Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Allen Stone: Unaware - Live From His Mother's Living Room




Wow! What can I say man...This cat Allen Stone and his faction of musicians have produced some heat! Some real soul for the masses. The music doesn't sound forced and Allen's voice is naturally soulful without pushing himself or trying too hard. I tip my cap to this fella. I'm impressed to say the least.

My Two Cents: 

I believe Allen Stone has two or maybe three great things going for him. 1) He can actually sing and the songs I've heard from him are well written and produced. 2) He's a white man creating and performing music that most people (black and white) would consider to be a black thang'. The "On Snap" factor will continue to follow him as he provides us with more good music. 3) He's from Washington State and I've always believed that Washington had remarkable talent. This state is just waiting to blow up on the national scene with an urban act. This cat Allen Stone maybe the guy who takes Washington State to new heights musically. Time will tell.


Yesterday I was in the lab and I was put on to Allen Stone via my cousin Henny from Tha Bizness (They have a new site up too so make sure you check that out) and I started thinking to myself, "This cat Allen Stone has more soul than Trey Songs, Chris Brown, Omarion, Joe, Tank, and Usher put together"! Then my mind went a little deeper and I thought, "Why don't black people embrace their own music the way white people embrace our music"? Black people wouldn't support a black man or woman creating this type of soul music if the music industry paid them to do so! 

My other beef is this: When Robin Thicke and/or Justin Timberlake release an album, the machine gets behind them. Tons of money is thrown towards their projects in efforts to make sure these two cats have successful albums on the charts etc. Don't get me wrong people, I'm a fan of Robin and Justin but the budgets they receive versus a budget Melanie Fiona receives is night and day. The budget Anthony Hamilton receives versus the budget Allen Stone has the potential to receive will be night and day! I understand that every artists (black or white) is signed under different terms and situations but you'd be a fool to think the playing field is even.


Lastly, I believe that the above would all change if black people supported black music. I'm not talking about Gucci Mane and Waka Flaka either. I'm not hating on these negro's but that shit is garbage man. Their numbers aren't as big as you might think either. I realize the music industry is in business to make money  but black music/artists have lost their soul and their integrity for the almighty dollar (which is in a serious state of decline). Not everything we do should be about money! Some of these executives running the music game have the power to make changes and they have the relationships to make sure there's more balance via our airwaves and other media outlets. These executives have the force to make sure more positive messages and diverse music are heard on radio, film, and TV. You see, I'm not fooled by the so-called chaos that comes with the music business. I get the game and how you have to play it in order to be successful. I've always had a hard time faking anything and that's my problem I suppose. I'm not a "Fake It To You Make It" kind of dude. I'm not an ass kisser and in a lot ways this is who you have to be in order to attain a certain amount of success in America. This subjective opinion of mine reaches across the board to corporate jobs and retail jobs. Ass kisser's and Yes Men are everywhere and they often win when their not qualified to do so. They just kiss an ass good!

Anyhow, big up's to Allen Stone and his movement! I'm feeling the music and the vibes that he and his team are presenting to the world. I'm rooting for this cat and feel like the world is his oyster! White and black folks will be lining up to see this guy...well maybe not black folks. Allen Stone is too soulful!

God bless

How Bad Do U Want To Be Successful?



I saw this video and listened closely. It grabbed my attention and made me think about a lot of things in my life. You see, right now I feel like my life is all over the place. I'm happy in a lot of area's and very unhappy in some other key area's. I'm at the point where I'm starting to believe that I've given too much power to friends and family. What I mean by this is that I often let people (or one individual) determine whether or not I'm happy or unhappy. I've given these people the power to determine my mood and I shouldn't let people have such a tight grasp on my attitude or personality. Happiness is something that I must choose for myself...it's all up to me!

I feel like 2011 has been a stressful and unsuccessful year in more ways than one. On many levels I have achieved success but I've also lost many things (friends) that meant a lot to me. Heck, I almost lost my life 24 days ago (November 27). Me being held up at gun point and kidnapped changed my life forever. I haven't let this incident stop my forward progression but I have been taking the time to try and put my life in perspective.

