing compares to the old familiar feeling of hip hop classics.

It is always sad to hear when one of your childhood icons has come to the end of their creative journey. But while the news was sad, I notice that the overall impression that Heavy D left on his fans and family has been extremely positive. The music he left has been uplifting. And his legacy will be fitting of the impact he has had on all who enjoyed his music and work.

His latest album Love Opus was just released in September of this year, representing his 9th studio album, and a recording history spanning almost 25 years.

He was a star. Nominated for 4 Grammy awards, including a recent nomination in 2009 for Best Reggae Album. He was also a 4-time Soul Train Award nominee, and easily walked away with the award for Best Rap Album back in 1990.

And who can forget the CLASSIC theme songs he performed for In Living Color, and even Mad TV. Theme songs that could rock a club, and always made us jam on our sofas when the Wayans' show was about to begin.

When I remember Heavy D, I will remember his dancing! This brother could groove! And even as the self-described "overweight lover" he could move with the best of them, big and slim.

When I remember Heavy, I will remember his songs...those songs that were the soundtrack to my adolescence and continue to sound fantastic and rock dancefloors no matter where the music is played. I'll remember the chart-toppers like "Somebody for Me," "The Girls They Love Me," and "We Got Our Own Thang" from his 1989 album Big Tyme. I'll remember my favourite Heavy D tune "Now That We Found Love" from the 1991 album Peaceful Journey.

Remembering Heavy, I will automatically go back to the other music of 1991. Because while his songs were playing, they were accompanied by hits from Boyz II Men, Naughty by Nature, Salt n Pepa, PM Dawn, Ralph Tresvant, and Hi-Five. It was a classic era of feel-good music.

Even hearing Pete Rock & CL Smooth's "They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)" today reminded me of Heavy, because Trouble T Roy was once one of "The Boyz" when Heavy D performed as Heavy D and the Boyz. They were all a part of a generation of legendary New York rappers, Uptown Records, and truly foundational years in hip hop music.

When I remember Heavy D, I will remember how GOOD music used to make me feel. It was an era of dancing, of bright colours, baggy clothing, funky beats, and true celebration of development of hip hop culture. When it was OK to bounce around and music was all about having a good time, and enjoying life.

Heavy D performing on the Arsenio Hall Show:

Heavy D perfoming last month on the BET Hip Hop Awards; his first performance in over 15 years.

Go Heav! You will be missed.

Written by Stacey Marie Robinson, for Kya Publishing's "Urban Toronto Tales" blog.

Welcoming The Oshawa Power NBL Team

2011-11-04T09:11:00.009-04:00

I was born in Scarborough, grew up in Malvern, and lived the majority of my life in Ajax. Went to Pickering High School, and am by nature, acutely familiar with all things Durham.

Even after years in Windsor, Detroit, and eventually settling back in Scarborough again permanently, I am often surprised at my allegiance to Toronto's east...the love for my home town, and particularly how much it feels like "home" whenever I head down the 401 and return to the Durham Region.

Attending last week's (October 27) pre-season Oshawa Power basketball game against the London Lightning, and last night's (November 3) home opener against the Moncton Miracles, has confirmed my hometown support and furthermore, my Canadian pride. The more I learn abot the NBL in general the more I realize how dedicated I am to seeing this culture grow. Sports culture. Entertainment culture. Urban culture. Canadian culture. I love the progression, and I love what it represents.

Upon entry to the General Motors Centre in Oshawa, I was pleased to see Quisha Wint rock the Canadian National Anthem. I have become familiar with her work and seen her perform numerous times...I think her voice was the perfect blessing for the game.

The game was exciting! The Oshawa Power held the lead all night, and kept the fans captivated. Particularly memorable performances from Akeem Wright (#35) and Morgan Lewis (#20) on the dunking tip, with some great plays from Toronto's Tut Ruach (#4), and Jushaw Rockette (#10) as well. EJ Kusney (#31) and Brandon Robinson (#15) hit some 3's...all of the elements of a great game were there. The Power won, 107-80.

It was great to see some of my former classmates in positions of leadership in a sport they have loved since back back back in the day, and have now easily transitioned it into a career.

I enjoyed seeing John Henry, the major of Oshawa, sitting courtside in his orange scarf, caught up in the hype, waving his orange Power towel. Also enjoyed seeing Raptors superfan Nav Bhatia courtside: a fan is a fan is a fan, no matter where the game is taking place. Support is golden.

Awesome to connect with Drew Ebanks and Theleepan Surendra. Respect due to Gary Durrant, the President of Operations, Mark Strickland, the head coach, and CEO Marcus Williams, for organizing and managing a great team. On point.

It was wonderful to see the supporters (particularly the young boys) lined up to meet the players after the game, take photos, and get autographs. These are icons and role models that they have access to, that they can aspire to emulate...and that make their dreams (of sports, or otherwise) that much more tangible. So important.

It was a good experience overall, and one I look forward to seeing escalate on so many levels. There is nothing better than watching something from its inaugural days, and anticipating the development, the growth, and the inevitable successes that come as a result of the passion put into it.

So thanks to the Oshawa Power and those who worked hard to establish the NBL, and who are working even harder to maintain it. Thanks to the players, many who have left their home countries to help establish a league in our country, all for the love of the game. Thanks to the fans who do what they have to do to keep the energy of basketball alive (despite the inactive Raptors as the NBA continues to work through their issues), and to those who have allowed us this escape and entertainment for the winter...and the future.

Next home game: November 14 against the Saint John Mill Rats. See you there!

Founded in 2011, the National Basketball League of Canada is the country's only professional basketball league. NBL Canada is committed to developing the next generation of Canadian athletes and raising the excitement and awareness for basketball throughout the country. Seven teams will play in the inaugural 2011-2012 season and the league is poised for continued expansion across Canada. NBL Canada is headquartered in Toronto, Ont.

The Reason Why I Write

2011-10-25T16:04:00.008-04:00

This has been on my mind a lot lately..."why" I have decided to dedicate my life and related aspirations to the art of writing.

I have always been a writer. Those of us who are writers know that it has nothing to do with being a NY Times Bestseller, book signings, fame, fortune, or even literary status. Those of us who are writers know that we are writers because we have no choice.

We need to write. We live to write. We write to live.

And while the ultimate goal would ideally be to be able to write "for a living"...that doesn't ever stop a true writer from writing. It is what we do. Regardless.

While on vacation a few weeks back, I decided not to pack my netbook, in order to save some luggage weight for shoes, clothing, and anything else fun I'd pick up while shopping at Sawgrass and Aventura malls in south Florida. So I didn't bring my computer. I didn't bring my memory key. I foolishly didn't even bring my journal, a decent pad of paper, or a notebook.

This is the first time I've travelled without a formal mechanism for recording my thoughts, and I was about a day and a half into the trip when I desperately resorted to my BlackBerry to record my thoughts, and sufficiently capture the emotions and the other nuances and by-products of my getaway that I might not be able to recreate when I returned to Toronto.

I thought to myself: I NEED to write! And while I tapped the little BlackBerry keys...I vowed to never travel without my tools again. Even though it was a beach-and-party kind of trip...I still needed my equipment to be able to work when the mood hit me.

And that's what writing is about for me. On a very basic level, it's about capturing a mood. Remembering a moment. Transferring an emotion, or creating a greater emotion. It's about taking that unsettled energy and moulding it into something permanent. It's about documenting an experience--directly, or indirectly--and benefiting from it at a later time.

When I try to articulate (to myself) the "reason" why I write...a few words are always prominent in my psyche: inspiration, motivation, energy, vibe, and capture. It's a combination of these feelings, searching for brilliant moments, and finding the words to use to hold on to them.

I write because I want to take the positive energy that I experience, and preserve its value. Or I want to take a powerful negative emotion, and work through it with words so that it didn't occur in vain.

I write to heal. I write to learn. I write to experience things that I might be trying to avoid or overcome in real life. I write to entertain myself. I write to grow.

Again, 99% of the process selfishly has everything to do with me...and actually very little to do with the "virtual" reader who may or may not have a chance to digest my words.

I trust that this is different for a best-selling author who has a dedicated and distinct audience to serve...maybe if that was the case, I would conciously "try" to create particular texts and evoke particular reactions. Or maybe the process would be exactly the same...

But at the root of it, I think the writing process in itself is a very personal one. And one that very few are fortunate to be able to share publically...for compensation.

So as I transition from a child writer, using pencil-and-lined paper to create characters, situations, and dialogue as a hobby....to an adolescent writer, using my stories as a tool to explore social fantasies and future experiences...to a teenage writer, capturing the juicy events of her peer group on paper, and figuring out the dynamics of the interactions...to a student writer using the process as a stress-reliever....to an adult writer, who still desperately NEEDS this release to navigate the world.

I write because I have to.

Now that I've taken on the role of "publisher" at my independent company Kya Publishing, I realize that my love for writing and my passion for story-telling may have a greater purpose, aside from personal satisfaction. I realize that my love for writing, over the years, has naturally told a story of a first-generation Jamaican-Canadian female growing up in the city of Toronto and its surrounding suburbs.

While I have never specifically written the intimate details of my life, or about those around me, through my fictional creations I have still managed to capture a moment in time. From my first book at the age of ten in 1988 to my last book at the age of 32 in 2010, I have been capturing the journey of an "urban" adventure, coming of age in this country, and developing a literary commentary on what that is like.

I write because "this" story needs to be told.

As a "writer," my goal was to entertain myself, and occasionally entertain my friends, classmates, and colleagues. Over the past few years I've been fortunate enough to have my audience grow to those outside of my immediate circle, which has been awesome. As a "publisher," I feel it's my responsibility to accurately document my journey in this place, space, moment, and time, and allow it to serve as a record of my generation and my culture.

It was never a deliberate act...to become a "publisher." It was an act of necessity. An act of cultural preservation, and an act of love. By publishing my own books, and eventually helping others publish their books as well, I truly believe that I am contributing (even if in a minor and insignificant way) to Canadian history. Urban/Black/Caribbean-Canadian history. I write because I don't ever want the specific experiences of my cultural generation to be overlooked or forgotten.

There is absolutely nothing else I'd rather do.

Written By Stacey Marie Robinson, Kya Publishing.

"Call Me Russell" ~ the biography of comedian Russell Peters

2011-09-16T11:10:00.007-04:00

I love a good Canadian success story...and I love to read inspiring biographies of those who started with a dream, and didn't quit until that dream was fulfilled. The biography of Canadian comedian Russell Peters, "Call Me Russell" (2010) fulfilled both of these interests, with an easy read and a familiar tale.

I miss having a good laugh, sometimes. And not the every day chuckle, giggle with friends, or sitcom humour. I miss like real hearty, eyes-watering, can't-breathe type of laughter. The type that only a true comedian can give you. Russell Peters is one of the few comedians who has been able to provide that type of laughter for me over recent years, and I'm proud that he is one of "our own."

Of course we have Trixx and Jay Martin, Jean Paul, and a few others in Toronto who are definitely consistently hilarious, and provide comforting familiarity as well. Then there are the American greats like Katt Williams and Kevin Hart, also kinda making their come-up as stand-up headliners lately.

One of the best parts about the story of a comedian, is watching it grow from brief performances on stage with a mic in hand, a few dollars compensations, and tiny localized audiences of supporters...and then seeing them explode into multi-millionnaires with international appeal and blockbuster marketability.

We saw it happen with all of our faves: Chris Rock, Martin, Dave Chappelle, and even Eddie Murphy who has just been annouced as the host of the upcoming Academy Awards program. We love to see them succeed, because we watch them develop, we watch them mature, and we owe a great deal of our laughter and entertainment to their creative minds.

I remember back in around 1998 or 19998, I was a student at the University of Windsor, and a "board member" of the ever-political and ever-dedicated Black Youth Taking Action group, founded on the campus by the then-infamous Brother Noel. As a student organization, we did our best to maintain a sense of culture, peer unity, and bring diverse events to our temporary home-away-from home, in an effort to keep the students entertained and socializing.

One of the best BYTA events we had was hosting the F.A.M.E. All-Star Comedy Tour. I can remember voicing the commercial down at CJAM 91.5fm (the campus radio station), and excitedly announcing appearances by Russell Peters, Ron Josol, Jean Paul, and Marc Trinidad. I had no idea who any of them were at the time.

We sold tickets, and we packed the campus Pub that evening. An event of that kind hadn't been around on campus yet, and comedians that so intimately knew our culture and our generation were such a rareity.

I laughed like I had never laughed before. The show was an absolute HIT. And I can remember thinking, this Russell Peters guy does the BEST Bajan accent I've ever heard...that accent is not an easy one to duplicate. I immediatley rated Russell for that. His Jamaican accent, Trini accent, and of course the beloved Indian accent were off the chain. He knew all of the cultures so intimately, and I was so impressed with his ability to recreate and retell stories of things that we were all so closely connected to. As Canadians (of all races) I was impressed with how fluidly he spoke of his cultural experiences.

Everyone LOVED him. And I think we maybe payed the collective group about $250 for what was one of the funniest nights I can ever remember.

Fast forward to 2011. I started and completed this book pretty quickly because I enjoyed reading about how Russell came from the guy we essentially "hired" back as a broke-pocketed student org, to the guy that is selling out Madison Square Garden, and impacting the comedy world on a level few will ever reach.

I don't have much to say about the book itself...it was a good read. I kind of expected some hilarity and punchlines, but it was really just a casual conversation between Russell and his fans, and easily could have been an afternoon conversation.

The book doesn't follow a set chronology, beginning to end, but it does break his life's experiences down into themes, sagas, individuals, and stages of his journey.

You get a good feel for the challenges he faced, both personally and professionally, as well as the sights he has now seen, and the hard work he put in to perfect his craft, develop his identity as a comedian, and sustain a remarkable career spanning around 20 years.

What touched me most with his story was Russell's sense of family. His love and respect for his late father, who passed away in 2004. The deep connection and awesome working relationship he has with his one sibling, his brother Clayton. The pride of his mother, the closeness of his extended family, and the fact that at this stage in his life, he is able to easily provide for all of them.

His parents, Anglo-Indians (which is a demographic I knew nothing about until reading this book), and their journey to Canada marked the beginning of this biography, which immediately made me think of essentially everyone I know...a first-generation Canadian, sons and daughters of immigrants.

The great thing about contemporary Canadian stories, is that we all on some level have the same story. The same ambitions. The same purpose. Our parents arrive in this foreign land, often with only a few dollars and maybe one or two good links that they can call...and they are determined to make a life for their family. To find opportunity, and to open doors and associations to them that they may or may not have had access to "back home."

And that's why I love a good Canadian success story, because we all carry the same emotional baggage...knowing that our parents made great efforts to move to Canada, and that we as their successors have an obligation to take their courage, and take their dreams, and to work hard to fulfil them. We have an obligation to continue the legacy now as "Canadians" for our children, and nieces, and nephews, and neighbours, and do so with a pride that would make our families, and our ancestors proud.

Sounds like a lot of weight to carry, but I do believe that this is the mission of the majority of "us"...to take what we can, our gifts, or talents, or even just our need to work hard and build...and create new legacies. Here.

So Russell's book was a nice tale. A nice story of a humble guy from Brampton giving his all to his craft, and seeing it through to monumental levels. It really just an honest look at his life (porn obsession and all), and a testament to what hard work, family love and support, and wise choices can do.

He's a self-made man, and his lessons in "Call Me Russell" can be implemented by any of us. Russell Peters has done his family, and his country, exceptionally proud.

Written by Stacey Marie Robinson, author, and founder of Kya Publishing.

What are "Urban Toronto Tales" ?

2011-09-13T10:44:00.008-04:00

The word "urban" is a sticky one. It's extremely general, has multiple definitions that mean multiple things in multiple instances...yet it still manages to define an entire culture, movement, and demographic.

Yes, "urban" at it's core means "of the city"...however, over the years it has also come to specifically mean "emerging and developing in densely populated areas of large cities, esp those populated by people of African or Caribbean origin."

Hip-hop culture or "black" culture used to have strong racial connotations...however, it's fair to say that while culture does play a huge part in the composition of an "urban" entity...the culture no longer specifies race or heritage. The culture is a movement of it's own, and is easily comprised of individuals from a variety of ethnicities.

The "Urban Toronto Tales" are specifically about the urban/city culture of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and those who are a part of. The people of Toronto who have built the urban culture from conception. The first- and second-generation Canadians of African, Caribbean...but also South Asian, Filipino, and other cultures that are just as much a part of the creation and maintenance of the culture.

The people of Toronto are urban by nature. By location. However, in the spirit of the culture is strongly based on African and Caribbean traditions and musical influences. Perhaps the "black" culture is more closely tied to urban culture...however, it is not mutually inclusive.

I have written the "Urban Toronto Tales" novel and short story collection predominently from a "black" perspective, only because it is the perspective that I know. One of the early lessons I learned as a writer was to "write what you know" and the authenticity can not be questioned.

I know Caribbean culture, from a Canadian perspective. I know "black" culture, and the elements of growing up as a first-generation black Canadian. I am intimately connected to this experience, therefore it is the basis of what I write.

I write these stories from a place of familiarity. I write these stories from a place of passion. I write these stories from a place of love. I write these stories becuase the Canadian "urban" culture is one that I have seen develop, and grow, and begin to define itself...and I want my stories to represent the interpersonal experiences, the conversations, and the slight nuances of this culture that may not easily be captured in other mediums.

So while the music, the fashion, the entertainment, and the overall character of what it means to be "urban" Canadian continues to expand and define itself over time, my stories are a literary snapshot of what this means as a citizen of Toronto, developing alongside the culture.

There are currently 8 stories in this collection (possibly more) that each reflect a period in time. From adolescence in the early 1990's, high school in the late 1990's, college/university life in the early 2000's, and then firm adulthood, matured relationships, and career building in the late 2000's. The stories have grown with me, as I have observed the culture growing.

Reflecting our "urban" culture in a way that has not yet been captured in literature. Putting the experiences on pages, and documenting them as a part of our Canadian history. My testament to a city I love and respect, through characters that reflect the heart of the culture, and the true faces of our beloved city.

For more information about the "Urban Toronto Tales" novel and short story collection by Stacey Marie Robinson, please visit http://KyaPublishing.com.

