When it comes to songs that offer than aural healing I’ve been desperately needing, it has nothing to do with genre or a particular artist. It’s entirely a lyrical thing. And sometimes it’s just the chorus that lifts me up.

This post is about to get random! Are you ready?

5. Deliver Me From My Enemies by Vivian “Yabby You” Jackson.

I wrote a longer post about this song for the Game Well and Truly Over blog’s 2010 Music Project. And it’s true, I really do need to listen to this song at least once a week. The horns, the rhythm, the harmonies all intoxicate me. But the lyrics say it ALL.

Deliver me, oh my God, from my enemies.
Oh I? plea unto thee, to guide me.
Cause me to hear thy love and kindness in the morning.
For in thee do I trust, cause me to walk in thy way
For I lift up my soul right up to thee,
Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God,
Thy spirit…it is good. Lead me in uprightness.

Yabby You passed away this year, after a brain aneurysm. His musical legacy will never be forgotten by fans of roots reggae music.

4. One Day I’ll Fly Away by Randy Crawford.

I said it before and I’ll say it again – Randy Crawford’s voice does things to me. There’s such a distinctive quality to it. One Day I’ll Fly Away is so beautiful to me. Despite the fact that the song is about leaving a relationship behind, it’s just the chorus and her soaring voice in the song’s bridge… Listening to this song at the end of a hard day gives me everything I need.

3. Shake it Off by Mariah Carey.

Ooooh, Mariah. Although I can’t get with her near-constant half nakedness, she can craft a song that delivers the goods and then some. Shake it Off is a sassy modern day, brand-name dropping dismissal to a lover, but the chorus totally lifts my spirits. When I’m struggling to get my mood back up where it should be, this track does it everytime.

2. Ain’t No Stopping Us Now by McFadden and Whitehead.

The quintessential 70’s disco upliftment track! The beat is mellow but still makes me wanna dance, and the lyrics are so perfect in every way. This song is so perfect for the times when the negative energy of others threatens to infect you. Brush them off. Hold your head high. And let this song take you onward and upward. If you’ve ever been held down before, I KNOW you refuse to be held down anymore!

1. Bless Me by Garnett Silk and Sizzla.

Few reggae vocalists did it better than Garnett. This song is exactly what I was talking about in my post about lyrical therapy. In the Caribbean, sometimes there’s no divide between religious music, and the music that gets the party started. I love the balance of Garnett Silk’s original track, countered with Sizzla’s mournful chanting. And that refrain pops into my head whenever I feel weak and stressed. Bless me, bless me so that they can’t curse me. Garnett Silk left this world far too soon. RIP.

Those are the songs that helped me get over this week! What songs help you get through, when times get rough?

Related posts:

1. Throwback Thursday — A Decade Since Miseducation
2. Throwback Thursday — Althea and Donna
3. Throwback Thursday — One in a Million

Yes, I was BIG into cassettes. I’ve still got quite a collection.

Anyway, at this particular kiosk I got everything I wanted. All of the music I saw on cable TV and in my Sassy magazines, the music they totally weren’t playing on the radio in Trinidad. I bought albums by Green Day and Bjork and Soundgarden. And I got every Nirvana album from Bleach to Unplugged, all on cassette. I practically burned a hole in those tapes, rewinding songs just to hear Kurt Cobain’s yowl, so filled with pain and emotion.

I remember his death very clearly, even though I was somewhere hot and bright, so far away from bleak Seattle. I was at my friend Carys’ house. My brother called, because he’d seen it on the news and he knew about the posters on my wall and my tape collection. I cried for Kurt, and I wanted so much to be in a place where fellow Nirvana fans were sharing their grief.

That was in 1994. Today, February 20, would have been Kurt Cobain’s 43rd birthday. To give tribute to him, I present my top 5 favorite Nirvana songs.

5 — In Bloom.

This was one of Nirvana’s most amusing videos, and gave a glimpse to a side of the band that was less angry and tormented. Dave Grohl hamming it up in costume was just a foreshadowing of Foo Fighters videos to come. And the song is everything I love about the band — biting lyrics, rock n roll attitude, unexpected harmonies, and great songwriting.

4 — Dumb.

If you’re allergic to hard rock, yowling vocals and screeching guitars, you’ll probably love Nirvana’s Unplugged album. In my opinion it is hands down the greatest Unplugged album out there. The band took the opportunity to intersperse their original songs with some truly inspired covers. It’s a must have for any music collection. Click here to treat yourself. This is one of my favorites, stripped down to beautiful effect. “I’m not like them, but I can pretend…”

3 — Lithium.