I guess what I'm really trying to say is: I want to be happy and successful! More successful than I already am. I want to do away with the stress and the pain that people or life causes me and achieve more greatness! However, I want it to be my idea of greatness. Not what someone else wants to see me do or thinks I should do. I'm at the point where I just want to do me! When I finally make myself happy I know I will be able to make other's happy. Not that I yearn to make everyone happy (that's impossible), but I do want to make my loved one's proud and happy in my own way. For example: My son! I really want to make him proud and he's actually the one person that fuels my tank day in and day out. I feel like most people in my shoes would have given up a long time ago but my son continues to provide me with the strength and energy I need to keep striving. As well as God! I have plenty of faith and I know God wants me to prosper. I will prosper!

Anyhow, I guess I've used this post to vent and get some things off my chest. After all this is my blog and I can use it for therapeutic reasons. There's gotta' be someone else in this world feeling close to, or the exact same way as I am. I can't possibly be alone.

Lastly, 2012 will be here before you know it and things are already looking challenging for me. There are some major changes I must make in this coming year and I just pray that God will see me through them all. I've always been up for a challenge but some of the changes I wanna make will change the very life that I've known for the past 5 to 8 years. It's kind of scary but I know I must do something soon. For myself. For my son. For my family. For my happiness!

I claim that 2012 will bring me clarity and more happiness than I've ever known. 2012 is going to be better than 2011 for sure! I won't let it be anything less than stellar!

May your 2012 be just as prosperous! I wish you all the best!

Watch the above clip and be inspired!

God Bless,

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Hot Chick x Pickled Pig Feet!



Now I wasn't born and raised in the south so my outlook on southern life and food may be a little twisted compared to the native southerner. However, I could never understand for the life of me why someone would want to eat somebody else's feet! I don't care where you're from. You don't eat or suck on someone's feet. Let alone some pig feet(s)!

A jar of "Pigs Feet" leads me to the reason I'm writing this bizarre post tonight. You see, earlier today I was reflecting on my youth and remembered a moment in my life that I've tried to block out for many years! Yes, this moment changed everything I thought about beautiful women forever. It was and still is a very devastating chapter in the life of Jahah.

Okay, it all started on a gloomy day in Baumholder, Germany circa 1992-93. I'd been working at the commissary (the grocery store) on post as a bagger to earn a few extra dollars and had a crush on a cashier who was in her early twenties. I don't remember the cashiers name but I'll call her Sexy Mama for the sake of this post. Maybe just SM cause I will get tired of typing Sexy Mama quickly!

Anyhow, SM was super hot and had a cinnamon complexion that was flawless. Her hair was "real" and touched just below her shoulder's. I remember how dark and wavy her locks were and I use to get caught up in her eye's because they were light brown with an almond shape. The way she'd look at me let me know (at least in my mind) that she wanted a piece of the "stud" known as Jason. In retrospect, SM wasn't thinking about my little ass at all but you couldn't tell me that. As far as I was concerned I was the little high school dude she yearned for. She needed me! I needed her...

Well, I needed her until that very day when I was returning from unloading a customer's groceries and saw SM eating "Pickled Pigs Feet" while ringing someone up! You see, I always made sure I bagged groceries at SM's register because that was my opportunity to flirt and win her over. As I came closer to her register I noticed that she was eating something. I didn't pay it much attention at first and then I saw the jar and read what it said, "PICKLED PIGS FEET"! Oh lawd! What in the hizz-ell is this I'm seeing?! Not my baby SM eating Pickled Pigs Feet! God tell me it isn't so! Why God?! Tell me why?

Not only was she eating somebodies feet, she was ringing customer's up while doing so! This set me back and blew my mind. I was shook! My love for her was fading faster than a two minute brotha'! I just couldn't believe what I was seeing. It baffled me in more ways than one can understand. I thought to myself, "I'll never look at SM the same way again...She's destroyed my thoughts of what a beautiful woman will put in her mouth...She's a pork foot head". OH DAMN! For real - for real...I was buggin' out man!

