LIGHTS SHINE BRIGHT; JESUS IS THE LIGHT BY TOBY MAC

LIGHTS SHINE BRIGHT (JESUS IS THE LIGHT):


Post Sources: Capitol Music, Youtube

By TobyMac


Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people, makin’ music for the people
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Everywhere we go, music for the people, makin' music for the people.

I wanna magnify Your light
I wanna reflect the sun
Cut like precious diamonds
With the colors by the millions
This is the only world we know
And for now this rental’s our home
If we gonna be a reflection
Gotta make this third rock glow
(Just so you know)

Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people to illuminate the soul
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people, makin’ music for the people
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people to illuminate the soul
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people
Jesus music for the people

Everywhere we go
Lights shine bright, lights shine bright
Everywhere we go

Lights shine bright, lights shine bright
Lights in the city might be more than pretty, pretty
That freaky shine might be more than meets the eye
Anytime you see that sparkle in the dark you might look deeper, deeper

It might be more than simply theatre
Yo, that smile might be joy that’s connected to the spirit
The spirit might be contagious if you dare, you dare come near it

I remember, can’t forget, peace that you can’t second guess
Sparkle as the light reflects we writin’ pay it forward checks
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people to illuminate the soul
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people, makin’ music for the people
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people to illuminate the soul
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people

Jesus music for the people
Everywhere we go
Lights shine bright, lights shine bright
Everywhere we go

Lights shine bright, lights shine bright
The lights in the city shine bright
The lights in the city shine bright

So let your heart light shine tonight
Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people to illuminate the soul

Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people, makin’ music for the people

Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people to illuminate the soul

Lights shine bright everywhere we go
Music for the people

Jesus music for the people
Everywhere we go

Lights shine bright, lights shine bright

Everywhere we go, everywhere we go, everywhere we go
Everywhere we go, everywhere we go, everywhere we go

Lights shine bright, lights shine bright

Everywhere we go, everywhere we go, everywhere we go
Everywhere we go, everywhere we go
Lights shine bright, everywhere we go
Lights shine bright, everywhere we go

Everywhere we go, music for the people makin' music for the people.

Songwriters: David Garcia,Solomon Olds,Toby Mckeehan,Truett Mckeehan

© CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP,MOON AND MUSKY MUSIC

TEYANA TAYLOR IS A BEAUTIFUL, YOUNG BRANDING AND FASHION AMBASSADOR POWERHOUSE (REEBOK & OPI)

TEYANA TAYLOR IS A BEAUTIFUL, YOUNG BRANDING AND FASHION AMBASSADOR POWERHOUSE (REEBOK & OPI):

TEYANA HAILS FROM HARLEM, NY.

SHE IS BOLD, OUT OF THE BOX, AMBITIOUS, CREATIVE & INTELLIGENT.

HARLEM, NY SHOULD BE PROUD OF TEYANA’S SUCCESS.

I HOPE SHE REMAINS ON TOP FOR YEARS TO COME.

SHE NEEDS TO GO ON TOUR TO SHOWCASE HER STYLE AND TALENTS.


Post Sources: Essence, WWD, VH-1, Breakfast Club, Fashion Network, Business Standard, Youtube


***** Teyana Taylor is Reebok's new Brand ambassador


Reebok announced the newest member of its family with the appointment of R&B artist, dancer, actress and famed sneaker head Teyana Taylor, as its official brand ambassador.

Taylor will join Reebok's like-minded collective of innovative and inspirational creators, including the likes of Future, Gigi Hadid and Top Dawg Entertainment Recording Artist Kendrick Lamar.

Taylor will spearhead the re-release of the Reebok Classic Freestyle Hi, the first fitness sneaker that was specifically designed for women.

First introduced in 1982, the Freestyle Hi was a groundbreaking silhouette that embodied then exactly what Taylor represents today: fearlessness and bold expression.