Behind Smells Like Teen Spirit, this is one of those quintessentially popular Nirvana mosh pit type of songs. Their traditional quiet-loud song structure is in full effect, and the lyrics are classic Nirvana. Dark and introspective and troubled.

2 — Love Buzz.

My first Nirvana album was Nevermind, and then I absolutely had to get everything they’d made. First I got Incesticide, then I got Bleach. Early Nirvana was so primal and quirky, less despondent than some of the later material on In Utero. Love Buzz rocks. Point blank, period.

1 — About a Girl.

One of their earliest songs — originally released on Bleach — stripped down and made acoustic on what would turn out to be the band’s final album. If you remember MTV in the Nineties, this song may be as engraved on your mind as it is mine.

RIP, Kurt Cobain, and happy birthday. You left this world too soon.

Were you a Nirvana fan? What are your favorites?

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1. Happy Birthday, Stevie!
2. The Band I’m Seeing Tonight
3. Happy Birthday, Sesame Street!

Idea #1. Godiva Candle. See, here’s the thing. Valentine’s Day has become synonymous with chocolates. And not every woman wants a box of chocolates. Many of us are dieting, or trying to eat healthier…and a box of chocolates is just gonna sit there and tempt you. If you’re getting a gift for a loved one who is working on her fitness, get her a Godiva candle. Candle Luxury has the delicious limited edition Chocolate Strawberry Rose candle for sale, but if you don’t have time for all of that and need a gift in a bag pronto, go to Bath and Body Works. Get the Godiva White Chocolate Magnolia candle. It’s equally potent, and equally intoxicating.

Idea #2. Just go to Sephora. Duh. I love watching men at Sephora. Some of them walk in confident, like they know what they’re doing. Then one gander at the array of options and they start getting that expression of utter confusion. That “oh no, what did I just walk into?” look. I understand completely. Sephora can boggle the mind! My advice here is, ask a sales associate to guide you towards the gift sets. Or if all else fails, find the section that says Carol’s Daughter.

They’ve got some great body treatment sets that’ll make a great gift. Ooh, and don’t sleep on that SweetHoneyDipChocolateBrownSugah Scrub. Few products have made my skin feel softer, or made me smell more candylicious. Mama likes, Mama likes a LOT.

Idea #3. The never-fail spa gift card.

I seriously believe that spa days should be medically prescribed. I just NEED a good massage and pedicure at least once a month. If you’re seeking an all-around never fail excellent spa, I HIGHLY recommend the Red Door. Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door spas are absolutely decadent, and the packages are to die for. And because they know how Valentine’s Day can creep up on you, they’ve got the Print-A-Gift option, so your Valentine’s Day card can contain a little something to make your honey squeal with delight. Get her the Signature Escape. Trust me. She will LOVE it.

If you’re looking for even more options, then go to SpaWeek.com for one of their fabulous gift cards spa deals, and discounts.

Idea #4. Cookware.

Maybe your honey pie isn’t a girly-girl who loves makeup and perfume and going to the spa. Maybe the love of your life is all about being in the kitchen and cooking up fabulous feasts. I never used to be that girl, but lately I find so much pleasure in cooking, and having friends over for dinner. Looking for a last-minute Valentine’s gift? Three words. Cast iron cookware. It’s heavy, it cleans up marvelously, and this is cookware that will last forever. Cast iron is investment cookware. There’s a reason people have been using this for hundreds of years.

So if I were to ask my husband for a Valentine’s gift this year, it’d probably be the cast iron panini pan by Giada De Laurentiis for Target. It’s red. It’s versatile — this can go in the oven or be used on the stove for yummy hot sandwiches, or even hamburgers or chicken breasts. $69.99. I want it, I want it, I want it!

For a much more affordable option, go to your nearest Cost Plus World Market. I just bought the most darling red cast iron pots there for $20 last week. And their red oven-to-table bakeware collection is great as well.

Idea #5. New music!

Some excellent new albums have come out recently, and maybe getting your sweetie an album or three could be a great gift. My personal recommendations are Soldier of Love, Corinne Bailey Rae’s The Sea, and Nina Simone’s Anthology.

And because it’s Valentine’s Day — here’s a freebie!