Partnerships in Omar Tyree's "Pecking Order" and Ice Cube's "Janky Promoters"

2011-09-09T19:32:00.007-04:00

I haven't read a good Omar Tyree book in a while, so I was glad when I discovered a copy of "Pecking Order" (2008) at my local library. Two of his previous novels, "Just Say No" (2001) and "Diary of a Groupie" (2003) are easily amongst my favourite books of all times...this one also didn't disappoint.

Overall, I found the book to be a bit too long. I loved the story, and was definitely interested in seeing what would happen to the overnight sensation, commoner-turned-celebrity promoter Ivan David...but I found that it took a long time to get to the end.

Around 500 pages in length, "Pecking Order" is a story about a California accountant who is tired of being just a regular guy. He wants to be on the VIP list. He wants to side-step the lineup at the club. He wants to ball with the ballers and begins to yearn for recognition and status in the town of San Diego where he works and resides.

After glimpsing the beautiful and intriguing Lucina Gallo outside of a local event, he is jump started into his mission to be a top-a-top man in his city.

His journey is interesting: he plans, he networks, skillfully builds relationships--and surrounded by gorgeous women, professional athletes, and the city's richest business people, he quickly rises to the top of his game.

What I love about the Omar Tyree books that I've read thus far is the element of entertainment fantasy. By reading these three novels (by no coincidence) of his over the years, I really and truly appreciate how he recreates the "inside look" into the lives of the rich and famous. It's fascinating to me in real life...and fasinating to me in fiction as well.

However...and this is a big however...as much as I enjoyed the book, a part of me was waiting for at least a tiny glimpse of reality. As Ivan David rose to the top of his game, hooked up with models, and secretly yearned for his business partner Lucina...I kind of expected at least something to go wrong. I mean...isn't that how stories go? There's a rise...maybe a little fall...a bit of redemption, and then inevitably a lesson learned or some relief/redemption at the end?

Not this story. Ivan got bigger and better, his website IDPromotions.com blew up to a multi-million dollar corporation. Even situations with females didn't turn out as disastrous as they could have (and should have!)...and in the end, well, Ivan is on top of the world.

Everyone loves a happy ending, but something about the constant success, and consistent ease with which Ivan's success came proved to be a little bit disappointing almost.

Furthermore, I didn't even really like Ivan. He got cocky, he hardly showed any sentimental moments that made me trust and believe in his integrity...he just continued to be a hard ass business man with a brilliance for numbers and accounting. And I guess that's why he became the face of San Diego...and not just another accountant stuck behind a cubicle, wishing for "more" of out life.

Nonetheless, it was a great read, and I truly did need to get to the end of that book (desperately) to see if Ivan would fail. But he didn't. And he even got the girl. No problem. Easy stuff.

A funny contrast was Ice Cube's movie "Janky Promoters" (2009) that I happened to watch while in the middle of reading "Pecking Order." HORRIBLE movie, but because of Ice Cube's fine azz and the cutie Young Jeezy...I watched it from beginning to end.

I know the first time I saw Cube in "Friday" I thought it was also some stupid s***....and then it turned out to be one of the funniest movies I'd ever seen when I caught it the second, third, (twentieth...) time. "Janky Promoters"...not likely. I had a few chuckles, but overall it was pretty dumb and it will not be on repeat.

But because of my entertainment selections, promoters have been on my mind hard. What does it take to make it as a promoter? What does it take to be a respected business person? And both "Pecking Order" and "Janky Promoters" really made it evident. At the core of both stories was one thing: a partnership.

The partnership between Ice Cube (Russell Redds) and Mike Epps (Jellyroll) was a joke. There was no trust, bad communication, and a complete lack of knowledge and experience. But with the partnership between Ivan David and Lucina Gallo, there was great judgement, sharing of strategies, and a loyalty that couldn't be shaken.

So no huge life lessons or light-bulb "ah ha" moments from either, but I really did love the strength of the partnership between Ivan and Lucina in the book and felt that it was the most powerful message of the text. Despite the money, the status, the yachts and luxury cars, partying with celebs, and taking over the city...the one thing that felt satisfying throughout was that when all was said and done, Ivan had maintained a solid relationship with Lucina.

If nothing else, that was inspiring. Because as we saw with Russell Redds and Mike Epps, having the right people on your team really does determine how well you are going to do in life sometimes, and even how quickly and efficiently you are going to do it.

So Redds and Jelly got Young Jeezy to perform...Ivan and Lucina got a house in the hills, and the partnerships proved to be the real prize in the end after all the fiascos and plotting that it took to get these promoters to a pleasureable plateau.

MTV VMA 2011 Recap

2011-08-29T09:29:00.007-04:00

I am an awards show junkie, I admit it. I love the fanfare, the following day's entertainment news buzz, and I love to see musicians try their best to put on a good show, out-shine one another, and out-perform even themselves year after year.

And while the Grammys, the American Music Awards, and maybe even the Billboard awards carry more clout and class...it's always the MTV Video Music Awards that ends up being the most entertaining and dramatic.

Overall....meh! Not the greatest show, but entertaining nonetheless. It left me feeling like OK...the music industry is filled with beautiful, well-dressed people BUT the substance seemed to be lacking. And of course, it's MTV what do you expect right? But still...even the artists I really loved just seemed to be characters on this program, where the outfits, the antics, and the news kinda spoke louder than the lyrics and the music.

Kevin Hart: as the official non-host of the night, I think he was kinda wack. And he's a funny dude regularly, no doubt. But last night he was reaching...and I wasn't feeling his attempt at humour. Some of the little sketches were semi-laugh worthy...but overall, I think his presence was unnecessary.

Katy Perry & Russell Brand: for some reason, I think they were two of my favourites last night. I think Katy is adorable, and I really have enjoyed her music this year, particularly "Fireworks." She's pleasant, she can sing, and her career seems to have been on a steady incline...without her getting too in-your-face or annoying. As for Russell, I think his tribute to Amy Winehouse was great. He's usually too irritating to tolerate, but I actually didn't tune him out this time.

Beyonce: so she's pregnant. (Whoop-di-do???)...I mean, that's wonderful! Beyonce's a "machine"...as her husband Jay-Z told the media the other day...so the timing of her pregnancy is really no surprise. Good for them. She works hard, she plays hard...and I guess she'll probably still keep the momentum going until she's ready to bring her baby into the world. Like Alicia Keys or Mariah, I don't think a lil pregnancy will slow Beyonce down one bit. Nice dramatic touch with the microphone-drop reveal though. Superstars do everything big! She completely stole the show with that.

Nicki Minaj: no, no, no. Enough is enough. You're eccentric. We get it. You're wild and crazzzzzy. We get it. But as someone commented on Twitter last night...someone better call her girls from Queens, or send her back to Trinidad for a couple months so she can get a reality check and relax herself. She looked like a hot mess and like she was trying too hard to be unique. Major fail.

Adele: what a pleasant woman. I have heard nothing but great things about her and her music, yet for some reason I still haven't fully explored her albums. After seeing her sombre and simple-yet-beautiful performance, I'm now motivated to pick up one of her CDs and see wha gwan.

Kanye & Jay-Z: likewise...I haven't yet listened to "Watch the Throne" but it's safe to say it's about time I check it out. Their performance was a bit weird. I guess their "presence" alone is enough. They walked out with a little fire and sparkle, and just kinda stood around from what I could see. The stage crasher kinda distracted everyone from what was going on, so truth be told...I can barely remember the song, or if I even like it. Again, I'm slipping...so I need to pick up the album and get up to de times.

Amber & Wiz: weird couple. She's a beautiful girl, no doubt, but second time around...kinda starting to look like a you-know-what. Like what do you do? What is your purpose? A big butt and a smile look great on the red carpet...but what's her talent again? The celebrity "power couple" only works when both members of the team are pulling their weight...so this couple just looks like a downgrade for starters...and kinda irrelevant otherwise.

The Cast of Jersey Shore: entertaining on TV...not so entertaining outside of their show. They're almost a bit of an embarassment...as much as I love to watch Sammie and Ronnie n them regularly, I think they always seem to make a mockery of themselves in any other scenario outside of the natural habitat of their reality show. And enough with the tanning already...why are they all SO DARK!? Almost ridiculous!

Lady Gaga: I kinda figured she would go to the opposite extreme this time. I was thinking maybe just a real old classic Hollywood look, or something so completely "normal" that it wasn't even worth mentioning. I guess her Joe Calderone move was something to that effect. Staying in the same simple costume all night, and being completely out of character. Entertaining? Not really. Shocking? Not so much. Dramatic effect...definitely. People are talking, and really...what more could she ask for?

Britney: I don't mind Britney. She's definitely a pop star, I'll give her that. But if you're going to honour someone...HONOUR them! Having Gaga give a mock-introduction to her was almost disrespectful...as disrespectful as one can be to "Britney." But still, they could have thrown in a little video montage, or had someone else give her a proper speech and introduction. And speaking of speeches...was she not allowed to give a real one? At least one without having Gaga-as-Joe breathing down her neck? Kinda weird.

Jessie J: I knew the "it's not about the money, money, money" song, but really never knew who sang it until yesterday. But this girl can sing! Fine she barely got any airtime, up there on her couch with her broken foot...but from what I did hear, she really does have a voice. I notice a lot of the British pop stars always have this hint of extra soul...and even a bit of reggae culture in their style and flavour. I look forward to seeing what she comes out with in the future.

Wayne: Hee, hee, hee. So strange, yet so cute. Love this guy's energy and confidence--who else could have put that on...and got away with it? Love how he had just taken over. I just think he might need some real guitar lessons because that "playing" was not fooling anyone.

Chris Brown: I can't lie. As much as I don't want to like Chris Brown ever...this kid is so dope. Every time he hits the stage it's a spectacle, and he never disappoints. He's floating around and landing back on his feet to dance so effortlessly, and I can't help but think that I HOPE this boy has his head right. He's a great singer (when he actually sings live, that is) and he's an amazing dancer. He has crazy stage presence and an obvious star quality...but sometimes he's a little on the irrational side in words and actions. Hopefully his team is strong, because it would be a shame to see him be nothing less than great, in the long run.

Paul Rudd: can't remember what he was doing there, but such a pleasant guy, lol.

So there goes another awards show, another evening of entertainment, and another week of post-show commentary, photos, and speculation.

I enjoy it, what can I say. The entertainment world continues to fascinate me, and rightfully so. Because these individuals are at the top of their game, and isn't that where we all want to be?

All the power to them!

To view a complete list of winners from the show, visit MTV here.

Written by Kya Publishing's Stacey Marie Robinson for the "Urban Toronto Tales" blog.

Remembering Aaliyah (January 16, 1979 – August 25, 2001)

2011-08-25T11:32:00.009-04:00

Today, as Hurricane Irene storms over the Bahamas, we also mourn another tragic event that took place on the island ten years ago today.

On August 25, 2001, I was downtown Toronto celebrating my friend Melissa's birthday at a club when the DJ announced the news: Aaliyah Dana Haughton and eight others had been killed in a plane crash.

We thought it was a prank...but at the same time, realized that the DJ wouldn't stop the middle of a nice vibe unless he was absolutely certain it was the truth.

The night was, of course, dampened by the news. In fact, I can't remember if the night even really continued after that. The dancing subsided. People filtered out of the club. How could they enjoy music, after all, when one of music's treasures had just lost her life?

Every time we hear "Rock the Boat," I know we all remember her last music video. Her last hit song that she would enjoy...and the way death was plaguing the urban music community far too frequently, it seemed.

I remember "Back and Forth" when Melissa first bought the CD, and listening to it relentlessly. The plaid shirts. The bandannas over the hair. Baggy jeans. We were all about that style, that era, that moment in time. That was our coming of age, and Aaliyah provided the perfect young woman's soundtrack.

I remember "Age Ain't Nothin' But a Number," and how we'd sing it out in adolescent confidence, knowing that we felt much older than our naive years.

But my favourite musical Aaliyah memory was going to a party at the Warehouse (now Kool Haus) in Toronto in 1998 with my friend Sonia. It was probably the second time I'd heard this particular song, and the beat was so dope, and the vibe was so nice, I literally stopped in my tracks to just take it in.

I remember watching everyone bounce to the new hit song, and watching the hundreds of young adults packed in Warehouse enjoying themselves to the tune.

Do you ever have those moments that give you goosebumps, strictly based on musical energy? Do you ever have memories about songs that never go away, no matter how many times you hear them in how many different contexts?

Well, that was my favourite Aaliyah moment, when "Are You That Somebody" was new and fresh, and one of the best songs I'd heard in a long time.

She was only 22 when she died, yet every year at this time, the music community embraces her legend, remembers her humble persona and beautiful voice, and celebrates the musical library she has left behind.

We've never met her. Many of us have probably never even seen her live. But the good thing about music...is that when it hits you, you feel no pain. And all of the sadness, the regret, and the darkness that approaches us whenever we think about people vanishing "too soon" and going "before their time" is easily subsided when the music is played, and the talent is remembered.

Many of these recording artists and entertainers are dear to our hearts simply because of that. Because of their creations, and because of the moments, and the feelings they have left with us as a result of their music.

Whether it's Tupac, or Nick Ashford of the legendary Ashford & Simpson (who just passed away 3 days ago, RIP), music is a power that truly never dies.

We thank Aaliyah for her contribution to our culture, our personal histories, and hope that those in the Bahamas going through their own devastation, ten years later, are safe from Hurricane Irene, and able to quickly recover.

Written by Stacey Marie Robinson, for Kya Publishing's "Urban Toronto Tales."

Reggae Music for the Soul: Beres Hammond & Wayne Wonder

2011-08-21T17:28:00.004-04:00

What more can I say? The artists that touched me in the 80s when I was first old enough to truly appreciate reggae music are the artists that still speak to me.

Last night (Saturday, August 20, 2011) I had the pleasure of taking in Wayne Wonder AND Beres Hammond at the Redemption presented show at the Sound Academy.

This music speaks to me like no other. Here's a few clips of the outstanding performances by both gentlemen. Two of the most beautiful, pure, and unchanging voices in music. Period.

Video by Stacey Marie Robinson.

The Words of Sister Souljah

2011-08-17T16:13:00.013-04:00

I finally finished reading Sister Souljah's 3rd book "Midnight," and I have been blown away, yet again by this woman's ability to write, create, and inspire.

I've only had a few books in my life that I've read that have really moved me. And I instantly know when a book has moved me because I can't put it down soon enough to begin my own writing.

As a writer, I ironically find it extremely difficult to "get into" other author's books. I find it easy to purchase a book, and easy to begin a book and find interest in it...but all it takes are a few pages for me to realize that I'm either in it to finish it...or that it will join a long list of creations on my bookshelf that may never get completed.

And this is no disrespect to the brilliant writers who have created their works...it's just that there is something that I internally seek out of the writing of others that somehow Sister Souljah has fulfilled in me each and every time I pick up one of her books.

Terry McMillan has this effect on me. Iyanla Vanzant has this affect on me. These sisters SPEAK to me so clearly that through their words I realize WHY I am a writer, and what type of emotions I aspire to evoke out of others if they so choose to read one of my books.

Reading her 1999 release "The Coldest Winter Ever" had me absolutely convinced that I'd never read anything better. That book continues to be the bomb in my eyes. Until I discovered her 1995 release "No Disrespect." I remember reading that book on a trip down south, not minding the hours of layovers on the trip because I was so hypnotized by her personal story.

"Midnight" has been in my possession probably for almost a year. I'd read a few pages, and then put it down. Read another few pages, and then put it down. Admittedly, I didn't get it...for a good while. I was expecting the fast-paced action of "The Coldest Winter Ever." I was expecting the drama of "No Disrepect." What I didn't realize that the meaning of this particular novel, the lessons, the spirit of it, and the overall impact it would have on my was far greater than I would know.

I fell in love with Akemi and Midnight's love story. It was so unconventional. So adolescent, yet so wise. So authentic. I was so drawn into their story that I could almost feel their emotions myself.

The sign of a great writer. I felt like I knew these characters personally. Their hearts. Their ambitions. Sister Souljah provided such depth to them, and understanding of their motives and passions that it was impossible to not want everything to work in their favour.

I love what the book said about love, about a man's protection of his family, about pride, awareness, and concientiousness. I love that the character midnight emcompassed the soul and wisdom of a man three times his age, all before reaching the age of 18 himself.

I loved Souljah's portrayal of the Islamic faith, and the tenets of their Muslim upbringing and current lifestyle. I loved the beauty of her descriptions of their spirituality, and could feel the power of Allah--even as a Christian--and why it was such an important piece of this family's being.

I enjoyed the way in which she made Akemi and Midnight communicate, despite the fact that they could not speak through language. Her words clearly illustrated their love for one another, and it wasn't so much in the words as it was the energy of the text.

Most importantly, I think "Midnight" is an excellent coming-of-age story for any young man (or woman) to read, as it highlights the importance of values, committment, and a strong work ethic. Midnight was able to exist as a combination of the hardest brother...yet still possess the softest heart. And still achieve personal success.

Love, love, loved every minute of it.

And can't wait to read the follow-up novel, "Midnight and the Meaning of Love" that was released this past April.

Sister Souljah is definitely an inspiration to me, as a woman, and of course, as someone who has mastered her literary communication skills.

Born in the Bronx, Souljah (aka Lisa Williamson) is a graduate of Rutgers University's American History & African studies programs. A community actvist, MC, and motivational speaker, she has been a presence in the African-American and also political circles for decades.

She has taken her experiences, and infused the lessons of life into her novels...indirectly, yet so strongly.

These are the women telling stories of our generation...and I honour them. I am thankful for their words, and thankful for the intention with which their writings are constructed. None of these stories are in vain. Not from Terry, not from Iyanla...or from the other authors who have taken a slice of "urban" reality, and told a beautiful and spiritually uplifting story with it.

Checking online immediately for the next step in the saga of Midnight. If her past three books are any indication of the next book, then I think I'll be able to ride this inspiration for the next few months, and knock out a few chapters of my own book as a result.

Grateful for her words.

By Stacey Marie Robinson, Toronto-born writer and founder of Kya Publishing.

Going the Distance @ Ryerson University

2011-06-29T10:26:00.006-04:00

Navigating the publishing industry in Canada has been an exciting adventure for me, and I have Ryerson University to thank for giving me knowledge in this area, and contributing to the development of Kya Publishing. The article below was featured in Ryerson University's Perfect Bound magazine, outlining my first-person experiences as a distance education student.

