Category Archives: Music

Community, Current, Music

Black History Month

Good Day Great People,

Another Black History Month is concluding, and this year we were forced to deal with inconvenient obstacles via COVID-19.  I urge as many of us as possible to stay on top of spacing and mask wear until we get completely rid of this thing.  Personally I still have mixed feelings about the vaccine, and it’s still a strenuous task to get an appointment for  vaccination.  At this point I am forced to keep a watchful eye, as we continue to work at resolving this thing.  I’m here to proclaim brothas and sistas, “BEWARE, STAY WOKE, and LET’S FOLLOW THROUGH!”

I would also like to pay homage to two giants that we lost recently.  These pioneers made incredible accomplishments as representatives of people of color through performance, spirit, and ingenuity.  In this post we salute Cicely Tyson and Hank Aaron Ms. Tyson, can be remembered for her early cinematic contributions to films like Sounder and Roots.  As the former wife of the great Miles Davis, she stood for Black Excellence, before it’s infusion into popular culture.  To top it off, she continued to work, with movie credits as recent as last year.  All I can say is R.I.P. Queen!

Next we gotta acknowledge the great Mr. Aaron, who infamously broke Babe Ruth’s home run record in 1974.  Aaron proved his greatness over and over again as he played in 25 Major League Baseball Allstar games.  As a great model for athletes, he frequently spoke out against racism in professional sports.  He also worked with his wife to establish the Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation, which works with non profits organizations to develop and support our youth.  Again, I must say with humility and sincerity, R.I.P. King!

Moving forward we are still developing our Cooperative Business Movement.  We just completed the PSA/video, which was shot by Branden Widener and directed by Nina Miller Sanchez.  Through it all we remain persistent in the belief that connecting business, in urban communities, is the work of the future.  We would also like to thank everyone who came out to be a part of the production.  Let’s continue to work together, to challenge ignorance and foolishness.  In this way we position ourselves, as well as the next generations, for sustainability through wisdom and awareness.  Until next time!

Sincerely,

Jeff

Community, Current, Music

Presidents’ Day!!

Good Day Good People,

I wanna take this time to spread eclectic energy to you and whatever causes you deem worthy of your time.  As we move along in this first season of 2021, I encourage all of us to seek mental wellness through justice and equality for all mankind.  Upon completion of the recent Trump impeachment hearings we see how controversy and confusion have the power to override liberalism.  The fact that nobody wins or loses unless we find equitable circumstances for all should remain our central theme, without this perspective we fall victims to greed, and become scapegoats to a capitalistic agenda that promotes chaos rather than socio economic mobility.

As another manifestation of the restless times we live in, Congresswoman Malorie Taylor Greene is under scrutiny for comments she made on Facebook regarding the Parkland, Florida school shootings.  Greene allegedly commented on a conspiracy theory that stated that the shooting was staged.  Realizing that the mass shooting was a very serious tragedy, I wonder where her comment came from, and why she felt the need to share her opinion through a Facebook post.  If you have some extended views on where Greene may have been coming from please feel free to comment or email me for clarification or better understanding.  Also, I have attached a petition that is calling for the removal of Greene from the Congress.  Please sign if you feel that Greene should be suspended from her work in the House Education and Labor Committee. 

Finally, we had 4 stabbings on the subway in New York City last week.  To my understanding 2 people lost their lives, due to senseless violence.  I challenge myself as well as those who are reading this to take a moment to share or spread love in your community.  Whether it be a brief conversation, a kind gesture, or direction when it comes to resources.  There are many people amongst us suffering from mental, financial, and spiritual trauma.  Let’s not become so desensitized, that we forget to do our part when it comes to making our world a better place to live.

Remember:  It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.

 ~ John Templeton

Sincerely,

Jeff 

Community, Current, Music

The Dream lives

Image by: Metro Creative Connection

Good Day Brothas and Sistas, 

As we prepare for another Black History Month a mist one of the most troublesome years of our lives.  I feel that it’s a perfect time to acknowledge the accomplishments and goals of the world renowned activist, preacher, and family man Dr. Martin Luther King.  As I look at history, I see his work on earth is still relevant and his approach to the work serves a great model to how we should condition ourselves to deal with the issues that continue to plague our urban communities.  I wrote this peace below to celebrate Dr. King, please join me as we celebrate the life and times of the true king.  We miss you sir!