Idea #6 — The “whatever you want to do, baby” option. Here’s the thing. Valentine’s Day is a commercial celebration, but it’s about spending time together. It’s about falling in love all over again, and all of the joy that togetherness brings. So make the day about that. In the past, me and my husband have exchanged coupons for things to do together that have ranged from concert tickets to none-of-your-business. We can get so caught up in the day to day, that we miss moments to celebrate couplehood. So make breakfast for each other. Go for a lovely walk — tomorrow’s Valentine’s Day is the same day as the Chinese New Year, so maybe go check out your local Chinese New Year parade together! Go out for dinner. Or make dinner together. Love the one you’re with, give it your all, and make plans to celebrate your own private Valentine’s Day once a month.

Love to you all!

Related posts:

1. A Valentine’s Menu for You!
2. A Post Valentine’s Giveaway
3. Afrobella Gift Guide — Winter Skin Love

I read that Playboy interview and I’d actually like to thank him. Thanks for allowing your foot-in-mouth disorder to shine so brightly, and for giving us all something to remember the next time your trite, boring music comes on the radio. I’ve had my feelings about his character for a long time now, so the idiocy he so rampantly displayed didn’t surprise me one bit. John Mayer has been saying stupid things to the media for a while and this interview just happened to be studded with some exceptional quotes. This whole “scandal” gets a massive eye roll from me. As do all of his meaningless lyrics about appreciating women.

I think John Mayer is a musician who wants to be a comedian. And I think he should just play his guitar, sing his sappy top-40 easy listening songs, don’t kiss and tell, and stay in his lane. Having said that, I think the only people who should REALLY be mad about his Playboy interview are Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Simpson, and Kerry Washington. I’d love to be a fly on the wall when Kerry Washington finally gives John Mayer a piece of her mind, actually. Because, like the Black Snob, I am wondering what “white girl crazy” means.

And as for the rest of the women who are up in arms over his chronic oversharing…well here’s some new music and new musicians to add to your playlist, to fill that void.

1. Ben Harper.

Mmm, mmmm, mmmmmm. Ben Harper looks GOOD, he puts on an amazing live show, he’s sick on the lap steel, and he can sing like nobody’s business. So why is it every time I see him in concert, it seems like the only people of color there are him and me? I don’t get it. Ben Harper’s music can be classified as rock, but I’ve seen him do INCREDIBLE soul music covers. Like Use Me and Sexual Healing. His song My Father’s House is being sold on iTunes to benefit Haiti. If you like John Mayer, you’ll probably love Steal My Kisses. It’s cute and catchy. Click here to treat yourself.

2. Jack Johnson.

I can’t even front, when I first heard Jack Johnson’s music, it was like a lullaby to me. I got sleepy, fast. But when I listened to him in my sister in law’s convertible as we drove around San Diego — it all made sense and I fell in love. His music is the perfect soundtrack to a road trip or day at the beach. Simple, unaffected, honest, and relaxing. Everyone needs a little Jack Johnson in their life. Brushfire Fairytales is a great album for a first intro. If you’ve got kids (or are a kid at heart), the Curious George soundtrack is full of win. Jack Johnson was discovered by Ben Harper in 1999, and they’ve collaborated together often.

I’m not a fan of most Bob Marley covers, but I love that one. Inaudible Melodies is probably my favorite Jack Johnson song, just for the refrain. Slow down, everyone. You’re moving too fast.

Click here to buy Brushfire Fairytales. The whole album is excellent.

3. Dave Matthews.

Of all the musicians listed, I’ve seen Dave Matthews and his band live the most often. That’s because my husband is a HUGE DMB fan. In fact, so are his sister, his brother, and so many other people I know. It’s taken me a while but I gotta admit, Dave puts on a hell of a show (even though I am always amazed by the ratio of black folks on stage versus black folks in the audience. Almost the whole Dave Matthews Band is black). I love live music and he’s never disappointed me, for a fun concert experience. If you like a song that’s more than a love song, listen to Don’t Drink The Water. And read the lyrics. Delightful and deep.
And some of his love songs are absolutely intoxicating. Obviously Crash is sweet and comes immediately to mind. But Up and Away is awesome.

And if I had to pick a song to fill your John Mayer void, I’d have to go with his biggest current hit, You & Me.

4. Jason Mraz.

This guy is the most obviously like John Mayer, IMO — he’s kinda cute, he’s got a great voice, and he writes songs for girls in sundresses who sway on the lawn at concerts. He just won two Grammys and I can’t deny my love for Lucky.