Open publication

Special thanks to the editor Angela Walcott for always being so positive and supportive!

Rihanna's "Loud" Tour in Toronto

2011-06-07T16:24:00.009-04:00

I love a good concert. I love to hear familiar songs live. I love to see familiar artists do unfamiliar things. I love the creative energy, the lighting, the cheers, and the anticipation of a live show. If it's an artist I really love, I'll see them every time they come to town: regardless. For Rihanna, it was my first time seeing her in the flesh.

Rihanna's "Loud" tour hit Toronto's Air Canada Centre on Monday, June 6 for one of two shows the red-headed vocalist would be performing in T.O. Seated up in the 300's, I was still able to take in the best of the performances.

This girl can really sing! Despite the hairstyles, the dancing, and the other distracting "star quality" factors that Ms. Fenty possesses, little is ever said about this lady's voice. Even in live TV show performances you can't really appreciate the vocals of the Bajan pop singer. But live...it's evident that her talent is overwhelming.

She has the kind of voice that is definitely unique...it's got a quality and tone to it that may not be for everyone, but Rihanna hit all her notes, sang and danced simultaneously, and kept a smile on her face throughout the two-hour set as she belted out all of her hits that we've grown to know and love.

And so many hits there are! You almost forget just how long Rihanna has been pushing out tracks. Year after year, her songs have topped the charts in a fashion only comparable to the likes of Madonna, Janet Jackson, or Mariah Carey. Even Beyonce and Lady Gaga haven't come close to Rihanna's chart-topping successes.

Opening with J Cole and B.O.B. was a nice move. Smooth, great vibe, and familiar tracks to get everyone ready for the headlining performance. A surprise appearance by Toronto's own Melanie Fiona was a nice addition, as she joined B.O.B. for his performance of "Airplanes." I was hoping to catch Cee Lo Green as the opening act...but he was only signed up for the Tuesday edition of Rihanna's stop in Toronto.

Nonetheless, the additional artists were appreciated. And we all saw Drake. We saw him come in, followed by a long line of bodyguards and a moving mass of hundreds of fans clamouring to get near to him and snap even a faraway pic. Drake was seated in VIP, schmoozing with the fans and J Cole, where he rested comfortably for most of the night.

At one point we all saw him get up, we saw the guards escort him out to what we were SURE was backstage so he could get up there to perform "What's My Name" with Rihanna. But the song came and went...and Drake was never to be seen again. Would have been a nice addition...but was still a great show without him.

The fans didn't have to want for anything. She came on just after 9:30pm, and performed straight through to 11:30pm. A full set of all her songs. The costumes were fabulous, the dancers were great. The lighting and video were spectacular, and most importantly, the energy was high from beginning to end.

I felt proud of her. I don't know her, and don't pretend to know what goes on in her mind or with the intention of her team, but I do think that she has done a good job sustaining a successful career thus far. I think she's maintained the pop princess persona to perfection.

It's always nice to see a woman doing her thing. Yes, we don't know "much" about Rihanna as a person. But at age 23, chances are she may not even know much herself. Like other public figures we've seen grow, learn, and develop over the years, I hope that she has the opportunity to continue to be a positive figure for those watching her, and continue to grown in her craft.

Like anyone else, she deserves the best. It was nice to see her in a happy place, with a smile on her face, and to see the love easily projected back to her from the thousands of fans in attendance.

Here's a video clip from the Monday night show:

For more video, please visit http://www.youtube.com/stacemarie

Movie Review: "Jumping the Broom"

2011-05-16T11:40:00.029-04:00

I'll be the first to admit that my taste in movies is very simple: I like to laugh, I like to see reality, I like a little bit of drama (nothing too over-the-top or complicated) and I love a good "black" movie.

Now, to classify Jumping the Broom as a "black" movie is not to take away from its writing, direction, production, or the crazy star power that made this film a hit. In fact, as a film with any other race and the same general plot and hilarity...it would have remained a good film.

But as a writer, and an as an official connoisseur of "'black" movies...I really just love the familiarity of it all. Even the stereotypes (at times), the predictability of it (often), and especially the faces (always).

I've grown up watching Angela Bassett on screen. Loretta Devine, and even the younger cast members Meagan Good and Paula Patton. I've seen Lil Romeo practically as a toddler, so of course it's hilarious to see him flirting on-screen with Tasha Smith (of "Why Did I Get Married") and of course it's nice to see the other eye candy brothers like Gary Dourdan--that we've all had a crush on since "A Different World"--funny men DeRay Davis and Mike Epps, and of course our new favourite, Pooch Hall from BET's "The Game."

It's strange, because the on-screen family almost begins to feel like real family because every black movie has the same alternating cast members...but that's OK. It's OK to refer to them as "Derwin" or "Shazaa" and to chuckle almost instantly when Loretta Devine comes on the screen. The movie almost could have done no wrong because we already like the people. We know the people. We want the people to do well.

Jumping the Broom is a wedding story gone wrong. Paula Patton's character (Sabrina Watson) and her high-class mother (Bassett) prepare for the nuptuals of the young couple, after a six month courtship. The groom (Jason Taylor) played by Laz Alonso, is a pleasant professional brother...yet Sabrina hasn't had the opportunity to meet his family.

The wedding preparations are made, friends and family are arriving in Martha's Vineyard for the celebration...and of course. Oh oh. Jason's family is ghetto.

Again...give me a predictable plot, character actors like Epps and Davis who just have to shoot an off-camera glare to get a few laughs, and I'm good! There is a fine line between cheesy and ridiculous...and actual good writing, and I do think this movie was written well.

Produced by T.D. Jakes, Curtis Wallace, and Tracey Edmonds, and directed by Salim Akil (of The Game, Girlfriends, and Soulfood TV series), I think the production team overall had a great grasp of African-American culture, and also just plain old American culture. Two families meeting for the first time. Anxiety. Doubts. Family secrets. Love affairs. It was all there, and it was all done with class.

The movie was given favourable reviews almost across the board by entertainment reporters, major dailies, and even Roger Ebert gave it a "B" grade.

I love to see that the actors of this film have managed to sustain careers in Hollywood, and continue to find roles in movies like Jumping the Broom that really touch a cultural chord with many, as well as tell a nice story for an afternoon out at the theatre.

But most importantly, there is a comfort in this expression. I love that the "black" movie is no longer a "black" movie about "black" things. It's just a prodominantly "black" cast...telling really and truly, what is a universal story.

As a writer I TRULY appreciate these on-screen representations of everyday occurences, because it reinforces to me the power of that cultural recognition and how important it continues to be on screen, on the news, in the classroom, and also in literature. Even if the subject is just simply "being" without political discourse or deliberate messages...just in their being are they representing something significant. The ability to comfortably exist.

As I mentioned, there's a moment in the film when we are first introduced to Loretta Devine as Mrs. Taylor, and the theatre audience immediately burst into laughter. Not at what she says or what she does...but simply by just looking at her character, the hair, the clothing, the actions, the facial expressions, and just instantly connecting with what exactly is about to go down.

Then you see Shonda (Tasha Smith), Mrs. Taylor's best friend, and chuckle again. You remember her from "Why Did I Get Married" and how she MADE that movie funny. Bring in Mike Epps with his shades and cigarette. Funny sh**. DeRay Davis: jokes. I appreciate what these actors mean to popular culture so much.

Truth be told, I would have liked to see more from Epps and Davis. A few more jokes, a little bit more character development, and a contribution to the movie that went beyond their appearance and gestures. I know they are funny, and wish I could have seen more of their talent.

I don't get inspired to see movies often, but this was an opportunity I appreciated. It's not a blockbuster hit or a suspenseful edge-of-your-seat screenplay, but it touched my heart, it made me smile, and it made me feel almost proud of the actors who have carved a role in our culture doing what they do, and making us recognize and celebrate a little bit of ourselves (good and bad) through their characters.

I'm sure herein lies the very reason they have continued to be actors, after all these years.

~Written by Stacey Marie Robinson, for Kya Publishing's blog "Kya's Piece"

Caribana 2011 with the Toronto Revellers - "Welcome to Oz"

2011-05-07T08:25:00.014-04:00

The Wizard of Oz is one of my all time favourite movies. So when I discovered that the Toronto Revellers' Caribana theme for 2011 was going to be "Welcome to Oz" I was beyond ecstatic.

I've played mas with the Revellers since 2007, and truly believe it is the "people's band"...in fact, I believed in the vibes and experience of the Revellers so much, that along with 3 other friends (Cherr Evans, Candice Dixon, and Sonia Bhatia) I decided to take on the challenge of being a section leader this year.

After a huge learning curve, many many late nights and all-nighters, and the support of the Toronto Revellers' team, we have finally developed a costume that we are in love with.

Video of us preparing our prototype in the months leading up to May 2011.

Our section "Wicked" has been a project of passion, and as of yesterday, Friday, May 6, 2011, the Toronto Revellers mas camp (or home base) is now open to the public to view the costumes, and sign up to participate in the parade.

Located at 2135 Sheppard Avenue East, the mas camp now has a cute-ass display of the "Welcome to Oz" costumes...and as you follow the yellow brick road around the showroom, you'll be captivated by costumes ranging from "Ruby" (slippers), to "Heartless" (tin man), to "Dorothy"...and of course our baby, "Wicked" (witch of the west).

There are 14 sections in total, in our Emerald City. They are:

Courage-Lion (by Attasha Jordan)
Dorothy (by the Toronto Revellers)
Emerald City (by Joann Chase)
Wizards Fury (by Nikki Brand-Dixon and Zakiya Ricketts)
Glinda the Good Witch & Lollipop Guild (by Natalie Williams)
Heartless-Tin Man (by Roger Taylor Montano)
Lullaby (by Giselle "The Wassi One" Blanche)
Over the Rainbow (by Yvette McBurnie)
Ruby Red (by Camille Lewis)
Scarecrow (by Roger Taylor Montano)
Weathering the Storm (by Christiane Tetreault & Simone Russelburn)
Wicked & Winkie Guard (by Cherr Evans, Candice Dixon, Sonia Bhatia, and me...Stacey Marie Robinson)
Witch of the East & Fly (by Roger Taylor Montano)
Yellow Brick Road (by Roxane Austin)

Overall, I think the Revellers have done a fabulous job this year. Yes, I am completely biased...but yes, there is good reason for my opinion. I think the original designs, the section consistency, the great interpretation of the theme, and of course the spirit of the production, will make this a successful year for the Toronto Revellers.

If you weren't able to make it out to the Toronto Revellers band launch last weekend (Saturday, April 30), here's video of all of the above-mentioned costumes on display for the on-stage presentation.

To see behind the scenes footage of the "Wicked" & "Winkie Guards photoshoot, check out the video below.

So yes it's still May, yes you still need your jacket to go outside, and yes...we haven't even hit the Victoria Day long weekend yet, let alone Canada Day or any other Canadian summer milestones...but you better believe that Caribana is already in full swing.

I have loved this experience thus far, because it brings the Caribana spirit to life for more than just a few weeks. By participating as a section leader we're able to enjoy the build up, take in the music, fabrics, and festivities, and really and truly appreciate the experience on the road when July 30 rolls around.

But in the meanwhile....we cut, we glue, we bead, we measure, we meet with the ladies joining our section and we prepare. I have a feeling this might be my best Caribana yet!

Reggae Divas: The Visibility of Female Reggae Artists

2011-03-23T09:09:00.027-04:00

Vybez Kartel. Mavado. Beenie. Bounty. Buju. Male reggae artists are constantly in the news, constantly changing styles, innovating Jamaican culture and dancehall culture internationally, and churning out music for reggae fans around the world.

Busy Signal. Vegas. Cham. Sanchez. T.O.K. Beres Hammond. The styles of each artist vary so uniquely from one another, that one can't help but love reggae music and the diversity that exists within it.

But while Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Jennifer Hudson, and Keri Hilson can easily dominate the charts and media attention of pop and hip-hop...the female reggae singers hardly get the same kind of spotlight that their female counterparts in all other genres do, nor do they get the same amount of attention as other musicians in the reggae genre.

They are just as talented, just as provocative, and the music is just as sweet...but female reggae artists have yet to receive the same level of love and recognition for their years of musical contributions to the genre.

Enter Reggae Divas.

Curious about the amount of media and cultural recognition that these artists have received over the years, I was disappointed to find that there haven't been many books, articles, or features written exclusively about women in reggae. And so this is why I have started to create my own tribute to female artists in reggae music.

My book Reggae Divas (via Kya Publishing) will be an anthology of female artists in reggae music. And as cliche as the word "diva" is, it is the only word I thought could truly personify what these ladies are: glamorous and successful or distinguished female performers.

And there are so many. Althea & Donna, Judy Mowatt, Marcia Griffiths and of course Rita Marley come to mind when thinking of legendary female performers.

And the ladies that brought a new sense of style, confidence, sexuality, and redefined the image of women in reggae/dancehall: Lady Saw, Lady G, Nadine Sutherland, and Diana King to name a few. Their music made women everywhere feel sexy, liberated, in control, and had them taking control of their images.

So no badda come ya wid yuh gali gali trend
Just ease off breeze off
Yuh no hear sey skettel bomb no dey a road again
~Lady Saw

You've got the new soulful singers like Alaine, Cherine Anderson, and the sisters Tami Chynn and Tessanne Chin...not to mention other recent hit makers like Tifa, Timberlee, Macka Diamond, and Stacious. These ladies make you want to dance, celebrate, love life, and again, stand firm in your own image.

Conscious sisters like Queen Ifrica, Tanya Stephens, and Etana...their lyrics give us strength, wisdom, and of course vibes.

Even without the male artists, the female reggae artists carry heavyweights, lyricists, fashionistas, and again--enough diversity and authentic talent to warrant recognition and celebration. Their lyrics make women shout out loud and claim a space in reggae music.

Tell ah gal seh mi's ah girl mi nuh fight ova man
From mi lickel bit ah jus so mi tan
Dis yah gal only wan gi him one
After dat him tun fool cauz him jus get di bomb
~Spice

Yet their visibility is limited. Their buzz isn't always as strong, although it should be.

I'm continually amazed at how much talent and power exists on island of Jamaica. How strongly reggae music plays from the Caribbean, to Africa, Asia, North America...and how others have eagerly adapted dancehall and Jamaican culture into the fabric of their own local environments.

On the surface...there are many of them. Their lyrics are memorable, their images are magnificent, and their stories are worth telling.

I see them coming after my soul....wanted to take control
Wanna give me locks, wanna give me bling....
Wanna give me all the material things....
I hear dem talking bout what the world has to offer, girl what you doing dont you see....
What they have done to Bed-ward & Marcus, Jesus and all of the Profits
But I am not afraid
~Etana

So as I officially commence the research stage of Reggae Divas the written anthology, I am prepared to learn from their individual journeys, gain strength from their words, and of course vibe to their music.

They deserve to be documented in print. They deserve to be exhaulted and I definitely don't mind taking the time out to ensure that these ladies are written about and celebrated in a way that reflects their contribution to music and what they represent to so many woman (and men) around the world.

Links...
REGGAE DIVAS - YOU TUBE
REGGAE DIVAS - TWITTER
REGGAE DIVAS - WEBSITE

~"Reggae Divas" is a forthcoming anthology of women in reggae music, written by Stacey Marie Robinson, founder of Kya Publishing.

A Woman's Worth [in the entertainment industry]

2011-03-06T17:45:00.012-05:00

A few years ago I went to a Mary J. Blige concert at the Molson Ampitheatre at Ontario Place in Toronto. I've been a fan of Mary since the beginning, but somehow this was the first time I had seen her live. I was glad to be there, and glad to see a packed house, and hear her perform the songs that had been the soundtrack and inner dialogue to so many moments in my life.

She sang, she danced, she spoke to the audience about her life's moments that brought her to that place. She connected with us, as we had connected with her hundreds of times before listening to any one of her legendary albums that are obvious staples in anyone's music collection.

And when Mary got ready to sing her classic "I'm Going Down" (a cover of Rose Royce's hit from 1977) from her second album, My Life...all it took was a few intro notes from the band, and the women in the Ampitheatre began to cheer, clear their throats...and sing.

Time on my hands...since you've been away boy...I ain't got no plans...no no no no...

Instant goosebumps. While Mary originally intended to sing the song...she couldn't. The feedback from the ladies in the audience as they belted the tune out back to Mary was overwhelming. She stopped. She put the microphone out towards the audience, and she let us sing.

And boy did we sing.

Sleep don't come easy...boy please believe me...since you've been gone...everything's going wrong...

And it continued like this for the chorus. For the next few verses. For the entireity of the song, Mary did not sing one note! It wasn't planned but it happened. And it happened because we were moved to experience the song in the way Mary had. We were moved to sing the song at the top of our lungs. And although we had paid money to hear Mary sing it--along with her other hits--we couldn't help but take over the show.

I use Mary as a prime example, because she's one of the strongest artists that emerged, developed, and excelled in my generation. From she first came out in the early 90s until this day, married, mature, and still rocking the charts, Mary J Blige is one of those women that will always be influential.

And Mary's just one of them. I could easily list dozens of female entertainers in music, writing, film, and television, whose creativity has had an equally strong and moving effect on their audience members.

With International Women's Day taking place in the month of March, I began to think about what it means to be a woman in the entertainment industry. What does it mean to be Oprah, or Mary...what does it mean to be Mariah, Halle, or even Whoopi? What does it mean to have the ability to project your thoughts, your words, and your face to millions of others on a fairly regular basis? What does it mean to have other women reciprocate your work so strongly, that they can easily sing your song word for word, right on tune, without missing a single note?

There are plenty of women in other industries doing their thang: scientists, teachers, business women, and homemakers alike. I can appreciate the diversity of today's woman and know that there is an impact to be made across the board...but my attention is specifically set on the role of the female entertainer. What is her worth? Why is she the one that gets most of the recognition and praise?

And then I thought back to the Mary concert. And I remembered watching "A Different World" on television and seeing these young, fun, and likeable women of all shades and sizes pursuing a university education on screen. I thought about writers like Terry McMillan (as noted in my previous post), and reporters like Oprah Winfrey. While their business is entertainment, their mere presence was so much more than that to me. They were role models...women outside of our families and friends that we could look to for examples of ourselves. They were powerful.

