Shells and Tails 2 Geaux

"Father I come to you as HUMBLY as I know how and ask you to bless my soul and the hands who prepared this black box of deliciousness." That is exactly how I prayed over my food yesterday. This picture does NO justice on the presentation of this savory, colorful and fully stacked box of seafood nachos. As you know in many of my previous blogs and social media post I am a seafood connoisseur. If a guy would ask me on a date and ask how would he know the real me when eating and not anything cute, I would tell him take me to get tacos or seafood and #BOOM you will see the unfiltered eating me. I love food (you can tell by my past weight.), especially seafood. I use to go to Shell Shack and Boiling crab at least 3 times a month spending ridiculous amount of money, however it did not for-fill my authentic love and yearn for seafood especially Cajun style. So to save money and still get my fix I would go to Tom Thumb, Kroger or Albertsons order 3 pounds of shrimp, 3 pounds of crab legs which cost me only $20-$30 and the STEAM and SEASON them for the FREE!!! 

All that aside now, LETS TO THIS BOX OF LOVE though. I was going through Instagram and a friend of mine posted shrimp and lobster plate and posted #BIGMOOD and shared the location which was only 6 minutes away from my house. When I tell you I got so hype (excited) lunch at work was not consumed. I waited until I got off to eat. 6 p.m is here and I walk inside Grow Desoto Market and get my regular seafood loaded baked potato from Crazii Potatoez and then walked outside, saw the candy apple red trailer that read Shells and Tails 2 Geaux! I walked up gazed the menu and with no hesitation ordered the loaded seafood nachos. My order was so confident and I had so much faith in them the young lady didn't even have to tell me my total, I inserted my card, signed my name and just played the waiting game. Not only are they black owned and you guys know how I feel about supporting our people but I also heard they were from Louisiana. Look at god, just putting a package of greatness in front of me. 

My name is called, we caught eye contact and she smiled like she knew I was going to fall in love. My nachos were given to me in the famous black plastic bag, in a black box, tied and knotted. Growing up we all knew anything given or brought in the black grocery bag was always something premium, from candy, chips, liquor everything. When I got to the car I wanted to see what the food looked like, because the smell was already getting to me. Most defiantly should have known from how she tied the bag I should wait until I got home, however the hard headed Taurus that I am did a sneak peek. Now why would I do that. Box slightly ajar I saw 6 large beautifully shrimp cooked and layered on top. With a swiftness I closed and retied the bag and headed home. You guys the nachos barley made the 10 second snapchat video and a picture before complete consumption. The crawfish, the shrimp, the cheese, the FLAVORS had me as my grandmother would say "Hog Heaven" it was so delicious. 

The customer service, the location, the price and the actual food has sold me, and I will continue to patronize this business. If you have yet to try them I HIGHLY suggest that you do. You will fall in love like I did. 

InstaGram: @ShellsandTails2Geaux

Website: www.shellsandtails2geaux.com

Facebook: Shells and Tails 2 Geaux

Address: 324 E Beltline Rd

                                           DeSoto, Texas

SHOP SEVEN 1 SEVEN BOUTIQUE

These boots were made for walkin’, but the designer got them talkin’. Fashion is ART, and when you combine actual painted art on clothing it becomes a masterpiece. When worn, you become something like a walking canvas. I love abstract art. It something about undefined lines and shapes that draws you in. This past Sunday I was in the Grow Desoto Market for the first time and walked past this vendor space, and out of my peripheral vision these painted, black, knee high boots caught my attention that I had to enter.

White pen paint, against a tall leather boot with intricate detail and jewelry embellishment. Just amazing. I’m from Milwaukee and LOVE boots, and abstract art is my favorite and the two were combined so effortlessly. I picked the boots up to admire the details and could not stop smiling. I was able to meet the artist and her energy was amazing and so fluid. She showed me more of her art work and how she designs bags, clothing and more. On top of all pieces being 1 of 1. I could not take my eyes off her work. There were other things in her vendor space, however the things she created by had obtained all my attention. I cannot wait to do a collaboration and order from her. Her items are worth every penny and the time to create and build ideas is worth every wait.

