Youssou N'Dour: I Bring What I Love

Doesn't happen often, but I have a new movie on my "must see" list. "Youssou N'Dour: I Bring What I Love". Love has to be the operative word that sums it all up for me. You can feel the love and the passion that Youssou brings with his music and that just can't be faked. A couple of times during the documentary men are brought to tears from the power of the performances. Now that's something - seeing a strong African man cry from love.

The documentary is centered around the release (and fallout) of Youssou's "Egypt" cd. The cd that finally won him a Grammy (after 4 nominations I think) was also the cd that made his own people in Senegal turn their backs on him. As the cd was celebrated in other countries, those who had even heard it in Senegal would not talk about it. Stores there would not sell it and curses went out towards Youssou.

"Egypt" was Youssou's way of singing about what he loved. He sang about his religion and its prophets. Unfortunately, he wasn't one of the chosen few allowed to sing about such.

What watching the problems that Youssou faced and his fight to support what he felt true to his heart, I thought of some of the church people I hear on a regular basis. They don't like the new gospel music. Why can't we just sing the old hymns? Fear of change is not of God but what so many "spiritual" people allow to make them forget what love is all about.

I think that there is something in this film for everyone whether it be the music, the cultural lessons, a chance to look in the mirror, or encouragement to keep on pushing for what you believe in.

Thank you Youssou for bringing what you love and sharing it with the rest of us.

What Is Sexy

Here's the article that made me think about it today:
http://globalgrind.com/content/953055/The-Problem-With-Amber-Rose/

I always read the comments because I often find them as important as their subject. I was reading this one a minute ago and just wondering (once again) why is it that as women, we're not thought of as being comfortable with ourselves, secure, or free unless we're putting it all out there (breasts, butts, punanny, etc.). I've read a couple of articles about how intelligent Ice-T's wife was. You think if she hadn't had all the plastic surgery, wore clothes that covered her breasts and at least a third of her body, and wasn't always letting us know what goes on in her bedroom with her husband we'd have to have articles talking about how intelligent she is?

Shit, I can be sexy with sweat pants & a t-shirt on. I'm okay with being naked too but I just don't feel as if that's for everyone else to see.

I was looking at a picture of Lil Kim earlier today on some site and thinking about in the movie "Notorious" it was Biggie who told her that she needed to wear less clothing to make it. I somehow wondered if this was the beginning of her self-confidence being broken down and down to the point where it wasn't just wearing lil to nothing, it was plastic surgery.

She was such a beautiful young woman before she began this transformation. She has to be one of the sweetest people I've ever met as well.

Also brings up what thoughts about how in today's society being free and confident and open in relationships equals hanging out at strip clubs and swinging. I listen to Michael Baisden on my way home from work each day and as I listen to the "experts" he has on, I think that we have definitely gotten lost.

I don't want to go to the strip club with my mate because I don't want to be a participant in him lusting after other women. Love and commitment doesn't stop you from being attracted to others, but why put yourself in a situation that can easily lead to acting upon those attractions.