Taylor is known for her provocative moves, her unapologetic style and her freedom of language in music, fashion and dance - all characteristics that also describe the Reebok Classic and the Freestyle Hi in particular.

Taylor officially launched the partnership today via her social channels through new campaign images and video that she shared with fans worldwide.

With her trademark ferocity and her personal message to everyone to "Free Your Style," Taylor is pictured wearing the Freestyle Hi, which will include three OG colorways - the Triple Red, Triple White, and Triple Black - launching this month.

"Teyana Taylor is the perfect collaborator to join the Reebok family," said Todd Krinsky, Global Vice President of Reebok Classic and Entertainment.

"She is a risk-taker who brings her own perspective to every project and she stands uniquely at the intersection of fashion, music and fitness, which are the core tenets of Reebok Classic.

This partnership continues to solidify Reebok's commitment to women who express themselves through confidence in style," he added.

Commenting on the partnership, Taylor said, "Reebok has always been a brand that's been very special to my heart ever since I was young.

Freestyles were all I wanted to wear growing up so it feels like everything's come full circle with this partnership.

The 5411's really opened the door for creativity in womens fashion, it gave permission for sneakers to be feminine.

I'm honored to be the face of the Freestyle campaign for everything it stood for yesterday and what it still represents today."

Taylor and Reebok have notably worked together in the past, collaborating on her own brazen red colorway of the Question Mid as part of the 20th Anniversary of the iconic Allen Iverson sneaker in 2016, called the "Question Mid Teyana T.

JAKE PAUL, I STAND WITH YOU, HERE'S WHY

JAKE PAUL, I STAND WITH YOU, HERE'S WHY:


Sources: Youtube


Learn why a Black Woman in America has chosen to stand with a young, White Kid from Ohio who is being so severely hated upon for having achieved a certain level of Social Media & Business success.

Sometimes it's lonely at the top but you must Never give up!

WHITNEY HOUSTON IS STILL "THE VOICE"

WHITNEY HOUSTON IS STILL "THE VOICE".

BORN: August 9, 1963 in New Jersey
DIED: February 11, 2012 in Los Angeles, Califotnia.

HAS THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA FORGOTTEN WHITNEY ALREADY?

I HAVE NOT.

Sources: Wikipedia, YouTube

WHEN MOMMA PRAYS

WHEN MOMMA PRAYS (POEM)


Sources: Atlantic Records, YouTube
Poem Author: Laurel @Black Political Buzz


**** WHEN MOMMA PRAYS:

I need help.

Bad things keep trying to hold me down.

The devil wants to destroy me.

He wants me to give up, wants me to surrender my life to Failure and Defeat.

But I won't listen to him.

I know what to do.

You see as a child whenever anyone needed help in their lives, I often observed my Grandmother, my Mother and the Church Sisters pray for tormented people until something happened, until a breakthrough occurred.

My Grandmother, Mother and the Church Sisters would spend hours on their knees calling out to Almighty God to send down his Mercy, send down his Grace, send down Divine Intervention.

Eventually a Miracle occurred or Deliverance came to that victim's aid.

Now I am an Adult facing what appears to be an Insurmountable Challenge.

The devil thinks he has won.

Thinks this time he will put an end to God's preordained Destiny for my life.

Ha ha ha! I laugh!

Mr devil won't succeed in these efforts.

Although my Grandmother has since gone on to Glory, my Mother and the Church Sisters remain on earth as Faithful Prayer Warriors to intercede for human beings desperately in need of a touch from Heaven to fix what is broken.

When Momma Prays she prays with bold Authority and Confidence in God's word.

When Momma prays all of Heaven stands at attention, ready to deploy and stop demonic forces in their tracks in Jesus name!

When Momma prays Male Angels standing more than seven feet tall, pull out their flaming swords ready to strike when given the command.

Now I need help again.

I'm facing what appears to be an Insurmountable Challenge.

However I know what to do.