I would also like to open a dialogue based on what happened to the brotha Keyon Harrold’s son.  For those who haven’t heard, Keyon’s son was accused of stealing a young ladies cellphone at the Arlo Hotel in Soho.  My question is: was it the color of his skin? Or was it the way he carried himself?  Either way it was a flagrant display of discrimination!  To this young ladies defense, if she has one, the news is constantly painting pictures of our young people behaving like neanderthals.  So in a crazy kind of way she may have just been reacting to what she believes all young people of color are doing!  Miya Ponsetto, was charged with attempted robbery, grand larceny, acting in a manner injurious to a child and two counts of attempted assault, I would also like to mention that she is from the west coast.  So maybe she found herself in a different place and just overreacted because she wasn’t familiar with her surroundings.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not making excuses for her , but at this point I am training my thoughts and opinions to be as objective as possible.  Anyway let’s support Keyon’s campaign for justice and equality by signing the petition.  Please text Keyon to 55156.  

Finally, please support my new project #Censored by purchasing a t-shirt.  You also will receive a free download of the EP, which is filled with a fusion of soul, hip hop, jazz, house, and ambient music.  I sincerely hope that the New Year brings many of us peace, through hard work, quality time with family and friends, and the pursuit of our dreams.  Let’s all take time to support and  share information with our communities.  Remember it takes a village to create sustainability.  

Until next time,

Jeff

Community, Current, Music

Co-Op

Shalom Brothas & Sistas,

I hope that you celebrated the 4th of July in a safe and intuitive manner.   I feel elated that the Brother Minister Louis Farrakhan spoke to our hearts and minds on Saturday, he shed light on some serious issues that I have been grappling with.  I can’t get into it all on this blog, but let’s just say, THE TRUTH WILL SET US FREE!  Additional, the Reverend Al Sharpton blessed our souls on Saturday, he gave hope to the future and how we should position ourselves in these perilous times, please join us as we take the movement to Washington D.C. on August 28, 2020.  At this time, I’m completely humbled and inspired as we approach the next phase of CoVid19.  I pray that the Most High will keep and guide us all, as we continue to deal with these troublesome issues. 

On another note, we lost another young King last week to senseless violence.  We can’t blame this one on the police, this occurred more than likely by one of our own kind.  Brandon Hendricks was brutally murdered on June 28, 2020; we stood with his mother and the rest of the family on July 2, 2020 on 176th and Davidson in solidarity.  Please keep the Hendrix family in your prayers; my heart is heavy right now.  Come On Man; Let’s STOP THE VIOLENCE!!

Brandon Hendricks rally on 176th & Davidson.

In light of the times I created this song that I sincerely hope will ignite the spirits of  the people in our urban communities.  It’s about cooperative businesses and how they can create change in our neighborhoods.  With this concept, we can become unstoppable, in the words of Public Enemy, “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back.”

Here are the lyrics. Please add this song to your playlists. 

Big shout out to Revolt TV for the broadcast Saturday!

Peace & Blessings,

Co-Op

Check a check one two

Rap:

We can rise, we can build

Work smarter in the chill

Make a mountain out of hills

Break a billion down in bills

If it’s just for me its failure

We been lied to that success

What good is financial freedom 

When all around you is duress

When all around you there’s the jecs 

Vecs sleepin on some steps

People sleeping without eating

Parents working shift stress

If you about to hit your second third 

Make that sh*t a swish

If you ain’t got no one to lean on 

You can lean on this

Verse:

We can do it together

Through the stormy weather 

Build a team that’s strong

You know it’s been to long

So what are you gonna do

To make the dream come true

It’s about that time

Gotta see the community shine

Bridge:

Get yourself align with a plan

Do it anyway that you can

The community & your fellow man

This is how you take a stand

Because

Chorus:

Collaborative Communities Open-up People

Collaborative Communities Open-up People

Collaborative Communities Open-up 

Collaborative Communities Open-up People

Verse:

It only takes two or three

So are you working with me

Connect the business with a plan

Get continuity & stand

For the Mom & Pop Store 

Against the corporation door

Cause if they ain’t giving back

Then they can’t see our stack

Bridge:

Get yourself align with a plan

Do it anyway that you can

The community & your fellow man

This is how you take a stand

Because

Chorus:

Collaborative Communities Open-up People

Collaborative Communities Open-up People

Collaborative Communities Open-up 

Collaborative Communities Open-up People (4x)

Community, Current, Music

IN WAKE OF DA STORM

Carmen Perez speaks for the movement at Washington Park in New York City.