SHOP SEVEN 1 SEVEN BOUTIQUE

www.seven1sevenboutique.com

Instagram: @seven1sevenboutique

324 E. Beltline Rd. Desoto, Tx 75115

NOTHING WAS LEFT ((CRAZII POTATOEZ))

 

It’s Sunday, I’m hungry and also on an adventure to support a Black Owned Business. When I remembered one of my friends tagging me in a post about Crazii Potatoez because they know my love for a loaded baked potato. I left the house dressed super comfortable because I felt that I was in for a huge stomach stretching, belly full of satisfaction. The convenience of it being only 6 mins away from my house was perfect. I walked into Grow Desoto Market Center for the first time and for some reason just knew to immediately start walking to my right. My senses were correct because BOOM there it is, Crazii Potatoez straight ahead on the right side with a line.

Calm yet super excited I patently, impatiently waited for my time to order. While there was a group ahead of me was ordering 5 or 6 potatoes the lady soon informed the rest of us in line that it was about an hour wait. Was I mad? Nope not at all I was going to try this potato wait or no wait. I’ve been seeing so many post on Facebook, the pictures, the shares and the satisfaction I saw on other customer’s faces made me okay with the wait. It just built up my appetite. Not only that but because this was my first time in the Grow DeSoto Market Center it gave me the opportunity to look at other vendors and see what they had to offer.

It’s my turn to order. I already scoped out the menu online while waiting in line, I was ready. “May I get the number 9 with shrimp and chicken please.” The lady at the counter who took my order (I hate I forgot her name) asked was a sure about the wait, with a smile on my face and certainty I said “YES!” She kindly of talked me into the Seafood Potato which I was really eyeing and I gave it my own twist Seafood with chicken. Who does that? I DO!

At 5 o’clock I was given my Crazii Potato and at 5:13pm I WAS DONE!!!!!! It was as if God himself planted and baked the potato to perfection and had his Apostles server the toppings. When I tell you I devoured that potato like it was nothing. I even at the skin it was CRAZII (pun intended). The inside of the potato was so soft and fluffy, the seafood cream sauce was perfect and not overbearing like a lot of other places. What made it even  better you could still taste the individual flavors from how the different meats were cooked and everything just meshed together. I was upset it was so good, I literally inhaled that potato. This wasn’t no baby potato this was a black box, hungry man dinner, fully loaded, you are going to get the itis potato. When walking back to throw the box away the owner Mrs. Kayla Cooks asked what was wrong, I opened and empty box to show her NOTHING AT ALL IS WRONG. I’m a foodie, I have a palette for all types of food. I have traveled the world and fell in love with many other dishes. However, there is nothing like a good loaded potato to me. I would hate to work in there because they would get all my money. Like I would have to pray “Dear heavenly father I come to you as humbly as I know how, I know gluttony is a sin, but it is a sin for Crazii Potatoez to be so good please forgive me for over consumption.” Let the church say Amen. AMEN!

Seriously, I encourage anyone and everyone to try Crazii Potatoez. They also have Crazii Saladz. Their customer service is awesome, its family owned, its black owned, and most importantly their food is amazing. I will be going back for more, and maybe I’ll take my time and let the flavors savor in mouth. 

Facebook: Crazii Potatoez

InstaGram: @Crazii_Potatoez

Zhé Aqueen

Zhé Aqueen 

I don't know where to start. When I first saw her she was free spirit with straight hair who loved motorcycles, then one day "BOOM"  she did a Facebook live and I found out she could sing. Now Zhé Aqueen has blossomed into a loc goddess whose voice has grown with her over the years. I learned about Zhé through a mutual friend and loved her spirit. She has done countless covers on Facebook, but my favorite is when she does acoustic songs, her voice and beauty pairs well with them. There is so much going on with her now because she is laying the foundations and getting her name out there.To follow and keep up with Zhé Aqueen, even download some of her music, click the links and view the information below!

KEEPING UP WITH ZHE AQUEEN

www.zheaqueen.com

Twitter: @TheZheAqueen

Booking: shine@zheaqueen.com

 

Illicit Ghost New Single "Drunk and Alone"

Illicit Ghost

Meet Brooklyn, NY based producer, violinist and songwriter Illicit Ghost. Her debut single “Drunk and Alone" marries Fiona Apple’s lyrical strengths with Lana Del Rey’s somber but sultry pop, making for a sad-drunk millennial anthem that’s both painfully relate-able and stunningly raw.