Needless to say, my relationship with SM ended on that gloomy day in Baumholder, Germany. I went on to bag groceries for other cashiers and never looked back. Maybe it was time I moved on anyway (at least that's what I kept telling myself). I knew I could never fall in love and spend my life with a "Pickled Pig Feet Eater". These "PPFE" women are not my type of hype. I can't and won't do it. I don't ever wanna' look in my frig' and see a jar of Pickled Pigs Feet. I couldn't live with someone's feet in my frig'! I'm horrified just thinking about it. It scares me to death! Wow!

So the moral to my story (if there even is one) is: Fellas, make sure you ask the woman you're interested in if she likes pork. If she does, ask her if she likes or would ever be into trying Pickled Pigs Feet. If she answers yes...get her the heck out of there playa! Cut her off! Hop out the vehicle! Run as fast as you can or tell her to kick rocks...unless you like Pickled Pigs Feet yourself.

BTW, I have nothing against people who eat pork. Just don't bring Pickled Pigs Feet around ya' boy! 

God bless!

Speech featuring Karmen: I'ma Fight Back Right Now

When I was attending high school in Baumholder, Germany circa 1993...I vividly remember where I was the first time I heard the words, " Take me to another place, take me to another land, let me forget all that hurts me, let me understand your plan". Yeah those words resonated in me and I instantly became a fan of the song "Tennessee" and the band Arrested Development. Little did I know that a few years later I would be in the studio with the man who wrote and produced this record. Yes, I'm talking about brother Speech from Arrested development. The creative force and front man of the group which sold over 5 million albums and won 2 Grammy's.

I was introduced to Speech via my cousin and ex-manager Jason "Smack" Henry. Jason used to live in Fayetteville, Georgia (where Speech resides) and would always see Speech out and about. To make a long story short, Jason befriended the young brother Speech and told him about me (Jahah). After a few months and a couple of meetings, I ended up in the studio recording a verse for one of Speech's solo album's intended for his EMI, Japan release. I went on to record several more features on different Speech album's he's released oversea's and we've continued to keep in touch over the years. 

One of the things I've always liked about Speech is he's never wavered from his beliefs or the message he's putting out into the world. Speech could have easily tried to adapt to the B.S. that has taken over our airwaves and do something trendy but he's always stuck to his guns. At least he has from where I sit. 

I mean, a lot of artist in the music business make certain songs or end up sounding a certain way because they believe that's what will make them more money. Integrity does not play a factor. Songs with honesty and true artistic value are not necessarily making the artists who create this music richer. I'm a prime example of that. Even though my music is not as conscious and uplifting as Speech's, you won't hear me promoting violence or talking overly reckless. I do have my moments but the underlying tone of my music is closer to Speeches music than it is to Young Jeezy's (no pun intended cause I mess with Jeezy everynow and again).

Anyhow, I just wanted to solute my friend and big brother Speech for continuing to uplift us all via his music and humanitarian efforts. Speech has always supported me and given me great advice when I've reached out to him. I appreciate that young brethren!

Lastly, Speech had a new single available on iTunes entitled "I'ma Fight Back Now" and it's very dope! Please partake in watching the video below and click on the pic above to purchase the song. Or you can click here to purchase the song as well.

What are you waiting for? Press play!


Sunday, December 18, 2011

Common: The Dreamer The Believer

This new Common really makes sense to me right now! I mean it's typical Common with a social or conscious outlook but that's what I've always dug about this cat. He maintains his integrity and I think that's something a lot of black men don't have enough of. Integrity!

Also, No I.D. is back in the production seat and no matter what you might think...Common and No I.D. have great musical chemistry! Just go back and listen to "Resurrection" and you'll understand what I'm talking about. No I.D. is a beast on the beats and this new Common LP reassures that for me. 

