During my interview with Jill Scott, she impressed me as a woman who can’t be reduced to a soundbite. Jill Scott gives a thoughtful, considered answer to every question you ask her. Excerpting one sentence or snipping a quote won’t work. When Jill responds to a question, there’s nothing flippant or offhanded about it. When…
afrobella jams
Rihanna’s Concert Hits Chicago!
Bellas, I’m still on a high from Rihanna’s concert in Chicago on Wednesday! Thanks to my friends at Roc Nation, I came back from the Bali Style Summit in NYC (more to come on that soon!) — got off the plane, showered and changed into my fiercest outfit, then headed over to see Rihanna, live…
Blog Sister Love!
Every week I’m going to highlight my favorite posts from around the blogosphere, to keep you bellas up to date on what’s happening in hair, beauty, fashion and more! Hair This weekend I had the honor of speaking at a special natural hair meetup here in Chicago. Put together by the dynamic makeup artist and…
A Powerful Message From Marsha Ambroisius
Marsha Ambroisius is everything I love and want to see more of in music today. Gorgeous and unique and talented beyond words. She’s an incredible songwriter and her singing can give me chills, it’s so beautifully melodious. Her album Late Nights, Early Mornings will be released on February 22, and the second single she’s released…
RIP, Teena Marie
They called her the “Vanilla Child,” the Ivory Queen of Soul, Lady T – she was the fire that stoked Rick James’ desire. But the world knew her best as Teena Marie – and just last night fans around the world were shocked to learn that she passed away over the holiday weekend. Details are…
5 Absolutely Essential Christmas Songs
Bellas! Fellas! I wish you all a very merry Christmas! It’s Christmas Day, and I hope you’re spending it with family and friends, enjoying great food, good times, and the music we’ve all grown to love over the years. I understand that naming this list 5 Absolutely Essential Christmas Songs is going to open things…
RIP, Gregory Isaacs – The Cool Ruler
What’s the hallmark of being an icon in your musical field? If your voice is instantly recognizable, if you’ve got at least three hit songs that just about anyone who hears your name will know immediately, if your name is mentioned in another song by other musicians in different genres to add credibility to…
Mighty Mahalia Jackson
On days when I feel low, I need to step away from my usual routines and get in touch with my spiritual side. Although I’m not a regular churchgoer (in fact, I am still referred to as “the little heathen” by a much-loved family member who shall remain nameless), I do have one. I’m not…