Or I’m Yours. They’re both so sweet! And so “I’m on vacation in Hawaii.” His album, We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. is a laid back listen. Love that.

5. The Gabe Dixon Band.

Full disclosure, I went to college with these guys. We weren’t friends, but I’ve been a fan for years. Gabe, Winston, and Jano were the house band at some spectacularly scuzzy house parties I attended in my sophomore and junior years of college, and believe me they can put on a SHOW. I’m kinda mad they never made it really bigtime. Because they are super talented.

And The World Turned is lovely and sweet, and so is Disappear. But All Will Be Well is my favorite du jour.

Click here to get their album, The Gabe Dixon Band.

So what are your thoughts on John Mayer? And what are your thoughts on the songs I shared above? I hope they make your iPod happy!

Related posts:

1. 5 …very random Caribbean Christmas songs
2. Musical Christmas Wishes, From Me to You
3. Throwback Thursday — Down By The River

When I was a toddler, my dad spent time in Jamaica studying for a master’s degree. When he returned, he brought what seemed like Bob Marley’s entire record collection with him. Uprising. Natty Dread. Burnin’. Survival. Rastaman Vibration. We had all the LP’s and from that early age, I started soaking them up like a sponge. I swear on the Bible that I have clear, distinct memories of seeing footage of Bob Marley’s funeral on television. The coffin surrounded by an ocean of weeping fans, the mourning of a people. I know I probably have created these memories — Bob passed in 1981. I wasn’t more than two at the time, but part of my brain swears that I witnessed this moment with the rest of the Caribbean.

One of my earliest embarrassing memories is of my brother Dominic sneaking up on me as I sang Redemption Song to myself (I must have been only four or five, and of course I didn’t know the lyrics).

When I was a teenager, Bob’s lyrics helped me navigate my way through oceans of frenemies. I absorbed his lyrics. Listening to his music gave me that feeling of spiritual balance that I felt unable to attain at church on Sundays with my parents.

And to this day, whenever I need a little guidance, a little perspective, a little satisfaction for my soul — I turn to him. Rest in Peace, Mr. Marley. It’s an understatement to say you left this world too soon.

Here are my top 5 favorite Bob Marley tunes, in no particular order. That would be too difficult.

5. Who The Cap Fit/Man to Man

Few songs have ever actually caused me to look within myself as this song did. The lyrics spoke very directly to my soul during a turbulent part of my life —
“Some will hate you, pretend they love you now
Then behind they try to eliminate you.
But who Jah bless, no one curse;
Thank God, we’re past the worst.”

It’s a double-edged sword, and Bob captured it so perfectly in this song. Sometimes you’re watching out for the cap-wearers. And sometimes, the cap-wearer is you. Realizing that was essential for me, and I think it’s rare that a song can be credited for making someone a better person. But Who The Cap Fit did that for me. Most definitely.

4. Revolution.

This song certainly isn’t among Bob’s most popular, but those words hit me deep in my soul. And they speak so earnestly to Bob Marley’s own beliefs and experiences. “Never let a politician grant you a favor. He will always want to control you forever.”

Check it live in 1980. And please take note of the I-Threes. They give me SO much style inspiration.

3. Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)

One of the most incredible things about Bob was his prescience. His lyrics spoke about issues that are tragically timeless — poverty, struggle, hunger, and pain. Not being able to pay your bills. Not being able to feed your kids. And while singing about that, he sang about revolution, self motivation, and rising above that which angers you.

And besides all of that, there’s the irresistable command. “Forget your sorrows and dance. Forget your troubles and dance. Forget your weakness and dance. ”

When you listen to this song, you almost can.

2. Forever Loving Jah

If you catch me at the right time, this song can put chills down my spine. The strength of Bob’s religious conviction is so palpable in the songs composed after Haile Selassie’s passing. This song, Jah Live, and Selassie Is The Chapel resonate with faith. It’s an emotion that’s almost wholly lacking from music today.

1. One Drop

This song feels just as fresh as it was back in the day. The beat can’t be denied. This song has more fond memories for me than most, so that’s what makes this my top pick. But even in writing this I’m questioning my choice. There are SO many Bob Marley songs that are just perfect compositions.

Although Legend is Bob Marley’s most popular album (and the most popular reggae album of all time according to Billboard), that “best of” compliation falls short and fails to include some truly essential tracks. If you’re REALLY trying to get into the deeper crates, treat yourself to Songs Of Freedom. It is as good as a best of collection gets. Four CDs that show the evolution of this one of a kind musical legend. SO worth the money.

