Why Do I Listen to RAP Music?

You’re probably thinking “what does Tam know about RAP music?” Well, thanks to my bff and my quest for enlightenment via ART I’ve slid on over to this genre.

Overall, my interest in rap music is solely educational. I consider myself to be an artist in many ways: whether it’s blogging, poetry, singing, etc. So I take note when there are other artists doin’ they thug thizzle better than anyone else in the game. Music is by far the GREATEST unifying element of society today. Seriously, it knocks down walls of age, race, income bracket – you name it and I bet you can find at least 2 people who listen to or play the SAME kind of music and other than that they are complete opposites. For example, list the characteristics of a Michael Jackson fan. I bet you will have traits all across the spectrum because overall, MJ was a performer. It didn’t matter if you was “black or white” because when it’s time to “BEAT IT” or you see a “PYT” walking down the street honey shuga iced tea, you were ALL EARs.

Now to understand the POWER behind music and the INFLUENCE artists have, let’s discuss your experience with this system of beats, lyrics, melodies and clefs. Has music ever “taken you there?” You know what I mean. When you were sitting at home one day by your lonesome, did you not put on some Whitney Houston, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” or some “Stanky Leg” and supremely KICK IT. You didn’t need no crowd, no drank and no distractions. When it was time to pick the songs for your wedding, did you not borrow the classic lyrics from the O’Jays, Babyface & Luther Vandross? See, music will take you places: voluntary or involuntary.

See the dangerous element of music is its ability to creep into your subconscious, plant a garden and have you sprouting up emotions you never thought possible. I can recall a many of times riding in the Cobie and “One Last Cry” from Brian McKnight simply take me to a rough time in my life…now I’m crying ‘cause I’m remembering “the one that got away” and all the HELL that last foo’ took me through. So BE CAREFUL what you allow to enter in your spirit. MUSIC can be a dagger or a hoist, use it wisely.

Back to the topic at hand: RAP MUSIC. What I love about rap music and any music with quality is how clever they string together the song as a whole. As I mentioned before, I sing, write poetry and most definitely respect MUSIC as an art form. So when I listen to music: I dissect the lyrics, critique the beat and if it doesn’t intrigue my mind or spirit, I turn it off. For the majority of my musical life, I’ve only considered R&B, Gospel and more of the “calm” side of music to fill up my cassette case and disk drive. That was until I heard these artists below….

Christian Lecrae, Da T.r.u.t.h., Flame, Sho Baraka, Trip Lee

All these artists TEACH the word of God to the masses.
Their target audience is the YOUNG ADULTs in and out of the church.
All have a testimony that would normally disqualify them from ministering, BUT GOD!

Secular Jadakiss, Wayne, Nappy Roots, Lauryn Hill

All these artists TEACH you their principles of how to live life.
Their target audiences are quite diverse.
All have life stories that, for the most part, coincide with their identity in music.

So you might ride past me in traffic BLASTIN’ some “Background” from Lecrae or “Tie My Hands” by Weezy F. Oh my word – how can a Christian justify listening to SECULAR music?!!!

Simply put: I use it for various ministry moments & the METAPHORs are ridiculous!

I put some of my favorite pieces below. Guess who they belong to.

Only the 9 artists listed above are choices. You might be surprised.

1. I'm leaning to the right. The light is where I'm running.
    I thought I wanted life, drunk, sexed out and blunted
2. As I look at what I've done. The type of life that I've lived. How many things I pray the father will forgive
3. But who am I to talk? We in the same picture but we all got different poses
4. If I was worth dying for, yes this God’s worth living for.
5. I just wanna make you famous.
6. ...scared to get some water, roaches hangin’ over the faucets
7. I'll mess around and lose my life man tryna walk in you
    I'm standing on these stages and got these people believing me
8. Why they gon’ give you life for a murder - turn around only give you eight months for a burner.
9. If the bible was re-written and the writers put me in it. I wonder how my life would read? Would the people that have heard of me read just to learn of me be turned away by what they see? Or would they slump in their sofas blown away and sober by my life... didn't come to believe. Or would they do a once over read the pages of my life, and once it's over, close the book and say that's not how I want to be!

