Tuesday, June 21, 2022

POEM: Message to the Graduates

You've fought and it's been long and hard
worrying, crying and fussing over report cards
You've been pushed, prodded and pulled
struggling through and trying to follow the rules
but your day is here and I know you are excited
all pressed and steamed and your guests already invited
enjoy this moment and revel in your success
stand proud and know that you are the best
you're young so you still have a lot of ground to cover
despite any challenge, you better be a mover
don't fool yourself - there's some tough days ahead
even days that all you may have to eat is bread
but you will overcome all your obstacles and problems
remember - lay it to the Father - he'll take care of them
keep your head on and good friends close
and no, not the ones who like to turn up their noses
who don't see the need to be kind to everyone
those who will beat or bully someone's daughter or son
you have to stand with people in a supportive circle
those who will help you if there's any obstacle
those who embody the values your parents taught you
those who encourage you to be positive and true
but this is not about them - it's all about you
you better know the right things to do
we always tell you to think for yourself
please don't leave the good lessons you learned on a shelf
You see, you stand proud and happy today
well that was my story a few years ago plus yesterday
don't laugh because my hair is beaded in gray
because there's always a positive message in what I say
have your vision and chart your course
stay true to God because he is the main source
but if you make a mistake, know that it's okay
and people will have a lot of negative to say
but an error has proven to be part of how we learn
today may be your error, but tomorrow is my turn
many a mistake has created great inventions
because it's not the hurdle, it's your great intentions
so all in all, I wanted to say
that on this journey, everything won't always go your way
but keep your head on and stay as strong as you can
be spontaneous but also know when to plan
relax when you need to and take a breather
money is good but good health is sweeter
take care of your mind, body and soul
because these three elements are what make you whole
stay committed to whatever you endeavor
when it comes to success, don't look at your neighbor and measure
instead enhance your talents and use them wisely
keep your head up, stay focused and let your light shine brightly!

© Linette Rabsatt

Saturday, June 11, 2022

Original Poem: "Burdens" by Linette - YouTube

Greetings - just uploaded my poem, "Burdens" to YouTube. I used to do that more often but haven't in a while. I'll be uploading more content in the coming months. Please subscribe to my channel and of course, leave your feedback - it is always welcomed! 

Saturday, June 4, 2022

POEM: My Uncut Thoughts











When I get this pain in my gut
I know I may be stuck in a rut
Like if my foot was cut
By the shards of a broken nut
Sometimes, I hide in my hut
By keeping my door sealed shut
because I need to keep out the mutts
that don’t bite - they give head butts
So maybe I should take a walk in the Ghut
And look for yellow or green balls to putt
because life is like directing a movie uncut
Awoken, I slipped and fell on my butt!
© Linette Rabsatt

Friday, May 27, 2022

POEM: The Ingredients

Innovate
think beyond borders
beyond circumstances
to fix our problems
Invigorate
push positive energy
light up the room
and get things started
Inspire
encourage someone
be a coach or mentor
and help your brother
I see you
and I know you 
can be a role model too
You can make a difference
You have the power within you
to make a breakthrough
Innovation
Invigoration
and 
Inspiration
are the ingredients
to effect change
in your world

Ⓒ Linette Rabsatt
Dedicated to the Grade 2 students of the Cedar School, BVI


Saturday, May 14, 2022

Album Spotlight: "On My Way to Greatness" by Shawndehrapper

Shawndehrapper recently released his first EP, "On My Way to Greatness."


Shawndehrapper is a rapper from the British Virgin Islands. He was very excited to chat with me about his latest project and looks forward to your continued support.

Who is Shawndehrapper?
Shawndehrapper is a secondary school student, and his family and friends know that he loves to rap. He was encouraged to participate in the Stop the Violence Rap Competition in 2020, which he won with his song, "Stop the Violence." He added that entering that competition helped him to get noticed. We also saw Shawndehrapper performing in the 2021 Qua-Rap-Tine Battle, which the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports hosted. He made it to the semifinal round.

"On My Way to Greatness"
Shawndehrapper wrote all his songs on this EP, which Nice Bay Studios produced. Shawndehrapper shared that fellow artist, Skippa - formerly known as KevyKev or Skipp Zenero, encouraged him not to fill his lyrics with expletives or gun violence. So, Shawndehrapper worked hard on this EP to make it more mellow and relatable.



Track List
"Something Bout You" featuring Don-G
Lyric Snippet: "Hold up, please don't look at the light, studio hot like we at a campsite, Don G come through, it's trouble tonight, Hold up, they watching, I gotta do this right...."

"Woman Be the Medicine" featuring Skippa
Lyric Snippet: Hook: "Light-skinned, dark-skinned, caramel and melanin, I don't see no better than, woman be the medicine...."


"Ruff in These Waters" featuring Lion Dre
Lyric Snippet: "Me and the Lion, we be out here vibing, trying make this music s*** work, so I grinding...."

"Red Card" featuring Maat
Lyric Snippet: "They move around like snakes, they say I can't get another, she could be replaced, my bars hit you so hard, it could leave you in a daze...."

"Bimas"
Lyric Snippet: "Wanna drop 10 on a AP, I swear these n****, they ain't me, Shooting my shot like is Kobe, Spitting these bars like I'm Jay-Z...."

Where to Find Shawndehrapper's Music?
Visit his YouTube and Soundcloud for his discography.


Acknowledgments
Shawdehrapper gave acknowledgments to Maat, Don G, Lion Dre, Skippa, Homegrown Studios for recording the EP, and Nice Day Music Studios for production.

Shawndehrapper's Favorite Track on "On My Way to Greatness"
Shawndehrapper's favorite track is "Something Bout You." He stated, "It was the tune we had the most fun making."

Who Does Shawndehrapper Listen To?
He listens to Priceless (f
avorites include "Free Runner" and "Thuggin"), Lion Dre, Flizop, Don G and Banco Bizmol.


Who Does Shawndehrapper Want to Collab With?
He answered quickly: Priceless or Banco Bizmol.


Advice for Persons Who Want to Perform

He encouraged future artists to "get known." Shawndehrapper suggested that artists ask to perform at events and get their music out. "It makes no sense to be rapping, and no one knows you or hears your music."

Shawndehrapper asked that we listen to his music and share it up!

Sunday, May 8, 2022

Poem: Friendly but Deadly

Friendly
but deadly
as it intertwines
and cordially greets and hugs
Fruitful
but yet a killer
anything in its path
is consumed
leaving just dust
I love it
yet I hate it
because it’s colorful
yet devastating
and wanted
as a #1 option
because it makes a
coveted concoction
a sight to see
but I would not want to be
in its path
because it’s passion
is its bane
to other species
and it’s almost impossible
to tame
but to lose the treasure
means no more passion fruit juice

Poem: Sweet by Linette Rabsatt