At times in the past, I’ve listened to Bob Marley’s music and felt an undertone of anger that a musician so talented had to die so young. Just 36 years old, and with SO much more music to make. But on this Bob Marley Day, I’m just rejoicing in his musical legacy. He left us with so much to listen to, so much to consider. So much inspiration. He may be gone, but Robert Nesta Marley will never, ever be forgotten.

What are your favorite Bob Marley songs? Share your memories with me!

Related posts:

1. Happy Birthday, Kurt. RIP
2. Lyrical Therapy
3. Happy Birthday, Stevie!

1. Peace Images — what more can I say about Peace Images that I haven’t already said? I have never met Camille, but she is totally a friend in my head. Her jewelry is AMAZING. The quality, the look, the creativity – hats off to her, for real. I own a few “peaces” and plan to get more, and thankfully there’s a neverending flow of new items debuting on her Etsy page. Seriously – she is always working on something new, unique, and show stopping. Every time I wear her Coffey earrings, someone stops me to ask about them. Her work with chains is stunning — her shoe chains, body chains, ear chains, joined rings… super fly. And now, for my ladies with locs or twists — hair chains. HOW FLY is this hair accessory?? And how fly is Camille? She’s got a blog now, too! Check her out!

2. Cut It Out apparel. A teeshirt line with a message and a vision that any afrobella would be proud to rock — can you dig it? I sure can! Cut It Out is the brainchild of Brooklyn-based bellas Tirinda & Noricia. Their teeshirts are high impact, inspiring, affordable, and of good quality. I’m proud to rock my Grace Jones homage tee in the summer, and now in the fall layered over a long sleeved tee. I’m excited to see what’s next in store for Cut It Out. Wearable homages to some afrobella inspirations, perhaps?

3. MBT Goti boots. My first encounter with MBT shoes came this fall, as my husband and I were strolling down Michigan Avenue. We passed some kind of orthopedic medical supply store, and I saw a sign for shoes that promised to solve knee and back problems, relieve neck tension, and do all kinds of other marvelous things. I tried them on and walked around the store. These round-bottomed shoes feel crazy at first, but I was immediately intrigued and knew I had to wear them for a longer time to try them out. I got that opportunity this December, and I gotta say — the Goti boots are the coolest-looking MBT’s out there, in my opinion. My only complaint with these boots — they’re a little tight for bellas with large calves. And the zipper looks cool, but I totally got it stuck and couldn’t get my boot off for an hour recently. A bigger, more finger-friendly zipper would be awesome. But despite those minor flaws, I LOVE these boots. They’re funky and attractive in a unique way, and SO comfortable to walk in. When I wear them I feel aware of my posture becoming straighter, and my super-flat feet which sometimes get achy, feel amazing in these. I wear them all the time. It’s enough to make me almost overlook the hideousness of the other pairs, just to have a pair to wear in warmer weather. Almost.

19. Um, Coach. That is all. The biggest giveaway I’ve ever hosted. Coach included me in their Holiday Blog-a-Day, and gifted me with a purse. The prettiest purse ever. I just want to pet it and hug it and call it George. Instead I only take it out for the most special of occasions when I want to feel uberglam.

20. Not Your Daughter’s Jeans. These were my fashion staples all year long. I initially bought my usual size, but I noticed they stretched out. Then when I went to Chicago’s fabulous plus size boutique Viva La Femme, and they clued me in — get one size down. I got me a pair of fly bootcut gray jeans that streamline and enhance my curves in the best possible way. I wear them everywhere. And my next pair of jeans will probably be a pair of NYDJ’s. But I’ve got my eye on those Cookie Johnson’s!

So that’s the best in style. One more category and I can finally move into 2010! Did you make any amazing fashion discoveries this year?

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1. Boots! Boots! Boots and More Boots!
2. Best of 2009 – Makeup
3. Big Girl Pants

1. MAC’s Mineralize makeup. See, MAC makes me cheat on my list! I’ve gone and chosen a whole category of makeup because I can’t choose ONE item that I love more than others. MAC’s Mineralize eyeshadows and blushes rock my world. The eyeshadow duos pair together perfectly, and you get more bang for your buck thanks to the inspired color combinations. The mineralize blushes are so sheer, pretty, and give my cheeks that pop of color that makes me feel like a rockstar. I just can’t get enough!