Drunk and Alone, co-produced with Elliot Jacobson (Vérité, Allie X), was written “one morning in the middle of a blizzard," recalls Illicit Ghost. "The first random series of notes I played became the piano part you hear repeating throughout the song. I hit record with no idea of what I would sing about so I made the lyrics up as I went along. These are the words you hear in the song now.”

Contrary to the literal meaning of the words, “Drunk and Alone” is about the search for inner harmony.

"The phrase 'drunk and alone' is a metaphor for being able to sit alone with myself and process the pain that life will inevitably throw my way and to still find some sort of happiness and find the good in it.” Illicit Ghost explains her process: "I like to do things in one shot, let the sounds make me feel a certain way and see what words come out."

Illicit Ghost is currently finishing production on more singles to be released into 2019, distributed by AWAL.

KEEPING UP WITH ILLICI GHOST

www.illicitghost.com 

Twitter: @illicitghost

InstaGram: @illicitghost

Facebook: @illicitghost

LOVE CORK SCREW

                                      

Head Over Heels, Good Times Good Friends, Touch the Sky, doesn't that just scream "pass me a bottle of wine?" I am not a wine drinker but I have a nice pallet and know a good wine when I taste one. When I tell you it was an amazing experience to taste Love Cork Screw collection of wine! I simply fell in LOVE. I was attending Love Cork Screw Wine & Fashion Mixer at the Bronzeville Collectives MKE hosted by Tiffany Miller this past weekend, it was a vibe of love, support, locals and lots of connections. 

While at the Mixer I was able to meet the owner and CEO of Love Cork Screw Chrishon Lampley while she was doing wine tastings and on spot purchases. Chrishon is one of few African-American vintners in the industry. Her energy was amazing and her knowledge of pairing the wine and the background gave me more confident on making a purchase. What I loved about LCS wine is that after tasting each one, the name of them matched the taste. For example, I dislike with a passion Pinot Grigo because they are always dry. I would choose Chardonnay over it any time. However this Pinot Grigio had a crisp taste to it, a clean and refreshing feeling with a subtle after taste of the apple and pear. It literally made me smile and think of having a "Good Time with Good Friends." The 'Hard Knock Life" was nothing short in flavor. Upon first sip the blasting flavor of fresh concord grapes took me back to childhood. Almost like Smuckers, if I wasn't careful I would have done the Smuckers lip smack (lol). My favorite of the five (5) flavors was Niagara also known as "Touch The Sky."When sipping this an array of seafood dishes came rushing to my mind on how to prepare the two together.

When we are invited somewhere it is always hard to choose which "Thank You' wine you should bring, however you cannot go wrong with any of these choices. They are all literally perfect. I will be ordering some for myself and others as party favors. If you want to learn more about Love Cork Screw wine and where to purchase just click any of the links below!

KEEPING UP WITH LOVE CORK SCREW

www.lovecorkscrew.com

Twitter: @ChrishonLampley

InstaGram: @lovecorkscrew

Facebook: @OfficialChrishonLampley

S.I.N.S (Stories I Never Shared)

S.I.N.S (Stories I Never Shared)

"I wrote S.I.N.S as a therapeutic way to express myself. I wanted to create an intimate project where I opened up on a specific aspect of my life, that aspect being my relationships and experiences with love and women. Each song is inspired by a different person/experience shared with someone." - Genesis Renji

Thursday October 26th, Genesis Renji dropped a 26 minute, 8 tracks of  nothing but big MOOD project called 'S.I.N.S' (Stories I Never Shared). Genesis Renji has put out a few other projects, songs and videos and is known to have a volt of songs, projects, and throwaways more than we can imagine. Oh but this, this is what was needed to grab the attention of his current fans and ones who have been skeptic. On a poetry tip the title alone would has you deep in thought. 'S.I.N.S' is like a open letter (more so a note in my opinion) that Genesis Renji has been contemplating on delivering to his fans but also finding comfort and understanding with life's relationships and being able to deliver in a way that is not saturated like today's false overly hyped love songs. I probably memorized word for word 'X's & O's' and 'Love Me Down' within 24 hours of it dropping. 'Redd Eye' is one of my favorite as well.
Thinking about 'S.I.N.S' title Stories I Never Shared makes your mind drift to your own what ifs, your own sinful yet fun indulgence. I can guarantee you after a listen or two, you unconsciously find yourself in a prophetic mood singing the songs line for line, bar for bar, metaphor for metaphor; recreating what you have gone through. The track-list order is perfect, no change is needed. The album itself is not perfect, there are two songs I would leave out but at the same time feel it interrupts the flow of what he is trying to deliver. There is growth in this project from his past catalogs and I am here for it. Who knew that vulnerability would channel the artist that we are growing more and more to love. 