I will call Momma and tell her to gather the other Prayer Warriors.

Except this time..........

I don't just want Momma and the Church Sisters to Pray until something happens.

This time I want Momma to also teach me how to pray until something happens.

Lord thank you for giving me a Momma who knows how to PRAY.

When Momma prays.

BEYONCÉ EXPOSES LEMONADE RELATIONSHIPS: ARE YOU IN ONE?

BEYONCÉ EXPOSES LEMONADE RELATIONSHIPS: ARE YOU IN ONE?

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST A WOMAN EMOTIONALLY & MENTALLY TO REMAIN IN AN LEMONADE RELATIONSHIP?

Sources:  Glamour, Billboard, YouTube

***** How Beyoncé's Lemonade Gave Black Women Permission to Be Emotional Without Shame

Almost a year ago, I was in the throes of a heart-wrenching breakup. It broke me. I had anchored my happiness and future into this one man, but, as British-Somali poet Warsan Shire says, you can’t make homes out of human beings. 

The linear, quick grieving process I had hoped for was nowhere in sight; It was long and excruciating. To make matters worse, I was suffering in silence because of prying eyes from our mutual industry peers. 

Finally, 10 months post-heartbreak, the words just poured out of me. I exhaled. Some months later, a woman (one of many he had had in and out of his bed) texted me. She had read my piece and tried to shame me—using my own words with her own dig: “Today is the day. Let go.” That’s the thing about getting emotional and showing your vulnerability—speaking your feelings is no guarantee of empathy. Even from other women. 

But Beyoncé's Lemonade allows black women to be angry and crazy because of that hurt and then to heal once we’ve recognized our power. And this, to me, is the true crux of Beyoncé’s Lemonade: For years, women have been called "crazy" or worse for showing their real emotions—and black women most of all.

women often aren’t allowed to be weak. Breaking is not an option, so we walk around Gucci down to the socks to cover the emotions we're told not to feel. Being given lemons and making lemonade is not only what we’ve always done—it’s what’s expected. 

We aren’t allowed to be angry or loud—even the First Lady got the Angry Black Woman label for expressing herself eloquently. We aren't allowed to be weak. We aren’t allowed to feel depleted. It defies the superhuman strength gene we are believed to carry—there’s a reason medical professionals think we feel less pain. Forget about being bitter. We are meant to be sturdy mules, carrying the weight of the world on our backs. But in private—and with our black girlfriends—we are free. 

Lemonade channels that feeling of freedom, giving black women the space to have intense emotions—to be angry and devastated by hurt—and then to heal. It rips off the mask and affirms that our feelings are valid, that we are powerful.

I wrote on Facebook about Lemonade being the journey of women coming into our own, realizing our power, and letting love be transformative, and a friend, in tears, told me: “Healing is so, so hard.” She said she had finally been able to admit that she was still mourning the dissolution of a five-year relationship. Beyoncé did that for us. She took our hand and said, "I know. I know."

Lemonade takes 11 acts to bring us from Intuition to Redemption, passing Denial, Anger, and Emptiness along the way. Beyoncé understands the transformative power of love in women's lives, and she uses Lemonade as a vessel to show black womanhood in its fullness—the peaks and the valleys. With "I tried to change.

 Closed my mouth more. Prettier, softer, less awake," Beyoncé makes us confront ourselves: How many times have we shrunk or contorted ourselves into bubblier and less-opinionated versions of who we are with the hopes that he’d stay? Bey has been guilty of this very thing. If a successful, beautiful superstar is not immune to shrinking herself for a man, there is no shame for us to have done it. Bey understands. Even she isn't exempt from comparing herself to "Becky with the good hair."