2. OCC Lip Tar — yet another product I discovered at the Artist’s Summit this year. And I’m STILL in love! I’ve been using Lip Tar layered over lip pencil for all-day color impact. If you’re used to traditional lipstick, understand that this is a whole new ball game — like a stain but like a gloss. And VERY highly pigmented. This ain’t your everyday lip color!

3. Sally Hansen HD Nailpolish. I am terrible at doing my own nails, but this polish managed to make it a little easier. The initial HD collection was all about the summertime brights, but with colors like Opulent Cloud in their Fall line (see Vampy Varnish for deetz) – it’s become my new favorite range of polishes. At my most dire need for a pedicure, I was able to use this on the beach in the DR, and not only did it glide on smoothly, my pedi lasted — sans base or top coat — for a week and a half! Amazing!

4. By Lauren Luke makeup collection. Love this girl. Love her makeup. And if there’s any one thing you may want to gift yourself with post-holiday season, it’s one of her gorgeous makeup kits. They are perfect for makeup newbies as well as makeup addicts, and for someone like me who travels often – cannot be beat! If I had to choose ONE, it’d be My Smokey Classics — which includes shadow primers, eye shadows, eye liner, blush, and lip color — everything you need to look gorgeous for a night on the town in a slender and attractive little package that’s worth every penny. Each comes with a little note from Lauren to boost your self esteem. I am totally buying more of these, when my recovering bank account allows!

5. Sonia Kashuk gel eyeliner and brush. OK, I wrote about this in August, and there STILL isn’t a link on Target’s site. So you’re gonna need to go to the store and find it yourself! Sonia Kashuk’s Target line is great, great stuff. Lasting, rich color. And this eyeliner changed my whole beauty world — I can finally get that liquid liner cat’s eye look that eluded me for eons! It’s the brush, it’s all about the brush. I tried several gel liners this year and loved almost all of them — but for the price? Sonia Kashuk can’t be beat.

So there you have it! Please share your favorite makeup finds with me! And up next I’ll share my favorite style finds — so keep reading!

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1. Makeup, Made For Us
2. Makeup Tips from Damone Roberts!
3. First Giveaway for 2009! Valana Minerals Faux Brushes

1. MAC’s Volcanic Ash Exfoliator and Naked Honey Skin Salve — it was impossible to choose one MAC product that made a notable difference to my skin care regime this year – so I’m cheating with a twofer! I am SO sad both of these products are limited edition. MAC’s Volcanic Ash Exfoliator has made such a difference to the texture of my skin. It’s a gentle scrub that quickly dissolves to ash, and it works so well for my purposes. I even use it on my dry, flaky lips. And after my lips are smooth and soft, I slather on a dab of Naked Honey Skin Salve for the ultimate kissability. This is one of very few “beauty” products my husband will share with me. Released earlier this year as part of the Naked Honey collection, this is a light moisturizer you can use ANYWHERE. I love it on my lips, and when I feel like really splurging I use some on my hands and feet (and then slip on some socks). This stuff is no longer available through MAC online, but you can find it at Nordstrom and at this site here. Please note — these items are expensive, but I try so many products and in my opinion, they’re both worth it.

2. Me! Shower Sherbert. I’m so happy to be a member of BeautyFix (click here to join!) — every season a fresh batch of tried and tested beauty products lands in my mailbox. And I’ve found some real winners here — the ME! Bath line of products stands proudly among them. The Bath Ice Cream rocks, but the Shower Sherbert rocked my world. It’s hard to find a scrub that is both exfoliating and moisturizing, and this is that item. AND it smells positively edible. Amazingness! I need more Me! time, that’s for sure!

3. 3 Lab Perfect Cleansing Scrub. It takes cojones to call your product “perfect” when there are SO many other cleansers and skincare lines competiting with you…but if anyone can do this, it’s 3Lab. Since I started using their cleansing scrub, I’ve noticed less breakouts, less blackheads, and prettier skin overall. It’s a very very gentle scrub — more of a cleanser with occasional scrubbies in the mix. I use it daily and it’s made a remarkable difference in the texture and appearance of my face.

4. Mario Badescu. SO happy I attended the Powder Group’s Artist Summit here in Chicago (and can’t wait for their glorious return!). That’s where I was introduced to the wonders of Mario Badescu. The products I’ve tried are now daily must-haves for me. The Drying Lotion is like no other zit buster I’ve tried. It works overnight to dry those suckers out, and if you’ve got a razor bump or ingrown hair it works wonders on those too.