Even as an adult, I still look to many of the women I grew up being entertained by, for strength, encouragement, and motivation. I put on an Alicia Keys CD when I need inspiration to start practicing my piano and tightening my skills. I'll watch a Mariah Carey or Kimora Lee Simmons documentary when I need to see a woman taking her industry and making millions and millions from it, and leading the most glamourous lifestlyes imaginable. I'll tune into Oprah, as she takes an audience of hundreds across Australia on an adventure, and I get moved when I see her cry at the simplest things like fireworks or a beautiful sunset. I'll read a book by Queen Latifah and celebrate how far she's come.

OK, so they're millionnaires. And they're off in Hollywood or wherever they reside "entertaining" for a living, while the rest of us tend to a nine-to-five. What is their real worth in the grand scheme of things? For me, it's a feeling. An energy. A hope. A gratitude.

Because Mary J. Blige wasn't always "Mary J. Blige." And Oprah and her millions used to be Oprah and her pocket change. The Williams sisters and their multi-national sponsorships used to be two little sisters playing tennis...and yes, even though they've reached unbelievable levels of success and recognition, I still feel the reality is that they are average women who had a dream, stuck to their vision, and never looked back.

And this I believe is the value of the women in the entertainment industry that we know and love.

We grew up with them. We see their lives play out in the media (good and bad) and we are entertained by their movies, we laugh at their TV shows, we jam to their music, and we depend on their creativity to tell our stories and do the things we aspire to do, at times.

Without taking away from the individual wonderful lives we lead...we can admire them from afar, and silently congratulate these women on turning their passions into a career, and turning their talents into a culture. This is the culture that we live in, and their work has often been the backbone of our experiences.

Specifically, with the black female entertainers...sometimes it was just nice to see their faces and recognize my experiences through them. Honestly. I've got love and appreciation for women of ALL ethnicities, but the black ones provided that extra sense of recognition, extra sense of self-love, and that extra motivation to excel. They REALLY spoke to me, in a way that I internalized on a personal level.

So while I'd like to pay tribute to ALL women for International Woman's Day, I created a montage of the black female faces that directly and indirectly gave so many of us the courage, the confidence, and the motivation to pursue our own dreams.

Black History Month Reflection - Black Writers Who Have Influenced Me

2011-02-06T13:27:00.027-05:00

Black History Month has new significance to me each year. This particular Black History Month, 2011, I would like to pay hommage to the Black Writers who have influenced and inspired me with their words through the various stages of my growth as a writer.

Inspiration is a difficult thing to describe--but something I can't deny when I feel it. Whether it comes from music, a conversation, an observation, or deliberate instruction, inspiration as a writer is the moving spirit that leads you directly to the nearest computer, notepad, or BlackBerry to jot down your thoughts and your plan to develop them.

As a writer, I seldom have a specific method to my literary madness. There's no set writing "time," writing "place," or writing "process." When the inspiration hits me...I write.

And so I often find myself seeking inspiration in experiences: concerts, travel, music, productions, new friendships, or by witnessing the legacies and creations of those writers who came before me.

TERRY MCMILLAN, Novelist

(1992-1996 - high school) - During this stage of my life, I began to share my writing with others for the first time. After years of writing for hobby, I felt it was time to print and disseminate my words to my peers and classmates.

After reading Terry McMillan's novel Mama, I felt an instant connection to her mission. She was writing from the soul, she was writing in her native cadence, and she was unapologetic about the natural flow and mannerisms of her characters. Up until that point I had been "trying" to make my characters sound and act a particular way.

Terry McMillan influenced me to just be me. To write from a place of experience, to write in the dialect and "Canadian-ness" of my surroundings, and to do so without hesitation.

McMillan, a journalism major from UC Berkeley, self-published her first novel, and through interactions with the Harlem Writer's Guild and various granting and scholarship programs, gained the recognition from Doubleday agent Molly Friedrich, who assisted her on her journey to becoming a best-selling author.

Her stories have spoke to women everywhere. From Waiting to Exhale, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, and her most recent book, Getting to Happy, her strong female characters have inspired self-liberation, blockbuster movies, and mass-pilgrammages to Jamaica looking for

love.

What I love about Terry McMillan is that she is who she is. Her courage to just BE, allows me to also let go of my apprehensions and allow my writing to speak as it is intended: in it's natural form.

JOHN SINGLETON, Screenwriter

(1997-2001 - university) - I love Boyz in the Hood, Higher Learning, Poetic Justice, and Baby Boy because they defined an era of popular black films. Screenwriter and filmmaker John Singleton, helped to frame our perception of ourselves (as young blacks) and also gave society a glimpse into the lifestyles of this demographic.

From the hard gangster living, to the vulnerable romantic escapades, Singleton brought reality to the screen in a way that was refreshing and appreciated.

A graduate of USC film school, Singleton was nominated at the Academy Awards for his direction and writing in Boyz in the Hood, now a classic 'black' film, and 90's pop culture staple.

While his peer Spike Lee tended to be more political and deliberate with his on-screen depictions of African-Americans, Singleton approached the subject with a lens of normalcy. Showing his characters in everyday scenarios, yet still infusing his projects with understated political commentary, and evidence of self-growth and understanding.

Singleton's movies continue to be some of my favourites of all times. It was so refreshing to see young black relationships, friendships, academics, and storylines on the big screen, and the self-reflection played a huge role in how I wanted my writing to feel. I wanted it to feel natural. I wanted it to feel every day...yet I wanted there to be a greater message of understanding at its core.

Singleton's era of filmmaking was legendary, and ushered in the opportunity for others to make the less-political black narrative/commentary.

OMAR TYREE, Novelist

(2002-2006 - graduate school) - Once I had established a comfortable writing tone, I was still exploring the subject matters I would embrace in my story-telling. A writer of interpersonal relationships stories in general, I still could not avoid my love for music and entertainment.

Reading two novels by Omar Tyree, Diary of a Groupie, and my favourite book, Just Say No, I read how he brought life to the entertainment industry, to the R&B/performer's lifestyle, and I absolutely loved it! This was direct inspiration for my novel Request to Rewind where I explored the Toronto entertainment industry, specifcally, and realized that my books didn't have to necessarily just focus on relationships, but there was also a way to write about an experience, a feeling, and a sound, like Omar Tyree had through his characters in these two novels.

Those two particular books piqued my interest, however, many fell in love with Flyy Girl, and For the Love of Money, Tyree classics. With his 16 books, various articles, and NAACP Image Award, Tyree is a popular voice and mind of understanding the contemporary African-American. One of the legends of the "urban fiction" genre, he also studied journalism, and explores his writing to genres of songwriting, screenwriting, and is even now venturing into urban children's books.

MARA BROCK AKIL, Television Writer

(2007 - present) - I love a good story, and will be the first to admit that it doesn't have to come in the form of a novel. I love a good movie, and a good television story as well. And while it may seem unnecessary to specific race in the telling of said stories...I also will admit that I truly appreciate a good story about black characters.

And with the above-mentioned writers, I particularly love that the character's "blackness" does not necessarily have to be an important element of the story. I just love to read/see a good story told...through the "black" experience.

We have all seem Mara Brock Akil's work, whether we realize it or not. She has been the writing force behind many of our favourite television shows with majority black casts. Do you remember South Central, based off the movie of the same name? Or how about the classic Jamie Foxx Show, and Brandy's Moesha? Good television.

Brock Akil also happens to be the creator and writer of recent classics: Girlfriends, and the newly rejuvinated, The Game. Be it comedy or drama, Brock Akil has a brilliantly natural writing style. She builds great characters, depicts a specifically African-American experience, yet again, does not overtly make the stories "black" or particularly ethnic in nature.

The ease with which she writes has inspired me. She creates realistic storylines, believable emotions, and likeable characters, all while still contributing to the increasing visual presence of blacks on television. Through her I have realized that while ethnicity is important for visibility, documentation, and celebration...it doesn't have to THE reason why the story is relevant. Individuals of all races can relate to her programming.

And while these four writers may stand out the most to me, in terms of inspiration for my own story writing, there are MANY others who have influenced and motivated me along my journey:

Gina Prince-Bythewood (writer on TV's A Different World, and of the movie Love & Basketball)

Sister Souljah (novelist)

Tyler Perry (screenwriter)

George Elliott Clarke (Canadian poet/writer and African-Canadian literary expert)

Iyanla Vanzant (inspirational writer)

Spike Lee (screenwriter)

Austin Clarke (acclaimed Canadian novelist)

So this Black History Month, I am thankful for the black writers who have moved me with their words, contributed to contemporary black culture with their thoughts and productions, and most importantly, given me the courage to pursue my own career in writing.

As with many writers I'm sure, sometimes you don't know why you have been called to write. Most of the time, it's because you have no choice. The words and characters just come to you, and your only option is to give them life on the pages of your computer screen.

I appreciate that the writers I admire chose to follow their instincts and pursue a life of writing, because they have ignited something within me that validates my need to write, my passion for characters and story, and most importantly...the necessity to document our culture--Canadian, Black, or otherwise--and share our experiences and epiphanies.

Reflecting on Our Reigning Queen, Latifah

2011-01-29T19:51:00.017-05:00

Before Lady O[prah] starting taking over the media and influencing millions of women everywhere, before Queen B[eyonce] began to conquer the charts, the big screen, and the world of cosmetics...even before Mary J. Blige was crowed the Queen of Hip Hop Soul...there was our original queen of entertainment: Queen Latifah.

With the summer 2010 release of her book "Put on Your Crown: Life-Changing Moments on the Path to Queendom," Queen Latifah easily entered another area of entertainment, by penning her life story and getting comfortable in the world of publishing.

And rightfully so. She has excelled at essentially every other area she's touched, since we were first introduced to her in 1998.

Because Dana Elaine Owens is in the media and relevant all the time, it's easy to overlook her contribution to urban entertainment, and now mainstream pop culture.

Of course we remember her best for her 1989 album "All Hail the Queen" and the way she would command the stage, decked out in Afro-centric attire, rapping hard, and at the same time embracing her femininity. She made sure to tell you what you could and could not call her...she reminded us as young girls that we should stand tall in who we were: "who you callin' a bitch?" was a classic female hip hop lyric that spoke volumes.

And somehow in the span of her almost 25 year career, we haven't even had the chance to see how smoothly Latifah went from a New Jersey rapper to an Academy Award nominated entertainment icon.

Now along with her Grammy, she also has a Golden Globe and a SAG award. She has Emmy nominations, and she's an easy go-to-girl to host shows from the BET Awards to the People's Choice Awards. Latifah is loveable, dependable, and she's proven to be a consummate entertainer, on all fronts.

Her book "Put on Your Crown" chronicles her journey from a young girl in New Jersey, up to the present time. While it's neither a detailed autobiography nor a specific self-help book, it's kind of a combination of the two genres. She tells her story, and throws in words of advice and inspiration along the way.

I enjoyed reading her first-person accounts of many of the memorable moments in her life, good and bad. From when she received a star right next to Michael Jackson's on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, to when her brother Winki was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident in 1992.

Greatly influenced by her mother Rita, Latifah shares many of the lessons she learned as a result of great parenting (despite her parents divorce at age 10), and as a result of maintaining self-esteem regardless of her circumstances, appearance, or expectations around her.

At age 40, you still get the impression that there is so much more to see from Queen Latifah. And while it's obvious that she's already done so much in her career, it's actually pretty rare that the viewing audience has yet to tire of her.

In fact, as I was finishing up the book in the elevator today, an elderly (like really elderly) yet nosy/fass neighbour was staring at my book cover, and smiling. "Oh, I really like her," she said to me, pointing at the cover of my book. And I had to agree: EVERYBODY likes Queen Latifah. It's official.

Admittedly, sometimes I get annoyed to discover that everyone and their mother also has a book. Literally. As a writer, you can't help but become jaded when Snooki from Jersey Shore, Paris Hilton, the Kardashians, and every other person making over a million is given a lucrative publishing deal and churns out a full-length book in a matter of month.

But I digress.

Something can be said for having an interesting life experience, and apparently readers will always pick up a copy of "literature" as long as it's written by a famililar face. This is one of the "celebrity" books that I really and truly can't be cynical about. It is what it is: a legendary female figure telling her story. And my ability to whiz through this book showed me that Latifah did a good job telling it.

There's nothing groundbreaking on the pages. Most of it we already know. We know about the fabulous movies (Last Holiday and Bringing Down the House were my personal favourites), and the hit songs and hip hop classic albums. We know about the Flavor Unit, and her sidekick from time, Shakim.

I was kinda wondering if she'd finally drop some bombs about her often-questioned sexuality. Latifah's been rumoured to date her personal trainer Jeanette Jenkins, whom she also reportedly bought a house with...but the rumours will remain that, as she often addresses previous boyfriends in the book and regrets for not having children earlier in life...but Latifah totally stays away from the topic of present-time relationships, or even the fact that her sexuality has always been a hot topic (especially after that role in Set if Off that we remember her playing all too well in 1996).

She went broke in 2000, despite her fame. She was molested at age 5 by a neighbour. There were a few things I didn't really know much about...but again, there was no juicy gossip, just lots of sugary sweet words of encouragement:

"We all need people to help us and lift us up. and other people need our help. When you put that together, you can create something really powerful."

"You make your own oppotunities."

"You have to be constantly improving yourself."

"We can rise up only when we stand on the shoulders of those who went before us."

"Whatever your religion or belief system, the key is to have an active inner life that radiates through all your actions..."

Nothing exceptionally unique or "deep," but definitely taken to heart, given the source it's coming from, and the context it's written in.

But I liked the level of detail that was introduced. For example, I loved to know that her bond with her business partner Shakim is so deep that he actually jumped in front of her to protect her from danger/bullets when an event they were at went awry.

It was endearing to read how she often escaped the madness of her ultra-busy schedule to sit next to her brother's grave and speak to him for hours on end. Moreso, to learn that the scar on her forehead that she refuses to cover with makeup or airbrush, despite suggestion, was a scar she received at age 3 while playing tag with her brother.

And again, I'm fascinated by "celebrity" life because at its core there is always a regular ol' individual trying to make it, who has the faith, determination--and if they're as lucky as Latifah--the support of family and grounded friends to help build those dreams and fantasies into an easy reality.

Yes, there were downfalls in her professional journey as well. I don't know about you, but I definitely didn't buy her 2004 jazz CD "The Dana Owens Album." I also didn't watch her daytime talk show from 1999-2001. Like any career, there were definitely some misses...but it's safe to say that overall, Latifah's had an awesome career...up to here.

And while she came on to the scene as a dope female MC, I think her true legacy will be being able to capture the screen, and make us laugh through her television and film roles. Living Single was a staple TV show while growing up in the 90s, her roles in House Party 2, Juice, and Jungle Fever, are roles we're all familiar with. I love her comedic relief in my favourite movie, Brown Sugar.

So this rapper-turned-actress-turned-Cover Girl is still, and will always remain, a true Queen on so many fronts. She has personified elegance, grace, and just genuine congeniality. It's hard to NOT like this woman.

Keep givin' it to 'em, Queen!

"Take the time to check in with yourself, regularly. Don't lose yourself." ~Queen Latifah

A clip from Latifah's performance of "Latifah's Had it Up to Here" on the Arsenio Hall Show.

"The Game" on BET - Rejuvinating the Black Narrative

2011-01-19T14:17:00.013-05:00

On the 11th day of the 1st month of the 2011th year, millions (7.7 to be exact) of viewers across the continent gathered at their televisions for a highly anticipated event: the return and rejuvination of The Game.

And I’m not talking about the Raptors.

(The Cast L-R: Coby Bell, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Hosea Chanchez, Tia Mowry Hardrict, Pooch Hall, Brittany Daniel)

Thanks to day-long marathons, relentless reruns, massive Twitter-ing, casual conversations, and online petitions, the return of the 4th season of the BET program was a huge ratings bonanza. In fact, it set a ratings record for original programming on BET.

I was right there on the bandwagon, wondering how Melanie and Derwin’s marriage was going, if Kelly and Jason would rekindle their flame, what was up with Tasha Mack and Rick Fox, and of course, even curious about TT, Janay, and the Sunbeams.

The show was taken off the air in 2009, and I became a rerun fan. Just like I did with Sex and the City, Friends, and the countless other shows I never truly appreciated until they were old news and in syndication.

And I got sucked into Sex and the City, Friends, and the other pleasant scripted television shows because I could relate to the women. The stories. The experiences. And when I say relate, I mean I could truly appreciate the characters, the other 30-somethings, and the anecdotal familiarities that came along with them.

But The Game was a different kind of recognition.

The Game brought back an old familiar feeling. The characters spoke to me on a different level. Not on the level of being rich, living the glamorous live of professional athleticism, not the beautiful homes, and the wine drinking. This brought back the feeling of days past, when there were a few good quality television shows that reflected a less popular demographic: the black narrative.

We had it with Living Single. Maxine’s love/hate relationship with Kyle; Khadijah hooking up with Scooter, and the cute Overton and Sinclair.

Then there was A Different World, watching Denise Huxtable and Dwayne Wayne, Jaleesa and the crew get through the challenges of college. That program made university life look so appealing and like a must-have life experience.

I won’t even take it back to the Cosby Show or Good Times level: I’m just thinking about the predominantly "black" shows that have had an impact post-childhood/80s. The television shows that defined a new generation.

Remember looking forward to watching Martin every week to see what crazy ish he would be up to? Having him run into Shanaynay in the hall; trying to figure out where Tommy actually worked, or seeing Bruh-Man (from the fif floor) sneak into the window?

Even Girlfriends was pretty good. I wasn't a huge fan, but it definitely had relevant topics, and interesting storylines.

I’ve missed having a good SCRIPTED show to look forward to. And while race shouldn’t be a factor in whether or not a television show is going to be great or not…it does feel a little bit more special when there’s a cast full of black faces. It’s hard to explain, but it does make a difference when you get to see black characters represented in great storylines. It rarely happens in an ensemble cast, even though the majority of popular shows are pretty diverse in casting.

Representation is SO important.

But most importantly, I love a great story. So I’m going to commend the creator Mara Brock Akil, and the producers Salim Akil (Mara's husband) and Kelsey Grammer, for giving The Game enough intrigue, great scripts, and believable characters.