*Answers will be e-mailed to all readers that leave a comment.*

Did I write this to make you start/stop listening to rap whether Christian or Secular. NOPE! I consider myself to be open-minded at my core so I’m like a SPONGE – tryna get educated and enlightened in any way that I can. Do I listen to every Weezy F song he puts out? NO because sometimes I can’t handle its profanity or I’m on something different that day. I respect his hustle tho’. I’m becoming more and more aware of what I allow into my personal bubble: people, music, teaching, spirits so of course I’m not promoting either artist but I will say that if you want to bring people together, stop judging people by the music they listen to. It might be mess to you but it could a reflection of their own life. No, I’m not a gangsta and no I’m not a saint but I am ME: an artist at heart, child of God, hustla’ in my own right & lover of music. Jesus didn’t hang out with the saved all day long, did he? He was in the streets so if I can connect with a person on the music front, maybe I can convince them to lower their wall and consider another viewpoint – after all, you can’t have a ministry moment with a conversation starter!

Hope you enjoyed my insight.

Go pick up that Le’Andria Johnson and Kirk Franklin (Hello Fear) album (shameless promo).

Learning from the Oldies: LIFE LESSONS taught by R&B Classics

Anyone that knows me knows that I am a MUSIC FANATIC. So of course, my musical interests are diverse: country, R&B, gospel, rap, blues, etc. However, when I want an emotional release to clear my head, give me a laugh or help me vent I find myself dipping & dabbing in some of the music my mom played on her record player. I can recall plenty of times where I would sit and listen to some Prince, Michael Jackson, Teddy P. & a slew of others. I was only a young buck (12 yrs old), but the songs spoke to me. LOL As an adult, I started to actually listen to the lyrics. This analysis led to a few conclusions: 1). Music is a lost art 2). Real music outlives the time period in which it is created & 3). All my older adult friends/family better not say nothing about how disrespectful, sexually-oriented our music is because honey sugar iced tea y’all was doing the same thang!

*chuckle, it’s ok to laugh*

So of the numerous selections I had to choose from, these were the first ones that popped up in my head & media player on my phone. These songs taught me a lot about life, love & everything in between. Go back in time with me for a minute…I know what you’re gonna say: “what about so-and-so” & “why you put it on the list.” It’s not an all-inclusive trip, just a speed bump in the musical era I call, “The Oldies but Goodies.”

No Pain, No Gain (Betty Wright)
Anything worth havin' at all
Is worth workin’ for and waitin' for
Some gifts are just to make him feel better while he's on his guilt trip
Sometimes flowers mean "Maybe we should just be friends"
In order to be something
You got to go through something
Be a cook in the kitchen, a lady in the streets
You can't show your teeth to every guy you meet
It's alright to be a little sweet
But be a mama with the kids and you know what in the sheets
No pain [No pain], no pain [No pain]
No gain [No gain]
*LESSON: Love is a plant – it needs both SUN & RAIN!

If Loving You Is Wrong, I Don’t Wanna Be Right (Percy Sledge):
*LESSON: Don’t be no fool – you will never be happy with a MARRIED MAN! He ain’t leaving his wife & ain’t gon WIFE you. You shouldn’t want a man that would CHEAT with you ANYWAY!

Always & Forever (Lutha Vandross)
Always and forever
Each moment with you
Is just like a dream to me
That somehow came true, yeah
And I know tomorrow
Will still be the same
'Cause we got a life of love
That won't ever change
*LESSON: Real love DOES EXIST & it CAN LAST

‘Cause I Love You (Lenny Williams)
*LESSON: When a man truly loves a woman, he can’t eat, sleep or think about anything but her. If yo’ man ain’t fighting for you, then ask yourself – WHY? If you ain’t fighting for him, then maybe the feelings are mutual.

Stairway to Heaven (O’Jays) – ENUFF SAID!

Woman to Woman (Shirley Brown)
*LESSONs: Understand your POWER & VALUE as a woman. Secure women don’t go after men that are already attached. Know that I’m gonna check ya if you have overstepped your boundaries with my man. At the end of the day, I was me before I met him & honey I hope you can say the same.