5. Prescriptives Comfort Cream. Why, Prescriptives? Whyyyyyyyyyyyy? *picture me on my knees in the middle of an empty street in the pouring rain* — I am SO sad this brand bit the dust in 2009. But good news — the brand is leaving store shelves, but will remain online as long as products last. So you can still order your custom foundations for now – and pick up a jar of lush moisturizing Comfort Cream while you’re at it. I used to have a bedside table full of clutter, now I’ve got three things — my Bobbi Brown oil cleanser, my Ponds makeup wipes, and this night cream. Can’t do without it!

What are your thoughts, bellas? Tried any breakthrough skin products lately?

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3. First Giveaway for 2009! Valana Minerals Faux Brushes

First category: HAIR!

1. Karen’s Body Beautiful. I was lucky enough to review several products from this Brooklyn-based hair and body care line, and I fell in love with just about everything I tried from their line. The soap and body lotion are incredibly moisturizing, but their hair products were what really blew me away. Try the shampoo and conditioner. They treat my hair as gently as it deserves.

2. HPO Simply Curly. I wish this product was around when I was first transitioning. It is everything I’d been looking for. Creamy and light, beautifully fragranced, and made from the ingredients my hair craves. I just can’t get enough!

3. Curls Curl Gel-les’c. I’m not a fan of hair gel in general, but the creator of Curls came up with something so unique and special, she’s got me rethinking my feelings about gel-type products. Gel-les’c is part serum, part gel, all incredible. It converts my frizzy hair into perfect coils, and doesn’t have that crunch factor I hate in so many other gels.

4. Leonor Greyl Huile de Palme. Thank you, Leonor Greyl! Without you, my hair wouldn’t last through the weather transitions I experienced in November and December. Going from the tropical heat of the Dominican Republic back to the snowy chill of Chicago wasn’t easy, but thanks to this detangling, protective oil, my tresses stayed attractive throughout. Love!

5. Drops of Nature Revive Nutritive Sheen Serum. This is one of few products that I currently use, that I know would also be equally loved by my sister, my mom, and my aunties. Argon and amla oil, rosemary, sunflower, and grapeseed oil. Pure and perfect. Leaves my hair looking shiny, smelling lovely, and feeling strong enough to withstand the elements.

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Few musicians have touched my life the way Buju Banton has. And even fewer musicians have appalled me, the way Buju Banton has. Growing up in the Caribbean in the Nineties, there was no artist that compared to Buju. I own almost all of his albums and can chart the course of my formative years through them. Mr. Mention, Voice of Jamaica, Til Shiloh, Inna Heights… our musical love affair was passionate and I loved most everything he did — with one glaring, cursed, awful exception. Boom Bye Bye.

There have been songs by Sizzla, Bounty Killa, Shabba, Elephant Man and Capleton that would curl any gay activist’s toes. But Buju Banton, Gargamel, with his larger than life personality, became the official poster boy for homophobia and the most protested artist in Jamaican music. For some misguided reason, Buju Banton has allowed a song he recorded when he was fifteen years old, to ruin the rest of his otherwise uplifting career.

It is more than a shame.

I know there are those that deny that Buju still performs the song, but I’ve seen him tease it, freestyle it, and rile up an audience with it more than once — most memorably in 2006, at Best of the Best in Miami. I turned and left that Buju concert because of that switch in his personality, from incredible entertainer to hatemonger at the drop of a beat. But that ability reveals and underscores exactly what Sarah Manley meant in her post on Buju Banton — “his combination of electric charm and cold indifference…. in many ways he summed up jamaica for me in one man: beautiful and scary… and that is no small feat…. to sum up my country, my painful, excellent, magical, dramatical, amazing heartbreaking country is something indeed.” Buju is capable of spreading peace and love with his lyrics, but still he chooses to celebrate murder music and perpetuate a war that he himself created. To me he’s a walking contradiction — a beautiful, strong, intelligent man whose prejudices undercut his own message and stand to ruin his musical legacy.