                          STREAM S.I.N.S (Stories I Never Shared) On All Music Platforms 

KEEPING UP WITH GENESIS RENJI 
www.HouseOfRenji.com
Twitter: @GenesisRenji
InstaGram: @GenesisRenji
Facebook: @GenesisRenji

 

Tokyo Jetz

Tokyo Jetz

As my friend Apolleaux would say "Florida will Florida bruh," meaning they are going to produce some good quality stuff or they're not. In this case and Florida has been just doing that producing great things. Getting a huge spotlight more lately with all these female rappers coming to light and since Comedian/Rapper Lil Duval song 'Smile', here's Jacksonville, Florida's Top 5 female rapper Tokyo Jetz. 

Co-signed by T.I and now affiliated with his label Hustle Gang, I remember watching her on Facebook doing freestyles and seeing 1 or 2 videos last year and thinking she was dope. She didn't catch my attention musically that hard but it was enough to keep me as a fan to watch her grow. It wasn't until just recently when I was at the (my favorite rapper) Kevin Gates concert in Dallas that she opened up for him, making me more intrigued again. Tokyo Jetz rocked the hell out of that stage.  She most definitely has stage presences. I know it's not me personally that she is trying to convince but this showed me that she was ready and was developing into a true artist. 

I'm going to admit I downloaded her new album 'Bonafide' which is out now on all music media, but I did not listen to it right away. I have ton of music that I have to get to. This past weekend I finally sat down to listen to it all the way through. Production wise I give it a 6 out of 10 there are some flaws in the mastering of it, and personally feel she should work on her delivery or find beats that form to her. The are some SOLID features on this album including Florida's Bad B*tch, the beautiful Trina, Kash Doll, Trey Songz and T.I. To rate this album I would say a overall 7. Not to say this is not a good album but there's room for growth, content wise, production wise etc. My top songs from this 11 track project are 'No Problem', 'The One', and '1000 ft T.I. & Trey Songz'. In that order. I have some of Tokyo Jetz's singles and other projects and I know she can hold her own, however the majority of her songs in her catalog that I like have features and I don't want her to turn into just a feature type of artist. 

Patiently waiting for her growth and development I have high hopes for Tokyo. Check out her new project by streaming below or follow her pages by clicking the link in KEEPING UP WITH TOKYO JETZ. 

KEEPING UP WITH TOKYO JETZ

www.TokyoJetz.com

Twitter: @RealTokyoJetz

InstaGram: @TokyoJetz

Facebook: Tokyo Jetz

Ella Mai

Ella Mai a beautiful British singer and songwriter has released her new self titled album Ella Mai. She caught my attention in the end of 2016 when I was searching for new music on Apple Music and her EP Change popped up and 10,000 Hours instantly became my favorite and I started searching for her everywhere. Ella received a lot of love and buzz from another single 'Boo'd Up' from her other EP Ready (2017). This is where it's like suddenly she blew up as I was hoping she would. Ella is signed to DJ Mustard's label 10 Summers Records, where she debuted her first album Ella Mai.   

Ella Mai being young, with great craftsmanship and having a foundation with music her growth in the industry will be amazing. The time that it took her to create a project seemed quite quick for a new artist, however she has put out a couple of EPs before doing so. I take it that this might be a great solid R&B project. On her 16 track self-titled album Ella Mai has some pretty nice features, Chris Brown on Whatchamacallit, John Legend on Everything, and H.E.R on Gut Feeling. The album is not a miss I wanted more sound diversity and it did not give me that. As a poet I most definitely enjoyed the spoken word/poetry Ella used throughout the album. I have some favorites on there, like 'Own it' a great rendition of Adina Howard's "T-Shirt and Panties" and it was, 'Everything' with John legend, 'Gut Feeling' featuring H.E.R and the bonus track 'Naked.' To keep her on the billboards and on the radio she will either let her album sit or use 'Sauce' , Gut Feeling, Whatchamacallit or 'Cheap Shot'

 as her next single. All three tracks are wavy, something we can vibe to during the winter and New Year. 