On another note, today's contemporary urban music (black music) feels so fabricated and impersonal in my opinion. Though I like to be entertained by some of the B.S. radio forces us to hear (when we do turn on the radio), I yearn for a little more balance when it comes to music and what I listen to. A lot of times I feel like I've heard the same album by 10 different people. Today's artist all have the same writer's and producer's so all the music (in my opinion) ends up sounding the same. No matter who's singing or rapping over the beat. It's the same ole redundant shit...This Common joint is refreshing.

So, if you're in to killing nigga's on wax and committing genocide (which I've never condoned cause I love my people) this Common album is really not for you! However, if you're simply someone who wants to hear something that may possibly uplift you or something that comes from an honest place...this album is definitely for you! I believe it's an album you can play from beginning to end.

No look heard, I know the younger hip-hop generation has no respect (not all of them) for the generation that came before them but  I want to leave these kids with this: You'll never get to where you wanna go if you don't know where you came from. If you just open your mind up you'll find that the world is so much bigger than your little hood/projects and there's way more to be seen and learned in this world than what you think you know. 

I pray for all of us but I really pray for our youth because we are depending on them to continue our legacy.

God bless

Friday, December 16, 2011

Four Reasons Why it’s a Bad Idea to Date an Artist

Four Reasons Why it’s a Bad Idea to Date an Artist

December 7, 2011 |  by 
Relationships are hard. Relationships with artists are harder. Those who dabble in the arts tend to be the free-spirited, bold, passionate and mysterious types that many of us just can’t seem to resist. These traits are desirable; however, they can often be the recipe for disaster.
If the story of Van Gogh committing suicide (not before cutting off his own ear in an unstable fit of emotions) wasn’t enough to deter you from pursuing romantic relations with similar minded individuals who call themselves artists, then be sure to check out the following reasons why you should never expect an artist to paint you a beautiful picture of a happy romance.
Many artists are of the starving variety. By the age of 30, if an artist hasn’t gained enough success to make their art their day job and you claim a relationship with that person, then you could be expecting to have to forgo a few luxuries…or even dish out the dough to help support them. Should an artist have a separate job to pay the bills, most of the time it’s not a steady job they hold—and it’s often a job that is opposite of what they want to do, making them unhappy, thus having a negative impact on your relationship. So if your idea of a romantic date involves more than Ramen Noodles in a garage apartment that also plays the role of a workshop/studio/ stage…you might want to rethink your choice in partners.
Artistic couple gone-wrong example #1: Oscar Wilde and Lord Alfred Douglas.
The biggest cause of divorce in the United States today is financial incompatibility. One prime example of financial incompatibility was the relationship between British author and poet, Lord Alfred Douglas, and the writer, Oscar Wilde. The intimate friends and lovers suffered a rocky relationship largely based on the fact that Oscar was making 100 times more than Lord Alfred and spoiled him throughout their time together.
These are serious factors that can lead to the demise of any relationship. However, it is important to take note that because artists are often the care-free type, many of them will take their care-free philosophy a litter too far…into the realm of drugs and alcohol. Since members of bands usually have illegal substances readily available to them on a regular basis you should be especially cautious of the musically artistic—drugs and alcohol have always come hand in hand with rock and roll.


Artistic couple gone-wrong example #2: Kurt Cobain & Courtney Love. After struggling through a relationship centered on heroin and other drugs, rocker Kurt Cobain’s life and marriage with fellow musician, Courtney Love, came to a tragic end when he committed suicide in 1994.
A lot of times artists will get into a zone and fixate on an idea until they create the masterpiece that they’ve built in their minds. This can lead to an artist throwing thoughtfulness and manners out the window, honing in only on themselves. Artists require lots of alone time to be creative. So if you are an individual who is overly needy and can’t imagine going so much as one day without getting a fix of your significant other, starting a relationship with an artist won’t be in your best interest.