Ribbon in the Sky (Stevie Wonder): ENUFF SAID

I Apologize (Anita Baker)
*LESSON: Be woman enough to say you’re SORRY. We yell at men for upsetting us and not caring about our feelings, but when we wrong we try to cover it up and excuse it. Wrong is wrong and even if he is wrong 99% of the time, you need to be secure enough to accept blame & take responsibility for mending the problem you created during your 1%.

We are FAMILY (Sister Sledge)
*LESSON: Family sticks together. It starts with immediate family, then extended family, then family in the Faith. Unity empowers us and selfishness will DESTROY us.

Practice What You Preach (Barry White): ENUFF SAID!

Superwoman (Karyn White)
*LESSON: Every once in a while we (women) have to remind them (men) that we are not SUPERWOMEN. Yes, we take care of the kids, clean the house, work a full-time job & try to keep you satisfied but please believe: there is going to come a time when we won’t be so eager to be at your every beck & call. So treat us right or be a lonely fool. It can't be one-sided: we both hafta give our time, heart & effort to make it work.

So Much Love (B Angie B)
*LESSON: Men (and women) will stray, sometimes even when the grass IS green on their side. You can’t waste time PROVING you’re good enough for him. If he can’t tell, let HIM GO! Fight for your man, but you shouldn’t want ANYBODY that DON’T WANT YOU! Simple as that.

After the Love Is Gone (Earth, Wind & Fire)
It’s best to end a relationship while the friendship still exists. Nothing good comes from staying in an emotionless, LOVEless situation. It’s not fair to you or them. Know when to walk away. Sticking around is worse than being REAL about your issues. Love ‘em enough to let them find someone BETTER.
 
Love & Happiness (Al Green)
Love and happiness
Something that can make you do wrong,
Make you do right
*LESSON: Love is crazy enough to make you act a PLUM FOOL but sweet enough to get you through some of the roughest time.

It’s Not Right, But It’s Okay (Whitney Houston)
Ladies, if you find out your man cheating. Don’t make a scene, don’t cuss HER out and please do not bust the windows out his car or key it. Keep your composure, remember that what goes around comes around and LEAVE! He’ll regret degrading you and if he doesn’t – OH WELL.

Whitney said it best: I can pay my own rent. Pay my light bill & take care of my babies.


Hope you enjoyed this flashback! As always, thanks for reading.

Diary of a FRUSTRATED Black Woman: The Series

http://diaryofafrustratedblackwoman.blogspot.com/

Preview Entry List

My Hair: Blessing or Curse? Inside take on weave, natural & everything in between!
My Skin: Does shade really matter?
Go BIG girl, what you gon’ do? Full-figured & BEAUTIFUL!
Understanding your role (spiritual vs. practical)
Workplace Dynamics: Is There An Even Playing Field?
Those who can’t COOK, order…will he still wife you?
Accessories: the ones you CAN’T take off
Is There A Heart in the House Tonight? Judgment in the Church
Fashion: Dressing for the Occasion
Talk To Her (Respecting My Sista): Manners, Unity & Empowerment
The Balancing Act: Being Professional but Not Forgetting Your Roots
The B-WORD: Who you calling a B*TCH?!
I’m A Flirt: No Harm, No Foul? WRONG!
I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T: What’s the HARM in that?
Bad Habits: An Analysis on the Destiny Child’s Classic
Birth Control: Is it a requirement? Safe Sex: Is It An Oxymoron?
The Waiting Game: Does it even matter?
The L-Word: Lesbianism – your thoughts?
A Diamond Is A Girl’s Best Friend & A Woman’s Safe Deposit Box
COLLEGE: Is it worth it?
He Put A Ring On It…now what?
Tell Him The TRUTH: CHEATING on Accident?
Motherhood: Living for my children
Teen Pregnancy: An Epidemic Choking Our Culture
Shopping Is My Escape, but is it Costing More than I bargained for?

Let me know which ones you like/dislike!

Gospel Music Then & Now: Has its purpose changed?

Background: I spent a few hours visiting with my Pooh’s mom this past Sunday. We watched Sunday’s Best, laughed, joked but overall, had a spiritual discussion concerning gospel music.