In Anger, Beyoncé is a sight of glory. Wearing a mustard yellow dress—a nod to the orisha Oshun—we see her breaking windows and asking, "What’s worse? Looking jealous or crazy, jealous and crazy? Or like, being walked all over lately...I’d rather be crazy.” Anger is held over black women’s head so much we sit in a pit of guilt just for feeling it, but Beyoncé just laughs through the rage. I imagine her laughing at this idea that women can’t react to the hurt men cause us. Anger fuels the realization of who she is. “Who the fuck you think I is?" she asks. "You ain’t married to no average bitch, boy.” In Apathy, Beyoncé tells us, “I ain’t sorry"—a pointed statement in a world where women seem to always be apologizing, even when we're not in the wrong. “Did he bend your reflection? Did he make you forget your own name?” Beyoncé wants us to remember our own names because it’s not about him. She’s refusing to be sacrificial for love. She’s throwing away victimhood. She is the captain of her own ship. “I’mma keep running ‘cause winners don’t quit themselves.” The pop star wants us to bank on ourselves every single time.

In the end, loving herself is Beyoncé's salvation. “True love brought salvation back in to me," she sings. "Every tear became my remedy.” At the end of Lemonade, black women gather in the kitchen to cook soul food—a healing aid, to be sure—and Jay Z's grandmother describes making lemons out of lemonade. The power in matriarchies and sisterhood are solidified, crucial to our redemption. Loving ourselves will be our own salvation.

This ode to black women—because, truly, that’s what Lemonade is—reflects our own power back to us. That power does not only exist in being strong and confident and composed. That power is deeply connected to our raw emotions and our vulnerability.

I love that Beyoncé shows black women in all our beauty, from the elders to the black futurists (Quvenzhané Wallis and Amandla Stenberg); from the black queer women to Serena Williams; from the civil rights icon Leah Chase to the black mothers of sons slain by police violence; from black women with natural hair to symbolism of West African spiritual orishas. 

She wanted us to see the goddess in ourselves—and for the world to see it too. 

I don’t know if Lemonade is about Beyoncé’s marriage to Jay Z or if she’s channeling emotions through her mother’s public divorce from her father. Maybe it’s both. Maybe it's neither.

 What’s way more important than the speculation is that she used her platform to bring us back to ourselves when we needed a reminder. 

When we need a reminder that our natural curvy hips don’t make us “manly,” she showed us Serena twerking in a bodysuit. 

When we need a reminder that our culture is valuable long before it’s Columbused, she gave us images of black women in cornrows (re: not boxer braids). She reminded us that a black president and his black wife made it into the White House in racist America. 

She reminded us through a country song that there is no box they can place on our talents. She reminded us that we are not just our suffering—joy is always near. She reminded us that we must tell our own stories. 

We must uplift other black women. She reminded us that no matter what they say the work is what will last. She reminded us that sharing our stories—even at their most vulnerable—helps us shed the weight of carrying it all alone.

Beyoncé gave black women permission to be hurt, be angry, cry, doubt ourselves, feel empty, love hard, all without apologies. That our vulnerability is nothing to be ashamed of. And when we’re done feeling, we mustn’t ever forget the god within us. Because on the other side of healing we can move mountains. “If we’re going to heal, let it be glorious.”

NINA SIMONE'S DAUGHTER FEELS BAD FOR ZOE SALDANA, DOESN'T ENDORSE BIOPIC OF HER MOTHER

NINA SIMONE'S DAUGHTER FEELS BAD FOR ZOE SALDANA, BUT DOES NOT ENDORSE BIOPIC:

LISA SIMONE KELLY CARES ABOUT INTEGRITY & TRUTH NOT JUST MONEY.

Sources: TIME, YouTube

**** Nina Simone’s Daughter Is ‘Not Upset’ at Zoe Saldana Over Biopic Role

"I really didn’t feel much of anything except for poor Zoe"

Remarks by Lisa Simone Kelly

Actress Zoe Saldana doesn’t deserve the sharp backlash she has received for her portrayal of legendary singer Nina Simone, the daughter of the late jazz great said Thursday.