Artistic couple gone-wrong example #3: Vincent Van Gogh and Margot Begemann.
In the autumn of 1884, the post-Impressionist painter, Vincent Van Gogh met Margot Begemann, a neighbor’s daughter who was ten years Van Gogh’s senior. Margot often joined him on his painting forays and fell in love. Van Gogh reciprocated—though less enthusiastically.
Since artists are known to be passionate, many of them want to spread that passion around. Artists constantly have to sell themselves when it comes to their work so with that need for approval and validation, they tend to like having their egos stroked whenever they can. Also, if your artistic other half has to travel for their shows and promote their talent on the road, the chance is heightened that they may find someone else in a lonely moment when you’re not there. Even if they are being completely faithful while away, it can be extremely difficult for many partners of artists to deal with the distance.

Artistic couple gone-wrong example #4: Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera.
The famous former duo comprised of prominent Mexican painters, Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, experienced a tumultuous marriage marked by infidelity on both ends.
With the above reasons why it’s a bad idea to date an artist, of course, we are generalizing—there are artists out there who happen to have perfectly healthy and successful long-term relationships—they are the exceptions to the rule. But the next time you meet an artist who catches your eye…remember the reasons outlined and consider fleeing in the opposite direction.

The Hip Hop Head.Net x Jahah


"Bare My Heart" continues to pop up on a few blogs here and there! I was just informed that www.thehiphophead.net posted an mp3 on their site featuring my song. That feels good! Especially since "By My Heart" is not a hip-hop record.

Anyhow, to hear "Bare My Heart" via The Hip-Hop Head click here and or click the image above and vibe out!

"Bare My Heart" will be on my new project Nostalgia BLACK (aka the Teddy album) that I'm releasing in the first quarter of 2012.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Chris Brown x Tha Bizness



Tha Bizness (my family) score another hit with Chris Brown and K Mac entitled "Strip"! This record will be all over the airwaves soon. I think CB is gonna win with this one too! He doesn't seem to lose too much anyway. The kid has that "it" factor.

On another note, Tha Bizness has contributed their production skills to my new project "Nostalgia BLACK" as well. "Nostalgia BLACK" will be out in early 2012. I've already leaked a record from the album entitled "Bare My Heart"...Look for it on my site.

Alright, stop reading this post and click the play button above! Let me know what you think!

Friday, December 9, 2011

Jahah x RNB Spot: "Bare My Heart"

It's always cool when other people you don't know and have never met like your music. At least it is for me! I was sent to http://rnbspot.in/2011/11/23/jahah-bare-my-heart-promo.html today and saw that "Bare My Heart" was posted for the worlds listening pleasure. Maybe I'm not the only one in the world who wants to "Bare My Heart" to the one I love. It's only human right?

Please partake and enjoy the music ya'll!

Jahah x Soul Sonic Review: "Bare My Heart"

I was sent a dope little review by Soul Sonic (a German site) this afternoon. It's always nice to read these sort of articles once I've translated them to English. After reading these reviews/articles I always wish I knew how to speak another language. Spanish or German...maybe both. French perhaps.

Anyhow, I just wanted to share the review wit' cha'll. Many blessings and safe travels ya'll. 

Click here to peep out the review or click the image above!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Jahah "Get It In" Official Video



This is the official video for my song "Get It In" off of my project Nostalgia RED! We shot this video awhile back and I decided to release it today (just because).

This video was shot in one room (the same room). All we did was changed the lights out with different color light bulbs and I shed a few items of clothing. My team and I (The Feel) were going for our idea of an EPMD video from back in the day. We decided to add text and some camera flares for effects...just to make it look more yummy!

Anyhow, I hope you enjoy this song and this video. We work hard at we do and would love your support if you are feeling it.

Nostalgia RED is available via itunes here and on this site for free .99! What are you waiting for?! Go...

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT


"There are many things in life that will catch your eye but only a few will catch your heart...pursue those."

Dr Dre When He Was Little



Check out Dr. Dre as a youth! This is pretty funny...especially if it's really Dre! Enjoy.