Highlights of Episode 1 and 2 (Season 4)
--Seeing Derwin and Melanie actually married, and moving on to the next stage of their relationship after all that drama. Loved seeing the dramatic acting as well!
--Tasha Mack being her regular hilarious self:
--Jason being true to character: corny but funny.
--Robin Givens was gone.
--Seeing TT step out of Malik’s shadow, finally having some character growth.

WTF Moments Thus Far
--What was Tasha Mack doing with that pickney Terrance J? So not believable, and kinda made her seem less confident and more cougar. Someone please bring back Rick Fox. RICK…..FOX!
--How did Brit Brat go from being a cute kid to a rude teenager? Fail.
--Will Meagan Goode ever have a likeable role/character…ever? Why was she there?
--Why did Malik have to be so mean to TT? Makes me not want to care about what happens to Malik's character.

Apparently we as television viewers really needed this event. The audience has spoken. I hope the rest of the season lives up to this phenomenal hype. I hope that this is just the beginning of bringing back good writers, good characters, and entertaining television for the ‘urban’ demographic.

P.S. Can someone please tell the people who run BET programming in Canada to actually watch the channel from time to time, as to better coordinate their abrupt commercial breaks and mood-killing transitions. Ridiculous!

~Written by Stacey Marie Robinson, Kya Publishing

Respecting the Reggae Riddim

2011-01-11T11:17:00.035-05:00

Picture it: 1988. You're in a dim studio in Kingston, Jamaica,and Dennis Brown is on the mic. Behind him seated at the drums is a young Lowell Dunbar (aka Sly) and next to him on guitar, his bredren Robert Shakespeare. Hear the bassline. Feel the shuffle of the percussion. See the birth of the original riddim, instrument by instrument.

Sly & Robbie with Dennis Brown.

At that point producers Sly & Robbie had already cemented themselves on the reggae scene for a little over 10 years, and possibly had no idea that well into the 2000s, they would be the most prolific team in the musical genre, having produced around 200,000 songs.

Their roster could easily start and stop with Dennis Brown, but Sly & Robbie's production credits continue to include classics from Bounty Killer, Buju Banton, Gregory Isaacs, Luciano, Tony Rebel, and of course Chaka Demus & Pliers. And their affiliations aren't limited to reggae. They've also performed and produced with/for legends like the Rolling Stones, Sting, Bob Dylan, and No Doubt.

Now think of songs like "Murder She Wrote"...or how about Buju Banton's "Driver A" ...Bounty Killer's "Fed Up." Next, consider the countless OTHER songs that have appeared on those riddims. And then respect the brilliant minds like Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare who created those riddims that will appear and re-appear in reggae music indefinitely.

The reggae riddim is something that continues to fascinate me. It is what it is...a beat. But its very construction is so unique that I am always impressed by the creativty put into it. The names of the riddims. The dances that accompany the riddims. And most importantly, I love to listen to different artists take the same one riddim, and create a multitude of songs that ride and highlight the riddim in different ways.

Some of my personal favourite riddims were created between 1995 and 1997 because of the feelings they evoke in me. It was a fun era of dancehall music, different than the rub-a-dub style of the 80s. The late-90s brought me riddims that always make me smile. Quarter To Twelve riddim. Tour riddim. Fed Up riddim. Stink riddim. Cloak & Dagger riddim. Haunted riddim. Filty riddim. During that era, it wasn't unlikely to have a great riddim contain over a dozen tunes...a DJ could easily spin say, the Stink riddim, endlessly, without tiring his audience.

Stink Riddim classics: "Old Dog" - Beenie Man, "The Mass" - Baby Cham, "Go Go Wine" - Captain Barkey, "Girls Dem Gizzada" - Merciless, "Girl Watcher" - Spragga Benz, "Dreamland" - Wayne Wonder & Frisco Kid.

1996's Stink Riddim was created by Dave Kelly, another reggae production legend, who single-handedly made the late-90s hot. He crafted the era of the Beenie/Bounty/Buju classics, starting the Madhouse lable, and subsequently rocking basement parties from Scarborough to Malton with hits on top of hits. Kelly also produced a track for Kardinal Offishall, in 2003.

What really fascinates me is the creativity behind the naming of the riddims.

You could easily create an A-B-C's of riddim names, but I'll just use B as an example: BackYard riddim (1998), Badda Badda riddim (1999), Blue Drawers riddim (2001), Bomb A Drop riddim (2004), Butterfly riddim (1993), and Buyout riddim (2001). And while the riddim names may not always ring a bell with the average listener, the tunes definitely will.

Some riddims are classic, and revisited time and time again. They are staples of reggae music: Sleng Teng riddim, Punaany riddim, Taxi riddim, Stalag riddim, Far East riddim, and even the Bam Bam and Bogle riddims. They are so deeply engrained into the heart and soul of reggae music that they NEVER get old or stale. Impossible.

From the food-based riddims: Pressure Cooker riddim, Rice & Peas riddim, Callallo Bed riddim, and Roast Breadfruit riddim...to the politically relevant riddims: Saddam Birthday Party riddim, Anthrax riddim, and Under Attack riddim...reggae music always has it's finger on the pulse of what's hot, what's timely...and in some cases, what's crazy and funny.

It's the kind of genre where you have to pay attention. Because while a riddim may be red-hot one minute, it can easily be played out the next. Not all riddims have the staying power of the Taxi or Sleng Teng...and there's always new talent, and new sounds eager to reinvent what's hip.

A newer producer on the reggae scene, Stephen 'Genius' McGregor (son of the legendary Freddie McGregor) has been producing hot tracks since about 2006 for artists like Aidonia, Mavado, T.O.K., Mr. Vegas, Vybz Kartel, and Busy Signal.

Producers like McGregor have embraced the riddims and sounds of their past, however, have managed to shape and rearrange the very sound of dancehall music into something that ventures away from the traditional 'one-drop' and drum and bass sounds of Sly & Robbie. Some would argue that the roots of reggae music (dancehall in particular) have now been heavily influenced by hip hip, pop, and dance music, and no longer contains the essence of traditional reggae, as evident in the Stalag or Far East riddims, or even traditional dancehall, ala Dave Kelly.

It's up for interpretation.

I always loved the specificity and intricacy of how reggae music is created and disseminated. It moves in waves. It brings a specific culture, style of dress, way of speaking, and method of dancing with it. From the roots of the reggae riddim...an entire sub-culture is easily created.

While hip-hop, soca (I do love my soca!), and R&B beats are often comparably as addictive and fantastic as reggae riddims are...this genre of music will always have a special place with my spirit. I adore reggae music. No other music can impress me the way reggae music does. Whether I'm forever stuck in the 90s with my Dave Kelly-influenced taste...or whether I occasionally venture out to the McGregor-produced sounds of Mavado and Kartel.

Either way, I must pay hommage to "some" of the many great reggae producers that have shaped, inspired, and created a unique sound that reflects the country of Jamaica...and reaches an international audience because of the level of committment and true genius that is behind the riddims:

Lloyd 'King Jammy' James. Jeremy Harding. Tony 'CD' Kelly. Lee ' Scratch' Perry. Bobby Konders. Bobby 'Digital' Dixon. Andre 'Suku' grey. Philip 'Fattis' Burrell. Robert Livingston. Colin 'Bulby' York. Firehouse Crew. Patrick Roberts. Winston 'Wee Pow' Powell. Richie Stephens. Ralston Barrett. Bunny 'Striker' Lee. Clement 'Coxsone' Dodd. Cordel 'Scatta' Burrell. Donovan Germain. Steely & Clivie. Donovan 'Vendetta' Bennett...........

And then bring it back to Sly & Robbie. Present time. In the studio with new artist (and one of my favourites) Bitty McLean. As much as the various producers have taken reggae music to many levels, different sounds, and evoked various emotions...the classic talent of this dynamic team can still produce current music with a nostalgic heart. Timeless riddims, that will help to keep reggae at the forefront of international musical respect and appreciation.

Sly & Robbie with Bitty McLean.

Written By Stacey Marie Robinson, Kya Publishing

OK Steve Harvey, We Get It!

2011-01-05T13:44:00.011-05:00

Steve Harvey's first book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man was a hit! It was being quoted, celebrated, recited, dictated, and read aloud like holy scripture to women near and far. Single woman, married women, dating women: it didn't matter. The ladies wanted to hear what Steve Harvey had to say about love and relationships...and were thirsty for his keeping-it-real male perspective that their girlfriends couldn't [accurately] give them.

After all, it came from a man we know and love: Broderik Steven Harvey of West Virginia. A well-dressed and well-respected man with a crazy sense of humour, class, success, and at the age of 53--years of experience with matters of the heart and interpersonal relationships. The book made us laugh out loud, and nod our heads in recognition. An instant best-seller that spent months on the top of the Essence booklist, it was a must-have in the female library.

So women were now craving this perspective. This truth. The instruction. They called the man down, followed him to conferences, linked his radio show, wrote him letters and emails because they wanted to know more. And what did our friend Steve do? He gave us more.

His second book, Straight Talk, No Chaser, will sell simply based on the reputation and word-of-mouth of the first book. It includes interesting chapters such as:

Dating by the Decades: A guide to How Men Feel About Relationships in Their Twenties, Thirties, Forties, Fifties, and Beyond
Are Women Intimidating? Myths Versus Facts
Every Sugar Daddy Ain't Sweet
Let's Stop the Games: Asking Men the Right Questions to Get the Real Answers

Despite the hot topics...Straight Talk, No Chaser is not nearly as informative--or necessary--as the first was. To compare the two isn't fair. Perhaps if I read THIS book first, I would love it, and the Act Like a Lady...would seem redundant. But the truth of the matter is...they're pretty much the exact same book, and there is a lot of repetition in theory and advice.

My opinion: I think I got the point the first time around. Loud and clear.

Steve--now on his 3rd marriage to Marjorie Bridges--is the father of 7, and sounds like he has a solid hold on his family, his kids, and his spirituality. He's lived an interesting life, and shared the highs and lows throughout his texts. He is definitely a man of good substance.

Here's what he had to share, this time around...in case you didn't get it the first time. And if you didn't get it after the first book (which was pretty straightforward!)...maybe you need more than a book to address your concerns with the opposite sex.

I'm just saying.

In a nutshell (AGAIN!):

Do your standards and requirements reflect who you are and what you're capable of giving back? - Steve believes that while it's great to tell your girlfriends about the Ph.D., 6'4", supermodel, 35-year -old with no children, and limitless riches that you "deserve" to have...that you have to make sure you're working just as hard and are just as competent yourself to expect that type of partner. If you want your man to be a scholarly businessman...you can't be laying up on the couch and collecting unemployment, hoping he'll come and save you.

Women truly interested in finding the right guy have to get over the fear of losing one - its' OK to a let a man go if he's not the right one for you. It's OK to be single for a while. You have to be willing to move on if someone isn't giving you what you want, and just trust that someone else will eventually come around.

Stop compromising your requirements to justify having a relationship with a man who won't give you what you ultimatly want - settling is compromising. It's not okay to forget about your wants and needs, and settle for security. You can never find true fulfillment this way.

Mediocre, yet common-sensical advice at best. I'm not knocking him, he's done a great thing with these books. He's kept it real (albeit a "little" bit oooold-school at times), and he's trying his best to prevent women all over the globe from delusion and despair.

I love Steve Harvey. I loved him in The Steve Harvey Show. I loved him on The Original Kings of Comedy. I even log into his nationally syndicated morning radio show The Steve Harvey Morning Show online at work to catch two jokes. I can't say I've watched him on Family Feud yet, but I'm sure he's pretty funny there too.

BUT, I think I've learned all I need to know from him about the ins and outs of the male mind. Going forward, perhaps I'd prefer to only see him selling his suits, or on a stage somewhere...making me laugh, telling crazy, irrelevant stories and punchlines, and leaving the female heart and self-esteem out if it!

"The bottom line is that the world is full of men who are willing and able to commit. Get your house in order, put your standards and requirements to use, exercise your power in your relationships, and be willing to walk away. I'm not saying this journey will be easy or quick. But it'll be well worth it." ~Steve Harvey

-Review by Stacey Marie Robinson, Publisher/Author, Kya Publishing

Minaj's Moment in History

2011-01-04T15:05:00.022-05:00

"This is my moment, I just feel so alive..." ~Nicki Minaj

Like her or not, you can't deny that this is an historical moment in time for female MCs, hip hop music, and the music industry in general. Rapper Nicki Minaj is making so many statements right now in the entertainment world both visually and lyrically, that her importance in this moment is one worth mentioning.

With the release of her debut album Pink Friday in November of 2010, Nicki ended her first year "officially" on the scene as the first artist EVER to have 7 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 charts simultaneously. With the help of Trey Songz, Jay Sean, Sean Kingston, Lil' Wayne, and her 3 solo tracks, she managed to break this record at the beginning of her career.

Not only have her collaborations been consistently hot, but the album is dope, too! It carries a feeling of growth, of fun, and a renewed sense of musicality as Nicki confidently takes her place as the next best thing.

Onika Tanya Maraj, a Trinidadian-American, has been an artist for years. A singer, an actress, a clarinet player, and of course an MC. Since high school she has been heavily involved in entertaining others, and at the age of 26 she has already been acclaimed one of the best.

The controversy has been ongoing as to who is "truly" the best female MC. There have been so many over the past decards...yet the ladies have recently been lacking overall in airplay, visibility, and originality. Eve, Da Brat, Foxy Brown, Lil' Kim, Rah Digga, Missy Elliott, MC Lyte, Salt N Pepa, Queen Latifah, and Lauryn Hill often top the lists of the "greatest female MCs of all times..." but these are artists who dominated in the 80s and 90s. The presence of chart-topping influential female rappers in the 2000s has been slim to none.

We loved Lauryn for her deep spirit and versatility. She was a mainstream hit with an underground soul. We gave Missy props for being crazy and extremely original: she made us laugh, she made us dance, and her music just sounded like nothing we'd ever heard before. MC Lyte had that classic voice: she was hard, she was street, and her sound is still so captivating that it's been used constantly for voice-overs and narration, and heard regularly on BET and other programming. Lil' Kim and Foxy Brown had their sex appeal: they were funky, they were confident, and they brought overt feminity to the hip-hop scene.

There have been MANY (Trina, Eternia, Charli Baltimore, Bahamadia, Queen Pen, Lisa Lopes, Lumidee, The Real Roxane, Ms Dynamite, Remy Ma, Lil' Mama (wait, does she count?!?), Masia One, M.I.A., Ms Melodie, Roxanne Shante, Sister Souljah, Monie Love, Yo-Yo, JJ Fad, Sha-Rock, and Jean Grae, etc.)...but as much as we've loved and honoured them...there haven't been many female rappers worth talking about, lately.

Enter Ms Minaj.

I think she's cool. And the reason I think she's cool is because I've realized how REFRESHING it is to hear a female MC on so many tracks. And because I've heard her voice pop up on so many songs in so many places, and I'm not yet sick of her. I like her style. Yes, she's kinda crazy with the split-personality thing, but I believe it's all in good fun. It's different, and she's talented enough to carry it.

I loved reading about her first trip to Trinidad in years, and how she felt about the warm reception she received. She was born on the island, and moved to Queens, NY at the age of 5; yet she talked about how she can't wine...and how she's planning to take her first trip to Trinidad Carnival this year. The West Indian connection is definitely a bonus, and her ability to flip from lyrics to the occasional patois, is definitely something I can appreciate.

And she's been recognized by her peers. To date, BET has awarded her at their Hip Hop show as well as overall awards shows. Notable are accolades for Best Female Hip Hop Artist, and Best New Artist.

Everyone seems to recognize that her presence is necessary. Despite Lil' Kim and a few others who are openly discrediting her and pointing fingers...the numbers have spoken, and Nicki is definitely making movements on the charts and on the airwaves, regardless of anyone's opinion of her.

The question on the minds of many music lovers and scholars is...will Nicki's place in music right now initiatiate a wave of more up-and-coming female MCs? Will her success dictate the future of other female rappers who have been hustling and grinding on the underground circuits, yet haven't received the love or recognition they deserve, due to the saturation of male MCs, R&B, and the new pop/dance music crave that has taken over?

While Salt N Pepa's and Lauyrn's easily charted during the 1980s and 1990s, this past decade has not had any significant presence by female rappers with record sales and airplay.

Fortunately, urban music still greatly outsells its counterparts in pop/rock/country/etc. on the charts, but within the urban demographic, the respect and attention is still largely given to male rappers, and vocalists.

During the 2000s, of the top 20 artists on Billboard (based on record sales and airplay), there were no female MCs. The list is as follows:

01. Eminem / 02. Usher / 03. Nelly / 04. Beyonce / 05. Alicia Keys / 06. 50 Cent / 07. Nickelback / 08. Britney Spears / 09. Destiny's Child / 10. Jay-Z / 11. Mariah Carey / 12. Black Eyed Peas / 13. Pink / 14. Kelly Clarkson / 15. Kanye West / 16. Ludacris / 17. Rihanna / 18. Creed / 19. Linkin Park / 20. Christina Aguilera.

And that's the entire DECADE.

I'm hoping that by already breaking a Billboard record with her 7 concurrent hits on the 100 charts, that Nicki Minaj will bring in a change to the role of the female MC in the overall music landscape.

I believe she has the talent to do it, and also the fanbase. I think her music is strong enough, and I hope that the industry is prepared to support her, as well as the numerous other female rappers who are probably motivated and preparing for their time in the spotlight, as a result of Nicki's advances.

This is Nicki Minaj's moment in history to prove that a female MC can sustain a career, and produce quality music.

This is a new decade, with new expectations. I expect that this moment does not occur in vain. Historically, Nicki has already made her mark. She has people talking. She has people listening. She has the ability to take this momentum and run with it.

This is her chance to change history for the female MC, and sustain the impact that this under-represented group of rappers have in the entertainment spectrum for life. I hate to say we're depending on Nicki Minaj to move mountains....BUT history has shown that if changes don't take place now...we might have to wait a long time for another female ambassador (with the same power) to step up and try to lead the movement forward.

Let's hope she can do it. For the sake of the music, and for the sake of the other lady-MCs-in-waiting who deserve a chance to shine.

