“She would always have a huge flacon of 4711, and she would dab it behind her ears and on her neck. Being a six-year-old, sitting there and watching her was so different and fascinating. Everything she had was beautiful. That’s how I remember her,” she told me.

Today my sister sent me a text.

“Can you send Dominique some lilac hand soaps? She loves the name and the smell. She is a mini you!”

Wow, how that took me back!

My niece Dominique is four years old (here’s a picture of her and little sister Isabella!) and right now Dominque loves the word, the color, and the scent of lilacs. Her earliest beauty memories are of me and my mom and her mom, I’m positive. We’re the most makeup obsessed of the family. She loves the rituals of beauty, and wants the products from such an early age.

All of this got me reminiscing about my first beauty memories. My mom always had a dresser cluttered with things I wanted to touch. But the clearest memory of my first beauty product came from going to a fashion and beauty event with my mother. The event was a product showcase and fashion extravaganza, hosted by a family friend, who owned a fancy perfume and makeup shop in the mall that my mother was always shopping in. At this event we had to answer a trivia question to win a prize. And according to my mother, this was the question.

What is the color of Elizabeth Arden’s famous door?

I answered “red”. And won!

I was seven years old!

I remember having to go on stage in front of everyone, and pick up my prize — a big bottle of Fendi bath gel. They don’t even make this product anymore — it came in a bottle that looked kinda like this.

After that, I established myself as a beauty rookie not to be underestimated! And oddly enough, the next Christmas our family friend asked my parents if I could be so kind as to help out at his store during the busy season. And my parents said YES. That’s how I wound up working in the mall, selling perfume and lipsticks and fancy bath and body sets to women at the tender age of eight.

Reminiscing about all of this is so strange, but explains so much about me today – I’ve been on this product obsessed, beauty loving path for a long, long time!

What are your first beauty memories?

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1. Memory Lane
2. You’re Reading the Best Beauty Blog!
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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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On days when it gets to me, I tend to do as my mom suggests and shroud myself in prayer, or to reread the Desiderata — the poem that basically outlines the way I try to live my life. Or — as I told fellow blogger Game Well and Truly Over for his 2010 Music Project — I listen to a song that makes me feel protected.

Yesterday I found solace in the poetry of Maya Angelou. And this is probably a poem we’ve all read before, but it helped me out in a time of trouble this week. So I hope it does the same for you.

Still I Rise

I rise.

I had the privilege of seeing Maya Angelou speak and perform her work once, when she came to the University of Miami. What an aura she has. Such poise, such presence. I can only admire and aspire to be like that someday. Her words already speak volumes, but when you hear her perform her poetry, it resonates with even deeper meaning.

That particular poem speaks to my soul right now. And maybe it speaks to an experience you’re going through, too. For those who would wish you ill, shrug off their negative vibes and ill wishes. And know that in the path ahead you’re going to encounter slings, arrows, and snakes in the grass. And still, despite all of that, we’ll rise.

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Friends in Chicago, the weather may be chilly and the streets may still be slushy — but I hope you’re still going out and about despite it all. Because on February 21, I’d love to meet you at a truly delicious event! My friend Courtney of the awesome food blog CocoCooks is part of a worldwide event called Stir It 28: Food Bloggers Align for Haiti Relief – a blogger based fundraising effort to bring money to Haiti. From February 1st through the 28th, food bloggers are coming together to raise funds for Share Our Strength and Yele. The event is a result of the efforts of Courtney and her fellow food bloggers Bren Herrera, chef and author of Flanboyant Eats, and Chrystal Baker of The Duo Dishes.

Click here for event details.

Food fundraising events will be taking place on Sunday, February 21st in participating cities – that includes Atlanta, Washington DC, Los Angeles, New York City, and sweet home Chicago. Come by on Sunday February 21, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Three Peas Art Lounge. Tickets cost $30 in advance, $35 at the door, and Share Our Strength and Yele. Visit Coco Cooks to buy a ticket to your local event!

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1. Help Haiti Through Hair Products
2. Send Help To Haiti
3. June 20, Save The Date!

We enjoyed a beautiful and romantic day here in Chicago. We spent the morning in Chinatown, attending the Chinese New Year parade. Yesterday was the first day of the Year of the Tiger, and Chinatown was densely packed with onlookers. You can see some photos from the day here on my Twitpic page.

After lunch in Chinatown and a relaxed and romantic afternoon, my husband and I had an absolutely amazing prix fixe Valentine’s Day dinner at Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine. Over ahi tuna and guava martinis, we reminisced about Valentine’s Days past. We mused about how much our lives have changed, and what has remained constant for us.

Valentine’s Day is about love, and it’s also about celebrating the things that keep love alive. It’s about those tingly feelings in your stomach, the person who makes you feel them, and keeping that tingle going strong, year in and year out.

I promised back in December that I’d do a blog post about some those things for Valentine’s Day. So here I am, making good on that.

If you prefer your blog reading to be strictly rated G and preferably about hair, click here to read my latest post on BVHairTalk.com.

But if you’re looking to spice up your life with an Eden’s Fantasy gift card and you’re an adult, feel free to click the more tag to wander with me into PG-13 territory.

On that earlier post, one commenter asked a question that has lingered with me.