Because Buju is such a dominant artist, many who don’t know more about Jamaican music have then gone on to make vast assumptions about reggae and dancehall artists, assuming that they all feel that same hatred in their hearts. And they don’t. I interviewed Tanya Stephens some years ago, and she spoke out against the homophobia in her musical genre: “I find it to be — I know this will not be received with any warm embrace — but I find it to be a little bit double standard and hypocritical, especially when I hear Rastafarians professing or helping to spread unacceptance of any group of people. I am very disappointed. I remember as a young child, Bob Marley songs couldn’t be played in my house, because he was a dutty Rasta. Rastafarians used to be shunned for their beliefs. It is very upsetting to me to see that these same people have gained acceptance and are among the most popular, and they are now rejecting somebody else. It is just so amusing. I have a very sick sense of humor, and it carries me through stuff like this, and I laugh at all of it. It’s ridiculous the things we do to each other.”

And now, after all of Buju Banton’s pre-existing controversy, comes these cocaine charges. Having read the official affidavit, I don’t understand how fans can still rant that this was somehow a set up. It’s difficult and disappointing to even picture Buju — our Buju — slicing into a brick of cocaine with a knife and tasting such a product with a expert’s ability, and it being all caught on video. It sounds like the plot for an awful movie, or an episode of Miami Vice. Not Buju who sang about Sensimilia Persecution. But that’s what he is described as doing in the affidavit. And still people are tweeting, Facebook wall posting, and YouTube commenting –that this must somehow be a diabolical plot by those that hate Buju for his beliefs. In my opinion, that’s the kind of willful ignorance that makes an appropriate response difficult. But still I’ve seen many people I know and used to respect, repeat that kind of foolishness — “set up dem a set up Buju.”

No matter what we believe (or want to believe), Buju is now linked to big time American drug charges and he’s facing a lengthy prison sentence — unless his rising star lawyer is able to help him out of this bind. In the meantime, all fans of Buju Banton can do is speculate, rage against these accusations, wonder what’s really going on. And wish that things were different.

In so many of the posts I’ve read about Buju, people say he has penned multiple songs against homosexuality. As far as I know, there’s just that one — Boom Bye Bye. (psst, Associated Press, the song Batty Rider is about a woman wearing a tight pair of shorts, a woman with a “shape like a Coke bottle without the top”. Maybe it’d help to cross check with a Caribbean person before printing something so erroneous, which in turn becomes so widely reported).

Despite Buju’s other songs — most of which are uplifting, positive, inspiring, and beautiful — he remains adamantly unashamed of his most shameful song. And I wish things were different there, too. I wish Buju could put that song behind him once and for all, and pen a whole album dedicated to love, peace and equality for all people. I wish that angry, hateful song wasn’t the first thing so many people around the world think of, when they think of Buju Banton. I wish people thought of songs like these — Buju at his best, instead of Buju at his worst.

Untold Stories.

This is the Buju I love most. Til Shiloh is one of those rare albums that you can play all the way through, and this song is its shining centerpiece. Buju waxes philosophical about struggle and poverty in “a competitive world for low budget people, spending the dime while earning the nickel.” “Could go on and on, the full has never been told…” – few reggae songs are as universally appealing as this one.

LoveSponge.

This was my JAM. Oh how this song takes me back. Buju has written some sweet love songs and homages to women. This ranks among the very sweetest.

Murderer.

Is there a bigger dancehall hit than Murderer? This song has it all — an undeniable riddim, lyrics that penetrate the soul, and a chorus that gets a crowd singing along every time. If I had to choose a top 20 Caribbean songs of all time list, this would be on it.

Hills and Valleys

I’ve seen Buju perform this song, and create a spiritual experience for his audience. Hills and Valleys is contemporary reggae music at its most majestic, mystical, and meaningful.

Bonafide Love, Reggae Sunsplash 92

This was when Buju was just now making it big on the scene, and if there was a movie of my life, this would have to be on the soundtrack. So young, so magnetic. And his energy as a performer hasn’t abated, not even a little bit.

Right now all we have are these old songs, until Buju’s case is resolved. I sincerely hope that Buju isn’t secretly going the tragic way that the late Dennis Brown did, in a downward spiral because of cocaine. I hope he emerges from these trials to rise again musically, and I hope from all of this he learns that there is no future in spreading musical messages of hate. I hope someday these charges, and Boom Bye Bye, are dark chapters that don’t taint the legacy of an otherwise long and accomplished career. But I fear that I hope too much. Either way, I’ll be watching this case closely.

I understand that this is a controversial topic and I’ve stated my position clearly. I expect comments to be lively but I won’t allow hate speech, foul language, name calling, or personal attacks on my blog. But I AM very interested in intelligently stated opinions. What are your views of the current situation Buju Banton is in?

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