“The Further A Society Drifts From Truth The More It Will Hate Those That Speak Truth.” – George Orwell

Brothas & Sistas,

After a long weekend of rallies and protests, I saw this quote as I scrolled through my IG account earlier this week.  TRUTH, are we living in truth?  Are we applying our knowledge, wisdom, and understanding to causes that serve our communities?  Are you living your best life through service and humility?  I’ll be the first to say, I have much work to do!  But I have made the commitment, to wake up everyday (Most High willing), and get on my GRIND!

In a world that’s always changing, but actually stays the same.  These Black Lives Matter movements that hit our communities during this COVID19 season are bizarre.   The whole series of events threatened the way we live, and what we put our trust in.  This is why we must immediately implement new practices in our everyday lives.  I challenge our communities to build sustainability through application.  Issues like employment equality, affordable housing, economic empowerment, and of course police brutality are still HERE, and we are not going to see change until we put in the work to CREATE CHANGE. 

With all of the educators, scholars, politicians, clergymen, and community advocates we have in this world, change should be apparent.  Let’s not be so smart that we can’t get the work done.  Make it your business to lend your talents and abilities to change.   I’m just saying Man, this is the only way we are going to get the job done. 

Peace & Blessings,

Collin Suttles at the rally in
Washington Park (NYC)

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PRE ORDER NEW SINGLE ‘Co-Op’ ABOUT UNITY IN OUR COMMUNITY WILL RELEASE ON ‘INDEPENDENCE DAY TO ALL DIGITAL PLATFORMS, PRE ORDER THROUGH THE LINK BELOW:

Co-Op featuring Raydar Ellis & UC

Community, Current, Music

Open Mic For Justice & Peace

Image by Greg C. Cash

It all went down Tuesday night at Pianos.  Many acts came out to support our first Open Mic for Justice & Peace.  Although the energy was electrifying, we took the time to celebrate community and sustainability in our urban neighborhoods.  Hosted by Collin Suttles, we featured a new group called FOREVERSOUL, look for them, they are on tour right now hopefully at a location near you.  All and all we had a fantastic event, the featured quote of the night was, “In a gentle way, you can shake the world!” courtesy of Mahatma Gandhi.  Stay tuned as we work on the next Open Mic; we plan on cultivating good vibes, as we continue to provide a space for creative people to share their ability for community growth and sustainability.  Special thanks to A I Gangsta, Chy Boogie, Tay Tay, and Newby for coming out, and REPPIN for the cause.

Peace & Blessings

Looking forward to adding the band to the next Open Mic
Community, Current, Music

Back 2 School Mix

2 Comments

 

Hey Y’all,

As we come to the end of another summer, I decided to put together a Back 2 School Mix for motivation and therapy.  I hope that you dig this mix, please send feedback.  This music is our historical soundtrack; I truly believe that if we take a microscopic look at the origin of this music, we will find our future collectively.

Unfortunately, we found out this weekend that one of our great activist/comedians went home to Rest in Power.  In my humble opinion, Dick Gregory was a man that lived his life in service to urban communities through out the world.  Ultimately, he is a great example of the type of discipline and courage it takes to challenge a system that continues to fail the citizens of our grassroots society.

Peace & Blessings,
Jeff

 

 

 

 

 

Current, Music

Music For The Movement @ TRAUE SPECIAL ISSUE

4 Comments

 

Hello Folks,

Wishing everyone success and fulfillment as we embrace the second part of our summer journey.  Theory, Research, And Action in Urban Education (TRAUE) gave me the opportunity to showcase a couple of my new records last semester, “Cross The Line,” & “Racism You Gotta Go.” The concepts in these songs represent the struggles that we continue to deal with in urban communities.  I truly appreciate the efforts of TRAUE, as they connect people with the intention to build progressive new ideas, in regards to art and the role it plays in our conscious activist movement.  Check out the music and please respond.  Your opinions and views mean the world to us, we believe that through diligence and patience we can heal and inspire the next generation.

Blessings,

Jeff

Music

Vote For Justice!!

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Good Morning,

As we deal with trying times, I was inspired to write this song dedicated to the many lives that have been lost due to police brutality.  As of last year, when I wrote this record, 194 lives had been taken due to police brutality.  Brotha’s and Sista’s this has to be stopped.  If we can’t feel safe in our own communities, how will we save the children?  Take a listen to this song, and vote for this record to be put into rotation at Coast2Coast mix tapes.  If we begin to build awareness, we begin to create change!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJL6qvBvCoU

 

Click here to vote:

Peace and Blessings,

Jeff