Here’s a summary of the topics we discussed:
1. Should a non-black contestant be able to win Sunday’s Best?
2. Does color matter when it comes to gospel music?
3. What is the target audience of contemporary vs. traditional gospel music?
4. Does music add or take away from the overall worship experience?

Now of course we joked and laughed about how Mrs. Andrea was going to despite her being Caucasian. Ms. Lynn said: “Well, we go Obama – Andrea gon’ take Sunday’s Best.” Not joking because it’s impossible tho – in fact, we both VOTED for Andrea for the following reasons:

1. She has an anointing in her spirit that you can’t help but embrace when she sings.
2. Why does color matter if God is love & does not discriminate?
3. Gospel music is supposed to “get you through” – she has such a sweet voice that is not only skillful, but allows you to fully intercept her praise
4. The other girl, my apologies as I do not know her name, seemed more Neo-Soul which is cool but neither one of us felt like she was singing to the Lord; simply performing a song.
5. When we close our eyes and listen to each woman’s voice – there’s anointing in one & the urge to get up and dance in the other. Both gifted, but we value anointing over skill/flavor.

I personally feel that above all, soloist and other music ministries have ONE PURPOSE: To usher in the Holy Spirit by inviting the congregation into your personal praise. What does that mean? That means if I’m singing a solo, the congregation should NOT be distracted by me: not my outfit, my “runs” or my attention to making sure I hit EVERY note right.

*Note: At times your voice can be a distraction if:
1). Your voice fails (note goes flat or off-rhythm)
2). You are a true background singer and not soloist (can hold a note but need voice lessons)
3). You add so much complexity to the melody of a song that even old classics become foreign & we lose sight of what the lyrics truly mean (too many runs, not enough praise)

We discussed how gospel music has transformed over the years. Ms. Lynn felt that gospel just “ain’t what it used to be” – but I disagreed. See, I grew up in the South (straight Baptist preaching, teaching & sanging). However, my worship did not become intimate until I became an adult, life happened & I chose to stop running from God. So I’m familiar with the greats like John P Kee, Milton Brunson, Richard Smallwood, Daryl Coley, Shirley Caesar, Tremaine Hawkins and such.

On the other hand, my friend/bro Gary Stallings who is more of a contemporary gospel music buff explained to me why gospel music HAD to change. It has been and will always be a time of praise and glorification of the Lord – BUT now that the younger generation is full of zeal, rebellion & off-the-chain alternatives to Christ gospel music has to ATTRACT, ENTERTAIN & TEACH simultaneously. It has to have a dope beat, youthful & be relevant to my present/past circumstance. So if you go into Mardel’s or any Christian music store you will see the gothic section, southern Baptist section & a plethora of other genres WITHIN the Christian Contemporary Music section. Gospel music has GOT to take the brilliant & innovative minds of today’s youth, teach them Christian values & empower them to share the gospel.

So what does this mean?

The next time you see a church choir sing a remix to a Hot 8 @ 8 song, a mime with Kirk Franklin beats, a Christian gospel rap concert EMBRACE the purpose – the target audience needs to be the youth because in 15-20 years, they will be running the country. It’s so important to mentor our youth (not make a mini-me) and give them every opportunity to excel, make change & liberate the spiritually-fallen.

Discipleship is our CALLING – have you enlisted or are you stuck in the mentality that you are ONLY responsible for your own ticket to heaven?

I leave you with these scriptures:

Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Romans 12
A Living Sacrifice
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Humble Service in the Body of Christ
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Blessingz!

Reflections: 1st Fridays Bible Study
Text: II Samuel 13 “You Got It Bad”

First of all, if you missed last week’s First Friday Bible Study hosted by UBCC’s IMAGE Ministry – consider yourself DEPRIVED!!! Minister Trell Hollis led a powerful and enlightening discussion/study over the story of Amnon & Tamar as told in II Samuel, Ch. 13. The title “You Got It Bad” inspired by Usher Raymond’s hit from the 8701 album puts a new-age connotation to an ancient problem: IDOLATRY! What is that “thing” or “person” placing a wedge between you and the Father? Is it worth it? Obviously, because it’s got a hold on you (emotionally, mentally, physically and of course spiritually).