I can't wait to watch her develop more as an artist overall. Stream or download the new album Ella Mai and choose your favorites. Go download or stream now on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Music, TuneIt, and all other outlets. 

KEEPING UP WITH ELLA MAI

www.EllaMai.com

Twitter: @EllaMai

InstaGram: @EllaMai

Facebook: Ella Mai

KINKY

Yesterday (yes on a Sunday) my bestfriend and I went to see the movie "Kinky". When I saw the trailer several months ago on Facebook and I saw my celebrity crush Robert Ri'chard was playing in it, I made it a must go see. Plus I support everything Black. I did forget about it because there was very little to no promotion about it, which I was sadden by because the actors were prime actors and this was not the directors first film. I commented on the Kinky website/post and they sent out a notification that the movie was out and they had a list of theaters that it was showing in, which was not many. 

I would rate the movie as a solid 7. Reason being the introduction was too long and off back it seemed as if it could have been a YouTube series, or even a Netflix Special. The plot of the story was okay could have been better, it just felt dragged and not really well put together. The dialogue had too many long dramatic pauses, the staging of the scenes weren't the best. Like when Robert's character was on his boat and was sipping champagne I saw the bar code sticker still on the bottom of the glass. It was a lot of little things that was hard not to notice. 

I wasn't a fan of  dawn's character until it came time to the bedroom scenes. Her character seemed overly shy and somewhat annoying to me. However the start of all the bedroom scenes had me yelling out "okay ma'am you better get it." It really was the climax throughout the movie. I just it was more to them. They either ended too abruptly and or didn't give much detail as I imaged it would've based off the trailer and my own desires. Especially the bachelorette  party, I wanted more, it was a quick okay hi an bye. For the ending not to tell the story but just say the ending made me super mad and disappointed. 

Overall the movie was pretty okay and if I had to rate it, I would give it a solid 6.5. I wouldn't go to the movies again to watch it but if it was on BHer (BET), Netflix, Hulu, or HBO I was most defiantly watch it again. 

***At the end of the credits I took a picture of the song list of all the songs that played throughout the movies. They were pretty dope. I will be downloading all of them if they are available on Apple Music or Tidal.***

FIND A THEATRE NEAR YOU AT WWW.KINKYTHEMOVIE.COM

Usher - "A"

Okay Usher with the surprise release album.  We know that artist leaves and rebrands themselves by doing the alter egos things; Beyonce vs Sasha Fierce, T.I. vs TIP, Usher vs Usher Raymond. You get the point. On Friday Usher dropped a surprise album produced totally by Zaytoven called the "A", always showing tribute to his home Atlanta. I was skeptic because the two collaborations didn't make sense, Usher is a R&B, Let It Burn, sexual dance moves, confessions, pouring my heart out type of guy and Zaytoven is trap music and club scene music maker. After the first listen all the way through, I AM HERE FOR THIS COLLABORATION! 

Despite Joe Budden's hating ass tweet, we know Usher is not 18. Some of us like change and if it works it works. This is not your typical Usher meaning you can't sing these songs with your parents like you could all his other projects. Being 40 or not this is for US. When I say US I mean the 25-30 somethings. Like I can't sing Ata, She Ain't Tell Ya, or Gift Shop with my moms around. Nope, Nope, not Never. I most defiantly can sing Confessions, My Way, or Nice and Slow. Not charting well with his last single "Good Kisser" in 2014, these 8 tracks is worth all 27 minutes of your time. R&B turned Pop, turn Trap (more or less) artist Usher has proven that he is willing to take risk and is willing to try any genre during any time frame. 

I don't give this album a solid 10 but I most defiantly give is a strong 8. That's just because some of the lyrics and delivery wasn't hitting for me. If you haven't heard it yet, don't go in wanting the old R&B Usher, think about who he is collaborating with and use that perspective. Almost like when first collaborated with Lil Jon and the impact it made during that time.      