Lisa Simone Kelly, the singer’s only child, told TIME she was unaware that the verified Twitter account representing her mother’s estate had slammed the actress after she tweeted a quote attributed to Simone. “Please take Nina’s name out your mouth. For the rest of your life,” the tweet directed to Saldana said.

It’s unclear who runs the late singer’s Twitter account. 

Her family said they had hired family friend Aaron Overfield to manage the official website and Facebook page years ago. Overfield did not return requests for comment.

The star — who dons dark makeup to play the late jazz and blues singer in the upcoming biopic, Nina — has come under fire since being cast for the role over a black actress with darker skin that would more closely resemble Simone’s. 

But most of the criticism is misdirected, Simone’s daughter told TIME in a rare interview Thursday. “It’s unfortunate that Zoe Saldana is being attacked so viciously when she is someone who is part of a larger picture,” said Simone Kelly, 53, who is also an actress and singer.

 “It’s clear she brought her best to this project, but unfortunately she’s being attacked when she’s not responsible for any of the writing or the lies.”

Outrage over the casting and storyline should be steered towards the film’s director, Cynthia Mort, Simone Kelly said. 

The daughter has disavowed the movie for at least a decade and said the family was not consulted during its production. 

Nina focuses on Simone’s personal relationship with her manager Clifton Henderson, played by David Oyelowo. 

The cinematic version of the story falsely depicts the iconic singer, her family said. It’s about the “the name you know” but “the story you don’t,” according to the biopic’s trailer, which was released Wednesday.

“The movie is about a relationship between my mother and Clifton which never took place. They never had an amorous relationship,” Simone Kelly said, adding that Henderson was a gay man. 

“The project has been tainted from the very beginning. Clearly, it is not the truth about my mother’s life and everyone now knows that. This is not how you want your loved ones remembered.”

Watching the trailer didn’t stir much emotion for Simone Kelly, who has been vocal against its production since 2006. “I really didn’t feel much of anything except for poor Zoe,” she said. Simone Kelly’s husband, Rob Kelly, said it was difficult to watch the clip, which begins with a scene in which Saldana is strapped to a hospital bed after fighting doctors. 

“Everything from the first scene when she’s strapped to a gurney is a lie,” Kelly, 49, said. “We’re both very passionate about her legacy being told the right way. What she actually accomplished is not common, and most people don’t know that.”

RLJ Entertainment, which is the distributor for Nina, didn’t comment on the storyline but defended Saldana in a statement to TIME on Thursday. “Zoe Saldana delivers an exceptional and mesmerizing tribute to Nina Simone. 

She gave her heart and soul to the role and displayed her extraordinary talent,” said Robert Johnson, the company’s founder and CEO. “The most important thing is that creativity or quality of performance should never be judged on the basis of color, or ethnicity, or physical likeness.”

While the family is “not upset with Zoe,” Simone Kelly said she didn’t think the actress was the “proper choice, appearance-wise.” “There are many superb actresses of color who could more adequately represent my mother and could bring her to the screen with the proper script, the proper team and a sense of wanting to bring the truth of my mother’s journey to the masses,” she said. “And Nina, in my opinion, doesn’t do any of that.”

Nina Simone died in her home in France in 2003 at the age of 70 after devoting a lifetime to being a civil rights activist. 

Her daughter said she’s more at peace with the controversial film after the release of the authorized documentary, What Happened, Miss Simone?

 The film, directed by Liz Garbus, received a 2016 Oscar nomination and accurately depicts the life of the prominent recording artist, according to the family.

“I’m no longer bothered by it because the truth is already out there,” said Simone Kelly, who is releasing her second musical album in France next week. “I don’t have to justify, define or educate anybody about my mother anymore. It’s a wonderful feeling. I’m free in a way that I have never been before.”

Correction: A previous version of this story misstated RLJ Entertainment’s relationship to Nina. It is the film’s distributor.