Thursday, November 29, 2012

Great R&B of 2002: Still Ghetto by Jaheim



Great R&B of 2002: "Still Ghetto" by Jaheim
Jaheim released his sophomore album Still Ghetto in 2002 with songs like "Put That Woman First" and "Fabulous" as a follow-up to the album Ghetto Love.

Born in 1976, Jaheim Hoagland has earned his place in music history. R&B fans know this singer as Jaheim and have enjoyed his music since his debut album in 2001. Jaheim is the grandson of Vic Hoagland who sang with the Drifters. His family's musical background no doubt would have influenced his choice to pursue a career in music. Jahiem released Ghetto Love in 2001 featuring the hits that got him noticed, "Could It Be" and "Just In Case." Still Ghetto was released after in 2002.

R&B Fans Love "Still Ghetto"
While several years have passed since the release of Still Ghetto, songs from this album still keep the ladies singing along. Still Ghetto spoke of the thoughts everyday people were thinking and of the issues people were facing in relationships. The artist may have titled the album Still Ghetto but it was real and relevant to anyone who listened.

The Songs on "Still Ghetto"
Still Ghetto featured sixteen songs including the "Intro" featuring Duganz and the "Interlude". The songs that everyone recognizes are "Put That Woman First" and "Fabulous" as these songs were played on the radio and Jaheim released music videos for them. Other notable songs on this album include "Diamond In Da Ruff," "Tight Jeans," "Special Day" and "Beauty and a Thug" featuring Mary J. Blige.
  • The R&B Hit "Put That Woman First": "Silly me, silly me baby, I forgot to be your lover" are part of the lyrics of "Put That Woman First." This song has elements of William Bell's "I Forgot To Be Your Lover" and it speaks of a man who put basketball games, other women, his jewelry and his friends in front of his girlfriend. Women loved this song because many felt what Jaheim was expressing in the lyrics.
  • Jaheim's "Diamond In Da Ruff": This song speaks about a relationship that could be considered a 'diamond in the rough' where Jaheim expresses how he lost the 'diamond' and continued to reminisce about her. The music for this song was inspired by the Fantastic Four's "My Love Won't Stop At Nothing" but has a more upbeat and modern flavor.
  • "Tight Jeans" is an Interesting Song: "Tight Jeans" is a song with a simple melody and catchy hook. However, the lyrics talk about a man and woman who were 'just friends' but his feelings grew stronger than just friendship. Part of the lyrics read "you can't be coming round me in tight jeans.. I think you really trust me too much."
Jaheim Has Released More Albums
Since the release of Ghetto Love and Still Ghetto, according to the artist's page, Jaheim has released Classic Jaheim Vol 1 (2004) and Ghetto Classics (2006). More recently Jaheim released The Makings of a Man (2007) and Another Round (2010). Jaheim's released his second R&B album Still Ghetto in 2002.

Still Ghetto featured the hits "Put That Woman First" and "Fabulous" as well as other good songs. Since this album, Jaheim has continued his musical journey releasing several albums and is surely an R&B singer to keep listening to.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

POEM: Purpose


I am
your daughter
I am
your son
Yet I am the one
who stands alone
I do not fear
I do not stop
even though my heart
has got a grey spot
I need to rise
I need to smile
I need to walk a mile
in pilgrim style
My ears are tuned
My soul is hurt
but I can't stop
because
while I am alone
I still have a purpose
to fulfill

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Monday, November 26, 2012

Our Various Journeys

The last few week were interesting. The BVI saw deaths of several well-known men including the Superintendent of Prisons. I do offer my condolences to the families that are mourning at this time. I know it can be tough especially if the death was unforseen.

We also saw happy moments like the crowning of Miss Shaemore Smith as the 2012 Miss Teen Diva and the successful saxophone performances by Kamau Georges and Dalan Vanterpool. I like to know that there are good news and that positive things are happening for our people.

I love to see progress and we all have to be responsible for our movement forward. Everyone has their strongpoint and we have to know how best to use our talents to help ourselves and others. Don't let anyone discourage you. Instead focus on what you want and keep aiming higher.

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Sunday, November 25, 2012

We Are UVI: Linette Rabsatt - 1999



Congratulations to the University of the Virgin Islands on the 50 th anniversary! I am a proud graduduate of the Class of 1999! Read my contribution at We Are UVI: Linette Rabsatt - 1999: Linette Rabsatt. I have many fond memories of my time at UVI including fencing, my Marketing classes, Advertising Club and begin my poetic journey.

Read More about other almuni at the We Are UVI blog.

Friday, November 23, 2012

Miss Teen Diva Pageant on Saturday, November 24, 2012

I'm giving you a blog post in the morning on a work day! Wow! These days you've been getting them in the night.

This is a fantastic weekend coming up in the BVI because there are events galore. I am part of the Miss Teen Diva Committee and I'll be at our fifth Miss Teen Diva Pageant on Saturday starting at 8pm at the East End Long Look Community Center.

We have three great contestants who truly are articulate, bright and beautiful and I know they will do well. They have worked hard and I'm hoping that the community will suppport them. They are Shaemore Smith, Diedrah Samuel and Chelsea Hodge. I wish them all an eary congratulations because I know they will do well.

I also would like to wish all the other event coordinators good luck with their events.