"Best believe that when we done this moment will be syndicated." ~Nicki Minaj

Living in the Moment for 2011

2011-01-02T19:38:00.013-05:00

Eckhart Tolle's literary voice of reason is so alluring and inspirational, that once you finish the last pages and close the cover of one of his books for good...you find yourself wishing you could continuously hear his thoughts, suggestions, and perspectives indefinitely as you go through your daily routine.

I just finished reading his book The Power of Now, and was equally as impressed with it as the previous book I read from him, A New Earth.

Like millions of others, I was introduced to Eckhart Tolle through Oprah's Book Club a few years back. Now I'm not one to run out and do whatever "Oprah says" usually, but this is one circumstance where I'm glad I decided to be follow-fashion, and jump on the New Earth bandwagon.

A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose (2005) taught me a great deal about the evolution of consciouness, perception vs. reality, and how the application of these concepts could inevitably benefit society at large.

It was a great read...and The Power of Now (1999) continues in the same vein, although this book preceeded the Oprah hit.

As it is only now the second day of 2011, I--like many others--am reflecting on the past year, events, circumstances, individuals, and formulating a plan to live the next year having learned from my experiences, good and not-so-good.

My completion of this book couldn't have been more timely, because rather than sitting back and reflecting on the past, ridiculous people, and unfortunate situations...Tolle's spiritual suggestions allude to forgetting about anything negative that happened in 2010...and even anything negative that might potentially take place tomorrow.

His message: the power of everything you need to know, and do...remains in this very moment.

Yes, it's almost cliche. We've all heard these phrasings, scriptures, and quotations that encourage us to "live life to the fullest" and "seize the day." However, what I like about Tolle's bestseller, is that while it may seem cliche in concept, it is very spiritual in tone.

From the beginning of the text, he suggests that a freedom from your own mind is essential: your fears, your paranoia, apprehensions, and ideologies that tend to control your actions. He recommends letting it all go...and just being. Being present, and being so concious of your actions that your behaviour is natural...and non-confrontational to others, or yourself.

He says to be "so utterly, so completely present, that no problem, no suffering, nothing that is not who you are in your essence, can survive in you."

Tolle stresses that our problems, apprehensions, and fears are a result of our own choices...and that in the moment--in the NOW--we always have the opportunity to choose to avoid pain, and avoid problems.

I could easily go on to quote countless excerpts from this book, but I would rather suggest you check out a copy and experience the full essence of the text. It is genius in it's simplicity.

Aside from celebrating the great moments of 2010....and rather than dwelling on the mistakes of the past year and how I can change them for 2011, I have been motivated to just focus on exactly what I'm doing right now. Today. I will still plan for the upcoming months, both personally and professionally. I will still be aware of the behaviours and actions that create unfavourable circumstances...and the bogus people that I can distance myself from in order to avoid unnecessary drama.

I will walk away from reading this book with a sense of enlightenment, and a sense of personal empowerment. For while I know that this moment in itself is powerful, I had forgotten just how easy it is to choose peace. Choose progression. Choose the life and experiences I want to have.

The best part about entering 2011 is that I'm prepared to not only apply the teachings of Eckhart Tolle...but knowing that deep down inside, I already knew it was time to release many behaviours, relationships, and external expectations.

This book just reminded me how peaceful a process it could be, and how much I could look forward to just BEING...as is...and knowing that with the power of choice and informed consciousness, this next year can be nothing less than what I choose it to be.

Happy New Year!

Quotes from the book...

All you really need to do is accept this moment fully. You are then at ease in there and now and at ease with yourself.
When you are fully conscious, drama does not come into your life anymore.
Dissolution is needed for new growth to happen. One cannot exist without the other.
Your perception of the world is a reflection of your state of consciousness.
Nobody chooses dysfunction, conflict, pain. Nobody chooses insanity. They happen because there is not enough presence in you to dissolve the past, not enough light to dispel the darkness.
You attract and manifest whatever corresponds to your inner state.

~Stacey Marie Robinson, Kya Publishing

Why I 'Rocks' With Linkin Park

2010-12-28T07:00:00.012-05:00

Good music is good music, and while nu metal/rap rock isn't my first choice in musical genres, I can definitely appreciate the unique sounds of Linkin Park that I've admittedly been rocking to since about 2000. On February 8, 2011 I will be attending my first 'rock' concert when I see them live at the Air Canada Centre, in support of their new album, A Thousand Suns.

You can hear the growth in this album, co-produced by the legendary Rick Rubin and band member Mike Shinoda. The sound is bigger, the instruments are more ominous, the lyrics are more vulnerable at times, but overall it's still classic Linkin Park sounds with elements of Coldplay or U2-esque bravado. While the heavy hip hop drums and intermittent turntables/scratching used to be prominent in their songs, I could feel that this album was striving to create a new mood. An experimental sound. The synthesizers and electronic inserts are there strongly...but so is the essence of Linkin Park that I have grown to love.

Notable tracks from this album that I really like are "Waiting for the End" and "Iridescent." I also like the way they took the voice of Martin Luther King Jr., infused with keyboards and a light backing to create "Wisdom, Justice, and Love." Brilliant.

Linkin Park is a six-man group based in southern California, who have won 2 Grammy's to date, and are listed amongst the recording artists with the most active fan base. Consisting of lead vocalist Chester Bennington, vocalist/rapper/keyboardist Mike Shinoda, drummer Rob Bourdon, lead guitarist Brad Delson, Dave Farrell, and Joe Hahn on the turntables, they are an eccelectic mix of sounds.

What drew me to Linkin Park back in 2000 with the release of their album Hybrid Theory was the song "In The End." I remember it being distinctly rock...but I remember that the beats were 100% hip hop, and spoke to me rhythmically. As I investigated them more, I could hear the guitars, I could hear the classic metal screams of Chester, but I could feel the hip hop influence. Even songs from that album like "One Step Closer" and "Crawling" still contained an element of rap at their roots to me.

And as a true music lover, I couldn't help but be drawn to these guys. I loved what they were saying, the lyrics often spoke to me, and I loved how the music felt. Pure. Original. And unrestricted. If they wanted to be rock, they could be rock. If they wanted to be hip hop, they could be hip hop. Likewise, they could easily fall into the alternative category as well. But they stayed true to their own roots, and just let the music flow naturally.

Needless to say, when I heard they were doing a full album collaboration with Jay-Z back in 2004, I was even more intrigued. After taking a poll with their active online fanbase, they asked who else the fans were listening to. The majority said "Jay-Z" in resounding numbers. So this initiated the linking of the heavyweight rapper with this heavy metal band.

The MTV special (and album DVD) took the viewer through the entire process, with Jay-Z arriving at the studio, and watching as the two entities fused their sounds into one. They mixed "Dirt off Your Shoulder" with "Lying From You"..."Big Pimpin'" with "Papercut"..."Izzo" with "In The End"...and "99 Problems" with "One Step Closer." To their surprise, the songs easily mixed. At their core, they were essentially built on the same fundamentals, and the collaborations don't stray far from the originals from either artist.

Absolute genius.

So the album A Thousand Suns is great. Admittedly, it's not for every mood...but I will definitely keep it close to my regular rotation of dancehall, soca, R&B, and hip hop, for when the mood hits me. When I'm ready to rock, they are definitely my first choice.

For someone who's never listened to Linkin Park, I wouldn't recommend starting with this album if you are to appreciate the true essence of who they are, and what they represent. Some of the elements of hip hop that were prominent earlier in the decade may be lost on A Thousand Suns.

I would recommend you take in songs like "What I've Done" and "Shadow of the Day" from 2007's album Minutes to Midnight..."Faint" and "Numb" from 2003's album Meteora and even "One Step Closer" and "Crawling" from the 2000 album Hybrid Theory if you really want to rock and roll. I also would suggest you check out the Jay-Z/Linkin Park DVD/documentary Collision Course.

Or, if you have a couple dollars to spare...join me at the ACC in February to see how they get down live. And please don't let Brad's guitars and Chester's screaming turn you off...these guys are dope.

Here's a clip from the classic mashup of Linkin Park's song "Numb" with Jay-Z's "Encore" back in 2004.

Play Another Slow Jam, This Time Make It Sweet

2010-12-14T11:40:00.010-05:00

What happened to the art of the slow dance? The anticipation/end-of-the-night club build up? The mix tapes/CDs gifted to significant others? The goosebumps on your arms when the bass in your favourite slow jam dropped? And I'm not talking about bubbling in a back corner against a wall to some Beres, or solo-two-stepping to Rihanna...I'm specifically referring to the collection of songs that made it near impossible to not want to have an intimate connection with someone.

What happened to the SLOW JAM?

Luther. Keith. R Kelly. Brian. Aaron. Maxwell. Babyface. Dru. Jon. Marvin. Anita. Otis. Curtis. Sade. Just the sound of any of those single names makes you want to raise that hand and....shiver! Because their songs were that sweet. Always. All it took was one bar of an intro, and the vibe would hit.

I was born in the late 70s, and really grew to appreciate this music in the late 80s/early 90s. I can't say I've been very impressed since then. I've heard a few great ballads here and there...but sweet slow jams are few and far between.

Let's try these names: Lloyd. Trey. Chris. Waka. Nicki. How's that effect? Interestingly enough, those are 5 of the artists on Billboard's Top 100 R&B/Hip Hop charts this week. It's the end of a decade, but I can't say there's any significant R&B music that has defined this era.

This week in 2000, Avant, Erykah Badu, Musiq, Destiny's Child, and Mya were amongst the artists with the Top 10 R&B Hip Hop Songs.

This week in 1990, it was Whitney Houston, Ralph Tresvant, Tevin Campbell, Levert, and Hi-Five making the top of that list.

In December 1980 it was Stevie Wonder, Teddy Pendergrass, Kool & the Gang, Asford & Simpson.

This week in 1970, James Brown, the Supremes, Aretha Franklin (x2), Gladys Knight, and The Jacksons were charting.

And now...back to the end of 2010, and Waka Flocka.

Perhaps this is due to the influx of hip hop artists, where the category is broader and there are a variation of R&B and hip-hop songs to select from. I definitely can't downplay the role of Rick Ross or Willow Smith on the Billboard chart this week. Their songs are hot--for whatever reason--and people are obviously feeling them. Twista. Wiz Khalifa. It's their time.

Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I truly believe that the newer songs can't compare to the mood and the vibe and the passion of the old school tracks. I'm particularly partial to the songs of the 1990s. The artists of the 90s tried desperately to seduce you the listener, musically, and visually. They made sure to craft only the best lyrics and phrases, and out-love one another. It was cool to be smooth. It was cool to be alluring. It was cool to sing your heart out, sing about your heart, and actually express love...beg and plead...and it was addictive!

Nobody's Supposed to Be Here / End of the Road / Freak Me / I Have Nothing / Another Sad Love Song / Giving Him Something He Can Feel / Spend My Life With You / In My Bed / I Wanna Know / Let's Chill / I'll Give All My Love to You / Breakin' My Heart / Someone to Love / Anniversary / Not Gon Cry / Again / Who Can I Run To / Tell Me What You Want Me To Do... etc / etc / etc

You could sense that desperation! You could hear that begging! You could FEEL that bassline. You can't really do that anymore.

I don't have any grand philosophies on this epidemic. I don't listen to enough R&B on a regular basis to even know about the phenomenal artists who are currently pushing their music...and just not getting the same airtime and love as Neyo or Mary J.

I do know that I miss the FEELING that R&B used to give me. I missed the raw emotion and the vulnerability of the artists. I miss REAL singers and I'm tired of the poppyshows. I miss anticipating that slow dance, and knowing that the DJ could easily line up 5-10 songs, and no one would be anxious to rush outta that club the second Vybez Kartel was done playing.

They would dance until the lights came on. They'd hold on tight. They had the music to facilitate romance, because that was the standard.

I'd like to see the era of GOOD R&B music come back. Chart-topping R&B music. Music that will eventually stir up new memories, the way these songs still do...

"Comforter" - Shai

"Feenin" - Jodeci

"Can You Stand the Rain" - New Edition

The Power of Kanye West's "Twisted Fantasy"

2010-12-07T12:06:00.014-05:00

Every artist needs inspiration.

As a writer, I depend on music for my inspiration. And 22 months after beginning my latest book, I finally found the inspiration to complete the story through listening to Kanye West's new album "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy."

Released on November 22, 2010, Kanye' 5th studio album gave me a feeling...I was able to translate into words. It communicated a mood...that motivated me to lock into my laptop and complete the journey of my character. It reminded me...that at its purest form, music embodies so much power.

Kanye is just a man...a little dramatic, a little delusional, definitely brilliant, and a little complicated, I'm sure. This is evident. But I'm not really concerned about his life, personality traits (or lack thereof), or wondering who his next chick will be now that him and Amber Rose split. Kanye is just a man..."but" he is a man capable of producing beautiful things. And yes, that is kinda powerful...as far as creativity goes.

The Album...

I love it. I absolutely love it. And believe me...I am far from a connoisseur or collector of hip hop, but this particular hip hop moved me. Not just the lyrical content, but the collective production.

As a story writer, I liked the album because I felt like it transcended the audio, and immediately created a visual. It told many stories. Even despite having a pre-set image of what the music would look like translated (thanks to his October release of "Runaway" the short film), I was still able to visualize beyond his suggestions.

It was rich with sound, and heavy with emotion. The album spoke to me beyond the words, and communicated through feeling.

In short:

(01) DARK FANTASY - Beautiful album intro; I love his use of strings throughout...

(02) GORGEOUS (Feat. Kid Cudi and Raekwon) - Electric guitars, you can feel the frustration in this song...

(03) POWER - A definite anthem, using majestic instruments, hypnotic chanting, and a feeling of despair...

(04/05) ALL OF THE LIGHTS (Feat. Rihanna) - Beautiful violins, heavy bass strings, and the essence of tragedy...

(06) MONSTER (Feat. Jay Z, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross) - Classic sound, heavy riddim, the song is great as is but when Nicki comes in she brings it to another level...dope...

(07) SO APPALLED (Feat. Jay Z, Pusha T, RZA) - Creeping instrumentation, wonderful build up, love it...

(08) DEVIL IN A NEW DRESS (Feat. Rick Ross) - Mellow, less distracting score, nice flow...

(09) RUNAWAY - Really unique, and the live visual from performances on the MTV awards and SNL make the audio even stronger. His pure voice (sans auto tune) adds a vulnerability, and the single piano keys playing throughout give the song a rich simplicity. The latter part of this 9 minute track is a emotional string-ridden instrumental that extends the pleading tone, and intensifies the emotion of what has just been expressed.

(10) HELL OF A LIFE - This song was forgettable to me...average...

(11) BLAME GAME (Feat. John Legend) - Love this track, the lyrics, the piano, the story telling, the reality of it with the name calling and the accusations...and then of course, the unexpected highlight when Chris Rock joins in and starts talking foolishness for a few minutes...hilarity at its best...

(12) LOST IN THE WORLD - My favourite song on the album. So pretty, heavenly/angelic almost...love the composition of sounds used, the movement of the voices, and the "lost" feeling really does translate into the music...absolutely beautiful!

(13) WHO WILL SURVIVE IN AMERICA - Fitting conclusion taken from a recording of activist/spoken word artist Gil Scott-Heron's "Comment No. 1".

My impression of Kanye's work will never be a dissertation of lyrical significance, or my ability to rank him in comparison to other MCs. My appreciation is on a musical level...a communication level, and again, a level of inspiration based on the transfer of creative energy.

Thanks to Kanye, I finished writing "Signature Smile" and have concluded the 8th and final book of my Urban Toronto Tales collection. This is huge for me.

Thanks to Kanye, I've gained a new appreciation for hip hop (again) and find myself becoming a new student of this genre.

Thanks to Kanye, I realize that the "power" of which he speaks is up for interpretation. Not necessarily power in the media, the power to influence (even ol' George W. Bush), or the power to irritate (see multiple pop culture references)...but I do believe he is justified in declaring a form of power, because his musical genius can not be denied.

If said genius can transcend all previous imagery, commentary, and regular f**kery...then I'd say that the power is plentiful as I continue to play the album on repeat, and put the final touches on my novel with the hopes of passing the inspiration on.

"Yeezy taught me well..."

View the novels of Stacey Marie Robinson at www.KyaPublishing.com.

Oh Na Na, I Actually Bought a Rihanna Album!

2010-11-25T09:20:00.027-05:00

She's definitely talented. Beautiful. Interesting. Even if her music and image isn't your style or taste, you can't deny that she is undoubtedly a star.

For the past 5 years she has been consecutively knocking out hits pon toppa hits, yet it wasn't until her fifth studio release "Loud" came out that I actually had the motivation to purchase one of her albums.

I'm a strong believer in supporting the cause. If I want to see a movie, I'd rather go to the theatre than buy it bootleg. If I love an artist and feel like their album will inspire me, I'd rather own the entire album than beg a burn/download off someone else. I definitely prefer to buy a book than borrow one from the library.

Call me old fashioned, but I believe in the art form, and I appreciate a tangible product received as it was intended. The overall experience is different for me when I know that I own the product. It gives it additional value, even if only in my head.

Canadian communication theorist Marshall McLuhan said it best when he declared that the "medium is the message" -- the manner in which the message is presented is acutely related to what is being communicated.

Hense, going out in the cold to cop this CD.

For the first time in 5 years, I actually believed in Rihanna's message.

I've liked her other stuff. "Pon De Replay" I thought was lame and hardly the reggae song it attempted to be as her introduction, but other greats like "Break It Off" (with Sean Paul), "Don't Stop The Music," "Unfaithful," and of course "Umbrella" were definitely hot tracks. Also worth mentioning, "Numba 1 (The Tide Is High)" from Kardinal Offishall's "Not 4 Sale" album -- great tune. "Live Your Life" with T.I. = fire. "Run This Town" with Jay-Z and Kanye...fantastic!

With that many songs on the charts though, who could really keep track of what album was what? The songs just kept coming out, and it got to the point where I just expected that her releases would be great. She has set an incredibly high standard for her career, and she has easily maintained it.

Ms. Fenty is only 22, but is argueably the hottest pop star there is right now. She's already in the ranks of Beyonce, Mariah, and Lady Gaga, when it comes to producing chart-topping sh*t and great videos, regularly.

She's won a total of 53 awards already in the span of her short career including 4 American Music Awards, 14 Billboard Awards, 3 Grammy's, 3 Much Music Video Awards, and even a Juno (international album of the year).

