Artist of Love
Love decoded: Inspired by the great Brazilian fútbol star Pele. Ginga or Soul is when something goes from action to an essence.
It is because of this man's fire and passion that the world knows of a whole country and sport. In life, I have learned that it’s not just important to be good at something. It must run so deep through your veins that it becomes a part of you. For me, that is Love so I pour it into everything. Love is my soul.
Just drawn blood, blade in hand, she surveys her attackers and dares them to "Come 4 Me."
Throughout the year, I continue to delve into music that means a lot to me. “Cleopatra Jones” a track from David Banner’s “The God Box” album grabbed me from the first time I heard it.
Cleopatra Jones is the modern day evolution of Cleopatra. She was a warrior who battled for her people no matter what, and who dared people to cross her, the Soul Sista version of James Bond. The title is the first thing that hits you. Cleopatra Jones. Then the track comes to life. The beat itself provides a powerful backdrop to the story, whilst Banner’s lyrics explore the woman, the queen, the goddess whose essence radiates greatness. The more I listened to it, the clearer the image of Erykah Badu as Cleopatra Jones became. To me, Erykah Badu is like Cleopatra Jones in the flesh because of the way she carries herself and the strength of her voice in her music.
Come 4 Me portrays Erykah Badu as Cleopatra Jones. After defeating the enemies of her people, she goes for a walk seeking respite. While on her walk, a enemy jumps out and attacks her. With swift, sure movements, she eliminates him without even fully unsheathing her sword. As more attackers emerge from the bushes surrounding her, she gazes at them with a defiant look that dares them, “If I didn't send for you, then you better not come 4 me.”
In 2017, I continue researching artist who played a major part in my life. In honor of one of the Kings of Hip Hop, I reflect on Tupac Shakur.
I first started with his name Tupac Amaru which is after Tupac Amaru II. Túpac Amaru II was a South American revolutionary who led the indigenous revolt against Spanish rule.
“I have acted … only against the mentioned abuses and to preserve the peace and well-being of indians, mestizos, mambos, as well as native-born whites and blacks. I must now prepare for the consequences of these actions.” – Tupac Amaru II (1742-1781)
Shakur had so much passion, promise, and love still to share before he lost his life. He was a King in the making but never got the chance to fully take his throne . His voice is a light in the darkness to help those in pain to heal.
Below are two songs that sum up my view of his greatness.
This piece was the last piece I did back in 2016 when I was purging. It is in honor of my creator, my beginning, my mom. I watched her be taken from me at the age of 3 by the one who was suppose to protect us. Then in 2015 I learned of her troubled life up until that point. As I reflected on the time lost with her and pain she must have felt I kept hearing @angxlhxze song #blackdahlia in the background.
My piece Mama Dahlia brings to life her story, Haze's song and the true story of the black #Dahlia together. Pain and trauma are real and deserve our attention and voices. I speak with my art and come to bring love and healing to those who have lost their voice.
So in honor of my creator i send you love and a listening ear when you need it.
Before there was a B/ue Robin there was a Robin..
Love decoded: This is about loving yourself and knowing you are more than enough. So many times we take what the world has said in the past as who we are. We start to believe the negative. This makes it harder to see and believe when someone shows you the beauty that are you. I love you for you, and when you love yourself, you teach me how to love you deeper.