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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

This Time of the Year.....holidays

This is a happy time of the year for many people. The holiday spirit has everyone hopping and shopping. I can keeping it low key this year as I have been doing for a while. Things are tight and I have a lot to do with little. I am taking it in strides and going forward with a grateful heart, loving spirit and joy.

I want to encourage everyone to be financially wise during this time. Give your time if you cannot give money. See who you can help in your community. If you are in a position to give, then give smart gifts that people will appreciate. If you know you cannot afford to give, then don't. You are not obligated to do so. People have to be able to understand. If they can't, then you need to give them some more love and maybe even a little space.

If you're a grinch and can't be bothered, then don't be. Just live your life as you see fit. However, if you can, do give your time to worthy cause this season. Some needy person will appreciate the gesture.

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Monday, November 19, 2012

Let's Use Our Good Energy for Improvement



Every time I open a news site, I just shake my head. There's a lot of foolishness going on and there seems to be no end to it. I may call it stupidness but there are others who will celebrate certain behaviors. Unfortunately, I am always a fire box because I hate to see nonsense happening.

I limited my involvement in several activities because I can't make it to every activity. I have to be effective in the one that is dearest to my heart. People don't always understand this but they just have to go with the flow.

I am seeing a trend that I do not like. There's an aura of procrastination, disorganization and laziness going around and I don't want it to rub off on me at all. I am sticking with the few people in my circle who make positive things happen. We can function off each other's good energy.

I also find that people are not stepping up their game and expressing themselves. If we all decide not to share our feelings about a particular problem, then how will it get solved? We don't have to be rude or disrespectful, but we have to let each other know that improvement is needed. It is also good to share ideas on how things can be improved. We can't just let the same old nonsense repeat itself.

Keep you head on and do what you know is right.

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Saturday, November 17, 2012

Loyalty or Fear

Some people want loyalty from you. Others want you to fear them. You have to make that choice. What would you prefer to do - fear or be loyal? I guess I can be either depending on the situation or people involved. On the job, I am loyal - but to myself, my ethics and ideals first. I am loyal to my organization as well, once it stands in line with these values. When I see that it may be shifting in another direction that I am uncomfortable with, and this may not mean that there are illegal or unethical behaviors, I know it's my time to move forward.
 
At some point, we have to stand up and out against things that we are not pleased with. I see too much foolishness going on but I can't try to be the savior for every cause. However, where I can make an impact, I have to. These are the times when people want to ostracize you for speaking out but you have to know how the finesse your actions. Don't be a rabble-rouser. Be a problem solver.
 
Be loyal but know who and what you are loyal to. We all will have fear but we cannot let it hold us back from growing and taking steps to improve ourselves. I speak from experience. I look at where I stand today and people may say that I am not loyal to any cause or organization. I just know when it's time to move forward. I don't leave relationships - business or extra-curricular - in an unpleasant state. I just have to take myself to another level. You want me to be loyal to you, but really you just need me to fulfill my duties.
 
You may find that I am harsh these days but we all have to make a decision during our lifetime to stop being afraid and be loyal to our God, ourselves and our families.

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Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Poem: Who am I?



I am:
kinky haired
bull headed
critical thinker
bush tea drinker
small in stature
big on structure
big on laughter
moving faster
unique
hard with critique
a problem solver
born evolver
a poet
a writer

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Sunday, November 11, 2012

POEM: Not Surprised



I'm not surprised
when people tell me lies
try to deceive me
or rob me like I'm blind

I know it's not kind
for me to feel this way
but no matter how you say it
people always have their evil streak

I'm trying to still be compassionate
and to keep my head above water
but this daughter
is not too pleased with the behavior

cause wrong is still wrong
and we should not condone it
it may seem like a bitter pill
but we must stand for what's upright

I can't let the bad hold me back
or stop me from living
or ever stop me from giving
cause this is what drives humanity

we got to love our brother
and respect the event the simplest man
because for that we can do
we need each other to survive

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Friday, November 9, 2012

Prayer for November 9, 2012

O Most Holy God,

We thank you for your mercies, for your gifts and for you love. As we face another day today, we know that there are many who are hurting, who are crying and who are in pain. Father, bless them and comfort them. Only your love can sustain us and keep us going. While we try to do things on our own, it is you who are God and you are the Holy One who guides us through the good and the bad. As the Devil tempts us and tries to derail us, Lord help us and keep us on the good path. Lord, bless all the leaders of the world that they may make the best decisions for the people they lead. Give us wisdom and understanding Lord that even if we don't agree with a leader or a brother, that we may become problem solvers. Thank you for your continued blessings.

AMEN

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

POEM: My Road

I've been on the road
dragging along
playing
one sad song
after the other
I no longer know
my brother
and I don't ask
for directions
and I can't take
correction
Although
my reflection
is far off
it's not too far
from reality
cause even when
reality bites
just the idea of
new sites
intensify my
thoughts
and evaporate
the froth
cause I'm like
a cool cup
of coconut water
I awaken
I uplift
and I jolt you
but never be
intimidated
cause my style is not dated
it's just
the way
I do my thing

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Sunday, November 4, 2012

Happy Harvest Day!!

Today is a beautiful day. We have harvest at our church today and it's going to be awesome. I am very much looking forward to it. I'm completing a couple chores before hand and have some lemon grass to cut so this post won't be long.

On behalf of the Belle Vue Methodist Congregation in Tortola, BVI, Happy Harvest Day!!!!!!!!!!!

Poem: Sweet by Linette Rabsatt