Just admit that if we are honest with ourselves, WE GOT IT BAD!!!

Principle #1: If you are going to combat your infatuation or your obsession, you have to kill it before it gets started.

Principle #2: Ungodly obsessions are not only damaging to one’s spiritual health, but also their physical health.

Principle #3: Obsessions will lead you to rebel against what you know is right.

Principle #4: Obsession will cause you to lose perspective of the reality of who you are!

Principle #5: Your obsession will make you more susceptible to the plans and schemes of the enemy!

Principle #6: Your obsession can cause you to miss out on the very thing you are obsessed about!

Principle #7: Your obsession can cause you to confuse what you can’t live without with the thing you need to live without.

My Conclusion:
There are people and things in our lives that start out as blessings yet over time, show themselves to be distractions, temptations, strongholds or just gateways to sin. Take some time and think about what and/or who has taken priority over God in your life. That new/old relationship, that new promotion or just our old buddy PRIDE could be detaching us from the vine (John 15). Seek first, the kingdom of heaven and He will give you the desires of your heart (according to HIS WILL).

I leave you with this one question: IS “IT” WORTH YOUR PLACE IN HEAVEN?


Thanks Trell for blessing us & thanks to all for reading.*

BLESSINGS, Tamzy

In tip-toe anticipation...aren't you?

Good Times

Good Times.

Any time you meet a payment.

Good Times.

Any time you need a friend.

Good Times.

Any time you're out from under.

Not getting hastled, not getting hustled.

Keepin' your head above water, Making a wave when you can.

Temporary lay offs.

Good Times.

Easy credit rip offs.

Good Times.

Scratchin' and surviving.

Good Times.

Hangin in a chow line.

Good Times.

Ain't we lucky we got 'em.

Good Times.

After listening to our esteemed U.S. President, Barack Obama, this song came to mind. Now I must admit that I was a little skeptical...no SERIOUSLY doubtful about this young man in the driver's seat. I can remember last year when my best friend Nay and I were discussing the candidates. She says, "oh yea and there's this one guy running for the Democrats...Barack Obama." I was like...umm what the heck? Obama sound just like Osama...and his middle name is Hussein...is this not a red flag???

November 4, 2008 rolls around and here I am happily checking his name on my ballot. What can I say? His speech is impeccable yet sincere...he's classy without being arrogant and he's got enough hope to fill the Chief's stadium (lol, I know that was kinda wack but whatever). How can I argue with that? Plus, he understands that he can only go as far as God allows...but is it too good to be true? Naw, I won't get pessimistic too early - I'm looking forward to witnessing the amazing promises he's going to accomplish to rebuild our country.

I'm not at all political so I'll leave this alone for now. Just felt like writing. I would dazzle you with an in-depth poetic expression but Obama's speech said all that needed to be said.

Good night & God Bless guys!

Without Words

To live in a world that screams everything except Christ
It’s no wonder I’m swaying to the left while He’s firmly on the right

If we would all just respond to His knock at our heart’s door
We would not be burdened and our spirit would not be sore

We would see our lives through the eyes of a believer
A mountaintop view, a perspective much deeper

Than what our eyes can see and emotions can take us
Please do not be deceived, our battles are not there to break us

Instead, each test of faith just gives God another chance to prove
That He got everything under control – just watch Him move

Studying the seven realities of experiencing God has re-convinced me
That this crisis of believe is working out perfectly

You see I’ve spent the last few months rehearsing my misery
Too weak to step back and let God walk for me

But to be kept by Jesus – remember that song?
I had given up on myself but He knew all along

That when He quenched my thirst, there was a chance I’d stray
But eventually I’d return to a God that was the same yesterday, tomorrow and today

I was slow to open my Bible and meditate on his meal
Expecting that I could save myself from myself – Tam, are you for real?

But God heard through my cries, although I spoke not a single word
My tears were enough – none of my requests were blurred

I needed more of Him so He asked for more of me
A true stepping stone in finding your own reason to believe

So this note is for Jesus – I thank you for being who you are
Even when I can’t trace you, I know you’re never too far