I am ashamed to admit I work to hard. At least that's the excuse I use for not having stopped by Philly's best spot for coffee brew and book, Uncle Bobbie's.
Well, while checking their event list I came across an event that I can't miss.
Friday movie nights and this Friday ...LOVE JONES.
What?
I Ain't Gotta Say No More!
Enjoy This Recent Clip of The Cast Discussing Their Experience Filming Love Jones!
I Miss the 1990's like it's 1995 and I am still wearing my leather African Medallions every day!
I Miss the 1990's like I could going on dates to book stores, museums., parties , or picnics and having the time of our lives.
I Miss The 1990's.
And I miss A Different World ….
This TV show is, was and (thanks to VHS, DVD and streaming) REMAINS EVERYTHING.
I cannot name a show that was better at showcasing #BLACKEXCELLENCE.
I cannot name a show that was better at showing the Black People I knew and loved. In the ADW universe black people graduated college, joined the military, started families, had baby scares, contracted AIDS, gave back to the community, had to navigate violence, boycotted and celebrated a lot of Black Excellence.
ADW was not a fantasy world where all problems ended neatly in a Brady Bunch 30 minutes...nor was it a raging condemnation of all young black people. There was not a person black or white that appeared on ADW that I had not met in my own real life at one time or another. I knew the struggle of people I loved...even when I did not agree with their politics, cultural views or lifestyles.
I also love that ADW allowed us to get reacquainted with so many wonderful stars from Lena Horne (I believe her last TV role was on ADW) to Leslie Uggams and Billie Dee Williams who appeared in the next to last episode.
I would be remised if I did not take time to say thank you to the cast members I have spoken with since the show ended. Ms. Ajai Sanders, Ms. Charnele Brown and Sinbad....have all taken the time to speak with me at length about this very important show. (And I apologize for being such an unprofessional gushing fan.)
Like too many things in life. The farther we go since A Different World the more important and special we realize that it was/is.
Yet we should celebrate that the show set the table for great shows like Smart Guy, KC Undercover, Living Single, Dear White People and even Marvel's LUKE CAGE.
I Love The 1990's like there is another season of A Different World coming in September and Denise and Theo are going to be special guests in the season premiere. (IF ONLY!)
So today I am switching up. Instead of some corny words on the beauty of love.
Here are 6 corny songs from the archives that celebrate love.
6. Moody's Mood For Love
I still find it hard to believe that Nancy Wilson has yet to record this ..at least I haven't found a recording of her singing this wonderful song. I found so much wonderful music thanks to The Cosby Show.
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Here is the original by King Pleasure
5. How Bout Us...
By the 80's group Champagne This love song for some reason got lost in all the great music of the 80's. Though it seems I was very young when this came out. If you know the words to this...you MIGHT be an "Old Head."
4. If I Were A Bell
By Teena Marie
Any playlist about love songs I do is "gone" have Lady T somewhere on it.
When this came out...I was NOT is love. But I wanted to be.
This is a song I would love to share with someone special one day!
3. Misty By Johnny Mathis
One of the best pieces of advice my dad gave me was to get into Johnny Mathis' music.
Though was before my time...every woman I met that was worth my time...appreciated this crooner.
2. If This World Were Mine By Cheryl Lynn and Luther Vandross
"Number 2 shoulda been Number 1 to me."
This song was originally performed by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell...however Luther and Cheryl owned this.
One day I have to do a play list of all Luther...why?
BECAUSE
NUMBER ONE
You're All I Need To Get By
Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
Even before Mary and Meth, before Bey and Jay...
Marvin and Tammi were music's POWER COUPLE.
This is one reason why.
I dare you NOT to sing.
Enjoy Love This Wednesday...Get You Some and Soon as You Can and Get as Much as You Can.
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You can hear more great slow jam picks from your "Uncle Ray" by checking out my podcast "Uncle Ray's After Dark Lounge"
5 Questions About Black Men Showing Other Black Men Love.....
First Of All... GOOD MORNING EVERYONE! I made to choice to dedicate myself to starting my mornings writing about love not toxic love, or plain love...but the beautiful, exciting and sometimes challenging and scary things that love brings to the table.
The response has been very positive so I hope you enjoy and will give me ideas and in put and there are openings for guest columnists.
I want to explore a few questions about Black Men showing love to each other.
___________________
My Father , Raymond Tyler Sr. was ahead of his time.
I know the names of all of his childhood friends and have met almost all of them. In a world where it was almost criminal for a Black man to smile, laugh, cry, and have healthy and bonding relationships with other men...my dad often joked and showed genuine love for his friends. He knew their children and we as his kids knew his friends and their kids. As I progressed into the world outside my father's house I saw that people, the world , women, institutions ...expected and almost demanded that men and especially men of color be not like my dad.
I know so many brothers I grew up with that were just...not negative but not like my dad in giving life your greatness and also sharing in the greatness of other brothers.
So please enjoy these random pics of some of my favorite brothers sharing in life.
And let's think about these questions.
1.Is It SAFE? Can Black Men show love for each other and bond now?
2. What Are We Teaching The Next Generation Of Black Men About Love? In all aspects.
3. Why Do Some Black Men Still Act Like It's Criminal To Celebrate Another Black Man's Success?
(You Do Realize. That if you a DJ and He A DJ. Him getting a gig you wanted, doesn't take a way anything really from you? You also realize that if YOU a DJ and HE A DJ..."stealing a gig you know was his...is pretty low and karma has a bag of garbage with your name on it heading to your address?)
2. Have We Learned The Value Of Apology?
1. As A Man...What Do You Feel Is The True Value Of Love?
Good Morning All.... I Want to Start The Day With a Look at LOVE.... Wish There Was a Substitute For a Good Kiss Ain't No Substitute For A Good Kiss.... I Don't Believe In Regrets Personally But I Wish When I Had Someone To Kiss... I Wish I Slowed Down and Enjoyed the kisses...the time... and my woman MORE.... This was me in the picture... No Not A Great Civil Rights Leader...(KING IS....I am not) but I am a man DRIVEN ALWAYS looking Forward..
Refusing to take TUESDAY off
I missed out on giving my woman what she wanted most...
Just A Little More Of ME....
and how great was that?
That another person could want anything in the world from Ice Cream to Diamonds..
and they just wanted a little more of me and some time....
I will definitely be working today...
I Don't see a scenario where I will be kissed or hugged...though
I might get a kind word....but I ain't complaining...
I am saying... If you are blessed to have some one that wants to kiss you and hear your voice say "I care?" If someone just wants a few minutes to have a cup of something and a few special words? Slow down and don't take for granted they will be there when you get back.....