This particular album was pretty good. Not groundbreaking or exceptionally phenomenal, but it's a good listen that you can have on repeat a few times over without getting annoyed. The sounds and vibes are consistent, yet diverse enough that it's not just hearing the "umbrella-ella-ella-ella" yodle in your ear for an hour. Her tone changes, the intensity changes; it's a nice mix:

01) S&M - re-establishing good vs. bad, signature sound
02) What's My Name - cool vibe, unique sound
03) Cheers (Drink to That) - Avril Lavigne sampled pop groove
04) Fading - nice song, has an Enya feel to it
05) Only Girl (In the World) - feel good club banger
06) California King Bed - nice guitar laden ballad
07) Man Down - reggae vibe, cool lyrics
08) Raining Men (Nicki Minaj) - cute track, good blend of voices
09) Complicated - pop ballad, 80's feel
10) Skin - sensual, nice vibe
11) Love the Way You Lie Pt. II (Eminem) - vulnerable remix: dope

Can she keep this momentum? Where will she go from here? How many more hair styles can the chick think of to stay fresh and trendy? Who knows! But right now, I'd say she's at the height of her career, and I'm happy for her. The improvement, the growth, and watching her come into herself reminds me of the artistic journey, and the manner in which talent can expand, change shape, and develop.

So why now? Why am I finally learning her story, and interested in who this girl is? It was all inspired by her performance on the American Music Awards this past Sunday, November 21, 2010. I've seen her perform a million times, but this is the first time I actually believed her as an artist. She seemed happy. She seemed authentic. She danced her butt off. She smiled. She was in a groove, and I actually felt like this was the artist she has been preparing to be. There was a new vibrance to her, and it made all the difference in my perception of her.

I love to see people out-do themselves and exceed their own boundaries...I love knowing that everyone starts out as an average individual with a dream, a goal, and the motivation to do something about it.

Therein lies my inspiration from this album and Rihanna's journey. Because somewhere out there on the French Riviera, on a yacht with Matt Kemp, the little Bajan girl Robyn feels really proud of herself for seeing her vision through to the end.

In case you missed it, here's a clip of Rihanna's performance on the 2010 American Music Awards show where she wined like she was at Cropover, and inspired a standing ovation from the crowd of her industry peers.

The Urban Toronto Tales collection by Stacey Marie Robinson features books about life, love, and relationships in Toronto. For more information, please visit http://www.kyapublishing.com/.

Movie Review: For Colored Girls

2010-11-08T08:12:00.015-05:00

What a phenomenal movie!

At the risk of ruining the viewing experience for anyone who hasn't yet seen the film, I won't even get into the particulars of why I loved Tyler Perry's "For Colored Girls." But I will say this...I love Tyler Perry.

I love his vision. I love his voice. I love him like I've loved Spike Lee, and John Singleton...and Terry McMillan, Sister Souljah, and Omar Tyree.

I love when artists are able to take a story based on real-life emotion and circumstance, paired with social awareness, and old-fashioned entertainment...and create a masterpiece.

I love that just a few days before the relase of his movie, Tyler Perry sat on Oprah Winfrey's couch and told millions of people about his experiences with abuse, and molestation. I love that a week later, Oprah filled her audience with 200 men who had been through similar experiences with betrayal and abuse.

It's more than just entertainment, as far as I'm concerned. On the surface it's just show business, it's one man's vision being translated on the big screen. But to those of us who were touched by Singleton's "Boyz in the Hood" or Lee's "He Got Game" or any other movie with an ensemble black cast...we know the power behind the production. We know the "real life" story from which the inspiration came. We know the meaning this "entertainment" has in our real lives. We trust the storytellers, because we know their experiences.

It was so wonderful to see all of those beautiful and talented black actresses all highlighted together: Lorette Devine, Thandie Newton, Anika Noni Rose, Kerry Washington, Kimberley Elise, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, Whoopi Goldberg, and Macy Gray. It was bittersweet because it was so wonderful...yet so rare.

The movie is based on the 1975 play by Ntozake Shange, entitled "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf." This has also been adapted into a book.

It's amazing that many of the mainstream reviews of this film, have not been great. Even more amazing...if you ask a friend or coworker who's already seen it, chances are they cried, they laughed, they think it's Perry's best work yet, and they would give it nothing less than full ratings.

You don't realize how much you CRAVE a representation of yourself in the "bigger picture," even if just a visual reminder, until you see it. You don't realize how FEW black women there are in motion pictures...until you FEEL what it's like to see more than 2 of them occupy the same screen.

The best part is that the "black" movie has evolved far beyond the hood tales or tacky comedies/parodies. It's nice to see that black filmmaking continues to grow, and be more inclusive, and more elegant, to the point where the "blackness" of it is just a minor detail.

"For Colored Girls" wasn't just a movie for colored girls. I believe any woman of any race could find herself immersed in the characters and their struggles, and as a woman...naturally find a way to relate to their pain, their growth, and their eventual personal successes.

As for the men...I'm not sure if they're going to walk away from this movie glowing and inspired, like the females have been. The few male characters in the movie, are at best...not nice people. Understanding their role in the stories of the women, it's totally necessary...but the acting was still outstanding.

So here's to the beautiful brothers, who admittedly may have gotten a bad rap throughout this film: Michael Ealy, Omari Hardwick, Richard Lawson, Khalil Kain, and Hill Harper.

What can I say? It's nice to see a good movie that makes you walk away thinking and feeling...a movie that makes you want to better yourself, and uplift those around you. If that's not the goal of entertainment/media, I don't know is. And if that's not the usual output or end result...then maybe we haven't been exposed to the right type of material.

I am a huge fan of entertainment, the media, and those who play a role in constructing it. Congratulations to Tyler Perry for hustling and writing religiously, putting out film after film after film, and now settling into the role of one of Hollywood's best.

Both his personal story, and his fictional story, will be touching millions over the next few weeks. I expect to see a few Oscar nominations, at the very least. And if the recognition still doesn't come from mainstream Hollywood, I will still be pleased knowing that women everywhere are feeling uplifted as a result of his work.

(Here's what Betsy sharkey from the LA Times had to say: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-for-colored-girls-20101105,0,258800.story).

Kanye West Short Film "Runaway" : He Did His Job

2010-10-25T07:04:00.013-04:00

OK, so the brother's a bit weird. Weird albeit fascinating, because he manages to possess qualities of ridiculous narcissism, along with extreme vulnerability, sometimes simultaneously.

At at the risk of mentioning what's-her-face...yes, he is also occasionally a bit of a jerk. Yet somehow, I think he's so completely wrapped up in himself...that he's unaware of just how he comes across sometimes.

That being said, I DO believe that Kanye West is kind of a musical phenomenon. Even if he believes it himself more than anyone...I can comfortably say that he's totally right. Kanye at 33, in my eyes, is one of the most important entertainers of our time.

His short film, a 40-minute music video "Runaway" debuted on Saturday, October 23 at 8:00pm on a few music stations, including BET and MTV. It was directed by and starred Mr. West, was filmed in Prague, and written by Hype Williams.

It was a work of art.

I loved the way the images were coodinated with the mood and sounds of the songs. Unlike traditional music videos that tend to follow a standard pace and visual....this one seemed to move slowly, carefully, and with grand purpose.

I could have done without Kanye's acting, but I loved Selita Ebanks, a 27-year-old former Victoria's Secret model from the Cayman Islands. So beautiful... I'm still a bit surprised that this chick was previously engaged to Nick Cannon...and have to wonder what it is about Nick that WE don't know, why he seems to have access to the women most men could only dream about securing. But I digress...

I loved the songs! The only album of Kanye's I own is "808s & Heartbreak," and I have often played it on indefinite repeat because I love the energy it conveys. His ear for music, and sound, and composition, and layers, and textures, and emotion....SO strong. I think Kanye West is really good at communicating raw emotion through music. You can feel what he feels. He's that good.

And so my assessment of Kanye isn't coming from the perspective of a hip-hop afficiando by any means. In fact, my taste in rap music is extremely surface level: I like the hits, and I LOVE the old school. I'll definitely pick up CDs from Nas or K-OS (my favourite rappers)...and every now and then I'll give into the hype and buy a Jay-Z or Eminem album...but essentially, my appreciation for hip-hop is pretty mainstream.

That being said, Kanye West has moved me. There was something really strong about the way he put that short film together, the passion that was extremely evident, his online Tweeting while the film was on, and just his overall excitement about it. As an entertainment junkie, I absolutely LOVE when a moment like this happens...when an artist prepares and plans, and promotes...and then everything falls beautifully into sequence.

I'm sure this was one of the highlights of Kanye's career, and rightfully so.

So needless to say, I'll soon be buying my second Kanye album, "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" which should be released around November 22. I look forward to seeing the new cover, since the gatekeepers aren't feeling the original one.

Overall, the power of artistry was really vibrant this weekend. As a writer who NEEDS music in order to create anything, and as an individual who appreciates the entertainment industry and the passion and dedication mass communication takes...I was really grateful for this piece of work.

And so I truly believe that Kanye West did what he is supposed to do. He's an entertainer. A performer. It's obviously his calling. Regardless of who he is as a man, and how much money his diamond teeth implants cost (wtf?!)...the brother moved me this weekend.

His composition instantly manifested into my well-needed creative fuel.

I was inspired. I was motivated. His passion was contagious. I was impressed, and again, my love for the music industry and all it represents was strengthened. If we ask nothing more of the celebrities and entertainers in our world, it's that they somehow touch us through their creations.

Kanye West did a good ass job.

KANYE WEST'S "RUNAWAY" - CLICK TO VIEW

Documentary Review : "Whatever it Takes"

2010-09-29T15:30:00.010-04:00

We've seen it portrayed in feature films numerous times: hard-edged teacher/principal saves under-priviledged students through tough love. On screen it's endearing, emotional, and succinct...in reality it's an ongoing battle that many dedicated teachers and school administrators face.

Principal Ed Tom of the Bronx Center for Science and Mathematics (BCSM) is one of those real-life educators who has dedicated his time, sacrificed his family occasionally, and has committed whole-heartedly to the improvement and empowerment of his students.

The journey of Ed Tom from his first day as principal at the BCSM to the last day of the first year of school were documented by director Christopher Wong in the documentary "Whatever it Takes." It was featured at Toronto's Carlton Cinemas from September 24 through 26, 2010 and has won numerous accolades at film festivals, including the Asian American International Film Festival.

In what the Globe and Mail called a "case study on urban schools," Whatever it Takes aimed to highlight the suffering school system in the South Bronx, and how one man's vision made an impact in a community that otherwise lacked educational opportunities. In his feature length debut as director and producer, Christopher Wong shadowed principal Ed Tom as well as his students to gain a clear picture of their daily routines, challenges, and the strength they channeled to overcome these challenges.

At times he raised his voice and displayed an obvious frustration when students made foolish decisions, or careless judgements. Yet he left his home before sunrise each day to ensure he was at the front of the school to greet each student by name, with a handshake. Ed Tom had his work cut out for him, but stood firm in his goal to transform his school of 170 students into college bound scholars.

Along with viewing the journey from Ed Tom's perspective, one young student, a girl named Sharifea, struggled throughout the year as the documentary progressed. The oldest of three siblings, Sharifea was often responsible for caregiving, chores, and seeing that her mother (former drug-addict, suffering from hepatitis) was also well taken care of. You could see the hope and promise on Sharifea's mother face each time she spoke of her daugher: she was carrying the weight of her family, and generations before her, on her young shoulders.

And like Sharifea, there are students everywhere who are failing in their courses, yet dealing with multitude of priorities, expectations, and often conflicting responsibilities.

What fictional depictions like Dangerous Minds and Freedom Writers as well as this documentary always demonstrate is the importance of consistency in care and support from the school/community, to the home, to the student. Whatever it Takes often made mention of this importance, and how each member of the triangle (parents-school-student) were active--and necessary--participants in order to see measureable success.

Sharifea barely passed the school year, but still was accepted into a 3-year summer enrichment program at Dartmouth College. She found drive, despite her stressful circumstances.

Ed Tom continued to give 100% passion and support to his students, right until the last days when they displayed improved test scores in a city-wide assessment.

It's a traditional story of a dedicated mentor, and an important documentary to watch to see how much impact can be made by one individual with enough passion and vision to encourage dozens of young minds.

For more info on how you can view this documentary, please visit www.WhateverItTakes.com.

Book Review: "Stick to Your Vision" by Wes "Maestro" Williams

2010-09-06T18:00:00.018-04:00

He's a Juno award winner, a Gemini award nominee, he's received countless other accolades, is an established actor, the Godfather of Canadian Hip Hop, and now also an author.

Reading Wes "Maestro" Williams' new book Stick to Your Vision (co-written with his wife, Tamara) was powerful for me on many levels, but the main reason was summarized early in the second chapter when Williams said: "As we grow up...we need to feel that we are part of a community that reflects and reinforces our identity and experiences."

In the late 80s, Maestro Fresh Wes was the Canadian hip hop/urban experience, and to this day in any venue across the city, if the DJ plays Let Your Backbone Slide it continues to hit us with the warmth of nostalgia and also the recognition of growth.

Williams represents the story of building the black Canadian identity, so it is only fitting that he has shared his testament and experiences in print.

Growing up as a black Canadian, you are always acutely aware of the lack of representation from your community. As we all know, the media would be full of reflections from everywhere but here, and it's so inspiring to see that over the years...things have changed. We went from having a handful of successful Canadian rappers, to becoming the new place-to-be for fresh urban talent. Black/urban Canada has gone from suffering from an un-said identity crisis, to standing firm in our self-awareness and self-respect.

"My community and my city had never experienced one of their own being so commercially successful, so they didn't know how to be supportive." (pg. 208-209)

This book needed to be written, and I'm so glad that it was, because as a legend of the urban Canadian experience, Wes Williams truly represents the journey that started about 20-30 years ago when many of our immigrant families were first arriving in Canada to establish themselves...and it continues to the present time when "our" generation is creating a new generation of Canadian-born and Canadian-influenced citizens.

It is so reassuring to know that there is now a strong "black Canadian" identity that is thriving, and expanding beyond previous limitations and unfounded stereotypes.

Stick to Your Vision is an easy read, because it's a familiar one. Williams tells his story about his life, career, struggles, triumphs, and outlines the book as a blueprint to creating goals, and maintaining focus. It's a great reminder for those who are working hard and achieving personal success...and a great inspiration for those who are just trying to figure out who they are, and where they're going. The Canadian references and acknowledgements make the book even more personal.

I believe this book will have the strongest effect on the young generation, teens and young adults who know where they want to be, but perhaps need some guidance in how to organize their thoughts, how to build their character, and how to ensure that they do not fall off track.

"If people you normally roll with are not elevating you--pushing you to reach higher and celebrating your achievements--they are stunting your growth." (pg. 153)

There are questions, examples, charts, exercises, and guidelines that will surely be beneficial to helping readers [re]-organize their personal "vision" and subsequently blowing away the "blockades and barricades" that they might face.

As a fellow writer, I truly feel Williams' need to tell his story, and to share it with others. Seeing your own experience--or a similar experience--in print/media is extremely motivating and inspirational to those who may not have any other examples to turn to. As Williams said, "Knowing your story is essential to understanding yourself and your aspirations..."

Thank you Wes "Maestro" Williams for writing this book, and contributing to the growing collection of black/urban Canadian success stories. Thank you for shouting out Ron Nelson, Michie Mee, Farley Flex, and the other legends of your industry and our Canadian experience. I love that over time the respect has been overwhelming, and again, I thank you for acknowledging and documenting an authentic Canadian story that inevitably turned into a great human tale.

Williams' story is our story, and to see it in print by a mainstream publisher (McClelland & Stewart) is indeed another great phenomena. Every industry and community has their pioneers, groundbreakers, and visionairies who unknowingly pave the way for the generations that follow. For that reason it's great to see the career and impact of Wes "Maestro" Williams come full circle with this important contribution to our culture.

"Let Your Backbone Slide" (1989) - Maestro Fresh Wes

AfroFest Toronto: Beautiful People, Beautiful City

2010-07-12T10:41:00.018-04:00

After the madness of the G-20 summit, it was nice to see Toronto looking and feeling back to normal, and celebrating one of many cultures in the city at the 22nd anniversary edition of AfroFest at Queen's Park on July 10 and 11, 2010.

Presented by Music Africa, a non-profit organization that supports and promotes African music and culture, AfroFest is the largest African music celebration in North America.

The weekend features a marketplace for arts, crafts, jewelry, clothing, books, and other items, along with a variety of African and Caribbean cuisine, concerts, dancing, drumming, and rides and activities for children.

Kya Publishing was there for the second year, featuring my book collection the "Urban Toronto Tales" (pictured below). There are so many African-Canadian writers, poets, and artists who also have stories to share, and voices to be heard; AfroFest provides a great platform for this type of networking.

The beauty of the AfroFest is that small business owners, entrepreneurs, artists, and restaurants all have a venue to display their hard work, and share their passion and culture with the African community, as well as the Toronto community at large.

As Toronto Mayor David Miller said in his message to the festival, "Events like these are an integral part of our city's culture growth and are essential to the enjoyment and liveability of Toronto." Sponsored by Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council, and Canadian Heritage, the event is well-organized, and the positive energy and musical upliftment has a strong effect on all who come out, as witnessed by the yearly increase of attendees.

The main stage featured ongoing performances by artists like Masaisai (Zimbabwe), Doody le Tigre (Haiti), Nati Haile (Ethiopia), and Muna Mingole (Cameroon). Canadian artists Kaysha Lee, Humble, Chris Rouse, and others performed on the Baobab Stage, hosted by Hajile Kalaike aka Lotus. The Drum Stage featured the Shangaza Performers from Uganda, Sani-Abu & ijo vudu from Nigeria, and DJ music sets by DJ Biggy, along with others.

The excitement was the ongoing, the laneways were busy, and only got busier as night fell, the crowd was peaceful and supportive, and variation of music and entertainment provided the perfect backdrop to the activities throughout the weekend.

The AfroFest, also titled the official headquarters of Toronto's African World Cup Party, had a special area to watch the final match of the World Cup, celebrating the first FIFA World Cup to take place in Africa. Hundreds of fans had the opportunity to watch Spain's victory, on the lawn of Queen's Park where the game was featured on a large screen.