“great ideas. Now if only you could give some hints on how one should talk one’s partner into trying this stuff. I’ve been married for 5 years now and we’re in a definite rut, though I’m the only one that thinks there is one.”

I gave an initial response in the comments, but upon further reflection I know SO many women who feel like that, and who never have the courage to speak up about it.

I think many of us are raised to be demure about our own desires. And I also think that communication is essential in every relationship. Part of that is being honest about your needs in every area of your relationship. The most important thing is to know what you want, and to know what excites you. It differs for everyone. But knowing what you want and what you enjoy is the first step to improving your relationship and getting out of the romantic doldrums.

One way to articulate what you may want, is to buy your significant other a birthday or anniversary gift that could make your evening more interesting. Let’s say a costume. Or a “honeymoon kit.”. Or a lover’s paint box. Exchange this gift item in a private moment, and maybe include a card. Or a coupon that they can cash in on at a later date. Romantic ruts are inevitable in long term relationships, but there are ways to get out of them. It just takes a little courage, and a little creativity!

Eden Fantasys offer a range of adult-themed items for sale — items that range from the romantically innocuous to the can-you-explain-what-this-is-for? And to spread the love, they’re offering a giveaway of THREE $25 gift cards to lucky Afrobella readers — single, married, or “it’s complicated,” — in the US or Canada. The idea is for you to expand your own sensual horizons, however you wish.

All you have to do is tell me about your most romantic Valentine’s Day in the comments below!

I’ll close these comments by the end of the week, and a winner will be chosen at random. Good luck!

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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!

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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!

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I don’t know about y’all, but the recession is still taking place at my house. And tax season is here…woo, Lord put a hand.

Valentine’s Day can still be romantic and beautiful and celebratory without dropping major coin. This year my husband and I agreed to celebrate with a delicious dinner, instead of exchanging presents. So this weekend I’m going to make us something special, that’s close to my heart.

Trinidadian stewed chicken from the Sylvia Hunt cookbook.

Who is Sylvia Hunt, you ask? She was Trinidad’s Julia Child. She put our cuisine on the map and for many, remains the gold standard of Trinidadian cooking. Sylvia Hunt wrote several cookbooks, hosted a television cooking show, and back in the day, owned her own restaurant. She passed away in the Eighties, I believe. And regrettably, dissent and conflict in her family has prevented her cookbooks from being reprinted and cherished as I am sure she herself would have wanted. You can find loving homages on Can Cook Must Cook and Trini Gourmet.

I managed to get a copy of one of her books, photocopied and bound with love by my parents. So allow me to share this DELICIOUS recipe with you! I added some info to clarify, for those of you who don’t “speak Trini” =)

Chicken, Trinidad Style.

One whole chicken, chopped into pieces
2 limes
salt and pepper
1/2 cup green seasonings of choice. (Some grocery stores actually sell Caribbean imported bottles of green seasoning. Otherwise, make your own by following Trini Gourmet’s recipe)
1 clove garlic
2 tbs. brown sugar
2 tbs. cooking oil
2 tbs. cooking butter
4 tbs. ketchup
1 tbs. Worcestershire sauce
2 medium onions, sliced
3 red and green sweet chilies
1/2 cup dry sherry
hot pepper to taste

Remove chicken from marinade, drain liquid off marinade reserving herbs. Heat oil, add sugar, allow to become golden brown. Add chicken, toss to become evenly browned, add butter and toss chicken for 5 minutes. Add drained herbs from marinade, onions, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, sweet chili peppers and sherri. Add pepper to taste, and simmer for 5 minutes for flavors to become well developed. Check the seasoning. Remove from heat, place chicken into casserole dish, spoon liquid over and arrange onions etc. over chicken. Cover, place into preheated oven 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until lightly browned.

I am serious. If you like cooking, make this recipe and leave me a comment. I made this maybe 2 weeks ago and my husband couldn’t stop singing its praises. You’ll need a Dutch oven or a large pot for the first part, and I christened a new pot I was gifted with from the AMAZING Giada De Laurentiis collection at Target. I’m going to do a full review soon, but here’s a link for you to pre-order a cast iron Dutch oven of your own!

You can serve Chicken, Trinidad Style with any side dish you like — as you can see in the photo, I made it with mashed sweet potatoes and sugar snap peas. But for Valentine’s Day I plan to serve mine with garlic mashed potatoes and a chopped side salad. And because it’s Valentine’s Day, I’m making a special, romantic cocktail for us to enjoy before and after dinner.

Lately I’ve been obsessed with pomegranate juice, specifically Pom Wonderful — on its own it’s not the sweetest or tastiest juice. But it is SO good for you, and in cocktails and recipes it takes on a whole new delicious life.

So how about a Valentine’s cocktail? I present to you, The Lola.

1 1/4 oz. of POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice
1 oz. vodka
1 tsp. St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
2 oz. champagne

Stir all the ingredients over ice, and strain into a pre-chilled cocktail glass.

Now if you haven’t ever tried St. Germain, you are in for a TREAT. This French liqueur is made from elderflowers picked in the Alps. Just a splash takes champagne to another level of decadence. It isn’t cheap, so I’m going to remix the Lola with my favorite asti spumante. Score!

What are your Valentine’s Day plans, bellas? However you celebrate, I hope the day is filled with love!

Pom recipes

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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!

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