      

  

A Piss Poor Job with The HamilTones

 

HEATED!!!! For those who don't know who The HamilTones are, they are the background vocalist for R&B Singer and Songwriter Anthony Hamilton. The HamilTones were in Dallas, Texas Friday October 5th as the main act for the Food For Soul Concert at the South Side Ballroom. This was the worst hosting and venue set up ever. As a gift my mom purchased 3 $65  VIP with Meet and Greet Tickets for me and my siblings. Meet and Greet was suppose to start before the concert which started at 7 pm. Like I said SUPPOSE to. The doors to the venue did not open until 7:34 pm. General admission and VIP was in 1 long line until people start complaining. It took almost an hour to get in, because there were only two people working the ticket booth and only one of them had a half working computer, so all the staffing personnel was operating off sheets of unorganized papers. After finally getting our wristbands and in the venue we were told our seats are when we first walk in. I did not understand how our seats would be the first seats when we walk in if we paid for reserved VIP seating with meet and greet. On the website The table seating which was $35 was supposed to be BEHIND the VIP Seating but they had it the other way around in the venue. It was so many people upset and complaining to the staff but all the employee people said is "its not our fault and nothing we can do." After all that complaining there were people with NO wristbands meaning they bought standing room only, sitting in the VIP Seats and refusing to get up. Security did nothing. One security guy said "fuck it here are some wristbands," to a group of people 3 rows ahead of us. I'm furious at this point. I wanted to leave however I was not going to waste $200 with tax plus $30 for parking. So I stayed. By now it is 10:30 pm and STILL NO HamilTones. The people who was hosting this event had 12 acts before the HamilTones, they were unorganized, ghetto and unhelpful. The Meet and Greet did not start until 12:15 am and so many people left because it was ridiculous on the timing and organization. At the meet and greet we were unable to talk the the HamilTones and only allowed ONE picture before getting shooed out the back door to leave the premises. The HamilTones have reached a plateau in which they should be choosy on who books them, the venue location, the hosting, the band all things that it take to put on a show just like if they were performing with Anthony Hamilton. This concert was a JOKE. 

HamilTones is too great of a group to be hosted by the mere basics. A search to find a better booking agent should be on the agenda. 

-Signed an HIGHLY Disappointed Fan and Customer

A Social Cocktail

A Social Cocktail

Located at The Black Ivy in Deep Ellum

This is a networking social event welcoming established, new and in process entrepreneurs/business owners, artists, producers, writers, teachers, graphic artists, life coaches, food vendors and more. This event is designed to bring people together to build contacts and a support system for each other. Discuss how you will start new projects for the upcoming 2019 fiscal year for yourselves and how we can even involve and give back to youth with our knowledge and contacts. 

Alcoholic beverages, 2 famous signature cocktails and finger foods from sponsors will be served and are included in the ticket price.

The Black Ivy

3002 Commerce Street (Suite B)

Dallas, Texas 75226

CLICK A Social Cocktail TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Dom Kennedy Volume Two EP

Dom this is a solid no for me. Dom Kennedy recently dropped a long awaited full- length EP entitled Volume Two. I simply could not get into it. I appreciate him being true to how he started hwoeve with this I personally feel he hasn't been great since the Yellow Album. The production is the same from 2011, there's no growth. The bars are mediocre at its best. I was even disappointed with his verse on Nipsey Hussle Album Victory Lap, just seemed lazy. The Revamp of 2Pac "Brenda's Got a Baby" did not help my thoughts nor did the video. We all know Dom can do better. He needs better beats, production, and real constructive criticism. I don't want him to turn into just a feature artist because I know he can put out solo projects. If you feel I am being too harsh well that's on you. You are more than welcome to watch "Brenda's Baby' video or click the links below for streaming and or downloading below. 

Dom Kennedy - Brenda's Baby 

Download on Itunes: Volume Two   Datpiff: Volume Two   

Keep Up with Dom Kennedy: www.dopeitsdom.com

Luca Brasi 3

I know I've been waiting for Brasi to drop new music before he went to jail. When he got out I overly anticipated for him to drop some heat. September 28th is here, the wait is over and my brother from another mother came with the blessings of Luca Brasi 3. Straight heat hands down. I did expect more....something that had me going live all the way through, however I am not at all disappointed in this project. Tracks 6 to 11, and tracks 16 to 18 are my favorites so far especially Great Man and In God I Trust.  I hate to compare artist especially against the great, i'm just going to have to say I choose this Kevin Gates Project over Lil Wayne The Carter V. With that being said download that new Luca Brasi 3 NOW!!