There is nothing like summer in Toronto, where the activities are ongoing, and for no fee at all individuals, families, and participants of all ages can find entertainment and opportunity to be out in the community and celebrate all that is wonderful about this city.

AfroFest is just one of many festivals and events that make Toronto a great place to live, and remind the city of the beautiful and creative people that make it unique. Our strength is in our culture, and the beauty of our strength is evident when we all learn, and grow from experiencing elements of each other's heritage.

"The Roots" Rock the Toronto Jazz Festival

2010-06-30T10:17:00.020-04:00

The Roots are fantasic. True musicians. Expert performers. On Tuesday, June 29, 2010 at Nathan Philips Square (Toronto), The Roots gave an amazing 2-hour performance as part of the Toronto Jazz Festival.

To say they are legendary would be an understatement. There are so many hip hop artists and entertainers that come and go in the music industry--many are forgotten, many lack the ability to maintain a career that spans more than a few years, and many just simply don't have the genuine talent to keep their audiences engaged, and their fanbase active. The Roots are exceptional in all areas.

Gathered under the tent at the festival's Toronto Star Stage, the crowd seemed to become increasingly electrified as the show went on. Original band members MC Black Thought and ?uestLove on drums, along with guitarist "Captain" Kirk Douglas, bass player Owen Biddle, keyboardist James "Kamal" Gray, percussionist Frank "Knuckles" Walker, and tuba player Damon Bryson aka "Tuba Gooding Jr." delivered an impeccable musicial journey from start to finish.

Seeing The Roots perform was a reminder of what music is in its purest form. Instruments, naturally strong vocals, and vibes! The show followed perfect sequence as the band took their long-time fans back 20 years, and into the present time, featuring tunes from their 11 studio albums, including the latest album "How I Got Over" that was just released last week.

The show was a reminder of how music should be. Each instrumentalist could hold their own, and were individually featured on various songs. There wasn't a moment's delay, pause, or fumble...no gimmicks, and constant grooves. Most importantly, the band radiated extreme passion. Their love for the music was evident on their faces, as they danced, performed, and kept their fans fulfilled.

A lot has changed in hip hop since 1987 when the Philadelphia-based band first emerged. While they have evolved, taken on a new gig as the house band for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, and they've developed supporters in other venues (@QuestLove has 1.3 million followers of his hilarious and brilliant Twitter commentary online)...they are still true musicians at heart, and have stayed true to their original essence.

The genre has grown and developed, the The Roots have proven that real music and real talented individuals can stand the test of time, maintain relevance, and still excel in their delivery. They are music. They are hip hop, and an essential cornerstone of the heart of the genre and everything that it is supposed to be. Real.

A few video highlights from the show:

Stacey Marie Robinson is the Membership Director of UMAC, The Urban Music Association of Canada, and author of the "Urban Toronto Tales" books, Canada's first and only urban fiction novel collection available at www.StaceyMarieRobinson.com.

Tired of the Urban Toronto Radio Drama

2010-06-24T13:12:00.025-04:00

Is it really that complicated? Toronto is a major metropolitan city. The 4th largest North American city, after New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. So why is it such an impossible mission for "us" to defend, achieve, and maintain a decent urban radio station that caters to the demographic that obviously exists here?

I am not an expert in CRTC legislation, radio programming, or advertising. I don't know the politics that go on behind closed doors, in the boardrooms, on the air, or in the DJ's studios.

What I do know is that I'm an average Torontonian who wants to be able to depend on a decent radio station for her news, entertainment, and a RELEVANT reflection of her lifestyle. The lifestyle of my peers, and the tastes of my generation and my community. I want to be able to hear what I like 24/7.

This isn't even a concern or second thought in other places where they have at least two "urban" stations. Some cities have one station exclusively for hip hop, an additional station dedicated to R&B and oldies, and then they'll throw in a third station for that mix of "urban" and pop.

Now...on the flipside, in one standard week (or day!) of Toronto radio listening, one can easily alternate between 3-4 stations just to have a complete experience.

Certain days have certain shows, and we bounce from community radio, to commercial radio. We do one station for their morning show, another station for good reggae content, another station for live soca vibes, another station for commentary and news/sports talk, another station for accurate traffic and weather, and another station for the hosts.

Kind of ridiculous, year after year.

I am tired of changing the damn dial! I just want one radio station (OK, or maybe two) where I can hear all of my favourites without jumping around hoping to get reception as I travel from east to west. I would also like to know that the hosts and DJs are AUTHENTIC...and the ones that have been HUSTLING hardcore for 15+ years in this city get the compensation they deserve. They work hard for our loyalty and they provide the soundtrack to our experiences...the least we as a community can do is thank them accordingly for their life's work.

Why are we still constantly trying to prove our value and justify our presence? Shouldn't this be automatic by now? I love Toronto, but I'm tired of the bulls--t:

No big advertisers want to support "the community," so we're forced to listen to bootleg commercials and suffer accordingly...eventually losing all funding potential.
DJs get fired and rehired OR have their slots moved around arbitrarily from FREE services that they've been providing for over a decade, while community stations force us to listen to amateur garbage in its place.
WORLD CLASS Toronto DJs and MCs are not getting their due respect and compensated, even though they have a dedicated following, they have crafted the very blueprint of music in this city, and they are skilled in a variety of genres.
Giving in, and listening to generic "commercial" radio stations because they have more structure and consistency than the stations that are supposed to represent me.
Seeing the same DJs getting airtime when there are dozens and dozens of "other" DJs that also deserve just half a minute in the spotlight as well...in some cases, they deserve more.
Watching community leaders struggle for YEARS to make their mark in the city, seeing them get through...and then witnessing them eventually sell out, get beat down/bamboozled/overpowered, or lose focus once the opportunity is finally presented to them.

And these are just my random thoughts, driven by more emotion than fact perhaps...but the frustration is unavoidable at this point. Something has obviously gone terribly wrong with the radio industry in this city.

We are a city of outstanding people, bursting with talent....and an infrastructure that can barely keep up, recognize, appreciate, or understand what's really going on.

So some big things are going on...big news getting out. The game is about to change!

Major change...new ventures, new voices, new opportunities...there is hope yet again for Toronto radio. But the community has a responsibility to hold our leaders accountable! If we are going to support a new radio station in Toronto, we have to support it the right way, every step of the way. Like UMAC (The Urban Music Association of Canada) states "you can't complain, if you're not in the game!"

Do the Right Thing! Pay attention. Have your voice heard. Write letters. Make phone calls. Do something. There are no more excuses for why the state of Toronto radio is in the condition it is. We can not allow certain things to happen. We have the power to do anything under the right leadership and guidance, and with the right intentions.

If we are not actively helping the situation, then we are inevitably contributing to the problem. Let's get rid of this drama once and for all, and make sure we get what we want and deserve from our radio providers, across the board. Respect, acknowledgement, and reflection.

The Urban Toronto Tales novel collection features stories about life, love, and relationships in Toronto. For more information, please visit http://www.staceymarierobinson.com/.

"A Reflection of Urban Music in Canada" @ NXNE

2010-06-20T01:39:00.029-04:00

On Saturday, June 19, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel downtown Toronto, UMAC (The Urban Music Association of Canada) hosted two panels dedicated to uplifting and educating musicians through expert commentary and group discussion at the North by Northeast (NXNE) conference.

The first panel, co-presented by the McKee Agency, featured (l-r) DJ Carl Allen, Michie Mee, Will Strickland, Derek Brin, and Chase Parsons. The Canadian music industry legends participated in a discussion entitled "How We Got Here: A Reflection of How Urban Music in Canada Got to Where it is Today" and shared their wisdom with the NXNE attendees.

Moderated by Will Strickland, UMAC President, the guest speakers shared their experiences and perspectives on where Canada's urban music industry was as they were beginning their journey in the business, and also articulated where they believe the industry can and will go with the right support.

Chase Parsons, of Chris Smith Management, believes that this generation works better together than previous Canadian artists did, a sentiment that was shared by the other panelists. Chase stressed that maintaining this unified front would be beneficial not only to individual artists, but to the Canadian urban industry as a whole. He encouraged honest critique, and noted that he would like to see more interest from the urban community in other areas of the music business, aside from just performance, in order to strengthen the infrastructure in preparation for future growth and development of the urban genre.

Rapper/actress Michie Mee, a pioneer of the urban music scene in Canada, recalled that as she was starting out as a performing artist, that the urban "industry" didn't exist. Each artist worked independently trying to figure out their way, and learn as they progressed. Michie encouraged artists to know themselves, know their craft, and believe in their art...if an artist doesn't have a true sense of who they are, she stressed that the audience "will call you out" and question your authenticity.

Carl Allen, restaurant owner, DJ, and long-time CKLN radio host, believes that urban Canadian artists have now surpassed the urban Canadian music industry. The power of community radio in Canada was praised, as this outlet is what has kept artists relevant, and also accessible. Carl believes that the community has a great role in supporting, encouraging, and lifting their artists up.

Producer Derek Brin reminded artists that they need to develop their brand and be consistent in their approach. He encouraged collaboration, reaching out to as many relevant individuals as you can, and taking risks and making an effort to travel, go out of your comfort zone, and connect with others to increase you knowledge and opportunities. Derek also noted that sharing information with your peers should be a part of the process, helping to bring others up as well.

In closing, Will Strickland also encouraged attendees to utilize their resources, network, and get to know the people in their field. "The industry you seek is in this room right now," said Strickland. "Before you jump across the border, look right here."

***
The second panel of the afternoon, "Ya Heard?! Demo Listening Session" was moderated by UMAC Vice President Dwayne Dixon, and featured (l-r) Flo King (TO-FLO blogger and radio host), DJ Mel Boogie (DJ, radio host, and UMAC Communications Director), Chris Perry (songwriter/producer), Kyron "Kid" Clarke (Urbanology magazine columnist), and Priya Ramanujam (editor in chief of Urbanology Magazine).

Musicians had the opportunity to submit their demos for feedback from the panel and other attendees. The following suggestions were made from the various panelists:

*Packaging is important, make sure your product is polished and professional before submission (Flo)

*Personal relationships matter, make every effort to connect with people you are submitting to (Mel)

*Songwriting, lyrics, and melodic hooks are important elements when composing your songs: make sure they are memorable (Chris)

*Be consistent in your approach, and try to stay away from gimmicks and cliches (Kyron)

*Give depth to your story, and provide another element aside from your music to draw people in (Priya)

For more information about UMAC, The Urban Music Association of Canada or to become a member, please visit www.umacunited.com.

For more information on the conference, please visit http://www.nxne.com/.

Movie Review: Sex and the City 2

2010-05-29T10:33:00.009-04:00

I love Sex and the City...the TV show. I love Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha. I love how they think, how they interact, and of course what they wear! Sex and the City has meant so much to so many women. That's why it was disappointing that the storyline of Sex and the City 2, the movie, didn't do the ladies, their men, or their lives, any justice.

We don't want our favourite characters to get into conflict, but as any story-writer or movie-watcher knows, good conflict is necessary for character growth, development, and well...entertainment.

I found myself glad to be watching the ladies again, however, still feeling like I didn't get the point of what I was watching.

The opening wedding scene was beautiful, the landscape in the Middle East was beautiful. The shoes and the outfits were fabulous, as expected. But what good are fancy clothes and exotic locations without a good plot?

Without giving the events away, I will say that:

1) The ladies were not faced with any significant challenges, and the challenges they did have were neatly and quickly resolved. In fact, a single regular-season episode contained more grit and mystery than this entire 2 hour movie did!

2) The men had little to do with the storyline. Yes, they were there: Smith, Big, Harry, and Steve, looking good...but having little action. Even Aidan was there, but his appearance was a little unrealistic and not as juicy as it could have been. While Big did have a significant role in the film, it still seemed like all the years and hours and countless discussions about these complicated relationships and complicated men...left them boring, with no controversy, and really, no purpose.

3) The group co-dependence was a little disturbing. It was cute and endearing ten years ago, but after marriage, children, and well, adulthood, I actually found it a little weird that grown-ass women would STILL run to each other minutes after an encounter to get opinions, advice, and feedback from one another. Yes, I realize that "girl talk" and "sisterhood" and "advice" is kind of the theme and point of Sex and the City...but after a marriage and being in an established relationship for a few years, I would hope that maybe they would have a bit more security in their actions and their partners. It felt like all those years of growth on the television show left them silly and erratic...yes, they will be best friends for life...but have they not learned to at least make their own decisions yet?

I took this photo of the SATC billboard in Times Square on May 24th, 2010.

The best part about the movie was the anticipation, knowing that I would be going to see it with two of my best friends while on vacation.

The highlight of the experience wasn't actually viewing the movie, but instead walking out of the theatre into the hot and humid Miami heat (even at 2am!) at the AMC Theatre at the gorgeous Adventura Mall in South Florida. The palm trees, the smell of the ocean, the tropical breeze, and the pretty lights on the buildings around me.

The movie flopped, but I still enjoyed this stage in the life-long Sex and the City experience--especially knowing that I was able to experience the movie with friends, discuss it at length...and know that we'd wake up the next morning and watch the classic Sex and the City reruns that NEVER disappointed, with 100% satisfaction.

Caribana 2010 - The Band Launch

2010-05-09T22:16:00.027-04:00

The Toronto Revellers released their costumes for the 2010 Caribana parade, last night (Saturday, May 8) at Everest Banquet Hall in Scarborough. This year's theme "Disco Fever" included colourful patterns, plenty of silver beads, disco balls, and music of the 70s, as the models displayed the selection of ensembles for Jamaal Magloire's (above) team of masqueraders.

Ain't no stoppin us now!

For registration information and official photos, please visit the Revellers' website at http://www.torontorevellers.com/.

Here are the highlights of each song-themed section:

Redefining Toronto, the "Screwface" Capital

2010-04-14T10:22:00.010-04:00

It is time to eradicate the use of "Screwface Capital" in reference to the city of Toronto.

The power of a great brand is undeniable, which is why I do not understand why so many have adopted and perpetuated the use of "Screwface Capital" to define a city that they love, and represent proudly to the world.

Screwface by definition:
-a mean face
-a dirty look
-an ice grill
-to gawk
-to scowl
-deeply pissed off
-highly intoxicated
-a dirty or inappropriate facial expression
-revealing nothing

As a brand/nickname, "Screwface Capital" is definitely memorable...but is it favourable? Hardly. To say that we believe we are the "Screwface Capital" is to say that we don't think much of ourselves.

Canadians in general have always struggled with defining our identity. Defining our culture and our people in relation to the Americans, in relation to the British, and accurately reflecting what we believe about ourselves.

To promote the fact that we as Canadians believe ourselves to be "hard" and "tough people to please" and the capital of all things cruel and evil, says more about how we feel about others than we feel about ourselves. And we all know that happy confident people have NO reason to screw up their faces, or hate on other people.

What are we so mad about? That we're not getting the recognition we deserve, internationally? Because that seems to the neverending Canadian sob story whether it's signing a record deal, winning a sporting title, or proving (to who?) that we are worthy of...something.

A lot of the trouble is based on the fact that we as Canadians often collectively worry so much about what the "other" is thinking about us, that we rarely focus on what we think about ourselves.

The Juno Awards are coming up this weekend, for example. Does anyone give a s***? Probably not. Why, because we don't have the same level of entertainment present that they do on the Grammy's or AMA's? Because the Juno's do not accurately reflect Canadian music?

There are always 101 excuses as to why we as Canadians do not want to support what is Canadian.

But we'll support a wack nickname...!?

While we're hating on each other and mean-grilling on the streets, here's what other cities around the world are saying about themselves (most cities have a few nicknames; I've chosen one to illustrate):

NEW YORK CITY - The Big Apple
LAS VEGAS - Sin City
NEW ORLEANS - The Big Easy
DETROIT - Motor Town
CHICAGO - The Windy City
BOSTON - Beantown
ATLANTA - Hotlanta
PARIS - The City of Love
JERUSALEM - The City of Peace
HONG KONG - The Pearl of the Orient

In fact, here is what other CANADIAN cities are saying about themselves, which leads me to believe that a lot of the attitude and resistance resides right here in our city:

CALGARY - The Heart of the New West
EDMONTON - The City of Champions
VANCOUVER - VanCity
WINNIPEG - Winterpeg

And here are the few nicknames that Toronto has received. Most are based on the actual word "Toronto" rather than the spirit or nature of our city:

TORONTO - Hogtown, T.O., T-Dot-O-Dot, T-Dot, Queen City..."SCREWFACE CAPITAL"

Being the capital of angriness is nothing to brag about. That's like being proud of sulking, wining, complaining, and badmind. And if we're using this term to front to "others" about how hardcore Toronto is, it seems to be an unnecessary exercise in false promotion.

The hip hop community in particular has adopted this phrasing, but I find it ironic that some of the biggest hip hop stars to come out of Toronto (e.g. Maestro, Kardi, Drake) had nothing "Screwface" about them. Drake's demeanor is actually quite pleasant, Kardi is always smiling and enjoying life, and Maestro was all about getting the people to dance and have a good time.

What are we trying to prove?

Telling others that you're hard and miserable is hardly a helpful strategy to get people to believe, invest, and support what comes out of the city.

To continue to pretend that Toronto is super-hard is like a contradiction. There are too many faces, too many experiences, and too many stories and cultures in this city to act like we're all scowling all the time.

It's time Toronto redefines the face that we are presenting to ourselves (first and foremost) and then worry about the face we are presenting to the world. This means we have to stop giving EACH OTHER the "Screwface" and learn how to show support, and patience, and actual kindness and empathy for our sisters and brothers who are also trying to get ahead in life.

The "Screwface" has got to go, literally, and figuratively. Creating a culture of respect and support will go a lot further and be beneficial to everyone. The days of pretending that Toronto is something it's not, or perpetrating a myth that we don't even believe ourselves is over.

Lose the mean mug, and smile already!

What is the REAL definition of Toronto? Someone needs to step up and define what we're really all about. I think we'll be surprised how much the truth will catch on, and allow us all to progress.

Don't get me wrong, I love my city, and I love the people in it, regardless. My collection of stories, the "Urban Toronto Tales," highlights the experiences of love, life, and relationships in the city of Toronto. Please visit www.staceymarierobinson.com for more details and order info.