The Musiq Spotlight

I'm always interested in finding new ways to bridge the communication divide by introducing music makers to so many people who I know that have the power to move mountains on their behalf. (a large charge, huh?! I have big dreams)

In addition to being a native of New York, an intense music lover and the co-founder of a company called One Nation Under The Soul Shack which is better known to most as “ONUTSS” ~ I enjoy shining “The Spotlight” on individuals who may not be known to others. I launched another blog spot, The Musiq Spotlight which is intended to do just that — turn the mic over to people who work hard behind-the-scenes and might not receive their just due.

As a part of the ONUTSS team, I am often asked by others who they should connect to within the indie soul circle. The aim is to introduce you to people who may only be names to you, show you just why you need to know them and create a path for those bonds to be formed.

I will continue to blog here at my "Inner Soul" because this is where my peace of mind is unfurled. I can share music news, views about society, everyday stresses that concern me just as I'm sure they are of concern to you all. So please stay tuned -- and if you have new music tht you think I should take note of -- please hit me up (soulmusiqluva@gmail.com).

One final note, if you've followed my postings I'm sure you remember me going on and on about the music of a gentleman by the name of V. V has sung background vocals for Jill Scott and has also worked with DJ Jazzy Jeff, Will Smith, Silk, Justin Timberlake, Musiq Soulchild, Anthony Hamilton, and Heather Headley. He's been in the studio working tirelessly on his second album and has been leaking songs, little by little for the followers of his Myspace blog. From what I've heard this far -- this album is going to easily be one of early 09's smokers!

Check out new music from my soulman, V ~~> (here ya go)


Each song download is a mere $.99 -- you'll blow more than that if you buy a pack of gum, a Lotto quick pick, a small order of fries -- just do it -- for the love of good music!

This Moment ~~> http://store.payloadz.com/go?id=216404

Gone Away ~~> http://store.payloadz.com/go?id=225717

Say You Love Me ~~> http://store.payloadz.com/go?id=230198

Here's the link to his myspace page

I'm Missing You...

I was listening to music today (what else is new :) and thought of all who I miss terribly -- take a trip down memory lane with me!

TUPAC


I really dug Tupac, on the good and bad days. I loved him as an actor - he was a character, for sure but the one memory that makes me smile is his role on the episode of A Different World as Jada Pinkett's boyfriend, Pickolo.

GERALD LEVERT


This brother, Gerald Levert just brings a chill to me now, even though he's no longer with us in the physical. Gerald performed in New York a few months before his shocking death and my sister and I were on hand to take it all in. I was so angry at her because we sat close enough for her to run to the stage to get one of the teddy bears that he was tossing into the crowd -- and this dummy was too scared!

Here, Gerald sings one of the songs made famous by my other departed boyfriend

RICK JAMES


I had this private love affair with Rick James that even he didn't know about. Lord, this was a favorite song and still is -- bless him.

MINNIE RIPPERTON


My father was in love with Minnie Ripperton and because of his love, I was exposed to her fabulous music and beauty.


PHYLLIS HYMAN
In my mind, Phyllis Hyman is a goddess and there will never be another to top her. Secretly I wanted to be Phyllis -- statuesque, smoky voiced and a diva with loads of class -- fawned after by many men.







DONNY HATHAWAY



No commentary necessary for Donny and his music. Genius -- pure genius and a brother that holds a special place in my heart filled with music!

MARVIN GAYE



Nobody rocked like Marvin - he was supposed to wait for me so we could hold hands, walk off into the sunset and live this happy life -- he didn't know it though and God had other plans for us both.

LUTHER VANDROSS



This will forever be a favorite of mine -- Gregory Hines and Luther Vandross -- whoever thought to pair them together did a marvelous deed!