Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Jahah x J Dilla B R A Z I L I A N G I R L

I was talking to one of my associates the other day and he was telling me that he enjoyed most of my music and how I continue to stay true to my roots (blah, blah, blah). 

This associate and I spoke for what might of been 15 minutes and the main thing I took away from our conversation was that when I sing (as opposed to emcee), I don't make music for the fellas to listen to. Buddy basically told that I'd gotten soft and lost my edge but he respected my ability to re-invent myself after rapping for so many years. As I sat there and listened, I decided not to say a word and just hear this brotha out. After all, buddy wasn't being offensive. He provided me with constructive criticism from his point of view. I can respect that.

You see, I've learned from my past that sometimes a response isn't necessary all the time. Even if you have a valid point to make or want to defend yourself. Silence can sometimes offer you all the answers you've been looking for and often times you can gain more wisdom. Just an opinion...

Anyhow, when I was driving home I thought about the conversation I just had and wanted to do something about it. I mean, I do make a lot of songs (when I sing) about love and women but that's only because I love women (in all shapes, shades, and sizes) and I come from a time and place where R&B/Soul songs had meaning and substance. I've learned from the greats like Marvin Gaye, Earth Wind and Fire, and Aretha Franklin etc. That's the kind of music my mama and them played when it was Saturday clean up time! You better act like you know!

Okay, Back To My Story...

In my mind I kept saying, I wanna give the fellas something that they can vibe to but still be myself through the music. Then I remembered a tune I'd wrote while in Rio, Brazil entitled "Brazilian Girl".

Yeah, not to long ago I had the opportunity to tour in Brazil and I soaked it all in! The beautiful hills, the ocean-side views, the food, the culture, and of coarse the beautiful and lovely ladies that came from all directions (good Lawd)! I mean dayum! I'd never seen multiple women at a time that all looked exotic. It was like the good Lord crafted these women with special features, skin tone, eyes, shapes, and hair. I can even begin to explain myself...it was a surreal time in Rio to be honest.

Inspiration seemed to be everywhere and on the day before I left Rio, I started listening to J Dilla's "Welcome to Detroit" album that he concocted for BBE many years prior to his death. On this album is a song entitled "Brazilian Groove" (sampled from Earth Wind and Fire) that I've always loved because of the drums J Dilla programmed. The crazy thing is that I'd heard "Brazilian Groove" many many times before but on this day it felt different and had more meaning. As I recall, I sat in my hotel room at Caesar Park and kept repeating the first minute or two of "Brazilian Groove" on my iPod until I'd finished writing two verses and a repetitive chorus. 

I was definitely in my zone and feeling myself because as soon as I returned to the United States I recorded "Brazilian Girl" with an SM58! For those of you who don't have a clue, an SM58 is a stage mic...not a condenser studio mic. It's not a big deal to me but for some techies, using an SM58 mic for this type of record is a big no-no. For me, it's always been about the feel of the tune and if I'm able to vibe. 

I think I accomplished a good feel on "Brazilian Girl" and most important I think I finally gave the fellas something they can tune in to as well. After all, what heterosexual male doesn't want to visit Brazil or have a Brazilian mama in his team...I thought so!

No this record is for my ladies (who I make 99% of my records for) but I do believe the ladies can vibe to this joint if they get past me singing, "Brazilian Girl"!

Whatever the case...continue to spread that love!

J



Sunday, September 16, 2012

The R&B-Soul-Skater Jahah

I've been shooting scenes for my new video and song "Falling" and the pic above is a shot  taken by the director Tony Reames for the skateboard scene. 

Yes, that's me popping an ollie down a flight of stairs at a skate park in downtown Atlanta. I started skating when I was about 8 years old and though I don't skate everyday anymore, I still have a mean ollie and I still have a host of decent tricks left in my arsenal! I'm not a poser like Lupe Fiasco, Pharrell, and Lil Wayne...I can show and prove.

Anyhow, consider me the R&B-Soul-Skater...I'm not ashamed of the skater label at all. Peer pressure hasn't ever been an issue for me overall. When I was growing up I was chastised by other black kids for skateboarding because the sport wasn't considered a black thang' back then. Nowadays I see black kids everywhere skating...and doing it well! It's funny how time changes peoples perception. I can only imagine where I'd be with skateboarding now if I had of kept skating everyday...these skaters make real cheese nowadays. No need to dwell though...I'm just glad we're (black kids) are excepted in the extreme sports arena...It's nice to know I was ahead of the curve and thinking outside of the box...

Anyhow, I could ramble on and on about nothing for days! I just wanted to share the pic with my peoples. I got nothing but love for ya'! 

Spread Love!