Tracklist

                             1.) Discussion           7.) Find You Again      13.) Luca Brasi Freestyle

                             2.) Shakin Back         8.) Adding Up             14.) Shoulda

                             3.) Ridiculous            9.) In God I Trust        15.) Kung Fu

                             4.) Money Long         10.) Me Too                16.) Don't Know

                             5.) I Got You             11.) Servin H               17.) Tryna Yea

                             6.) Great Man           12.) Wrong Love          18.)  M.A.T.A

  

DOWNLOAD 

Datpiff Luca Brasi 3 Itunes  Luca Brasi 3 SoundCloud Luca Brasi 3

Tha Carter V

 

Lil Wayne - Tha Carter V

• - After being trapped in a label for far too long
• - Dropping a Free Album and pushed it on TiDAL
• - Suing his pops for $51 Million Dollars
• - Dissing his pops 4 or 5 times 
• - Getting his pops to apologize ON STAGE at the Lil’ Weezyana Festival
• - Dropping a TWO part mixtape with Dedication 6
• - Crashing Spotify TWICE last night...
• - And releasing his 1st album solely under his Young Money imprint...

Lil Waynes 13th Studio LP, Tha Carter V, is finally here. Stream below and ENJOY!!!

BELIZE Brings a Gift

My name is Kristina and I am a traveler. I probably spend more time looking and booking flights more than I do work at work (lol). I might go to the same State or Country multiple times but never the same city. I love getting up and going and experiencing life in a new location, even if it is for 2 days or 2 two weeks. I don't blog about my travels but this trip is more than worth it, and the pictures will help tell the story. I travel throughout the year to different states, for concerts, extreme sports, museums etc, but I only travel out the country once or twice a year and it's always around my birthday week in April. I invited my high school and college friend Neyssa and my sister for this trip. I randomly bought the tickets for us on Christmas Day being bored for like $250 round trip per person if that. Months of anticipation goes by and my friend texts me "I know you normally travel alone and don't like groups, but I think you should join the group on Facebook Melanin Travel. Its a group for Black Women who travel the world, share experiences and more." I said sure but did not join until a week later. After joining I saw a post that said "Ladies Post Your Next Trip and When." 50 something comments down I saw a young lady post she was going to Belize in April. I was excited and instantly commented, "me too for my birthday!!!" We went back and forth on what part, what we going to do, how long etc. Then she inboxed me and ask the dates I was going. I informed her of my dates and she informed me of her dates. It was amazing because the only difference was we were arriving two days before her and leaving back home one day before her. I asked was she going with anyone, she informed me it would be just her and she was celebrating her birthday as well there her friends could not make it. I asked her when her birthday was and it was two days after mine. So me being a sucker to make sure everyone has a great birthday and also excited to meet a new person I asked her to join my friend, sister and I if she would like and we could celebrate each others birthday on each day together. We instantly exchanged numbers.

  

I know that some people are skeptic about exchanging numbers with a total stranger especially online but people do it all the time on Tender, Black People Meet.Com, and many other sites. Also I basically stalked her page for a few hours and informed my mom as well just in case. Any-who, we talked, texted and called almost everyday until  it was time for the trip. Sunday Day 3 of my group and I being there was my BIRTHDAY! The tour guide came and picked us up from the hotel and who was in the front seat? My Jessica from the travel group online. Off back her energy was amazing, she was beautiful and so lively. All four of us instantly connected. On the 2 hour drive to the Mayan Ruins we bonded, stopped on the street for fruit from the locals, shopped and had fun! I have had 20 plus birthdays but this is the one to top all birthdays. I meet a new friend and climbed Xunantunich also known as the Stone Lady that is 130 ft tall. I FaceTimed like 3 people so that they could get some of the experience. We toured the Mayan Ruins, climb them and went back and ate the best ceviche ever! The week continued with drinks, fun, bonding and more ceviche! (it was literally amazing and different no matter where we got it from.) It seemed like we have know Jessica for forever, when people started asking what we were and said we were cousins. Hey why not!? Although Jessica is in Maryland at John Hopkins studying to be a Doctor and I am all the way in Texas traveling and being an Accountant, we still text, facetime and talk every other day. I have gained a new friend filled with Black Girl Magic and I would not trade this experience.

There is so much that I am missing out on however I do want to mention the Belcove Hotel in Belize City and the amazing owner and Staff. It was like a bed and breakfast minus the breakfast and add coffee and great conversation. The whole aura of the hotel was "Welcome Home" feel.  Also Spoonaz Photo Cafe and Bar that is about a block away from the hotel, great food, location and workers. Breakfast, lunch and light dinner. 

