It’s All Black Music

eLZhi, no explanation needed. One of hip hop’s greatest emcee’s took the time out to speak with me.

jive (origin unknown) – 1. the jargon of jazz musicians or enthusiasts. 2. deceptive, nonsensical or glib talk. 3. to play or dance to jive music.

It goes without saying that Kanye West, who celebrated a birthday yesterday, is one of hip-hop’s greatest producers.

soul (Middle English, from Old English sawol) – 1. the animating and vital principle in human beings, credited with the faculties of thought, actions and emotion and often conceived as an immaterial entity. 2. a sense of ethnic pride among African-Americans, expressed in areas such as language, social customs, religion and music.

Marvin Isley, bass player for the legendary Isley Brothers, died June 6th from complications of diabetes at 56.

On the extended version of his 1988 single “I Wish U Heaven,” Prince sang “Take this beat / I don’t mind / Got plenty others / and they’re so fine!”

Prince & Beyoncé’s opening performance at the 2004 Grammy Awards may as well have been the opening and closing performance.

jubilee (Biblical) – 1. in Hebrew Scriptures, a year of rest to be observed by the Israelites every 50th year during which slaves were to be set free. 2. celebrations held by African-American slaves, usually at Christmas and Easter, which included respite from labor, feasting, music and dancing.

Today marks the 68th anniversary of the birth of one of black music’s greatest songwriters, Curtis Mayfield.

Led Zeppelin is considered by many to be one of the greatest bands in the history of rock music, but their roots clearly lie in the tradition of the blues.

juju (from the African Hausa language) – an object used as a fetish, a charm or an amulet in West Africa, or the supernatural power ascribed to such an object.

Ella Jane Fitzgerald, also known as “The First Lady of Song,” was born on April 25, 1917 in Newport News, Virginia. The legendary jazz and song vocalist was considered by some to be the greatest songstress to ever live. With a voice that ranged from three octaves, “Lady Ella” brought an entirely different sound to jazz.