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Inspiration: Ne-yo "Music Is My Sport"















It's often difficult for something or someone to inspire me to work harder. I'm not trying to say I'm "That Dude" cause' I'm clearly not "That Dude". I'm simply saying that a lot of contemporary artist(s)/creator's don't motivate me to reach higher. Today's artist(s)/creator's don't seem to be all that inventive in my opinion. Most of them just follow the formula that's working or duplicate the next guy/girl who's winning. This sort of artistry doesn't get me open at all...no gripes though.

I always seem to look to the past for my inspiration because it just feels better to me (the vintage stuff). I guess the artists/creator's that came before me were more innovative to my ears and eye's. The colours and sounds they produced are legendary and inspirational...they meaning the heads that made it possible for me to even think about being an artist and creator!

With the above being said, I was on the Internet today and intended on checking out Tamia's new single and I wound up viewing this piece on Ne-Yo entitled "Music is My Sport". This thang right here...shoot...for whatever reason it inspired me to go even harder. I think I go pretty hard already (sacrificing time with my family, lack of sleep, and being stretched in several different directions) but thise cat made me want to take up two or three notches more. I'm talking from the music to the workouts etc. I love working out and do so two to three times a week but sheeeiiit...I need to workout even more...I want to be a beast! After watching this clip I intend on going even harder cause' I can't settle for less...not at all mannnn!

Anyhow, I just wanted to share this clip with my people in hopes that it may inspire you! It doesn't matter what your dream or goal is....go harder at it today! No more excuses! No more complaining about not having enough time! Make time! Speak to God (whom ever your God might be) and focus on what it is you want to accomplish. Forget about the naysayers and those who like to bring you down! Renew your spirit and reach your destiny. At the end of the day you don't want to be the person that says, "I would of, should of, could of been..."

Spread that Love!

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Brandy "Wildest Dreams" x Tha Bizness

Tha Bizness (my family) has produced Brandy's new single "Wildest Dreams" written by Sean Garrett. I think the song is nice and I'm excited to see an R&B artist getting back to making R&B music.

My people (black folks) have lost our way musically...at least when it comes to popular music. We have been continously following the trends (as of late) as opposed to setting them. This Euro pop vibe is cool and I like a lot of what I hear but the soul...the soul is missing in a lot of these records. This goes for white pop rock as well.  Cyndi Lauper had a certain soul and feeling to here records. The same with Tears For Fears etc. People sang with more emotion and the musicianship was a big part of what we heard. We meaning the people as a whole.

Anyhow, I'm not here to preach. Listen to whatever makes you happy. To each is own and sheeeiiit! I got love for all...do what cha' like!

Spread love!

The Love Unlimited 5


Mr. Farlow has blessed us with another good compilation of soul music (with a twist). I've always considered this gentlemen to have a good ear when it comes to music and different vibes that we don't typically hear (especially on radio).

If you're an open minded listener that's into Afro Beat, Dub Step, and Soul/R&B...The Love Unlimited 5 will suit you just fine.

Please partake here for free! No money down!




























Dragon-Con x Jahah






This Labor Day weekend I had the opportunity to attend Dragon-Con for the first time and it was super cool! I enjoyed watching the people who dressed up and those who didn't (if you know what I might be saying)!

I'd been hearing about Dragon-con for years and never attended the function because I was told by my so-called normal friends that it was just a bunch of freaks and weirdo's who attend this event. Maybe it was peer pressure that prevented me from going in the past but this year I was down to finally experience and see what this damn thing was/is all about! I could care less what someone else says or thinks about me for doing so. After all, most of these clowns are not friend worthy and more than just a little judgemental...people...I tell ya'.

Anyhow, Dragon-con takes place in Atlanta, Georgia and spans through 4 different hotels downtown. I was told that over 200,000 people attend this event and it was evident to me that Dragon-Con is a hit! Not just with white people (as I expected) but with all walks of life. I saw and chilled with people from all over the world participating in a peaceful event that brought happiness to many. It was nuts mannnnnn!

One of the highlights for me was meeting Lou Ferrigno (Hulk) and Anthony Michael Hall (Weird Science). When I was a kid I was scared of the Hulk but enticed by this green dude as well. I feared him but dug his strength as well. As for Anthony Hall...Weird Science (the movie) was and still is the shit! I really like watching that movie to this day. It's a classic man...a pure classic! Seeing these two cats was a little surreal cause I still pictured Lou as being green and Anthony as a little teenager. Both of these cats are up there in age now...not hella old but ya' know...up there!

For those of you who have heard about Dragon-Con but are skeptical about going because of the negative rumors...let that shit go! Open your mind up and attend this event. It's not a nerd/gay/freakshow event like I have been told in the past. I brought my sun with me and he loved it! I wouldn't bring my sun to a freakshow so get over the bull and get it in with me next year!

I doubt i'll get all dressed up but I will have my video camera on deck to document this experience. Big up to one of my favorite people (Tony Reames) for inviting me and my sun out to this event. Another shout out to Little Evan and Quinn for hanging with Mr. JB!

Spread love!