***Disclaimer my sister did NOT want to be in pictures at all. but she was there***

Papyrus & Charms

 

Based In Milwaukee, Wisconsin the beautiful, honey gold, Queen Lilo is Owner and Founder of Papyrus & Charms. Lilo specializes in handmade and vintage jewelry and clothing. All of her product is natural woods, seeds, leather, stones and more. I tell her every chance I get when I see her make new products or customize pieces that I want that her hands are anointed. He pieces are so unique and not duplicated from no one else but her own. She gets her craftsmanship from her father from St. Catherine's, Jamaica. View some of her pieces below and on her website, I ensure you that you will fall in love!!

 

Custom Cancer Survival Bracelets  

 

Handmade Scented Egyptian Themed Bath Bombs and Bracelets 

Align Your Chakras handmade and scented Bath Bombes

Crystal Goddess Custom Crowns

God's Protections Chocker

Website: Papyrus & Charms

Email: papyrusandcharms@gmail.com

Facebook: Papyrus & Charms

IG: @PapyrusNCharms

Sow a Seed

Vegan, Self Taught Yogini, Business Owner (US & International), Poet, Novice Herbalist, Educator, Headwrap Master, and Giver is only a few words to describe our sister in love. Gabrielle Dawn Cornish - Rivers born and raised in Dallas, Texas currently residing in South Korea has truly found who SHE IS and continues as she ventures through life. Gabby was brought up and raised in a proud Pan-African home and is truly thankful for her Father’s emphasis on ethnic pride and health.Within the past year she has traveled back and forth to Africa and has opened a school in Uganda to ensure a better education for those in the Ugandan Community. Gabrielle is the Director of Teonda Children's Foundation an international 501(c)(3) in Uganda. She has overseen and implemented food and agricultural programs in a rural town in Uganda.Gabrielle has not only taught herself how to love, eat and live cleaner she hand and hand has also taught the children and the parents of Uganda and those who are blessed with her presence to as well. Gabrielle is constantly increasing her knowledge of different African studies, life enhancements, black wealth, black health and more. 

 This Queen runs a Pan African online book club where she host online discussions, lectures, delivers motivations and words of encouragement. . She is always researching and learning something, and in hopes of  all that she does wants to be proclaimed as a renaissance woman one day.

Gabrielle will sow a seed, nurture it, watch it grow and repeat it where ever the wind takes her. This is a women of beauty inside and out.

"I know that all in all my purpose here on this earth is to bring forth love and light, but truth. Putting words and dreams into action, and to encourage that of others as well. Fearlessly fighting the good fight because I want you to know that someone some where was and is fighting for your liberation."

- Gabrielle Dawn Cornish - Rivers

17 Reflections of a Resilient Me

Photo: Andrea Henderson (Khapture Photography& Design)
Paint/Makeup: Roni the Poet 

I wanted to be as transparent as possible. To be places in a box because of my outspokenness, my race and ethnicity, my culture and MOST of all my SIZE. It's hard to not let others people's negative definitions of you define you especially when it's repeated to you throughout your life. 6 years ago I published my first book "Mark My Words", and that is a title that I live by. When I say I am going to do something I am just "Mark My Words." It took me forever but I have published my second book a mini photo poem collection called "17 Reflections of a Resilient Me". Its about self reflection, self love, and self growth with the vivid reassurance. I hope those who purchase or get a chance to read it will feel it on a personal level and can relate it to their life. Never be defined by others but defined by what you believe you can and will be!!

 

Purchase Link

17 Reflections of a Resilient Me A Mini Photo Poem Collection

By Pelle Payton

Black Girls, Silence and Other Things of Gold

Feminist, Black Girl Advocate, Manager, Author, and Poet. Mikey Cody Apollo she is the sunflower that you wish to pick but don't because then she and her beauty will die. Mikey self-published a poety book that tells the tells of Black Girls, Silence and everything else made of Gold. This book pretty much gave me the highest read of my black girl life. The book delivers vulnerability, truths, questions and answers, happiness, idle thoughts, all that you wish to say said. Grab coffee and grab tissue because after this read you will have to gather your life.

To get a copy click Black Girls, Silence by Mikey Apollo